[Max's POV]
At the end of the countdown, we were whisked away by system's teleportation. I didn't know if Fiona and I would be together or not. I tried asking the system, but apparently 'telling me about the tournament will be unfair to other players.'
The only useful thing I got to know is that the tournament will happen in 5 phases.
My boots landed on something woody, a fresh air invaded my nostrils, and it was the most calming and relaxed air I have ever breathed.
My eyes opened, and my vision was covered with players appearing one after another and a large wall-like structure made of wood.
Turning around, I saw that I was surrounded by players on all sides, everybody was slightly confused but after few seconds murmurs and conversations started occurring about the tournament and possible winners.
A group of three players were talking, and I focused my senses towards them to see if I could get any useful information.
One player with a staff in his hands spoke first, "This is interesting; it's like we are on some wooden platform and surrounded by wood on all sides."
The second player responded, "Yeah, no one knows much about this 'World Tree Format.' I hope we can score better. What do you think, Suna? "
The only girl in the group, Suna, answered, "We have few players from top families and some prodigies too this time. So this month's tournament will be fun."
"But mostly, I am waiting to see the one and only Mythforger among us, Max the LimitBreaker."
The second player also voiced his opinion, "Yeah, I wanted to see him or her too, system announcements are no joke. Whoever this Mythforger is, he should be pretty strong."
Suna exclaimed, "You are right. What if Max is a girl? It will be amazing to have a powerful girl icon."
"Huhh..." First player scoffed and commented, "Andreas Gigas from Gigas Family is number one prospect to win this tournament."
"He started climbing Tower since three weeks ago, he would be at least 16th or 17th floor right now and this newbie will be at Floor 8th or 9th at most," he added.
"Chill, Frank, we were just speculating. If we're taking names, then Talia Moonshade is also at higher floors; she also has good chances this time. Some prodigies from merchant family is also there." The second player added his thoughts.
Suna also chimed in, "The youngest of the Ro'narks, Nolan Ro'nark, will also be participating. Although he wouldn't have reached any higher floors. He should also have a decent run in this tournament."
"Well, we should focus on our performances first. We don't know how many players will be qualified this time," the second player questioned.
"The average is somewhere between 40-50 million every time, and we can guess it will be somewhere between," Frank answered.
"Yes...let's hope...." Suna was interrupted midway as a system panel appeared in front of everyone.
Shifting my focus from the trio, I glanced at the system panel.
– – –
[Welcome to The Rising Star Tournament]
[All Players have arrived at the Bio-realm known as Arcanum Primafolia]
[All matches and other Phases will take place across Branches, Root-realms, or Leaf zones of Arcanum Primafolia, a.k.a. the World Tree]
[This tournament will occur in 5 Phases. The details about phases will be provided as we proceed forward]
[PHASE – 1 | LEAF HUNT PROVING]
[No. of Participants:] 50 Million
[Objective:] Collect 10 leaves from Arcanum Saplings
[Time limit:] 1 hour
[Penalty:] Those who are disqualified from here will be capped at Rank B and would require extra effort to climb further
[Remark:] First 10 million players to get 10 leaves will be qualified
[All Players will be divided into groups to hunt for leaves]
[All the best Players]
– – –
As I went through system panels, I felt myself moved from my current place to different locations.
Dismissing the panels, I looked around, this time there were normal shaped tree although they still felt more sturdy then natural trees.
I was a bit perplexed from the objective of first phase but I first used telepathy to connect with Fiona and asked, 'Are you okay Fiona?'
Her reply came after delay for a second, 'I am alright Boss, I promise you to see you in the finals.'
I subconsciously nodded and replied, 'Okay, see you in finals then.'
As I expanded my detection range a bit further, there was no mention of PvP attacks so I kept my guard up. I didn't immediately went to for the leaves.
After expanding my sense as much as I could and all I registered were trees, filled with such vitality that it looked like I was feeling my own endless vitality.
Players were trying their best to break the leaves from branches, few players fighting amongst themselves.
My senses caught three players running towards me at full speed. They were the same, on whom I eavesdropped, a small smile bloomed on face.
All three stood in front of me, the first one whose name I didn't know spoke, "What do you think guys should we get some equipment and money for ourselves?"
Frank answered clutching his sword at side, "Yeah, I was thinking of getting a new sword, his katana can work for me, it will take some time to adjust but hey you work with what you get" he chuckled at end.
Suna stayed silent and focused likely ready in case I do anything. I liked that she was still alert even while they were boasting.
Using my speed multiplied my pumping mana in my legs, I got at the side of first Player who spoke to me and asked, "I know names of these two but what's your name?"
For a second they didn't registered what happened and looked around frantically for me. When they noticed my presence and my voice reached their ears, they jumped back like a rabbit on a spring.
The first Player was the most terrified and looked like he just brushed past death which he actually did.
He started sweating, other two were also not in much different situation. Suna asked visibly tensed, "Who are you? What's your name?"
A smirk appeared on my face as I answered, "I am pretty sure I asked the question first."
The first one replied, "My name is Conan, now tells us yours."
I nodded and answered, "So Conan, Frank and Suna; before anybody get any funny ideas or lecherous thoughts towards my sword," I looked at Frank as I spoke.
"I want to tell you that earlier I got some useful information from you guys so I will give one pass for confronting me like that and having thought and spoke about taking my sword. So proceed wisely." I added.
Their eyes looked like they were terrified, especially Suna and Frank.
Suna asked with her metallic staff facing towards me, "Okay, we will consider that but how do you know our name and you haven't told us yours?"
I answered, "How did I know doesn't matter now, does it? And my name is Max."
They become even more alert after hearing the 'ominous name.'
Conan, asked with a slight stutter, "M-Max the LimitBreaker?"
I just smiled in response.
Suna was the first one to come out of her stupor and said while slightly bowing her head, "Thank you for sparring us, we will leave immediately."
They were ready to tuck their tails and run but I stopped them and said, "Wait, one more thing, you can't tell anyone that you saw me at least until the finals."
"I can put up a contract and everything but that's too much work and you guys look like smart bunch so I hope your mouth remains shut for the period."
Frank was the first one to spoke, "W-We can do that, sure. You sparring our lives is more than enough."
Suna also added, "Yes, Mr. Max, your acquaintance itself is far more precious than anything."
I appreciated the quick thinking of Suna, looking at her, I said, "You are smartest in the group and you all are decently powerful for your level. Don't do something idiotic and get yourselves killed."
They nodded, before they could continue their blabber, I said in stern voice, "Now go and collect your leaves before I change my mind."
They immediately nodded and went their way, I still kept my senses on them until they went out of range.
Frank spoke first, "We ought to be lucky that new Mythforger is slightly lazy otherwise we would have been done for. I didn't even feel him move or use any mana. It was like he just appeared beside Conan."
Conan responded, "Don't talk and let's go to complete the main objective for phase 1."
They went out of my range, stretching my body a bit, I spoke, "Now, let's collect some leaves then."