God Seed
Chapter 7 – Darkness in the Arena
The large duel arena in the Outer City was filled with excitement today. This academy was one of the most famous Beast Academies in the Outer City. The annual duel examination was underway, and a special reward had been announced for the top students.
The announcer's loud voice echoed across the arena:
"This year's examination offers a rare opportunity! The Top 5 students, along with their families, will be taken to the Inner City! They will get the chance to study at the prestigious Beast Institute in the Inner City. In addition, they will receive personal support from the City Lord and special resources. This is a golden chance for students from the Outer City!"
A wave of excitement spread through the spectators.
A special guest had also come from the Inner City to watch the matches — Master Lian, an experienced teacher from the Beast Institute. He was personally observing the students who would make it to the Top 5.
Junia sat beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Uncle, did you hear? If I make it to the Top 5, we can go to the Inner City! Mom and Dad will be so happy…"
I nodded calmly but said nothing.
The matches began.
Junia won one match after another. Her Ice Type Beast, which I had strengthened with a 3-Star Beast Core, performed brilliantly. Ice shields, sharp Ice Spears, and freezing attacks — her opponents fell one by one.
Gradually, Junia rose from the Top 500 to the Top 100, and then to the Top 20. Every time her name was announced, the crowd grew more surprised.
But when she reached the Top 10, the atmosphere changed completely.
The Top students were all Young Masters and Young Misses from the big and powerful families of the Outer City. They also had strong connections in the Inner City. Their arrogance was sky-high.
Number 7 — a boy — looked at Junia and sneered, "How did this poor girl come this far? Her family is just ordinary people from the Outer City."
Number 4 — a beautiful but arrogant girl — laughed and said, "Her beast looks like someone forcefully strengthened it. She must be cheating!"
They all laughed loudly. Their families controlled big businesses and held real power in the Outer City, and they had relatives in the Inner City. That's why they considered themselves far superior.
Before the Semi-Finals
Junia's next opponent was the student ranked 8th. A few minutes before the match started, I noticed the school Headmaster and the referee talking secretly in a corner with the Top students. A small packet changed hands.
It was a bribe.
As soon as the match began, Junia's Ice Beast suddenly became strangely weak. Its speed dropped, and its attack power decreased sharply. Someone had placed a curse (gale) on it — most likely arranged by the families of the Top students.
Junia didn't understand what was happening. She tried her best, but her Ice Shield shattered. A powerful strike sent her crashing to the ground.
Her opponent laughed mockingly.
"Poor girl, this isn't your place. Go back to your broken house! The Inner City isn't for people like you!"
The supporters of the Top students burst into loud laughter.
"A simple Outer City girl can never reach the Top 10!"
"Her family has no connections at all. Dreaming of going to the Inner City?"
Junia sat on the ground, trembling. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Overwhelmed by fear, humiliation, and despair, she began to sob.
"U-Uncle… I… I couldn't do it…"
Master Lian from the Inner City watched everything silently from the VIP seats.
At that exact moment, I stood up.
My eyes turned ice-cold. The God Seed inside me pulsed faintly. I walked slowly toward the arena.
The spectators looked at me in surprise.
The referee shouted, "Hey! Who are you? You are not allowed to enter the arena! Go back immediately!"
I ignored him.
I stepped straight into the middle of the arena and walked over to Junia. Kneeling down slowly, I took off my coat and wrapped it gently around her small, trembling shoulders.
Junia looked up at me with tear-filled eyes, sobbing.
"Uncle… I… I won't be able to go to the Inner City…"
I placed my hand gently on her head. My voice was calm, but as cold as ice.
"Don't cry, Junia."
Then I slowly stood up and turned my gaze toward the entire arena — the Headmaster, the referee, the Top students, and Master Lian from the Inner City.
At that moment, there was no emotion left in my eyes. Only a cold, terrifying decision.