A number of the contestants showed troubled expressions, as they knew very well that to work in the S-region, the first requirement was an ability index no lower than 6000.
This was a strict condition, without exception.
Therefore, most people had already guessed what the next test would be.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Rosith gestured, and the staff immediately brought forward eight ability index testing devices.
"Below, all applicants, please proceed to be tested in order."
When it came to the core test, some who had withstood Jieluo's roar began to falter. After all, using their inner energy to resist the opponent's pressure had already consumed a portion of their strength. Further testing would undoubtedly lead to a decrease in their power. This was especially true for those whose indices were hovering around 6000, who now wore looks of despair.
However, since they had come this far, these individuals had already given it their all. Whether they were a success or failure, they would only know by trying.
The ability index testing devices continued to light up red, indicating that these individuals were being eliminated. In just two to three minutes, two-thirds of the crowd had thinned out. The remaining twelve or so people calmly walked towards the ability index testing devices.
Green lights flashed one after another. Eight of these twelve individuals successfully passed the test. The remaining four seemed even more unhurried, as their strength had already been recognized by others.
Of course, there was one anomaly: the newcomer, Ren Yuanhao.
"Hey, do you think that guy is hiding behind everyone because he's afraid to undergo the test, afraid of the blow of elimination?"
"Who told him to be so high-profile yesterday? The higher they're praised, the harder they fall."
"Heh heh, hearing you say that makes me want to see his ugly expression as he falls from heaven into hell even more."
The crowd murmured and laughed uncontrollably. Then, as the fourth-to-last person stepped up to the ability index testing device, the indicator light suddenly changed from green to blue!
"Holy cow? Blue? That's the threshold light for over 6500!"
"That's right, look at that. Master Segmentation truly has outstanding strength!"
"I estimate that this Master Segmentation can likely secure a position as one of the Eight Kings."
"It's a shame, though. They're still not as monstrous as the Eight Kings from the previous session. The weakest, Liu Yu, was above 7200, wasn't he?"
Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but shake their heads.
At this moment, Dr. Rosith smiled and announced the count: "Ability index, 6680. Master Segmentation, please step onto the second-tier combat stage."
After speaking, Rosith added, "In this selection process, first, we will naturally screen out those with high ability indices. Second, we will divide them into three tiers for the final combat. The first tier will be those below 6500, the second tier will be those in the 6500 to 7000 range, and the third tier, the highest, will be those above 7000!"
Before he could finish speaking, some people began to voice their discontent.
"What kind of bullshit classification is this? Having a strong ability index doesn't necessarily mean strong combat capability, right?"
"Exactly. That's just a biased product studied by you mad scientists. Who says someone with a 6000 ability index can't defeat someone with 7000?"
These two were men who had been eliminated earlier. Although their words carried a hint of nitpicking, they actually reflected the sentiments of many ability users.
Rosith clapped his hands and laughed, "Good, you're too impatient. I haven't even finished speaking, and you've already interrupted me. I haven't explained the combat rules yet."
He cleared his throat unnaturally. "It's like this: after the combat within the three tiers concludes, the winners of the matches will all have the opportunity to challenge opponents from higher tiers. If their strength is deemed acceptable by us, they will enter the S-region and be crowned with the title of New King!"
The mention of New King ignited a raging fire in everyone's hearts – a fire of desire, a fire of power. Being able to enter the S-region, especially with the conditions relaxed for innate ability users, was an extremely rare opportunity.
Everyone wanted to seize this chance to leap over the dragon gate.
"Good! This is very reliable. The Doctor has thought of everything!"
"We have no objections, Doctor. Can we begin?"
The spectators had already grown impatient. The Doctor waved his hand, and the remaining three individuals slowly walked towards the ability index testing devices.
At this moment, everyone held their breath. The man who stepped up to the ability index testing device this time was none other than Master Puppet.
And as he unleashed his abilities, his oppressive aura instantly enveloped the area, and the reading indicator light immediately lit up blue!
"Damn it, another strong one above 6500!"
"It doesn't surprise me that he can exceed 6500, but that newcomer, being so arrogant and not testing yet, does he really think he's incredibly powerful and the ultimate trump card?"
"It's fine. The more they boast, the more resounding the slap in the face will be."
The crowd erupted in laughter. Among them, only Yafeier couldn't help but chuckle; only she knew the man's true strength.
Next, there were two people remaining. The man wearing the mask glanced at Ren Yuanhao, let out a cold snort, made a throat-slitting gesture, and walked directly to the testing device.
As his ability unfolded, the reading light instantly leaped from blue to purple!
"Holy cow! It's broken 7000!"
"No, the light hasn't stabilized yet. Is it going to rise further?"
After the crowd's exclamations, silence returned, their gazes fixed intently on the light. The purple light paused for about five seconds, then suddenly turned golden!
"7500!"
"What kind of monster is this!"
"As expected of the strongest existence in the A-region. Just looking at this reading, he's stronger than several of the weakest among the Eight Kings!"
"Indeed. If he weren't an innate ability user, he would have likely advanced to the Eight Kings position long ago."
The masked man seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the cheers of the spectators below, spreading his hands like a king, as if accepting the worship of his subjects.
"Reading 7580, terrifying. He's probably the strongest in this test."
Rosith applauded enthusiastically, but a strange glint flashed in his eyes.
Jieluo, on the other hand, was completely the opposite. He looked like a ferocious beast, his face filled with eagerness as he gazed at this powerful prey.
"Hey, hey, hey, Three Kings, you're the referee. Showing such a fierce expression might scare them. Tone it down a bit, alright?"
Rosith placed a hand on Jieluo's shoulder, his mind quickly mapping out the combat tiers. Everyone began to shout loudly, and even the staff started clearing the area.
They seemed to have forgotten Ren Yuanhao in that corner.
"Hey, I haven't been tested yet?"
Ren Yuanhao looked embarrassed, thinking that the masked man's popularity and aura were too strong, but treating the New King like this, wasn't it a bit too disrespectful?
At this moment, the staff members realized that there was still one person present and immediately stopped their actions.