Chapter 36: Top 32 Without Taking the Robe Off
One day had passed inside the treasure realm, and it began to tremble.
Every jade token inside the realm began to light up, and in an instant, all the remaining competitors were forced out.
Dahlia was also one of those forced out.
She was in the forest one moment, and a moment later, she was in an unfamiliar place.
When her vision cleared, she realized where she was. She was actually in the middle of the arena.
Stone seats rose high around her, filled with numerous spectators.
Their voice was loud. All of them were cheering and shouting as if a festival had erupted.
Dahlia’s eyes widened. She turned slowly, taking it all in, tightening her robe.
So many people...
The announcer’s voice boomed, echoing across the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The treasure realm has closed! And before you stand the ones who endure, found and survived!"
He pointed his hand at the thirty-two people in the middle of the arena.
"These are your top thirty-two competitors who will go to the next stage!"
The crowd roared again.
Some of them clapped their hands, others shouted names, and some even booed.
Dahlia kept her head down, pulling her robe tighter, hiding the combat suit beneath.
On the big floating screens above, the thirty-two survivors were shown briefly.
Some looked battered, their robes torn and bloody. Others stood tall with pride, waving to the audience. Dahlia just stood still.
The announcer raised his hands to silence the spectators.
"Now that our top thirty-two are confirmed, tomorrow we begin the elimination tree battles!"
"One against one, until only the champion remains!"
The spectators went wild, and Dahlia quickly smirked, hearing it.
One against one... That’s my style. Good.
The announcer continued.
"Each competitor will now be given time to rest and recover. You will be led to designated rooms in the competitors’ quarters. And remember..."
He paused for an effect, then smiled broadly.
"You may choose one person to accompany you! A master, a family member, a friend, or even a lover!"
"They may guide you, heal you, teach you, or cheer you on before the next stage!"
The competitors murmured among themselves.
Some grinned and immediately sought out their masters in the stands.
Others sighed with relief, talking about needing healers or family support.
Dahlia’s lips curved into a small smile, knowing only one person she could bring.
She turned toward the crowd instinctively, her eyes searching.
In the common seats, Garion was already watching her.
When their eyes met, he lifted an arm and flexed his bicep like before. A simple gesture meant only for her.
Dahlia’s cheek reddened slightly, but she nodded.
Garion chuckled to himself.
"Good girl. Top thirty-two in her first competition. And she didn’t even show her full power."
He stretched, cracking his shoulders
"Looks like tomorrow will be really interesting."
---
The thirty-two were soon escorted by officers to a hall beneath the arena.
One by one, competitors were shown to their quarters.
When it was Dahlia’s turn, she followed quietly.
Inside her assigned room, the walls were plain, and a simple bed was placed in the center, along with a table with water and fruit.
The officer bowed slightly.
"If you wish, you may summon one companion. just speak their name to this orb."
Dahlia nodded and touched it.
"Master Garion."
The orb pulsed once, then dimmed.
Moments later, the door was opened and Garion stepped inside, his broad figure filling the doorway.
He quickly looked around the room and smirked.
"Not bad. Free food, free bed, and a private room. You should fight in tournaments more often, Dahlia."
She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly.
"Master, this isn’t funny. Tomorrow is serious."
Garion chuckled, sitting heavily on the bed, letting it creak under his weight.
"I know, but you did well today. Top thirty-two already. And you didn’t even need to take that robe off."
Dahlia’s face heated again.
"Master!"
Garion only raised his hands innocently.
"What? I’m just saying it. You fought covered up in that robe, not even using your full power..."
"And still, you managed to crush jade tokens like candy. That’s impressive."
Dahlia let out a long sigh before sitting down across from him. Her head hung low.
"But that’s not me, Master. It feels... wrong. Like I’m becoming somebody else."
Garion leaned back on the bed, propping himself up with one arm.
"Of course it feels different. That’s the Dragon Tooth Flower working."
Her head snapped up, eyes wide.
"The supplement?"
Garion only nodded.
"Yeah, because of my concoctions, the effect hit harder than normal."
"It stirred your mana and pushed it to take on a dragon trait earlier than usual."
Dahlia blinked, stunned.
She had heard rumours about cultivators awakening traits in the second realm.
But she never thought it would happen to her, and she wasn’t even in the second realm.
"So this was the reason. No wonder I felt hungry to fight. Why I couldn’t stand the thought of losing."
Garion leaned forward, nodding.
"Exactly. It’s just a shift of personality. Nothing to be scared of. When you get stronger, pride comes with it. Wildness too sometimes."
Dahlia swallowed hard.
"But... what if I lose control?"
Garion shook his head.
"You won’t. You already noticed the change and calmed yourself when it mattered. That’s already proof you’re in control."
Garion then smirked.
"Besides... Both of them were just fuel. Pride and wildness aren’t curses. They can be weapons too."
She blinked at him. "Weapons?"
Garion nodded, explaining it further.
"Yeah. Wildness makes you unpredictable. Pride makes it harder for you to lose your composure."
"If you understand them and use them, they’ll be strengths. If you ignore them, they’ll eat you alive. Simple as that."
Dahlia stared at her fists, turning his words over in her head.
Pride and Wildness... Strengths?
It felt strange, but also right.
Slowly, she unclenched her hands and nodded.
"I understand, Master. Then... I’ll make sure to understand them and use them."
Garion grinned and flicked her forehead lightly, making her yelp.
"There’s my disciple. Don’t overthink it. Just keep working. Strong muscles, strong mind, strong heart. That’s all you need."