TOP SECRET: Adventures in the Dark Continent Chapter 497: The challenge begins

"I see. But let's set that issue aside for now and concentrate on the challenge. What's the challenge?" Liu Yang shifted the topic. The earlier problem was too intricate to handle right away.

"Liu Yang, you must defeat a cursed creature at your level using only hand-to-hand combat. No spells, no gear, nothing else. Just your fists and kicks in the fight," the succubus responded with composure.

"A fight? What sort of cursed creatures? Are they picked at random?" Liu Yang felt astonishment at the challenge.

Yet upon considering the toughness of battling a rank 15 cursed creature, he grasped that things were far more complex than they seemed. Such a beast matched the strength of a level 500 individual.

Luckily, his abilities as village leader granted him strength nearing that of a level 500 fighter.

"Pick your foe from the full list, or bring your own opponent."

"Bring my own?"

"Yes. Bringing a cursed foe matching your level counts as valid."

"What becomes of the defeated cursed being?"

"That's up to you. The victor decides the loser's destiny."

"Can I opt to lift the curse from the loser?" Liu Yang's hopes surged upon hearing the succubus's statement.

Removing the curse from Alwine and the beasts would be the ultimate outcome.

"Yes, it's feasible. As I mentioned, the winner dictates the loser's fate. Lifting the curse from one loser works, but for more, you'd need additional victories. Rewards come only once, though."

"I understand. How do I purge the curse from the dryads? Is winning the challenge enough, or is there more required?" Liu Yang still sought details on the dryads, bound by his promise to aid them.

"For total curse removal from their bodies and land, defeat a cursed creature per dryad. With around ten thousand in their group, you'd face roughly ten thousand foes. Once all dryads are purified in their territory, the land cleanses itself."

"I see... One more question."

"Liu Yang, I can't answer your next query. You lack the qualifications for that knowledge," the succubus remarked offhandedly, as if peering into his thoughts.

"!!!!!!!" Shock gripped Liu Yang at her words, though he composed himself swiftly, realizing her mind-reading prowess.

(Gotta uncover more on the Curse of the Night and this place's curse-lifting power. I must grow stronger.) Liu Yang pondered inwardly.

"Liu Yang, what's your first move? Purify the dryads or your slaves?"

"Dryads come first. Any assistance allowed in this challenge? Or must I go solo?"

With Fantina's aid as a fellow village leader, plus Alwine, June, and the beasts, it would simplify greatly.

"Up to nine helpers permitted. This trial was designed for types like you—the nine. Only two present changes nothing."

"!!!!!!" Another revelation stunned him.

(Purification trials meant for the nine village leaders? How? United, they'd crush cursed creatures effortlessly. Can't be that straightforward.) Liu Yang doubted the simplicity.

The combined might of the nine village leaders terrified. Jointly tackling the challenge would spell easy victory, so it couldn't be so basic.

"Your instincts serve you well, Liu Yang. With all nine, difficulty multiplies tenfold. Just one companion means twofold increase—you two face about twenty thousand cursed creatures. Slaves excluded from the count."

"How does the challenge proceed? One at a time or all together?"

"You decide the format. With a partner, minimum foes is two, and only even numbers allowed."

"I get it... Time limit?"

"Ten years. That's the deadline."

"Ten years..." he muttered.

Such a span signaled immense difficulty.

"Ready to begin? Or need prep time first?" Liu Yang wanted a quick word with Fantina beforehand.

He chose not to reveal details on lifting Alwine's curse or handling the beasts, unwilling to spark too much hope in them.

"Feel free to begin whenever you're ready."

"OK. Fantina, come out now?" Liu Yang retrieved her from the housing ring.

Fantina had already equipped her battle gear. Leather armor clad her body, allowing for swift and agile motions.

She clutched a lengthy, weighty spear, her combat aura surging to its zenith.

After months of idle days, Fantina brimmed with thrill at the chance to clash in combat once more.

"Liu Yang, this woman is truly gorgeous" Those were her initial words upon gazing at the succubus.

As a village leader, her fortified mind resisted the succubus' innate allure, viewing her simply as strikingly beautiful.

"Let's discuss the challenge briefly."

"OK"

For a few minutes, the duo strategized on the challenge and the tactics they might employ.

Following their talk, Liu Yang commanded the succubus to launch the challenge.

"I'm ready to commence the challenge. First round: two creatures to battle." Liu Yang sported heavy steel armor, a colossal sword strapped to his back, and a pair of shorter swords hanging at his waist.

"Ok" The succubus replied in a robotic tone.

The whole room erupted in brilliant light, morphing into a vast coliseum.

Identical to the coliseum from prior trials.

roar !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Twenty thousand cursed creatures filled the stands and sidelines, howling and bellowing furiously. Battle readiness pulsed through them.

5

4

3 ...

2

1

GO !!!!!

ROAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The countdown dragged on deliberately. The moment it concluded, twin thunderous roars reverberated across the arena.

Boooooooooom !!!!!!!!!!

A pair of massive forms crashed into the arena's heart and barreled straight at the challengers.

The challenge had officially ignited.