Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 923 - 402: Chaos Arena

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Previously on Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots...
Apostles discuss Nari's inexplicable power surge and the resulting instability among other native Apostles. Nightmare Queen Selena's legion is collapsing, Mad Bite Mogron is crippled and his regeneration failing, and Blood Tear Duke Asmond has lost his influence. They speculate on the cause and realize this presents an opportunity due to their weakened state.
"That is correct." Kro’s chrono-rift began to flicker with activity. "The pre-heating match is about to commence; this presents the ideal moment for an inquiry. Nari has consistently engaged in solo combat, never establishing a coordinated legion. Her inherent disadvantage will be fully highlighted in battles directed by subordinate legions." "Thus, our objective is unambiguous." Kempes declared, portions of his physical form commencing synchronized movements, reflecting a unified resolve: "We must exploit the pre-heating match to rigorously assess Nari’s authentic capabilities. Should she prove to be merely superficial, having attained only a transient power enhancement, then the time will be ripe to significantly cripple her forces and reinstate the established power hierarchy." "However, if she has, in fact, acquired some novel strength..." Kro continued, the temporal distortion surrounding him expanding with great speed: "We are compelled to uncover the genesis of this power and devise a method to appropriate it for ourselves." "There exists another consideration." Delir’s tone adopted a note of caution: "The disposition of the Supreme Apostles concerning this affair. If Nari genuinely possesses some extraordinary power, it is highly improbable that those ancient entities would have overlooked it." "That is, admittedly, a potential risk." Kempes’s perceptive abilities started to probe the abyssal depths: "Yet, from my observations, the Supreme Apostles have been preoccupied with a substantial undertaking recently. The energetic emanations within the Soul Abyss are exceptionally potent; it appears they are engaged in preparations for a ritual of unprecedented scale." "This could very well be our opportune moment." Kro mused: "If those primordial entities are temporarily incapable of intervening in minor activities on the fifth stratum, we shall have ample time to address Nari." The collective wills of the three Apostles began to intermingle, and the spatial energy fluctuations synchronized. They all recognized that facing an unpredictable element of unknown power, unity was the most prudent course of action. "In that case, let us proceed with formulating a definitive strategy." Kempes’s myriad voices resounded concurrently: "The pre-heating match is scheduled to begin in a fortnight; we have sufficient time to refine the plan." Within the profound darkness, the low chuckles of several Apostles echoed intermittently. ...... Abyss Sixth Layer, the very heart of the Labyrinth Domain. At the epicenter of this maelstrom stands a magnificent, colossal edifice—the Chaos Arena. The arena itself is a masterpiece, solidified from unadulterated Chaos Energy. Externally, it bears the resemblance of an unfurling metallic blossom. However, each individual "petal" constitutes a distinct spatial fragment, accommodating spectators drawn from various tiers of the Abyss. These spatial segments engage in a slow rotation, periodically aligning, thereby permitting audiences from different sectors to "ingress" and interact. Ron observed this entire spectacle remotely through the sensory input of a Stand-In Puppet, linked via his consciousness. As one of the designated combatants, the puppet was positioned at the perimeter of the arena's staging area, enveloped by a formidable and disquieting aura. "An awe-inspiring construct..." he mused internally, simultaneously activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to scrutinize the surrounding energetic architecture. The structural integrity of the entire arena relied solely upon the arachnid entity suspended overhead—an avatar representing the "Void Spider" Maggs. An innumerable quantity of nearly invisible filaments extended from its form, meticulously weaving an expansive network that encompassed the entire arena. This network not only preserved the stability of the spatial framework but, more critically, maintained surveillance over the movements of every individual participant. "An intriguing method of subjugation..." Through the puppet’s sensory apparatus, Ron meticulously examined the characteristics inherent in these filaments: "Each filament functions as an autonomous channel for data transmission, capable of relaying instantaneous feedback on all alterations within the arena. Furthermore..." He discerned more intricate details. The filaments were not merely instruments of observation; they served as precise spatial anchors. In the event of an uncontrollable occurrence, Maggs possessed the capability to instantly sever the spatial linkage of a specific zone, thereby confining any emergent threat to the most confined possible area. "This degree of Spatial Manipulation..." he reflected to himself: "The potency possessed by a Supreme Apostle is truly beyond comprehension." At that precise moment, Maggs’s voice resonated throughout the arena via a Psychic Wave: "Salutations to the participants of the 127th Abyss Preheat Match, the esteemed rulers of the Abyss!" The vocalization carried an intense coercive force, causing even the ferocious abyssal beings occupying the spectator areas to fall silent involuntarily. "Today, a total of eighteen legions will vie for supremacy, with the victors earning their passage to the official ranking battles!" The instant these words concluded, the entirety of the arena erupted in thunderous acclamations. Ron, experiencing the event through the puppet’s senses, perceived this raw, fervent energy originating from the very core of the Abyss. The spectator tiers were populated by a diverse array of abyssal lifeforms: Among them were mutated Dragonkin, their bodies adorned with metallic carapaces, exuding not flames but viscous, corrosive acid;Monsters with multiple heads and countless eyes, each head spewing a distinct roar; beings that utterly disregarded the laws of biology. Their appearances warped as watchers looked on, as if reality itself struggled to contain their true forms. "Let us hail supreme the first legion to compete—Delir’s 'Doomsday Gospel'!" As Maggs announced this, a section of the arena warped. A tear shimmering with black flames split open, revealing a fearsome company. At their forefront marched six Fallen Great Angels, stripped entirely of the holiness that defined them. Their formerly pure white wings had rotted into leathery, bat-like appendages, crawling with disease and vermin.