Chapter 356 Genetic Tournament (II)
Chapter 356 Genetic Tournament (II)
Cain arrived just in time and observed that dozens of people were already present. He immediately recognized the Crown Prince, Third Imperial Prince, Second Imperial Princess, and the Fourth Imperial Prince, along with many other figures exuding formidable auras.
All the Imperial Children had their eyes on Cain, as did everybody else in the cube. There was nothing odd with it. After all, he was the reason the tournament was delayed by an entire month, and the news of him remaining inside the Tower of Stars for nearly fifteen days was common knowledge.
It seemed like there was no day that a shocking piece of news about the young man would spread across the Silver City.
Without further ado, Cain calmly approached the Fourth Imperial Prince. He would be participating in this tournament under his banner.
'I assume those two are my partners.'
Cain observed two individuals standing behind the Fourth Imperial Prince. One was a younger man, and the other resembled a middle-aged man at the Wave King Rank. Both had short silver hair, pale skin, and matching physical features, suggesting they were likely related.
For the tournament, the groups were supposed to consist of one Elder Genetic Coder, someone under five hundred years of age, and two Novice Genetic Coders, individuals under thirty.
While the Novice Genetic Coders would take the initial tests of the Genetic Tournament, the main events would have all three Genetic Coders working together. At that point, it was expected to have the Elder Genetic Coder take the lead and the two Novice Genetic Coders assisting him.
Numerous eyes turned toward the group of the Fourth Imperial Prince, eager to witness the interaction between the Elder Genetic Coder and Cain. While the middle-aged man would normally assume the lead, many considered Cain to be at least a 4-Star Saint Genetic Coder.
Cain was aware of the attention but paid it little mind. He bowed to Klaus before focusing on the two companions.
"Cain, I'm relieved to see you're well. These are Grandmaster Dimento Yoria, a 3-Star Saint Genetic Coder, and his apprentice, Severin Yoria, a 4-Star Grand Genetic Coder."
Klaus spoke with a friendly smile as he introduced the pair, but a hint of tension lingered on his visage. While Cain might be participating in his team, the Imperial Prince was acutely aware of how tenuous his influence over the young man truly was.
Cain gave Severin a brief nod and then set his piercing gaze on Dimento. The older man met his stare without flinching, exuding an unwavering resolve.
A burst of red light appeared in Cain's eyes as he stared at Dimento, who promptly responded with a blue glow. The room went silent as the two exchanged Ego Waves, and it was evident to all that despite the significant gap in their ages and cultivation bases, both stood on the same level.
Cain's eyes settled, and a smile graced his face. He clasped his hands together, bowing to the middle-aged man.
"Cain Laurifer offers his respects to the Elder Grandmaster. I consider my abilities to be on par with a 1-Star Saint Genetic Coder, so I am at your service."
Many were surprised by Cain's behavior; after all, one could make the argument for him to take the leading role in the main event since his skills were considered superior to those of Dimento.
While it would have been unorthodox and embarrassed Dimento, few would have opposed it since what the Godslayer Humankind respected was not age but power.
However, not only did Cain not take that path, giving Dimento the leading role without a fight, but he self-assessed his skill as a 1-Star Saint Genetic Coder.
Young prodigies often exuded arrogance, but Cain seemed to downplay his own status. Truthfully, without the aid of the [Genetic Coder Module], these were Cain's real capabilities, at least before his latest training session.
Cain didn't mind taking guidance from Dimento. In fact, he hoped to learn from the man. Hundreds of years of experience were at his disposal, and there was no reason to deny it, just to inflate his ego.
Dimento grinned at Cain's words and also clasped his hands. "It's an honor to have a Grandmaster of your stature as my teammate. I will strive to harness your abilities to their fullest." He then shot a stern look at the young man beside him.
Severin caught Dimento's gaze and promptly bowed. "I'll do my utmost not to let Grandmaster Laurifer down."
Although Severin was older than Cain, having been raised in a family that prized Genetic Coding, he was taught to respect skill over age.
Klaus breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that Cain would collaborate and was willing to play a supporting role to Dimento.
With no immediate controversy, attention on the group led by the Fourth Imperial Prince waned. Moments later, a figure descended from the upper tiers of the Genetic Evolution Cube.
The individual was none other than Sylan White, someone at the peak of the Genetic Coder Association.
Sylan acknowledged the members of the Imperial Family, but that was the extent of his courtesy. Given his age and power, he wasn't inclined to show excessive deference to a group of younger individuals.
The Imperial Children responded with smiles and nods, none acting pretentious, even the Third Imperial Prince. Sylan was not only a powerhouse but would also referee the Genetic Tournament.
Only someone with Sylan's power and status could ensure the tournament was judged fairly and that outsider influence could not affect the outcome.
"Welcome all to the One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Genetic Tournament. We gather to showcase the talents of upcoming Grandmasters and the younger generation, hoping to unearth future pillars of the empire. All teams, please take your positions before the designated Genetic Chambers."
Following Sylan's direction, teams positioned themselves. There was a palpable fighting spirit as they prepared to display their prowess.
The Genetic Tournaments happen once every ten years, and while their reward for the number one spot was not overly remarkable, the Genetic Coders that participated aimed at something else.
What they sought was fame since it could open many doors, allowing their Genetic Coding abilities to jump to the next level.
Sylan showed a small smile as he saw the fighting spirit of the Novice Genetic Coders.
"The individual trials are for the Novice Genetic Coders. The younger generation must prove themselves. Teams, choose your champions."
Although each team had two Novice Genetic Coders, only one would partake in the individual trials. Nearly all the teams had already discussed who would participate in the solo trials, except for Klaus' team.
Luckily, no problem arose this time either, as Severin clasped his hand and performed a small bow toward Cain, indicating this one should take the stage. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire
"I will do my best."
With those words, Cain moved forward.
Once all ten participants stood before the Genetic Chambers, Sylan nodded and continued, "While Genetic Coding is an art of finesse, time is invaluable. Whether in war, cultivation, or daily life, speed is crucial. The first trial is to assemble Pseudo Saint Vectors as swiftly as possible."
The participants grinned upon hearing the challenge. Despite their internal confidence, none believed their skills surpassed Cain Laurfier's. But in assembling a Vector, speed was paramount. Their cultivation base suggested reflexes and cognitive speeds superior to Cain's since they were all either Late or Peak Wave Champions.
Cain noticed the competitors' smirks. A mischievous smile and a glint of ambition emerged on his face.
Sylan waved his hand, filling the Genetic Chamber with materials for the Vectors.
"Enough materials are provided to form one hundred Vectors. The participant who finishes fastest with the fewest errors will take first place and earn 10 points for their team. The second earns 5 points, and the third only 2."
As Sylan prepared to signal the start, Cain raised his hand. "Yes, Colonel Laurfier?"
"I wonder if making bets with my fellow participants is permissible?"
Some frowned upon hearing this, but many smirked. Greed was the characteristic emotion of the Godslayer Humankind, and while looking it down, many considered it a virtue. After all, it was humans' greed that led them to Aether.
Usually, Sylan would discourage interruptions, but given Cain's title, he permitted it. "If they're within reason."
Cain thanked Sylan and unveiled his Tier 1 Bio Genetic Chamber. All participants' eyes gleamed with envy, recognizing the value of the chamber and desiring it for themselves.
"I'm willing to wager my Tier 1 Bio Genetic Chamber and the formula for the Life Trent Lineage. You only need to offer something valued at 25% of the chamber and formula. If any of you secures the 1st position, that individual will claim the prize and other bets will be returned. However, if I win, I take everything."
The youths couldn't help but clench their fists at Cain's proposition. If Cain triumphed, his gain would substantially outweigh his initial stake. Yet, the allure of the Tier 1 Bio Genetic Chamber was too compelling to ignore.