"How do you know?" Nathan couldn't help but ask.

  "Well, you don't think I just stayed in the volcanic area, do you?" Lachlan shook his head vigorously. "I don't know what appeared there, but the traces left behind were enormous and too obvious. You should thank me for covering them up for you."

  Nathan unconsciously clenched his fist, his eyes trembling as this line of thought invaded his mind. Lachlan had pointed out a fatal flaw, that Nathan had left behind massive footprints. Each of his jumps had created deep craters on the surface terrain. Anyone suspicious, like Lachlan, could easily trace back the tracks. Most importantly, they would question his appearance.

  He was no longer in Moirath Forest where Darkan could clean up after him.

  "There was an empty space, strangely void," Lachlan continued after seeing Nathan process the information. "It didn't fit with anything around it. So I guessed he must have been there."

  "You met him before?" Nathan wondered.

  "Unfortunately, no. But I have people like them who shared this story with me." Lachlan pointed to his teammates around him. "Apparently due to my psychology or my background, the man in white didn't choose me. What a pity."

  "So you're searching for these people, trying to find his purpose?"

  "Yes and no," Lachlan wagged his finger. "I'm secretly interested in his motives, but mainly he always follows people with potential. So I can use that clue for investment. If possible, I'd like to connect with him, but if not, I won't be separated from what might happen in the future thanks to my relationships."

  Lachlan stood up, assuming a solemn demeanor.

  "And everything leads back to you, Nathan. The footprints or craters with the same pattern from the volcano to the open area. Ruling out everything else, and judging by your expressions from the beginning until now, I can be certain you've also met him. You, a bearer of a powerful Fortune Flow."

  Not just Nathan, but Zeryn also couldn't maintain his composure. He stepped forward, as if trying to shield Nathan.

  The two girls did the same.

  Only Nathan remained confused, understanding nothing.

  "Mr. Valtaris, tsk, tsk," Lachlan said, "I'm not planning to do anything, why so defensive? So you also know about this existence from your friend? And you didn't tell him?"

  Nathan looked at Zeryn, not with accusing eyes, but with confusion. He trusted that his friend wouldn't do anything that wasn't in his best interest.

  "This only appeared on you since you fought Roran on the Outer Sect Tournament floor," Zeryn said quietly. "Before that, even during training, there weren't signs large enough to evaluate."

  Roran? When I rolled out [Titan's Descendant]? Nathan silently panicked.

  The uneasy feeling within him grew heavier. From being warned by Darkan to revealing himself before the stranger at The Pressuring Fall. He had suppressed this emotion for days, but now it returned like relentless waves.

  "Fortune Flow," Lachlan mused. "A mysterious thing difficult to grasp, but many believe it exists. Simply put, it could be luck, but those considered to possess Fortune Flow are sometimes the most unfortunate people. Mr. Valtaris, what do you think?"

  Zeryn narrowed his eyes, answering more for Nathan than for the pompous man facing them.

  "Fortune Flow ensures necessary events must happen. In other words, these individuals are chosen by fate. The world operates strangely around them. Challenges far beyond normal are thrown at them. Life-threatening dangers exist. Dangers to thousands or tens of thousands of people also exist. Only through these unlikely encounters can they rise. From one perspective, this is misfortune no one wants. From another perspective, it's luck because after each such event, they become the pinnacle figures of an era."

  Hearing this, Nathan felt neither joy nor pride. Sweat drenched his back as he recounted the events that had happened in the short time since his system’s arrival. The clearest thing related to this mystery was Argentius. Darkan had hinted at a connection and future premise.

  Even Darkan might be a key to Fortune Flow, a product of it. His appearance and curiosity, along with [Titan's Descendant], all present at the right place and time. The hidden effect of [Titan's Descendant], Titan's Berserker State, was discovered within days thanks to Darkan.

  And then, the calls.

  The call when his heart stopped after swallowing Thunder Essence Water to fight the Vermilion Apes. The call when he was about to collapse at The Pressuring Fall.

  Nathan turned abruptly toward Zahra, who had clearly always been interested in his bloodline.

  Could she also be part of the grand scheme of things called fortune?

  Seeing Nathan's bewildered eyes, Lachlan clapped loudly. Nathan slowly looked up, his face stunned. This arrangement, this role as a pawn, came not just from individuals but from higher powers, confusing him. More importantly, if thinking along these lines, the system was also part of an arrangement by someone or something?

  "So you have your own assessment, huh?" Lachlan said with interest. "I don't care to know what they are. You used to pretend to be weak, but now anyone interested in looking back at your journey would be a complete fool to underestimate you, Nathan."

  Then, Lachlan stepped forward, straightening his back.

  "In terms of skills and power, disciples from sects like you are indeed superior to us. No need to argue about that. But for political games, for secrets like an onion, needing to be peeled layer by layer, facing the risk of burning your eyes until blind, you aren't like me or anyone in Maelivar's nobility. And that's still the playground of mere children—even the king of this country is just a puppet for the Emperor. And whether the Emperor is truly free, we don't even know."

  Nathan didn't feel annoyed for the first time when Lachlan took a superior tone. Indeed, he knew more than Nathan. After all, Nathan was just a guy from Earth who had only been here for just over two years.

  "So do you know anything about the direction of the man in white?" Nathan asked.

  "To resist the forces I just mentioned. To be precise, the percentage is high. A powerful existence, appearing and disappearing, must belong to some hidden organization. Using the principle of seeking free will as a compass, for instance. I want to know what they want to do, want to change. And you are my bridge, like others."

  "And I just sit still for you to exploit as you please?"

  "I don't need permission like you once did, Nathan," Lachlan said coldly.

  Nathan stiffened, implicitly understanding what the other was referring to.

  "Your actions until now have been no different from a puppet dancing for entertainment. Except for that bold move at the dinner party, trying to attract my attention, which was somewhat interesting. But after that, tsk tsk."

  "I didn't see you were interested in me," Nathan frowned.

  "What? Do I have to lick your ass to be correct?" Lachlan said with a contemptuous smile. "Do you think I'm so free as to attend your dinner party just to eat? My Aspect Affinity has reached its limit. The value of those dishes was simply for entertainment."

  Nathan was startled. He had never considered this possibility.

  "Information is the most important thing, you agree?" Lachlan said. "So my network quickly gathered information about you after a mere soldier mentioned a strange chef attracting public attention. And I was there to verify."

  "My Fortune Flow?"

  "Guessed right again, but no more prizes. There might be some in the future. Because you used me, naturally, I must make you uncomfortable, play you spectacularly, then use you again. Quid pro quo. But I won't pretend I'm not a bastard. The righteous accomplish nothing in this life."

  The extreme ideology made Nathan frown. He wasn't raised that way. But what did he know to refute the other person?

  "There's only one person here dangerous to our nobility," Lachlan concluded, his eyes looking toward Zeryn. "And you, Nathan, just merely have stirred up a hornet's nest."

  Nathan could detect hidden respect whenever Lachlan mentioned or spoke to Zeryn. Or more accurately, it was caution, apprehension. A rare thing considering Lachlan's usual arrogance and superiority.

  Nathan restrained himself from looking at his friend. Doing so would break the sensitive veil established between them. He trusted that when necessary and at the right time, Zeryn would share. One shouldn't pry into what someone wants to hide.

  "Well, talking so much has dried out my tongue," Lachlan smacked his lips. "Nathan, consider this victory as establishing a causal thread with you. I'm also just a novice trying to peek beyond the veil of fate to see Fortune Flow. You see, I had to verify enough things before daring to talk like this. Otherwise, we would have been fighting to the death by now. And don't question it, you would lose."

  "That's getting repetitive," Nathan chuckled. "Didn't you just say you rate me highly?"

  "And simultaneously capable of beating you into a hospital bed. Both can be true, why only one? You're just now stepping out of the cradle. You didn't even know about Fortune Flow; without someone concealing it, whether you'd survive after this event remains a huge question."

  Saying this, suddenly Lachlan's eyes brightened, staring intently at Nathan.

  "Not right!" His voice grew urgent. "Now I see clearly. So before, you were protected. Haha. Your master, perhaps? Damn it! Did the man in white break it? And regardless of your safety? You have too much interest from various existences already. So much to look forward to."

  Nathan's heart sank to rock bottom. Lachlan's words weren't the focus, but he trusted Darkan had reasons for his operations on Nathan's body.

  "Good luck, Nathan!" Lachlan retreated, saying. "You'll need it a lot. Surely Fortune Flow won't abandon you. My purpose has been achieved. Disrupting The Shifting Trials is done. Our future promise has been made. Just hope that day comes and both of us are present to see it."

  With that, Lachlan decisively struck his protective bracelet, surrendering. His teammates followed suit, having not spoken a word throughout.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  The battle floor separated, returning Nathan's team below the central crack.

  Silence enveloped the four. Zahra and Evelyn wisely refrained from commenting. Evelyn particularly seemed deep in thought, as if she had realized something.

  Zeryn approached his friend, touching his temple where the PsiLink was installed.

  A notification appeared before Nathan's eyes.

  You are asked to join Private Connection Protocol.

  Y/N?

  Nathan was surprised PsiLink had this feature and mentally consented.

  "Don't let him get to you, Nate!" Zeryn's calm voice resonated, though he couldn't hide the discomfort within. "Not everyone can see Fortune Flow, and not everyone believes in it. We're cultivators, inherently opposing fate and oppression. Believing in Fortune Flow will only shake your core."

  "I know," Nathan nodded.

  "I won't ask about your bloodline because even though we're talking privately, there's still a risk of being scrutinized by others. Remember what I said, PsiLink has poison?"

  "Always remember."

  "I need to tell you this way to warn you absolutely not to reveal or tell anyone about your secret. This world has many eavesdroppers; words you speak sometimes reach unknown ears. Tier 9s always knowing who calls their names is a prime example. That Lachlan, though detestable, wasn't wrong. And even he only mentioned what most people know if they bother to research, without touching any secrets."

  "Is that why you never asked me about everything? About the power I have? To protect me?"

  "What else?" Zeryn smiled.

  "Thanks."

  "Don't be so moody and cheesy. Our important matter now is focusing on the next match. Nate, we need you!"

  Nathan nodded. He took a deep breath, pushing away the swirling thoughts in his head, changing his mood.

  "You're back!" Zahra happily patted his shoulder.

  Though he had many questions for Zahra, as Zeryn said, this wasn't the time or place.

  "Cannot let you down, can I?" Nathan said.

  He nodded to Evelyn, signaling everything was fine.

  Everyone set aside Lachlan's story, not overthinking anymore. They were young, and young people should focus on what they do best. Learning and becoming stronger. Through struggle and surpassing their limits. Only this way could the future reveal the deep mysteries of the world around them.

  It wasn't long before a team was matched. It seemed the organizers felt annoyed with the lackluster performance earlier, as the platform moved more forcefully than before.

  More importantly, just as Lachlan had said, the opposing team was Zhanyu's, the one possessing the Rare Aspect, Space.

  When the two battle floors clicked together, Nathan once again couldn't help but let Lachlan's intrusive thoughts disturb him. He had hoped the result wouldn't follow the prediction. At this rate, he and the contestants were simply entertainment for everyone. The reward was just payment for performing their roles?

  "There are things that must be done for cultivation resources," Zeryn said. "No one gives anything for free. Not even your master, not even parents, not even clans. This isn't the first time you've encountered this, Nathan. The Outer Sect Tournament was just a smaller version of such events. The future holds more. From pawn to chess player, that's our goal."

  Nathan shook his head, feeling his mental state truly unstable.

  "I'm sorry. Won't make you remind me again."

  Now four pairs of eyes were evaluating his team. The most intense came from Reza Karimi. The handsome man's eyes flitted rapidly from Evelyn to Nathan, carrying undisguised fury.

  Seeing this, Zhanyu found it interesting and poured oil on the fire.

  "Is this what you called pursuit? Chasing someone into another's arms?"

  "So what," Reza tried to maintain his dignity, calmly saying. "Lost things can be reclaimed. And don't think no one can defeat you. Say a few more words and I won't mind having another enemy."

  "Oh, scary. Why not use this difficult temperament on your opponents? It might be more effective than that disgusting fake face."

  "Can you two talk less?" Sigrid Bergstr?m frowned in annoyance.

  Zhanyu and Reza raised their eyebrows but said nothing more. Not out of fear, but because they felt no need to argue with the girl considered weakest on the team. They had only accepted Sigrid because of her leadership role. She hadn't shown her skills yet, but these two had already openly judged her.

  As for Laurent Nyralith, he remained silent, his head hidden inside his sophisticated armor's helmet.

  "Reza is very dangerous," Evelyn warned.

  "What?" Nathan turned to ask, seemingly disbelieving. "The incident at Moirath Forest tells a completely different story."

  "Don't be fooled by that day. Nightmare Weaver attacks directly into the mind, so Reza was caught off guard. Unless someone among us possesses the ability to invade and expose Reza's psychology, in all other aspects he's not inferior to anyone. The heir candidate to Azure Lake Academy doesn't come by chance."

  "You're kidding?" Zahra exclaimed. "We're up against all powerhouses? Sigrid is also considered a key seed for The Resonating Blade School. That young master Nyralith needs no introduction. And that pompous guy using Space Aspect is a direct disciple of one of the few Tier 6s in Caelindor. Just listing them makes me nervous."

  "The only advantage is they don't have much cohesion," Nathan analyzed.

  "But we won't use that to fight," Zeryn said.

  All three looked surprisingly at the sword prodigy, not understanding. They had collaborated well in the golem round, establishing a foundation.

  "I'll fight Sigrid alone," Zeryn's voice revealed no room for discussion.

  "I'll fight Reza," Evelyn similarly responded.

  "You guys..." Nathan stammered.

  But Zahra had already shouted.

  "You're all insane. Leaving Nathan and me to fight a Rare Aspect user and a genius Artificer?"

  Zeryn maintained his serious expression, not backing down.

  "Sigrid is no pushover. Trust me."

  "Neither is Reza," Evelyn said. "Only I know his cunning. His water control ability with Azure Dual Blades can only be countered by my ice."

  "Since when does Space Aspect sound inferior?" Zahra disagreed. "Just say you're settling personal scores. Talking circles around it only makes me despise you more."

  Seeing the tension, Nathan intervened, standing between Zahra and the other two.

  "We'll follow your plan."

  He raised his hand to stop words from both sides.

  "But I'm clear about one thing—if it doesn't work, we change the plan."

  No one objected further. Zahra knew saying more wouldn't help.

  The four on Zhanyu's side seemed to wait until Nathan's team finished discussing before stepping forward. They were also losing patience.

  Zeryn and Sigrid exchanged a glance and separated toward the left.

  Reza, dressed similarly to Evelyn, spread his arms and smiled, his eyes warm.

  "Evelyn, why are you with those weaklings? Your place should be here, beside me. If you want, I'm willing to let this victory be yours."

  Hearing this, Zhanyu raised his hand to his mouth as if about to vomit. Laurent chuckled through his armor's sound processing system.

  "Philistines," Reza scolded his teammates.

  "Let's fight again," Evelyn didn't respond to the offer. "You always held back when we were still in Azure Lake Academy. Now no one will judge if you use full force."

  "You speak as if you could win when I held back. If I use full force..."

  Whoosh!

  Evelyn launched continuous icebolts toward Reza.

  The top disciple of Azure Lake Academy narrowed his eyes, his hand grazing the air where the icebolts had passed.

  "There's a change in your ice power. You've made me interested. Very well! Show me. I'll defeat you quickly so you can sit quietly and watch me deal with the stupid teammates you chose."

  Even sitting still attracts bullets, Nathan silently cursed, knowing exactly who Reza was referring to.

  "How boring," Zhanyu glanced over and said. "Taking all the good dishes and leaving us the two worst."

  "Aren't you the same?" Nathan refused to back down. "Being ordered to stand still like that? I thought you were the strongest here."

  "Quite mouthy for a chef, aren't you?" Zhanyu smirked. "But besides your mouth, what are you strong at?"

  With a boom, Nathan raised his hand to block an invisible mass created by Zhanyu using Space Aspect.

  The ground below formed two holes almost knee-deep. Nevertheless, Nathan stood straight.

  Zahra rushed forward, clawing at the air, wind slashes cutting toward Zhanyu but blocked by a spatial defense layer. Turning her head, she cast a gust of wind, helping Nathan move back, avoiding the spatial mass.

  "Don't underestimate them," Laurent warned. "According to my analysis, he hasn't used his full physical strength to block your attack."

  Zhanyu frowned, somewhat annoyed, but didn't refute. Nathan's defensive capability had indeed startled him.

  With a wave of his hand, Zhanyu and Laurent distanced themselves from Nathan and Zahra.

  This confused everyone, including Laurent.

  "If they think we're the weakest, let them handle everything," Zhanyu said lazily. "We two are best at sabotage, aren't we?"

  Though not showing it externally, Laurent was smiling inside. He was truly exhausted after many days. Zhanyu's approach wasn't unappealing.

  "Damn it!" Nathan exclaimed.

  He immediately charged forward. Each time his leg muscles contracted, gathering strength, was another use of [Amplifying Strike] and [Flowing Strikes]. He glided through the wind, creating thunderous explosions with each ground impact.

  But when he'd advanced halfway, in the blink of an eye, he was back beside Zahra. Instantaneous displacement.

  "Damn it all!" he roared.

  Laurent spread his hand, barrels emerging from his fingertips, red energy beams shooting straight at their opponents.

  Nathan and Zahra had no difficulty evading these attacks. The main problem was advancing. Zahra's Wind Aspect attacks were all blocked by Zhanyu's invisible dome outside.

  They decided to advance together, using their movement techniques.

  Nathan bit his inner lip to activate [Quick Feet], his steps so fast they left afterimages.

  Zahra beside him created wind spheres in midair, moving in zigzag patterns. She also formed a large gale, pushing both herself and her teammate, increasing speed.

  Nevertheless, after more than halfway, Nathan was returned first, and Zahra appeared at her original position shortly after.

  "Careful!" Nathan shouted.

  He hooked his foot around Zahra's waist, then gently threw her aside. His other leg buckled under Zhanyu's invisible attack.

  Triggered [Tingling Sense]. One credit given.

  Triggered [Adrenaline Boost]. One credit given.

  Nathan lowered his arm, rotated slightly, using his two elbows to block two spatial masses striking from both sides.

  Zahra slid along the ground, quickly standing up. She leaped into the air, frantically throwing wind slashes to intercept missiles fired by Laurent.

  Loud explosions and flames filled the space. Zahra was knocked backward by residual force.

  Nathan used 5% Berserker to push away the pressures on his body, rushing to catch his teammate from behind.

  On the other side, Zeryn drew his sword, pointing directly at Sigrid.

  "Draw your sword!" he commanded.

  "I don't like your voice," Sigrid narrowed her eyes in annoyance, her red hair flowing behind her back with her anger.

  "What about you? You want to be drawn?" Zeryn asked out of nowhere.

  Sigrid was confused when The Resonating Blade in her hand trembled. The sword disobeyed, drawing itself from its sheath, the hilt hovering at Sigrid's hand position, as if requesting her to grasp it. It wanted to fight.

  "You...?" Sigrid looked at the old, curved sword, then at the young man. "You... How did you do that? Who are you?"

  "If you have to ask that question, it proves you lack the capability to know," Zeryn said coldly. "You have the capability to prove yourself here. Come, let's begin!"

  "Is this the Zeryn famous for his sweet talk with girls?" Sigrid mocked. "I don't understand why I'm receiving this treatment."

  "Because of it," Zeryn pointed to The Resonating Blade.

  Ignoring his opponent's puzzlement, Zeryn thrust forward. A sword coated with Sharp Aspect made the air hiss with each movement.

  Without hesitation, Sigrid grabbed the pleading sword, swinging it up.

  Clang!

  Equal forces separated them. With a skilled move, Zeryn spun around, thrusting again.

  The next sound was a clear, crisp clash. The Resonating Blade slid past Zeryn's face. Half of his broken sword flew past his eye, shooting backward in an arc, embedding into the battle floor.

  He jumped back to draw another sword. His mouth couldn't help but praise.

  "Resonance Aspect? No wonder he created a copy for you. Indeed, you are a suitable heir for The Resonating Blade."

  "First you scold me, now you praise?" Sigrid frowned. "Are you schizophrenic?"

  "Suitable but still needing to prove. Come."

  "Don't act like you're my master."

  Despite attacking with confidence, Zeryn's swords broke rather quickly. He analyzed this as resonance between Sigrid and The Resonating Blade. This inferior Honored Sword would need time to find the right frequency of materials to cut or weaken, not this fast. This effect came from Sigrid herself, the synchronization in calculating wavelengths.

  Zeryn was further surprised when his Sword Intent was somewhat disrupted. Not only did his opponent also possess Sword Intent, but Resonance Aspect could also neutralize and cut through what he was most confident in.

  Smiling, Zeryn advanced more bravely.

  Evelyn launched continuous ice attacks at her opponent. Reza simply created wave walls to block or guide the projectiles off course. When he tried approaching Evelyn, she created ice slides to run away, maintaining distance.

  Reza performed a similar technique.

  "Don't forget, Evelyn. This is a skill I taught you. So no matter how you run, you can't escape."

  Evelyn didn't respond, spreading her hand to release tiny ice particles. Even Reza's water froze before her new power.

  "Oh," Reza admired. "Your power has changed. No wonder you dare challenge me like this. But this still isn't enough."

  Reza's frozen water suddenly boiled from within. His level was high enough to control elements at the molecular level, making them self-oscillate to generate temperature, countering Evelyn.

  More frighteningly, after regaining control, Reza compressed water under high pressure, creating extremely sharp beams that cut through the ice layer imprisoning them, piercing through the ice wall Evelyn created for protection. She remained unharmed thanks to her experience fighting someone from the same academy. The face-aimed attacks—Reza always did this, then mocked with offensive, demeaning comments like now.

  "Oh, I hit your face again? I'm sorry. It would be a pity to bruise that beautiful face. But don't worry, whatever happens, I'll take care of you. Because no one cares for you as much as I do, right?"

  Evelyn rarely gritted her teeth, attacking again.

  Nathan glanced over everything, making his own assessment.

  He bitterly realized the entire team was at a disadvantage after the recent exchange.

  The opponent's team score was 3:0, his team was 2:1.

  If they lost, they could still possibly enter the top 64. But if Nathan lost, he definitely couldn't dream further.

  With a roar, he and his teammates charged forward.