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n“Thank you for the warning, Senior. However, as the saying goes, ‘the sharpest sword is forged through the harshest fire, and the sweetest fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitterest cold,'” Howard replied with a light chuckle. “Without trials and tribulations, how can a young man grow? I’d prefer to face this enemy on my own.”

nIt wasn’t arrogance on Howard’s part but an understanding that if the Alliance were to take action, they wouldn’t go too far. Given the disparity between his apparent and actual abilities, he felt confident enough to handle whoever the Alliance might send.

nWhat Howard didn’t expect, however, was that his enemy was not from the Alliance.

nRick Suleiman studied Howard carefully, then nodded in approval. “Impressive. I haven’t misjudged you. That’s why I let that person go. If you change your mind, you can always come to me; I’ve taken the liberty of doing something to him.”

nAfter a pause, Rick added, “Today, besides informing you of this, I also have a piece of intelligence to share with you.”

n“What intelligence?” Howard’s eyes lit up, filled with anticipation.

nFor someone of Rick Suleiman’s caliber to personally deliver news, it must be significant.

n“If I’m not mistaken, you’re still in a basic class, right?” Rick said with a smile.

nBlinking in surprise, Howard asked, “Are you referring to something related to a hidden class?”

n“Exactly!” Rick nodded. “A few days ago, the Alliance held an auction where one of the items was information about a hidden class. Unfortunately, the person who won it got trapped in a ploy while drinking and, in a fit of emotion, revealed the information publicly.”

n“Now, almost every awakened who heard the news is rushing towards the location.”

n“The Alliance is quite concerned about this. Hidden classes are incredibly valuable, and their exposure could lead to major conflicts, even a storm of sorts!”

n“Being an official body, we can’t forcibly stop these people. We can only try to mitigate the impact of this storm.”

nHearing Rick Suleiman’s words, Howard quickly understood the situation. He wasn’t being presented with an opportunity out of goodwill; instead, it was a call for collaboration.

nIndeed, a partnership.

nIt was necessary. Rick Suleiman was powerful, perhaps even stronger than Shelley Chan, whom Howard had previously encountered. However, as a member of the Alliance, Rick couldn’t act freely, which was why he had approached Howard.

nOf course, Howard stood to benefit as well.

nWith a quick thought, Howard smiled and said, “Senior, are you suggesting that I seize this treasure and successfully become a hidden class, thus dissuading the others?”

n“Yes, exactly. Those people are like hyenas, unscrupulous in achieving their goals. Even if someone acquires the treasure, they will be besieged and hunted down. So, we plan to seize it the moment it appears, then lure everyone to one place and suppress them with our power,” Rick Suleiman explained. “Once we have drawn everyone to the location, I will organize a fair fight. If you can emerge victorious and stand till the end, we will protect you while you awaken the hidden class.”

n“Once the hidden class is awakened, the treasure will lose its purpose, and the others will naturally disperse.”

n“Since it’s a request from you, Senior, I will do my utmost,” Howard readily agreed.

nRefusing such an opportunity would be foolish!

nIn essence, a fool was tricked into revealing a piece of crucial information he had purchased expensively, thus broadcasting the news of a valuable artifact to everyone. The artifact, capable of awakening a hidden class, attracted many contenders.

nThe Alliance, as an official body, couldn’t intervene or seize the artifact directly, as that would likely provoke discontent among many cities. Being a conglomerate of various powers with shared interests, the Alliance had too many considerations to juggle. Additionally, their focus was on containing this brewing storm without causing significant upheaval.

nAt least, they couldn’t afford too many awakened beings to perish. Such a loss would represent a significant weakening of human strength overall.

nTherefore, the higher-ups in charge within the Alliance conceived a plan. They would first secure the artifact themselves, draw all the awakened contenders together, and then organize a competition. With their presence, the contenders vying for the artifact would likely avoid lethal conflicts. Once a victor emerged, the Alliance would protect the winner, allowing them to absorb the artifact and awaken the hidden class, thus resolving the issue.

nAfter finalizing this plan, Rick Suleiman, remembering Howard was still in a basic class, decided to assess whether Howard had the capability to seize the artifact. If Howard proved capable, Rick Suleiman wouldn’t mind offering him some benefits. While it wouldn’t entirely repay the favor Howard had done for him, it would at least offer some solace.

nIt must be said, Howard’s decision to not ask for any benefits at the time turned out to be remarkably prudent.

n“When and where will it take place? Is it far from Adia City?” Howard asked, gathering his thoughts.

n“In about a week’s time, and the location isn’t too far. It’s deep within the Dark Mausoleum near Saint City,” Rick Suleiman answered with a smile. “I remember that the monsters there are not of low level. While vying for the artifact, you could also seize the opportunity to eliminate some monsters and enhance your strength.”

nHearing this, a chill ran down Howard’s spine.

nFor some reason, the mere mention of the Dark Mausoleum sent shivers through him, which didn’t seem right. When he was around level 10, he had ventured into the Dark Mausoleum, where he not only killed a mentor but also slew creatures from an Extraplanar space.

nFurthermore, Howard had used the presence of a fire dragon to gradually wear down numerous monsters of level 60. Logically speaking, the Dark Mausoleum shouldn’t pose a significant threat to him. After all, the skeletal creatures, though high in attack power, were wraith-type beings with low HP and defense. Coupled with their slow attack and movement speeds, they were relatively less threatening to humans.

nBack then, at level 10, Howard could move freely around the outskirts of the mausoleum. Now, at level 33 and having mastered an array of higher-tier skills, why would he feel such trepidation? Could it be that the Dark Mausoleum had undergone changes, making it more dangerous than before?

nAs these thoughts swirled in his mind, Howard’s gaze turned contemplative.

nNoticing Howard’s unease, Rick Suleiman mistakenly thought he was intimidated by the reputation of the Dark Mausoleum and reassured him, “You needn’t worry. With us there, the monsters inside the Dark Mausoleum won’t pose a threat to you. Your only concern should be the people you’ll encounter.”

n“With the news of a treasure in the Dark Mausoleum, many will rush there. It’s bound to be a mix of characters, and you might come across some powerful individuals. You must be careful.”

nHoward nodded in response, “You’re right, Senior. I’ll be careful.”

n“Alright, since you’ve agreed, I’ll come find you at the academy in a few days. For now, try to enhance your strength as much as possible.”

nRick Suleiman patted Howard on the shoulder and said, “Though your equipment is of a high grade and you possess an impressive legacy, your level is still somewhat low. Your opponents this time are likely to be around level 50!”

n“Any higher-level players will be restricted from participating in the competition.”

nHearing this, Howard’s worries dissipated completely. If there were higher-level players, winning would indeed be challenging for him. But at around level 50, well, Howard had a good chance of overwhelming them.

nWhat a joke! With a supreme talent, an SSS-level gift, and an F-level talent, Howard could be considered one of the most gifted awakened in the world! Not to mention competing within his level, Howard could easily triumph even against those beyond his level.

nTake Dougton and his peers, for example. Were they weak? As top students of Holy Abyss Academy, with levels over 40, they were among the notable young people under 20 in the entire Alliance. However, they stood no chance against Howard.

nThere was no helping it. Having been enhanced by the special powers of the Oriental Divine Dragon and the Guardian Divine Dragon, Howard’s physical prowess alone matched that of a level 50 player. Coupled with his top-tier equipment, even level 60 players would struggle to compete with him.

nUnless, of course, the opponent also possessed a full set of Legendary-grade or Epic-grade equipment.

nIf Howard encountered such well-equipped awakened, he would need to be cautious. Without such luxurious gear, he wouldn’t need to worry at all — defeating them would be as easy as swatting mosquitoes. .

nNaturally, Howard wasn’t about to underestimate the awakened of the world. The key was to hold strategic contempt for the enemy while paying them due tactical respect.

nSeeing Howard agree to the proposal, Rick Suleiman didn’t linger any longer and left with a smile. Shortly after, the attendant emerged, interrupting Howard’s contemplation by presenting him with a Storage Bag.

n𝑖.𝘤ℴ𝘮

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