There were few seconds of very, very, very awkward silence.
For the first time in forever, his πππ¦πππ₯ππ π has failed, especially when one of the rule breakers was his newly proclaimed nephew.
"I mean he is technically an Elite as well... so he must have tricks up his sleeve." He murmured with zero confidence.
"Still as blur as usual..." Jiao sighed, slapping his forehead.
[Good luck kiddos. Destiny awaits.]
Night has fallen. Only 4 people remained. Elder Yan, Jiao, Petal and a curious, young boy who was just purely watching for the suspense.
The rest waited in the beginning, but soon left as they lost their patience, assuming that the two reckless divers were probably dead.
The scientists have vacated the area not long after, presumably to be returning to their bunkers.
While Petal strolled around the pond in circles with anxiety and stress, Elder Yan and Jiao were not as worried, bearing high expectations as they managed to vaguely detect two sources of life under the relentless Aura Accruing Pond.
They were obliged to work together to repel the tortuous waters with their Spiritual Energy and prevent it from damaging their Spiritual Projection.
Blub~ Blub~
Rapid sounds of bubbles popping reverberated in the vacant area, accompanied with the irregular beeping of machines.
The young boy rubbed his eyes. Was he hallucinating?
As the frequency of bubbles increased, he yelled exuberantly.
"They're alive. I can't believe it!"
All attention shifted onto the Pool of Endurance, and two figures emerged. Atlas and Nova collapsed on the ground, gasping intensely for air.
"You guys are alive! I'm so relieved." Petal patted her undulating chest, forcing Nova to put breathing aside and take a glance.
After drying themselves with Aura, Nova noticed her stage of cultivation.
"You're a Tier 2 Expert?! Have we been down there for weeks?"
"No silly. Don't underestimate me!" Petal pouted her lips grumpily, rolling her eyes.
"Atlas! Nova! Your cultivation!" Elder Yan gasped, shaking with disbelief and admiration.
Both of them were at the apex of Tier 2 Elites, teetering on the edge of becoming Tier 3 Tyros.
He was flabbergasted. At that time and age, wasn't he still an Aura User fighting to become an Axonn?
Escalating from an ordinary Tier 1 Axonn, to nearly a powerful Tier 3 Axonn in one day; that is not something he could ever achieve.
Swinging his arm to feel his strength, Atlas smiled with satisfaction.
"Anyway. Atlas, Nova. This guy beside me used to be my student, now working as one of the co-leaders for the Sea Arena."
[Co-leader?] Atlas turned to the man who had a long sword on his back and bowed with respect. The title indicated his high position.
"So you're the mischievous Atlas? I heard one of the heads in the Coiling Dragon Arena gave you a green light. You do fulfill the requirements though. Impressive. By the way, I'm Jiao." Jiao said.
"Sorry, but what do you mean by Co-leader in the Sea Arena?" Atlas asked. Nova also displayed confusion.
"Let me specify." Elder Yan butted in. "The different Arenas are just a vague explanation of the whole system here. If you break it down to more detailed information, every member from different Arenas form teams and have their respective duties. Earth Arena members are the back ups and support, Sea Arena members are the scouts and collect intelligence, while Sky Arena and Galaxy Arena members are the leading demolition squads..."
"Which means they are violent and brutal barbarians." Jiao ended the sentence abruptly.
He crossed his arm before his chest. "I'm offering a position to both of you. Join my stream and you'll receive numerous benefits with extra perks."
Hearing this, Atlas was kinda hesitant. Well, he isn't really that type of guy who'd be scouting, and instead more like a violent and brutal barbarian.
Compared to the all powerful Sky and Galaxy Arena, which he is truly looking forward to, reconnaissance isn't alluring at the very least.
"Thank you for your generous invitation, Mr. Jiao. But as a newbie, I have yet to obtain enough trust or attachment to the Coiling Dragon Arena. May I take some time to evaluate this offer, perhaps after discovering more about this glorious arena?"
"Speak in simpler terms, what do you mean by that, child?" The confident grin on his face vanished, replaced by a cold snare.
Tremendous pressure mixed with Spiritual Energy exerted onto Atlas mercilessly.
He turned to Nova. "How about you?"
Stubbornly, Nova conveyed the same indication. Another robust presence pervaded from Jiao, pinning onto Nova.
Both of them clenched their jaw forcefully to endure the pain, unable to breathe normally.
They raised their head, expecting to meet Jiao's serious glare. However, only to witness a long lasting smirk imprinted on his face. The pressure subsided, and both of them shuddered, wheezing for air even more eagerly than exiting the waters.
Jiao left the area, throwing down few words and his shadow. "Atlas and Nova eh? I like you two. Strong and determined personality."