Under the scorching desert sun, the team strode through the crowded streets of Sunbird City. Jason's smirk widened as he watched the crowd part like a sea—a rare thrill for someone who'd spent months hunted. The Colosseum, a 15-meter-diameter wooden arena suspended in mid-air, loomed ahead.
"The best seats aren't on the ground," Bai Er remarked, squinting at the floating platforms.
"Then we'll take one," Jason said, ignoring Bai Er's discomfort. He purchased tickets with 500 credits, the air-conditioned booth a welcome escape from the heat.
A woman in flowing robes approached. "Mr. Qiao? I'm Chen Nianyan from the Heart of Zen. Lord Yang invites you to a private viewing." Her voice was honeyed, but her eyes betrayed calculation.
Bai Er tensed. "Why should we trust you?"
"Because he wants you alive," she said, nodding at the floating platform where Qiao Ruidu lounged, his golden aura marking him as a Divine Enforcer.
Qiao Ruidu's smirk was icy. "Still 6th level? You've been busy avoiding upgrades."
Jason's fists clenched. "Saving points for when it matters."
"Admirable," Yang Taolin chuckled, adjusting his sleeves. "But you'll need more than pride to survive this city."
Bai Er leaned back, his umbrella casting a shadow. "Or maybe he'll just kill everyone in his way."
The tension snapped when a child no older than 15 floated from a nearby booth—a pet imp fed by King, a legendary attendee. "Cute, right?" Yang Taolin sneered. "Lucky charm for the big leagues."
Qiao Ruidu scoffed. "Lucky won't save him when I'm done."
The arena trembled as Zheng Yilong and Yu Hai ascended. Yu Hai's transformation was grotesque—a rhinoceros-man with tusks like spears and scales like armor.
"10th-level hybrid," Sherry whispered. "His hide could deflect cannon fire."
Zheng Yilong raised his arms, summoning a mud golem that towered over the beast. The crowd erupted as the two titans collided, mud and blood flying.
Yu Hai's claws raked the golem, cracking its core. With a roar, he dove into the fissure, emerging moments later to crush Zheng Yilong's ribs.
"Brutality is efficiency," Jason muttered, scribbling notes.
Zou Yidao's text arrived mid-fight: "He's watching. Stay alert."
Jason scanned the crowd. Among the sea of faces, a glint of silver—a hacker's cursor—flickered near the VIP section.
"Post-fight," he messaged. "We need that data."
Back in the booth, Bai Er's dagger trembled. "They're here. Both of them."
Victory belonged to Yu Hai, but the cost was clear—Zheng Yilong's body lay shattered, his Divine Enforcer emblem cracked.
Yang Taolin applauded. "A fine display! Perhaps you'll challenge me next, Jason?"
"Save the talk," Jason said, eyes locked on the horizon. "We've got a city to burn."
As the crowd dispersed, a figure emerged from the shadows—Fraudulent Shen Wufei, his golden retriever trailing behind.
"Game on," he whispered.