Chapter 175 - - Actually, I am an instructor_1

—————✧✧✧✧—————

“What’s your ranking?” the bartender with the keyword “decisive” asked, tossing a bottle of Rum to the Gunner.

“169,” the Gunner glanced at his personal panel, his expression somewhat dejected. “What about you?”

“A bit higher than yours, 152,” the bartender forced a wry smile. “That damn Paul disrupted everyone’s pace; I’ve never seen anything like it. In less than a month, there are fewer than 200 candidates left in the exam hall. He’s downright crazy.”

“Wonder what his keyword is?” the Gunner asked lazily as he lay back on the deck.

“A shit-stirrer, I guess!” the bartender said with a bitter laugh. “I can’t think of a more fitting keyword for him.”

“If he’s a shit-stirrer, what does that make us?” The Gunner gave him a look and sighed. “Honestly, when I got this keyword, I knew there was no hope for this simulation. I just wanted to perform well, see if I could get the instructor to notice my understanding of the keyword, and maybe get a chance to be a reserve warrior. Now, that guy has stolen all the limelight.”

“It’s a game of luck to begin with,” the bartender shook his head. “I hope that damn bastard keeps his good luck on the Alien Battlefield! But I just can’t accept it. We should have had more time to develop…”

“I can’t accept it either,” the Gunner said. “I’d rather risk getting eliminated myself than let a shit-stirrer like him stay in the game. His behavior is just disgusting. I also didn’t expect General Mikaro and Mahamadu to be candidates either, and the ones who took possession of them are pretty lucky to have such a head start.”

“At least they’re not as annoying.” The bartender took a big gulp of alcohol. “Before Paul showed up, they were playing by the rules.”

“With the fame General Mikaro and Mahamadu have, just doing a few things that fit their keywords can impact the course of the world. They can’t possibly be outside the top ten. I don’t understand what they are still fighting for?” The Gunner frowned. “Do you think they might lure us over to kill us, just to solidify their rankings?”

“It’s unlikely,” the bartender shook his head. “After all, each candidate around increases the risk by a notch. If someone assassinates them and takes their ranking, they would have failed miserably. Those in the top ten wouldn’t do something so foolish.”

“Are you saying their rankings might not be in the top ten?” the Gunner asked.

“It’s possible,” the bartender said. “A clever candidate would suppress their own ranking, keeping it between 10 and 30 to ensure their strength while hiding themselves. Then, near the end, they’ll make a move on the top ten to secure a good ranking.”

“I can’t imagine how world-renowned figures can suppress their rankings. Every move they make affects the world,” said the Gunner.

“Who cares. That’s our only hope for victory,” the bartender shook his head, throwing the empty bottle into the sea. “Maybe they just want to compete with Paul for first place in the simulation. Anyway, our ranking is so low, killing them wouldn’t increase our attributes much. Better to try our luck. I’d rather die by Mikaro’s hand than be eliminated in obscurity.”

“You’re right,” the Gunner stretched and said. “With all the commotion General Mikaro has caused, he’s bound to make the top ten. It’s good karma to connect with him. If he becomes a reserve warrior and we’ve helped him, he might even give us a helping hand. I’ll pass on the top ten slots with a little bit of effort… Let him have it…”

…

On the Watcher.

General Mikaro stood on the deck, with the navy bustling about, transporting supplies onto the ship.

Vito stood by his side, appearing cautious.

General Mikaro, with his hands behind his back, said, “Was Antonio the one you sent to deal with Mahamadu?”

“Yes,” Vito replied.

“Paul sent you to my side to mess with my plans, didn’t he!” General Mikaro, twirling the Ring of Gravity in his hand, asked, “So, he knows your keyword and skills!”

“Yes,” Vito nodded again.

“Why are you so foolish as to listen to him? By staying by his side, you could have been more effective. With the right use of your keyword, you might even have had a chance to assassinate him,” General Mikaro said.

“My keyword doesn’t work on him,” Vito said. “So, leaving him was the best choice.”

“It’s not working?” Admiral Mikaro furrowed his brow and suddenly asked, “Having been with him the longest, can you discern what his key word might be? Is it chaos?”

“Not quite.” Vito shook his head, “His actions are numerous and varied. For a while, I even thought he was just a lucky native who had learned about the key word from another contestant.”

“What’s your rank now?” Admiral Mikaro asked.

“After moving Antonio, my rank is 33.” Vito said humbly, “General, I didn’t expect that you were also a contestant.”

Admiral Mikaro turned to glance at him and said, “Vito, stay as my aide. You can freely command my warships, but I want you to contribute during the battle against Paul.”

“General, my advancement skill doesn’t work on Paul,” Vito said hesitantly.

“It’s not aimed at Paul, but at Jannie beside him. I need you to lure Jannie away from Paul’s side. As long as Paul doesn’t pass the Sea God Scepter to Jannie, the simulation won’t end, and the rest of the contestants will still have a chance to show themselves,” Admiral Mikaro said indifferently.

“A chance to show themselves?” Vito was taken aback.

“Vito, I know your skill can influence my thoughts, even my decisions, but I still keep you and trust you. Do you know why?” Admiral Mikaro turned back, looking at Vito.

“Why?”

“Because my true identity is that of an instructor,” Admiral Mikaro replied. “Warriors descended from the Alien Battlefield enter the simulation to increase the difficulty for you, to let you experience the cruelty of the Alien Battlefield. But now, Paul has disrupted the plan, and many contestants in the simulation haven’t even had an opportunity to perform, so I must eradicate this hidden threat and provide everyone with a fair competition. Do you understand what I mean?”

“An instructor?” Vito’s eyes widened.

“Correct. Starting a simulation requires a considerable cost, and to end it prematurely would not meet our expectations,” Admiral Mikaro continued. “I promise you that if you complete the task I assign you, even if you don’t make it to the top ten, I will still give you a chance as a warrior reserve.”

Gulp!

Vito swallowed hard, “Really?”

“Of course, I have privileges in and of myself,” Admiral Mikaro smiled, “otherwise, why do you think I could take over Admiral Mikaro? Do you think that’s a coincidence?”

“General Mikaro, your wisdom is unmatched in this world…” Vito looked at Mikaro and expertly started to flatter him, intending to probe the truth, but before he could finish, a tremendous pressure suddenly weighed on his shoulders. He promptly closed his mouth, looking awkwardly at Mikaro.

“Vito, I allow you to exert authority on my behalf, but I don’t want to see you using flattery on me again,” Admiral Mikaro said with a smile, looking at Vito, “I must keep a clear head before the final battle with Paul.”

“…” Vito gave a sheepish smile, “Alright.”

“Go! Assign some tasks to my generals under my command, and strive to improve your own attributes. Remember, keep the secret, and don’t let more people know about my promise to you.” Admiral Mikaro twirled the ring on his hand, releasing the pressure on Vito, waved his hand, and dismissed him.

Once Vito was beyond his perceptive range.

He then ordered his adjutant to bring forward another contestant, “Jimmy, if I recall, your keyword is ‘freedom,’ right?”

The contestant named Jimmy nodded, looking listless.

Admiral Mikaro looked at him and asked, “Do you know why I didn’t kill you?”

“Although you didn’t kill me, you have imprisoned me, and my attributes are at their lowest,” Jimmy responded impatiently with a huff, “It would’ve been better if you had killed me!”

“Jimmy, you’re aware of the situation outside. Actually, my identity is that of an instructor, the kind from the Alien Battlefield…” Admiral Mikaro looked at Jimmy, his expression serene, and repeated what he had said to Vito earlier, “… I must restore normalcy to the simulation, to provide all contestants with a fair chance at competition. If I promise you a warrior reserve position, would you use your skills to help me?”

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦