Chapter 199: Assembly Begins

Chapter 199: Assembly BeginsThe Rose Clan leader weighed Apollo’s strength carefully, recognizing his immense potential. After witnessing his effortless handling of Marianne’s strongest attack, there was little doubt that Apollo could make a serious impact in the Ten Clan Assembly.

With a measured nod, the leader accepted him. "With your strength, you should be able to reach the top hundred, maybe even higher," the clan leader said, his voice filled with hope.

If he achieves that, the resources they’ll receive will be immense. Their clan could grow exponentially, securing their future for the next century. They won’t remain a weak clan any longer.

But the main question remains, "What do you want, Mr. Apollo, from Rose Clan?" She asked, as from the strength he showed, he could even look for stronger clans, and they, even at the last moment, would gladly open their arms for him.

Apollo smiled, knowing what she was thinking, but it didn’t matter from which clan he fought; it was best if it was a weaker clan, as he wasn’t from this world and didn’t want to meet powerful gods directly, as he could not be sure they could figure it out.

"Don’t worry, I need nothing—just the prize from the Ten Clan Assembly will do," Apollo said calmly. His confidence radiated in his words. He knew that the rewards for reaching the top hundred were substantial, filled with treasures and resources enough to last most participants for decades.

The Rose Clan leader nodded, although it was a simple request still relieved by Apollo’s straightforwardness. "Agreed. We’ll fully support you in this assembly. If you reach the top ranks, it will benefit both of us."

His casual dismissal of any reward other than the Ten Clan Assembly’s prize only deepened her curiosity about his true motives. For someone of his strength to ally with them instead of seeking out a larger, more established clan suggested layers to his plan that she couldn’t quite discern.

"Very well," she replied with a steady nod. "We shall finalize the arrangements and prepare for the Assembly. Our clan’s resources and support will be at your disposal." Her tone became formal, signalling the conclusion of their agreement.

Apollo gave a slight nod, his mind already shifting towards the future. As long as he kept his true origins and abilities hidden from the more powerful entities, he would be able to proceed with minimal interference.

The clan leader stood, gesturing for Marianne and the others to follow suit. "You will be introduced to the rest of the clan shortly. We’ll ensure that everything is ready for your participation. I trust you’ll make your own preparations in the meantime."

Apollo smiled faintly. "Of course. I’ll be ready."

As he turned to leave the room, Marianne gave him one last lingering glance, still processing the sheer gap in their abilities. Yet, rather than resentment, a newfound respect seemed to glimmer in her eyes.

Outside the inn, Apollo’s thoughts returned to his true objective. His first step was completed without any trouble; then let’s see how the Ten Clan Assembly progresses tomorrow.

He stepped out into the cool evening air, his eyes glancing upward, toward the distant sky. Although the Rose clan had arranged a place for him, he still strolled around the city, as the better to know more, the better in this unknown world.

Apollo returned to the inn the next morning after exploring the city the previous night. The hustle and bustle never seemed to fade, even late into the night, with a constant flow of people and activity surrounding the Ten Clan Assembly.

Upon returning to the inn where the Rose Clan was staying, Apollo finally met the other four participants who would be competing alongside him. Marianne, whom he had already met, was present, and the other three were not bad in terms of strength, around the same level as her.

However, one of them stood out: a proud, handsome guy with a face that looked like an idol. He had an aura of confidence that set him apart, and Apollo could sense that he had already broken into the Saint rank, making him a bit stronger than the others.

They then got to know each other as they introduced themselves.

Marianne greeted him with a nod, still slightly humbled after their previous encounter. The others, three participants whom Apollo hadn’t yet met, eyed him carefully, gauging his strength just as he had been assessing them.

The first to introduce himself was a young woman named Alara. She had striking emerald eyes and carried herself with poise. Next was Brune, a stocky man with a serious demeanour.

Finally, the man who had stood out to Apollo introduced himself last, his voice smooth and confident. "Matheo," he said, flashing a charming smile that only seemed to intensify his proud, handsome features.

Matheo’s eyes briefly flickered as he evaluated Apollo, though he concealed his thoughts with a well-practiced air of confidence. "So, you’re the mysterious new addition?" he asked, his voice pleasant but with an undertone of challenge.

Apollo merely smiled, offering a calm response. "Yes, I suppose that’s me."

There was a moment of silence as the tension hung in the air, but Apollo remained composed. But silently, both of their auras collided, and after that, they calmed down.

Matheo finally gave a half-smile, as if deciding to let the matter rest for now. "Good." And said nothing else.

Marianne, Alara, and Brune all exchanged glances, a quiet understanding passing between them. They knew that with Matheo and Apollo in the group, their chances of standing out in the assembly had increased dramatically.

After their small meeting, Apollo and the Rose clan went to the venue where the clan assembly was going to be held.

The venue for the Ten Clan Assembly was a vast arena, larger than he expected. Its towering walls and grand architecture reflected the importance of the event. Thousands of spectators had already gathered, their anticipation filling the air as warriors from various clans prepared for the challenge ahead.

The energy was palpable, and Apollo could feel the intensity of countless powerful auras converging in one place. The intensity wasn’t much less than the gathering of the eastern continent in Rion.

As Apollo and the Rose Clan approached, they were greeted by a representative who directed them to their assigned seating area. The clans were all given private booths that overlooked the central arena, each booth adorned with the emblem of its respective clan.

The Rose Clan’s booth, though modest compared to the larger, more prestigious clans, still held a place of honour among the participants.

Inside, the clan’s leader was already waiting for them, her gaze steady as she watched the bustling activity below. She glanced at Apollo and the others, her expression unreadable. "The Ten Clan Assembly is about more than just brute strength. You’ll need to be careful of every move and rely on each other in the challenges ahead," she said, her voice firm yet encouraging.

Apollo remained silent, his eyes scanning the nearby booths and the warriors within them. His sharp senses quickly identified several strong contenders.

Each clan seemed to have at least one formidable fighter, but none immediately stood out as a direct threat. Still, Apollo knew better than to underestimate anyone. The assembly was sure to attract hidden talents and surprises.

Matheo, who had been quiet since their introduction, leaned casually against the railing, his confident smirk still in place. "Looks like the competition will be fierce," he remarked, his tone playful but with an edge. "This should be fun."

Marianne, standing next to him, glanced at Apollo. "How do you feel about this?" she asked, her voice more respectful than before. It was clear that she now regarded him as a crucial part of their team, especially after witnessing his strength firsthand.

Apollo, ever calm, simply shrugged. "I’ll do what’s necessary."

As the group settled into their seats, the arena’s atmosphere became more electric. The opening ceremony was about to begin, and the crowd’s excitement surged. Apollo could feel the anticipation rising within him as well. This was the moment where everything would be tested.

At the far end of the arena, the massive gates creaked open, revealing a vast, imposing figure. A deep, booming voice echoed through the space, commanding attention. "Welcome to the Ten Clan Assembly!" the voice announced, its power resonating through the air.

Suddenly, an old man appeared in the centre of the arena, his presence overwhelming. His aura was immense—unfathomable, far surpassing even the half-god level. His very presence made the atmosphere heavier as if the space itself bent to his will.

Marianne, standing beside Apollo, noticed his questioning look and quickly explained, sensing that he might not know who the man was. "That’s the deputy head of the Titania Clan, one of the ten strongest clans and the organizer of this year’s assembly," she whispered.

But his expression became a bit weird as he felt the same kind of aura that he felt on the three naked women.