Spirit Master Girl: Contracting with an SSS-Level School Beauty at the Start-Chapter 53: Intense and Complex Struggle for the Secret Realm

Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Intense and Complex Struggle for the Secret Realm

Qin Wanfeng continued, "Indeed, as you’ve mentioned, this mission is fraught with peril, nine deaths for every life."

"But with your capabilities as a First Grade Spirit Master, you can employ powerful Spirit Manipulation Techniques. I believe there are few within the same realm who can match you. Hence, entering the Secret Realm this time, you have a ninety-nine percent chance of victory."

"What about the remaining one percent?"

At this question, Qin Wanfeng couldn’t help but turn serious, "That remaining one percent is actually the most crucial. It lies in the likelihood that this won’t be a free-for-all, but rather a group battle where it’s one against many!"

"What do you mean?" Xiao Zhan became somber.

One-on-one, he feared no one of the same realm.

But one against many, how is that different from seeking death?

Qin Wanfeng also felt bitter about this; such matters were beyond his control.

He explained, "Since the transformation, our Federation Government has quickly become the world’s strongest federation, relying on the heritage and evolution of martial arts scriptures. One superpower amidst many nations, thus we’ve been labeled the Super Federation."

"With such strength, we’ve mostly been victorious in every Secret Realm competition, achieving an almost terrifying success rate of eighty percent."

"However, this has also led to dissatisfaction among other federations. In recent years, we’ve been losing continuously, with four consecutive defeats. Four defeats mean eight talents lost. Any federation would find such losses unbearable."

Qin Wanfeng was deeply pained.

Although he accepted that talents needed trials for growth, such losses that went beyond metrics were still unacceptable to him.

Xiao Zhan was somewhat surprised; four consecutive losses.

An eighty percent win rate, and yet two losses were already hard to accept, let alone four consecutive ones?

It was almost unbelievable.

"So, have they secretly banded together against us?" Xiao Zhan asked.

"Yes."

Qin Wanfeng looked at Xiao Zhan with approval.

He was quick-witted, getting to the point with just a slight hint.

Jiang Wenfu had recommended him, and at first, Qin Wanfeng thought Xiao Zhan was just a brute killer and was somewhat worried. But now, it seemed that Xiao Zhan was not only strong but also possessed a sharp mind.

Qin Wanfeng continued, "After an investigation into the usage of the Secret Realm following past competitions, we discovered that many of those who entered the realm were from other federations."

"This was unprecedented. Secret Realm resources are abundant and essential for cultivating strong individuals. Their significance is comparable to the ancient oil territory disputes of the Element Years. Especially these low-risk realms, they are literally paradises on earth, and sharing development with others wouldn’t be a choice one normally makes."

"Therefore, all these anomalies can only suggest one thing — that they had made an agreement before the competition for the Secret Realm began."

Xiao Zhan understood; weaker federations often lost and couldn’t get resources, which meant they couldn’t improve their comprehensive strength.

Naturally, this led to fear and apprehension, fearing annihilation by Demon Beasts as well as being swallowed by more powerful nations.

Choosing to unite, although receiving less of the spoils, was still better than getting none at all.

This was something one could comprehend.

"But in that case, aside from the ultimate survivor, wouldn’t all the others united have to die?"

No sooner had he spoken these words than Xiao Zhan suddenly realized a harsh truth.

Compared to important resources for the Federation, what did the sacrifice of a talent matter?

It was utterly insignificant.

Furthermore, what made the governments of various federations agree to cooperate without hesitation was the fact that even if they did not unite, these people would die anyway!

Because the rules of competing for the Secret Realm stipulate that only one person is allowed to emerge alive.

However, such a way of death can’t help but be disheartening.

Seeing Xiao Zhan’s grim expression, Qin Wanfeng guessed his thoughts, "Indeed, this is somewhat disheartening, but that’s the cruel reality. The development of a federation always requires the sacrifices of those who are willing to give their lives."

"They know it leads to death, yet they do not hesitate. Aren’t our current peace and prosperity also built upon the flesh and blood of our ancestors?"

On this point, Qin Wanfeng mentioned, Xiao Zhan felt it even more profoundly.

This was because he came from another world and was removed by over a hundred New Element Years of history from them.

However, it was precisely for this reason that he had a deeper understanding of the Element Years’ history than these people.

Those painful injuries, those who bravely marched forward – as a descendant of the Element Years, Xiao Zhan would never forget.

Seeing Xiao Zhan’s expression, Qin Wanfeng knew that he was a patriotic person.

He then said, "In fact, no country is willing to sacrifice its talents. Previously, federations used an arena battle format, but as you know, they simply couldn’t win."

"In desperation after repeated losses, they banded together to change the method of competition, turning it into the current brutal mode where everyone enters the Secret Realm to fight, with only the final survivor emerging alive."

"Moreover, it has evolved to become even more intense over the past two years."

"Even more intense? Is there something more fierce than joining forces?" Xiao Zhan asked.

This competition between federations, it’s so complex?

Qin Wanfeng nodded, the look in his eyes turning from relaxed to laden with grave concern as he faced Xiao Zhan.

"Yes, previously federations would select the most outstanding among the First Grade Spirit Masters for the competition, partly because outstanding students are strong enough to have a greater chance of winning. On the other hand, these students represent the face of the federation, and a victory could enhance the soft power of the federation, attracting more talents."

"But this approach has changed as they became more desperate."

"According to the investigation by our undercover agents, many federations have already swapped students with Death Soldiers!"

"These Death Soldiers may not be highly talented, but they’ve been fighting with death since they were young, and every survivor possesses uncommon killing techniques. For students to fight against them is to be completely overpowered!"

"Is sending Death Soldiers against the rules?" Xiao Zhan asked.

"Not against the rules, as the regulations only stipulate that strength must not exceed that of a First Grade Spirit Master; there are no rules regarding status or age," Qin Wanfeng shook his head.

"Then why don’t we send Death Soldiers? Our Federation Government should have them, right?"

"Of course, we do," Qin Wanfeng nodded, "But the problem comes back to another point — we only have one Death Soldier, whereas theirs are united. We’ve sent them twice and still lost."

"Then why don’t we form an alliance with other federations?"

"Our federation is vast and rich, the Secret Realms many, but most are highly dangerous. For a low-risk Secret Realm like this, it’s considered a welfare benefit, and we don’t even have enough for our own people – how could we possibly share with others?"

"Moreover, cooperative development of a Secret Realm also carries risks."

"So, you think by sending me, I can win against those Death Soldiers?" Xiao Zhan posed this critical question.