Chapter 223
"This is leading to what? Is this still the Tri-School Competition?"
[AbilityRhapsodyNo.0: Good grief, I thought once the Black Flash issue was resolved, this arc would end. Who knew one wave would follow another, and now a bunch of 'underground party' folks show up? How unreliable is the Ability Governnt? They didn’t even know there was a huge hole under their own venue.]
[No.1: That crowd of shadows scared to death.]
[No.2: Maybe because the hole is really deep, but who would live underground?]
[No.3: I feel like those guys might be Nightmare Beasts.]
[No.4 replying to No.3: No way, Nightmare Beasts would attack humans on sight, right?]
[No.5: Why stop here? Why stop here? Why stop here? Why stop here?]
[No.6: Feels like a horror movie vibe.]
[…]
[No.13: Actually, one thing’s odd. Didn’t Cyril say the arena’s Barrier could only hold off the teachers for twenty minutes max? Doesn’t that an they’d all be rescued after twenty minutes? If so, what’s the point of falling down?]
[No.14 replying to No.13: You’re right!]
[No.15 replying to No.13: In that case, this underground cave probably can’t be re-entered quickly. Hmmm, like a secret realm in male-oriented fantasy novels?]
[No.16: Sounds more like a cave that requires specific conditions to enter, like only those on the arena at that mont can get in?]
[No.17 replying to No.16: I think you’re onto sothing. I’ll guess too. I bet it’s a cave only those with secrets can enter!]
[No.18: My turn! I guess only people who are exactly surprised can enter!]
[No.19: That’s a wild angle. Then I’ll guess only good-looking people can enter the cave (confident).]
[No.20 replying to No.19: Hahahahaha, you’re the real abstract one.]
[…]
[No.106: I’m saying, the author barely gave any info, so how’s this thread so tall? Turns out you’re all brainstorming in here.]
[No.107: Too abstract, your ideas are too abstract. First ti I realized there could be so many possibilities.]
[No.108: Setting a chair here. When next week’s results co out, I’ll reply to whoever guessed right. Guaranteed kick.]
[No.109 replying to No.108: Squatting.]
[No.110 replying to No.108: Squatting.] The most update n0vels are published on novel✶fire
[No.111 replying to No.108: Squatting.]
[…]
After reading the post, Su Bei was amazed. Human imagination truly knew no bounds. Coming up with nearly 100 floors of possibilities was impressive. So guesses were half-right, suggesting the cave opened because they caused chaos in the arena.
But others quickly debunked this, pointing out the venue had hosted the Tri-School Competition before without such incidents.
Su Bei could only think it was because no one had dug the hole this deep before.
As he was about to check another post, Zuzong and Li Bowen returned. Everyone had mostly grouped by school, as those chosen for the competition had worked together for a while and were more familiar.
As soon as he entered, Zuzong excitedly said, “I just perfectly bonded with the locals! They almost swore brotherhood with !”
“What did you do?” Su Bei raised an eyebrow.
Zuzong grinned proudly: “I let them play Candy Crush on my phone. They’re hooked! And I’ve got puzzles, marbles, and tons of offline gas. No worry they won’t like them. With these gas, even if so don’t like us, the kids or even adults can offer so protection.”
Su Bei’s mouth twitched. He didn’t comnt on the plan’s feasibility, only asking a key question: “What happens when the phone runs out of battery?”
At that, Zuzong’s happy smile froze: “…No one brought a charger?”
“You tell .”
Zuzong’s joy vanished. He suddenly rembered sothing and rushed out: “I gotta get my phone back before they drain it!”
Li Bowen followed, not forgetting to bid Su Bei farewell: “Ignore this fool, Little Green, always acting on impulse. We’ll discuss this place when we’re back.”
But Su Bei didn’t think Zuzong was foolish. On the contrary, his ga-“bribery” idea sparked inspiration. To openly visit soone’s ho, this was the best approach.
Using phone gas to attract kids wasn’t reliable, as Su Bei noted—they had no power banks. Gas were battery hogs; how long could a phone last?
But regular gas wouldn’t work either. Living underground so long without electronics, they’d surely invented many entertainnt thods.
Non-electronic gas would struggle to interest them, so they needed a different approach.
Su Bei quickly thought of a good thod. Even in modern society, entertainnt boiled down to gas, sports, and reading. Since the first two wouldn’t work, why not the third? Just then, Jiang Tianming’s group returned in a grand procession, having t on the way. With everyone gathered, they began sharing their findings.
“We found the cave we fell through, but it’s guarded, so we didn’t approach rashly,” Qiao Mu spoke first. She and Huangfu Mingzhe had a clear goal, heading straight for the cave after splitting up.
Due to her Ability, Qiao Mu could see in the dark and had deliberately morized the route, making it easy to retrace.
After she finished, Huangfu Mingzhe shared his theory: “They’re guarding the entrance, so they probably don’t want us leaving easily. If they don’t take us there tomorrow, we’ll lure the guards away and force our way out.”
He then recalled sothing else: “When I fought the clan leader today, he felt pretty weak. The extra hands were tricky, but he had no combat skills. Dealing with him wasn’t hard.”
Huangfu Mingzhe’s “not hard” applied only to those with strong physical skills like Su Bei or Zuzong. If Qiao Mu fought the clan leader without Abilities, she’d likely lose quickly.
“Aren’t you forgetting sothing?” Jiang Tianming suddenly countered. “The clan leader didn’t use special abilities, but that doesn’t an he doesn’t have them. Since these underground humans beca this way due to externalized Abilities, they must have corresponding powers. Just because we can’t use ours doesn’t an they can’t.”
This made everyone realize the truth. Cyril had clearly said these people were Ability users. They hadn’t used Abilities earlier, but that didn’t an they lacked them.
“Then why didn’t he use his Ability against ?” Huangfu Mingzhe asked, annoyed that his plan was disrupted.
Si Zhaohua answered without hesitation: “Because you emphasized fairness. They thought you had no Ability, so they didn’t use theirs.”
Huangfu Mingzhe had no retort, only sneering: “We’re outnumbered and can’t win. If they insist on keeping us, what do we do?”
“Let’s decide based on tomorrow’s situation,” Jiang Tianming said, unfazed, moving to his findings. “While looking for the way, we overheard the clan leader discussing us with others.”
The clan leader’s attitude toward them was key to their escape, so everyone listened intently: “The clan leader’s attitude was decent, saying to treat us well. But among those he spoke with, so wanted to kill us. They said keeping us would cause trouble, so it’s better to kill us.”
Wu Mingbai continued: “We asked around after leaving. Those people were clan leaders from various tribes. Six in total—three wanted to kill us, two wanted to treat us well, and one stayed neutral, saying they’d observe further.”
As expected of the protagonist, stumbling upon a clan leader eting. Su Bei listened casually, half-paying attention to their intel exchange.
Soon it was their group’s turn. Si Zhaohua shared that Caige had been to the surface and ntioned Xiao Fan. He also included their speculation.
Hearing Xiao Fan wanted to lead his tribe to the surface, Zuzong exclaid excitedly: “Then we can promise him! Offer them a place to live in exchange for getting us out. The Ability Governnt shouldn’t mind allocating so land for them. Their appearance might cause exclusion, but if they live sowhere remote, it should…”
“Aren’t you being too naive?” Huangfu Mingzhe interrupted mockingly before he finished. “The surface and underground are practically two civilizations. How could you think two civilizations can peacefully rge?”
Though both were human, centuries of divergence made them vastly different. Even identical groups could conflict, let alone different ones.
Despite the underground population being far smaller than the surface’s, occupying little land if they succeeded, history was full of greedy nations assuming strength and seeking to conquer and enslave.
Xiao Fan might not think this way, but assuming pure goodwill from the start was foolish.
Huangfu Mingzhe’s words stunned Zuzong, who hadn’t considered this. But he wasn’t dumb. Though naive initially, Huangfu Mingzhe’s point made him understand.
Pouting, Zuzong quickly thought of another idea: “No worries. We just need him to take us to the surface. We can act fully trusting during that ti. Once we’re back, it’s our ho turf.”
Amazed at Zuzong’s quick shift, everyone looked at him. Huangfu Mingzhe’s eyes showed a hint of approval: “Your brain’s not broken after all.”
As for Caige possibly knowing how to reach the surface, Qiao Mu volunteered: “If needed tomorrow, I can suggest visiting her ho to look for clues.”
“I’ll go too,” Lan Subing quietly offered.
Since they were seeking information, one person couldn’t go alone. Soone needed to distract the locals, or how could an unfamiliar guest be left in a room with major secrets?
As it was a woman’s ho, another woman was less likely to raise suspicion. Though socially anxious, Lan Subing never shirked duty when needed.
Li Bowen adjusted his glasses: “Two’s feels like too few. Add .”
One to stall, one to search was pushing it. A third person would make it safer.
“By the way, did you ask about Xiao Fan’s identity?” Jiang Tianming, deep in thought, suddenly asked. He explained: “This guy seems long interested in the surface. If Huangfu Mingzhe’s right, he must know so surface matters. His ho might have what we need.”
Indeed, Su Bei’s group had overlooked this. Like Caige, Xiao Fan was a knower, but since Caige clearly knew more, they’d subconsciously ignored him.
“Why does it feel like everyone here knows about the surface?” Zuzong couldn’t help but gripe. “Are they feigning ignorance to trick and test us?”
Wu Mingbai barely resisted rolling his eyes, mockingly saying with a sunny smile: “Wow, they’re so clever! Fooling us all in perfect sync the mont we arrived.”
After planning, everyone returned to their rooms to rest. Actions would depend on the underground humans’ behavior tomorrow. Despite many suspicious clues, so still hoped the locals would let them go.
Early the next morning, the clan leader kept his promise, waking them to visit the cave after breakfast.
His openness, however, sank the hearts of Jiang Tianming and other sharp minds.
Yesterday’s signs suggested these people didn’t want them returning. If they were secretive about the cave, it’d be good news, implying it was a viable exit.
But their current openness only ant the cave likely wasn’t the exit they needed.
Breakfast was an unknown wild fruit, quite tasty. They had Wu Jin test it, confirming it was safe before eating. Having a human lie detector was handy, subtly verifying truth. This was why Su Bei avoided lying—who knew if the locals had soone or sothing like Wu Jin?
When no outsiders were around, Jiang Tianming told Wu Jin to tug his sleeve if he caught any lies, allowing them to track information.
After breakfast, the clan leader led them through twists and turns back to the cave. Qiao Mu nodded slightly, confirming it was the place.
The cave they fell through was still visible, clearly deep, but looking up, no light was seen.
“How do we get up?” Jiang Tianming asked proactively. With the situation unclear, they didn’t want to reveal their Ability user status. Though Si Zhaohua and Huangfu Mingzhe could fly, they couldn’t use it now to check.
Fortunately, the thoughtful clan leader had a plan: “No worries, I brought two people who can carry you up. Pick one to go check if there’s a path. If there is, they’ll bring you up one by one.”
Given the underground people’s strength, it didn’t need to be a girl. Qiao Mu and the shorter Li Bowen were carried by a local, climbing swiftly into the cave and vanishing.
Watching the climbing, Huangfu Mingzhe looked odd: “Are all your people this good at climbing?”
“Of course not,” Caige smiled, shaking her head. “Only the Gecko Tribe climbs that fast. The rest of us don’t have that skill.”
It clicked. Fast climbing was this tribe’s Ability. The six tribes likely represented six Abilities, explaining their division.
While waiting, they didn’t idle, pestering the clan leader with questions to gather intel. The six tribes were Mud Tribe, Gecko Tribe, Spirit Tribe, Rock Tribe, Water Tribe, and Plant Tribe. He Bin, who found them, was the Mud Tribe leader, and his wife, Caige, was from the Spirit Tribe.
As Su Bei’s group suspected, each tribe had unique abilities. Though the clan leader didn’t specify, the tribe nas gave clues.
Undoubtedly, the Spirit Tribe was the most unique. Caige’s ability showed their range—they could likely communicate with language-barrier humans, plants, animals, or even dead souls, based on surface-world analogs.
So, what ability did Xiao Fan, t in the Spirit Tribe, have? Su Bei was curious. His reaction suggested he was a key figure, so his Ability might be significant.
While they chatted, Su Bei checked everyone’s Destiny Compass again. As before, the small pointers varied, but the large ones didn’t.
With Qiao Mu and Li Bowen—whose pointers were off—now gone, Su Bei understood. This trip caused their issue, likely why they couldn’t return via the cave.
Soon, the four returned. Qiao Mu and Li Bowen looked wilted. The glasses’ black-white-gray vision hid their complexions, but they clearly weren’t well.
Su Bei sighed softly: “Trouble’s coming.”
Everyone snapped to him. They weren’t fools. After the team battles at Endless Ability Academy and Houde Ability Academy, plus teacher analyses, they knew Su Bei’s Ability. His words, backed by Destiny, weren’t likely baseless.
His schoolmates knew him better. Lan Subing tensed: “Who’s in trouble?”
“Don’t ask about unchangeable fates,” Su Bei shrugged. “You’ll know soon.” The small pointer showed short-term luck. Qiao Mu and Li Bowen’s had been far right since yesterday, so Su Bei figured they’d hit trouble by today at the latest.
Li Bowen dismounted, feeling unwell, with a bad premonition. Glancing at Su Bei, he shook his head: “It’s sealed up top, maybe blocked by falling rocks.”
Gasping, he continued: “I don’t know why, but I feel off, maybe the air pressure… whew, if anyone wants to explore… whew, better hurry.”
Qiao Mu, hand on forehead, was supported by Huangfu Mingzhe, who sensed sothing wrong: “I’m dizzy and nauseous… sothing’s off. The air up there’s bad. Don’t go up.”
Then, her vision blackened, and she stumbled, nearly falling. Huangfu Mingzhe, already holding her, kept her upright: “You okay? How are you now?”
“…”
Qiao Mu didn’t answer. Looking down, they saw she’d fainted, unresponsive. Li Bowen followed, collapsing soon after.
Both who went up had passed out. If they hadn’t returned conscious and spoken, the group might’ve suspected the locals who carried them. Now, with both out, they instinctively looked at Su Bei. He’d predicted trouble, and now it hit. Did he know more?
But now wasn’t the ti to ask—they couldn’t expose Su Bei’s Ability in front of the locals. They suppressed their questions, focusing on the issue.
“What do we do? Clan Leader He, do you have doctors to check them?” Zuzong, holding the unconscious Li Bowen, asked anxiously. Fainting in a strange place was bad; without treatnt, they couldn’t even call for help.
The clan leader stayed calm: “Don’t worry too much. We don’t know their condition, but our Plant Tribe is skilled in dicine. They’ll treat them, no problem.”
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