Chapter 146: Dividing Forces


    **Several days later, in Fila City, Monte Empire:**


    The Tri-Nation Tournament had reached its most intense stage—the quarterfinals.


    The list of finalists included:


    - **Han Ming**, a second-tier, fifth-order water mage from the Monte Empire;


    - **Gamori**, a third-tier, fifth-order water warrior from the Cabu Empire;


    - **Shang Que**, a third-tier, first-order fire mage from the Monte Empire;


    - **Sassor**, a fourth-tier, first-order wood warrior from the Rhine Empire;


    - **Jasmine**, a third-tier, first-order wood mage from the Cabu Empire;


    - **Bernard**, a second-tier, sixth-order peak wood mage from the Rhine Empire;


    - **Angerd**, a second-tier, sixth-order peak earth mage from the Rhine Empire;


    - And finally, a mysterious green-robed, masked elder from the Monte Empire, whose rank remained unknown due to his concealed strength.


    This green-robed figure, alongside Han Ming, had become one of the tournament''s biggest dark horses. Against all odds, Han Ming had defeated the seeded contestant Huang Ying, while the green-robed elder had taken down another seeded favorite, Phil.


    The arena buzzed with excitement as the quarterfinals unfolded.


    Han Ming and Kulo sat quietly in the audience, watching the matches.


    After his stunning victory, Han Ming had become an idol for water mages and many others. His newfound fame meant that wherever he went, crowds swarmed around him, making it nearly impossible to move freely. Han Ming was beginning to understand the challenges of being a celebrity.


    During this time, he had repeatedly declined invitations from the Magic Guild''s leader, **Mokal**, a fourth-tier, first-order fire mage with a fifth-tier Vermilion Bird beast spirit. Han Ming was wary of revealing too much about his water magic, which was already considered extraordinary. He feared that the guild might pressure him to disclose his secrets, particularly the **Water God''s Decree**, which was deeply ingrained in his mind and impossible to replicate or share.


    Moreover, Han Ming preferred to remain independent. The Magic Guild, while influential, was a highly autonomous organization. Joining them would restrict his freedom, and the further he progressed with the Water God''s Decree, the more attention it would attract—attention he didn''t want.


    To avoid recognition, Han Ming tied up his hair, donned a tall pointed hat, and wore a mask to conceal his face.


    Quirk, sitting beside him, struggled to suppress his laughter, his face turning red as he glanced at Han Ming''s peculiar disguise.


    "If you''re going to laugh, go somewhere else. Stop bothering me," Han Ming said, rolling his eyes.


    Kulo, holding Han Ming''s hand, whispered, "Be careful of that green-robed elder. He''s completely concealed his strength, and even I can''t sense his true power. There''s something off about him, though I can''t quite put my finger on it."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Han Ming nodded solemnly. "I''ve been observing him too, but I haven''t noticed anything unusual. Don''t worry, I''ll stay cautious."


    The green-robed elder was indeed mysterious. His matches were swift and decisive, always ending with his opponent incapacitated but unharmed. He never went too far, always stopping at the right moment.


    The quarterfinals continued fiercely. Over the next two days, Bernard and Angerd were eliminated, while Jasmine''s sister narrowly lost to Gamori.


    The next match pitted Han Ming against **Sassor**, a fourth-tier, first-order wood warrior from the Rhine Empire.


    Han Ming and Sassor had crossed paths before, and now, meeting again in the quarterfinals, it felt like fate.


    "Sassor, should we compete with physical strength, magic, or both?" Han Ming joked.


    Sassor chuckled. "With your abilities, it doesn''t matter what you use. I doubt I''ll have an easy time either way."


    "You''re too kind," Han Ming replied.


    As the match began, the two clashed. Sassor''s fighting style was fluid and enduring, unlike the brute force of earth warriors. His attacks were like waves, relentless and precise, striking at critical moments.


    Han Ming, on the other hand, relied on raw power and agility. The contrast between their styles made for an intense and thrilling match.


    Despite his lack of combat energy and being only a third-tier, first-order warrior, Han Ming held his own. However, he eventually had to resort to his water magic, creating a massive ice prison to trap Sassor and secure a narrow victory.


    Han Ming had chosen this method to avoid seriously injuring Sassor, whom he respected. Their encounter in the tavern had left a positive impression on him.


    After the match, the two shook hands amicably.


    "Thank you for holding back. Even without your water magic, you''re incredibly strong," Sassor admitted, genuinely impressed.


    Han Ming smiled. "I was hoping to face Gamori, but losing to you isn''t a disappointment. I look forward to seeing how far you go."


    The two agreed to share a drink later, with Sassor deciding to stay and watch the tournament until its conclusion.


    ---


    **Meanwhile, in the Monte Empire:**


    Countless black-clad figures infiltrated various cities, while a large group of powerful individuals made their way to Fila City, the empire''s capital.


    On one of the roads leading to Fila City, four figures traveled by carriage instead of airship.


    "Thank you, lords, for your support. Once the human world falls into our hands, you will be richly rewarded," said the **Purple Demon**, raising a glass of wine to toast the three leaders seated across from him.


    Among them was **Rockfall**, the elder of the Desert Snake Clan, who had come in place of Shameer.


    **Adela**, the ruler of the Savage Stormlands, was the most impatient. "Lord Purple Demon, why are we traveling by carriage instead of airship? It''s much slower."


    The Purple Demon smiled. "There''s no rush. The Tri-Nation Tournament isn''t over yet, and we have time. Besides, the scenery along the way is beautiful."


    He gazed out the window, marveling at the landscape. "The human world is truly breathtaking. The green mountains, the white clouds, the clear skies—we should savor it all. The demon realm is nothing like this. There, the sky is always shrouded in darkness, and everything feels lifeless. Spending even a day there can drive you mad."


    The three leaders exchanged glances, surprised by the Purple Demon''s appreciation for the human world.


    As if reading their thoughts, the Purple Demon continued, "I''m not like the mindless brutes of the demon realm who only know how to kill. I admire beauty—beautiful scenery, delicious food, even the concept of love. These are things I long for. But..."


    His expression darkened, and he crushed the crystal wine glass in his hand. "Why should humans enjoy such privileges while we are trapped in that endless prison? The heavens have wronged us demons. They owe us, and I will personally reclaim everything that is rightfully ours!"