Chapter 269: Chapter 265: Heaven’s Will

Rocky was aware of what was happening outside but did not care much, as the events, big or small, occurring outside had little relation to him and Thunderhawk City. What he was most concerned about now was his upcoming combat skills competition in the Arena.

When would he finally encounter a worthy opponent, someone who could really help him make a significant profit? That was Rocky’s primary concern.

Since the last assassination attempt had occurred just over two months ago, which meant Thunderhawk City’s free refuge period was about to run out. Once this period was over, Thunderhawk City would have to face a significant increase in expenses, which Rocky could not ignore.

“City Lord kid, no need to look so downcast, there are plenty of tough fights ahead for you.”

“Master Hammerfire, what do you mean by that?”

When Rocky went to the laboratory with a worried expression on his face, it was lunchtime, and Hammerfire chatted with him for a bit.

According to Hammerfire, Rocky should not worry about the lack of tough fights. On the contrary, he would have many skilled opponents to measure up against in the future.

Rocky was somewhat puzzled by this assertion.

“City Lord kid, you don’t understand. This is just the usual pattern of the Arena, nothing extraordinary.”

Seeing Rocky’s confusion, Hammerfire continued to explain the ins and outs of the Arena while they ate lunch.

According to Hammerfire, the reason Rocky had only encountered weak opponents recently was entirely due to the deliberate arrangement of the Arena.

“Master, I know this is arranged by the Arena, but why?”

Rocky did not wait for Hammerfire to finish speaking. He, of course, knew his opponents were arranged by the Arena, but why? Why were such weak opponents arranged for him? That was the question Rocky could not figure out.

“Because they are preparing for future matches.”

As soon as he voiced his question, Hammerfire already had an answer for him.

As a master in the Armor Domain, Hammerfire paid more attention to the Arena matches than most. The Arena was a battlefield for Void Magic Warriors, where real and serious competitions took place, making it the perfect stage to assess the strength of different armors. As a domain master, Hammerfire always took the opportunity to watch the matches to gain a comprehensive understanding of various armors.

Since he paid more attention, he knew more about the Arena, especially about the twists and turns of the matches, and he explained it to Rocky:

“To make the matches more exciting, the Arena will ensure that each match has its highlights. If there aren’t any, they will create some. Right now, you are a highlight they have created.”

“Your performance in the preliminary selection has caught the attention of the Arena. They have identified you as a key ‘development’ target. Your match against Ober, and these recent matches, are all the Arena’s deliberate attempts to nurture you. They want you to adapt, to improve your rank with consecutive victories, and to build your fame.”

“Of course, they are not just nurturing you alone; many others are also their targets for development.”

“Once they have successfully nurtured you and other competitors like you–whether it’s in terms of understanding the matches, rank, or fame–the Arena will then start arranging truly dangerous matches for you.”

“At that time, you will be heavily promoted, sensational topics will be created, and you will face much stronger opponents, like those who have been nurtured along with you. When the time comes, the Arena will bring you all together to create a match with explosive topics and highlights.”

At this point, Hammerfire paused, then continued, “You’ve heard about the struggle between the Sigma and Uranus Corporations for the new generation of armor, right?”

“Yes, I’ve heard.”

Asked this way by Hammerfire, although Rocky was not clear why he suddenly shifted the topic to this, he still nodded.

Seeing his nod, Hammerfire continued, “Good to know. You must pay more attention to the matches they participate in, because, if I’m not mistaken, sooner or later the Arena will arrange for you and other nurtured competitors to compete against people from these two corporations. If that happens, you should know what to do, right?”

“What to do?”

Hammerfire’s question indeed stumped Rocky; he had never really thought about this possibility.

As he had mentioned earlier, he had heard somewhat about Sigma and Uranus Corporations, given his collaboration with the Shadow Alliance, which provided him with weekly intelligence. In the recent month, the intelligence from the Shadow Alliance had included these two corporations and the new generation of armor. It would be hard for Rocky not to be aware of it.

Yet, he had never considered that this matter would involve him.

Although people like Orton were also developing new generation armor, their research was not being conducted openly but rather covertly, and so far, no one else knew about it. Under such circumstances, Rocky did not think that he had any connection with these two giants in the armor field, even though they were all engaged in the same activity and participating in the same Arena matches.

However, just because he did not think so did not mean things would not develop in that direction. In fact, from the moment Denise decided to debut her developed armor in the Arena, and Uranus Corporation decided to combat her there, Rocky had already become entangled with these two giants.

This intersection was unforeseeable and unavoidable because it had been predetermined from the beginning. If one were to trace it back, it could even be traced to the moment Rocky discovered the Mana Rune. From the moment he discovered the Mana Rune, all these events were destined to occur, utterly unavoidable.

What is this called?

This is called fate.

Unfortunately, Rocky had yet to realize this fate. If it were not for Hammerfire’s reminder, he still would not believe that he would have any connection with Denise representing Sigma Corporation or another competitor representing Uranus Corporation. Therefore, facing Hammerfire’s question, he simply could not respond.

“What else is there to think about? Obviously, you wipe them out!”

Just as Rocky was unable to respond, Orton’s voice suddenly appeared, and he punched Rocky hard on the head while speaking.

“Kid, when you encounter them, teach them a harsh lesson and show these guys what the new generation of armor is all about!”

Sitting next to Rocky, Orton spoke with an unabashed expression.

Unfortunately, hearing Orton’s words, Rocky just rolled his eyes at him and retorted irritably, “Teacher, what am I supposed to use to teach them a lesson? The White Demon isn’t strong enough to beat them, is it?”

“That…”

Faced with Rocky’s question, the always arrogant and dismissive Orton was stumped, unable to find words for a long while…

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