Chapter 533: The Candidates
"Do we even need to think about this? We're obviously going to take them on!"
"What's there to fear? Anyone who dares challenge us—just beat them down!"
"It's actually perfect timing. These prized pawns of the dark organizations are prime targets for our military elites!"
"On the surface, they act like they can afford to sacrifice their Saints and Saint Candidates, but grooming these near-century-level talents isn't easy."
"Let's make them feel the pain and wipe them out completely!"
The Bear Nation's commander was all about action: "If we can hit them, then there's no need for talk."
When these dark organizations dare to pull a stunt like this, there's no holding back. Just crush them in front of the world!
"Accepting is a must, but we also need to prepare for every possibility and choose our most exceptional talents."
"Otherwise, it could end in disaster. Losing face is one thing, but putting our rising stars at risk would be a costly loss."
The commander of the Rhine Principality spoke solemnly.
Unlike the Bear Nation's commander, he saw the need for a more cautious approach.
After all...
The Demon Arrival Organization had calculated well, targeting this generation's most powerful prodigies.
They understood that if these talents continued to grow, there would eventually be a wave of powerful tier-four elites.
When that happened,
it would tip the balance of the Forbidden land frontlines back in favor of the nations, making these dark organizations think twice before acting.
But if they managed to succeed in this plan...
The nations would lose a generation of future powerhouses and pillars of strength.
"No need to think it over too much; just accept the challenge."
"The Island of the Underworld is a publicly recognized territory. The fact that they're hosting it there shows they're aiming to openly defeat and kill the nations' elites."
"We don't need to worry about any hidden schemes. If the Demon Arrival tries anything, our forces surrounding the Island will suppress them instantly."
"The only matter left is... selecting the right candidates."
General Li calmly stated.
With this in mind,
the commanders of the various nations sighed and fell into contemplation.
As General Li mentioned,
with enough firepower from the national armies, they could easily counter any underhanded tactics the Demon Arrival might attempt.
This meant the prodigies could participate without fearing off-battlefield dangers.
However...
If the Demon Arrival played by the rules and held a fair showdown, the military couldn't simply capture them.
Doing so would surely spark global backlash and fuel adverse media narratives.
"Is your military incapable of fair play?"
"Are you oppressing others out of fear of losing?"
"It's you who look like the evil ones..."
Such narratives would likely spiral out of control.
"For the candidates, each country can send in their top squad captains and team members."
"I'm confident that would pose no problem."
"Of course, the superpowers will take the lead; nations with less military might shouldn't force their young to join."
"This isn't the Beast Tournament—it's a real death match. We can't afford to send under-prepared youths to die."
Another commander voiced his thoughts.
The strength of elite squads varied from country to country.
Especially among the less powerful nations, whose elite squads often lagged behind the superpowers'.
The suggestion was made,
and the commanders from these less powerful countries nodded in agreement.
There was no shame in acknowledging one's limitations.
"Speaking of the Beast Tournament..."
"General Li, your country's Non-Specialist champion was this year's winner."
"A champion like that—you'd want him to take part, right?"
At that moment,
a commander from the Free Federation smiled, his tone a bit off.
"Whether or not he participates is our decision; no need for you to worry."
"We have our plans here, but as for you all in the Free Federation..."
"Make sure you don't send weaklings to the fight. If they lose and die, it'll be a blow to our entire alliance's morale!"
General Li shot back, unfazed.
"You..."
The Free Federation's commander was momentarily speechless.
"Alright, enough from both of you."
"We're here to discuss serious matters; let's set aside personal grudges for now."
Another commander stepped in as a mediator.
"Tomorrow, when the elite squads return from their missions, we'll gather their thoughts."
"If any are unwilling to participate, we'll respect their choice."
"For now, let's adjourn this meeting."
With that,
the commanders of each country stood, gently tapped their wristbands, and activated the sensors that instantly teleported them outside the high-security meeting room, impervious even to tier-four intruders.
As soon as he emerged, General Li quickly informed the reserve squad members of the news.
Upon hearing it,
they were stunned.
"No way! The Demon Arrival Organization is really going all out with this? Daring to do this openly?"
"It's an open scheme. With public opinion as their shield, even if they stood before us, we couldn't kill them. If we did, the public backlash would be massive. We have to admit, they were clever this time."
"Doesn't matter—we'll crush them! Everyone knows the Demon Arrival's pawns are filled with shoddy demonic blood, making them weaker!"
"Don't underestimate them. If you do, it's a death sentence!"
"The true elites they'll send are nothing like their usual pawns."
"If they're bold enough to issue a challenge to sub-century-level talents, you can bet they'll send their best."
"True..."
"So... do you think Captain Ling will participate?"
With that question,
the camp fell silent.
Each person's expression became complicated.
"I don't think he will. Most of the opponents will be around level 95."
"Our Captain Ling hasn't fought anyone above level 95 yet, has he?"
"No, he hasn't."
"What a shame..."