Chapter 320: The Representatives Arrive.

And finally, there was the third group. Unlike the first two, these individuals were dressed in relatively refined clothing, some wore formal attire, while others carried themselves with the reserved confidence of someone noble. Standing at their front was a slender man in a finely tailored suit.

His hair was neatly arranged, and a pair of glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, giving him a rather intellectual appearance, at least, that was clearly the impression he was trying to create. Every few moments, the man would raise his hand and adjust his glasses, even when they were already sitting perfectly in place.

It was such an unnecessary habit that anyone watching him for more than a minute would probably find themselves wondering the same thing.

Why is this guy trying so hard to look like a scholar?

Of course, most people wouldn’t dare voice such a thought. After all, regardless of how ridiculous his behavior appeared, the man was clearly someone of considerable status. Unfortunately for him, though, there was one person present who had absolutely no intention of keeping his thoughts to himself.

The muscular man leading the first group, after watching the bespectacled man adjust his glasses for what felt like the hundredth time, finally found his expression twisting with irritation. At last, he couldn’t hold himself back any longer.

"Hey, asshole!" His loud voice immediately drew the attention of several nearby onlookers. Even the slender man turned his head.

He looked toward the muscular warrior before calmly raising a hand to adjust his glasses yet again.

"It’s Azreal, actually."

His tone came out so perfectly composed that the muscular man simply stared at him for a moment, then snorted.

"What difference does it make?"

Azreal raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"Azreal. Asshole." The muscular man waved his hand dismissively. "They all sound the same to me."

Several people nearby struggled to suppress their laughter. Even Azreal looked briefly caught off guard, staring at him for a moment before slowly shaking his head.

"Of course." He adjusted his glasses once more. "I suppose expecting someone with your level of intelligence to distinguish between two entirely different words was rather optimistic of me."

The muscular man’s expression darkened.

"What?"

Azreal continued as though he hadn’t heard him.

"Your barbaric nature and muddled thinking remain as impressive as ever." He sighed. "Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised. It would be unreasonable to expect such a simple brain to grasp even the most basic differences in language."

The muscular man’s forehead twitched. "You..."

Azreal gave him a faint smile. "Did I use too many complicated words? My apologies. I sometimes forget that not everyone possesses the mental capacity required for ordinary conversation."

That did it.

BOOM!

A violent aura suddenly erupted from the muscular man’s body, the ground beneath his feet trembling slightly as a powerful pressure spread outward, several nearby individuals instinctively stepping back.

"You little bastard!" The muscular man took a step forward. "Say that again!"

Azreal remained exactly where he stood, and despite the considerable difference in size, he didn’t seem the least bit afraid. Instead, he calmly reached up and adjusted his glasses again.

"I believe I was quite clear the first time."

The muscular man’s expression grew even more ferocious.

"You think those glasses are going to save you when I shove my fist into your face?!"

Azreal smiled faintly. "How predictable. When your vocabulary fails you, you immediately resort to violence."

"You—!"

The muscular man was just about to advance when another voice suddenly cut in.

"That’s enough!"

A soldier stationed near the Rift entrance stepped forward. Compared to the two men arguing before him, his strength was clearly inferior, in fact, the gap was so considerable that he’d likely struggle to withstand even a casual attack from either of them.

Yet despite that, there wasn’t the slightest trace of fear on his face.

"Fighting is strictly prohibited within this area," the soldier declared, looking between the two men. "Please refrain from any further hostile actions."

The muscular man turned toward him, his expression still fierce, and for a moment the soldier found himself standing directly beneath the man’s oppressive gaze. Still, he didn’t retreat. After all, he had good reason to be confident.

The four Safe Zones had already reached an agreement regarding the arrival and conduct of their representatives. Under that agreement, visitors from the other Safe Zones were strictly prohibited from causing unnecessary trouble within the host territory. And given the sheer importance of the upcoming tournament, violating those terms would undoubtedly bring serious consequences.

The soldier knew that. More importantly, he believed the representatives knew it too.

No matter how powerful they were, surely they wouldn’t be foolish enough to disregard an agreement made between all four Safe Zones.

At least, that was what he hoped.

The muscular man stared at the soldier for another moment, then clicked his tongue.

"Tch!"

The violent aura surrounding him gradually subsided, while Azreal merely wore a smug little smile.

"A wise decision."

The muscular man immediately glared at him again. "Keep talking, and I’ll show you a wise decision."

Azreal adjusted his glasses. "How terrifying."

The soldier’s expression stiffened. Please don’t start again...

Fortunately, before the argument could escalate any further, a third voice suddenly joined the fray.

"Hmph."

The sound came from the priest standing at the front of the second group. He’d been observing the entire exchange with a calm expression, but there was now a faint trace of disapproval flickering in his eyes.

He slowly shook his head. "How unfortunate."

The muscular man and Azreal both turned toward him.

The priest clasped his hands together.

"Only a soul riddled with worldly desires and corruption would find solace in violence and meaningless conflict."

His voice was gentle, carrying an almost hypnotic sense of peace.

"Anger, pride, and arrogance are merely chains that bind the ignorant to their suffering." He raised his head slightly. "But there is still hope for those willing to abandon such foolishness."

A serene smile spread across his face. "Submit yourselves to the Great Sun Goddess, and you shall finally come to understand true peace and salvation."

Silence followed. The two men stared at him with undisguised displeasure, and for a brief moment, the pair who’d been on the verge of tearing each other apart exchanged a glance.

Then, almost as though they’d reached a mutual understanding without needing to say a single word, they both turned toward the priest.

And shouted in perfect unison.

"SHUT UP, YOU BRAINWASHED RELIGIOUS LUNATIC!"