Chapter 370: 370 First Place

Chapter 370: Chapter 370 First Place

“We still have something to do.”

Just minutes earlier, after stabilizing the barrier and ensuring the worst had passed, they had exited the chamber exhausted, only to be met with an unexpected voice ringing clearly in their minds.

“There is no use continuing the competition. End it. Announce Mic Nor as the winner.”

The voice had belonged to none other than the Duke himself.

No messenger. No formal decree. Just a direct order—telepathically relayed to them both.

They had exchanged a glance at the time, surprised by the abruptness. Technically, the decision was improper. Renn Noah had not been given a final chance. No duel. No announcement. No closing words. Just… dismissal.

But they were not in a position to question the Duke’s will.

If the man wanted the competition over, it was over.

Now, all that remained was one final formality: speak with Mic Nor, confirm the Duke’s decision, and announce the winner to the public.

The crown of victory would be placed on Mic Nor’s head.

Feeling lighter, more relieved than they had all tournament, the two officials quietly left the room to seek out the mysterious youth who they also felt should have a better background than Renn.

As for Uga?

They didn’t even know what to think.

As for Renn.

He had no idea.

No idea how close he had been to losing the viscount title.

How close he had come to being cast aside without ever knowing why.

Because even before he fought, the Duke had already dismissed him.

He had never been meant to win.

The choice had been made behind closed minds, delivered silently and with finality. Fortunately, unaware of how fate had turned its back on him, Renn had dropped to one knee.

In Group B’s waiting room, Michael sat in quiet stillness, waiting for the officials who had said they wanted to speak with him.

A part of him suspected it had something to do with his last match—but beyond that, he wasn’t sure.

“Now I just need to beat Renn and my deal with Mage Lian will be complete,” he thought. “Aside from the Titan Potion he wants to use to reinforce his physique against the mana overflow, the other rewards from this competition are mine.”

He leaned back slightly, gaze drifting to the ceiling.

“Aside from the Duke’s daughter—which I have no interest in—I wonder what else this tournament might offer.”

Gold?

“More money wouldn’t hurt,” he mused. “Even though I already have more than enough. With the size of my current funds and the ‘chest’ I’ve been keeping since my first bandit subjugation mission… I might need to find someone skilled in finance just to manage it.”

“That, or find something absurd to spend it all on.”

A chuckle almost escaped him, but his eyes narrowed as the next thought crept in.

“There’s also the viscount title…”

He let the idea hang in the air for a moment.

Then his expression darkened—slightly.

“Hopefully Renn doesn’t end up surprising me like Uga did. I’d rather not have another unpredictable fight.”

“I just want to get this over with. Win and move on to advancing to the next rank.”

Just as Michael was about to sink deeper into his thoughts, the door to the waiting room creaked open.

Two officials stepped in.

Their blue robes swayed as they entered, exhaustion faintly visible on their faces. Still, their composure was intact.

Michael rose to his feet immediately.

The middle-aged man with the scroll gave a faint smile. “Sir Mic, congratulations on your victory.”

“Thank you,” Michael replied, his tone polite but detached. He didn’t care much for praise, but formality had its place.

The woman beside the man stepped forward slightly. “We won’t waste your time. As of now, you’re the last participant remaining. Your opponent, Renn Noah, has forfeited the final match.”

Michael’s brows twitched subtly.

Forfeited?

So he bowed out before we even stepped into the arena?

He hadn’t expected that. Renn didn’t strike him as a coward. Then again, maybe Renn simply understood the gap between them after seeing Uga fall. Maybe he didn’t want to put up a pointless fight.

It could also be because of other things but Michael didn’t dwell on it.

If anything, this just simplified things.

The man continued, “By default, that places you in first. His Highness the Duke has formally acknowledged your victory. You are to report to the Duke’s estate tomorrow to claim your rewards.”

The woman added, “Of course, if you’d prefer to have the rewards delivered to your residence, that can also be arranged.”

It was said in passing, as if no sane person would refuse an invitation from the Duke himself. Especially not the winner of such a prestigious event.

But Michael’s eyes lit up.

“Delivery would be perfect,” he said, his voice calm but firm.

The officials blinked, both clearly surprised.

The man cleared his throat, a bit awkwardly. “Of course. In that case, may we have your address?”

Michael nodded and scribbled it on the scroll they handed over. After a moment, the man added, “Even so, we suggest visiting the Duke’s mansion when convenient. There may be certain… matters that pertain specifically to you.”

Michael didn’t flinch. “Understood.”

He didn’t say whether he would or wouldn’t.

The two officials exchanged glances, but neither pushed further.

With nothing else to add, they gave him a respectful nod and turned to leave.

As the door closed behind them, Michael slowly sat back down.

So that was it.

He had won.

A strange sense of relief passed through him.

This was one of the many things crossed from his list.

He looked down at his palm, flexing his fingers.

“This isn’t the end anyway.”

“The viscount title, the rewards, the recognition… they’re just tools. What I want—what I need—is strength.”

******

A/N: Finally wrapped up this arc!

I’ll admit—there are definitely things I could’ve done better, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. Most of all, I’m thankful to all of you who gave this novel a chance and are still reading.

Thanks again for the support!

We’ve been in the Top 10 on GT for a few days now, and that means a lot.

As a bonus, I’ll be aiming for three to four chapters a day this week!

I’ve already tested it a bit this week with 17 chapters, and I’m starting to get the hang of it.

Unparalleled Under The Heavens