"So Sebastian, you should be careful," Huo Kong said with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. "There are quite a few new students out of line this year, but only two whose true strength can match the old-level two Planetary Lords; you're one of them, and the other is Tianheng Saint Son."
Sebastian simply smiled and remained silent.
As time passed, teams from each star area gradually assembled. According to the divisions of the Group Star Competition, there were one thousand star areas, each with one thousand participants. In other words, the total number of contestants present today was one million. The large square was shrouded in darkness, packed with so many people.
After a short while, the Level 6 Planetary Lords, leading their respective regional teams, stepped out from the nearby buildings and returned to their groups.
Suddenly, a faint light appeared above the plaza. As it dissipated, a figure materialized overhead. It was a young man in a green robe, with a gentle smile on his face. He seemed to be about the same age as the other players, yet an undeniable aura radiated from his body.
The crowd quickly recognized that this young man in cyan robes was also a Level 6 Planetary Lord.
"Silence. This is Councilor Volkmar Klaus-Peter of the Star Council," announced an elder.
Many gasped in surprise. So young to be a member of the Star Council?
With inside knowledge, Huo Kong lowered his voice and explained, "This time, the main event of the Stars Contest is hosted by Mr. Volkmar. He was the top scorer in the previous Stars Contest, the youngest councilor in the history of the Star Council!"
Hearing this, Shia, Patton, and others couldn't help but glance again at Volkmar.
Above the sky, Volkmar surveyed the gathered crowd and spoke, "Everyone from various regions, I will be your host for this Stars Contest. Many of you know me, but let me introduce myself briefly. I am Volkmar Klaus-Peter, and I am also your senior. I was the winner of the last group star competition."
"Seeing you all reminds me of my own competition that year," Volkmar said with a slight smile. "But back then... there weren't as many monsters. This year's contest will be incredibly fierce, and the challenges will be much greater. Everyone must be prepared."
No one spoke; the crowd had long anticipated this. The number of strong contenders had increased, yet the number of winning spots remained the same. Naturally, the difficulty would rise.
"Now," Volkmar continued, glancing over the crowd, "everyone, get ready. The first round of the competition begins in three hours. We will conduct it in the Star Tower."
"The Star Tower?" Many frowned upon hearing the name. They understood the tournament format.
"The Star Tower is a checkpoint-style challenge that requires active assault," Huo Kong explained, his face serious. "Compared to other formats, it's more difficult."
"Inside the Star Tower," Volkmar elaborated, "there are 99 levels; each level is guarded. Your task is to defeat the enemies and ascend to higher levels. Each cleared level awards points. The higher you climb, the more points you earn, and your overall ranking improves. In this first round, only the top 10,000 will advance."
"That means..." Volkmar's voice grew sharper. "Everyone else will be eliminated. Prepare yourselves."
Almost immediately, a ripple of uproar spread across the square.
"The first round will eliminate 99% of the contestants," Huo Kong said emotionally. "We need to give it our all."
"Although all one million contestants can stay within this star realm," Shia added with a serious tone, "only the top 10,000 will access better resources and training. The chance to become a Level 6 Planetary Lord is greatly increased."
Huo Kong and Patton exchanged silent looks. Participating in this star competition was a matter of honor, but more importantly, it was a crucial step toward entering the realm of a Level 6 Planetary Lord.
From past experiences, only a few among thousands had a real shot at reaching Level 6. The higher your rank, the better your odds. Especially the top thousand, almost guaranteed. The remaining 990,000 faces much tougher competition, as resources and training opportunities vary greatly.
"Don't say anything. Rest well and prepare for the Star Tower challenge in three hours," Huo Kong said, clasping hands with Sebastian and the others.
This year's challenge was particularly severe.
"This time, nothing is forced," Aya, the elven leader, declared. "But our empire must at least secure fifty spots in the top one thousand." He turned to An beside him. "Sister, we don't expect to be in the top five, but in the top ten, we must take at least two positions!"
"I understand, brother," An nodded firmly.
Meanwhile, in the Stellar Area, the Saint Son observed the surrounding crowd, his fists clenched subtly. He whispered to himself, "Fierce competition is good. My goal isn't just the top one thousand or even the top one hundred; it's the top thirty. I aim to break the record set by the strongest newcomer in history and forge a new legend. My name will echo throughout the Endless Star Territory!"