The moment Gu Lin tapped confirm, a Zerg with an utterly ordinary face and the standard default three-piece outfit materialized in the Star Net world.
This was the newest account he had created. Since he neither wanted to use his real appearance nor had the patience to customize one, he simply chose the beginner model.
Among female Zergs, this avatar was quite common. Unlike the original host, who had spent several hours just to pick a face the first time he entered Star Net, most female Zergs did not care much about their in-game appearance. Out of ten Zergs, at least one would be using this exact face and this exact outfit.
And because Gu Lin selected female as his gender upon entering Star Net, he did not attract much attention at all.
Star Net was divided into several large regions, with the most famous being the Eastern District and the Central District.
The Eastern District housed the largest mech battle arena in all of Star Net, as well as the individual challenge grounds.
Meanwhile, the Central District was known for its bustling commercial area, a place male Zergs loved to frequent, and many female Zergs would drop by to shop whenever they felt like it.
Up until now, Gu Lin had always gone straight to the Eastern District and had never visited the Central one.
At this hour, the streets were almost empty. The few Zergs who passed by walked quickly, as if rushing toward something important.
The system was completely confused. It had no idea why every Zerg it saw seemed to be in such a hurry, so it turned to its host for answers.
Gu Lin explained, “Today is the final day of registration for the insectoid Mech Tournament. They are probably all heading over to sign up.”
【Are you going to register too, host?】 The system became excited at once. Its host was such a master. Getting a ranking should be easy for him, right?
“Yes. We are going to join the fun.” Gu Lin chuckled. “We will play a bit, and while we are at it, maybe I can bring a certain Zerg back with me.”
The Zerg he referred to was naturally Kaxiu.
Kaxiu’s passion for mechs was obvious to anyone. Even if he didn’t participate, he would definitely follow the competition closely.
Although Gu Lin had changed his name, he believed that Kaxiu would still recognize him without fail.
Thinking of the series of friend requests Kaxiu had sent him recently, Gu Lin felt even more anticipation for their official meeting.
Registration was not troublesome, although they did need to visit the competition site in person to record their mech information.
Since Gu Lin had checked the procedure beforehand, everything went smoothly. But just as he received his electronic queue number and was about to leave, he unexpectedly spotted a familiar Zerg.
It was actually the protagonist, Colin.
Trailing behind Colin was another Zerg who resembled him somewhat. Whenever Colin spoke, the Zerg beside him would respond with a few words, but the stiffness in his posture made it obvious that he felt uncomfortable.
【That’s the protagonist gong, right? And the one with him looks like his older brother, Grace.】The system was stunned as well. The novel was not a daily journal and did not detail every ordinary thing the protagonist did, so after the banquet, the story had simply skipped through the protagonist’s quiet, uneventful days.
It only resumed when the protagonist accidentally encountered the protagonist shou being bullied, which reignited the plot.
【So, the protagonist gong is here accompanying his brother to sign up for the mech tournament?】The system covertly observed Colin and Grace and felt something was terribly off.
Grace clearly was not used to interacting with this newfound family member and Colin looked utterly helpless because every attempt at conversation ended awkwardly.
“Probably not. Grace is a battle hardened Zerg. He doesn’t like mechs and most likely has zero interest in joining the tournament. He is probably just taking the protagonist gong to watch.”
And Gu Lin was right, because soon after, he spotted the two sitting together in the audience area.
Although Gu Lin personally felt that the Zerg race did not value mechs very much, the Zergs themselves clearly did not agree. The mech tournament held once every three years was still considered a major national event.
As long as one was a member of the Zerg race and below twenty five years old, they were allowed to participate regardless of their level.
Since low ranked females were naturally disadvantaged when it came to mechs, those who made it to the end tended to be high ranked females.
Even so, the enthusiasm of the participants never dimmed. It was not only because young female Zergs were full of fiery youthful energy, but also because many eligible male Zergs would come to watch the matches and choose future female mates.
As a result, the venue was packed to the brim with Zergs. No, it should be said Zerg mountain and Zerg sea.
The audience seats were completely full.
Rumor had it that the spectator stands often had disguised male Zergs secretly slipping in. Some said that even high quality male Zergs would sometimes masquerade as females just to join the crowd.
Many female Zergs were secretly glancing at the Zergs around them, wondering if any disguised males were hiding nearby.
Even though most knew it was probably just wishful thinking, they could not help being a little excited.
If the system knew what these female Zergs were imagining, it would definitely mock them ruthlessly.
Why bother searching this entire crowd? If they wanted to see a genuine, high quality male, all they had to do was look at its host. He was the real deal. Handsome, powerful, and with an amazing personality.
The system’s evaluation was accurate until that last part. As for personality being great? Kaili would absolutely disagree.
Returning to the main topic.
The number of Zergs in the audience had nothing to do with Gu Lin. What he needed to focus on now were his opponents.
Nearly one hundred thousand Zergs participated in just the Capital Star division alone.
If the matches were all one on one, the tournament would last an eternity.
Thus, during the next three days, they would go through the first round of selection.
The rules were simple. Over the next three days, each victory earned ten points, and each loss deducted ten. Once a participant reached one hundred points, scoring stopped. Their win rate would automatically be recorded in the rankings. The top nine thousand nine hundred ninety nine Zergs would advance.
The second round followed the same rules, but only nine hundred ninety nine could move on.
The third round repeated the format until only ninety nine remained.
That marked the end of the preliminary rounds.
After reading the rules, Gu Lin felt they were quite lenient.
It made sense. University students and military personnel among the Zerg race were always incredibly busy. They could not afford a long break just for a mech competition. Many Zergs were already unable to join because of packed schedules. If the tournament format were any tighter, even more would be forced to withdraw.
But this was not only a blessing for the busy female Zergs. It was also good news for Gu Lin, whose strength had been cut in half, turning him into a physically delicate Zerg.
Three or four matches per day would not strain him. A moderate amount of Star Net combat would even help him recover faster.
If the Zergs he fought ever learned that the battles they poured their hearts into were basically rehabilitation exercises for him, they would probably collapse on the spot.
This was simply cruel.
Unfortunately, Gu Lin’s thoughts were something no one else could hear, so naturally no one could accuse him.
At that moment, the arena issued an overload warning. Brilliant blue lights flickered, signaling that the second spatial layer was about to open.
The audience remained calm and unmoving. Clearly, they had experienced this many times before.
【Host, aren’t today supposed to be the preliminaries? Why are there so many Zergs watching? 】The system could not understand. Even if many followed the tournament, it was still only the first match of the first day. Why was the crowd this large?
“Because today also includes the reserved showcase match.” Gu Lin answered the system patiently. “Do you remember how many advances each round?”
【I remember.】The rules were just shown. How could It forget?
“Actually, the first round advances one thousand, the second round one hundred, and the third round ten. Right in today’s very first match, they will decide which Zerg will directly enter into the finals.”
After listening to his host’s explanation, the system finally understood the meaning behind today’s opening match. The tournament was jointly hosted by the two highest academies of the Zerg race.
Every year, each academy had the privilege of recommending one outstanding young Zerg to participate in the opening match. The one who won this duel would immediately earn a direct spot in the finals.
The Zergs chosen by these two academies were practically the brightest stars of the younger generation, so naturally this opening battle drew enormous attention.
【No matter who it is, they still cannot beat my host.】The system hummed proudly. His host was someone even Marshal Hicks sought guidance from. How could any of these youngsters possibly be on the same level?
Gu Lin did not argue. He simply smiled.
He answered the system’s questions patiently, but when it came to giving personal opinions about others, he rarely said much.
【The match is about to begin.】
Zerg race affairs were always handled with swift, crisp efficiency. While the system and Gu Lin chatted, the host had already finished reading the tournament rules. The two academy recommended participants were stepping onto the arena platforms.
Both contestants clearly had numerous supporters. The instant they appeared, deafening cheers rose from every direction. The entire arena seemed to tremble under the roar of excitement.
One of them, the one with higher popularity, was even a character mentioned in the novel. Moreover, he was not a minor one but someone with genuine narrative weight.
【It is actually him, the sixth prince. 】The system immediately recognized him too. Compared to the gentle, jade like villain Coverdale, the sixth prince appeared far more youthful. His features were attractive, and when he smiled brightly, it was the kind of expression that instantly made Zergs feel goodwill toward him.
【Such a sweet little puppy. Host, do you like Zergs like him?】The system teased, swept along by the lively atmosphere of the audience.
It was not that the system genuinely liked Zergs of the sixth prince’s type. He simply remembered how easily his host teased and coaxed others. But he truly did not expect the answer Gu Lin gave him.
“No. I am more interested in his opponent.” Gu Lin shook his head. Look at him.
Only then did the system shift its attention to the contestant he had barely noticed earlier.
And instantly, he realized that the Zerg’s appearance was in no way inferior to that of the sixth prince. Yet the moment he stood on that stage, he exuded an odd sense of presence and absence at the same time, making it incredibly easy for people to overlook him entirely.
A Zerg chosen by the academy for the opening match was naturally no ordinary Zerg. This strange quality alone made the system instinctively wary.
“He might be a throwback.” Gu Lin suddenly spoke.
【Huh?】 The system froze. Throwback to what? What did he mean?
To be honest, Gu Lin was not fully certain either. The history of the Zerg race was a complete mess, filled with broken records that skipped entire eras. Only when the interstellar age arrived and Star Net became widespread did they manage to preserve even the slightest amount of written information.
This made it incredibly difficult for Gu Lin to understand the true nature of this species. Many times, he genuinely felt that if not for the Zerg race’s terrifying single soldier combat ability, they probably would have disappeared from the long river of history already.
Because so many things here were downright absurd. One moment something existed, and the next moment it was simply gone.
Like their history.
Like the strange abilities that appeared sporadically among certain Zergs.
Like the mental sea issues that had tormented countless Zergs for hundreds of years.
To this day, no one could explain how female Zergs had kept their mental seas stable before the invention of mental stabilizing medicine.
That mystery remained unsolved.
Our system is infatuated with our Mc 🤣🤣 the way he praise his host!!!
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
☕ (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑ translator fuel acquired?
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · Crossing OverChapter 2 · KaxiuChapter 3 · Social DeathChapter 4 · Female Servant/WifeChapter 5 · ConfusedChapter 6 · MysteryChapter 7 · CamouflageChapter 8 · AcquaintanceChapter 9 · Man in a ShellChapter 10 · FoodChapter 11 · RemunerationChapter 12 · GossipChapter 13 · TaskChapter 14 · CoverdaleChapter 15 · Mission AccomplishedChapter 16 · ExchangeChapter 17 · DreamChapter 18 · DelicateChapter 19 · ReasonChapter 20 · SpecialChapter 21 · 2 Dose of VialChapter 22 · Night WatchChapter 23 · One NightChapter 24 · GratefulChapter 25 · ContestChapter 26 · FortChapter 27 · RecordChapter 28 · SealChapter 29 · MissedChapter 30 · Treasure TroveChapter 31 · Battle SpiritChapter 32 · IllusionChapter 33 · PhotosChapter 34 · DifferentChapter 35 · Heartfelt wishesChapter 36 · TeasingChapter 37 · InterestChapter 38 · TrappedChapter 39 · Borrowing a knifeChapter 40 · SecretChapter 42 · ConditionChapter 43 · QuestionChapter 44 · AnswerChapter 45 · CoreChapter 46 · MeetChapter 47 · WeirdChapter 48 · DifferentChapter 49 · Spiritual SeaChapter 50 · ConceptsChapter 51 · Hicks Return!Chapter 51 · RoefellerChapter 53 · 10 thousand points!Chapter 54 · RedemptionChapter 55 · ChangeChapter 56 · ReceiveChapter 57 · Side QuestChapter 59 · It seems like a old FriendChapter 60 · TrainingChapter 61 · MoodChapter 62 · ConfusedChapter 63 · Children’s PlaygroundChapter 64 · GiftChapter 65 · ApproachingChapter 66 · ThreatChapter 67 Part 1 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 67 Part 2 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 68 · MaintenanceChapter 69 · Thank youChapter 70 · UndercoverChapter 71 · VisitChapter 72 · FrenzyChapter 73 · TransactionChapter 74 · ReminderChapter 75 · ArenaChapter 76 · InterestingChapter 77 · CuteChapter 78 · SecretChapter 79 · CompareChapter 80 · StrategyChapter 81 · CrisisChapter 82 · ProtectChapter 83 · Blind SpotChapter 84 · SafetyChapter 85 · Mission ObjectiveChapter 86 · DeterminationChapter 87 · Grave DangerChapter 88 · GuessingChapter 89 · Chess PieceChapter 90 · EmotionsChapter 91 · Guardian’s HeartChapter 92 · A Dangerous FigureChapter 93 · FrustratedChapter 94 · BullyChapter 95 · NegotiationChapter 96 · ChallengeChapter 97 · RejectionChapter 98 · PlantingChapter 99 · Thank youChapter 100 · LeveragingChapter 101 · ChaosChapter 102 · SubmitChapter 103 · ThoughtsChapter 104 · Good news and bad newsChapter 105 · MadmanChapter 106 · CooperationChapter 107 · Just drawingChapter 108 · It was a pleasure working with youChapter 109 · StargazingChapter 110 · GuideChapter 111 · Plant FlowerChapter 112 · White WolfChapter 113 · SterilisationChapter 114 · CollarChapter 115 · RunChapter 116 · GenerousChapter 117 · ImageChapter 118 · FriendlyChapter 119 · LostChapter 120 · TasteChapter 121 · System upgradeChapter 122 · Transfered FromChapter 123 · Keep dragging it outChapter 124 · CategoryChapter 125 · DemolitionChapter 126 · I want to cry but can’tChapter 127 · Upgrade completeChapter 128 · Tears streaming down my face in the windChapter 129 · Strange luckChapter 130 · UnknownChapter 131 · Dog plant flowersChapter 132 · Contest of Wits and Silent UnderstandingChapter 133 · ColinChapter 134 · AmbushChapter 135 · DullChapter 136 · BattleChapter 137 · Post-WarChapter 138 · Return ToChapter 139 · Strength EnhancementChapter 140 · Is this a staged accident scam?Chapter 141 · ToolChapter 142 · ProcessingChapter 143 · CluesChapter 144 · MemoryChapter 145 · UnderstoodChapter 146 · I want to hug youChapter 147 · Differential treatmentChapter 148 · So DifficultChapter 149 · Going to farChapter 150 · Real or FakeChapter 151 · ResponseChapter 152 · The truthChapter 153 · Let’s chat Causally?Chapter 154 · A Way to RelaxChapter 155 · ConversationChapter 156 · Daily MissionChapter 157 · A QuarrelChapter 158 · NamelessChapter 159 · ProbingChapter 160 · A Good HelperChapter 161 · ConfirmationChapter 162 · DiscussChapter 163 · ForgottenChapter 164 · TraceChapter 164 · TraceChapter 165 · Contact