Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 331 331: The Giant Axe Battle Arena!

Those words were spoken calmly, yet the hidden pressure within them made everyone shiver. The reputation of the Giant Axe Battle Arena was no joke.

"Of course, of course! We have absolutely no intention of poaching anyone!" the representative of the Galactic Alliance of Warriors hurriedly explained.

"Yes, yes! We were only expressing our admiration!" the representative of the Thunder Legion quickly clarified as well.

The other faction representatives also rushed to state their positions, fearing any misunderstanding with the Giant Axe Battle Arena.

The Emperor of Flame swept a cold glance across the crowd.

"In that case, you may leave. Hong needs rest."

"Yes, yes! We will leave at once!"

Relieved as if pardoned, the group quickly took their leave. The aggressive recruitment party from moments ago now scurried away like frightened dogs with their tails between their legs.

Soon, the corridor fell silent, leaving only Hong, the Emperor of Flame, and the three teammates quietly listening from inside the room.

The Emperor of Flame looked at Hong with a satisfied smile.

"Hong, you truly performed exceptionally this time. Defeating Rong Jun has shown the entire universe the strength of Giant Axe Battle Arena members."

"It was simply what I should do," Hong replied modestly.

"By the way, your three teammates are also quite impressive." The Emperor of Flame glanced toward the room. "Especially the one named Luo Wen. His strategic vision is outstanding. As for Thunder God, his talent is exceptional. Luo Feng, though young, has limitless potential."

"They are all excellent," Hong agreed.

"If they are willing, the doors of the Giant Axe Battle Arena will always be open to them," the Emperor of Flame said meaningfully.

Inside the room, the three of them were stunned into silence. An open invitation from the Giant Axe Battle Arena? That was an opportunity beyond rare.

"I will pass on your message," Hong said.

The Emperor of Flame nodded, then took out another box from his robe.

"This is for your Earth," he said. "Some basic cultivation resources. Hopefully, they will help Earth nurture more martial talents."

Hong accepted the box, his heart filled with gratitude. The Giant Axe Battle Arena had not only acknowledged him personally but was also willing to support Earth itself. This kindness was immense.

"Furthermore," the Emperor of Flame continued, "the headquarters has decided to establish a liaison office on Earth to maintain direct contact. You will be appointed as its head and granted treatment equivalent to a branch director."

This news shocked Hong even further. A branch director level position was already a very high rank within the Giant Axe Battle Arena.

"Thank you for the trust from the headquarters," Hong said deeply, bowing.

"This is what you deserve," the Emperor of Flame said, patting his shoulder. "Keep working hard. The future of the Giant Axe Battle Arena needs talents like you."

With that, he turned to leave, but after a few steps, he paused.

"Also, we will continue to monitor the subsequent rounds of the Virtual Universe Company genius competition. If you encounter any difficulties, you may contact me at any time."

"I understand," Hong replied.

The Emperor of Flame nodded in satisfaction, then departed with his attendants. Their figures disappeared down the corridor, yet the lingering pressure of their presence remained.

Hong watched them leave, his emotions complex. After years of silent effort within the Giant Axe Battle Arena, he had finally received the recognition he deserved.

Back inside the room, his three teammates looked at him with complicated expressions.

"Big Brother Hong, when did you join the Giant Axe Battle Arena?" Luo Feng asked first.

Hong sat down on the sofa and replied calmly, "Many years ago, when I first broke through to the God of War level. A messenger from the Giant Axe Battle Arena came to Earth and discovered my talent, so I was invited to join."

"Why didn't you ever tell us?" Thunder God asked, slightly dissatisfied.

"At the time, my status was very low. I was only an ordinary member," Hong explained. "And the rules of the Giant Axe Battle Arena are strict. Members are not allowed to disclose their identities casually."

"Then what about now?" Luo Wen asked.

"Now it is different," Hong said with a faint smile. "I am a core member, and I will also be responsible for the Earth liaison office."

"The Giant Axe Battle Arena…" Thunder God murmured. "That's one of the five great peak powers of the universe…"

"Yes," Hong confirmed. "That is exactly why those factions retreated so quickly earlier. In front of the Giant Axe Battle Arena, they would not dare act recklessly."

Luo Feng thought for a moment. "No wonder Big Brother Hong's strength improved so quickly. You had the support of the Giant Axe Battle Arena."

"That is only one aspect," Hong replied modestly. "More importantly, it comes from my own effort and talent."

"Then what about us?" Thunder God asked the question everyone cared about. "Didn't that Emperor of Flame invite us to join as well?"

Hong nodded. "Yes. That was indeed the intention. If you are willing, you may consider joining."

The three of them exchanged glances, each hesitating.

Joining the Giant Axe Battle Arena certainly came with great benefits, but it also meant responsibilities and obligations. Moreover, they were still representing the Black Dragon Mountain Empire in the competition, making things more complicated.

"No need to rush your decision," Hong said, seeing their hesitation. "This requires careful consideration. And the competition is not over yet. Focusing on it is the most important thing."

"Right, the competition comes first," Luo Wen agreed.

"Still, one thing is certain," Thunder God said with a grin. "With the Giant Axe Battle Arena backing us, we'll have more confidence going forward."

"Exactly," Luo Feng smiled. "Even if they don't directly help us in matches, at least we won't have to worry about interference from other factions."

Hong opened the box given by the Emperor of Flame. Inside was a golden-brown bead emitting a faint earthy glow. This was the "Earth Heart," containing pure Earth Law energy.

"This will greatly help me," Hong said as he felt the energy within. "With this, my understanding of the Earth Law should advance further."

"Great!" Thunder God said excitedly. "Big Brother Hong will only get stronger from here!"

"And this too," Hong opened another box, revealing various cultivation resources. "These are for Earth, to help nurture more martial artists."

"The Giant Axe Battle Arena is truly generous," Luo Feng said with emotion.

"This also shows their regard for Earth," Luo Wen analyzed. "Their support is significant for Earth's future development."

The next day.

Morning sunlight filtered through the energy dome, casting a warm glow over this digital world.

Inside the Earth team's residence, the four of them were enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. Due to the schedule, none of them had matches today, allowing them to rest and adjust.

Hong was studying the Earth Heart in his room, the faint golden light deepening his comprehension of the Earth Law. Thunder God was training in the living room. Luo Feng was reviewing tactical materials.

Luo Wen sat on the balcony in quiet thought.

"In this universe, strength truly is everything," he murmured. "But sometimes, wisdom is just as important."

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

The visitor shown on the screen surprised Luo Wen. It was the Emperor of Flame from yesterday, and he had come alone.

"Emperor of Flame?" Hong walked out of his room. "Why is he here again?"

"I am not here for Hong this time," the Emperor of Flame's voice came through the communicator. "I wish to speak with Luo Wen."

Hearing his name, Luo Wen was slightly surprised.

Hong gestured toward him. "Big Brother Luo Wen, he wants to see you."

Luo Wen nodded and approached the communicator.

"Emperor of Flame, may I ask what this is about?"

"There are some matters I would prefer to discuss in person. May I come up?" the Emperor of Flame asked politely, his tone far gentler than when dealing with the earlier recruiters.

"Of course," Luo Wen replied.

A few minutes later, the Emperor of Flame entered the residence. Today he wore simple clothing instead of his black battle armor, appearing more approachable. Yet the aura of a true powerhouse still made everyone instinctively cautious.

"No need to be formal. I am here personally today," he said as he sat down.

"Emperor of Flame, what brings you here?" Luo Wen asked directly.

The Emperor studied him carefully.

"I watched your battle recordings against the Silver Moon Princess, as well as all your team's matches. I must say, your strategic insight left a deep impression on me."

"Thank you," Luo Wen replied calmly.

"Especially your decision to intentionally lose to the Silver Moon Princess," the Emperor continued. "That level of foresight is extremely rare, even within the Giant Axe Battle Arena."

The others were shocked. He had seen through it.

"You flatter me. It was simply the most rational choice," Luo Wen said modestly.

"Rational?" the Emperor smiled. "To suppress instinct and choose the optimal strategy for the team. That is not just rational. That is true intelligence."

He paused, then added, "From your team's coordination, it is clear you act as the strategist. Hong's tactics, Thunder God's analysis, Luo Feng's mental adjustment. All of it is influenced by your guidance."

"Teamwork is our strength," Luo Wen replied. "Everyone plays their part."

"Exactly why I value you," the Emperor said seriously. "Luo Wen, I formally invite you to join the Giant Axe Battle Arena. We can offer you the position of Senior Tactical Consultant, abundant resources, and access to core-level privileges."

The room froze.

A Senior Tactical Consultant. Core access. This was an unimaginable offer.

But after a moment of silence, Luo Wen shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I must decline."

"What?" the others exclaimed.

"You're refusing the Giant Axe Battle Arena?" Thunder God said in disbelief.

Hong was also stunned.

The Emperor, however, did not seem surprised.

"May I ask your reason?" he said calmly.

Luo Wen looked out toward the distant stars.

"Because joining a faction means restriction. I prefer freedom in thought and decision-making. Within an organization, rules and interests may conflict with my own judgment."

The Emperor nodded slowly. "I understand. But what if it is not joining, but cooperation?"

"Cooperation?"

"Yes. A contracted advisory role," the Emperor explained. "You remain independent, and we engage you when needed. You may accept or refuse tasks freely."

Luo Wen considered this.

"That sounds acceptable. But what is the compensation?"

The Emperor smiled.

"Beyond material rewards, we can offer intelligence. Information on major cosmic factions, rare cultivation insights, and combat experience from top-tier warriors."

-------------------------------

Already hooked? Tell me what reeled you in leave a review, spark the fire with a comment, and if we hit every 250 Power Stones, a bonus chapter drops!

The evolution's just begun. Dive deeper into Unbound Evolution and stay leagues ahead!

[email protected]/_tey

Change @ to a.