"That’s right."
Kro’s time rift began to pulse actively:
"The preheat match is about to begin, this is the best opportunity for a probe.
Nari has always fought solo, never cultivating a structured legion.
In battles conducted by subordinate legions, her disadvantage will be fully exposed."
"So, our goal is clear."
Kempes concluded, as parts of his body began to move in unison, displaying a unified will:
"Take advantage of the preheat match to thoroughly test Nari’s true power.
If she really is all show and no substance, having gained only a superficial power boost, then it’s time to severely damage her forces and reestablish the power order."
"But if she has indeed gained some new power..."
Kro continued, the rift in time around him expanding wildly:
"We must find out the source of this power and figure out a way to make it our own."
"There’s another issue to consider."
Delir’s voice grew cautious:
"The attitude of the Supreme Apostles towards this matter. If Nari truly has gained some special power, those ancient monsters couldn’t have missed it."
"That is indeed a risk."
Kempes’s perception began probing into the deeper layers of the Abyss:
"But from what I’ve observed, the Supreme Apostles have been busy with a large project recently.
The energy fluctuations in the Soul Abyss are exceptionally intense, it seems they’re preparing for some unprecedented ritual."
"This might be our chance."
Kro mused:
"If those ancient monsters are temporarily unable to attend to the smaller actions on the fifth layer, we’ll have enough time to deal with Nari."
The wills of the three Apostles began to converge, and the energy fluctuations in the space became coordinated.
They all understood that when facing a variable with unknown power, the best strategy was to unite.
"Then, let’s begin formulating a concrete action plan."
Kempes’s multiple voices sounded simultaneously:
"The preheat match will start in half a month, we have enough time to perfect the plan."
In the deep darkness, the low laughter of several Apostles rang intermittently.
......
Abyss Sixth Layer, the core area of the Maze Domain.
In the center of this chaos, stands a breathtaking giant structure—the Chaos Arena.
The arena itself is a work of art, condensed from pure Chaos Energy.
From the outside, it resembles a blooming iron flower.
But each "petal" is an independent spatial segment, accommodating spectators from different levels of the Abyss.
These spatial segments rotate slowly, occasionally overlapping, allowing audiences from different areas to "check in" and interact.
Ron observed all this through the perspective of a Stand-In Puppet via consciousness connection.
As one of the contestants, the puppet was standing at the edge of the arena’s preparation area, surrounded by a formidable and unsettling aura.
"What an impressive structure..."
He marveled in his mind, while activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to analyze the surrounding energy structure.
The stability of the entire arena depended entirely on the spider-like figure hovering at the top—an avatar of "Void Spider" Maggs.
Countless nearly invisible threads extended from him, weaving a massive web that covered the entire arena.
This web not only maintained the stability of the spatial structure, more importantly, it monitored the movements of every participant.
"An interesting method of control..."
Through the puppet’s perception, Ron carefully analyzed the traits of these threads:
"Each thread is an independent information transmission channel, capable of real-time feedback on all changes within the field. And also..."
He noticed deeper details.
The threads were not just monitoring tools; they were precise spatial anchors.
If something beyond control occurred, Maggs could instantly sever the spatial connection of a certain area, isolating the danger to the smallest range.
"This level of Space Manipulation..." he mused to himself: "The power of a Supreme Apostle is indeed beyond imagination."
Just then, Maggs’s voice echoed throughout the arena through a Spiritual Wave:
"Welcome to the 127th Abyss Preheat Match, rulers of the Abyss!"
The voice contained a strong sense of coercion, even the fierce abyssal creatures in the stands quieted down involuntarily.
"Today, eighteen legions will compete, and the winners will qualify for the official ranking battle!"
As soon as the words fell, the entire arena erupted with deafening roars.
Ron, through the puppet’s senses, felt this primal fervor emanating from the depths of the Abyss.
The stands were occupied by various abyssal creatures:
There were Dragon Species mutants covered with metallic scales, breathing not fire, but corrosive acid;
Multi-headed monsters with dozens of eyes, each head emitting a different frequency of roar;
And some entities that completely defied biological cognition.
Their forms constantly changed under the observers’ gaze, as if reality couldn’t contain their true appearances.
"Let’s welcome the first competing legion—Delir’s ’Doomsday Gospel’!"
Accompanied by Maggs’s introduction, a side of the arena’s space began to warp.
A rift burning with black flame slowly tore open, from which emerged a terrifying troupe.
Leading them were six Fallen Great Angels, but they had completely lost the sanctity that angels should possess.
Their once snow-white wings now decayed into bat-like membranous wings, covered with sores and parasites.