Fading blood remained on my hands for only a couple of moments before loud cheers taken from the stadium, which was watching this virtual reality tournament, filled my ears.
'So this is how a gladiator felt hearing the cheers of the crowd... I could see why even free gladiators would risk their lives for it.' I thought as I relaxed slightly before laughing out loud and holding my fists above my head.
And after a moment, I felt my consciousness shudder before I abruptly felt my control over my real body return.
My eye's snapped open, and I leaned forward with a heavy inhale at feeling all the little bits of the body you typically ignore return to me that the VR didn't actually replicate. "Yeah... That shit was trippy." I muttered.
Knowing I needed to get ready for some PR nonsense, I made sure I was looking my best before some event workers came over and explained that I was supposed to talk to that announcer woman who would be handing out the winning reward and such.
And following them, I was brought out onto a talk show stage with a couple of seats angled off of one another, and sitting there on the other seat was the announcer.
Though as I took her in... I internally paused as I realized she was a true Surpasser who belonged in the Third Level of the Sanctuary. As I watched her idly playing with a couple of ice pearls she conjured from her own life energy.
The woman herself was also rather beautiful, even if she looked somehow both bored and highly interested as she looked up from the pearls to me.
"Jake Bariss, a part of Qin Xuan's Steel Legion, an orphan, a talent who has filled out seemingly all his geno points before even spending six months in the first sanctuary. A number of people have some very interesting questions for you... But I only have one."
I was surprised she hadn't introduced herself, but she merely smiled as she leaned in and said. "What are your plans next, then? After showing such amazing talent?"
I took a breath at that pointed question. "I will enroll in a good college, become stronger, and I will see the Second Sanctuary within the next month is my goal."
The announcer gave me a thoughtful look before she said thoughtfully. "Any particular college you are aiming for, then Jake? Do you plan to stay here on Planet Falan or go to somewhere else?"
I shrugged as I said honestly. "I have only graduated a few months ago, remember? I haven't even been in the Sanctuary for a full year as well. So I need to look into some colleges, and see if any will even accept me with my commoner background."
That announcer chuckled before she said teasingly. "Commoners are only weak and talentless people, Jake. When you have the strongest fist of your generation. Then you are the noblest of all."
Then she said more formally. "In either case, congratulations Jake, for winning Planet Falan's youth tournament. I hope to see your ambitions carry you well into the Second Sanctuary and you become a pillar for humanity."
She then lightly looked towards the camera drones, and I saw the drones fly off along with their recording functions cut off.
There was a moment of silence before she spoke again. "So Jake, speaking of nobility... Have you heard of the Luo family?"
I paused at that... As the Luo family was a kingdom of it's own in the galaxy. They had strong gene warriors who could throw down with demi-gods who could crack planets and such.
I then said slowly. "I am aware of them yes."
The announcer woman finally looked back to me, and I saw a coldness in her eyes as she said thoughtfully. "Good, then I want you to do something for me. And if you do so. Then I will give you an S-ranked Geno Martial Art. And the Luo family will have you admitted to any Military College you desire."
I frowned as this was just weird before I realized something. She needed me to do something in the first Sanctuary that required a lot of strength. Or otherwise in the future in the second Sanctuary.
I took a breath before I asked bluntly. "What do you want me to do? What can I do that your family can't do with all it's power?"
To which her cold smile became a warning as she said lightly. "You... Don't need to worry about the later bits. But I want you to kill that tiger that has killed a number of Luo clan members who had the misfortune of meeting it in the wild in your area."
My face twitched as I knew all too damned fucking well that. That tiger was a Super-tier creature. Something even with my Super-tier Aura Beast Soul. It was going to be a major pain the ass to kill regardless of anything.
Then I blanked as she said. "That tiger has been sighted repeatedly fighting another utterly unreasonably strong, lion-type beast that is also notably pregnant in the northern mountain area around the Steel Shelter."
She then took a breath before she said. "Your task is to bring back their heads for confirmation of their kills. And other than that, their Beast Souls are obviously yours as well. I need news of the tiger's death as soon as possible, however."
I was silent for a long moment as I realized that the super-tier Golden Lion Beast, which Han Sen first 'killed' via eating its cub and placenta after its birth, was still going to come into view.
And after a moment, I thought. 'If I do kill the tiger, the lion beast, and its cub. I will fill out my Super Geno points, and it will only take a bit of effort to get some more Sacred Blood geno points as well.'
After the moment of thinking... I took a breath and asked bluntly. "What Geno Martial Arts are you willing to offer? It's not something with heavy drawbacks, is it?"
The woman who obviously belonged to the Luo family gave a short snort before she said with a knowing smile. "Oh... Don't worry, Jake. You will not be found wanting with this reward."
Then she gave a lazy wave in my direction before she said. "Now go on ahead Jake. Go play with your little girlfriend. But don't forget my offer... And don't worry, when you accomplish that goal. If you survive, I will contact you."
Knowing I was dismissed, I didn't bother to ask questions as I could tell this woman had a level of arrogance etched into her bones. So I just got up as I thought.
'She sure is pretty... But I got a big titty clingy redhead at home anyway. And speaking of which. Time to go kiss and snuggle with my said big titty redhead!' I thought with some excitement at the thought of Mio's typical physical affectionate nature.