Chapter 990 Without the Strength to Be Responsible, What Good Is the Crown


    The announcement of the champion team andmander-in-chief for the mystic realmpetition by Ryker, the Chief Assistant Designer of the Thalrex Order, shocked the 80 teams participating. Nearly everymander was stunned and dissatisfied with the decision. From their perspective, Dragon Soul Special Forces, under Robin''s leadership, should have been the first team eliminated from the running for the L1 Mystic Realm Qualifying Match.


    Although they had gotten the qualifying token, the Dragon Soul Special Forces had tantly disregarded every rule and structure of thepetition under Robin''smand.


    This alone should have disqualified them, ording to the usual standards.


    Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the final ruling from the Thalrex Order dered Dragon Soul Special Forces, led by Robin, the winners of the L2 mystic realmpetition. This was beyond absurd, and it left everyone in a state of disbelief.


    A heavy silence hung over the arena, broken only by the sound of the salty, biting sea breeze that swept through, unsettling themanders.


    The air felt thick with tension, and the distant noises of seagulls, crashing waves, and the wind seemed to amplify the stillness.


    Not a single word was spoken; all eyes were locked on Ryker, awaiting his next statement. Ryker, however, remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the 80manders.


    For two long minutes, the silence persisted.


    Finally, it was Cary, themander-in-chief of the Sakuranian Special Forces, who stepped forward to break the tension. "General Irvin, I have an objection!"


    Ryker gave a slight nod, signaling for him to continue.


    Cary pointed to Robin and spoke firmly. "General Irvin, I believe he doesn''t deserve to be called topmander-in-chief!


    "Although the Sakuranian Special Forces is no longer in the running for the L1 mystic realm championship final, as a member of the international military skillspetition, I still have the right to challenge the final result of thispetition." Ryker shrugged casually. "Very well. Please, go ahead."


    Cary pressed on, "General Irvin, from Area One to Area Four in the L2 mystic realmpetition, Dragon Soul Special Forces did show some unsportsmanlike conduct, but none of those actions broke the rules. Everything they did was within the scope of thepetition. "But once they left Area Four and entered the jungle where the qualification tokens were hidden, theypletely disregarded the rules. At that critical moment when all the teams were at risk, Dragon Soul Special Forces ignored the regtions and entered the forbidden zone, destroying the entire framework of thepetition.


    "I ask again: how is it that they, who vited the rules, were granted the title of topmander-in-chief?"


    Other teams who had already received their requalification tokens quickly joined in.


    "Exactly, General Irvin! We demand a reasonable exnation!"


    "Could there be some sort of hidden maniption behind this decision?"


    "If that''s the case, we''ll all withdraw from the requalification round together!"


    A wave of murmurs spread across the arena, but Ryker raised his hand to silence them.


    Without showing any emotion, he surveyed themanders in front of him.


    "I wonder," Ryker began, "aside from threatening to quit, what else can any of you do?"


    He spread his hands wide, his voice firm andmanding. "As soldiers, as warriors who im to be ready to serve and protect, if you''re only motivated by personal gain andck the vision to embrace a higher purpose, maybe some of you shouldn''t even be here. "Here''s your chance. Who among you is ready to leave the L1 mystic realmpetition? Raise your hand if you want to leave.


    "I will personally approve your withdrawal and guarantee that you won''t be held ountable for backing out of this battle.


    "You have one minute.


    "Otherwise, keep yourints to yourselves."


    The entire arena fell intoplete silence.


    Ryker continued, "There are two types of smart people in this world: those who are leaders and those who follow. If some of you don''t even know which category you belong to, then you have no right to be here.


    "What''s even more frightening," Ryker continued, "is that someone who''s clearly just a follower has the nerve to challenge those who truly understand the greater purpose.


    "If the Thalrex Order ces such a person in the highestmand, it would be a betrayal to the entire world!


    "One minute remaining!" Ryker nced at the clock. "It seems no one has stepped forward to withdraw from thispetition.


    "That means all your cries about quitting were nothing but empty threats, a loud distraction, and baseless usations!


    "All you really wanted was to seize the title of topmander-in-chief!


    "I''ll say this now: even if you were handed the title of topmander-in-chief, what would it even mean?


    "First, the person I''ve chosen for topmander-in-chief was selected by the Thalrex Order''s highestmand center through careful deliberation. There''s no controversy, no hidden agendas, and no


    Lov


    emotional bias. Our decision is


    "Second, let''s address the real issue here-what are the actual criteria for choosing the topmander-in-chief?


    "For those of you still unclear about the true purpose, mission, and responsibility of the Thalrex Order, listen carefully.


    "Put aside your personal desires and


    fixations. Wear the soul of a true


    soldier in your heart and constantly remind yourselves that it''s through duty and responsibility that you honor the uniform of a warrior.


    "The L2 and L1 mystic realm tournaments, leading up to the final Summit Meeting, have one primary goal: protection and responsibility.


    "The world is obsessed with power, fame, and the temptation of glory. These attractions are endless.


    "But what they don''t realize is that when you wear that title, you''re also carrying a heavy mission and responsibility.


    "If the title of the topmander-in-chief falls into the hands of those driven by selfishness, vanity, or the thirst for attention, it would lead to disaster for this world and its people! "Only someone whobines wisdom and strength, intellect and might, is fit to wear this crown.


    "The highestmand center of the organizingmittee has bestowed this crown upon General Ramsey because he understands the true essence of thispetition.


    "And you, who understand nothing, are still whining about your dissatisfaction and grievances-what does that even aplish?


    "I have a question for all themanders-in-chief: if the crown were ced in your hands, could you carry the weight of billions of lives on your shoulders?


    "Without the strength to be responsible, what good is the crown?


    "This is the stance of the Thalrex Order''s highestmand center in selecting themander-in-chief.


    "Lastly, the organizingmittee will review the 70ints about Dragon Soul Special Forces'' final catastrophic decision. I''ll address thoseints now.


    "Once again, when those meant to be followers or bystanders believe they have the right to criticize, judge, or even maliciously attack a brilliantmander, That is nothing short of despicable and hical!


    "The organizingmittee will defend the integrity of thispetition!


    "Now, I will announce the teams qualifying for the L1 mystic realmpetition!


    "Anyone who is dissatisfied, please withdraw immediately!


    "Once the L1 mystic realmpetition begins, allmanders will be required to follow the orders of Commander-in-chief Ramsey, the topmander-in-chief.


    "I dere that the Thalrex Order International Military Skills Competition L1 Mystic Realm Semifinals will begin tomorrow at 8:00 AM sharp."