The Sovereign's voice rang out, sharp and merciless:
"Stop your childish game. Look around your surroundings. Someone is missing."
A ding dong echoed across the arena. The players counted quickly. All were present—except Riden.
The Advanced Magic Telecast Item shimmered to life, replaying the moment of his downfall. Riden had tried to catch Shanmu, unaware that her shield blocked his path. He leapt, his skill still active, and passed through the endless ground's edge. The pit swallowed him whole.
The players laughed, bragging about each other's faults, some flustered by the replay. The final clip ended with Riden's elimination.
The Sovereign smirked. "It is unfair, yes. But it was Riden's fault for not stopping his skill. I am merciful—relax, and prepare for tomorrow."
The next day arrived instantly as the players counted down together: 3…2…1…0. Dransart greeted his wives warmly. The others discussed the strange advantage of not needing sleep. Blue especially enjoyed it, remarking how refreshing it felt.
The Sovereign appeared again. "Your next game is Dodgeball. One ball, bouncing nonstop, in the same ground as before—but now with a ceiling twelve meters high. No walls. If the ball touches any part of you, you are eliminated."
The match began.
- Shanmu stood firm, her shield deflecting the ball. The players shouted about unfairness, but the Sovereign ignored them.
- Blue calculated wind flow, gravity, and the ball's volume, plotting escape routes.
- Vazor tried to cut the ball with his sword, but it bounced off the blade's tip, frustrating him.
- The ball avoided Terbol, repelled by his ominous aura.
- Protogonaist dodged with flair, showing off to the others.
- Dransart, unable to rely on his Last-Minute Luck unless near death, hid behind Dew.
In the chaos, the ball struck Light. He smirked, turning to Dransart. "The ball fears Dew's face, but it won't be destroyed. I'll watch the right side, you watch the left. Five seconds to decide."
Dransart agreed under pressure, but realization struck him: My left eye is the Holy Eye. He's exploiting this. Either I quit the deal or risk elimination by mistake. It's win-win for him.
Then the sound echoed: "Beep—a player is eliminated."