As a temporary viewing site for this competition, a massive, unparalleled projection dominated the center of the venue. Even from their dormitories, spectators could watch the live broadcast of the event. Yet, many still gathered with fellow students and teachers to witness the spectacle in person.
Meanwhile, in a special void within Immortal College, dozens of figures had gathered. Among them was a blue-clad figure, the Level 6 Planetary Lord of Hope's Peak Academy. Sitting beside him was an elderly man in green robes, also a highly influential Level 6 Planetary Lord, representing Shining Light University.
"Everyone!" a stout man at the center surveyed the crowd and spoke with a booming voice. "This is the first time in how many years that so many of us have gathered together?"
"It must have been at least a few hundred years," replied a Level 6 Planetary Lord, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "The last time so many of us met was when one of your people was promoted to Level 6."
"That's not true," the green-robed old man chuckled. "In the blink of an eye, it's been thousands of years." Many others nodded in agreement, lamenting the passage of time.
"I wonder where your academy's representative is now," another asked with a smile. "I heard he went to explore the Endless Star Territory."
"How should I know?" the stout man shrugged. "That guy does whatever he wants, leaves whenever he pleases. It's been thousands of years since he left, and we've heard nothing. He might be dead, or perhaps he's just somewhere hidden."
"Don't worry about him," the green-clad elder said with a smile. "He has incredible luck. He managed to obtain that wondrous treasure before the big day and stepped into Level 6 in one fell swoop, truly a rare feat in the Federation."
"Still, it's worrying whether he's alive or dead. Maybe he's had another stroke of luck and doesn't want to return."
A ripple of laughter echoed through the void.
"Speaking of which," the blue-clad figure from Hope's Peak Academy interjected, "He once participated in the Group Star Competition. He barely made it past the group stage and was out early in the elimination rounds. Who would've thought he'd become a Level 6 Planetary Lord!?"
"How can some people be so lucky?" the green-robed elder shook his head. "He's been the only one for years. Others have to compete honestly, striving with their strength for victory."
"That's right," the stout man agreed. "Luck is unpredictable. No one can control it. But strength, that's something you can grasp. Well, enough talk. The competition's about to begin. Let's see which genius will stand out this year!"
Everyone nodded, aware that this year's Immortal College had produced several exceptionally talented trainees. They believed one of them was destined to claim victory.
As time ticked closer to 8 p.m., anticipation grew. No one disturbed the participants, and Sebastian had temporarily sealed off the Star Space.
Within the Star Space, only Sebastian could enter or exit; the communication functions were also disabled to prevent interference. In past years, many attempted to influence the contestants through various means, so the school had long been on high alert.
Back in the villa area, teachers patrolled diligently, and the planet spirit kept watch over the campus. Since this was within the territory of a Level 6 Planetary Lord, any troublemakers would be foolish to cause chaos here.
Finally, at precisely 8 p.m., the group stage of the competition officially commenced. Unlike previous years, there was no elaborate opening ceremony. Sebastian's vision blurred, and suddenly, he found himself in a vast, empty space. It resembled the examination room used during entrance tests, but the atmosphere was more refined and comfortable, even better than the Star Space.
"This must be an enhanced version of the Star Space," Sebastian thought. "With so many contestants, billions, perhaps, providing a separate space for each one… Only the Star Council could accomplish that!"
Meanwhile, outside Terra, beyond the Mountain Range, the planet gate slowly opened again. When the competition was set to start, it would remain open, connecting to the 81st planet, where the group stage was held.
Countless contestants on the planet prepared as passages opened one after another. An army of Supernaturals streamed through the gates, each heading to their designated planets.
As the gates opened, a voice echoed in the minds of all participants:
"For this group competition, the gate will remain open for one hour. After that, it will close, whether or not participants have sent their teams to the competition planet. Until contestants choose to withdraw, the gate will not reopen, and teams will be transported back to their respective planets."
"At the front of each individual contestant's interface, there is an exit button. Please note: pressing this button will automatically withdraw you from the competition, and your team will be transported out."
Sebastian glanced forward and saw the exit button on his left. If his team was not winning, he could choose to press it and exit.
However, since the group stage was based on points, quitting did not mean elimination; rankings depended on final scores. On the right, a points panel was displayed:
[ Participant: Sebastian ]
[ Planet: Area 81 ]
[ Points: 0 ]
[ Ranking: None ]
Sebastian understood this was his personal score panel, visible only to him. Others couldn't see his points, but the official leaderboard listed all participants by planet.
"The competition begins!" The voice announced again as the entire planet channel was activated. This marked the official start of the group stage for each planet in the star competition.