Kannan returned to the Zevan family's house that night, reassuring them. "I have prepared a safe home for you, with protection. Stay there. We don't know when enemies will strike."
The siblings were stunned by the interior. This is enough for us to live happily. Even if he fails, we can enjoy god-life here. They ate, rested, and slept peacefully.
Morning of the Next Day
At the qualifier board, Kannan saw only 250 contestants remained. One-on-one battles will halve this number again, he thought.
The Holy Eye whispered, "Look carefully. D-coins are being transferred to well-performing gods. Yet none are given to you. Be cautious."
The God Father drew the next round from the lottery box: Olympthon.
Rules of Olympthon
The God Father explained:
- Four stops mark the path.
- Crossing each stop drains stamina.
- The final stop drains holy potential.
- If holy potential runs out without recovery, a god becomes a fake god.
- Sideways paths allow escape but mean disqualification.
- Weapons and holy potential use are forbidden.
The race began.
The Race Begins
Gods ran slowly to conserve energy. High holy potential families surged ahead, flaunting their strength. Kannan noticed something strange—the aura of the frontrunners matched the Thivan family.
The Holy Eye confirmed, "Novan family discovered a medicine recipe requiring martial blood. They used Thivan blood to create martial physique. It will be hard for you to win."
Kannan smiled. "I don't need first place. I only need to cross the finish."
The Stops
- First Stop: Some gods rested, others pressed on.
- Second Stop: More fell behind, drinking holy water to recover.
- Third Stop: Most paused to preserve stamina. Kannan shifted into Beast King Class, enhancing stamina. He passed the third stop with ease.
- Fourth Stop: High holy potential families struggled. Kannan's beast skills lasted one minute, leaving him weak, but he slowed his pace and endured.
The Realization
Kannan observed many participants surrendering, even those who had received D-coins earlier. The high holy potential families, once confident, now faltered.
He realized: This trial is not about speed or strength. It is about endurance, patience, and wisdom. The gods who flaunted their power are failing. I, who run steadily, will prevail.
Thus, the Olympthon round continues.
Kannan advances with strategy, conserving strength while others collapse. The Petvan family watches with disbelief, and the Zevan siblings cling to hope. The path to Devil God narrows further, and the next trial promises even greater peril.