Everyone else had gone off to do their own things.
Mu Yang wandered around the rest area.
His main purpose in coming to Natlan was to gather information.
The hottest topic in the rest area right now was naturally who would win the spots for the [Night Warden War].
"I wonder who will win this time. Who do you think is more likely?"
The person who spoke was dressed in clothing from the Collective of Plenty.
"It's too hard to guess, especially in the team battles. Anything can happen."
"There have been cases in the past where popular contestants met early, plus environmental restrictions and strategy choices… It's impossible to predict the result."
The man talking to her was from the Flower-Feather Clan.
The two of them seemed to have only come as volunteers and were not contestants themselves.
"Yeah, sigh. Do you think I have a chance to participate in the [Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame]? I've been training every day after work recently."
"Hahaha, it's not impossible. If you ever get on the field one day, I'll cheer for you."
The two of them teased each other, then went off to replenish food for the contestants.
It seemed the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame was truly a nationwide event in Natlan.
When Mu Yang passed by a corner of the stairs, he heard some rather sharp comments.
"Although there are five spots in this Night Warden War, it's actually no different from four."
Mu Yang looked over. It was someone from the Flower-Feather Clan again.
She did not beat around the bush. "Chasca will definitely win! I'm confident about that!"
Her companion, a messenger from the Scions of the Canopy, shook his head. "Ah, I don't think so. Isn't it a bit too early to start celebrating now?"
"Don't forget that Iansan is also participating."
The two of them began listing the battle records of their respective favorites.
Mu Yang also learned about two important characters.
He was not sure about Chasca yet, but Iansan was definitely a wish-pool character.
And she was very strong.
Despite her small size, similar to Kachina's, she was a proper expert — a divine figure who had saved four teammates from the Abyss.
It was said that people from the Collective of Plenty were known for their great strength. Small bodies, immense power.
"miHoYo" was doing his contrast thing again.
Mu Yang continued walking around for a few more laps. He could only say that compared to the previous nations, Natlan was really too difficult to distinguish who the wish-pool characters were.
Most people here possessed Visions.
And there were plenty of people in strange outfits carrying their own weapons.
Almost all of them looked like they could enter the wish pool.
But with so many, it was definitely impossible to arrange all of them.
Mu Yang did not rashly go up to greet anyone. He would let things take their natural course for now.
Perhaps these people had only been arranged to make the battles in the main storyline more exciting.
After all, so many years had passed. It was really hard to justify NPCs still having the same faces.
In short, after walking around once, Mu Yang discovered that the ones discussed the most were Chasca, Iansan, Mualani, and Kinich.
Kinich and Iansan had even become the Pyro Archon's capable subordinates.
Chasca's combat power and battle records were extremely terrifying. She was said to be a battle maniac.
As for Mualani, she had already participated in the [Night Warden War] twice.
Her performance had been very outstanding because she had never been defeated.
Everyone guessed that this might be her third time participating in the [Night Warden War].
After organizing this information, Mu Yang breathed a sigh of relief.
At least these few could be confirmed as wish-pool characters.
They had distinctive personalities and impressive records.
Adding in the rookie Kachina who urgently needed to grow, they were definitely Natlan's protagonist group.
Unfortunately, the Pyro Archon was probably too busy. Mu Yang had walked around several times but had not seen her.
In the end, Mu Yang could not resist and quietly went to take a look at Kachina.
They were discussing tactics.
Mualani really had the "praise everyone" character setting.
No matter what Kachina said, she was willing to believe it and encourage her.
"Who said this tactic is old? This tactic is amazing!"
Mu Yang: "…Is this really not going to spoil her with excessive praise?"
Fortunately, Mualani did not have any ill intentions. After praising, she would usually quietly point out the flaws so that Kachina could discover them herself.
Time passed just like this until the next day.
Because Mu Yang was there as a spectator, he did not stay in the same area as the contestants.
He arrived early at the agreed meeting spot and waited.
After all, his meditation was essentially rest.
It did not matter much where he did it.
"Wow, Mu Yang, you woke up so early too! Looks like everyone is quite punctual. No careless person who overslept."
Mualani was still bursting with energy.
"The most dangerous careless person is you! Good thing this great lord is here, yahaha—!"
Kachina held her forehead. "Ajaw's voice is really loud. My head hurts a bit."
It seemed someone had not slept well last night.
Mualani took the chance to tease Ajaw. "Head hurts? If you don't perform well later, just push all the blame onto Ajaw."
"Look at what kind of friends you've made! I went to wake them up for you, but these two not only didn't thank me, they even blamed me!"
Ajaw complained to Kinich.
He only received a cold response. "I agree with Mualani."
Ajaw's expression became as exaggerated as possible.
After all, he was a cartoon character!
That was why people said comedic characters were invincible.
What normal person could open their mouth that wide and make such exaggerated expressions?
Mu Yang ignored the bickering of the lively group. They were clearly the atmosphere team.
He asked Kachina how her rest had been last night and whether she had slept well.
"I was a bit nervous at first. But the bed here is more comfortable than at home. I fell asleep quickly after lying down."
Her two teammates nodded. It was their first time participating, so everything felt fresh to them.
He did not know if they were just big-hearted, but even though they were about to enter the arena, they were still gnawing on large flatbreads in their hands…
Newborn calves were not afraid of tigers.
However, with these two's mentality, even if they were eliminated, they probably would not blame Kachina.
At this moment, the arena-wide broadcast sounded:
"The competition is about to begin. All contestants, please enter the arena early. I repeat, all contestants, please enter the arena early."
Although they still wanted to chat a bit more, it was already time to enter.
Mualani enthusiastically pointed out the way for Mu Yang.
The spot the young lady had arranged for him was very good.
He could see the Pyro Archon during the opening ceremony.
Of course, he could also see the competition area where Kachina was.
Although Mu Yang's character setting did not really support him loudly cheering and shouting encouragement.
But heartfelt wishes were the most important.
Kachina would definitely receive them… right?
After bidding farewell to the contestants, Mu Yang headed toward the spectator stands.
"Young man, once the competition starts, you won't be able to leave freely. Your seat is…"
Mu Yang sat down.
Amid the cheers of the entire arena, the host opened with a passionate dance, igniting the whole venue.
Finally, it was time to experience Natlan's most important culture!