"The candidates can use the plants for their beasts. There's no need to give them back to us. It's just a small gift from the Plant Association."
Theodore spoke up. There was a hint of enjoyment in his voice. After all, Rocky's performance had truly convinced the grand plant scholars.
One of the grand plant scholars smirked.
"I really want to take him as my own disciple… but it's a shame he already has a master."
"Uhm… but he can have two masters." He rubbed his chin, lost in wishful thinking.
Theodore clicked his tongue.
"Shameless geezer."
The other grand plant scholars laughed in amusement.
"Let's begin the final round."
***
Ting!
–
Race: Ancient ape
Level: 12
Species Rank: Calamity
Strength: 53 →56 (+3)
Constitution:60 → 66 (+4)
Mana: 35 →40 (+5)
Speed: 36→38 (+2)
Unique Skill: Intermediate Swordsmanship, Void Forging, Aura of apex Predator, Verdant Insight
Rocky smirked.
''Good job, Bobby.''
Bobby licked his lips in happiness after enjoying the shark's greenweb-covered brain. Then he jumped onto Rocky's right shoulder and sat there, clearly amused.
Using a noble plant without paying for it felt good.
The presenter was about to speak when, suddenly, a senior grand scholar walked over and whispered something to him. The presenter nodded in understanding.
He cleared his throat.
''Ladies and gentlemen. It seems everyone had some doubts about the anonymous plant scholar's victory in the previous round. Therefore, this final round will have a small change.''
He flicked his fingers. In less than half a second, a magical space appeared in the middle of the arena.
Lowering his voice, he pointed at it.
''That is the Knowledge Lake of the Plant Association… a magical space that stores all the accumulated knowledge about plant species we've researched since the organization was established.
''The amount of knowledge inside is terrifying. Maybe a single person would need at least a thousand years just to read through it all. I hope you understand what I mean… merely reading it wouldn't even be enough time, let alone memorizing it.''
He turned his attention to his beast, then to the stands.
"I'll pluck a small bunch of my beast's fur to choose a seat number. Of course, I'll do it in half a second, without looking…That action will make sure I don't choose anyone from the Plant Association on purpose.."
"For example, if I pluck thirty strands of fur, the one sitting in seat number thirty will come here to pick a random plant from this magical space."
He glanced at the crowd in the stands and smirked.Those people disgusted him, always refusing to acknowledge others' achievements to maintain their own existence.
"Is that fair enough?"
No one responded.
He clicked his tongue and continued.
"Now, I'll explain the rules of the final round."
"The candidates must answer the plant's traits. Because there are many plant species, I don't expect you all to list every single trait. You only need to answer part of the information, and you'll get 10 points for that… whoever reaches 200 points first will be the winner."
"However… there's a special rule: you can steal your opponent's points."
"For example, if I answer part of the traits and get 10 points, but someone with a bigger brain answers the remaining traits, I'll lose my 10 points… and that person will gain the 10 stolen points plus a 10-point bonus."
"Understand? It's quite simple."
He glanced at the candidates. At this point, only four people remained.
"Candidates, please pick a chair and wait until I invite the audience in the stands to choose the plants for the final round."
Rocky nodded and walked over to a chair. He sat down, crossing one leg over the other. His beast jumped from Rocky's shoulder onto the table, hugging a few fruits and eating happily.
Then he glanced at Travis and let out a chuckle.
(I'm going to humiliate you in front of everyone in the whole world. What a shame he doesn't even know who I really am.)
Rocky had made a deal with Theodore that he wouldn't reveal his identity to the world. He had no choice—after all, the branch clans would take notice of him. Keeping a low profile was safer. He would use his position in the Plant Association in secret, without letting anyone know… at least until he was strong enough to face the traitors directly.
Four names quickly appeared on the magical screen.
—
Travis Booth / Points:
Scarlet Kirk / Points:
The super talent, the anonymous plant scholar / Points:
Harding Dean / Points:
—
Rocky's face twitched when he saw his name on the magical screen.
(I curse the fucking bastard who came up with that name.)
10 minutes later.
''The first plant!... Who answers first, please raise your hand.''
The presenter said while pointing at the first plant.
It was a flower with long leaves spreading around, forming a bizarre cap. In the middle of it was a human-like face that looked quite creepy.
It even emitted a strange aura, making the candidates feel cold.
Travis, wearing an arrogant expression, chuckled as he raised his hand first. He was very confident in his knowledge about this plant. After all, his clan had researched it extensively ten years ago.
''That is a Devil-faced Flower. A bizarre flower that grows from cliff rocks where sunlight never reaches. It absorbs negative energy and transforms it into its face. It can be collected during the last month of winter. Its effect is improving beasts' sleep and keeping them in a good mood for a week.''
(It can't be wrong. I'm sure of it.)
The presenter nodded.
''That is correct. Candidate Travis… you have earned 10 points.''
He glanced at the other candidates.
''Does anyone want to add anything?''
Travis smirked.
''You should move on to the next plant. There's no—''
''I want to add some information.'' Rocky cut Travis off.
Travis's face twisted in annoyance. He wondered how that fucking bastard dared to steal his points. Even though he believed no one could answer it as perfectly as he did, this was clearly a declaration of war.
Rocky rubbed his chin while glancing at the system screen.
—
Name: Devil-faced Flower
Rank: Rare
Description: A bizarre flower that grows from cliff rocks where sunlight never reaches. It absorbs negative energy and turns it into its face. Its effect is improving beasts' sleep and keeping them in a good mood for a week. Additionally, if a beast overuses more than 1000kg, it will fall into an endless dream.
Collection time: The last month of winter, on the 31st day of odd-numbered years.
—
(You're done, scum.)
A/N: I hope you enjoy this novel. Support by adding to your library and giving a power stone or two. Thank you.
I will also appreciate a review to keep me motivated.