Yusri and a middle-aged man sat facing each other. Yusri was the chief of Star Alliance, so naturally his guest would be a man of high status—he was Scopulus Orion, the head of the Orion family.

"You worry too much, Mr. Orion," Yusri said. "Felix Zeller is a prodigy, yes, but it's very unlikely he will win the Rank-Ascending Competition."

"I prefer to have things within my control," Scopulus said expressionlessly. "No matter how low the possibility may be, I don't want to risk it. Felix's death is the best outcome."

Yusri smiled. "It should happen soon. Although Felix has exceeded my expectations when he reached the Aetherial Realm, he is sure to meet his death soon. More precisely, he will die the moment the Emperor Cobra—which is set free in the venue of the competition after you've paid for it—finds him!"

The Emperor Cobra was a powerful demonic beast that not only had soul attacks in its arsenal but was also protected by extremely tough skin that could shield itself against th