A tall human descended from the sky, soaring through the air like a god from the Heaven.
He landed on both feet with a thunderous impact, sending dust and debris flying in all directions.
For any ordinary human, that landing alone would have shattered bones. But the figure stood tall, unfazed.
He casually brushed the dust off his dark uniform as he stepped forward.
His build was muscular and powerful, with a presence that radiated strength. An invisible heavy pulsed around him, suffocating, and undeniable.
Instantly, the crowd erupted into applause, welcoming the Overseer with wide smiles and rehearsed enthusiasm.
The Overseer, a powerful official from Skadi Empire, nodded slowly.
He was here act as the Overseer of this beginner's Dive.
He looked quite pleased by the response of the slaves.
But his eyes squinted soon after.
Suddenly, a sneeze broke through the uniform rhythm.
One boy in the crowd had sneezed, loud and abrupt. His eyes widened in horror as he clamped his hands over his mouth.
Everyone around him knew what had just happened. So did he.
His body stiffened as the Overseer's gaze locked directly onto him.
The applause continued without missing a beat, and those nearby shot him pitying glances. Silent condolences written in their eyes.
But none dared to step froward. Instead they moved away from the boy, leaving him all alone.
In the blink of an eye, the boy's head burst apart in a spray of blood and brain matter.
A searing red laser like attack had pierced through his skull, leaving behind nothing but a collapsed body and silence in that spot among the spectators.
The Skadi Overseer's eyes, now fading from a glowing red, returned to their usual cold blue as if nothing had happened.
The crowd was struck silent, paralyzed by fear. An oppressive hush fell over the field, so absolute that even the wind dared not blow.
The Skadi finally turned his gaze to the line of participants and spoke,
"First of all, congratulations to all of you young humans for being chosen for the path of a World Diver.
Do not take this opportunity lightly. This is your precious one chance to rise above the mediocrity of your kind... to become one of the elites, worthy of joining the Skadi Empire by contributing valuable resources from those Worlds."
His eyes scanned them one by one, finally resting on Adrian at the very front, giving him a nod of approval.
It was a nod recognition as if seeing a rare talent.
Then he turned to others and continued,
"Now, stand in line and proceed forward. Each of you will receive your beginner's gift once you enter inside.
And don't forget, you can stay one world just for 30 days. So think twice before Quitting."
Upon hearing the command, the participants quickly formed a long line, anticipation rippling through them like static charge.
Ahead of them, an extraordinary barrier shimmered in the air, seemingly indestructible. It marked the sacred threshold, the indestructible passage only the chosen ones could cross to enter the World Dungeon.
As they stood before it, excitement replaced fear in many of their eyes.
The moment of truth was drawing near.
"Huh, why is he here?"
"What's he up to now?"
Just as the Dive was about to begin, a wave of whispers and astonished murmurs spread through the crowd. They seemed surprise and awestruck.
"What now?" one of the young Dream Divers muttered, clearly irritated by the sudden disruption.
But the moment they turned around to see the cause of the commotion, their expressions shifted into surprise—then scorn.
"What the hell? Isn't that the Crippled Young Master?"
"Yeah, it looks like him... But what is he doing here? Don't tell me he came for World Diving too?"
"Haha... Nice joke. A crippled person can never awaken God particle."
The crowd also began whispering as they made away for the wheelchair moving between them.
"Hey, isn't he the same Young Master from the Vance House? The one whose brother died because of him? What was his name again... Digaris or something?"
"No, his name's Igaris. Igaris Vance. The only crippled member of House Vance. He is so pitiful.."
"Oh right... the fallen Vance House. Now that you mention it, their downfall was really pitiful."
"Hmph.. Don't feel pity for them. They're one of those traitors of humanity. Good grief, they all are dead."
"Yes indeed. And the reason for that downfall is probably him. He cursed his own family to extinction."
"It's almost hard to believe that the leading House of the Four Noble Representatives brought to such a state. Their descendants and heirs died, like a plague swept through them."
"Yeah, even Commander Izroth died too. That's a lame.."
Unfazed by their heart piercing words, the wheelchair rolled forward, pushed gently by an old man with grey hair and a solemn expression.
Seated in the chair was Igaris Vance. He was calm outside, but inside his heart felt stifled.
"Are you okay, Young Master?" the old man asked softly, a little concerned.
"Yes. I'm fine," Igaris replied, gritting his teeth.
But just as they reached the entrance to the participants' area, two human guards stepped forward, blocking the path.
"What's the rush, oh Young Master?" one of them said mockingly, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.
The other added with a smirk, "Don't tell me you're actually here for joining the World Diving.
Then shouldn't you be watching from a safe little corner?"
Frowning, the Overseer's eyes narrowed at the sight of Igaris, as did the gazes of the four heirs and heiresses.
"Igaris? What's he doing here?"
The two heiresses, Aluna and Daisy, looked visibly surprised, though there was a flicker of unknown emotion in their eyes.
On the other hand, Adrian and Lucius looked extremely furious and disdainful at the sight of Igor.
"That crippled basta*rd... " Adrian muttered throgh gritted teeth.
It appeared as if there was something more going on between Igaris and them.
Igaris, however, didn't say a word. Instead, he silently took out a black and gold medal and showed it them.
The black and gold shiny surface etched with with western dragon instantly caught their eyes.
At the sight of it, the guards instantly stiffened, and so did the Overseer's.
"The Black Dragon Medal!"