Lin Ran, still holding back a greater portion of his trump cards, felt no panic whatsoever.
However, this was not something he could easily reveal publicly; it was more suited for private discussions with Tanaka Ken-go or Chizuru Gin-bai later on...
This way, he could consolidate their compensation more significantly onto himself, the crucial figure, rather than letting it be siphoned off by others who might opportunistically chime in.
Therefore, Lin Ran feigned a slight calming of his demeanor, though still appearing somewhat indignant, and cast a glance at Tanaka Ken-go:
"Beating yourselves up so badly, not even caring about your shameless cheating, how much credibility do your words hold now?"
"Empty words and baseless accusations, you still want to trick us?"
"Planning to continue treating us like fools?"
Although Lin Ran had already made his decision in his heart, he still needed to put on a show.
Tanaka Ken-go, who was in the wrong, despite being given the cold shoulder by Lin Ran, shamelessly plastered a smile on his face and said:
"No, no..."
"As the head of the largest family in Sakura Country, I am unlike those petty individuals. My word is my bond!"
"Moreover, I have already reported this to our Emperor and sought his counsel. His Majesty shares the same stance as me."
"Therefore, the subsequent handling of this matter will absolutely not disappoint any of you..."
"Especially, it will not disappoint you!"
The last sentence was spoken by Tanaka Ken-go with a lowered voice, behind a soundproof barrier, directly to Lin Ran, accompanied by a sincere and honest smile.
Facing such a cooperative Tanaka Ken-go, Lin Ran was quite satisfied. He nodded and said:
"Since that is the case, I will trust you one last time..."
"If there are any issues with the subsequent handling... you understand what will happen!"
Seeing that Lin Ran had finally shown signs of easing up, Tanaka Ken-go breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness, as long as there was still room for negotiation, and it didn't escalate to a complete mutual destruction, that was fine.
Even though he expected a significant loss for his side, if it meant improving Lin Ran's favorability, it was still somewhat acceptable.
As for the other indignant contestants, seeing Lin Ran's reaction, they also suppressed their anger for the moment.
Since Lin Ran, the person directly involved, had chosen to stabilize the situation for now, they naturally had no standing to press the issue further.
After all, as long as they could get compensation, those whose interests were not directly harmed would naturally be happy about it – getting something for free was always good!
Moreover, they were quite impressed with Lin Ran.
Despite suffering such unjust treatment, not only had he retaliated with his own formidable strength, but after exposing the despicable deeds of the Sakura Country's representative team, he had also displayed his noble character.
Truly, a complete victory from top to bottom!
Looking at Tanaka Ken-go's side again.
After respectfully bidding farewell to Lin Ran, he returned to his seat and immediately reverted to his gloomy expression, quickly arranging something with the people beside him.
Afterward, he turned his gaze towards Chizuru Gin-bai, who was still in a daze and hadn't recovered from the shock, and the Shimada brothers, who had just regained consciousness and learned this devastating news:
"Come with me!"
All three of them were taken aback and looked at Tanaka Ken-go strangely, unsure of what to say.
Evidently, they were somewhat disoriented by the recent turn of events, their minds not functioning at full capacity.
Tanaka Ken-go took a deep breath, wanting to curse out loud.
However, considering the peculiar circumstances, he patiently suppressed his urge and said in a low voice:
"Hurry up!"
"His Majesty... wants to see us!"
"And he specifically mentioned that you must be present!"
His Majesty?!
The only person Tanaka Ken-go could refer to as His Majesty was...
Chizuru Gin-bai and the Shimada brothers were jolted awake. They quickly adjusted their states, not daring to delay further, and quickly followed Tanaka Ken-go.
However, what they failed to notice was a tiny, inconspicuous creature, emitting no aura whatsoever, stealthily clinging to Chizuru Gin-bai and following them.
...
As the curtain gradually fell on the battle between Lin Ran and the Shimada brothers, the latter half of the quarter-finals (8 to 4) became even more intense.
The first match was between Arthur and Caesar, the two "Holy Light Brothers."
After a series of blindingly dazzling attacks, it seemed that Caesar, the more cunning of the two, ultimately gained the upper hand.
However, what Lin Ran found rather peculiar was that Arthur, as the losing party, seemed to accept his defeat with remarkable composure, almost naturally.
He was like a blade of grass swaying in the wind, easily toppled by a gentle push from Caesar.
Moreover, up until the crucial moment that decided the victor, Lin Ran did not see Arthur employ any particularly game-changing techniques.
Putting aside other things Lin Ran was unaware of, even that ancient sword hilt he constantly fiddled with, Arthur had not used it.
And if Lin Ran recalled correctly, Arthur had intended to use this sword hilt as a desperate measure when facing the Sea-Surging Demon Whale.
This guy... was he still holding back his strength even at this point?
It couldn't be that he was saving his trump cards for a civil war back home, could it?
Or perhaps, he was also secretly plotting something, like Dinu who had disappeared earlier, planning some grand scheme?
Lin Ran smirked.
Good heavens, so many of you are here on a mission, huh? Can this little place withstand your antics? Aren't you afraid of sinking Kyushu Island, for goodness sake...
Looking at the second match, it was between Amphitrite of the White Bear Country, known as the Ancient Roar, and Kapir of the Indian subcontinent, the Spirit of the Earth.
It had to be said, Amphitrite was a truly ferocious woman.
With a talent called Ancient Soul and a physique-enhancing bloodline, she was a walking Tyrannosaurus Rex, a pure brute force fighter.
Furthermore, based on her performance on the battlefield, Kapir's Spirit of the Earth seemed to be somewhat countered by Amphitrite's Ancient Soul. Earth element magic frequently clashed and backfired, leading to awkward situations where he tripped himself up.
Under such a disadvantage, he naturally couldn't fight effectively. After struggling for a long time, he could only concede with unwillingness.
The remaining members of the Indian subcontinent team had relatively weaker fundamental qualities. They were also ruthlessly swept aside by Amphitrite, one after another, flown off the stage...
Thus, Amphitrite, the second dark horse of this competition, also successfully advanced to the top four...