Chapter 335: Soul Collector Attacks

However, their opponents this time were different. The second-year team not only had excellent coordination but also impressive individual strength and strategic intelligence that could not be underestimated.

They were known for their ability to read situations in seconds and respond with sharp and effective tactics. In every previous fight, they demonstrated how strategy could overcome raw power.

Annie's team could not hide their nervousness. Even Annie, who was usually calm and optimistic, showed a hint of doubt in her eyes. But behind all that, there was still a burning spirit. They had once promised— to themselves, to Haruto, and to each other—that they would break through to the top of this tournament.

They knew this would be one of their toughest battles. But they moved forward nonetheless. Together.

...

...

...

Meanwhile, outside the City Academy Stadium, Haruto was still carrying out his disguise as a spicy meatball seller. With a worn apron tied around his waist and charcoal still glowing on the grill, Haruto served customers calmly yet alertly.

The small stall that Haruto had temporarily borrowed seemed quite busy, and right next to Haruto's stall, two women were running a cold drink stand selling sweet milk ice.

The combination of the two was perfect—Haruto's spicy meatballs that burned the tongue, and the cold drinks that immediately saved buyers from the torture of spiciness.

Indirectly, Haruto's stall and the drink stall boosted each other's sales. Even other vendors who had set up stalls outside the stadium—though still within the City Academy area—began to notice this strange phenomenon.

Indeed, during a major tournament like this, the stadium was always filled with students, teachers, and even civilians from all over Fortress City 085.

That was why the academy granted special permission for vendors to set up emergency stalls—whether from carts, wooden tables, or simple tents. Haruto was one of those who took advantage of this opportunity—though Haruto's purpose was far more complex than just trading.

In reality, all of this was part of Haruto's plan. Where Haruto disguised himself not to trade for real, but to observe the movements of the Soul Collector—a dangerous group suspected of launching an attack.

By blending in with the crowd, Haruto could observe without raising suspicion, while also being on the front lines to protect civilians if something happened.

However, what Haruto did not expect was that his meatballs became extremely popular. Haruto's cooking skills—resulting from life experiences in various jobs, including as a chef in a previous life—made his offerings so delicious that people lined up long.

Moreover, Haruto intentionally gave large portions, making customers satisfied and returning for more. It was not just generosity, but strategy. The busier Haruto's stall became, the more people gathered around him, which meant Haruto could react quickly if an emergency truly occurred.

And that situation finally came.

As Haruto was pouring sauce over a skewer of meatballs with a friendly smile, that smile suddenly vanished. Haruto's gaze sharpened, directed into the distance, towards the west.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Various loud explosions shook the air. People began to scream, some dropping the food and drinks they had just bought. Thin smoke started to rise from the direction of the sound.

Then one large explosion echoed—“BOOOOM!”—shaking the ground beneath their feet. Haruto was startled. This was not an ordinary explosion. It came from the direction of the western gate of the city.

Haruto squinted. His face became very serious.

“Damn...” Haruto muttered.

He knew what it meant. The western gate was not just any point. If the Soul Collector was indeed targeting that gate, then they planned to open a pathway for the Dead and Horror into Fortress City 085.

And Haruto knew, the time for trading was over.