Chapter 312: The Ten Participants

Among all the remaining participants, Haruto became the center of attention.

Haruto not only demonstrated extraordinary abilities in recognizing and finding plants, but also proved that he was not someone to be underestimated. The way Haruto faced his opponents was highly effective—ruthless, even.

Many began to realize one thing: facing Haruto was a grave mistake.

With five participants eliminated by Haruto and fifteen others defeated for various reasons, only ten participants remained. Time continued to pass—only thirty minutes left before the Plant Gathering event ended.

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At this moment, Haruto was walking towards a hidden cave deep within the forest. A thin mist floated in the air, creating a tense, silent atmosphere. Haruto's steps were light and relaxed, as if he did not care about the dangers that might await him inside.

Upon entering the cave, the air became more humid. Water droplets falling from the ceiling created a soft echo in the darkness. The smell of wet earth mixed with the aroma of cold stone filled the air. The light from outside dimmed, leaving only long shadows that moved with Haruto's steps.

Haruto ventured deeper, and in the distance, he saw a glimmer of light.

After a few minutes of walking, Haruto finally reached the end of the cave. An open chamber stretched before him, illuminated by natural light streaming through the cracks in the rocks above.

Blue plants thrived all around. Their softly glowing petals gave the room a mystical ambiance. However, what caught more attention was the giant figure sleeping in the center of the room.

A dark blue bear lay there. The bear's breath sounded heavy, its muscular body rising and falling with each breath.

Haruto stared at the bear for a moment before smiling faintly.

Without hesitation, Haruto began to pull up the plants surrounding him. His hands moved quickly yet carefully, ensuring he did not wake the predator. Each leaf and root was pulled with precision, collected efficiently.

The bear remained sound asleep.

Haruto continued working until time finally ran out. In an instant, Haruto's body glowed with teleportation light. Suddenly, Haruto and all the remaining participants were transported back to the City Academy Stadium from Secret Training Place No. 5.

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The midday sky enveloped the City Academy Stadium in sunlight, reaching its peak, while thousands of spectators filled the stands, waiting with enthusiasm.

Suddenly, ten sparkling white lights appeared in the middle of the field, emitting a glow that made everyone hold their breath. The light grew brighter before slowly dimming, revealing the ten students who had managed to survive the Plant Gathering event.

Their clothes were tattered, some covered in mud, while others bore scratches and light scars. A few students looked exhausted, their breaths still ragged after a long struggle in the forest. However, some stood tall, hiding their fatigue behind calm expressions.

"Congratulations to the ten students who have made it this far!" Pricilla's voice echoed throughout the stadium, bringing an energy that ignited everyone's spirits. "As part of the final process, please hand over all the plants you have collected! We will soon assess the results and determine the winner of the first event!"

Cheers echoed in the air. "Wow!!" The audience exclaimed enthusiastically, some even clapping with excitement. This festival was always the most anticipated event at the City Academy, and today was no exception.

On the main stage, a woman stepped forward. She wore a long, dark green robe adorned with shimmering leaf patterns that seemed almost alive on its surface. The woman's eyes were sharp, as if she could read the thoughts of anyone she gazed upon.