[CH399+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

Chapter 586

The waves of energy that flow off him now ripple with newfound strength. After being healed, the aura in the room feels like its coming from a whole new person.

The Soul Energy feels pure, and the Divine energy permeates through it with precision and strength that makes me begin to understand the Director's power.

While he may be sick and seem to be on the brink of death, that does not mean he is weak.

A desperate man is at his strongest when he is close to victory, yet wavering on the edge of losing it all.

The man before me has trained for decades, building an Empire around him to suit his needs and extend his power, even while in such a debilitating state.

All thoughts of trying to end our silent feud here and now leave my mind; this is a meticulous enemy who, on paper, has higher stats, better items, and even possibly more refined energy control than my own.

Risking a fight on his home turf just because of a minor advantage I believe I have after he's exhausted his power is a fool's move. I need to study him more, learn the ways of the Association, and dismantle it from the inside out...

As these thoughts race through my mind, he speaks up again, continuing our private interview right where we left off.

"What are your thoughts on the exam this year? As the number one ranked applicant, I would like to know what you think highly of, and what you believe should be changed for next year's trial."

I think for a moment, feeling a bit more focused now that I've decided I won't be getting into a life-or-death battle in the next few minutes, and answer this question truthfully.

"I think it's quite a well-designed exam. From the moment we entered the site, those who wanted to rely on luck alone were weeded out pretty quickly. Having a trial to see who could look through the veil and problem-solve their way out of a situation where the odds were clearly against them set a good tone for the entire exam."

I nod to myself and continue.

"The physical, written, and simulation trials were an excellent mixture of testing raw talent, creativity, and teamwork. I think the first three stages of the exams were flawless; there isn't anything I would change there... but the fourth stage... the tournament, I believe the interference of an outside party made things quite unfair. Even if it ended in my favor, I don't think it showed a true display of what the rankings could have been."

I feel anger ripple through the man's aura.

Now as I look at him, all I see with my actual senses are golden eyes and a shadowy black cloak, but his past imagery is still fresh in my mind as he responds.

"I would agree with you, it was not our intention to have an intruder like the Flame Emperor present. That threat will be dealt with in time. Did you ever come in contact or receive any information about that intruder during your time here?"

I pretend to think for a moment, then shrug and reply.

"Nothing more than anyone else present. All I know is what Emrie told me. He said he looked into the crowds and called out to that being, in order to have a fair fight against that healer. The Flame Emperor granted him power, and it felt like extra mana control was surging through his body; then once it left, he couldn't use the power again. It must be some kind of long-range temporary buff."

The Director nods, as I've said nothing he doesn't already know.

After a few seconds of silence pass, I move on.

"The fifth stage, though, I didn't really understand it. Considering the proctors had to ask what happened inside, I guess that means the simulation wasn't being monitored? -And that fruit that I brought back, it damaged my hands to hold it, yet I felt no mana coming off it. What kind of special technology was used to make that place?"