AFTER that short introductory moment, the people in the hall of team Yunyue’s headquarters started talking about the uing prelims.


    "The theme of the prelims for the Rookie Carnival changes every year," Shen Ji Yun started. "But those different themes only had one goal. To reduce the number of participants. Then those who are left willpete, tournament style, at the end of the month. Naturally, the one remaining standing will be the champion."


    "Last year, the prelims’ theme was a survival of the fittest race," Bai Ze followed. "If I remember correctly, there were about a thousand or so participants. They were sent to an ind where they had to race against each other and only the first 16 could proceed to the final tournament."


    Luo Yan’s interest was aroused when he heard that. "Was it just a simple race or were the participants allowed to eliminate the other participants?"


    "They’re allowed to. Or else it wouldn’t be that entertaining," Su Yuqi answered.


    Luo Yan actually already expected that answer. Or else it wouldn’t be called ’survival of the fittest race’. He could already imagine how fun that was. Now he was starting to wonder what the theme this year was.


    Luo Ren, on the other hand, frowned when he heard all that. His first thought was that this prelims thing might be dangerous for Luo Yan. Although this was only a holographic game, he knew that a yer could still a bit of pain whenever they were attacked. He personally felt that when he was doing the beginner’s task to leave the Origin Vige. Although the pain wasn’t really that much, almost like a light p, he still couldn’t bear the thought of Luo Yan being hurt.


    But then he remembered the promise he made with his brother and he knew that if he said something now, Luo Yan might hate him. And that’s something, he’d rather not let happen. So, he could only listen on and hope that whatever theme this prelims would have, it would be much saferpared to that ofst year.


    "What’s the theme of this year’s prelims?" Luo Yan asked.


    Bai Ze shrugged. "I haven’t heard anything actually. What I did hear was that the number of participants had doubled. That’s why they made it a two-day preliminary."


    Seeing the excitement on Luo Yan’s face, Shen Ji Yun suddenly regretted that he hadn’t asked his uncle about the theme of the uing prelims. At least then he would be able to answer his question. It was because his brain was filled with Chengdu and finally seeing Luo Yan again in reality that he totally erased the Rookie Carnival in his mind.


    Then when they returned, he and his uncle had that talk about Uncle Yue. The thought of the Rookie Carnival evaded his mind once again. He only really remembered it when he logged into the game today.


    Even if he asked Brother Zhao about it, it wouldn’t really make much difference. Since it was since the whole event would start in about an hour or so. But he still probably should have asked.


    "Shall I ask one of the developers?" he asked tentatively.


    Bai Ze nced at his friend weirdly. Although he was d that Shen Ji Yun was treating Luo Yan pretty well, he was still surprised on how good he treated him. Just like now, Shen Ji Yun didn’t hesitate to ask if he should inquire what the theme of the prelims just because his cousin asked.


    That was definitely not something this expressionless friend of his would do. Heck, they’d been friends for years and not once did he experience such benefits. Because of that, a seed of doubt started to sprout in his heart. Was there any other reason why Shen Ji Yun was being so kind to Luo Yan? Aside, of course, from the obvious reasons that his cousin was an adorable angel and an absolute cutie.


    "No, it’s okay. I just asked casually. I think it’s still better to be surprised," Luo Yan said, smiling at Shen Ji Yun. Then he turned to his younger brother. "You feel the same way too, right, Ah Jin?"


    Luo Jin was a bit startled hearing his name called. He actually didn’t hear Luo Yan’s question because he was still busy thinking of how he should open up to Su Yuqi the topic of the souvenir he bought for her.


    But since it was his second brother asking, he just automatically said, "Yes."


    He then nced secretly at Su Yuqi who happened to also nce at him. His body almost shook because of the surprise. His body moved on its own and quickly nced away. As if he had done something shameful. He bit back a curse, thinking how stupid he might have looked.


    Unknown to him, Su Yuqi actually found his action amusing, even a little bit adorable, in fact. Especially after seeing his reddened ear tip. She wondered just how much amusing and adorable he could be.


    [Mashter, are we going to fight together during this preliminary?] – Eclipse asked, turning around to face his master.


    [No, I’ll leave you with your favorite Captain during the prelims.]


    The little fox quickly showed an aggrieved expression when he heard that. [Why? Does Mashter think that Eclipse is unreliable and won’t be able to help you?]


    Luo Yan smiled helplessly and rubbed his pet’s fluffy head. [Of course not. I just think that Eclipse doesn’t need to fight on a simple preliminary round. You’re so mighty and powerful. You should only fight during the finals. You’re my secret weapon, after all.]


    Eclipse’s face immediately brightened. [Yes, Eclipse is indeed very mighty and powerful.] Then his expression suddenly turned worried. [But would Mashter reached the finals?]


    Luo Yan smiled darkly and pinched the little fox’s cheek. [Are you doubting your master?]


    Eclipse appeared like all the hair behind his back just stood up. Obviously, very afraid by his master’s smile. [No, Eclipse doesn’t! Of course, Mashter is the best! Mashter will definitely be the champion!]


    Luo Yan finally showed his usual bright smile. [Yes, I will.]


    And soon, it was finally time to head to Safehaven Harbor.