Eight o'clock, the match started on time. The Alliance was broadcasting five simultaneous matches across the interstellar network.

However, there was a distinction in importance; the truly significant matches featured the Alliance's top commentators, while Chen Gu's match had two rather ordinary ones.

The preceding team competition held little suspense. "Night Demon" Nan Zhibei led his team effortlessly through three rounds, as if it were a warm-up exercise, securing three points. The team competition consisted of three matches in total, with each victory earning one point.

Taking less than fifty minutes, Chen Gu entered the arena earlier than expected.

"Here he comes, here he comes!" In the private box, Bai Yunpeng clutched his glass and patted the couch, appearing even more nervous than Chen Gu himself.

Chen Gu, accompanied by his Combat Rooster, took to the field. As he greeted the audience around him, his physical test data flashed on the overhead projection screen.

The first two values caused gasps among the crowd. Many thought they were about to see a "three hundred" contender, only to be let down by the dismal third data point.

"Sigh—" A wave of disappointment swept the audience. The weakness was too apparent, and with an Energy Gathering Mechanical Species at his side, there seemed to be no suspense that "Bone Smasher" Chalmos would win tonight.

Bai Yunpeng's breathing quickened when the first two data sets appeared. "This kid," he exclaimed, "he never told me his talent was this good…" Then he saw the third data point. "Uh, how could this happen? Genius stifled by fate!"

Then he sank back into the couch, consoling himself with a drink, and muttered, "With a bit of effort, there's still hope."

Heh heh! Gong Shuxu chuckled to himself.

As a newcomer, Chen Gu's entrance was nondescript. It momentarily stirred interest because of the initial test data but quickly calmed down with the revelation of the final figures.

The on-site host then introduced Chen Gu's opponent: "Bone Smasher" Chalmos.

The atmosphere instantly soared. Chalmos, not particularly gifted, was known for his industriousness in the Alliance and was a symbol of aspirational players, resonating more with ordinary people. He wasn't as popular as a superstar, yet he had a substantial fan base.

To rousing cheers, Chalmos, his face framed with a beard, made his entrance with his behemoth, "Tonnage Devil." He continually waved, saluting the surrounding spectators. He also clenched his fists, displaying his muscular arms and eliciting even louder cheers from the crowd.

His giant beast, "Tonnage Devil," was a monstrous hybrid, resembling a mix of an octopus, a shark with a massive, downturned head, and a sauropod. It loomed excessively large. Dozens of thick tentacles twisted and wriggled beneath it, indeed displaying its massive tonnage.

"Please have both contestants enter the mental synchronization device!" commanded the referee, signaling the start of the match.

Chalmos arrogantly gestured a throat-slash at Chen Gu, laughed menacingly, and then turned to step into his device.

This provocation stirred the crowd's emotions to new heights, provoking a fierce round of cheers.

Chen Gu smirked. I should learn these "show-off" tricks for the arena too, he thought, if I want to make a name for myself quickly in the Alliance—look at the screams from the audience; these little gimmicks really work.

However, today, Chen Gu decided to keep it low-key and just get through the match.

He patted his Combat Rooster, which craned its neck, glaring with apparent malice toward the opposing Tonnage Devil.

In fact, from the moment Chen Gu and his Combat Rooster appeared, some seasoned experts had begun to notice something: this Energy Gathering Mechanical Species was a bit too docile.

The usual Energy Gathering Mechanical Species, even when standing with their so-called masters, were restless and agitated. They required special energy-arc chains to restrain them, lest they lash out violently on the spot.

Put simply, their hearts didn't truly recognize their "masters" as their masters.

"Consciousness link established!"

"Prepare—BEGIN!"

At the referee's command, the Tonnage Devil let out a desolate, echoing roar and moved its massive body, unleashing dozens of tentacles as it bore down on the Combat Rooster.

Yet the Combat Rooster was not afraid. It leaped into the air with several agile spins to dodge the lashing tentacles, ready to pounce on the Tonnage Devil's head.

But how could the experienced Tonnage Devil and Chalmos let it succeed so easily?

The Tonnage Devil's head shrank down, completely submerged in the soft mountain of flesh that was its body.

Then, even more tentacles suddenly pulled in from all around, weaving a cage in the air that ensnared the Combat Rooster.

There was simply no escape.

Many had already concluded in their hearts: It's over. "Bone Smasher" Chalmos will win this match.

But within the confines of the dozens of tentacles, the Combat Rooster suddenly lashed out with its sharp claws—a series of flashes!

SWOOSH, SWOOSH, SWOOSH!

The thick tentacles were instantly severed, spraying thick, viscous blood as they rained down. The Tonnage Devil let out a tremendous scream. The Combat Rooster pounced on it, its body nearly a hundred meters long, heavily pressing down on the Tonnage Devil.

The Combat Rooster's claws struck, accurately dragging the Tonnage Devil's head out from the mountain of flesh!

"AARGH—" The Tonnage Devil screamed repeatedly, and the red light on Chalmos's instrument lit up instantly—the sign of surrender!

The arena was silent. The very instant the red light came on, the Combat Rooster's claws also halted.

"GASP—" The experts took a sharp breath. This Energy Gathering Mechanical Species was indeed extraordinary, so obedient.

Given the volatile nature of Energy Gathering Mechanical Species, even if an opponent surrendered, it might still conflict with its master's will, killing the opponent regardless.

But this one had stopped. This Energy Gathering Mechanical Species has great potential, they thought.

Above the arena, enormous mechanical arms descended, separating the two beasts and dragging the seriously injured Tonnage Devil away for treatment.

With the current level of medical technology, even if a beast died on the spot, its head shattered, a new creature could still be cloned, albeit at an extra high cost.

Then, the referee entered the arena and announced loudly, "The winner of this match is: Chen Gu!"

After the initial silence, the audience finally understood what had happened and erupted into shocked cheers. While they had supported Chalmos, they also cheered for the victor, especially enjoying the spectacle of an underdog's triumph.

The doors of the consciousness link pods opened, and the two contestants walked out. According to procedure, the match would be completely over after they shook hands.

Under the watchful eye of the referee, Chalmos suddenly increased his grip strength while shaking hands with Chen Gu, his arm muscles bulging. Chen Gu was not pleased. You threatened to slit my throat before the match, and now you're trying to scheme against me after losing?

Chen Gu subtly increased his grip a little. Instantly, Chalmos looked as if he had eaten the spiciest chili in the world. His bearded face turned beet red as he struggled to shake off Chen Gu's hand, feeling as if his own would be crushed if the handshake continued.

But Chen Gu's hand was like iron, immovable no matter how hard Chalmos tried to pull away.