I'm in Mota, and they all want me to confess my feelings!

"He took the match seriously, but got kicked to death. Who would have thought it would end like this..."

"I feel like it doesn't matter anymore whether I can become a gladiator or not..."

Volume 1: Chapter 84 The Flower-Holding Beauty of the Black Coast [Third Update]

At the foot of Mount Capito.

Duanmu Yan looked up at the colossal city that stood majestically atop the mountain, speechless for a moment.

Although I had heard of the magnificence of Seven Hills City in countless legends and travelogues, no amount of written description could compare to seeing it with my own eyes.

“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” Lupa raised her chin slightly, her tone filled with natural pride. “When I first saw Seven Hills, I felt the same way as you—it was hard to imagine that the entire city was perched atop the mountain, seemingly connected to the sky.”

Duanmu Yan nodded deeply, his gaze still lingering on the scattered domes and rocky cliffs:

“Indeed…unbelievable. This is a completely different world from the style of Laguna, which is built along the water and meanders gracefully.”

He paused for a moment, noticing the cable car next to him.

So, are we going to take the cable car up next?

Lupa nodded: "Of course. That's the Sunday cable car, an important mode of transportation in Seven Hills. But actually, it's a public transport system. However, if you have plenty of energy and don't mind spending a little more time, you can also walk up the mountain from the old town."

"Old town area?" Duanmu Yan was unfamiliar with this term.

“It’s that abandoned area at the foot of the mountain,” Lupa explained. “When the first Black Tide broke out, the threat from Laguna approached the border of Seven Hills.”

"For safety reasons, the main urban area gradually moved towards the top of the mountain, forming the Seven Hills City you see now. The original old city area was transformed into part of the defense system. Yi Lin (1) Qi Wu (9) Si Qiu Ba."

She paused, her tone becoming somewhat serious.

"However, later, the old town was completely submerged, and there are often ferocious sights underwater—especially crocodiles. So now, apart from powerful gladiators, almost no one goes near there."

"I see. Then let's take the cable car up."

The cable car slowly ascended, piercing through the swirling clouds and mist.

In an instant, a majestic city atop a mountain suddenly appeared before my eyes—the dome gleamed in the sunlight, and the buildings were layered and staggered, as if growing out of the mountain rocks, blending seamlessly with the skyline.

The crisscrossing streets were teeming with people, and the clamor of the market echoed the cheers from the gladiatorial arena.

As soon as the cable car came to a stop, Lupa eagerly jumped off, turned to face the two of them, opened her arms wide, and said with great pride, "Welcome to my city! Eagle's Nest Stone City, located in the Capito Mountains! By the way, Leonidas Square is just ahead, the liveliest place in the entire Seven Hills City. Many gladiators like to spar there. If you have time, you must go and have a look!"

“I’ve been there,” Coreta replied with a smile, her tone relaxed. “Compared to Laguna’s Freedom Square, Leonidas is more spacious and has a completely different style. Since we’re here at Seven Hills, we should naturally take a look.”

Lupa looked slightly surprised and turned to look at her: "Miss Koletta, have you been to Seven Hills before?"

“Yes, I’ve been here a few times for family matters.” Koleta nodded gently, her gaze seemingly filled with reminiscence. “It was here that I met a special friend.”

"A special friend?"

“I think you’ve heard of her, Lupa.”

“Her? Could it be…” Lupa’s expression shifted slightly, with a hint of probing, “Governor Augusta?”

Koleta shook her head: "No, it's the Lady of the Four Directions—Yuno."

"Yuno?" Upon hearing this name, Lupa was clearly taken aback, her eyes widening slightly. "It's actually that person?"

Duanmu Yan, who had been silent all along, finally couldn't help but speak up: "Yu Nu? What's that?"

He clearly knew nothing of the names and titles they used, and his face was full of confusion.

“How should I explain this…” Lupa paused for a moment, trying to explain in the most straightforward language, “The Divine Maidens can see the trajectory of fate, and their words have absolute authority in the Seven Hills—simply put, they can see the predetermined future of others.”

"Seeing other people's future? Interesting..." Duanmu Yan nodded thoughtfully, pondered for a moment, and then continued to ask, "So, can people change the outcome of their future by seeing the future through the goddess of prophecy?"

Lupa shook her head slightly, letting out a barely audible sigh: "No."

"why?"

“Because according to the prophetic women, the future is destined to be unchangeable.” Lupa raised her head and looked up at the sky, her gaze gradually becoming somewhat melancholy. “Throughout history, countless people have struggled against their fate after learning it, trying to reverse the course of events. But no matter how much they struggled, the prophesied future would always arrive as scheduled—no matter what price they paid, fate would eventually descend along its predetermined path.”

"This is so bizarre?" Duanmu Yan looked incredulous. "Really? If the future cannot be changed, then isn't a person's life predetermined from the very beginning? What's the difference between us and machines operating according to a set program?"

"Of course it's true. Although... I also wish it were false." The girl's voice sounded much more disappointed.

"Now that you mention it, I'm even more eager to meet this Lady Yu." Duanmu Yan stroked his chin and turned to look at Koleta. "Second Miss, if there's an opportunity, could you please introduce us?"

Upon hearing this, Koleta's eyes instantly became alert.

—This guy is unusually popular with women.

If I let him meet Yuno, and it causes some trouble, wouldn't I be creating a rival for my own love?

"What do you want with her?" she asked, her tone tinged with scrutiny.

“Nothing special.” Duanmu Yan said seriously, “Isn’t it said that Yu Nu can predict the future? I just want to ask her whether π is a rational number or an irrational number.”

"Do you think the Imperial Maidens are supercomputers?" Koleta's lips trembled slightly. "They can only glimpse the trajectory of a person's fate; how could they possibly solve such mathematical problems..."

"What if she finds out?"

"..."

Koleta sighed softly, rubbing her forehead, and was about to speak when the vibration of the terminal interrupted her—it was Francis's communication.

"Yeah, I got it."

"Yes, Grandfather, I'll take care of it right away."

After hanging up the call, she said to the two of them, "There's been a problem with the family's business in Seven Hills, and my grandfather asked me to handle it. I have to leave for a while and will probably be back by evening. In the meantime, I'll trouble Lupa to show you around Seven Hills."

"Do you need my help?" Duanmu Yan asked.

“No need,” Coleta gently shook her head. “I can handle it.”

"Okay, be careful on the road."

"Okay, see you later."

After saying that, Coleta turned and left, her figure quickly blending into the crowd on the street.

Only Lupa and Duanmu Yan remained standing on a street corner in Seven Hills City. Lupa stretched like a wolf, letting out a long, satisfying breath: "I'm really tired after walking for so long. By the way, Duanmu, since we have some free time now, let's go to the Blazing Sun Tavern! Their honey wheat juice and Blazing Sun Special are absolutely amazing!"

"Having a drink now and then is not bad."

Duanmu Yan wasn't particularly enthusiastic about alcohol, but he didn't dislike it either. He was always happy to have a small gathering with friends for a drink.

Just as the two were about to take a step, a woman blocked their way.

Her clothing style is unique—neither as ornate as Seven Hills nor as casual as Laguna, but rather a minimalist and clean-cut style.

"Hello, I am Isidora," the man introduced himself.

"A flower from the Black Coast. May I... speak with you further?"

PS: 14 chapters remaining.

I'm up at midnight today, am I awesome or not?

Volume 1: Chapter 85 Chun

Black Coast...

Holding flowers?

what is this?

Are you a staff member of an organization?

Duanmu Yan looked at the woman in front of him, who claimed to be from the Black Coast, with a puzzled expression. He then stepped closer to Lupa and asked in a low voice, "The Black Coast... what kind of place is that?"

Lupa paused for a moment, then a look of confusion appeared on her face.

She pondered for a moment, then cautiously replied, "I think I've heard of that name before. They are one of the most secretive international organizations in the world today, and they don't belong to any country or region."

"There is also a very special screening mechanism for the selection of members. Generally speaking, they will never easily reveal their identities to the outside world."

"But why would you reveal your identity to us?"

At this point, Lupa looked at Isidora warily.

The latter maintained a humble smile, and in response to the girl's question, she replied quite naturally: "Actually, the Black Coast is not as mysterious as you all imagine."

"We are an international non-profit organization that maintains good cooperative relationships with various countries and regions. The Black Coast has always been an expert in dealing with cries for help and a defender of human civilization."

"However, due to the special nature of the work, the Black Coast always has a very urgent need for talent. Therefore, in addition to collecting intelligence and monitoring the abnormal movements of the Crying Cry around the world, people like me also bear the responsibility of finding suitable talent for the organization."

Upon hearing this, Duanmu Yan suddenly realized what was going on.

—Oh, so you're an HR person.

No, this doesn't count as HR; it should be considered headhunting.

"So, the reason you chose to reveal your identity is actually to recruit us?"

Isidora smiled and nodded: "Yes, the Black Coast has always kept its doors open to talented people from all over the world, fighting to protect our shared future."

The future guardians belong to that group.

"So, you plan to recruit Lupa?" Duanmu Yan asked.

Otherwise, are there any other candidates?

As a star gladiator of the Seven Hills, Lupa's strength is self-evident.

In the Seven Hills, gladiators not only represent honor, but are also the backbone of the resistance against the Black Tide.

Therefore, it's not surprising at all that Blackshore intends to recruit Lupa.

As for me?

Duanmu Yan didn't think his reputation and strength were good enough to catch the eye of such an organization.

Although he had indeed prevented a major disaster before, the matter involved special circumstances, and he was unwilling to publicize it.

Now, besides Phoebe, only Coleta knows the truth—oh, right.

I almost forgot about Floro.

"Yes and no." Isidora's answer was somewhat ambiguous. When she looked at Duanmu Yan, her eyes held an unfathomable meaning. "Lupa's reputation is well-known throughout Seven Hills. Black Coast does indeed need a fighter like her to prepare for the impending crisis."

She subtly changed the subject, her gaze returning to Lupa: "However, for Lupa, gladiatorship is everything. I think she won't consider joining Darkshore until she wins the Grand Gladiator Tournament." She smiled slightly, her tone gentle yet firm, "Don't you agree, Lupa?"

Lupa paused for a moment, then laughed loudly: "That's true. My only dream right now is to win the Grand Gladiator Championship. As for saving the world... that's too far-fetched for me right now. I can decide on that after I win the championship."

"Is that so?" Duanmu Yan narrowed his eyes, staring at her. "If you didn't come for Lupa, then could it be that you came for me?"

Isidora turned to look at him, smiling noncommittally. "Actually, the Black Coast's early warning system detected unusual Kuroshio Current fluctuations in the Rijoli Islands area several months ago. However, due to the relatively closed nature of the local monasteries and the fact that Kuroshio Current activity has remained relatively stable, we did not choose to intervene directly, but simply maintained surveillance."

She paused slightly, her gaze settling quietly on Duanmu Yan's face, and said meaningfully, "Until a few days ago, the frequency of that black tide suddenly disappeared. Mr. Duanmu... don't you have anything to say about this?"

"..." 1 Leave me your wine

Did the Black Coast already know about this?

How long has it been?

Moreover, with so many people in the Rijoli Islands, how did they know that it was I who solved the Kuroshio Current?

I'm super, box!

"Are you secretly investigating me?"

Isidora shook her head: "It's just that the matter was so bizarre that we had to expend a lot of effort to investigate it."

Also.

Kuroshio was the vanguard of the Ming style and a mortal enemy of civilization.

Its sudden disappearance will inevitably attract the attention of others.

Thinking about it that way, it's not surprising.

Duanmu Yan glanced subconsciously at the sound mark on the back of his hand, his tone indifferent: "I have nothing to say."

He knew nothing about the Black Coast organization, and dared not gamble on what actions they would take after learning of Abu's existence and characteristics.

In any case, he absolutely did not want to see Abu imprisoned in a laboratory and reduced to a research subject to be manipulated.

“Mr. Duanmu may have some misunderstandings about Black Coast.” Isidora’s voice remained calm. “We are completely different from organizations like the Remnant Star Society. Black Coast has always upheld the ideals of civilization and freedom, and will never force anyone to go against their will.”

She leaned forward slightly, her tone sincere: "Why don't we find a quiet place to talk this over? Even if you don't want to join, we are still members of civilization and should do our part for our shared future. As for the truth about the disappearance of the Black Tide... please consider it carefully."

"The Remnant Star Society? What's that?" he asked Lupa in a low voice.