Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1927: Prize (5)

Ye Zhongming now possessed a basic grasp of the hundreds of thousands of points he held.

Up to this point, Ye Zhongming harbored no grievances toward the Star-Eye Clan.

It's possible the Star-Eye Clan withheld certain details earlier, yet these remained trivial concerns. Such omissions might not have been deliberate; they likely viewed the info as irrelevant. No one could have foreseen Ye Zhongming advancing so impressively from the outset.

"I'm sharing this with you today in the hope that you'll aid the Star-Eye Clan."

Cheng Liujin set his wine cup aside, clasped his hands, and leaned in a touch. Evidently, he had now stepped fully into his official capacity.

As Cheng Liujin cast aside his dignity, Ye Zhongming recognized the Star-Eye Clan grappled with severe troubles that left them cornered. They sought to avoid antagonizing him, but the harsh outer circumstances compelled choices potentially undermining Ye Zhongming's advantages.

"While the Star-Eye Clan claimed the top position this round, it's mostly thanks to your efforts. Thus, though the ten spokesperson slots are race-specific and unavailable to you, you'll claim three entry tickets, with the Star-Eye Clan holding onto two."

Ye Zhongming offered no affirmation or rejection, merely motioning for Cheng Liujin to go on.

The Gold Order Leader heaved a sigh before continuing, "I realize you have individuals on your origin world you wish to elevate. In theory, granting you every entry ticket would work. Regrettably, a certain race that once supported the Star-Eye Clan requests one entry ticket plus two spokesperson positions to clear their debt. We can't deny them."

"Furthermore, two formidable clans we dare not challenge have each seized two spokesperson slots."

Six of the ten spokesperson positions vanished in an instant. Little wonder Cheng Liujin strove so hard to mask it, yet he still radiated a weary, defeated aura.

How did the Star-Eye Clan aim to reverse their decline? They planned to leverage the spokespeople for that shift, securing extra Moonspan Gold via their contributions. After all, planets encircled by the Slave Race saw parasite counts swell over time, and these foes weren't overwhelmingly formidable in early or middle phases. With precise, organized pursuits, the harvests could prove immense.

Moreover, resources from those planets, coupled with wheel-derived items, formed vital revenue sources.

Regrettably, the Star-Eye Clan now retained only four slots altogether.

With the trade discount prizes and planetary hunting ground benefits offering scant returns, the spokesperson positions grew all the more crucial.

Naturally, witnessing the Star-Eye Clan's precarious state, Ye Zhongming readily comprehended their choice: assigning three entry tickets to him and one to the race they owed. The slot the Star-Eye Clan reserved was likely due to the heavy loss of spokesperson positions, obliging them to hold one entry ticket for the next year's Novice battlefield.

This could also signal their ongoing need to train fighters.

"As noted earlier, the clan won't seize your personal prizes. Yet we'd like to talk with you about possibly swapping some points through other methods."

Cheng Liujin looked profoundly awkward. His hands shifted from clasped to fidgeting restlessly. Meeting Ye Zhongming's gaze, he added, "We truly lack alternatives. Demands from some races prove impossible to reject. But rest easy—the points you trade will earn fitting repayment, likely even greater."

Ye Zhongming pondered briefly before inquiring, "Is this mostly due to me?"

Cheng Liujin paused in surprise, then caught Ye Zhongming's intent. With admiration and delight shining in his eyes at Ye Zhongming, he responded, "You battled on behalf of the Star-Eye Clan. Hence, any fallout from your deeds falls squarely on us. Our inability to shoulder all the strain marks a failing on our side."

One could easily picture the tremendous strain now burdening the Star-Eye Clan; beyond their own frailty, it stemmed from Ye Zhongming eliminating far too many rivals on the Novice battlefield. A scion of a mighty clan pulling that off might face less backlash. But with the teetering Star-Eye Clan as Ye Zhongming's backer, those races unable to stomach defeat would inevitably resort to underhanded tactics.

Ye Zhongming brushed it off with a wave. "How many points are they demanding?"

"For direct points, we'll probably need you to forfeit 100,000. Plus, acquiring items to hand over to them could run about 150,000 points in value."

At those words, Ye Zhongming's brow creased. It tallied to 250,000 points outright, close to half his holdings.

Cheng Liujin brimmed with acute tension right then. A prodigy like Ye Zhongming—yes, the Star-Eye Clan had solidified that view among themselves—deserved to be kept close. But pressing for nearly half his points immediately felt overly aggressive. He dreaded Ye Zhongming exploding in fury, storming away, cutting all ties with the Star-Eye Clan, or even turning adversarial.

With the abilities Ye Zhongming showcased, one word from him would spark a rush of races vying to enlist him. The Star-Eye Clan could merely stand by helplessly.

"The Star-Eye Clan will repay these forfeits. Once we return, the core vault opens for your selection. Even if nothing catches your eye, the clan will endeavor to satisfy your needs."

Cheng Liujin's words spilled out at a frantic pace, devoid of any bargaining stance, lest Ye Zhongming take offense.

Gazing upon this head of the Star-Eye Clan's premier strike force, this figure vastly outmatching him in power, conducting himself with such courtesy, Ye Zhongming acutely perceived the frantic mindset of a nearly ruined race, clutching at any lifeline.

"I can wed you."

A voice rang out abruptly from beyond the tent, with Aslan's form materializing soon after.

"I am the child of the dual clan heads, the lone heir to the Star-Eye Clan."

Cheng Liujin got to his feet, extending a hand to wave Aslan away. Beyond the fact that this marriage notion was wholly her initiative—she figured it would ease Ye Zhongming's mind, though the leaders entertained no such plan! Furthermore, it remained unclear if Ye Zhongming might bristle at the proposal. Should it rebound badly, the consequences would be dire.

"I've resolved it. If Ye Zhongming accepts, I'm ready to marry him. Moving forward, he'll join as one of the Star-Eye Clan's two leaders!"

Aslan afforded Cheng Liujin no room to interrupt, voicing her full stance.

"I believe this alone can genuinely convey the Star-Eye Clan's earnestness." Aslan fixed her gaze on Ye Zhongming and continued, "I'll devote my loyalty to you, though you need offer none in return."

Aslan drew a steadying breath, then uttered gravely and with deliberation, "Our Star-Eye Clan requires you. Please... remain."

Ye Zhongming regarded this partial mentor with utmost gravity, spotting the blush creeping over her ears and neck, her breaths growing labored. He shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I must decline."

In an instant, Aslan snapped her head up, her expression brimming with incredulity. Cheng Liujin clapped a hand to his forehead, inwardly groaning, 'It's finished.' The dread he'd harbored had at last unfolded.