Chapter 188

After the journey, Emma was slightly slower than Erza, but only by a few seconds. The women's group faced almost no pressure to win first or second place, but the situation was far different for Erza in the men's group.

Athletes from Ithay didn't hold an inherent advantage in track and field. Those who excelled were national prides and Hilopian heroes. The school held high expectations for Erza; they'd been unsatisfied with his training several times, and the coach's attitude had become increasingly strict.

“Erza, don’t forget your goal!”

“Your arm strength is too weak. Time is running out. Train harder!”

Erza gripped the horizontal bar, his teeth clenched, sweat dripping from his hair, soaking his clothes. He was usually lackadaisical, but his dreams fueled his intense training. His body flushed crimson, veins bulging as he relentlessly performed pull-ups. Meanwhile, Emma rested on the lawn, sipping mineral water and gazing at the sky.

“Boss, the King’s Association knows you’re participating in the Krot Competition,” Josiah said through her earpiece. “They’ll undoubtedly try something again. Bunny was killed during the Krot Competition… have you discovered how?”

Emma suspected Justine had been electrocuted, a secret known only to her and Liam. She replied calmly, “Don’t worry. I have a plan.” Her assurance eased Josiah's companions.

Suddenly, Erza groaned, then thudded to the ground, his grip failing. The coach rushed over, confirming no serious injury, but scolded him angrily. “Why weren’t you paying attention? The competition’s imminent! What if you’d been seriously hurt?”

Emma noted Erza's pale face as he curled on the ground, a pained expression twisting his features. He finally stood, muttering, “He's completely overloaded.”

Chapter 189

Emma told the coach, “You’ve worked hard today. Let us continue practicing independently.”

Stunned, the coach remained rooted in place. He'd seen coaches halt training, but never athletes dismiss their coaches. Emma remained composed, immediately gathering her belongings. The coach watched her leave early, offering no rebuttal. “Then… you two should practice properly. Erza, get some hot water bottles; you can't do this tomorrow!”

After the coach departed, Emma prepared to leave. Erza, still on the ground, wailed, “Miss Emma, my diarrhea is severe…”

Before he could finish, two sealed packages landed gently on his stomach. He frowned. “What’s this?”

The gray, lightproof packages lacked branding but displayed national experimental numbers, indicating not counterfeit drugs, but medication unavailable to the public. Erza recognized Emma's handiwork.

Emma, bag slung over her shoulder, looked down. “Apply to the sprain for three consecutive days, no more than twelve hours at a time.” She strode away. Erza clutched the medication.

Elsewhere, in a dark Gothic castle, a blood-red velvet sofa sat before a coffee table laden with various wine glasses. Wine shimmered under the light, a vinyl record playing elegant classical music, yet the atmosphere felt sinister.

Chapter 189 (Continued)

“Lord, this year’s Krot Competition is in Yenovia,” a subordinate reported.

The masked figure, leaning against the sofa, swirled a wine glass. Their voice, high and sharp, was female. “Is Yenovia still controlled by those people?”

“A new group, but our people are there as well.”

“Good.” The masked figure smiled cruelly. The voice deepened to a rough male tone. “Blaze isn’t dead yet?”

The subordinate stammered, “N-no!”

“Why? Simon couldn’t handle her?” The masked figure took a swig of wine. “Faith… she’s been arrested.”

“Damn it…” the masked figure snapped. “I’ll handle her myself… the same way as five years ago.”

The subordinate hesitated. “The same method? Was it…”

The masked figure tightened their grip. “What did you say?”

The subordinate’s lips tightened. “I mean… for safety, Lord, should we consider an alternative?”

The masked figure’s eyes narrowed. “Another method? Tell me. If it’s good, you become the Lord.”

The subordinate trembled. “I’m sorry, Lord… I misspoke!”

The King's Association's members were ranked by strength. Top-tier individuals like Dana and Emma wielded significant authority and influence. This subordinate, however, was a low-level operative, disposable at the Lord's whim.

The masked figure said, “I enjoy seeing the same person fall in the same place. She won’t suspect my new plan.”

Chapter 188 (Continued)

A cold light glinted in the masked figure’s eyes. “This is the fate of traitors. She and Bunny will die in the same place.”

At Içovine Estate, Liam removed his headphones, having overheard the conversation. He instructed Levi, “Closely monitor Team Thunder and Yenovia, especially the King’s Association. Report every action.”

“Yes, Mr. Hall.”

Levi asked, “Mr. Bob’s been in Yenovia for months. Should he be involved?”

Liam pursed his lips, finally saying, “Not yet.” Liam knew Bob’s feelings for Emma, and the thought darkened his eyes. He didn't want other men involved.

Liam had been monitoring the King’s Association, anticipating their plans. Then, a King’s Association member detected an anomaly. “Lord, someone’s infiltrated our security! They’re monitoring us!”

The masked figure demanded, “What did you say?”