Chapter Five: A Grassroots Team Called Ember

That night, Han Xiao entered through the back door, pale beneath a cap. He handed Su Wanqing an internal Zenith data key. “Zhao Qian bought three teams in the qualifier,” he said. “They aren't meant to win. They'll force you to spend attribute points. The Adjudicator wants the Crown's conversion limits.” Su Wanqing opened the key. An undisclosed project filled the screens. [ETERNAL CHAMPION PROGRAM.] Director: Zhao Qian. Core authorization: tournament AI ADJUDICATOR. “Why help me?” Lin Jin asked. “You could have taken everything from me, and you pulled me up instead.” Han Xiao's voice dropped. “I need to know how much inside my head still belongs to me.” Every dormant server switched on. Zero's pixel face appeared.