Apocalypse Gachapon

“First Place: Gyanendra’s Team. Rewards: 2 Free Choice Cards, 1 Free Pass Card, 1 Occupation Card.”

“Second Place: Cloud Peak Mountain Villa. Rewards: 1 Free Choice Card, 1 Free Pass Card.”

“Third Place: Mechanical Genius. Reward: 1 Free Choice Card.”

“Fourth Place: Women Guard. Reward: 1 70% Discount Card.”

“Fifth Place: Great America. Reward: 1 80% Discount Card.”

“Sixth Place: Cannibal Chain. Reward: 1 90% Discount Card.”

The rewards announced by the wheel space left many feeling disappointed. Just cards? What use were they?

Judging by the names, these were clearly meant for the upcoming ten-round challenge—consumable items specific to this trial, much like the earlier discount cards.

“Rewards… Gyanendra was after the rewards all along!”

Though Cannibal Chain had arrived last—making Gyanendra wait nearly a month—Wu Xiu and Ruan Xiao had been monitoring the star map from the start. Like Ye Zhongming, they’d been puzzled by the West Asian Saint’s actions.

Now, with the rewards revealed, Wu Xiu, standing beside Ye Zhongming, had an epiphany.

“That old fox rushed ahead not just for the ranking rewards but also for the exclusive bonus only he could get, plus those floating rewards between the Bright Stars on the way to the center!”

Ye Zhongming nodded.

Earlier, since the center’s reward was just a discount card (useful but non-transferable and of limited value), combined with the numerous Bright Star challenges, Ye Zhongming had somewhat overlooked those rewards. Now it seemed Gyanendra’s haste was indeed motivated by them.

Ye Zhongming mentally calculated—perhaps those rewards truly offset the disadvantage of occupying fewer stars.

“Next, announcing the Bright Star Occupation Rankings and corresponding rewards.”

“First Place: Mechanical Genius. Occupied Stars: 49. Reward: 50% of total star earnings refunded in level-nine magic crystals.”

“Second Place: Cloud Peak. Occupied Stars: 48. Reward: 40% of total star earnings refunded in level-nine magic crystals.”

“Third Place: Great America. Occupied Stars: 30. Reward: 30% of total star earnings refunded in level-eight magic crystals.”

“Fourth Place: Women Guard. Occupied Stars: 22. Reward: 20% of total star earnings refunded in level-eight magic crystals.”

“Fifth Place: Cannibal Chain. Occupied Stars: 15. Reward: 10% of total star earnings refunded in level-seven magic crystals.”

“Sixth Place: Gyanendra’s Team. Occupied Stars: 10. Reward: 5% of total star earnings refunded in level-seven magic crystals.”

While other factions’ reactions were unknown, Cloud Peak’s gaze toward Mechanical Genius was downright murderous. If combat were allowed here, they’d have slaughtered him on the spot!

This guy had persistently nibbled away at stars rightfully belonging to Cloud Peak, even overtaking them to claim first place in occupation count—earning 10% more in rewards. For Cloud Peak, accustomed to dominating every category, this was intolerable!

A small chest materialized in Ye Zhongming’s hands. Opening it, he found six level-nine magic crystals inside.

He couldn’t guess how many others—especially Mechanical Genius—had received, but the sheer quantity of top-grade crystals stunned him.

Though both the Ocean King Crown and Mountain King Crown were ruler equipment, the rewards accompanying the former paled in comparison.

Why would the wheel directly award level-nine crystals?

Now he understood why his past life had seen so many nine-star powerhouses (relatively few among evolved, but substantial in absolute terms).

Those individuals’ level nine crystals for wheel spins likely didn’t all come from slaying level-nine lifeforms—many probably originated from sources like this.

What once seemed a distant dream of reaching the pinnacle suddenly felt within grasp.

The surrealness of it left Ye Zhongming momentarily dazed—after all, this had been his ultimate ambition since rebirth.

“Boss…”

Xiao Min nudged Ye Zhongming, reminding him that Wu Xiu was speaking.

Cannibal Chain’s second-in-command eyed him curiously—such absentmindedness was unbecoming of a top-tier expert.

“All 174 Bright Stars will now be rearranged,” Wu Xiu repeated, then added, “I have a 90% discount card. If we land on your stars, I won’t use it—I’ll pay full price. On others’ stars, we’ll try to occupy them. If possible, we’ll start first but won’t rush. You focus on reaching the finish line at the right moment with your team.”

Such words spoke volumes about Wu Xiu’s integrity.

Yet Ye Zhongming understood the unspoken implication—this offer exceeded their original cooperation terms.

After consideration, Ye Zhongming handed Wu Xiu both his ranking rewards: 1 Free Choice Card and 1 Free Pass Card.

“After we leave, I’ll fully reimburse all your expenses on our occupied stars. Additionally, I’ll provide Cannibal Chain with a batch of gene warriors. As personal thanks, you’ll each receive a gold-grade equipment piece.”

He then passed Wu Xiu a spatial ring.

“Inside are some newly developed Cloud Peak potions—use them at critical moments. Don’t worry, they’re one of my secret weapons, never before deployed. No one will be prepared.”

Wu Xiu and Ruan Xiao’s eyes gleamed.

Their assistance to Cloud Peak stemmed not just from wanting good relations for future deals—they’d also expected compensation. After all, the coming battles (up to ten rounds) would exact heavy tolls, possibly even their lives.

Even for Ye Zhongming—a master craftsman—they’d harbored reservations.

Now, his generous terms (the two cards, post-trial reimbursements, two gold-grade equipments, plus secret potions) delighted them beyond expectation.

“Rest assured, Boss Ye—we’ll give our all,” Wu Xiu said, accepting the ring with a grin.

“Still in the mood to flirt after I stole so many of your stars?”

A jarring voice interrupted. Turning, they saw a mammoth-shaped combat puppet held back by Cloud Peak warriors 20 meters away.