Max Level is 100? I Can Upgrade All skill s to Lv99999!-Chapter 168 --Deathborn Paradise

Caelan’s figure moved casually through the [Void Frontier].

He couldn’t help but notice that, despite the pervasive sense of desolation and decay, traces of past grandeur and majesty were still visible.

The remnants of what must have been a magnificent and powerful place lingered in subtle ways.

He had to admit, though, the scenery here was unexpectedly beautiful.

Far in the distance, the ocean glimmered under the sunlight, its surface sparkling like scattered diamonds.

Occasionally, a seagull would glide across the sky, bringing with it the refreshing scent of sea breeze.

After taking a brief moment to enjoy this rare serenity, Caelan finally prepared to move on and get down to business.

It was time to head toward [Deathborn Paradise].

The priority was clear: acquiring the [Infinity Gem] as quickly as possible. That was the most important goal right now.

As Caelan wandered through [Void Frontier], he also encountered a few other awakeners who had come to this place.

From the information they provided, he had no difficulty finding his way to the entrance of [Deathborn Paradise].

What surprised him, however, was the scene at the entrance. There was already a considerable gathering of awakeners here.

These awakeners seemed prepared for what lay ahead.

Each face carried a mixture of fervor and anticipation.

Such expressions were uncommon in most Instances, making this sight all the more striking.

Caelan watched them for a while and gradually noticed something familiar.

Their expressions reminded him of a group from his memory.

What were they called again? Ah, yes! The "Internet-addicted youth."

It seemed that these awakeners were the local equivalent of the "Internet-addicted youth" in this world.

With that realization, Caelan felt a surge of excitement. Today, he decided, his mission was to cure them of their obsession.

Ten minutes after he arrived, another group of a dozen or so awakeners appeared at the entrance of [Deathborn Paradise].

Not all of them were human. Among them, Caelan even noticed an adorable cat-kin.

Indeed, cat-girls, it seemed, were universally charming, no matter where they appeared.

Caelan’s gaze lingered a little longer on the cat-kin, while the awakeners beside him had already started a lively discussion.

"Do you guys know that [Deathborn Paradise] limits the number of participants to 200 per entry?" one said.

"Brother, that’s in the rules; no need to repeat it," another replied. "Anyway, I heard [Deathborn Paradise] introduced a completely new mechanic recently. Something called... dynamic balance."

"Oh, that? I remember now! It was in last week’s announcement. From now on, every awakener entering [Deathborn Paradise] will have their strength dynamically adjusted to the 10-star level."

"That means, no matter how strong or weak an awakener is in reality, inside [Deathborn Paradise], they will only have 10 stars of strength."

"This dynamic balance seems pretty fair, honestly."

"Fortunately, it’s just a trial and not actual death. Otherwise, it would be unfair for stronger awakeners to be killed by weaker ones!"

"Alright, enough chatting. If it’s your first time, focus on learning the rules. Out of the 200 participants, 20 will be converted into Deathborn. Among them, one will randomly become the Lord of Deathborn."

"The things you’re saying are outdated. In the latest version, if a Deathborn defeats the Lord of Deathborn, they will become the next Lord of Deathborn."

Upon hearing this, Caelan’s eyes brightened slightly.

The concept of [Deathborn Paradise] suddenly seemed much more interesting.

He rubbed his hands together, feeling an impatient excitement building inside him.

Yet a small doubt lingered in his mind. Everyone knew that this world had been invaded by games.

Caelan wondered whether the rules of [Deathborn Paradise] were themselves derived from a game, perhaps something like the [Biohazard Mode].

If that were the case, he would need to reconsider the impact of Instances on humanity.

After all, how many kinds of games could there be? The possibilities were endless.

Squinting slightly, Caelan pushed these chaotic thoughts aside.

Such considerations could wait. His immediate priority was to fully experience [Deathborn Paradise] and see it through.

"I hereby declare, ’The Dream of Thirty Million Housewives’ is back today!" Caelan murmured with a faint smile of excitement.

Once he summoned the [Divine Mirror Dragonlord], he wouldn’t even need to intervene personally. Just by passively letting it act, he could effortlessly achieve ultimate victory.

Unlike [Void Frontier], which carried a strange beauty, [Deathborn Paradise] was perpetually shrouded in a gray, oppressive sky.

The ground was bare and almost completely devoid of vegetation. Aside from some patches of grayish grass, nothing else grew.

Broken houses, dim skies, and dead ancient trees all contributed to a palpable Deadly Zone atmosphere.

Numerous graves dotted the landscape, densely packed as if forming a massive burial ground.

Each grave bore a cross, inscribed with the deceased’s life story, though in practice, few would ever read them.

Caelan couldn’t help but praise the setting inwardly; the atmosphere was convincingly morbid.

Around him, the awakeners continued their heated discussions, oblivious to the grim scenery.

"This [Deathborn Paradise] trial is insane! Since I arrived, it’s already been seven days. I haven’t even had a proper meal!" one exclaimed.

"Damn, you’re a hardcore player! But you don’t need to spend your life here just for a trial, do you?" another said.

"You don’t understand. Last round, I finally got assigned as Lord of Deathborn, and I was ambushed by a normal player! It took me twenty attempts before I could become Lord of Deathborn!"

"Brother, you’re way stronger than me! I was just a regular Deathborn and almost got killed by a normal player’s skill output!"

"You newbies don’t get it. The real secret of this trial? I’m a shield-type awakener. Becoming Lord of Deathborn was incredible. The rewards were endless. Just saying, it was insanely satisfying!"

For a while, the surrounding awakeners cast envious glances at the shield-type awakener.

Especially when they saw the [Deathborn Amulet] appear around his neck, their eyes turned red with jealousy.

"Damn, brother, your luck is off the charts!" someone muttered.

"Stay low-key," he replied, "but unfortunately, I still lost in the end to a normal player. There was nothing I could do; the advantage of the normal player faction is overwhelming. Ten trials, ten wins—just too big a gap between the factions!"

While Caelan absorbed this information, a sudden surprised voice called out.

"Caelan, what are you doing here?"