Chapter 600: Chapter 600: The Arbitrator, A Bet with the Gods

When the game said these two sentences, it seemed as if its tone had directly changed, with that feeling of deliberately dragging out the words.

Just like when the most crucial person of a sports team makes their entrance, and the announcer intentionally hypes up the mood.

At the same time, the highest name on the Peak Rankings was revealed, though everyone already knew who it was.

——No.1, Sin!

12 games, 12 consecutive wins, 12 Perfect Clearances!

Afterwards, everyone watching this Peak Rankings reward ceremony heard a melodious, somewhat muffled tolling of a bell.

That ancient sound made people's hearts and minds tremble. Simultaneously, a vast expanse of starry sky appeared within the game interface.

Countless stars shone within it, and then the entire array of stars suddenly reversed and rearranged itself, transforming into a different shape.

Within the void, the stars formed a throne, while another cluster of bright stars formed the shape of a person, who slowly sat down. A crown rotated above that figure's head.

Although the scene was awe-inspiring, in Lu Ce's view, it was also excessively flamboyant.

He truly hadn't expected that something like this would have such a grand spectacle, really like an award ceremony.

What is he, some world-class superstar?

Thinking about it, he couldn't help but sneer and mutter to himself:

"Hah... Making it so ostentatious. Those who don't know better would think I'm on very good terms with this game."

"Always wanted to kill me. I didn't die, and now I'm getting commended."

"The special effects are pretty good. Recommend recording it." Beside him, the huge motorcycle, as tall as a person, couldn't help but comment.

"What's that saying again? The cat crying over the mouse's death—false compassion? Hmm, maybe that's not quite right."

"The weasel paying New Year's respects to the chicken." Lu Ce corrected.

......

Although he himself didn't think this was any big deal, this treatment that exceeded all norms still shocked everyone immensely.

Things like "Welcome the Supreme One" and that specially created starry animation were all somewhat difficult for people to comprehend.

This was almost the game's official entity directly stepping in to conduct a deification campaign!

Anyone with a brain basically felt a mix of envy and jealousy at this moment, but because the gap seemed far too vast, they didn't dare to truly fantasize about it.

However, quite a few people could still sense something was off about this.

Previously, the game's attitude towards "Sin" had never been this friendly, right? Since when did it start showing such respect?

Unusual events foretell trouble!

The Grand Elder was especially aware of this. In the Dragon Group's basement, he had remained silent ever since the rewards for the top ten ended.

Leaning forward, he stared unblinkingly at the screen before him.

His figure looked gaunt, and his aura was far from the oppressive feeling Xu Long gave off. But because of his seriousness, the basement was now so quiet you could hear a pin drop!

The atmosphere was so stifling that no one dared to breathe loudly.

[Player "Sin", your performance in the game is worthy of any respect.]

[Due to your ultimate victory in the previous Deity Arena, we will now give you a special reward. Of course, this depends on whether you accept it or not.]

[Next is private Q& A time.]

After building up suspense for what felt like ages, all the people watching intently suddenly found their vision blurring. The sound and image became fuzzy, making it completely impossible to hear what was said next.

The game's rewards have a confidentiality mode now, at this stage?

Everyone's desire to curse reached its peak right now. Why is it that now the crucial moments of "Sin's" games aren't viewable, and even "Sin's" rewards are kept secret!

What's the point of this? Why are all his things not public anymore? And he wears a mask every day, acting all mysterious, huh?

Meanwhile, the game's voice continued in Lu Ce's mind.

But now, it had switched to a different tone, lacking the previous reverence. It wasn't much different from its usual mechanical voice.

[So, strongest player, are you satisfied with such an entrance?]

Knowing this was a private chat with him, Lu Ce crossed his legs and said somewhat amusedly:

"Hah, the little thing has two faces, huh."

"Before, you wanted to broadcast our conversation globally. Now you want a private chat. You really know how to play games."

He was even more impolite when speaking to the game. Even without the mask, he still directly mocked it.

[The game is about to undergo changes. Your subsequent actions will determine the future of a world.]

The game's voice didn't respond to Lu Ce's remark and just continued.

"Who are you?" Lu Ce suddenly asked.

[.......]

[Considering we may chat frequently in the future, telling you is fine. I am the "Arbitrator".]

[You can understand that I am now speaking to you on behalf of the entire game!]

Lu Ce nodded. The Arbitrator's voice was serious as it continued.

[Now, you have one final opportunity to choose whether to accept ascension!]

[You are not a Divine Messenger and will not be subordinate to any god, but you will possess a status similar to that of a Divine Messenger.]

[Your rank will be above all Divine Messengers!]

Listening to this seemingly very tempting proposal, Lu Ce suddenly interrupted:

"Then is it above you?"

[......]

The Arbitrator fell silent instantly. The sense of speechlessness was palpable to anyone.

Originally, he thought that with "Sin's" nasty personality, he would likely ask something like, "Then is it higher than a god?"

But now, he suddenly asked if it was higher than *you*, leaving the Arbitrator at a loss.

[I can choose not to answer that question.]

[Getting back on topic, for you, I genuinely believe this is an excellent choice.]

[I can assure you, although not a god, you can become the "god" of your own world.]

"Is this the final sugar-coated bullet?"

Lu Ce replied. Honestly, just listening to the other's description felt very wrong to him.

It really sounded too much like recruiting a traitor, just with better treatment and conditions for raising a dog.

[I don't consider this any kind of bullet. It truly is a very high-level benefit.]

"Sounds like just putting a dog leash on myself anyway, still subordinate to the gods and this game."

[Hah.]

The Arbitrator actually let out a very emotional, cold laugh. The idea of him not being subordinate to the game was also a fantasy.

[Ah, fine. Your ingratitude and nasty personality are somewhat famous now. Making this choice is not surprising. Do you know what They say about you?]

[Sigh, never mind, it's not important. Then, if you give up this final opportunity, you must sign this wager agreement with the gods!]

After saying this, a golden sheet of paper actually materialized out of thin air in the real world! It floated before Lu Ce at this moment!

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