Genius Chapter 169: Clever Coordination

Chapter 169: Clever Coordination

Translated by Karai of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Addis

In the arena, the summoner’s positioning began to change.

His health was somewhat lower than BrokenOracle’s, placing him at a temporary disadvantage. Yet, instead of retreating, he boldly charged into the mage and Doaist priest’s encirclement, focusing on attacking the enemy mage. BrokenOracle had no choice but to use a minor skill for protection. Meanwhile, the summoner seemed to have eyes on the back of his head; while attacking HaiTang, he managed to keep Solitary Wolf busy harassing the Doaist priest.

Solitary Wolf’s skill was a stun, which was also the fastest cooldown control in the summoner’s skill set.

Moreover, not far off, the array master was using an array for additional control. Even though both sides’ skills were on cooldown, these two continued to take risks, likely because Momo still had a healing pet. BrokenOracle knew that Momo had another healing pet. While their own pet skills were on cooldown, Momo’s pet had not been used yet. This was probably the confidence they had for a hard push.

HaiTang said, “Be careful with them; the summoner’s number of summoned beasts has increased. They might be thinking the same thing as us.”

BrokenOracle glanced at the array master’s position. They indeed intended to use HaiTang’s ultimate skill, [Cloud Territory Fate Curse], to counterattack, hoping to find an opportunity through maneuvering. However, seeing the array master’s positioning and the increasing number of summoned beasts around the summoner, he and HaiTang both realized the summoner’s ultimate skill, [Rage of Ten Thousand Beasts], was likely coming.

At this moment, the summoner was not only controlling HaiTang but also had the capacity to deploy additional summoned beasts.

It was clear that Momo and FireworksAndLanterns were entirely different in terms of the pressure they exerted. No matter how many times they had fought against him, one always felt a sense of ease and mastery from him. His attacks, controls, and multitasking were bold and detailed, often putting them in an oddly passive position. For instance, they suspected that the summoner might use nine summoned beasts to unleash [Rage of Ten Thousand Beasts]. Yet, when they tried to kill the summoned beasts, they found it impossible to prevent it.

The spread of the summoned beasts was simply too vast.

If BrokenOracle chose to kill the summoner’s summoned beasts first, he would have to reposition, which would leave HaiTang outside of his protective area. If Momo was using the illusion of [Rage of Ten Thousand Beasts] to draw them out, they would lose their initiative. BrokenOracle couldn’t decipher Momo’s intentions; with the summoned beasts spread out so widely, what was he planning?

“Not killing the summoned beasts is part of Momo’s strategy,” BrokenOracle said calmly. “Indeed, [Rage of Ten Thousand Beasts] is terrifying, but its effectiveness increases with a smaller area. Given the spread of these summoned beasts, we can leave before [Rage of Ten Thousand Beasts] is released. Even if we can’t escape entirely, Momo would still need a bit more to use this distance to finish us off.”

HaiTang said, “In that case, we should use [Cloud Territory Fate Curse]. If he dies, the array master will be useless.”

The mage’s ultimate skill, [Cloud Territory Fate Curse], required executing a specific combo on the enemy. Once the combo was complete, it would plant [Cloud Territory Fate Curse] on the enemy. When this skill activated, it would put the target into a weakened state for 5 seconds, reducing their health to 1%. At that point, any minor skill would suffice to finish them off.

This skill was a single-target skill, but its strength lay in its ability to reduce the enemy’s health to 1% regardless of their remaining health, ignoring all defenses. Even if Momo activated damage reduction or healing, he would inevitably die during the weakened state.

Hearing HaiTang’s words, BrokenOracle immediately abandoned the plan to kill the summoned beasts and instead focused on controlling and harassing Momo.

Under his continuous control, it became difficult for Momo to keep HaiTang restrained. A slight lapse allowed HaiTang to use her curse. Momo was too close, and with the Doaist priest using continuous control, although Momo himself wasn’t caught, the repeated disturbances prevented him from restricting HaiTang.

Such close proximity provided HaiTang with ample opportunities for her combo.

The Advertising team also noticed this, and Bitter Melon quickly warned, “HaiTang is about to use her ultimate skill. Momo, move, don’t get stuck in combat!”

Watermelon said, “There’s no way to escape. BrokenOracle has sealed the retreat; we can’t get out.”

ScarletFruit covered her face and didn’t dare to look, “Is [Heart Line] on cooldown?”

“It’s not off cooldown yet. This is going to be tough,” Apple said. “We need to break the siege; otherwise, we can’t escape!”

At this point, the terrain of the glazed bricks became the most challenging obstacle. With two controls blocking the retreat, it was extremely difficult for the summoner to fall back. If things continued like this, HaiTang’s combo would likely succeed.

Su Mo was completely focused, not speaking a word in the voice chat.

Yu Zhen glanced at the small item under his feet and said, “It’s fine. He knows he can’t escape.”

But they might not be in a deadlock.

With [Four Directions of Hellfire] in play, everyone’s attention was focused on the mage’s [Cloud Territory Hate Curse].

[Oh no, if it really is [Cloud Territory Hate Curse], doesn’t that mean Momo is doomed??]

[As a mage player, I can tell you for sure, yes.]

[The most terrifying part of the Curse is its 5-second weakened state. It doesn’t kill instantly; it reduces health to 1% and keeps the target weakened for 5 seconds. This weakened state can’t be countered by healing or damage reduction. Just think about it—within the encirclement of the first Doaist priest and the first mage, 1% health is practically useless; it will be gone in less than 0.5 seconds.]

[The [Heart Line] skill was used too early. If it had been used at this time, we wouldn’t have to worry about this skill at all.]

[Will the cooldown be up soon?]

[Quest skills have a baseline cooldown of 10 minutes, okay? It won’t be ready that quickly.]

“HaiTang is starting the combo,” said SkilfulEmptyHand. “She really plans to use the ultimate skill. Momo is in danger.”

FirstUnderHeaven looked at the array master and said, “Strange, why isn’t the array master going to rescue them? Didn’t someone mention that the array master used a damage reduction skill during the Five Elements Labyrinth? If he had rushed in earlier, there might have been a chance to save them…”

He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly noticing a new change in the array distribution. “What is this…?”

After sealing off Momo’s escape route, BrokenOracle glanced back at the position of the array master and his eyes widened in realization. “Wait, we’ve been tricked.”

A new development emerged in the complex terrain of the Glazed Palace, where the array master’s array was laid out in a new pattern.

Underneath the scattered summoner’s minions, a series of arrays appeared. The arrays seemed disordered, but from a top-down view, they formed a cleverly arranged pentagon. Counting carefully, there were actually 6 accumulated array masters.

“This is the array master’s ultimate skill!! Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth!” FirstUnderHeaven immediately reacted. “The array master is about to use the ultimate skill!!! He’s still setting up the formation!!”

Usually, array masters rarely focus on their ultimate skill.

Because the array master’s ultimate skill was a control-type skill, it couldn’t result in an instant kill. It was one of the auxiliary-type ultimate skills in the Celestial Horizon’s 11 professions. Not only was it auxiliary, but it was also very difficult to execute.

The effect of [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth] was control. By stacking arrays into a fixed formation called [Five Directions], it could impose strong control over players within the area. The strong control lasted for 8 seconds, during which players could neither dispel nor resist the control. Unless they left the array area, they would endure the strong control effect until the ultimate skill ended.

The array master’s arrays were mainly used for stacking. Overlapping arrays had a stacking effect. Each array had a duration, and once the time was up, it would disappear. Stacking was necessary to extend the array’s duration. [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth] required the array master to stack arrays to form [Five Directions], then place a control-type array in the center, such as a fear array. The final effect of [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth] would be fear.

However, [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth] had a certain level of difficulty. It tested the player’s ability to stack arrays and layout skills. Moreover, the placement had a range, and high-level players could usually determine the type of skill based on the array master’s initial movements. They could also quickly judge the skill’s range and avoid it, making it very challenging for the array master to successfully use the ultimate skill. No one would willingly stand within the array’s control range.

So, this skill was rarely used due to its difficult conditions.

But now, at the high-end arena of the Grand Debate, array master UnchainedWanderer had managed to cast this skill right under the noses of the Doaist priest and mage. This success was due to both the terrain cover and the distraction caused by the summoner, as well as the incredibly fast array stacking speed.

At this moment, the other members of the Ren Xiaoyao Team said, “Wait! The summoner’s summoned beasts have moved—9, no, 10 summoned beasts!”

The previously widely scattered summoned beasts of the summoner had surprisingly regrouped within this time, visibly closing the distance.

BrokenOracle realized that the summoner had risked everything to bait them. Initially, the summoner had used the scattered summoned beasts to mislead them into thinking it was a trick involving [Wrath of Ten Thousand Beasts], but in reality, it was a ploy to draw them away and kill HaiTang. That was why he hadn’t immediately gone around to kill the summoned beasts but had instead chosen to create an opportunity for HaiTang to unleash the ultimate skill and finish off the summoner.

But this was part of the summoner’s more elaborate plan.

He had anticipated that advancing into enemy lines would make him a target for the mage. The use of summoned beasts to deceive them was actually part of a strategy to set up a trap. By intentionally leaving openings, he had created an opportunity for them to think they were dealing with a mere distraction, allowing the array master and Hai Tang to cycle through their skills in preparation for the ultimate skill. All of this was designed to buy time for the array master to deploy [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth].

Once [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden EarthSeal] was successfully cast, he could use the strong control effect to regroup the summoned beasts and unleash [Wrath of Ten Thousand Beasts]. As the strong control couldn’t be avoided, those within the [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth] would be unable to escape and would have to endure the explosive damage of [Wrath of Ten Thousand Beasts]. Moreover, with their proximity so close, if the summoned beasts exploded, both of them would be instantly eliminated.

“There’s no time left,” BrokenOracle said with a cold expression, “The array’s range is too broad. Once immobilized, we won’t be able to get out.”

HaiTang remained calm, “Ignore it. We can withstand the strong control; let’s focus on killing the summoner first! Once he’s dead, the ultimate skill will be gone.”

People outside the arena also noticed this issue. The array master was still stacking arrays, clearly trying to buy time for the summoned beasts to regroup. The Ren XiaoYao Team didn’t give up and continued stacking their skills to prepare [Cloud Territory Hate Curse].

“UnchainedWanderer aims to use [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth] to control them and let [Wrath of the Ten Thousand Beasts] finish them off,” Midnight Bell said, “Under these circumstances, they are likely to succeed.”

It was a race between HaiTang successfully setting up [Cloud Territory Hate Curse] and the summoner gathering the summoned beasts to trigger [Wrath of the Ten Thousand Beasts].

Both teams were extremely tense, and the members of the Advertising team at the peak of the debate were on edge. At that moment, HaiTang cast the final curse.

“This is bad! Cloud Territory Hate Curse!”

“It’s over; the summoned beasts are still moving!”

At this critical moment, Su Mo activated Veil Wraith’s skill [Phantom], creating several illusions instantly, which disrupted BrokenOracle’s control with the confusion effect.

“Momo used his pet skill; he didn’t choose a healing pet but instead opted for a control-type active skill! He’s buying time!” CloudTraveller said, “He’s trying to complete the ultimate skill.”

UnchainedWanderer’s Deep Sea Siren had already been used for mana recovery. Everyone had expected Momo to use a healing pet, like the Grass Spirit, to replenish resources just like the opponents. But in the end, he chose Veil Wraith.

SkilfulEmptyHand said, “This is too risky; if it fails, it would mean total loss!”

[So tense!]

[Oh my god! BrokenOracle has stopped!]

[Array Master’s Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth!!]

[Wait, look at HaiTang!]

At that moment, the Five Directions formation took shape, successfully trapping the Doaist Priest and Mage, who were surrounding the Summoner.

UnchainedWanderer placed the final control array without hesitation and activated [Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth], triggering the core control effect to immobilize both BrokenOracle and HaiTang.

Mage HaiTang stayed calm in the final moments and locked onto the closest Momo. As the one casting the Cloud Territory Hate Curse, she could clearly see the state stacking on Momo and easily distinguish the illusions. She decisively cast the final curse.

“Cloud Territory Hate Curse is out!” SkilfulEmptyHand shouted, “1%!!!”

The Cloud Territory Hate Curse successfully took effect as HaiTang completed her combo, leaving Summoner Momo with a 1% health state and entering a five-second weakness period. With the curse in place and Momo at 1% health, BrokenOracle, despite the danger of being disrupted by Phantom, threw a spell directly at Momo’s location.

It hit successfully!

As Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth was fully activated, Summoner Momo’s health was reduced to zero by BrokenOracle.

[It’s over! Summoner is dead.]

[Wow, doesn’t this mean the Xiaoyao team is going to win?]

[Wait… why are the summoned beasts still moving?!]

[Hold on! There’s no kill announcement!]

SkilfulEmptyHand was momentarily stunned. The health wasn’t reduced to zero? There was no kill announcement, and the summoned beasts were still moving?! The caster should be unable to act after death! The arena’s view quickly shifted to the Mage and Doaist Priest’s vicinity. Everyone watching the livestream was confused, and BrokenOracle didn’t see Summoner Momo’s dead body.

At that moment, BrokenOracle’s pupils contracted. He suddenly realized that the target he had locked onto was not Summoner Momo, but a strange-looking doll amidst the Phantom illusions. The doll’s health was at 0%, lifelessly lying on the ground.

“The doll…” BrokenOracle reacted, “No! Summoner hasn’t died, it’s a quest skill!”

Under everyone’s gaze, the livestream camera switched, revealing the red-clad figure behind the Array Master—Summoner Momo, holding a lantern staff and standing on the glazed bricks with the Array Master. Momo’s health bar was nearly empty but still at 1%.

Momo hadn’t died!? He had survived BrokenOracle and HaiTang’s siege and was still alive even after taking the Cloud Territory Hate Curse!?

“It’s Summoner Momo, he’s not dead, in…” SkilfulEmptyHand said excitedly, but before he could finish, the surrounding summoned beasts quickly regrouped. During the duration of Eight Desolations of the Forbidden Earth, the Beast’s Wrath exploded directly—!

[[Glazed Palace] player Momo killed player BrokenOracle]

[[Glazed Palace] player Momo killed player HaiTang]

Summoner Momo achieved a double kill with 1% health, surviving the inferno of battle!