Chapter 56

The mechanical voice said: "Application invalid. Network domain detection, account owner has not fused a four-star source core, does not have the qualification to challenge the Silver Zone. Solution: Account owner fuses a four-star source core, then reapply for grading. Note two: Free competition has no restrictions, account owner can apply for a Silver Level match."

Du Nan, a Private First Class in White Iron, fought his way up to a Private First Class in Red Steel.

When applying for the Silver Zone, the Magic Network rejected him.

The Ground Frost Core and Sky Frost Core, which were stabilizing the Ice Dragon's body within him, were completely ignored by the Magic Network. Perhaps in its view, this was no different from a child hugging a missile: this was not power that fully belonged to you, and thus was not counted in your level. It determined that Du Nan could only use up to three-star magic power, and thus rejected his application, barring him from the Silver Zone.

Du Nan had been mentally prepared for this outcome; he indeed could not use four-star magic power at the moment.

"Sir, you're out." Tie Chuo saw Du Nan walk out of the room and immediately approached to ask, "The mayor has prepared a special dinner for you to enjoy. The mayor also instructed me to ask if you have time to meet and exchange ideas? If you're not available today, the mayor can visit another day, and will not disturb your dinner."

"I have time. Please invite the mayor to come over; I have something to ask." Du Nan did not refuse. At this point, he had already adjusted his mindset and did not regard any authority or power.

"Thank you for your magnanimity. I will immediately inform the mayor." Tie Chuo was overjoyed and bowed to lead the way.

Three minutes later.

The two arrived at a bright hall, where a large steel table, ten meters long, was already filled with meat and delicacies.

On both sides of the long table.

Eight beautiful young women were quietly serving on each side. They were young and beautiful, tender and tall, with a faint fragrance wafting from their bodies, and they wore very little clothing. When they saw Du Nan arrive, they all looked as if they were waiting for their master, but their eyes still lingered on the table full of delicious food. It seemed that the charm of this magic warrior was far less appealing than the table of fragrant meat and sweet delicacies.

"Ha ha ha, nice to meet you. I am Mu Feng, a small city mayor of Iron Chip City. May I ask for your distinguished name?" A loud and hearty laugh echoed.

A tall and sturdy middle-aged man strode in, immediately clasping his hands and smiling as he asked. The city mayor, who called himself Mu Feng, had the strength of a five-star Gold level, and did not look down on Du Nan, who was only three-star. He had a slightly older brotherly air, but did not hold himself up as the mayor, and was very composed.

"My name is Du Nan, Mayor Mu, hello." Du Nan's expression was calm, with no fluctuation in his aura.

Facing this five-star powerhouse, he was not at all intimidated. Mu Feng was slightly taken aback by his composure.

He quickly returned to normal.

He laughed heartily and said, "So you are Mr. Du, my apologies. Now that we know each other, we are no longer strangers. I am older, so I will call you Brother Du. You can call me Old Mu or Old Feng, it's just a nominal position. Come, come, sit down, try the silver-horned dragon that Old Mu just hunted. Its taste is unique, but I haven't hunted it recently."

"Thank you, Brother Mu." Du Nan sat down as instructed, not sensing any ill intent from Mu Feng.

Iron Chip Star was a planet for exiling criminals.

Was this friendly, big-brother-like figure really a criminal?

As a magic warrior, Du Nan was not afraid of any poisons. Seeing Mu Feng try the food first, he also ate freely. Upon trying it, the silver-horned dragon indeed had an excellent taste. The two ate quickly, and after a while, Mu Feng raised his glass to propose a toast: "Brother Du, it's a pleasure to meet you today. I'll drink first."

Du Nan accompanied him in drinking a glass. The wine was light, only slightly better than the last one he had.

"Iron Chip Star is resource-poor, and I have no good wine to offer you, Brother Du. Please forgive me." Mu Feng apologized, but did not overly humble himself. This wine was the best he could offer.

"No problem, I don't drink much." Du Nan smiled and asked, "Brother Mu, you didn't just invite me for a meal. Let's be straightforward. If you have something to say, just ask. I don't like formalities, let's not waste time."

"Good, to the point." Mu Feng highly praised him, then paused to organize his words, "Brother Du, don't take it personally. I am doing this for the safety of the citizens. If I say anything wrong and offend you, blame it on me, not on anyone else. I will first drink three cups as a penalty, Brother Du, please do as you please."

Du Nan accompanied him in drinking another cup.

At this moment.

He guessed that something special had happened.

"Regarding your personal matters, I won't ask much. There's just one thing..." Mu Feng's expression was stern, with a hint of anger, "I have a few friends on the Magic Network. Two months ago, one friend told me that a magic warrior, who usually disdains being a hunter, was now moved by profit. A group of young warriors, who looked like students, were entering Iron Chip Star for training. Not all of them were 'hunters,' but a few of them had taken up this profession."

As he spoke, Mu Feng's eyes gleamed, as if trying to pierce through Du Nan's body.

Young.

Student.

Young warrior... Du Nan fit all these descriptions.

Worse still, he had not followed the 'school's' large group and had slipped out alone. If he hadn't been causing trouble as a hunter, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to travel independently. The school's protection for magic warriors was very strong, and they would not easily let them take independent risks.

"Today, I have no other intention. I just want to ask one question: Is Brother Du involved in this matter? If not..." Mu Feng summoned someone to bring a large jar of wine, "I apologize, I will drink this jar of wine to make amends. If you are not satisfied, you can challenge me, and I will accept. But if you are involved, I won't say much. I can arrange a starship to send you back. You can send a message to the base, and they won't expel you, a student."

"Planning to arrest me?" Du Nan did not answer, but smiled and asked.

"No, no." Mu Feng was very generous, speaking sincerely, "If Brother Du is involved, it's not a big deal. Many people are deceived these days, even we ourselves struggle for uncertain goals. Just give me a word, and we can part ways amicably. Magic warriors are precious, and we wouldn't harm you."

Du Nan smiled.

He flicked his finger, causing the table to vibrate slightly.

The large jar of wine on the table, like a twelve-petaled flower, perfectly slid open. The wine inside had already frozen into ice. Ignoring the shocked faces of the others, Du Nan spoke calmly but with a hint of killing intent, "Brother Mu is kind to hunters, but I don't have such a good heart. If I encounter them, whether they are magic warriors or not, this jar of wine will be their fate."

As Du Nan spoke, a cold wind seemed to pass through the hall, causing goosebumps to rise on everyone's skin.

He continued, "I was exiled from Blue Sea Star, the charge was probably joining a rebel army. If Brother Mu has friends, you can check."

Du Nan did not intend to hide his identity; it didn't matter anyway. There were countless federations in the Blue Alliance, and if he really had any connection to a revolutionary army, the people of Iron Chip Star wouldn't care.

"Ah, I see. Brother Du, to have such strength at such a young age, you must have been framed, right? I also encountered such despicable tactics in the past. If you are willing to lower your head and join a certain faction, I guarantee someone will come to pick you up tomorrow, and you can clear your name. I understand this, Brother Du is definitely not a member of the revolutionary army. It's a bit of a pity, though." Mu Feng raised his glass and drank it all in one go.

Hearing that Du Nan was not a hunter, he was greatly relieved.

From his tone, it seemed that it was a pity that Du Nan was not a member of the revolutionary army. In the hearts of these rebels, the rebels of any planet were considered their 'peers.'

At the dinner table.

Mu Feng kept talking and laughing, as if they were old friends.

Midway through, Du Nan suggested inviting the poor women to join in the meal, and Mu Feng did not object. He had already noticed that Du Nan was not interested in these beauties. Du Nan asked about the Eight Kings, and Mu Feng's eyes showed reverence, but he shook his head, not knowing. He had seen the subordinates of the Eight Kings but had never met the Eight Kings themselves, nor heard their names. Du Nan did not ask further, and after a satisfying meal, Mu Feng did not disturb him much, going to handle his city affairs. Before leaving, he declared: If you have any matters in Iron Chip City, just find him, and he would not shirk.

Du Nan returned to his resting place and reconnected to the Magic Network for training.

This small interlude during the dinner, he treated as if it had never happened. However, if he really encountered hunters in the wild, Du Nan would not show mercy. These people, who did not think about production and did not allow others to develop a new way of life, did not deserve to be treated as human.

Training continuously in the Magic Network.

Ten days later.

A major storm slowly swept through the entire Red Steel Zone in the Blue Region Network.

The news headlines of major federations began to feature related stories. Gradually, they started to adjust their scheduled programs, reserving the best broadcast times to show the recording of a Red Steel Private First Class, whose account was only publicly known, during the most important news segments. Some people deliberately stirred up 'hatred,' adding the most intense and piercing words: "The traveler has arrived, who dares to challenge?"

Some federation news added the headline, "Ten thousand Red Steel Armors, who can match the traveler?"

In short, the news people did everything to attract hatred.

And Du Nan, as soon as he entered the Magic Network, was immediately swarmed by countless people. Knowing that he had already blocked sound and notifications, these magic warriors held up various signs, inviting him to various events and negotiations; some were there to 'stir up trouble,' holding signs with curses; others believed that Du Nan had fabricated his true strength, using higher-level power to slaughter Red Steel Armors. Of course, no one paid attention to such nonsense; it would be strange if the Magic Network could be faked.

Regardless, Du Nan became the focus of all attention. Despite the fact that, in reality, people were not even sure if he was male or female.

In just ten days.

The traveler became a star in the entire Blue Region Network, a television superstar in the Blue Alliance news. Whenever he appeared, even political news had to be replaced, and the traveler's battle recordings were immediately broadcast. If missed, the TV station could be smashed the next day.

"Do you have any questions?" Du Nan pointed to a White Iron soldier called 'Tega Federation News Representative' and asked.

The latter was taken aback.

He immediately became ecstatic.

"Male, he's male..." Before he could speak, a commotion arose, and a group of female magic warriors began to scream wildly