From Demon Slayer to the Multiverse: The Ultimate Exploiter

Tall and powerfully built, Tong Gu exuded an imposing presence in his sharp blue suit, which only served to accentuate his chiseled physique. As he strode forward, an aura of intimidation radiated from him, causing many in the crowd to instinctively avert their eyes. It was clear to all that this next-generation S-rank Awakener was not someone to be trifled with.

Tong Gu's gaze swept across the venue until it landed on his principal, Zhang Xingwen, who was smiling warmly at him. Returning the gesture with a faint smile of his own, Tong Gu knew all too well what kind of event this was thanks to Yang Yuanping's intel network. Zhang Xingwen's presence here surely held deeper implications.

As he took stock of his surroundings, his attention was caught by a palpable gaze. Turning his eyes to the left of Zhang Xingwen, he spotted a woman with long, jet-black hair that glimmered faintly with a hint of violet. Her delicate features and serene demeanor were striking, though the way her bangs were swept back added an air of quiet elegance, softening her stunning beauty.

Ju Dongliu, equally intrigued, assessed the towering figure below. His powerful physique seemed to have reached its peak, and though a year younger than her, his presence was undeniably formidable, as steady and immovable as a mountain.

Their eyes met. In that instant, an invisible wave of icy sharpness swept toward Tong Gu. His muscles tensed, his chest seemingly ignited with fire. Though his body trembled slightly, his gaze did not falter, meeting hers head-on.

Guo Dengyuan, ever the opportunist, had already activated the recording feature on his glasses the moment Tong Gu entered. This first clash between two S-rankers was captured in full. He wasn't the only one; other media personnel in the room frantically snapped photos, desperate to immortalize the moment.

Though the tension between Ju Dongliu and Tong Gu seemed oppressive, the exchange lasted only a brief moment. Their gazes shifted, and Tong Gu allowed himself to be guided to his seat. Noticing several individuals with mechanical eyes shifting uncomfortably away from him, he paid no mind and settled calmly into his place.

Behind him, "Mr. Wu" sat in the back row, their eyes briefly meeting. Tong Gu's lips curled into a knowing smile.

Wu Guangzhi found himself puzzled. According to his information, Tong Gu should have been a "idealist," someone focused solely on conquering the Game of Fate. What was he doing here, mingling in such turbulent waters? Was this the work of the Dongxia authorities?

The 100th Annual Players' Newcomer Conference officially began shortly after, with Mr. Jin, a representative of the Players' Association, inviting Zhang Xingwen to give an opening speech. Afterward, Jin launched into an elaborate account of the association's achievements over the past year.

Tong Gu's lips twitched with a hint of irony as he listened to the speech. This "Players' Association," which claimed to represent players, had become laughably out of touch with the player community it purported to serve. The term "Players' Association" was now scarcely mentioned on the Destiny Forum, and Tong Gu himself, a regular contributor of game strategies, had never once been contacted by them.

A century ago, during the darkest days of Dongxia, a group of brave pioneers had founded this organization, uniting those who refused to cower in the Game of Fate. These players had faced challenges head-on, earning rewards and growing stronger. But a hundred years later, the spirit of that organization had been lost to time.

How many of these so-called heroes here today could truly claim that title? Tong Gu's amusement deepened, and he couldn't suppress a faint snicker.

Jin Honghai, engrossed in his speech, was abruptly thrown off by the sound. He paused, his gaze sweeping the audience to find its source. Among the younger players, all eyes were fixed on one man in the center.

Tong Gu rose, offering an apologetic smile. "My apologies, Representative Jin. I was just reminded of something amusing."

With that, he calmly resumed his seat. Jin Honghai, though enraged, knew better than to confront an S-rank Awakener directly. Few understood better than he did the importance of such individuals to the nation.

As Jin continued his speech, another laugh rang out—this time, a clear, melodic sound. Turning red, Jin scanned the crowd once more, only to see Ju Dongliu smirking.

"I too remembered something funny," she said nonchalantly.

Guo Dengyuan had to bite his lip to suppress his laughter. Meanwhile, Zhang Xingwen made no such effort, roaring with laughter. "Representative Jin, you've truly outdone yourself—managing to amuse not one but two S-rankers! That's a rare achievement indeed!"

Jin Honghai, trembling with frustration, barely managed to conclude his speech, hastily transitioning to the voting segment for the Best Newcomer Award. Wu Guangzhi, watching intently, realized that with both S-rankers present, it was no longer certain that his team of seven would sweep the votes.

Before the voting could begin, Bao Huijun, codenamed Mind Manipulator, rose from her seat. Elegant and adorned with glittering highlights in her hair, she spoke with a calm yet challenging tone.

"Before the voting begins, I've always been curious about your abilities, Exploiter. Care to show me?"

Her words seemed to resonate with the crowd, though no distinct voices could be heard among the murmur of approval. Tong Gu turned slightly, meeting Wu Guangzhi's gaze. The faint smile they exchanged spoke volumes.

Mental manipulation.

Tong Gu rose without a word, stepping into the center of the arena. Standing sideways, he extended a single hand toward Bao Huijun, beckoning her forward.

Though a B-rank Awakener from the previous year, renowned for her potential, Bao Huijun hesitated. Could he have seen through her ability? It wasn't possible—she had always claimed to wield manipulation-based psychic powers, a claim even "Mr. Wu" believed.

Suppressing her unease, she taunted, "What's wrong, Exploiter? Is an S-rank Awakener too afraid to respond to a little challenge?"

Tong Gu smirked knowingly. Having studied her past recordings, he was aware of her tactic: baiting opponents into verbal exchanges to ensnare them with her quirk, Mind Control.

As her voice sharpened into an attempt to provoke him further, Tong Gu suddenly vanished.

"Urk—!"

A sharp pain in her abdomen silenced her. Her consciousness dimmed as she collapsed, only to be caught by Tong Gu, who gently steadied her before glancing around.

"To the rest of you," he said, his voice resonant, "anyone else care to try?"

The floor beneath him cracked audibly, sending ripples of unease through the remaining players. None dared meet his gaze.

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