Chapter 258

The helicopter hovered over the azure sea, its rotor blades whipping Lucy White’s hair into a frenzy.

"We’re landing soon," Asher York murmured in warning.

Lucy peered through the window as an island blanketed in lush greenery came into view. Unlike the desolate survival island from before, this arena was meticulously designed.

"Security here is tight," she noted, spotting surveillance cameras positioned throughout the landscape.

The helicopter touched down smoothly. The moment the door opened, blinding sunlight made Lucy squint.

"Welcome to Arena Island!" A male and female host approached them.

The male host spoke in fluent English. "You’re Team Seven. Here are your badges."

Asher took the badges and glanced at Lucy. "Need a translator?"

"No need." She accepted hers, fingertips brushing over the intricate dragon emblem etched into the cold metal surface.

The female host added with a smile, "The global livestream has already begun."

Lucy looked up to find over a dozen cameras trained on them. Without missing a beat, she adjusted her collar and pinned the badge to her chest.

Several teams were already seated in the rest area. As Lucy’s group passed, competitors from various countries studied them with curious eyes.

"Is that... a celebrity?" someone whispered.

Asher subtly shifted to block their view. "Ignore them."

Lucy’s lips curved. "I’m used to it."

Meanwhile, the domestic livestream exploded.

[Is that really Lucy White?!]

[The official list confirms it’s her!]

[Lucy’s insane! How’d she qualify for an international military competition?!]

But skepticism quickly followed.

[A celebrity in a combat tournament? You’re joking.]

[She’ll just drag the team down.]

[There’s definitely foul play here.]

At Topaz Entertainment headquarters, David Wilson stared at his screen, brow furrowed.

"Mr. Wilson, the website’s crashing from traffic," his assistant reported urgently.

David tapped the desk. "Release a statement—Lucy earned her spot fairly."

The announcement eased some backlash, but doubts lingered.

[What are her qualifications?]

[Can’t wait to see her humiliated.]

In a luxury apartment, Lily Green dug her nails into her palms as she glared at the screen.

"Why does she always get everything?" She snatched her phone and dialed Oliver Knight.

"Oliver, are you watching this?"

A pause. Then, "I am."

Her voice trembled. "Do you think she could...?"

"Don’t overthink it," he cut in. "Focus on your new project."

After hanging up, Oliver studied Lucy’s composed profile on-screen, his expression unreadable.

The livestream chat continued to flood.

[Waiting for the epic fail!]

[I believe in Lucy!]

As if sensing the attention, Lucy suddenly looked directly into the camera, her lips curving into a confident smile.

The close-up sent the chat into chaos.

[AHHH SHE KILLED ME!]

[That smirk is lethal!]

Asher leaned in. "Nervous?"

She shook her head, scanning the other teams. "They should be."

Rolling her wrists, the badge glinted coldly in the sunlight.

The global broadcast captured the subtle movement perfectly. No one noticed her finger tracing the tiny inscription on the back:

"Winner takes all."