The 3,000 spots were filled within half a day. Those who arrived later wore looks of deep disappointment, as if they had missed out on a king's crown.
Those who managed to sign up early, however, were beaming with pride, as though they had already secured the championship before the competition even began.
"Clan Leader, now that all the spots are filled, how should we proceed with the selection?"
Harrison stood respectfully before Li De, who was seated behind his desk. For this vampire boss, Harrison's heart was filled with nothing but admiration.
With a single small event, he had stirred the hearts of everyone in Dawn City. Moreover, he had beautifully framed becoming a vampire as a reward—an exclusive one at that.
Only the top 200, the most outstanding individuals, would earn the reward of becoming Saintlight Vampires.
This operation was flawless, leaving no room for humans to feel resistant. It didn't devalue the process of becoming a vampire and instead reinforced the nobility of the Saintlight Vampires in everyone's eyes.
Dawn City was no longer the Dawn City of the past. Back then, humans were merely food; anyone they wanted to turn into a bloodline descendant was simply bitten.
But if they operated that way now, Dawn City would once again become a lifeless dead city.
What Li De wanted was a group of motivated, creative humans—not slaves.
Why had the slave society been eliminated?
Because it stifled human creativity. He could have mercilessly enslaved the humans, but the outcome would not have been favorable.
"It's simple. Divide them by rank: civilians in one category, Level 1 professionals in another, and higher-level professionals in yet another, and so on.
Later, I'll teach you some military training methods. Use those standards to conduct the selection."
Li De's plan this time was extremely straightforward—almost crude. He would use military-style training to select talent.
More complex selections or competitions were beyond the current capabilities of the vampires. He simply didn't have enough manpower.
Instead, he would directly test their willpower. Those who could endure the grueling training until the end would receive the reward.
As for the military training, distinctions would be made between professionals and ordinary people. He would impose heavier training on those with ranks—it wouldn't be easy for them.
Seeing the smile on Li De's face, Harrison involuntarily shivered, suddenly feeling a pang of sympathy for the residents about to participate in the selection.
All members of the security squad and logistics team learned that due to their points, they had priority in signing up for the Saintlight Tournament.
Upon hearing this, Oli was the first to register.
When he heard that the top 200 finishers of the Saintlight Tournament could become Saintlight Vampires, Oli didn't hesitate for a moment.
He yearned to become a Saintlight Vampire, to possess the same powerful abilities as them. That way, he could help more people.
He would never forget the scene of his companion falling into an icy crevasse while hunting for food during the Month of Deep Winter. If he had possessed strength back then, none of that would have happened.
After learning of Oli's registration, Rekel fell silent for a long time.
Finally, he quietly wrote down his name.
"Rekel, you don't have to do this because of me," Oli said, deeply moved as he looked at Rekel.
"No, Oli, this isn't because of you. Who wouldn't want eternal life and powerful spellcasting abilities?"
Rekel patted Oli's shoulder and gave him a radiant smile.
---
"No, you fool! Anthony, why did you sign up? We have 20 acres of land combined—enough to live comfortably for the rest of our lives!"
Nick shouted furiously at Anthony. Though he had come to accept the Saintlight Vampires, it didn't mean he wanted to become one himself.
Accepting them and becoming one were two entirely different things.
Anthony shook his head, his eyes filled with determination.
"No, Uncle Nick, the Saintlight Vampires gave me a new life. Moreover, I'm deeply interested in becoming a spellcaster. Perhaps you could join me too?"
Nick stared into those unwavering eyes and sighed resignedly, unsure of what to say.
"Fine, I'm old now—too old to move. I'll just stay here, tending to my land and living out my days in peace."
"Uncle Nick, don't worry. There's no guarantee I'll become a Saintlight Vampire. After all, there are 3,000 participants competing for only 200 spots. Making it into the top 200 won't be easy."
Though he said this, Anthony remained confident. He believed he could succeed.
Nick waved dismissively, scoffing, "If you don't make it into the top 200 after signing up, don't bother coming back—it'll be embarrassing!
Go away, stop bothering me."
After Anthony left, Nick's angry expression abruptly softened. His somewhat cloudy eyes gazed out the window, where sunlight streamed through the glass, appearing almost blinding.
A complex, enigmatic look crossed his aged face.
"Perhaps you're right. Becoming a Saintlight Vampire isn't necessarily a bad thing. At the very least, I won't have to worry about my life ending one day."
---
Countless residents experienced joy or sorrow, but none of those who signed up regretted their decision. Instead, those who failed to secure a spot envied them greatly.
Amidst the fervor, on December 7th—the seventh day of the Month of Deep Winter—the first-ever vampire selection named the Hero Selection Tournament officially commenced.
Li De personally served as the chief judge and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
On the snow-covered open ground outside the southern district, a sea of heads crowded the area. Many spectators watched the scene with excitement.
On the hastily erected platform, Li De, dressed in a blue mage robe and exuding handsomeness, caused the hearts of nearby human girls to race.
"My subjects, I am your city lord, Kachar."
"Today, we will hold an unprecedented selection tournament—the Hero Selection Tournament. This is not just a selection but a war for humanity to evolve into a higher form of life.
And the only enemy you face is yourselves!!
This selection tournament is a reward for Mr. Owen's noble character.
It is also a reward for all of Dawn City.
Among the 3,000 participants, those who enter the top 500 will receive three points.
Those who enter the top 300 will receive five points.
And those who enter the top 200…"
Li De paused, sweeping his gaze across the crowd below, his tone rising with fervor.
"Will be bestowed with the bloodline of the Saintlight Vampires!
You will become the first batch of Saintlight Vampires in Dawn City.
Becoming a Saintlight Vampire grants you noble spellcasting abilities, making you esteemed mage lords.
You will even gain eternal life, freeing you from the fear of death and the passage of time."
"Strive, my subjects! Only the most outstanding among you deserve such a precious reward as becoming a Saintlight Vampire."
"Show me your resolve! Let me feel your vitality!
I am Kachar, your city lord. I await you at the Saintlight Vampire cathedral to claim your rewards."
His impassioned words brought the opening atmosphere to its peak.
"Long live Lord Kachar!!"