My Substitute CEO Bride

Chuck's team was once again transported to the outskirts. At the same time, a new rule was added.

"Additional rule-once you seize another participant's wristband, you can also gain part of their power, regardless of whether they're alive or dead. Damaged wristbands are considered invalid. The maximum number of wristbands a person can hold is five.

"Additionally, new participants have been added, bringing the total participant number to 199. Currently, there are 50 participants in the combat area. The game continues."

It was clear why Dusky had introduced this new rule. He wanted people to go straight for each other's wristbands. For that to happen, one had to either become stronger or try to ally with others to consolidate power, though the latter was more challenging to achieve.

The previous rule was more favorable to their current situation.

The new rule also worked to accelerate the game. The way Dusky saw it, the participants in Laakia were being constrained by the Patel family.

"And now, the game continues." At Dusky's command, the participants resumed their actions.

For Chuck and his team, the new rule was in their favor. With their combined strength, they could easily seize wristbands from any participant who was on their own. However, Chuck hoped to avoid situations that forced them into life-or-death battles.

Yet, fate was not on their side as facing them was Vizimir. Defeating Vizimir was certainly possible, but that was part of the problem. To defeat him, the four of them would have to work together.

However, since Vizimir had a personal vendetta against Chuck, it was likely he would be particularly fierce in attacking him, making the situation potentially lethal.

Vizimir had been busying himself snatching other participants' bracelets. In just a few minutes, he had managed to obtain two bracelets, as revealed on his wrist.

As everyone prepared for battle, Vizimir suddenly asked, "Zoe, Chuck, have you made up your minds?"

Hearing this, both of them were confused. The domineering Vizimir who had previously attacked Chuck on sight was now seemingly trying to reason with them after realizing he could not win against the four of them.

Vizimir continued, "Whether it's the Booth family, the Heifer family, or any other smaller factions, we're all fighting against the Patel family. But still, you've underestimated them."

Frrancel was uninterested in his musings. If they dragged this out anymore, it would be dark soon. He swung his staff at Vizimir's shoulder, only to find it had already snapped in half.noveldrama

"Damn, what's up with this guy?" Francel exclaimed as he stumbled back.

Vizimir ignored Francel and went on, "After today, the final showdown will begin- probably tomorrow night. Of course, before the showdown starts, there'll be an announcement. Do you understand? I can't stop it-no one can stop it. It's all predestined!"

With that, Vizimir vanished from sight, leaving the group to ponder his cryptic message.

The group was puzzled. Given Vizimir's strength, he could have confronted them, yet he chose to leave. The cryptic nature of his words only added to Chuck's confusion.

The group searched the forest but eventually left when they found no leads. Chuck and Zoe returned to their room, still pondering Vizimir's cryptic words.

"Vizimir said the Patel family is far more terrifying than we imagined. What could that mean?" Chuck asked.

Zoe shook her head. "I don't understand either. The only members I've interacted with are Ronald and his son, Barther. I've not seen other members of the family. It's indeed quite strange."

Chuck thought for a long time but was still unable to wrap his head around Vizimir's message. "Perhaps he has some ability to predict the future? But what does he mean by 'announcement'?"

Zoe also struggled to understand the message but offered her take on it, "The Patel family has not taken action against the Calhoun or Booth families so far. Could they be waiting for later?""