From Demon Slayer to the Multiverse: The Ultimate Exploiter

By the time Tong Gu returned home, it was already midday. Unlike his previously heavy-hearted demeanor, he now felt remarkably clear-headed. Even his breathing seemed smoother and more natural.

He recalled that he still had an unused [Specialization Enhancement Scroll] and planned to first train his Swordsmanship Specialization to Level 3 before using the scroll to directly advance it to Level 4.

Skill levels for specializations were categorized as follows:

• Levels 1–3: Entry-level understanding.

• Levels 4–6: Proficient mastery.

• Levels 7–9: Pinnacle of expertise.

Thus, it was most efficient to use enhancement scrolls at critical junctures.

As he reached the top floor, he noticed Gong Li and Yang Yuanping, whom he had just seen earlier that morning, already waiting at his door. He teased them with a smile.

"Looks like you two never take a break."

Yang Yuanping regarded Tong Gu warmly. He understood how monumental Tong Gu's choice had been. For someone his age, to not only step forward but to do so in such an intense and resolute manner was no small feat.

From this moment on, the spotlight of Dongxia would be fixed on this 18-year-old. Any mistakes he made would be magnified, scrutinized, and met with fierce criticism. Such pressure was far more grueling than merely being attacked on forums.

Seventeen-year-old Gong Li, on the other hand, was not a student at the academy due to family ties. Instead, he had been studying and performing tasks within the system itself. He admired S-rank individuals, especially Tong Gu.

"Tong Gu, we're here to take you to the press conference," Gong Li said.

"Press conference?" Tong Gu was confused. He had made no preparations for such an event.

Yang Yuanping stubbed out his cigarette, sighed, and explained,

"You caused quite a stir. If we don't address this openly, certain individuals with ulterior motives will exploit it."

The Heralds of Death?

Tong Gu guessed as much. Yang Yuanping continued,

"So, the higher-ups decided to bring everything into the open. This way, those shady organizations won't have a chance to stir trouble behind the scenes."

Gong Li nodded. He understood better than anyone that humanity's predicament wasn't limited to the challenges of the Game of Fate. Ambitious schemers hiding in the shadows wouldn't care about the greater good.

---

The Press Conference

The trio arrived at Lanchuan Hotel, the most luxurious venue in Mountain City. During lunch, Tong Gu noticed a steady stream of media personnel arriving below. The sheer organizational power of the state machinery impressed him.

At precisely 1:30 PM, the press conference began.

Tong Gu sat at the center of the panel, flanked by Yang Yuanping and Gong Li. As cameras zoomed in on Tong Gu, snapping pictures incessantly, Yang Yuanping grew concerned.

He understood that the public's curiosity about the Exploiter title and the S-rank designation would exert immense pressure on someone so young. However, Tong Gu remained composed, his breathing steady, as immovable as a stone Buddha.

Yang Yuanping relaxed slightly, cleared his throat, and began,

"We are now commencing the press conference for Mountain City's newest S-rank trial challenger, Tong Gu, also known as the Exploiter. Reporters may now raise their hands to ask questions."

The response was instantaneous—every reporter raised their hand. Yang Yuanping scanned the room and chose a journalist from the Dongxia News Center. The reporter stood up, greeted everyone politely, and asked,

"Tong Gu, could you share your experience in the trial world where you earned your S-rank evaluation?"

Tong Gu nodded, leaned forward, and activated the microphone.

"The trial world I entered was the Demon Slayer world. My trial mission was to survive for three months and kill at least one demon."

A low murmur spread across the room. The Demon Slayer world was infamous for its high mortality rate and was considered a "newcomer killer" trial. The supernatural demons, with their immortality and nocturnal hunting, made the trial a nightmare for those lacking the firepower to face such foes.

Maintaining his calm demeanor, Tong Gu continued,

"I killed over 50 demons during my trial, including Upper Moon Six."

The crowd erupted in gasps. The Upper Moons were legendary entities, their fearsome reputations built on sparse but chilling footage left behind by deceased players. The mere mention of defeating such a foe left everyone stunned.

The reporter who had asked the question was visibly shaken but managed to bow respectfully before sitting down. The room buzzed with whispered discussions as Yang Yuanping called on the next reporter.

"Tong Gu," said a journalist from the Chongqing Express, "rumors suggest that Game of Fate had internal beta testers who leaked critical information. Could your Exploiter moniker stem from such insider knowledge?"

The atmosphere grew tense as every pair of eyes turned toward Tong Gu.

Tong Gu chuckled lightly and responded,

"Who knows? Maybe there were beta testers."

Unwilling to accept such an ambiguous answer, the reporter pressed further, but Yang Yuanping interjected, selecting the next question to maintain the flow.

"One Month"

Eventually, a young journalist named Li Mei was selected. Overwhelmed with surprise, she fumbled with her microphone, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Flushing red, she steadied herself, looked at Tong Gu, and asked,

"Tong Gu, you mentioned you would 'conquer the Game of Fate.' How do you plan to do that?"

Li Mei's tone was both nervous and hopeful.

Yang Yuanping frowned at the question. Such a topic was risky—too easily twisted by malicious parties. Attempting to defuse the tension, he joked,

"Conquering the game? That kind of information doesn't come free, young lady!"

The crowd erupted in laughter. Li Mei stuck out her tongue and prepared to sit down. However, before she could, a man from the Beijing Business Daily stood abruptly.

"Surely explaining your general strategy wouldn't require payment," he said with a sneer. "Or are you afraid you're all talk?"

The room fell silent. Gong Li stood up angrily, glaring at the man.

But Tong Gu raised a single finger.

The bespectacled reporter, initially smug, now looked puzzled as Tong Gu leaned into the microphone and declared,

"One month. I will completely conquer the Demon Slayer world within one month. Does that answer your question?"

For a moment, the room was silent. Then chaos erupted.

"Conquer Demon Slayer? Within a month?"

"Impossible! He's bluffing!"

Reporters scrambled to send updates to their newsrooms, eager to seize the headlines.

Yang Yuanping turned to Tong Gu, concerned, but froze upon seeing the fire in the young man's eyes. Tong Gu's fingers brushed over a golden bracelet, his gaze unwavering, filled with both fury and determination.

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