Chapter 21: The Conqueror

The Elite Tournament - The Final Showdown

The Elite Tournament had reached its most critical stage—the ultimate showdown between the brightest minds of the Dan Vu aristocracy. This was more than just a test of intelligence; it was a battlefield of power, ambition, and strategic dominance.

Inside the grand coliseum, illuminated by towering chandeliers and pulsating neon lights, an electrified crowd held their breath. Seated in the VIP section was Diep Thien Hoang, the head of the illustrious Diep family. Beside him sat his wife, Diep Thuy Hoa, and their two eldest sons, Diep Lac Duat Lien and Diep Lac Duat Hai. However, their true focus was on the youngest, Diep Lac Duat Van—the cherished prodigy of their lineage.

Meanwhile, in a shadowed corner of the audience, Le Hao Thien observed the arena with sharp eyes, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest. Next to him, Dịch Thừa Hàn sat in quiet contemplation, his face unreadable. Neither of them had come here to simply watch—they had come to win.

The Final Duel

On the pristine, holographic battle stage, the final three competitors were announced:

Diep Lac Duat Van – The youngest son of the Diep family, known for his unassuming nature but possessing an analytical mind sharper than steel.

Le Hao Thien – The heir of the Le family, a tactical genius unafraid of high-stakes maneuvers.

Dịch Thừa Hàn – A phantom of the upper echelons, his presence as enigmatic as his strategies.

"The final challenge is an economic warfare simulation," the announcer declared. "Each contestant will run a virtual corporation, competing for market dominance within 60 minutes. The one with the highest net worth at the end will be the victor."

This was not just a test of intelligence—it was a war of manipulation, deception, and business acumen.

The countdown began. 60 minutes.

Power Play

The moment the clock started, all three competitors sprang into action.

Le Hao Thien adopted an aggressive approach. He poured massive capital into rapid expansion, seizing key markets with ruthless efficiency. His strategy was bold, high-risk, and high-reward.

Dịch Thừa Hàn, on the other hand, moved subtly. Instead of direct confrontation, he orchestrated unseen manipulations—artificial price inflations, under-the-table deals, and misinformation campaigns that disrupted his opponents' projections. His goal was not to win outright but to ensure the others failed first.

Then there was Diep Lac Duat Van. Unlike the others, he did not rush. He studied the market, observing the patterns in his opponents' strategies. While the other two were engaged in an all-out war, he quietly secured niche markets, establishing a slow but steady revenue stream. His movements were so subtle that they almost went unnoticed.

The Masterstroke

At the 30-minute mark, the battlefield was chaos. Le Hao Thien and Dịch Thừa Hàn were locked in a cutthroat duel, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Markets fluctuated wildly, alliances were forged and broken in seconds, and yet, through it all, Diep Lac Duat Van remained composed.

Then, at the 10-minute mark, he made his move.

With calculated precision, he executed a series of buyouts, acquiring undervalued assets and absorbing unclaimed territories. By the time his rivals noticed, it was too late. He controlled over 60% of the market.

As the clock hit the final five minutes, both Le Hao Thien and Dịch Thừa Hàn could do nothing but watch. Their battle had blinded them to the silent predator lurking in the shadows.

"Time's up!"

Silence engulfed the stadium as the final results were displayed. The crowd erupted in shock and awe.

Diep Lac Duat Van had won.

Le Hao Thien exhaled slowly, his expression a mixture of frustration and newfound respect.

Dịch Thừa Hàn smirked, a flicker of admiration in his otherwise inscrutable eyes. "Impressive."

The True Successor

In the VIP box, Diep Thien Hoang nodded in approval. His youngest son had proven himself beyond expectations.

Diep Lac Duat Lien chuckled, clapping his brother on the back. "I should've bet on you."

Diep Lac Duat Hai smiled proudly. "Looks like the baby of the family is the deadliest after all."

As for Diep Lac Duat Van? He simply smiled, as if this outcome had been inevitable all along.

The Elite Tournament had ended, but the true battles of power, ambition, and legacy were only beginning.