Chapter 853 Bittersweet Victory? Grey stood on the platform, the young man's figure shooting out of the platform like a broken kite. His state was no different from that of the young lady who Grey attacked the first time as well. Alec still had his mouth wide open. He had already stopped using his special technique to boost his strength for some time now since it was pretty much useless.𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖 Grey's abilities made it look like he had no issues with defeating the entire team there. Well, honestly, he didn't have an issue with doing that. He could easily defeat them all, Alec included, and this was Alec being sincere with his feelings. For the first time in his life, he was admitting defeat wholeheartedly, he didn't even want to fight against Grey, much less be his enemy. Grey was still in his Fusion State. He realized that those from the Syphilis Faction were staring at him with a mocking smile and his mind quickly went into overdrive, it didn't take him long to figure out what they were all thinking. He has crippled himself. 'Why not go along with their thoughts?' He pondered. His aura started to weaken, and before long, it went back to its previous Peak Overlord Plane state, however, they could all obviously see the considerable change in it. "Haha, I told you, he has damaged his core." The Elder from the Syphilis Faction who spoke about this previously laughed when she saw this. To them, this was a bigger victory compared to what they were supposed to get from the secret realm. Yes, the place would help them nurture more talent, however, there's no secret realm that could help them create a monster like Grey. As long as Grey didn't die, or foolishly ruined himself which he just did, they knew there was no way he wouldn't be a force to be reckoned with in the future. But now, that danger was eliminated. Alec was the first person to rush over to Grey, "Are you alright?" Grey nodded, before taking slow steps back to his seat. Everyone could tell that he was exhausted. Void couldn't help but roll his eyes when he saw Grey walking back in such a state. He knew for a fact that Grey was in a perfect condition, yet he was trying to make these people feel like the battle took a toll on him. 'Drama queen.' He said to Grey. Grey almost tripped when Void said this. When Alec who was behind him saw this, he quickly went over to assist him. Grey didn't reject it since it would make him seem a bit too proud. 'They think I ruined myself, I want to keep it that way. Even though they will eventually find out later in the future, I believe this would keep me from their view for now.' Grey explained to Void. 'Oh, now I see.' Void nodded in realization. At first, he thought Grey was doing this to draw sympathy from the Elders in the Pyrmond Faction so he could be rewarded more, but now that he thought about it, he recalled hearing even the Elders from the Pyrmond Faction speaking of Grey damaging his core. 'Not bad. But try to milk them as well, they have some shiny things I want.' Void suggested. Grey didn't bother to reply to Void's statement, he already knew Void was a shameless figure, so he wasn't surprised by his words. When he got back to his seat, all the members of the Faction, including the Elders looked at him with a different expression. The youths looked at him with glowing eyes, all they had for him was respect. He was the one who single-handedly brought victory to the Faction. After beating Lydia up, he was able to fight against seven opponents on his own. They weren't even adding Alec to the scenario since they've forgotten about him after he eliminated the first of the eight members from the Syphilis Faction. Grey stole the entire show, and this battle was one they would speak of for years to come. Conor looked at Grey, "You really overdid it, didn't you?" "A little." Grey replied weakly. "You shouldn't have gone this far." Conor said softly. Grey's talent was shocking, it would be a shame if it ended here. "I'll be fine, don't worry about it." Grey reassured him. He didn't even bother to take a healing tonic since it was useless. Entering the Fusion State had already healed up all the injuries and exhaustion he was feeling from the start of the battle. The middle-aged man from the Dawson Family stepped on the platform to announce the winner of the battle. The Pyrmond Faction won naturally, and they were given the right to the secret realm. The Elders from the Syphilis Faction walked over to the side of the Pyrmond Faction. "Congratulations, you produced a great seed this time." The Lady said with a smile. The facial expressions of the Elders from the Pyrmond Faction didn't show the smile they would've worn after gaining this victory, instead, they looked a little downcast. If Grey has truly damaged his core, then it was a terrible blow for them. Even the Faction Leader will feel devastated by the news. The Elders from the Syphilis Faction laughed and left the place with a smile. With the members of the Syphilis Faction gone, only those from the Pyrmond Faction were left, as well as the middle-aged man and Conor who were from the Dawson Family. "We'll be taking our leave now." The middle-aged man from the Dawson Family said before disappearing. "Goodbye." Conor waved at Grey and Alec before his figure disappeared as well. Now, only those from the Pyrmond Faction were left in the place. The Elders still had a sour expression. "Come with us." The Elder who brought Grey into the Faction held his hand and they disappeared. The youths looked at each other with a lost expression, they could guess the reason the Elders took Grey with them.