The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL] novel Chapter 450

Chapter 450: Incentive

They could’ve. There was probably a long list of activities that they could’ve done before the dawn of corruption.

Perhaps they could host art competitions, photography-related events, or even chess tournaments.

But survival had a way of changing priorities. When it’s been years of having to deprioritize all those things to survive, even the games start mirroring reality.

And in this case, they need them to. freёwebnovel.com

The Astral Cup looked, sounded, and was actually brutal, as it was a way to prepare everyone for reality in the most controlled manner possible.

Held in carefully monitored Contaminated Zones, the Astral Cup wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a high-stakes training ground. With rescue teams on standby and a mecha’s elimination triggered at 20% durability, it was a rare mercy in a world that didn’t often offer any.

But mercy wasn’t the goal. Realism was.

However, they didn’t need death this early. What the Empire needed was meaningful training. One where the soldiers are aware that it’s not just monsters they need to be wary of.

Because the truth was, monsters weren’t the only enemies out there. The galaxy was full of desperate people, and the competition for resources had grown more ruthless with every passing year.

There were pirates, the Federation, and extremists whose ideals were to contaminate everything to force humans to adapt.

Thus, the Astral Cup was born. It became a way for the Empire to scout raw talent—those capable of leading the next generation of soldiers and survivalists. It was also a form of propaganda, a message wrapped in flashing steel: We’re still strong.

Xavier felt the need to explain it to Luca, who was looking more and more scandalized as he watched the match being shown, but when the prince called him over to explain the rationale of all this, he was surprised to see a sudden change in his expression.

"Xavier!" he eagerly whispered, eyes shining in a way that should alarm the people who knew Luca’s thought process.

"Yes?" the prince asked warily.

"I-I heard there were rewards for winning that?" He pointed at the screen, and the husband realized that he was probably worried about the wrong thing as his little wife fixated on something else.

"Yes. There are. It sometimes changes, but most of the time, they include rights to all farmed materials during the competition. Star Coins, Credits, even noble titles for the champions."

"Aside from the prestige, it allows for access to better contracts, sponsorships, and access rights to contaminated zones."

Luca’s eyes dilated as he held his breath while Xavier discussed the possible rewards and was really stuck on that part about the rights to all farmed materials.

All.

Materials.

Wow.

Wasn’t that a really good thing? Although what could the others be doing with the materials when there hasn’t been a way to utilize the corrupted ones?

"There are materials that could be farmed and used from there?" he asked, already leaning forward, fully alert.

Xavier nodded, realizing that Luca wasn’t scandalized; he was invested. And that he should probably tell him about this, "Yes. That’s why mature Contaminated Zones are sought after. Unlike corrupted items, which are often unstable and unusable, mature zones stabilize into entirely new ecosystems. The creatures and plants mutate to survive—and those mutations can be harvested."

"And at that point, they’re not contagious because they’re actually powered by it."

"Wait, so—" Luca leaned in closer, "people actually use those?"

"Not exactly. What people are really after are those crystal cores that in the recent decades have been used as energy sources for mechas, technology, and general consumption."

"It’s not spiritual energy, as we haven’t figured out how to convert it to that. So unlike how you use them, those crystals are exploded for it to be useful, and that’s largely the source of the energy canisters used by an average mecha."

"As for the minerals and materials, they could be utilized, but since no one really wants to risk testing them for human use, they’ve been used as walls, dividers, and construction materials for facilities that humans won’t be touching."

Luca’s breath caught.

Not only were these zones battlefields, they were minefields of wealth. Accessible only to those with the right permits. The winners of the Astral Cup got more than glory—they got access.

Xavier watched all of it, his wife looked like he’s got a mental ledger running with numbers as his face looked more bewildered by the moment.

Honestly, though, Luca would benefit the most from being able to go to mature contaminated zones.

Because, unlike everyone who would waste 95% of the beasts’ by-products, his little money grubber would be able to take it all.

Because while others saw unusable husks and monster gore, Luca saw building blocks. Crafting supplies. Ingredients. Materials. He’d collect it all—the trees, the dirt, the beasts, and anything remotely useful.

Then he noticed the glow.