SSS-Tier Extraction: From Outcast to Overgod!-Chapter 107: Choosing the Champions

The news that Sector Gamma was officially invited to the god Games sent a shockwave of excitement and pride through the entire sector.

Their small, once-struggling sector was going to compete on the galactic stage. It was like their local school’s sports team had just been given a surprise invitation to play in the world championship.

The pressure was immense, but the honor was even greater.

The biggest question on everyone’s mind, debated endlessly in the CommNet and in every cafe and workshop in the Outpost, was: Who would the Sector Lord choose as his champions?

Ryan had to select a team of four people to fight alongside him. Four champions to represent all of Sector Gamma. Every powerful warrior, every brilliant mind, every ambitious person in the Bastion Alliance was secretly hoping their name would be called.

For Ryan, however, the choice was both incredibly easy and incredibly difficult.

He knew, without a single doubt, who he wanted by his side. The same people who had been by his side through every impossible fight, every crazy adventure, and every quiet moment of victory. His team. His family. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

But he also knew that choosing them would be a political decision. He was a Sector Lord now. His choices didn’t just affect him; they affected everyone.

He had other powerful people in his Alliance, leaders of their own factions who were strong and capable. People like Tom Kane, whose Crimson Banner scouts were the best intelligence-gatherers in the Sector.

People like Ilsa Varkov, whose Iron Wolves were an unstoppable force of heavy assault. Choosing a team made up entirely of people from his own original Outpost could be seen as favoritism. It could cause jealousy and resentment.

He spent a full day thinking it over, weighing the pros and cons. He sat in his office, a list of names on his datapad. He considered every angle. But in the end, his heart and his head both led him to the same conclusion.

The god Games were not about politics. They were about winning. And to win, he needed the best, most synergistic team possible. He needed the team he trusted with his life.

He called a meeting in the grand command center. He summoned not just his inner circle, but also the leaders of his allied and vassal factions.

Tom Kane was there, connected via the god Interface, his image sharp and professional. Ilsa Varkov stood in the back of the room, her arms crossed, her expression a mask of fierce neutrality.

Matriarch Isabella and Seraphina from Sanctuary were also present, representing their new alliance.

The room was silent as Ryan stood up.

"As you all know," he began, his voice calm and steady, "Sector Gamma has been invited to the god Games. I have been tasked with choosing four champions to represent our sector."

He looked around the room, meeting the eyes of each leader. "This was not an easy decision. Every person in this room, and many of the soldiers and scientists under your command, are worthy of the honor.

But the challenges in the Games are varied and unpredictable. They will test not just strength, but intelligence, strategy, and teamwork. I have chosen the team that I believe gives us the best possible chance of victory, based on a perfect synergy of skills."

He took a breath. "My first champion is a warrior without equal, a master of stealth, and the finest pilot I have ever known. The Commander of our Sector Defense Force, Scarlett ’Red’ Viper."

Scarlett, who was standing beside him, gave a short, sharp nod. She had expected it, but hearing it said aloud in front of everyone still sent a small thrill of pride through her.

"My second champion," Ryan continued, "is a technological genius, a brilliant inventor, and someone whose understanding of Precursor technology is second to none. The co-head of our Precursor Studies Institute, Zara Khan."

Zara, standing with the science team representatives, lifted her chin slightly. A look of fierce satisfaction crossed her face. She had been chosen for her mind, her greatest asset, and it was a validation that meant more to her than any medal.

"My third champion," Ryan said, his voice softening slightly, "is the greatest strategic mind I have ever met. She is the heart of our operations, our eye in the sky, and the person who has guided us to victory time and time again. The head of our Sector Research Initiative, Emma Thorne."

Emma, who was standing near her console, blushed slightly but her eyes shone with a quiet, steely determination. She knew her role was not to fight on the front lines, but to be the brain that guided the sword.

"And for my fourth and final champion," Ryan said, a small smile touching his lips. "I need a wall. I need someone with unshakable courage, unbreakable loyalty, and a shield that can stop a charging behemoth. I need the Warden of Outpost #7, Chris ’Boulder’ Magnus."

Chris, who had been trying to stand still and look serious, blinked in shock. "Me?" he blurted out. "Really, boss? But... I’m just a guy who hits things and tries not to fall over."

"You are the best defensive fighter in this Sector, Chris," Ryan said firmly. "And every team needs a guardian. That’s you."

Chris’s chest puffed out, and a huge, goofy grin spread across his face. He was going to the god Games!

The announcement was met with a stunned silence. Ryan had chosen his original team, with the notable exception of Jennifer, whose sensory skills were less suited for the direct combat of the Games. Many of the assembled leaders looked disappointed.

Tom Kane’s holographic image flickered, and he spoke first. "Lord Stone, while I do not question the skill of your chosen champions, my Crimson Banner possesses scouting and infiltration skills that could be invaluable in the Games." His voice was respectful, but the hint of protest was clear.

Ilsa Varkov then stepped forward, her voice a low growl. "My Iron Wolves are the strongest warriors in this Sector. To not have a single one of us on the team... it is a blow to our honor."

The air in the room grew tense. This was the moment of dissent Ryan had worried about.

But he was prepared. He looked at Kane and Ilsa, his expression understanding but firm.

"Tom, your scouts are indeed the best. But the Games are not about scouting. They are about direct, high-stakes challenges in contained arenas. Scarlett’s combat skills are more suited for that role."

He then turned to Ilsa. "And you are right, Ilsa. Your Wolves are the strongest. But their strength lies in overwhelming force, in being a hammer.

Many of the Games’ challenges require a scalpel, not a hammer. They require technical skill and puzzle-solving, which is where Zara and Emma excel. And Chris is the single best defensive shield I have ever seen."

He looked around at all of them, his voice ringing with a calm authority that left no room for argument. "This is not about honor or favoritism.

This is about strategy. This team has the perfect balance of offense, defense, technical skill, and strategic oversight. They have a proven record of working together under impossible pressure. They are our best chance to win."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "But make no mistake. They will be representing all of us. Their victory will be a victory for the entire Bastion Alliance. For the Crimson Banner. For the Iron Wolves. For Sanctuary. For all of us. We will go to the Games as one people."

His speech had the desired effect. The logic was undeniable. Tom Kane gave a curt nod of acceptance. Ilsa Varkov, after a long, silent moment, also nodded, her fierce gaze conveying a grudging respect for his decision.

The champions had been chosen. Scarlett, Zara, Emma, and Chris. They looked at each other, a team reforged for a new, even greater challenge.

The four of them, led by Ryan, would carry the hopes of their entire Sector into the greatest competition in the universe. Now, all they had to do was train. And win. No pressure.