Chapter 646 “Request for Subscription” Death in Twenty Seconds (10k)
“Battle Phase (3)” [30s]
…
Snake Hariman’s “Ashen Python” was not making its first appearance on the stage of dueling.
However, in previous duels, he had always held back.
Today, if it weren’t for his opponent being Dark Demon, he wouldn’t have gone all out.
Setting aside the grudge left during the masquerade…
As a fourth-year student standing at the top of the grade rankings, Snake Hariman did not want to become just another background for a rising star like Else Kevin in such a formal duel setting.
Especially since he was two whole grades younger than Dark!
If he lost this duel, he could already anticipate being mocked by classmates and friends for a whole year.
That was not a good sign.
In fact, after Else Kevin’s defeat, many seniors already felt a sense of crisis.
Dark Demon was like a young lion entering a flock, recklessly brandishing his claws.
Therefore, he had to use his hidden trump card to secure this victory!
Though the “Ashen Python” was only a seven-star mana spirit, its ultimate skill, “Ashen Curse,” was extremely suitable for mana duels.
First, its casting range was fifty meters, hitting the opponent’s mana guidance ball with just a half-court distance.
Second, it had no casting trajectory, invisible and intangible, impossible to dodge.
Lastly, it dealt double damage!
Against a mana guidance ball life barrier with no defense or resistance, this double damage would not be reduced, instantly bursting after thirty seconds of charging to deal over eight thousand points of damage!
Just enough to completely shatter the life barrier!
If this attack targeted a mana spirit, the damage would be offset twice by defense or attack, resulting in relatively ordinary damage.
But when aimed at a mana guidance ball life barrier, it would be extremely exaggerated.
Moreover, the thirty-second delayed explosion gave it more vulnerabilities.
A regular magus would carry counter-curse methods; removing it within thirty seconds would prevent any harm.
If there were no counter-curse method, mana could be used to disrupt it, causing it to explode prematurely with minimal damage.
But in a mana duel, both methods were perfectly avoided.
It couldn’t match “Zombie Tyrannosaurus’s” “Zero Mode Cruise Missile” and “Annihilation Hunter,” which were only applicable to mana duels!
“Only twenty seconds left!”
Snake Hariman did not stop his actions as arrogantly as he appeared on the surface.
He swiftly drew two cards from the top of his deck, preparing to add more pressure!
He must crush Dark Demon within these twenty seconds!
…
On the red side competitor platform.
Trapped in a desperate situation, Dark Demon quickly reached for the top of his deck.
“Fairy Marionette” only affected him and his summoned mana spirits.
“Blue-Eyes Young Dragon” had already gone out of control after using “Dragon’s Inverted Scale.”
“Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” could evolve from “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” using “Bliss III,” but what then?
Could a six-star “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” kill a seven-star mana spirit with nearly 4000 defense points within ten seconds?
Then, under Snake Hariman’s interference, destroy the blue side mana guidance ball’s life barrier?
Of course, it was impossible.
Even if the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast’s” “Tengu” was powerful, it would lose all combat ability after use, unable to pursue the mana guidance ball.
These remaining twenty seconds were too short.
Thus, at this moment, Dark Demon found himself undoubtedly in a hopeless situation where his hand cards couldn’t solve the problem!
He could only pin his hopes on the two mana spirit cards in the third round!
“Draw cards!”
With two new mana spirit cards in hand, Dark frowned suddenly.
The greatest charm of a mana duel lay in the possibility until the last second before life points hit zero.
Finding hope in despair, seizing light in darkness, never giving up until the end!
[Mana Nightmare Demon]
[Fortune Dice]
No “Moon Goddess,” no “Solo Sword Sheath,” even no “Pride IV”!
Before drawing, Dark predicted several possibilities.
If he drew the “Moon Goddess,” he could directly “Armed Evolve” the “Fox Beast” into “Moon Goddess,” using a strong offensive strategy to seize the blue side mana guidance ball, supplemented by twelve “Eclipses” to completely obliterate its life barrier!
In case of an accident, he could use “Moon Goddess Stone” to further “Armed Evolve” it into “Night Tiger God”!
If he drew the “Solo Sword Sheath,” he could only have the “Fox Beast” hold off the “Ashen Python,” then convert the “Solo Sword Sheath” into an elemental form to fight alone!
The “Solo Sword Sheath” could spontaneously activate “Sword Dance” and “Triple Slash,” and if all three hits landed, it could completely shatter the mana guidance ball’s life barrier!
But if he drew “Pride IV”…
Then he could only try another extreme tactic—having the “Fox Beast” beat the “Blue-Eyes Young Dragon” until it woke up, thus “Transforming Dragon Egg” to hatch the “Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”
With the “Blue-Eyes White Dragon’s” “Blue-Eyes Incarnation,” there was still a chance to tear through the “Ashen Python’s” defense and shatter the blue side mana guidance ball in the final few seconds.
These three predictions were the most direct and violent methods.
But he didn’t draw them.
These last two mana spirit cards seemed utterly hopeless at first glance!
Three-star mana spirit card—”Mana Nightmare Demon”!
Miracle card—”Fortune Dice”!
The moment Dark saw “Fortune Dice,” he almost regretted putting this mana spirit card in his deck… almost!
“In the name of Dark Demon, Mana Summon—’Mana Nightmare Demon’!”
Without hesitation, he pulled out the mana spirit card and loudly summoned it!
The situation was tense.
Commentators and spectators held their breaths.
Snake Hariman, seemingly wanting to completely suppress Dark Demon, loudly chanted, “In the name of Snake Hariman, Mana Summon—’Mana Reflection Cloak’!”
Instantly, a pitch-black cloak flew out from the mana spirit card, as if conscious, towards the blue side mana guidance ball protected by the “Ashen Python”!
Like “Fog Snake Cage” and “Secret Snake,” this “Mana Reflection Cloak” was also Snake Hariman’s signature mana spirit card.
In the entire Saint Maryann Academy, very few students could craft “Mana Reflection Cloak.”
Its practical value in reflecting back remote projectile magic was unquestionable.
Audiences who understood this felt that Dark Demon’s fate was sealed after seeing Snake Hariman draw and use “Mana Reflection Cloak” to protect the blue side mana guidance ball, believing he was powerless to change his fate.
They thought, “The gap between fourth-year and second-year is indeed huge,” “Crossing two grades in a duel is truly too much,” and “Dark Demon has finally reached his limit.”
Angus Jeffrey, sitting in the circular spectator area, couldn’t help but smirk, feeling today was a good day!
Prince Charles watched with deep eyes, pondering how Dark would respond.
Alvaraite, nervously squeezing her knees with Galileo, causing it to squeal.
Time ticked away.
Twenty seconds passed in what felt like an eternity.
To shorten time, Dark summoned “Mana Nightmare Demon” right in front of the platform.
Emerging from the summoning light, “Mana Nightmare Demon” immediately sensed the severity of the situation.
“Focus on the opposite mana guidance ball!”
Dark muttered, then shouted as soon as the three-second cooldown began, “Fox Beast, immediately defend!”
“Fox Beast” paused, clearly unable to understand the significance of defending at this moment.
But when Dark started his next normal summon, it obeyed the command, quickly returning to defend!
It even didn’t step on the nearby “Fog Snake Cage”!
Seeing the “Fox Beast” transform into a “Blue-Eyes Young Dragon” and pull away from the “Fog Snake Cage,” Snake Hariman decisively picked a mana spirit card and quickly summoned, “In the name of Snake Hariman, Mana Summon—’Assassin Snake’!”
Five-star mana spirit—”Assassin Snake”!
A hidden assassin that vanished when speed reached a certain threshold.
Mastering the ultimate skill “High-Speed Assassination,” the faster the speed, the stronger the attack!
…
“In the name of Dark Demon, Mana Summon—’Bliss III’!”
The pink light of “Bliss” enveloped “Mana Nightmare Demon” instantly.
Both normal summoning techniques were almost synchronized.
After the two summons ended, the countdown for the third round of the battle phase was down to twenty seconds, leaving only ten seconds until the “Ashen Curse” explosion!
Ten seconds later, everything would be decided!
In the pink glow, “Mana Nightmare Demon” widened its eyes, rapidly absorbing the power of “Bliss.”
Its form rapidly grew larger.
“Activate ‘Nightmare Space.'”
“Yomimi!”
“Mana Nightmare Demon” responded decisively during its evolution into “Mana Nightmare Demon.”
It clearly understood Dark’s intentions and needed to quickly spread “Nightmare Space”!
…
Deep purple smoke surged towards the blue side mana guidance ball like a tide.
The force field of “Nightmare Space” expanded even faster.
Within moments, it covered half the field.
At this moment, “Fox Beast” rushed in.
But it suddenly realized it didn’t feel the familiar sticky sensation.
“Mana Nightmare Demon” had intentionally left a path for it in “Nightmare Space” this time!
“Fox Beast” didn’t think much and took flight, arriving beside “Mana Nightmare Demon.”
With only six seconds left until “Ashen Curse” exploded!
It turned its head, noticing a blurry black shadow rapidly following behind!
“Don’t get distracted!”
Dark shouted as “Fox Beast” faltered.
“Fox Beast” stiffened, green leaves swirling around it like a storm.
By now, it roughly guessed Dark’s intentions.
“Yomimi!”
After a soft shout, the fear gem on “Mana Nightmare Demon’s” chest emitted intense light.
Only five seconds remained.
“Whoosh—”
“Assassin Snake” shot upward like a phantom arrow!
Though Snake Hariman didn’t see Dark Demon’s purpose, his frequent movements clearly indicated he had a solution.
Thus, he made his move.
Summoning the “Assassin Snake,” he ordered it to hunt down the disturbance.
The “Ashen Giant Python” further tightened its coils, enveloping the Blue Mana Guidance Ball in a massive snake body.
On the other side, the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon,” though still in chaos, managed to divert the attention of the “Ashen Giant Python,” preventing it from breaking away to attack while protecting the Blue Mana Guidance Ball.
As the “Nightmare Space” fully unfolded, both the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” and the “Ashen Giant Python” were like stuck in quicksand, struggling to move.
With only three seconds left, the situation on the field remained uncertain!
“Five seconds left!”
Snake Hariman lowered his hand, his face no longer showing any recklessness. His eyes were fixed intently on the “Mana Nightmare Demon” and the “Demon Fox Beast.”
“Can you turn the world upside down in these five seconds?”
Suddenly, his eyebrows lifted.
He saw the “Assassin Snake,” which had been flying through the air, suddenly reveal itself.
That snake, with a head as sharp as a spindle and razor-sharp edges on both sides, seemed to be nailed mid-air, moving upward at an excruciatingly slow pace.
Almost simultaneously,
Another golem, almost forgotten by everyone, transformed into white light, shooting towards where the “Mana Nightmare Demon” was supposed to be—no, the “Mana Nightmare Demon” had already vanished completely!
“Space Transfer?”
Snake Hariman’s gaze quickly shifted to his own Mana Guidance Ball—he first thought the “Mana Nightmare Demon” was trying to steal the Mana Guidance Ball using space transfer.
But when his gaze turned sharply, he was extremely shocked to discover:
The “Mana Nightmare Demon” indeed appeared where the Blue Mana Guidance Ball was supposed to be.
But the Blue Mana Guidance Ball had disappeared!
He looked at the “Mana Reflection Hood,” which was supposed to block the Blue Mana Guidance Ball, floating alone now, and suddenly felt an ominous premonition.
He turned his head back so fast that it almost twisted his neck, and sure enough, he saw the Blue Mana Guidance Ball appear where the “Mana Nightmare Demon” had been!
“Position Swap?”
A phrase flashed through Snake Hariman’s mind.
…
On the Red Side’s Competitors’ Platform,
Dark Demon Di Mont calmly watched what was just beyond the barrier.
After the “Mana Nightmare Demon” and the Blue Mana Guidance Ball instantly swapped positions, he immediately released his Mana to stabilize it.
At such close range, Snake Hariman could not pose a threat to him in the Mana tug-of-war!
And the “Demon Fox Beast,” which had been ready to strike, launched green leaves like knives towards the Blue Mana Guidance Ball.
Its own form, using the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” appearance, slammed full force against the Blue Mana Guidance Ball!
“Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!”
The leaves from “Fox Leaf Wedge” weakened the Blue Mana Guidance Ball’s Life Barrier.
The “Demon Fox Beast’s” punch hit the Life Barrier like a cannonball.
“Bang!”
The Blue Mana Guidance Ball was sent flying.
But due to the slow speed within the “Nightmare Space,”
In the next instant,
A beam of light shot up from below, shattering the Blue Mana Guidance Ball’s Life Barrier!
[8000-0]
The Blue Mana Guidance Ball’s life force reached zero!
“Beep—”
The referee, who had been closely watching the life values of both Mana Guidance Balls, blew the whistle at that moment.
And looking at the Blue Mana Guidance Ball being swapped out, Dark Demon Di Mont knew the victory was secured. He casually activated another Mana Card in his hand.
“As I wish, follow my heart, manifest quickly!”
An eighteen-sided die, inscribed with different colored symbols, suddenly appeared before the “Demon Fox Beast.”
The “Demon Fox Beast” picked up the die, showing a look of disgust.
But it still threw it.
The eighteen faces of the attribute symbols lit up instantly, white and black light intertwining, colorful lights spinning, like a neon display.
“Victor: Dark Demon Di Mont!” The excited referee shouted the winner’s name.
“Bang!” The “Ashen Curse” finally erupted, destroying the Red Mana Guidance Ball’s Life Barrier under the dual assault of explosion and curse energy.
But at this moment, the explosion sounded more like a celebration.
The “Wish Die” then burst into a rainbow-colored light ball.
Radiant light shot out from the rainbow ball, illuminating the dueling arena like spotlights at a ball.
“Snap!”
The “Demon Fox Beast” snapped its fingers, ending the “Fox Transformation Illusion,” reverting from the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” form to its original graceful figure.
It slowly descended to the ground, beside the swaying Huhu.
Under the spotlight, the two golems that shattered the Blue Mana Guidance Ball’s Life Barrier became like stars, capturing the attention of almost all the spectators.
…
“What kind of Field Spell is this? ‘Spotlight’?”
After the “Celebration” ultimate skill, Dark discovered a new party skill…
He flicked his Mana Card, relaxing slightly.
To counterattack after being pushed to the brink was truly exhilarating!
He had never used the “Nightmare Space’s” position swap ability before.
Just like he had never let the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” use the “Dragon Egg Conversion” to instantly restore all its status.
Unrevealed abilities were the hardest to guard against.
Snake Hariman had no defense at all—before the Blue Mana Guidance Ball was swapped, he didn’t even think he could lose!
The most he could imagine was the “Ashen Curse” being nullified.
He never considered that the thirty-second countdown to death was also his countdown!
…
The audience outside the arena was clearly excited by this dramatic comeback, cheering louder than in previous duels, making the entire venue’s atmosphere rise.
But Snake Hariman on the Blue Side’s platform did not feel good.
The applause was loud, but it belonged to others.
He placed his hand on the Spellboard, gritting his teeth, doing his best to maintain his composure.
Losing the match was acceptable, but losing his cool wasn’t!
When he saw the “Mana Nightmare Demon” and his own Mana Guidance Ball swap places, he nearly lost it!
In the last few seconds, he watched his Mana Guidance Ball being destroyed without any chance to retaliate.
Clearly, the seven-star “Ashen Giant Python” was still on the field, but it was like a statue, unable to move.
The “Assassin Snake” couldn’t crawl in the strange “Nightmare Space.”
More importantly, he suddenly realized he couldn’t think of how to counter the “position swap” technique!
Once the “Mana Nightmare Demon” fully expanded the “Nightmare Space”…
“No, there must be a way.”
Snake Hariman gradually calmed down.
Since the “Nightmare Space” was a Field Spell, corresponding Field Spells could be used to counteract or cover it.
Even without a Field Card or a Mana Guidance Ball capable of casting Field Spells, the Mana Guidance Ball could be raised to a height unreachable by the “Nightmare Space.”
Though the exact height needed testing, no Field Spell could cover the entire area.
Besides, there was another method, one he could easily do.
Hide the Mana Guidance Ball!
One-on-one position swap skills were directional and required a target to be designated.
As long as the “Mana Nightmare Demon” couldn’t choose a target, the swap couldn’t be completed!
Thinking this, Snake Hariman suddenly looked up.
But he didn’t see Dark.
Instead, he was blocked by the returning “Ashen Giant Python.”
Looking at the “Ashen Giant Python,” Snake Hariman suddenly noticed the “Assassin Snake” still nailed in the air, realizing the “Nightmare Space” had more troublesome aspects!
Unable to think of a solution, Snake Hariman slapped his forehead and retrieved the two Mana Guidance Balls and the “Fog Snake Cage” back into his cards.
At this point…
The “Mana Nightmare Demon” finally ended the “Nightmare Space.”
Then, the youthful “Mana Nightmare Demon” became active, quickly entering the “Spotlight,” becoming the brightest star tonight!
Although the “Demon Fox Beast” and “Huhu” completely shattered the Blue Mana Guidance Ball’s Life Barrier,
In fact, everyone could see that the “Mana Nightmare Demon” was the true hero of this dramatic turnaround!
This ghost-type Mana Guidance Ball was like a bottomless treasure trove, with endless treasures inside.
“How many more bizarre abilities does it have?” People who knew it wondered.
Dark waited a moment before first putting the chaotic “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” into his Mana Card, then storing the other three Mana Guidance Balls away amidst their lingering gazes.
When he finally put the last Mana Guidance Ball, “Huhu,” into the Mana Card, the “Spotlight” suddenly went dark, like the end of a performance.
Watching him from afar, Snake Hariman suddenly spoke, “Oh, I actually lost by accident. Should I say Dark Junior Brother, son of the Valkyrie, is indeed impressive? Truly frightening… I dare say, among the fourth-year students, perhaps only one-handed fighters can match you!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the audience in the ring exploded!
The Noble Academy, Knight Academy, Mana Academy, and Fool’s Academy, none of the fourth-year students could accept this statement.
Which small magician student at Saint Maryann Academy didn’t have some pride?
Snake Hariman’s seemingly casual remark instantly fueled the hatred.
For a moment, no one even discussed his defeat to a second-year student!
Fourth-year students, especially the top performers, focused their eyes on Dark, quickly considering if they could gain an advantage once they were up.
The third-year students, who were ignored, felt even more awkward.
Especially the few third-year students who believed they were no less than Else, looked indignant.
They acknowledged that Dark’s duel skills were indeed high.
But the outcome of a Mana Duel was not decided so easily.
Like this time, Dark won by drawing the “Mana Spirit.” But what if he hadn’t drawn it?
Could Snake have won instead?
They couldn’t help but think this.
Then, they secretly accumulated fire, planning to defeat Dark in the upcoming “Golden Cup” to prove themselves!
But they didn’t realize that having such thoughts meant they already viewed Dark as higher than themselves.
…
Snake observed the reactions of the third and fourth-year students, silently relieved.
As long as everyone’s reactions were controlled,
It’s possible that if those who mocked him were all punished, no one would be left to mock him, right?
The “Golden Cup” has a special challenge system.
As long as the challenger initiates the challenge, the challenged accepts, and the Dueling Club approves, one can completely decide their opponent!
Of course, the Dueling Club’s approval is always very strict.
Grade level, grades, past records, estimated strength, and other factors will all be considered.
The Dueling Club strictly prevents the possibility of score padding.
With just one sentence, Snake Hariman successfully created a trend and atmosphere.
He gradually revealed a smile.
…
Dark Demon clearly noticed the intention behind Snake Hariman’s words, but he wasn’t bothered by it.
Not to mention that he had just enjoyed the deadly thrill of being pushed to the brink, he looked forward to this intensity of dueling.
Even before this duel, he wouldn’t have been afraid of challenges from third-year or fourth-year students.
On the contrary, if all third-year and fourth-year students were eager to challenge him, he could pick suitable opponents like an experienced HR selecting resumes.
—Of course, such a scenario was unlikely.
Challenges from upperclassmen to lowerclassmen, especially challenging someone with outstanding abilities, carried significant risks.
“Senior Hariman,” Dark said lightly with a smile, “although I want to agree with you now, the reason I won in this duel was largely due to luck.
If possible, I really want to have a best-of-three duel with you. That might help eliminate the element of luck and show the gap between us.”
“Haha.” Snake Hariman squinted and laughed dryly, “Best-of-three? Indeed very attractive, but unfortunately, the rules of the ‘Golden Cup’ do not allow it. Hope we’ll meet again on the dueling stage. Well, I won’t take up your interview time anymore.”
After saying that, Snake Hariman decisively logged off.
And Dark slightly turned his head, only to see Senior Judy already beside him.
He couldn’t help but inhale deeply, increasingly admiring her ability.
“Firstly, congratulations on defeating the fourth-year seniors! I never imagined even Snake Hariman isn’t your match. Do you know how fast my heart was beating when he announced you had only thirty seconds left?”
Senior Judy grabbed Dark’s hand as if she were a devoted fan, trying to place it on her chest to let him feel her rapid heartbeat, proving her words were true.
“Sss—” Dark instantly withdrew his hand as if electrocuted, smiling, “Senior Judy, this look doesn’t suit you.”
Senior Judy naturally released his hand, her elongated eyes gleaming seductively, but she stopped short: “What do you think about the outcome of this duel?”
Dark calmly said, “I’ve already answered Senior Hariman; the reason for winning this duel was mostly due to luck. But the fundamental reason isn’t luck.”
Judy immediately asked curiously, “Then what is it?”
Dark slightly turned his head, looking at Snake Hariman walking down from the competitors’ platform, and slowly said, “Because Senior Hariman kindly reminded me I had only thirty seconds left after casting a curse.”
Senior Judy pondered, “Thinking about it, it seems indeed so.”
Dark nodded with a smile, “Yes, Senior Hariman is truly a good person.”
Walking down the stairs, Snake Hariman stumbled, almost falling off.
But after steadying himself, he suddenly heard faint laughter from the audience seats behind him.
Those certainly weren’t all friendly laughs.
Snake Hariman immediately frowned, lowering his head and quickening his pace to leave the dueling arena.
“(〃>皿<) Damn it! Dark Demon, you wait for me!"
...
The winner's interview continued.
Senior Judy openly praised Dark for defeating two-year seniors and asked if he planned to change his goal after this duel, aiming for the top sixteen or eight.
But Dark shook his head, indicating he didn't.
Senior Judy paused and then suddenly asked, "So what about the 'Silver Cup'? What are your expectations for it?"
Dark slightly raised his head and smiled, "Senior, mentioning the 'Silver Cup' during the 'Golden Cup', isn't that inappropriate?"
"Why would it be inappropriate?" Judy immediately extended the microphone to the audience, loudly asking, "Do you think it's inappropriate?"
Of course, the audience, who loved a good spectacle, wouldn't say it was inappropriate.
Dark helplessly smiled and slowly said, "After today's duel, I understand more that the 'Silver Cup' is not the stage I desire."
Judy's gaze flickered, suddenly saying, "Can I interpret your words as... wanting to withdraw from the competition?"
Dark slowly nodded, saying, "Not without such thoughts."
In other words, the 'Silver Cup' is no longer worth his time.
The second-year students watching from the spectator area erupted in louder cheers than the third and fourth years.
Although most second-year students had this awareness before Dark spoke, hearing it directly was quite different.
Students like Sarah Swati and Emma Maltis, who were constantly striving, and students like Wit Gold, who were extremely proud, couldn't help but grit their teeth.
Especially Wit Gold, clenching his fists, his eyes filled with intense frustration.
"If it weren't for Dark, the most notable student in the second year should have been... Wait, why am I thinking like this?!"
Wit Gold suddenly woke up, feeling sweat break out and dampen his clothes.
The night wind blew, bringing a chill.
"Wit?" Robert noticed his abnormality and quickly asked.
Wit Gold raised his hand to touch his forehead, suddenly feeling a burning sensation, hesitating, "Maybe I'm running a fever?"
Robert concernedly asked, "Should we go to the infirmary?"
Wit Gold pondered for a moment and shook his head, "Maybe it's just psychological. I don't want to miss Pandora Senior's and Sharp Senior's final duel."
Robert couldn't help frowning and asked, "Are you sure?"
Wit Gold nodded.
...
On the red side platform.
Dark Demon calmly answered Senior Judy's questions.
The 'Silver Cup', limited to second-year students, was no longer as important for him in terms of credits and resources.
Instead of spending time competing in the 'Silver Cup', he preferred to focus on his research.
With the strength of the 'Golden Cup', he could perfectly verify his research results.
Compared to the 'Silver Cup' and 'Golden Cup', he placed greater importance on this year's 'Academy Cup'!
Last year, he lost the 'Academy Cup' due to the Mana Academy's dominance. This year, he was determined to reclaim it!
After the interview ended, Dark stepped down from the platform.
His schedule for the day was over.
Next, he would fully await Pandora Senior's appearance!
Pandora Dragon and Noah Sharp were undoubtedly the most顶尖的决斗者 in Saint Maryann Academy.
They basically represented the highest level that current academy students could achieve.
Moreover, both of them were users of the "Dragon" card series!
However, Pandora Dragon focused on light attribute dragons, while Noah Sharp specialized in dark attribute dragons.
Dark walked through the competitors' passage, not encountering Senior Hariman who had exited earlier, which made him feel somewhat disappointed.
He had wanted to chat more with his senior.
Therefore, not long after, he returned directly to the spectator area within the ring, sitting between Diana and Tudor.
The moment he sat down, Tudor impatiently asked, "What's going on, Dark? Aren't you planning to participate in the main event of the 'Silver Cup'?"
Dark blinked, and once he calmed down, he said, "I've already had ten duels and completed Professor Jones' assignment. Next, I'll choose freely. Besides, ten duels shouldn't be enough to reach the top eight, right?"
"You haven't understood?" Tudor looked incredulous, "Ten wins, thirty points. You've already earned thirty points! The 'Silver Cup' format awards three points for a win and deducts two for a loss.
To get thirty points with a fifty percent win rate, you'd need sixty matches! Who could participate in sixty matches?"
Dark smiled lightly, "But not everyone has only a fifty percent win rate."
"That's true." Tudor couldn't help but be dejected, "You're no longer first. Sarah and Emma have already surpassed thirty points, even Wit, Diana... they're close too."
"What do you mean by even Diana?" Diana immediately objected.
Tudor promptly shut up.
Dark shook his head and said, "There's still a month until the end of the ranking matches. Even if I勉强 make it to the top eight, it wouldn't be meaningful. The glory of the Noble Academy, I leave it to you!"
Tudor: "The enemy is too strong. I can't handle this glory!"
Diana: "Leave it to me!"
Both finished speaking and glared at each other.
Dark couldn't help laughing, "The 'Silver Cup' is just a matter of doing your best. Our goal is the 'Academy Cup,' isn't it?"
Tudor widened his eyes and immediately understood, "That's right! The 'Academy Cup' is the priority! I also wish to make a wish to the Holy Grail!"
Dark encouraged, "Just give it your all. The 'Academy Cup' is a showdown among the academies, and everyone is a participant. If you win in the 'Silver Cup,' the credit rewards are substantial, which would lay the foundation for the 'Academy Cup.'"
But as soon as he mentioned the 'Silver Cup,' Tudor became discouraged again.
Clearly, his record in the 'Silver Cup' wasn't ideal.
If he didn't make any breakthroughs in his studies, he might even lose his chance for the top eight!
Dark glanced at him and earnestly said, "If you want something, you must strive for it yourself. Relying too much on others won't bring real gains. I hope to see you in the finals of the 'Academy Cup,' well... at least the semifinals..."
"Can't you aim higher?" Tudor immediately said, "I just got motivated!"
Dark laughed heartily, patting his shoulder, "Go for it! The 'Academy Cup' is the ultimate goal."
Diana leaned over, seizing the opportunity to hug Dark's arm, her eyes teasing, "Mm-hmm, I'll give it my all—"
Rose giggled on the side.
...
The matches continued.
As time approached nine o'clock.
Finally, as the last decisive duel began amidst the cheers of thousands of spectators,
Fifth-year Mana Academy — Pandora Dragon!
—
Versus
Sixth-year Knight Academy — Noah Sharp!
DUEL!!
...
