Chapter 649 “Request for Subscription” Dark Demon roared with laughter [7k]
In the subsequent battles, Noah Sharp repeatedly counterattacked, but was always broken and suppressed by Pandora.
Neither side summoned a golem above nine stars in the end.
This duel concluded amidst the deafening cheers of the audience, with Pandora Dragong winning!
“What a pity.”
Noah Sharp retracted his mana cards without any discouragement.
They had won and lost against each other before.
If he lost today, he could win next time.
He believed he could do it.
…
Pandora did not become conceited either. After tidying up her mana cards, she prepared to leave the competitors’ platform—only to be suddenly stopped by Judy!
“Interview! Interview!” Judy emphasized.
Pandora had no choice but to stop and cooperate with her to complete the final victor interview of the day.
…
Dark watched Pandora Senior as she spoke eloquently into the microphone, images of the graceful form of the “Sky White Dragon” flashing through his mind.
This made him even more determined to conjure the “Blue-Eyed White Dragon”.
…
As the interview ended, the first day of the “Golden Cup” tournament finally came to a close.
Judy loudly announced the successful conclusion of the first day and reminded the audience to exit in an orderly manner, avoiding any trampling incidents.
The people inside the ring, including Dark, gradually stood up.
“Shall we head back to the dormitory?” Tudor asked.
“No.” Dark smiled, “I need to go to the clubroom.”
“Then let’s go too!” Diana immediately pulled on Rose.
Thus, the group split into two paths.
Not long after, Dark ascended the Spiral Bell Tower and entered the clubroom.
There, he first summoned the “Mana Book,” then summoned Agumon.
The small Night Bird was immediately taken away by Agumon, while Dark himself picked up the Fox-eared Grass Plant that also pounced towards him.
He brought out the tea set, sat on the sofa, and slowly brewed tea, waiting for Eve’s arrival.
He had no special purpose; he just wanted to video chat with Alvaraite on Halloween night and chat about everyday life.
But when Eve arrived and used the “Heart Connection Spell” to connect with Irina, Dark suddenly noticed there were more people on the other side…
Even though Princess Eliza had already left alone in a carriage.
But Diana’s mother and Rose’s aunt were sitting in the same carriage as Alvaraite.
Of course, Claire was also there, trying to soothe Galileo’s sorrow.
“Ah?”
Seeing their mother and aunt, Diana and Rose instantly became reserved.
Thus, this video conference turned into a long-distance reunion for three families.
Camilla repeatedly instructed Diana not to run around in the dungeon and to remember to bring the “Dungeon Escape Device.”
Viscountess Floretty inquired if Rose had attended classes properly and eaten well, occasionally reminding her to dress warmly as temperatures dropped.
Dark and Alvaraite, however, became mere observers.
But both mother and son listened intently, feeling no boredom at all.
One hour discussing daily life.
Half an hour talking about work.
By half past ten, Eve cut off the “Heart Connection Spell” under the reluctant gazes of the parents on the other side.
“You’ve worked hard.” Dark thanked her.
Eve smiled, “It’s my duty. And compared to training tasks, this is nothing at all.”
The group chatted and laughed as they cleaned and put away the tea set, then left the clubroom together.
…
That night.
Dark absorbed two points of “Bliss” and went straight to sleep.
The next morning, he headed directly to the library to borrow books related to “Secondary Conjure.”
Perhaps because he had already participated in two duels last night, he did not receive the weekend schedule this morning.
With some free time, he studied the relevant books in the reading room.
“Secondary Conjure” and “Directed Conjure” actually share some similarities.
Both require a very detailed understanding of the target’s mana golem to possibly configure the correct formula.
Based on the level of understanding magi have of their mana golems, mastering “Secondary Conjure” or “Directed Conjure” can vary in difficulty.
After careful consideration, Dark decided to start researching “Magical Beasts”!
He chose “Magical Beasts” for several reasons:
Firstly, it is only one star, making it easy to conjure. The most expensive material in the list is 1000 credits per strand of magical beast hair.
Secondly, he has two “Magical Beast” cards, and he understands both Ibut and Ditto thoroughly…
Thirdly, conjuring a “Magical Beast” does not require a Capital Sin card.
Fourthly, he already has a “Magical Beast” Directed Conjure Formula!
In fact, the “Magical Beast” Directed Conjure Formula is the first Directed Conjure Formula young magi typically encounter.
When professors taught students how to conjure “Magical Beasts” at the beginning of the first year, they used Directed Conjure.
The only problem is that “Magical Beast” hair can only be bought from the professors.
However, it is said that Professor Kazel, who is rumored to possess “Magical Beast” hair, has been hanging around in the dungeon since Friday.
“So I’ll have to find another professor…”
“But it’s not urgent. Maybe by the time I master the basics, Professor Kazel will be back.”
Dark smiled slightly and after lunch, he headed to Traveler’s Street to gather the other materials needed for conjuring a “Magical Beast.”
Oh, and he might as well buy some other materials too.
Once his finances were loose, he couldn’t help but buy more than necessary.
After finishing his shopping, he came to the “Kitty Plant Shop” as usual, temporarily stacking the items at the entrance before entering the store.
“Is Miss Cat here?”
“Yes.”
Today, the always lively Miss Cat poked her head out from the inner room.
Upon spotting Dark, she enthusiastically invited him, “Come take a look at what I brought!”
“What?” Dark felt his heart skip a beat and quickly entered Miss Cat’s small room.
The students of Saint Maryann Academy truly have diverse tastes. Most of the experimental cat plants originally piled in the small room were sold out, leaving only the unyielding “Goldfish Plant” with its dazed eyes.
Of course, today’s “Goldfish Plant” had a new companion.
Upon entering, Dark saw the “Goldfish Plant” playing “Cuddle” with another “Fish Plant”…
The scene of two equally dazed “Fish Plants” rubbing against each other was quite unsettling.
But Miss Cat clearly showed excitement as she observed them.
Dark couldn’t help but step back a bit.
Miss Cat didn’t notice, pointing to another “Fish Plant” and saying, “Didn’t you mention wanting a “Carp Plant”? Well, I have one now!”
Dark then calmed down and examined the “Carp Plant.”
The structure of the “Carp Plant” is essentially identical to the “Goldfish Plant,” except the “Goldfish” on the stem has transformed into a “Carp.”
Dark boldly speculated that the manufacturer behind “Kitty Plant Shop” should have a relatively mature method for manufacturing “Fish Plants.”
And speaking of fish, apart from the “Kingdra” which can evolve from “Magikarp,” the fish Pokemon Dark loves the most must be the “Mewtwo”!
Moreover, although “Magikarp” is water-type, Dark is quite confident that he can evolve it using the “Wrath” Capital Sin card.
Furthermore, “Mewtwo” has a very high probability of evolving using “Bliss.”
Other pure water-type fish Pokemon are not as easy to distinguish.
If they require “Envy” to evolve like “Piplup,” their practical value would decrease significantly.
Thinking of this, Dark opened his mouth and asked,
“Grass Carp Plant” has already been developed, then what about the other fish? For example, the Regalecus…
“Oh, ah.” Miss Cat waved her hand involuntarily. “It’s not that easy. The Regalecus is too difficult. However, the Axolotl is under development.”
Dark couldn’t help but fall silent. “Axolotl, isn’t that not a fish?”
“More or less, more or less.” Miss Cat smiled. “I heard someone wants to create a Whale Plant. It’s truly outlandish.”
Dark chuckled. Suddenly, he said, “But if it were a miniature Whale Plant, it would be a pretty good option.”
In the Digital Monsters, there’s the “Leviathan,” and in Pokémon, there’s the “Whiscash.” They can both be used as super mounts!
If one of these two golems could be refined, then adventuring at sea would be as enjoyable as traveling.
Unfortunately, such a beautiful vision is not easily realized.
Miss Cat looked at Dark and comforted him, “Actually, I have some good news. Do you want to hear it?”
Dark asked curiously, “What good news?”
Miss Cat blinked and suddenly pointed at the two “Fish Plants,” saying, “If you take them with you, I’ll tell you.”
Dark couldn’t help but laugh dryly.
Miss Cat certainly noticed that he was determined to get the “Grass Carp Plant,” while for the “Goldfish Plant,” he had no intention at all!
He had always suspected that this “Goldfish Plant” not only had the basic water attribute but also a concealed ghost attribute.
But Miss Cat revealed a gentle expression, “Actually, this is the first time I’ve seen the ‘Goldfish Plant’ so close to other Grass Cat Plants. If you just buy the ‘Grass Carp Plant’… it will become lonely again.”
Dark replied, “Then pack them up.”
Well, since you put it that way, how could I not buy them?
Miss Cat immediately smiled brightly, then quickly added, “The small issue with the Bunny Grass has been solved. Trust me, within a month, you’ll see a lively little rabbit that won’t be easily scared to death!”
Dark’s eyes lit up instantly, his mood instantly lifted.
He had been waiting for the “Bunny Grass” for almost half a year, and now he finally got good news!
With the “Bunny Grass,” he could find a way to narrow down the scope and refine the “Moon Beast!”
And it’s obvious that the “Moon Goddess Stone” must be useful for the “Moon Beast.”
At that time, his “Bliss” series deck would truly have a cornerstone!
In addition, there are many types of Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! monsters, which can all be future choices.
Especially the one-star monster in Yu-Gi-Oh! — “White Rabbit,” which is a powerful monster with extremely high defense.
If he could refine it, it would definitely be an overpowered monster, a super sacrifice among one-stars.
…
Since he had decided, Dark didn’t hesitate anymore.
He soon paid the credits for the “Goldfish Plant” and “Grass Carp Plant,” and summoned a golem to help with the transportation.
The cultivation methods for the “Goldfish Plant” and “Grass Carp Plant” were simpler than those of other Grass Cat Plants.
Basically, as long as they were placed in a cool place, avoiding direct sunlight, and watered with magic potion every day, it was fine.
Of course, if conditions allowed, the flower pot could be placed on the water surface, and the stems could be submerged in the water, allowing the two “Fish Plants” to slowly swim in the water—making them look less eerie.
“Now that the ‘Grass Carp Plant’ is in hand, the refinement of ‘King Grass Carp’ or ‘Kingdra’ can finally be planned.”
“Fortunately, I still have the water attribute ‘Dragon Plant.’ Using the ‘Grass Carp Plant’ and ‘Dragon Plant,’ I can cultivate dual ‘Wrath Fruits.’ Then, using dragon materials and water materials as the core, I can narrow the random range to its limit.”
“In that case, there is a chance of directly producing a ‘Kingdra’!”
“Mm, this is a good idea, must be recorded!”
Dark took out his notebook and quickly jotted it down.
The “Goldfish Plant” and “Grass Carp Plant” were temporarily kept in the fountain in the clubroom, where they could be easily retrieved when needed.
That night, after extracting another two points of “Bliss,” he finally began refining the “Jester Mask”!
After much research, he had a thorough understanding of the method to refine the “Jester Mask.” This experiment went very smoothly.
Before midnight on November 2nd, Dark successfully completed the experiment.
The material value of the “Jester Mask” was even higher than that of the “Mana Dropper.”
However, its flaw was obvious—it could only force the wearer to smile, but could not make them genuinely happy from within.
In that case, even though the material value was high, it could only be used as a useless prop to change expressions.
Therefore, Dark thought of adding “Bliss” to make it a genuine mask that could bring genuine happiness.
His deep study of “Bliss” also helped him quickly improve the “Jester Mask.”
During tonight’s refinement, he added three points of “Bliss,” successfully transforming the “Jester Mask” into a new “Item Card”!
He used tweezers to rinse it, and soon it was clean.
Once the water marks on the card face dried, Dark carefully examined it.
The pattern on the item card had changed significantly compared to the original “Jester Mask.”
The most noticeable change was that the originally white background had turned pink.
Additionally, the makeup appeared more seductive.
If the previous “Jester Mask” was a male clown, then the current item card depicted a female clown.
—This is indeed a possible change brought by “Bliss.”
Dark calmed himself and injected mana into the magic card, checking its specific data through feedback.
[Card Name: Maniacal Mask]
[Type: Item Card]
[Effect 1: +3 Bliss, -3 Rationality.]
[Effect 2: Equipped with the Ultimate Skill “Maniacal Jester.”]
[Effect 3: Equipped with the Ultimate Skill “Maniacal Phantom.”]
“The card name directly became ‘Maniacal Mask’?”
“And, like the ‘Bronze Snake Mirror,’ it has three effects, two of which are ultimate skills.”
“Forget the ultimate skills, the effects of +3 Bliss and -3 Rationality are not far off from what was expected.”
“With +3 Bliss, caution is required.”
Dark tapped the card face, not summoning the “Maniacal Mask” immediately.
+3 Bliss would make “Bliss” rise more easily, similar to the “Nightingale Orb,” which was unsuitable for personal use.
Fortunately, most of his golems had mastered the output and control of mana, making them capable of handling it.
“There are also these two ultimate skills, ‘Maniacal Jester’ and ‘Maniacal Phantom.’ If I’m not mistaken, they have opposite effects, right?”
Thinking this, Dark injected more mana into the “Maniacal Mask” for further inspection.
[Maniacal Jester: The mad jester will unleash its potential to pursue joy. Its attack will continuously increase during laughter, while its defense will continuously decrease. Duration: three minutes. Once activated, it cannot be deactivated by itself.]
“This is…”
When Dark saw this outrageous ultimate skill effect, he couldn’t help but show astonishment.
Three minutes of duration was quite long.
If defense could be continuously converted into attack, it would be akin to a “Power Trick,” albeit limited to self-use.
Moreover, besides the reduction in defense and loss of rationality, it did not have the usual side effects of a berserk-type ultimate skill.
The limitation was that once activated, it could not be deactivated by oneself.
But whether it was truly practical depended on the rate at which defense was converted into attack.
If it was too slow, its usefulness would greatly diminish.
Thinking this, he looked around and
For a moment, he set his eyes on the Imp Beast.
“No, the attack and defense values of the Imp Beast are too low; it’s not suitable for detailed observation.”
“Deoxys has basic attributes, but part of those basic attributes are granted by the Sacred Ring. It might be impossible to convert them… Wait! Deoxys, come here.”
This was a perfect opportunity to test if conversion was possible, wasn’t it?
Dark couldn’t help but smile.
As the embodiment of “Pride,” Deoxys should have strong endurance against laughing, right?
Upon hearing the call, Deoxys put down the book in hand, jumped off the small bed, and rushed over to Dark in three big steps.
Dark patted his knee.
Deoxys’ face turned slightly red but still shyly turned around, allowing Dark to pick him up and place him on his knee.
“Mii!”
Eevee, who had peeked out from under the covers, was clearly displeased!
However, the merciless Dark Demon paid no attention to it and instead informed Deoxys about the details of the “Crazed Jester” skill.
After listening, Deoxys nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.
Only then did Dark summon the “Crazed Mask,” letting Deoxys put it on himself.
The mask, which was originally hard, softened upon touching the skin and seamlessly fused with Deoxys’ face through some kind of movement.
Deoxys carefully felt the energy emanating from the mask and tightened his nails slightly.
Even without activating the ultimate skill, the “Crazed Mask” increased joy by +3 and rationality by -3, causing anyone wearing it to lose control.
But Deoxys managed to endure it.
Dark nodded slightly and whispered, “Activate the ultimate skill—’Crazed Jester’!”
Immediately, Deoxys injected mana into the mask, triggering the ultimate skill.
Blood-red light began to emanate from the mask, and its already exaggerated thick lips stretched even wider—continuing to tear open!
“Hahaha!”
Deoxys’ laughter suddenly burst forth from his mouth.
At this moment, Eevee, who had been looking envious, suddenly burst into laughter.
And Deoxys, as the cat, grabbed his hands tightly at the onset of laughter, demonstrating terrifying self-control to prevent them from flailing.
However, his body still trembled uncontrollably, emitting joyful laughter beyond measure.
Seeing this, Dark immediately picked up Deoxys’ Golem card to observe the changes in attack and defense.
Deoxys’ attack was 1900, and defense was 900. With the boost from the Sacred Ring, both were increased by 500.
Once the “Crazed Jester” was activated, its already limited defense rapidly plummeted.
His attack, as Dark had expected, rose at the same speed.
In an instant, the 900 defense dropped to zero!
A crimson glow enveloped Deoxys, and any slight attack could now injure him.
His attack increased to 2800 and then stabilized.
The additional 500 points from the Sacred Ring weren’t counted!
Thus, when the transformation stopped, Deoxys’ attack was 3300, and defense was 500!
The 500 defense ensured a minimum threshold.
A 3300 attack surpassed even the peak value of a six-star Golem!
If the “Holy Sword” were activated with “Sword Dance” or “Double Slash,” the power would be unimaginable!
Unfortunately, in the state of laughter, it was difficult to trigger “Sword Dance” or “Double Slash.”
However, “difficult” didn’t mean impossible!
“If mental power through ‘Bond’ can assist, is there a possibility to mitigate negative effects and achieve a certain level of rational behavior?”
Dark pondered.
“Also, does the Crazed Lion Beast have experience in countering madness? Forget it, it will likely become even more insane and completely irrational.”
Dark shook his head and attempted to forcibly retract the “Crazed Mask” from the Golem card, but he failed!
“It can’t be retracted within three minutes.”
Dark held Deoxys and waited.
The experimental results were clear.
The attack and defense changes from “Crazed Jester” occurred at a rate of 100 points per second.
Even a fourth-tier Golem with 6000 defense could be converted within a minute.
…
During this time, Dark examined another ultimate skill.
【Crazed Ghost Face: Forcefully put the Crazed Mask on your opponent’s face, making them laugh uncontrollably like they’re possessed!
Their defense will gradually weaken during the laughter. Duration: Three minutes. Usually, it cannot be removed voluntarily.]
“Indeed, it’s an ultimate skill that forces the mask onto the opponent!”
“But where can I find an experimental subject now?”
Dark shook his head, realizing he would have to wait until tomorrow.
Since “Crazed Ghost Face” only reduces defense without increasing attack, its defensive reduction effect is definitely less effective than “Crazed Jester.”
“It’s probably reduced. But reducing defense was already a pleasant surprise!”
“My original plan was to make it so the opponent can do nothing but laugh.”
“The current effect far exceeds my expectations!”
After waiting three minutes, the effect of “Crazed Jester” finally ended.
He put the mask back into the Golem card and stroked Deoxys’ head, saying, “Good job.”
Deoxys looked up slightly, a trace of the ultimate skill’s lingering effect visible on his lips.
…
The effect of the “Crazed Mask” was indeed a pleasant surprise.
But it was late, and after tidying up the experiment residue, Dark continued his practice of the “Technique of the Shadow God” and fell into a deep sleep.
…
On Sunday morning at exactly six o’clock.
Dark woke up at the sound of his internal clock.
Then he used his identification card to send a message to Professor Kazel.
It wasn’t until eleven in the morning that he received a reply.
Professor Kazel had returned from the Dungeon!
Dark didn’t know what he was researching.
The other professors avoided discussing it.
Though curious, he didn’t inquire further.
At one o’clock in the afternoon.
Following their agreement, Dark arrived at Professor Kazel’s dormitory.
Knock knock.
Click.
Just two knocks, and Professor Kazel’s door opened from inside.
He wore a deep blue pajama with stars and a sleeping cap, clearly just having bathed and changed.
“Come in, I made some black tea.”
Seeing Dark, Professor Kazel genuinely smiled and gestured him inside.
“Magic Beast hair, how many strands?” He pushed a steaming teacup toward Dark and kindly asked.
Dark thought for a moment and raised one finger, asking, “Ten strands okay?”
One strand cost 1000 credits, so ten strands would be 10000 credits.
Although expensive, mastering the basics of “Secondary Refinement” required generous resources.
“Hmm, ten strands enough?” Professor Kazel asked curiously. “Are you planning to teach yourself ‘Secondary Refinement’? The failure rate is quite high, especially for beginners.”
Dark revealed a somewhat embarrassed look, saying, “For now, just ten strands. If I need more, I’ll buy them later.”
Professor Kazel shook his head, saying, “A hundred strands, 10000 credits, isn’t that much for you, right?”
Dark quickly responded, “A hundred strands? Only 10000 credits?”
Professor Kazel was puzzled, “Of course, I’ve always sold it like this.”
Dark involuntarily opened his mouth, “But last time… No, aren’t Magic Beast hairs very rare?”
Professor Kazel couldn’t help but smile, “Certainly rare. But rarity means it’s valuable, doesn’t it?”
Dark: “Oh, right.”
