Chapter 721: Do Not Underestimate the Youth (4k)
Dark deliberated for a moment before recounting what he had seen in “Apocalypse.”
Professor Metia was already aware and showed no surprise.
However, Eudora’s mouth gaped slightly, her face full of shock.
Throughout history, there have been countless cases where seers saw the same future, but to see the same scene in an “Apocalypse” was almost unheard of.
But since this coincidence did occur, they could only base their subsequent analysis on it.
After much thought, Professor Metia said solemnly, “Although theoretically, what ‘Apocalypse’ sees may not necessarily be something the seer personally participates in, given that this coincidence has indeed occurred, it is highly likely related to both of you.”
“If it does happen next semester… the likelihood of it happening within the academy is very high.”
“Wait, did Eudora also make a similar prediction?” Rose understood the issue at this point and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.
Professor Metia smiled and said, “That’s right, but you must keep it confidential.”
Rose replied, “Oh.”
The group continued discussing inside the pumpkin carriage.
Previously, Eudora had interpreted the second “Apocalypse” to some extent.
The three extremely dark stars were the “Stars of Doom.”
The Stars of Doom represented ominous signs.
Three was the number.
Finally converging at one place indicated that they would eventually gather, causing a calamity.
The creatures stirring in the darkness being swallowed by explosions signified someone watching, someone dying.
This was the most superficial interpretation, but often the simplest truth was the most evident.
“Someone will die…” Rose covered her mouth.
Dark, Eudora, and Professor Metia seemed quite calm.
Dark said, “It’s just one interpretation. Perhaps it’s not about a person dying, or it might simply be a premonition of disaster. And since we know this, we should try to solve and avoid it. Isn’t that what predictions are for?”
Rose, having studied astrology for a semester, naturally knew this principle.
She nodded and suppressed her inner panic.
…
Another half hour passed, the moon disappeared from the night sky, and dark clouds gathered as if a heavy rainstorm was imminent.
Dark, Eudora, and Rose got off the carriage. Professor Metia left in the carriage.
The remaining three students went to the magical animal club’s classroom to rest briefly.
Eudora looked enviously at Rose, who felt like she was at home. She wanted to join the magical animal club too, but her duties prevented her from doing so, forcing her to join the astrology club instead.
“Don’t worry too much. Even if the sky falls, the professors will handle it. Instead of worrying about this, think about tomorrow’s Silver Cup. Who do you think will win?”
To soothe Rose, Dark deliberately shifted her attention.
Rose frowned and thought for a moment, then took the bait: “Should be… Sarah, right?”
Dark smiled, “Why?”
Rose replied, “Just a feeling. It feels like Sarah excels in every aspect and doesn’t seem likely to fail. Unless… well, I mean, Lady Luck abandons her.”
“That’s true,” Eudora agreed, “Emma and Wit…”
Rose: “Vit!”
“Oh,” Eudora, “Emma and Vit always give the impression that something is lacking.”
Dark said, “So, Sarah’s raw strength is indeed formidable.”
Rose immediately nodded, “Yes, she’s the strongest in raw power!”
…
At this very moment, Sarah Swati, the top student in raw power, was preparing frantically.
The smarter one is, the more they consider things.
Even though Sarah didn’t believe she would lose, a careful analysis did reveal the possibility of failure.
Both Emma and Vit, in her eyes, were formidable opponents.
Emma’s deck was versatile and hard to counter.
Vit’s deck was incredibly strong once fully formed, making it difficult to crack… but easy to target unless he had hidden cards.
Not underestimating him, Sarah merely found it hard to imagine what hidden cards he might have…
So after her astrology class, she mostly thought about how to defeat Emma.
On the other side,
Emma was also pondering how to defeat Sarah.
Though they were in different towers, they were fiercely competing.
…
For the second-year students now, the “Silver Cup” was the biggest event.
Students from the mana academy and knight academy had even prepared cheering slogans, waiting for the match to start.
Wit Gold finally received the collective support of the second-year knight academy boys.
…
Past eleven-thirty, Dark brought Rose and Eudora into the common room of the noble academy tower.
Perhaps because all classes had ended, the male students of the second-year noble academy were still lingering in the common room.
But Dark noticed that everyone had grim faces and no one was talking about the “Silver Cup.”
The loss of the “Silver Cup” had made the boys feel humiliated; tomorrow held no promise for them.
He shook his head with a smile and walked up to the third floor. After exchanging goodnights with Rose and Eudora, he returned to his dormitory.
Then he sat down, his expression quickly becoming serious.
“What kind of disaster might happen within the academy?”
“Could it be related to ‘Into the Abyss’?”
“Could it involve the yet-to-be-found ‘third party’?”
“Could it be linked to Professor Kazel’s small experiment?”
“Could it involve the ‘Underworld Fire’?”
The more he knew, the more he considered.
Dark’s thoughts were heavy, making it hard for him to settle down.
He thought about these things for a long time that night, forgetting the cost of the prophecy and the construction of the “Bliss” deck.
…
The next day, Friday morning.
Rainwater dripped from the eaves, and the air felt exceptionally fresh after being washed.
Dark opened the window, breathed in the fresh air, and returned to his desk to read the newspaper.
This year’s Christmas was similar to last year’s, whether it was the big princess or prince, or even the church, seemingly doing the same things as last year.
But after the jailbreak incident last year, the church would likely strengthen its security.
Apart from that, the capital city remained peaceful.
The most eye-catching addition to the newspaper was the advertisement for the “simulated duel” Christmas event.
“May peace prevail.”
Dark closed the newspaper and continued carving the golem.
…
At one thirty in the afternoon.
Diana and Rose knocked on room 301, inviting Dark to watch the final day of the “Silver Cup.”
Dark put down his work and grabbed a book, heading out.
He also had a match today, but it was in the evening.
Since it was an experimental match, he didn’t pay much attention and didn’t constrain his mana spirits.
Thus, the mana spirits… decided to watch the “Silver Cup” together at the outdoor dueling arena.
The fragrance of the healing flowers filled the dueling arena, and the mana spirits gathered in groups, following the crowd into the arena. They didn’t look for Dark but found seats around the circular area, each looking excited.
[The Wrestler Eagle]: “Hacha hacha!”
[The Ditto Translation Machine]: “Watching a duel from the spectator area is a completely different experience compared to participating in it!”
[Lion Beast]: “An observer can see the bigger picture, which is beneficial for those entering the battle.”
[Zoo? Small Rabbit]: “Meow?”
[Lion Beast]: “Right, you haven’t participated in a battle yet, but tonight you might get a chance. A guy named Tudor Gold will be your opponent, so watch carefully.”
[Zoo? Small Rabbit]: “Meow?”
[Ditto Translation Machine]: “Why fight? Can’t we just make friends?”
[Lion Beast]: “…”
[Imp Beast]: “Conflict drives societal progress.”
[Deoxys]: “Pfft—”
…
Unlike the opening ceremony of the “Silver Cup,” today’s finals were less attended due to the proximity to Christmas.
The duke’s mansion lost interest after the young master withdrew.
Inside the St. Maryan duel branch in the capital, only the church remained interested.
…
At two o’clock sharp.
As the music played, the platform where Judy stood slowly rose, and fireworks-like effects burst in the sky. In the background, a giant Christmas tree sprouted, and colorful light rings floated in the air, creating a festive atmosphere.
Despite Christmas being a few days away, the academy made the most of it.
“Before we know it, it’s already late December, and Christmas is approaching. St. Maryan Academy has entered mid-term break, and on the last day of this term, the current ‘Silver Cup’ will finally conclude. The top three finalists will determine the ultimate champion after today’s three matches!”
Senior Sister Judy wore tailored Christmas attire, a Santa hat on her head, and a reindeer head over her wand—regardless of whether the outfit was attractive, it suited her perfectly.
“Gentlemen, ladies, let’s welcome the three contestants!”
“First, Sarah Swati, the highest-scoring contestant advancing to the main event of the ‘Silver Cup’ and undefeated throughout the tournament—the second-year mana academy top student!”
The cheers soared instantly.
Sarah stepped onto the circular stage, and as the stage slowly rose, she appeared before the audience.
She raised her hand towards the audience, waved slightly, and then lowered it, smiling professionally.
“She’s annoying.” She thought to herself, her smile growing brighter.
“Next is Emma Maltis, equally undefeated in the main event and advancing to the winners’ bracket final—the second-year knight academy top student!”
On the other side of the circular stage, Emma Maltis appeared with a stern face, showing no intention of cooperating with a smile.
“Finally, the second-year knight academy student who fell into the losers’ bracket initially but climbed up through sheer strength and indomitable will, our ‘Hero’s Child’—Wit Gold!”
At the last circular stage, Wit Gold was full of excitement. As the stage reached its highest point, he suddenly raised his hands and waved energetically at the tens of thousands of spectators, thoroughly enjoying the adoration.
Among the three contestants, only his smile was so passionate and genuine.
Senior Sister Judy then gave a brief introduction to the three contestants and interviewed them one by one.
…
The Circular Belt…
Since sitting down, Dark had been reading his book with his head down. He temporarily put it aside and looked up at the field.
Doron and Pistons next to him were grumbling about “damn,” “why show off,” “if Dark hadn’t withdrawn”… and other such phrases.
Dark ignored them.
His gaze swept over Judy, Sarah, and Emma, ultimately settling on “Hero’s Child” Wit Gold, like most of the spectators outside.
Since “Hero’s Child” first appeared in public upon enrollment, nearly a year and a half had passed. Now, “Hero’s Child” seemed to have finally stepped onto the stage he rightfully belonged to.
The audience watched the black-haired teenager on stage, unafraid and confident, and out of respect and admiration for the “Hero,” they all developed a liking for him.
Although “Hero’s Child” was currently at the bottom among the three contestants, the audience clearly favored him, and the cheers from the sidelines grew louder.
From Sarah, Judy interviewed one by one, asking essentially the same questions, ending with expectations for the “Silver Cup” rankings.
And all three answers were identical!
Having stepped onto this stage, excessive modesty would be hypocrisy. No one wanted to be eliminated; their goal was the championship!
As the interviews progressed, supporters of each contestant began shouting their names, making the venue’s atmosphere increasingly lively.
…
After the interviews, there was no disappointing intermission.
Senior Sister Judy announced the start of the winners’ bracket final of the “Silver Cup,” and Sarah Svaty and Emma Maltis ascended to the competitors’ platform.
In a corner of the circular belt, “Blood Princess” Ophelia Brad quietly appeared, accompanied by her friend Hefestus Dragone.
Ophelia Brad’s brows concealed a hint of inexplicable worry.
…
A bit further away, the professors led by Sarah Shylph had gathered.
But before that, there was no sign of Professor Kazel.
…
Olivia Dimon brought Angrey and Nene into the circular belt. After failing to find Dark, she sat among Dark’s mana spirits.
Olivia casually hugged a pink fluffy rabbit.
…
The winners’ bracket final of the “Silver Cup” began amidst this atmosphere.
—Mana Academy vs Knight Academy
Sarah Svaty vs Emma Maltis;
Both as representatives of their respective academies’ top students and symbols of the highest wisdom, they finally faced each other head-on at this moment.
The intensity of this duel exceeded anything the second-year students had ever experienced from the start.
