Chapter 722 “Subscribe Request” That Person (6k)
In this world, no one waits for you to catch up while standing still.
But when you stop moving forward, those behind will mercilessly surpass you.
Six years at the academy was both a beginning and the peak period for most magi.
During this time, some progressed at an inexplicable rate.
Sarah Swati and Emma Maltis were undoubtedly among them.
In the winners’ bracket final of the “Silver Cup,” both contestants gave their all, holding nothing back.
Even third-year students watching felt inadequate by comparison.
Yet, in the prodigious Saint Maryann Academy, their presence wasn’t extraordinary.
Students, spectators, and professors mostly saw them as future Vini Scarlet or Pandora Dragon.
Above them stood someone even more dazzling.
Though this person didn’t participate in the main event of the “Silver Cup,” their presence was still strong.
…
“Mana Summon!”
After five minutes of the duel, Sarah Swati and Emma Maltis had nearly identical expressions.
Their faces were stern, each word they spoke carrying a lethal intent.
One mana golem after another appeared, spell cards, item cards, and secret rite cards activated with excitement, filling the air with the roar of mana golems and the dazzling effects of mana cards, stirring the emotions of tens of thousands of spectators like ocean waves.
As more and more mana cards were drawn from their decks, the decks thinned out, and their expressions grew increasingly serious.
Their mana surged with intense focus, speeding up brain activity, making every decision almost perfect.
This was accompanied by rapid mental energy consumption.
In the circular spectator area, Wit Gold, surrounded by second-year students from the Knight Academy, watched the field intently, his eyes unblinking.
After the duel ended, he would face the loser.
Thus, he fervently hoped the duel would be more intense, exposing all their hidden cards.
Only then could he find a way to win!
Mana duels weren’t just about the few minutes on the field.
Efforts and intelligence gathering off the field greatly influenced the outcome.
Few people like Dark Demon enjoyed improvising and reversing fortunes without gathering information.
Wit Gold’s behavior seemed aggressive at times, but he was actually cautious.
Especially after suffering setbacks, he became even more cautious.
With age, this might become his strength.
Or it might bury him in obscurity.
Either way, he was already preparing for the next duel.
On the field, Sarah and Emma knew this, but they weren’t overly relaxed.
They didn’t consider intentionally losing and returning through the losers’ bracket.
Although they had a competitive spirit, winning the Silver Cup’s championship wasn’t their top priority.
The championship’s value had diminished.
So they treated this final as a real battle!
Their opponent on the other platform was the strongest they could face now; defeating her was their sole goal!
…
“Roar!”
Emma’s high-star mana golem was cut down by Sarah’s spell card, its agonized scream echoing.
But before the golem fully dissipated, Emma summoned a new one.
Sarah immediately activated a secret rite, attempting to trap the golem.
But Emma countered with a spell card, freeing the golem.
However, it faced Sarah’s newly summoned high-star mana golem.
Though they hadn’t shown third-tier mana golems, second-tier ones were common in their hands.
They were prodigies at the forefront of their path, progressing at an immeasurable rate.
The duel was intense, leaving the audience breathless.
At one point, spectators thought they were evenly matched and would end in a draw.
But in mana duels, draws were rare.
Even after exhausting their last mana cards, the remaining life of the mana guidance balls decided the winner.
The duel indeed lasted until the very end.
…
“It’s over.”
Dark placed his hand on the book and read the final result.
Simultaneously, the referee’s whistle sounded.
But their declaration was drowned out by the audience’s shouts.
However, the remaining mana values in the mana guidance ball life barriers clearly showed who won.
Emma Maltis narrowly lost by just a few hundred mana points!
…
“Hey, Wit,” Robert said in astonishment amidst the roaring crowd.
“How can you win?”
…
Wit’s eyes flickered, struggling occasionally.
Emma and Sarah’s strength in the duel was overwhelming.
Like Robert couldn’t help but say, after careful observation, he found it hard to see a way to win.
“Only hope for a miracle,” he said, but deep down, he didn’t believe it.
…
After the duel, senior Judy briefly interviewed the narrowly victorious Sarah.
Sarah wiped away her sweat, completing the interview flawlessly despite her exhaustion.
On the other side, defeated Emma took two to three minutes to adjust her mindset.
She quickly left the stage, entering the competitor’s rest area, thoroughly analyzing her failure and planning how to adjust her deck and win against Sarah again.
Once she finished her analysis, she began fine-tuning her deck to face the next opponent—Wit Gold.
Against Wit Gold, she had a poor record.
Despite her victories in every duel, each win was becoming increasingly difficult.
That “Hero’s Child” was getting faster than her.
The progress was steady!
By now, “Hero’s Child” had become an opponent not to be underestimated.
A single misstep could very well lead to a disastrous defeat.
Therefore, Emma completely dispensed with any侥幸 mentality and prepared fully for the upcoming duel.
…
At the same time, the “Golden Cup” points competition began, with the seniors stepping onto the dueling stage, attempting to surpass the excitement of the previous duel with their determined spirit.
Meanwhile, the audience compared the duels of the seniors with those between Emma and Sarah.
They were surprised to find that the intensity of the duel between Emma and Sarah seemed even greater.
…
Under such circumstances, Dark had regained his composure and started reading a book.
Shortly after an hour, the second duel of the “Silver Cup” began fervently.
Dark then gathered his thoughts and watched attentively.
Wit Gold was someone who was highly competitive.
His desire for victory did not conflict with his steady personality, but when he pursued victory too intensely, it often led to emotional instability.
When applied to a “Hero,” this was called an emotional burst and a burst of mental power, which could grant him the miracle of turning the tables.
If he were a “third party,” his “second consciousness” would not be able to suppress his competitive drive.
Dark had carefully considered Angus Jeffrey’s performance.
Angus Jeffrey was not entirely controlled by “Into the Abyss.”
If “Into the Abyss” had a deep enough control over him, he would never reveal himself during a duel, let alone seek out Dark for one.
This indicated that neither “Into the Abyss” nor his “second consciousness” could erase his determination.
Following this logic:
Even if Wit Gold’s situation differed from Angus Jeffrey’s, he might still show a weakness due to his intense desire for victory.
That was exactly what he wanted to find.
…
Both contestants stepped onto the competitors’ platform simultaneously.
Wit Gold felt his heart pounding fiercely, and his expression turned serious.
Since falling into the losers’ bracket in the first round, he had fought his way up, defeating one opponent after another, even surpassing himself by defeating Diana Gretbail!
Now, at this moment, he wanted to surpass himself once more and achieve a new victory!
“If I win this, I can enter the finals.”
“If I win the finals, I can become the champion.”
“And then, riding on the momentum of being the champion, I will challenge the ultimate goal!”
A resolute look flashed in his eyes.
Today’s battlefield made him feel as though fate had brought him here.
All along, he had been striving towards Dark Demon as his goal.
But every time he faced him, he felt the gap between them widening.
The feeling of struggling hard only to lose sight of his target was truly difficult.
But he had endured!
Moreover, he saw an opportunity.
On Tuesday morning, when he saw that his opponent in this week’s “Golden Cup” points competition was Dark Demon, he was filled with endless surprise.
Dark Demon had given up on the “Silver Cup,” preventing him from challenging him there.
But the gods always give surprises to those who chase.
If he could win the “Silver Cup,” he would feel closer to him.
Then came the challenge of overcoming a superior opponent.
He had to win.
He would definitely win!
…
“The battle begins!”
“Battle Phase” [30s]
As the thirty-second countdown for the “Battle Phase” appeared in the mana projection, Wit Gold abruptly drew a mana card and summoned it almost shouting.
Unbeknownst to him, his usual summoning technique had reached its limit, completing a summon in just three seconds.
However, Emma Maltis did not fall behind.
There was a sense of lightning weaving between the two contestants.
No taunts, no harsh words, only the desire for victory and the tension of the duel reaching its peak!
…
In this duel, Wit Gold finally showcased his level beyond himself.
He suppressed the urge to summon the third-tier mana spirit immediately and patiently, meticulously luring out all the mana cards from Emma Maltis that could threaten his third-tier mana spirit, engaging them in combat, and consuming their power. Finally, he used a special summoning technique to bring forth the third-tier mana spirit.
It was a terrifyingly enormous blood snake; the red side’s summoning area could not contain its massive body.
Rearing up, it flicked its tongue, blood mist rising, its eyes fierce and terrifying, ready to strike.
Dark had sensed the presence of this mana spirit very early on.
However, seeing its true form was only during this current duel.
This blood snake was Wit Gold’s trump card.
Anyone wanting to defeat him would have to study and find a way to counter this blood snake.
Emma originally had several preparations, but each of Wit’s mana spirits was extremely powerful and difficult to handle.
To protect her mana guidance ball, she had to release all her mana cards one by one. Now…she was left with only the last remaining mana card!
“In the name of Emma Maltis, mana summon—’Pyramid of Light’!”
With a massive injection of mana, the card’s surface blossomed with brilliant golden light.
The golden light shot forward, dividing into four parts just before hitting the blood snake, flying towards the snake’s head and three surrounding points, forming a golden line connecting four points, creating a perfect triangle!
On the surface of the triangle, a pyramid emerged, transforming the entire triangle into a semi-transparent giant pyramid.
It trapped the terrifying blood snake inside!
The enormous blood snake, matched by the enormous pyramid of light.
No one could have imagined that Emma still had such a mana card hidden.
Wit Gold’s eyes widened in shock.
The audience’s cheers echoed like thunder.
On the circular belt, Dark looked at the “Pyramid of Light” that could seal a third-tier mana spirit, unable to hide his surprise.
Sarah Swati, who had won the previous match, frowned, pondering why Emma hadn’t used this mana card during their duel.
She didn’t know that Emma had only acquired this trump card right before that duel.
However, by then, the card had no use.
Nonetheless, the “Pyramid of Light” could only support for a limited time.
Given the strength of a third-tier mana spirit, it would break free in no more than thirty seconds.
Out.
Thus, without hesitation, Emma organized a powerful assault on the Mana Guidance Ball within those thirty seconds.
Wit Gold, after a brief moment of shock, quickly reacted with superhuman reflexes, countering and clearing the field.
The entire duel thus entered its most intense thirty seconds.
Thirty seconds.
If Emma couldn’t secure her victory within these thirty seconds, the blood snake that had broken free would completely consume her.
Facing Emma’s tsunami-like onslaught, Wit instantly felt unprecedented pressure.
He shouted the golem’s name with all his might, summoning one mana card after another without reservation.
At the same time, he released mana, maneuvering the Mana Guidance Ball to dodge and weave, using the “Glimmer Pyramid” as a barrier to avoid attack after attack.
Then, he successfully endured these thirty seconds!
“Multi-tasking, summoning simultaneously, and controlling the Mana Guidance Ball!”
Dark watched Wit on the competitors’ platform, finally feeling a hint of shock.
This superb technique, akin to “drawing a square with the left hand while drawing a circle with the right,” was essential for every top-tier professional magus in the highest-level mana duels.
But in reality, it was extremely difficult.
Dark had tried to practice this during his first year, but deliberate practice did not yield results.
To this day, he could do some of it naturally, but not as proficiently and consistently as Wit Gold.
“Is it because of Blood Princess’s teachings?”
Several ideas flashed through his mind.
“Or is it due to the ‘Second Consciousness?'”
Dark’s gaze flickered, finally confirming his suspicions.
…
After thirty seconds of intense confrontation, the blood snake that had broken free took full control of the situation.
For the first time since his enrollment, Wit Gold defeated Emma Maltis.
Next came the final round!
When the referee announced his victory, Wit Gold raised his hands abruptly in response to the audience’s applause and cheers.
A slight wild smile finally appeared on his face.
Judy, who arrived afterward, conducted a thorough interview with him.
While he was preparing for his next duel, Emma walked down the competitors’ platform with a somewhat dejected look.
Though winning and losing were common occurrences, no one remained unaffected by defeat.
Emma gritted her teeth, deeply resenting being defeated by Wit.
She was angry.
…
Sarah Swati leaned against the wall at the exit of the competitors’ passage, looking up at the confident Wit Gold on the platform with a slight frown.
The technique of “summoning with one hand and controlling the Mana Guidance Ball with the other” made her realize Wit Gold’s differences.
Her originally sure victory began to waver.
She shook her head and turned back into the passage, then adjusted her deck in the competitors’ rest area.
First, she replaced some unused mana cards.
This slightly weakened her deck’s strength but made it unpredictable for Wit Gold.
Then, she devised more strategies specifically targeting the blood snake.
Once her new deck was constructed, she started visualizing possible scenarios in her mind, preparing for the upcoming duel to make the fastest and most prepared responses in high-speed duels.
…
At this time, the “Golden Cup” points competition had already switched over.
The seniors returned to the stage and began their duels.
…
An hour later, under everyone’s watchful eyes, the finals of the “Silver Cup” finally began.
Wit Gold and Sarah Swati took the stage one after another!
Their supporters went wild, waving flags and shouting.
Ophelia Brad clenched her fingers, blessing her child.
Professor Shylph and Sister Carrian closely observed Wit Gold, just like Dark Demon.
…
“I will win.”
In the final match, carrying the confidence gained from his earlier victory, Wit Gold finally declared his triumph to Sarah Swati.
Sarah sneered and placed her deck in the card slot.
Shuffle!
…
[Battle Phase] [30s]
From the Standby Phase to the Battle Phase, the summoning voices of both contestants echoed throughout the arena.
Unnoticed, Wit, who had always been slightly behind Emma and Sarah, had caught up to them completely.
At the start of the duel, neither side drew a joker card. As mana cards were summoned one by one, a fierce battle reminiscent of thunderous lightning erupted on the field.
Audiences held their breath, watched intently, or cheered loudly, creating an incredibly intense atmosphere.
The “Silver Cup” only featured second-year events, making it seem like a novice tournament compared to larger events.
Previous years’ “Silver Cups” were relatively unremarkable, especially last year’s, where the overall level of second-year students was lower, making it particularly lackluster.
But this year’s “Silver Cup” reversed its fortunes, becoming spectacular.
The three contestants advancing to the top three each demonstrated astonishing abilities.
When the match reached its climax, some lamented that if a second-year student hadn’t withdrawn, they would have witnessed an even more thrilling duel.
However, others argued that the withdrawal of that person led to the current spectacle.
Otherwise, a one-sided slaughter wouldn’t be interesting.
Of course, some people said that the “Hero’s Child” with overwhelming momentum on the field had surpassed that person.
Even if that person hadn’t withdrawn, they might not have won against the “Hero’s Child.”
…
In this intense duel, Wit Gold gradually fell into a disadvantage… and even into a desperate situation!
The battle situation changed rapidly.
Because Sarah Swati had adjusted her deck, Wit Gold made mistakes in his temporary adjustments.
Sarah seized the opportunity, launching a fierce attack.
Wit could barely hold off with his multitasking skills.
But in this disadvantage, his Mana Guidance Ball still received multiple attacks, causing his Life Barrier’s mana value to plummet sharply.
Seeing him about to lose, his aura… changed.
With only a sliver of mana left, the Mana Guidance Ball, which was about to be shattered, suddenly accelerated, avoiding an unavoidable attack.
Wit Gold’s multitasking and Mana Guidance Ball control skills had improved significantly, to the point of jaw-dropping.
Thus, he managed to endure the adversity and reach the draw phase.
Then, the tide began to turn!
