Chapter 866: Dark Demon and the Benevolent Archbishop
Evan Pearson looked deeply at Audrey Jeane for a moment before saying, “Since you’re here, let’s take a look.”
Dark Demon smiled slightly and gave Aurora a meaningful glance. Then, he led Evan Pearson and Tommy Smith out of the encirclement.
Their actions were just as captivating to the onlookers as Audrey Jeane’s group.
In a blink, half of the people broke away from the circle and followed Dark Demon and the others towards the back garden.
There, Wit Gold was running excitedly towards them with some second-year boys from the Knight Academy.
He had thought that going to the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints meant he wouldn’t see the Saint Son and Saint Maiden again, but he hadn’t expected them to arrive so early.
When Dark Demon sent him a message via the Professor Card, he was already very excited. Hearing about the Saint Maiden only heightened his excitement, making him run over eagerly.
After all, for boys his age, the Saint Maiden was always more appealing than the Saint Son.
Unfortunately, before he could even enter the back garden, Dark Demon caught him in the act.
“This is truly a fortunate coincidence,” Dark Demon said with a smile, stepping forward to meet Wit.
But when Wit saw the radiant smile on his face, it made him feel cold inside.
His gaze instinctively shifted, and he happened to see Saint Son Evan Pearson behind Dark Demon. His heart stirred, and he stepped forward to ask, “Evan Pearson?”
Evan Pearson narrowed his eyes slightly and replied, “Wit Gold?”
“Indeed, it’s me.” Wit straightened up subconsciously and extended his hand to the Saint Son. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Pleasure’s mine.” Evan Pearson walked forward and shook hands with the Hero’s Child.
By then, everyone around had gathered closer. Dark Demon subtly moved half a step to the side, transforming himself from a central figure to an observer.
Following the collision between the Saint Maiden and the top student of the Knight Academy, the Saint Son also collided with the Hero’s Child from the same academy.
The spectators were delighted, hoping for an even more intense clash between them.
Ideally… they wanted a full-blown fight!
…
“Hey, Dark.”
Dark took a step back and heard Tudor’s soft whisper from behind.
Tudor asked in a low voice, “Why do you always hog everything? Don’t you think about your brothers who are almost dying of thirst?”
“Sorry, Tudor,” Dark chuckled softly. “It was unexpected.”
Tudor stepped forward with great interest, observing the Saint Son while saying, “So that’s the Saint Son? He looks like one of us from the Noble Academy.”
Dark responded, “After all, he is a noble’s son.”
Tudor complained further, “But why does the Saint Son and Saint Maiden always clash with students from the Knight Academy? They’re always getting big points!”
Dark shook his head and did not continue to respond.
At the center, after the Saint Son Evan Pearson politely greeted everyone, he finally revealed his true intentions: “Ever since I heard that the Hero’s son was also my classmate, I’ve been eager to meet you. Unfortunately, we were separated by different schools, which was a regret. When Chief Archbishop Norris asked if I wanted to be an exchange student here, I agreed without hesitation. But I never imagined you would also be an exchange student here!”
Wit said, “Actually, I didn’t want…”
Dark interrupted with a cough, “Representing the school, I have no choice.”
“Indeed, the next generation of heroes!” Evan Pearson remarked. “I grew up hearing tales of heroes, especially admiring Hero Bret. When I learned he had a son, I was thrilled.”
Wit smiled, “Is that so? I’ve always been proud of my father too.”
Evan Pearson’s lips curled, “But there’s something I’ve always been puzzled about.”
Wit replied, “Please say.”
Evan Pearson narrowed his eyes and whispered, “If the title of Hero is granted by the Church of the Saints, why does the Hero’s son attend Saint Maryann Academy?”
Wit was momentarily stunned.
He had never considered this question before.
But when asked, he instinctively replied, “Perhaps because I only received an invitation from Saint Maryann Academy?”
Evan Pearson’s tone faltered. He had assumed Wit would answer, “Because my father attended Saint Maryann Academy,” but instead, he got such a straightforward response.
This threw off Evan Pearson’s prepared remarks, leaving him speechless for a moment.
Wit, however, warmly continued, “Forget about that. It’s rare to meet like this. Let’s get to know each other better. My classmates are very curious about you. Speaking of which, what makes you different from ordinary people? I don’t see any difference… Ah, sorry, I’ve been a bit blunt lately. It’s not like me!”
“Hmm.” Evan Pearson’s voice suddenly rose as he spoke to Wit, “So, Hero’s child! Are you brave enough to duel with me?”
“Ah, this.” Wit’s tone became more reserved, “That’s quite a leap, friend. But if you really want to duel, I won’t refuse. However, there are rules. Since we’re at Saint Maryann Academy, you must follow our rules. What do you think?”
Evan Pearson replied coldly, “Naturally.”
Wit nodded and said, “Good. Show me your Selection Card. How much are you betting?”
Evan Pearson instinctively asked, “What bet? Bet on evil, how can it work?”
Wit explained, “When challenging someone, you must be willing to put something on the line. Our school regulations require that duels between students must involve at least 100 credits. If you can’t pay 100 credits, I won’t duel with you here.”
Evan Pearson couldn’t argue and could only frown, “Are there no other ways?”
Wit glanced at Dark, who was watching the scene, and said, “There are ways. With a professor’s permission, we can even rent a formal arena. But that would elevate the significance of the duel…”
Evan Pearson interrupted, “Since we only need to consult a professor, let’s go find Vice Principal Shylph together. She will surely grant permission.”
Wit silently looked at his face for a long time before saying, “No need. I can ask another professor.”
He pretended to take out his Selection Card and said, “The professor has agreed. Arena number one should be free. We can go there.”
Evan Pearson, though suspicious, didn’t press further and said, “Lead the way.”
…
The crowd shifted focus as the Hero’s Child and the Saint Son moved toward Arena Number One.
Dark stood still, watching as the onlookers gathered and started excited discussions, all eager for the confrontation. He knew that his role as a guide could take a break now.
As the crowd gradually thinned, he raised his hand, and the little Imp Beast fell onto his palm from the sky.
“Hehehe!” The little Imp Beast laughed得意地笑了一声.
Dark asked, “Ready?”
The little Imp Beast nodded immediately, “The Mana Guidance Ball is ready.”
Dark teased its chin and asked, “What do you think of that Saint Son?”
The little Imp Beast shook its head, “A nasty aura.”
Dark commented, “Indeed, their attributes don’t match. Do you think they came here specifically to make the Saint Son duel with Wit?”
The little Imp Beast said, “Not likely.”
Dark agreed, “Me neither. But perhaps this is indeed one of the reasons? Evan Pearson seems very eager to duel Wit. Is he trying to prove something?”
The little Imp Beast grinned, “Isn’t he a big fan of Hero Bret?”
Dark chuckled, “Let’s go and see.”
…
Arena Number One.
After all this time, the news that the exchange students from the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints had arrived spread widely.
Some went to watch the literary duel between the Saint Maiden and Emma, while others came here to watch the martial duel between the Saint Son and Wit.
When Dark calmly entered the Arena, a senior student stepped forward to serve as the referee, while Wit and Evan Pearson took their positions on the red and blue sides of the Competitors’ Platform.
Dark found a bench near the entrance and sat down, keeping a distance and observing from afar.
Although the Mana Duel was a “martial duel,” it wouldn’t cause real harm to the participants.
As for who would win… although he was on Wit’s side, he wouldn’t mind if Wit lost.
But as the duelists took their positions, the atmosphere suddenly turned tense.
It seemed many people cared deeply about the outcome of this duel.
Nobody wanted a newcomer to win on the first day in such a duel.
However, the students of Saint Maryann Academy maintained high standards, showing no obvious hostility.
Wit and Evan Pearson continued their conversation after taking their positions.
Despite their seemingly calm words, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
When even the referee felt the conversation couldn’t continue, Wit abruptly changed his tone just before the whistle, “Professors always tell us, friendship first, competition second. The purpose of a duel isn’t to win, but to understand each other and bring smiles to everyone. May our friendship last!”
Evan Pearson’s eyes flashed, “Thank you.”
The whistle blew as soon as he finished speaking.
The countdown for the Standby Phase appeared above the heads of both duelists.
At that moment, both players drew their cards.
The duel began!
…
The start of the duel was abrupt.
But its progression was swift.
Two young men meeting for the first time, engaging in a “friendship-promoting” duel without knowing anything about each other.
From his vantage point outside, Dark Demon noticed an elderly man beside him.
He didn’t turn to look; he confirmed the man’s identity simply by sensing the Light Aura emanating from him.
The contemporary Chief Archbishop of the Church of the Saints, Caleb Norris!
Caleb Norris’s arrival was unexpected.
Even the sensitive little Imp Beast didn’t detect his approach until he sat down beside Dark.
Only then did the peaceful Light Aura gradually spread.
“Who do you think will win?” Caleb Norris asked, unusually friendly, after sitting down.
Dark narrowed his eyes and replied, “Before asking a question, introducing oneself is the simplest courtesy.”
Caleb Norris paused noticeably but then said, “It’s been a long time since anyone spoke to me like that.”
Dark casually replied, “Then you should be careful. That usually means you’ve distanced yourself from the crowd.”
Caleb Norris slowly said, “One must reach higher ground to see further.”
Dark asked, “Aren’t you cold?”
Caleb Norris replied, “The hearts converging at the highest point give me warmth.”
Dark said, “I see. I always thought the Church existed to spread the gospel and warm the faithful. I guess I misunderstood. But if you take away the warmth of the faithful, aren’t you worried they’ll freeze?”
Caleb Norris slowly turned his head to look at the young man’s profile.
This was the first time he observed the youth so closely since noticing his unusual behavior.
He slightly retracted his usual benevolent demeanor and slowly said, “Frozen bones will become burning fuel, clearing thorns and lighting the path. For the sake of many, to forge a brighter future.”
Dark said, “Those who gather firewood for others cannot freeze in the snow; those who clear paths cannot be trapped by thorns.”
Caleb Norris replied, “Those who dedicate themselves to light and sacrifice for the sacred will be redeemed and elevated. They will no longer be cold, they will no longer be hungry, they will embrace joy, they will embrace the divine grace.”
Dark suddenly asked, “Did he leave a positive review?”
…
After a while, the old man asked, “How do you explain?”
Dark said, “Without a customer feedback system, you must have done surveys. Otherwise, how would you know their feelings?”
Caleb Norris replied, “It’s written in the Scriptures.”
Dark asked, “Were they already dead before the Scriptures were written?”
Caleb Norris, eyes half-closed, slowly said, “I am Caleb Norris, the Chief Archbishop of the Church of the Saints.”
Dark said, “Second year, Noble Academy, Dark Demon.”
…
…
[Vote +]
