Chapter 398: Dark Demon’s Left and Right Cats (33/233)
In but an instant of attack and defense.
The “Bloodthirsty Snake Lord’s” “Entanglement” missed its mark.
After raising the sword higher, the “Solo Sword Sheath” unleashed an even more violent “Sword Dance,” stirring up a raging aura that blew the leaping “Bloodthirsty Snake Lord” away.
Subsequently, the aura of the “Solo Sword Sheath” intensified, and the enhancement of the “Sword Dance” reached its peak.
“Tick!”
The sound of the round change rang out.
Dark commanded sharply, “Solo Sword Sheath, slay it!”
“Clang!”
The “Solo Sword Sheath” violently shook its body, emitting a long cry.
Upon hearing this ear-splitting sword cry, the spectators felt their entire bodies energized, as if ignited with passion.
Amidst the intense fighting spirit, the “Solo Sword Sheath” accelerated downward!
“Bloodthirsty Snake Lord, dodge!”
Tom Nixon suddenly roared when he saw the situation turning bad.
But under the overwhelming power of the “Solo Sword Sheath’s” one-sword killing strike, how could the enhanced Bloodthirsty Snake Lord, at most to four stars, possibly evade?
In that moment,
A white light struck down, leaving a sharp trail in the air.
Before the “Bloodthirsty Snake Lord” could react, it was cut in two from head to toe by the white light!
“BOOM!”
Mana scattered.
The body of the “Bloodthirsty Snake Lord” exploded the instant it was split in half, completely transforming into mana particles.
This demon, which could absorb life through “Bloodthirst” and strengthen itself by injecting “Raging Blood Snake Venom,” was now thoroughly eliminated without even drawing a single drop of blood.
And this time, there was no magic spell card capable of reviving it.
…
Tom Nixon’s fingers trembled slightly; he had never expected such a heavy blow in the first round.
He did not draw any cards; instead, he immediately began a normal summoning spell to urgently call forth a second golem after realizing that the “Bloodthirsty Snake Lord” was beyond saving.
After the “Solo Sword Sheath” slew the “Bloodthirsty Snake Lord,” its aura slightly diminished, and the turbulent aura around the sword dissipated.
However, even without the “Sword Dance” boost, it remained a four-star golem with an attack power of 2200.
Thus, after a brief pause, it retreated slightly to gather strength for a flying thrust—targeting the blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball!
The blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball was within easy reach and unprepared, making it impossible to dodge this thrust.
Tom Nixon could only watch as the “Solo Sword Sheath” pierced the life barrier of the blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball, causing the mana value to plummet!
[Magic Value (Blue): 8000 – 5900]
But when the “Solo Sword Sheath” withdrew its sword, intending to strike again, Tom Nixon already had his hand free, flicking his fingers, sending the blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball soaring skyward.
Then, a white light descended, and a golem materialized from the light, appearing like a mass of mud with eyes rolling and turning beneath its wrinkled surface.
As the “Solo Sword Sheath” tried to accelerate and dodge, it was enveloped by the golem, sinking into the muck.
[Card Name: Corpse Rot Slime]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ???]
[Race: Undead]
[Attributes: Ghost Type/Poison Type]
[Mana: 1200]
[Attack: 800]
[Defense: 1600]
[Ultimate Skills: Corpse Rot Curse, Feigned Death]
Enclosed by the “Corpse Rot Slime,” the sword’s glow rapidly faded, leaving only the hilt struggling.
Unaware of the “Corpse Rot Slime,” Dark frowned immediately.
He tentatively called out, “Solo Sword Sheath?”
Immersed in the “mud,” the “Solo Sword Sheath” shuddered and suddenly burst into light, breaking through the resistance and emerging from the “Corpse Rot Slime.”
But the severed “Corpse Rot Slime” lunged forward again, fearless.
Before the “Solo Sword Sheath” could take off, it was once more enveloped by the “Corpse Rot Slime.”
Anger surged in the “Solo Sword Sheath,” its blade glowing brightly as it broke free a second time, slicing the “Corpse Rot Slime” into pieces!
Yet, the fragmented “Corpse Rot Slime” did not dissipate into light.
On the blue side’s platform, Tom Nixon showed clear joy, no longer watching the fierce battle but reaching for his deck, drawing two magic spell cards consecutively.
Elsewhere…
Dark had also drawn two magic spell cards for the second round.
Glancing between them, he felt a slight relief.
[“Huhu”]
[“Push Spell”]
Among these new magic spell cards, the “Push Spell” had a lower application level but was not entirely useless.
The appearance of “Huhu” brought him surprise.
He immediately started summoning “Huhu.”
While muttering the incantation, he kept his gaze on the field.
The “Meow Meow,” summoned in the first round, had already crossed half the field and entered the blue zone.
After slicing the “Corpse Rot Slime” into fragments, the “Solo Sword Sheath” flickered intermittently.
Dark was about to command the “Solo Sword Sheath” to pursue the blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball when he furrowed his brow.
The “Solo Sword Sheath’s” mana value hadn’t noticeably decreased, but something seemed wrong with its condition?
Just as he hesitated,
The fragments of the “Corpse Rot Slime” gathered as if with consciousness—they were resurrecting!
“Again?”
Dark was shocked, yet he continued summoning.
The “Huhu” magic spell card glowed, and the summoning light from the card fell onto the red side’s summoning area.
A golem resembling a turtle-like insect with a red hard shell materialized in the light.
Almost simultaneously,
The resurrected “Corpse Rot Slime” from the blue side rushed toward the “Solo Sword Sheath” once more.
With the speed of the “Solo Sword Sheath,” even without accelerating, it should have easily dodged such an attack.
Unexpectedly, it did not move at all and was immediately tackled to the ground by the “Corpse Rot Slime”!
“Clang!”
The sound of the sword hitting the ground echoed clearly.
Dark suddenly realized and shouted, “Meow Meow!”
“Meow!”
Meow Meow responded instantly, pushing off with its limbs and accelerating abruptly.
At that moment,
Tom Nixon on the blue side’s platform sneered, picking another magic spell card from his hand and saying coldly, “If you summon your core magic golem at the start, be prepared to face targeted attacks. Your sword is now useless!”
His voice reverberated throughout the arena, sparking discussions.
Those who knew about the “sacred nature” of the “Solo Sword Sheath” frowned deeply.
“It seems to be a type of curse with an effect upon death,” muttered Prince Charles.
One of his close advisors was puzzled, “Even so, can a curse from a three-star golem suppress a Holy Sword?”
Prince Charles smirked, “In fact, it already has been suppressed.”
…
“How could this happen?” asked the Big Princess.
But Claire dismissed it, saying, “A Holy Sword is only truly a Holy Sword in the hands of a hero. Similarly, a hero becomes a true hero with a Holy Sword. Throughout history, many Holy Swords have had high self-awareness, but have you ever heard of a Holy Sword saving the world?”
The Big Princess nodded subconsciously, then glanced at her side where the Duke clung tightly to a model of a white cat, repeatedly making small slashing motions.
She rolled her eyes and turned away.
…
In the arena,
On the red side’s platform,
After a brief shock, Dark speculated on the “Corpse Rot Slime’s” ultimate skill.
“This slime’s resurrection is different from the ‘Bloodthirsty Snake Lord’s’ zombification. It seems to be its inherent trait, similar to Sarah Swati’s ‘Dead Mummy’s’ ‘Feigned Death’ skill?”
“A golem with a ‘Feigned Death’ ultimate skill has two lives in battle.”
“Other similar skills include the ‘Nine Lives Cat Demon’s’ ‘Nine Lives,’ giving it nine lives, but this slime clearly does not have that.”
“And the ‘Solo Sword Sheath’ might have been cursed with a weakening type!”
With his thoughts clarified, Dark’s gaze sharpened.
Seeing Meow Meow rushing towards the blue side’s summoning area, he immediately ordered, “Meow Meow, draw your sword!”
“Meow!”
Without hesitation, Meow Meow plunged its claws into the decaying body of the “Corpse Rot Slime,” showing no fear towards the rolling eyes.
If it were “Eevee,” it would surely show great reluctance.
Dark felt relieved that the golem on the field was the evil-type Meow Meow. Once Meow Meow grabbed the hilt of the “Solo Sword Sheath,” he immediately infused mana into the “Solo Sword Sheath” card, prompting it to use “Weaponization”!
Weakened by the “Corpse Rot Curse,” the “Solo Sword Sheath” barely completed the “Weaponization.” The central eye on the guard slowly closed, as if entering a deep sleep.
Then, excitedly, Meow Meow exerted force, lifting
From the body of that “rotten slime,” it emerged!
“Meow!”
(“When the wheel of fortune turns, today it’s my turn.”)
The moment Meow received the “Holy Sword,” she felt a surge of power rush into her arm.
Dark used mana to inspect Meow’s Mana Spirit Card and immediately noticed its attack power had increased by 900 points.
“It seems that even after being cursed, the ‘Solo Sword Sheath’ still boosts attack.”
This was undoubtedly good news beyond expectations.
However, Meow was not a candidate for the title of “Brave Candidate” due to lacking “Hero Qualities.” Thus, she couldn’t activate the “Holy” effect of the Solo Sword Sheath nor fully utilize the ultimate skills “Slash Combo” and “Sword Dance.”
Under these circumstances, even attempting to activate the “Holy” effect to dispel the curse was difficult.
But at this point, there was no other choice.
“Meow, send it off one more time!”
…
Following the command, Meow raised the “Holy Sword” high and struck the “rotten slime” fiercely.
Even if this strike didn’t kill it, it would inflict severe damage.
If successful, it might trigger another “Death Speech.”
Dark quickly thought and began summoning a “Trash Slime.”
With “Huhu” in hand, the “Trash Slime” had a place to reside.
Once summoned onto the shell of “Huhu,” it could instantly crawl inside.
Then, regardless of which second-tier Mana Spirit was summoned next, it could be used as part of the sacrifice.
But Meow’s decisive strike did not hit.
The “rotten slime” suddenly transformed into light and shot upward!
Dark’s eyebrows twitched; he immediately noticed the Mana Spirit Card in Tom Nixon’s hand glowing brightly!
…
On the blue side’s competitor platform.
Tom’s mind quickly calmed down, and he held up his Mana Spirit Card, chanting loudly: “The day when the dead return to life, the time when the dead return to life, two souls returning from the underworld, sing the duet of souls — Ritual Summon!”
[Card Name: Duet of Souls]
[Type: Secret Rite Card]
[Effect: In battle, complete two consecutive resurrections with a short interval. Use one of the resurrected lives as a sacrifice to special summon — Soul Burier!]
…
“Another secret ritual summon!”
Dark’s thoughts turned rapidly, recalling the final summon of Elsie Kevin during that duel.
The so-called “Ritual Summon” involves calling forth special Mana Spirits through “Secret Rite Cards.”
The prerequisite for such summons is fulfilling specific “ritual” conditions.
Some rituals are very demanding, yet they may summon powerful and bizarre Mana Spirits.
Those with lower difficulty rituals typically summon weaker Mana Spirits.
Though Dark did not know what Tom’s “Secret Rite Card” was, the difficulty of his ritual was clearly high.
“Is this the peak strength among third-year students?”
A sudden thought flashed through Dark’s mind.
Tom Nixon’s system in this duel differed significantly from the one he used against Maly Bond, leaving Dark completely uncertain about his true capabilities.
One didn’t know what level of Mana Spirit this ritual summon would bring forth.
His question was soon answered.
…
A bone claw, pale and devoid of flesh, stretched out from the ritual summon array, as if crawling out from the abyss, supporting itself and emerging from the summoning circle.
Its skull bore traces of blood, draped in tattered black robes whose hems dragged on the ground, hiding its hovering feet.
In its hand, a skeleton scythe emitting a crimson aura made it resemble a grim reaper.
Yet, it was not a grim reaper but a concept-based life from the underworld — “Soul Burier!”
Upon its appearance, an extremely cold aura erupted, causing Meow to shiver.
[Card Name: Soul Burier]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ????]
[Race: Undead]
[Attribute: Ghost/Dark]
[Mana: 2500]
[Attack: 2400]
[Defense: 1000]
[Ultimate Skills: Reaper’s Scythe, Soul Burial]
Five-star Mana Spirit!
A five-star Mana Spirit summoned in the second round!
Zach Wilson on the commentary platform tried to break the eerie silence with a loud voice.
After successfully summoning “Soul Burier,” Tom Nixon picked another Mana Spirit Card.
He deliberately showed the card face towards Dark before rotating it back.
In front of the competitors’ platform, the giant card projected flipped accordingly.
Dark finally saw the Mana Spirit Card’s face.
Immediately, his heart sank.
Tom Nixon’s display of the Mana Spirit Card was a serious provocation, and the card indeed posed a challenge.
It was a secret rite card — “Dual Death’s Lament”!
[Card Name: Dual Death’s Lament]
[Type: Secret Rite Card]
[Effect: Triggers immediately upon the death of an undead, retaliating against the killer.]
A typical “Death Speech” series secret rite card.
Limited to undead considered already dead.
Searches for the death of an undead and retaliates.
Notably, the retaliation’s power might be significant, but it would be included in Tom’s deck, implying it wasn’t weak.
This likely belonged to the same type of Mana Spirit Card as the “Mana Nightmare Demon” with “Same Life.”
Generally, this type of Mana Spirit Card should be used as a “Trap,” otherwise, it can easily be avoided.
“Is Tom Nixon’s deliberate display of this Mana Spirit Card a sign of overconfidence or some other purpose?”
…
While Dark briefly pondered, “Soul Burier” and “Meow” had already engaged in combat.
A five-star Mana Spirit versus a three-star Mana Spirit.
But under the influence of the “Solo Sword Sheath,” Meow’s attack power rose to 2400 points, matching the attack value of “Soul Burier.”
“Soul Burier’s” defense was only 1000, close to Meow’s defense of 900.
Two Mana Spirits differing by two stars were surprisingly evenly matched in their initial clash.
…
And so the second round passed.
“Drip.”
…
At the start of the third round, Dark remained puzzled.
Tom Nixon quickly drew cards.
From Dark’s delayed response in drawing cards, he knew his “psychological tactics” had succeeded.
“First-year students, even if their Mana Spirit Cards are strong, lack experience in duels. Simply showing a seemingly useful Mana Spirit Card can distract them, wasting their energy.”
Tom Nixon glanced at his newly acquired Mana Spirit Cards and immediately selected one for summoning.
Immediately, a new Mana Spirit appeared in his blue summoning area.
It was a lion with red skin, bat wings, and a single horn on its head!
[Card Name: Bloodwing Lion King]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ???]
[Race: Avian-beast Kin]
[Attribute: Evil]
[Mana: 1300]
[Attack: 1500]
[Defense: 1400]
[Ultimate Skill: Blood Rage]
A three-star blue card with a single ultimate skill.
Similar to the standard three-star “Gigant.”
However, the winged “Bloodwing Lion King” could fly into the sky, chasing the Mana Guidance Ball!
This newly summoned “Bloodwing Lion King” indeed charged straight into the red summoning zone, ignoring Meow who was entangled with “Soul Burier.”
In the red summoning zone, only one Mana Spirit was currently defending.
That Mana Spirit’s obvious sluggishness had been exposed in previous matches.
Tom knew that if he let “Bloodwing Lion King” bypass it without any interference— even if it triggered an ultimate skill, staying far away—it wouldn’t be attacked.
Should Dark feel threatened and use mana to remotely control the Mana Guidance Ball into the air, “Bloodwing Lion King” could relentlessly pursue him until the victory was secured.
…
A clear path to victory.
Assuming Dark didn’t respond.
…
On the red side’s competitor platform.
Though delayed, Dark still drew two new Mana Spirit Cards.
[Spell Cage: Imp]
[Big Milk Jar]
The appearance of these Mana Spirit Cards instantly steadied Dark.
The appearance of [Spell Cage: Imp] meant he could now use “Bliss III” drawn at the beginning to summon the long-awaited “Black Diarumon.”
Afterward, if he drew “Deoxys” and “Fusion,” he had a chance to summon the ultimate ace — “Bastemon”!
The appearance of [Big Milk Jar] meant he could immediately perform a sacrificial summon of the second-tier steel fortress — “Big Milk Jar.”
Despite the delay caused by Dark
Rarely was the “Big Milk Jar” unnoticed in formal duels.
Yet, even by discarding its hard-to-utilize “Roll,” the Big Milk Jar possessed an extremely long-lasting super-defense ultimate skill—”Round Up!”
Once “Round Up” was activated, the Big Milk Jar’s defense could increase from 2000 to 3000 points, effectively ignoring any attacks from mana spirits below the third tier.
Even if the opponent used a high-power ultimate skill to lower its HP, with its 2000 mana value and the ultimate skill “Drink Milk,” which could recover half of its mana, it could still stand firm.
With “Huhu the Trickster” assisting, the Red Mana Guidance Ball was virtually safe.
“The key points to note in a mana duel are attack and defense!”
“When the attack is hindered, then prioritize building up the defense!”
Dark swiftly focused his eyes and immediately summoned [Curse Cage: Imp Beast]…
Therefore, when the “Blood Wing Lion King” crossed the halfway mark, Dark had already summoned the Imp Beast.
…
Tom Nixon, upon seeing the Imp Beast, grimaced and immediately changed tactics: “Blood Wing Lion King, attack that Imp!”
Anyone who had watched Dark’s matches would surely remember the Imp Beast’s “Evolution.”
Just as the “Blood Wing Lion King” crossed the halfway point, perhaps it could be eliminated before it evolved!
After receiving new orders, the “Blood Wing Lion King” immediately spread its blood-red bat wings and flew up with a single step.
“Blood Rage!”
Tom Nixon felt it wasn’t enough and calmly issued a second command.
The “Blood Wing Lion King” immediately used its only ultimate skill; blood began to seep out from its skin, and a frenzied aura burst forth.
Then, its flight speed suddenly skyrocketed!
…
Audience members who could see the mana cards noticed the “Blood Wing Lion King’s” mana value rapidly decreasing. They instantly understood the ultimate skill “Blood Rage.”
This was clearly an ultimate skill that strengthened itself at the cost of life.
Such “suicidal” ultimate skills generally had stronger effects than ordinary enhancement-type ultimate skills.
The “Blood Wing Lion King’s” enhancement effect was very noticeable.
The Imp Beast, confused when summoned, saw a blood-drenched lion flying toward it.
Instinctively, it turned its head to seek help.
But all it received was its owner’s overly serious gaze.
“Got it.”
The Imp Beast instantly realized it had to rely on itself.
So, it unhesitantly dived downward, defying convention!
Because below, it had its most reliable family—”Huhu!”
…
“Save me!”
After countless pleas for help in its heart, the Imp Beast flew near Huhu just before the “Blood Wing Lion King” could bite its rear.
Huhu, ready and waiting, suddenly glowed with psychic energy in its eyes.
Ultimate skill—”Defense Split!”
The Imp Beast’s defense instantly rose from a pitiful 100 points to 1150 points!
Ultimate skill—”Power Split!”
The “Blood Wing Lion King’s” attack instantly dropped from 1500 points to 750 points.
Even with the boost from “Blood Rage,” its attempt to bite the Imp Beast barely scratched its skin.
“O（≧口≦）O ah!”
The Imp Beast immediately accelerated in its cry and escaped the lion’s mouth.
The “Blood Wing Lion King,” shocked by the sudden softening of its body, froze mid-air for a moment.
Then, a pink light shone down.
The “Blood Wing Lion King,” caught in the peripheral light, instantly flushed red, with blood rushing through its veins, increasing its bleeding.
When Tom Nixon was utterly surprised, the Imp Beast was finally enveloped by the light of “Bliss III.”
Its skull pattern on its forehead instantly transformed into the “Bliss” emblem, and its entire body glowed pink, undergoing a drastic change in its life structure.
As the light faded and it descended, it had become a black-furred cat—”Black Diarumon!”
[Card Name: Black Diarumon]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ????]
[Race: Demon race]
[Attribute: Dark]
[Mana: 1500]
[Attack: 1900]
[Defense: 900]
[Ultimate Skills: Kitty Punch, Dangerous Love]
Upon landing, the Black Diarumon let out a roar that didn’t match the “Bliss.”
Then, it jumped off the ground and grabbed the “Blood Wing Lion King’s” wings, flipping up angrily.
Driven by a strong desire for revenge, it lashed out with a fatal claw at the “Blood Wing Lion King” that had bitten it!
Like the Diarumon, Black Diarumon’s claws were invincible, though not blessed by the Sacred Ring.
However, with its attack power still at 1900, the “Blood Wing Lion King” paid a heavy price.
“Aoow!”
Unable to reach the spine, the “Blood Wing Lion King” was helpless in its cries and was scratched to death by Black Diarumon!
When its body turned into light, Tom Nixon’s expression subtly stiffened.
…
“Drip! Drip!”
“Battle Phase (4)” [30s]
…
“In the name of Tom Nixon, Mana Summoning!”
At the instant of switching rounds, Tom Nixon completed another mana summon.
This was actually a technique.
Summoning at this moment could effectively disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.
Tom Nixon did not do this deliberately.
The death of the “Blood Wing Lion King” left him in a bind because he no longer had any first-tier mana spirit cards to normally summon.
If he couldn’t draw a new first-tier mana spirit card in this fourth round, he would struggle to play effectively later.
But he had no time to worry about it now.
After killing the “Blood Wing Lion King,” Black Diarumon immediately rushed towards the Blue Zone.
If it met with “Meow Meow,” his “Soul Burier” might fall behind.
He must inflict significant damage on the sword-wielding “Meow Meow” before Black Diarumon arrived.
So, Tom Nixon activated the magic card he had previously held—”Mysterious Snake!”
In an instant…
From the black light emitted by his mana card, numerous mysterious serpents like dark fog surged out, diving down from five meters above and biting the “Meow Meow” engaged in fierce combat with “Soul Burier.”
Both mana spirits had already used their ultimate skills during their trembling.
“Meow Meow” attempted to use the ultimate skill “Thief” to steal the “Soul Burier’s” scythe, but failed.
The scythe was part of the “Soul Burier’s” body and couldn’t be stolen.
Thus, “Meow Meow’s” “Thief” only removed its tattered black robe, which was casually thrown on the ground.
Without the robe, the “Soul Burier” revealed its entire skeletal structure, both inside and out.
Under Tom Nixon’s command, it used its ultimate skill—”Scythe of the Dead,” imbuing its scythe with the effect of “spirit shock.”
Being struck by the scythe imbued with “Scythe of the Dead” would make one feel like they were in hell, experiencing shock, fear, and despair.
But “Meow Meow’s” ultimate skill “Master Craftsman” made it extra nimble when using items, far surpassing “Soul Burier,” never being hit once.
Though “Solo Sword Sheath” endured the “Corpse Rot Curse,” it still blocked the effect of “Scythe of the Dead,” keeping “Meow Meow” safe.
But this time, the appearance of “Mysterious Snake” broke the balance.
Dozens of dark mist condensed into mysterious snakes surged forward, terrifying “Meow Meow” into blocking the scythe with a sword and retreating sharply.
But the “Mysterious Snakes” were extremely fast, and one bit its right shoulder, causing darkness to seep out.
Then, the nearby nerve tissue suddenly went out of control.
Its right arm holding the sword trembled wildly, fingers unable to grip, and “Solo Sword Sheath” slipped from its grasp.
“Meow Meow’s” expression changed dramatically, but it reacted quickly, immediately using its left hand to grab the sword, swinging it to block the scythe’s follow-up strike.
If it were someone else, their left hand strength wouldn’t match their dominant hand.
But “Meow Meow” was different.
“Meow Meow,” capable of drawing squares with its right hand and circles with its left, continued to wield the “Holy Sword” flawlessly.
However, the “Mysterious Snake” on the ground did not dissipate but crawled over, biting at its feet ferociously!
“Miao miao miao!”
“Meow Meow” stomped its feet repeatedly, trying to flee, but a toe was bitten while entangled by “Soul Burier.”
Its face instantly paled, knowing its fate.
The chance to shine was slipping away from its fingertips.
