Chapter 872 – Not Choosing Dark Demon? He’s a Second-Year!
“Truly arrogant!”
Mixed within the applause were Evan Pearson’s low mutterings.
Sitting beside him, Edwin Clarissa couldn’t help but reveal an amused smile.
From the moment Evan Pearson had asked him about Dark Demon, he had realized… the fun was about to begin!
As the daughter of the Valkyrie and the only Saint Son chosen by the Church over the past decade, if these two were to face off, it would undoubtedly be more exciting than the rumored duel between the Saint Son and the Hero’s Child.
Of course, Edwin Clarissa did not underestimate the Hero’s Child, but wasn’t he just that yet?
…
On the stage, after the applause gradually subsided, Judy Senior continued, “Not a reflection, but a thought. I wonder if Daimon has his own goals for this year’s Golden Cup. Would you mind sharing them?”
Dark thought for a moment and said, “Not one-and-done, even if I win.”
Judy Senior feigned a laugh, covering her mouth. “Daimon, you’re so humble. Have you never considered winning the Golden Cup outright?”
Dark seriously replied, “I’ve thought about it, but…”
Judy Senior curiously asked, “But what?”
Dark smiled. “Just a slip of sleep.”
Laughter filled both inside and outside the arena.
…
After the interview, Dark walked to the back and stood with the other two contestants waiting.
Next, the thirteenth contestant, Fifth-Year Noble Academy student Alvaraite, was invited onto the stage.
Alvaraite was usually witty and humorous, but in public, she always maintained a cold expression, speaking flawlessly and leaving no room for criticism—though also no charm. However, for those who loved her, seeing her speak was already enough.
Many people, indeed, liked her precisely for that demeanor.
As a star contestant in the second half of her fifth year, Alvaraite’s time on the Dueling Stage was limited, and her fans treasured every moment.
Therefore, Alvaraite’s introduction and interview also earned applause.
The situation continued similarly, with introductions and interviews proceeding in a highly enthusiastic atmosphere.
Contestants, whether modest or proud, confidently showcased themselves on the stage, sometimes delivering lines that elicited cheers or boos from the audience.
Of course, some genuine thoughts remained unsaid.
Even when Judy repeatedly asked if they aimed for the championship and who they most wanted to defeat, no one fell for it!
All participants in the Golden Cup except Dark were fourth-year students or higher. How could they possibly provoke trouble voluntarily?
Even if personal feelings led to enmity towards a particular contestant, such feelings would not be publicly declared.
If such statements were made prematurely and then failed, wouldn’t it be embarrassing?
Even the seemingly reckless Luke Beck, known as the Dragon Slayer, answered carefully.
Pandora Dragon, the top favorite for the championship, did not say she wanted the trophy delivered to her home.
This disappointed Judy greatly.
In this already lively atmosphere, the introduction and interview segment of the Golden Cup finally neared its end.
When the interview of the first-ranked fifth-year student concluded, Judy beamed and said, “That concludes the interviews. For those who wish to learn more about our contestants, you can purchase their handbooks and merchandise at each venue. There are also special items and themed cards available today! Lastly, please note that exclusive items will be discontinued after a contestant is eliminated. So, hurry to get them!”
No sooner had she finished than staff members wheeled product carts into the aisles, starting the sales immediately.
Sales were booming!
In the St. Maryan Dueling Hall in the capital city, Alvaraite bought a cartload of Dark’s exclusive merchandise, while Claire added some of Pandora’s.
Surprisingly, Prince Charles also bought quite a bit of Dark’s exclusive merchandise…
The bustling sales did not affect the opening ceremony’s progress.
After reading the advertisement, Judy flipped her hand, transforming her microphone into a wand. She waved it, and suddenly sixteen Mana Guidance Balls-sized cubes appeared in the sky.
Each cube displayed the contestants’ portraits and rankings on six sides.
Judy waved again, and the cubes flew above the heads of the sixteen contestants, slowly rotating.
Then, she retrieved the microphone and raised her voice slightly. “Today marks the first day of the main event of the Golden Cup, and it’s the most rigorous day. Today’s matches follow a single-elimination format. Half of the sixteen contestants entering the main event will be eliminated. The top eight will have the right to choose their opponents. This is the reward they deserve for their efforts in the scoring round. Before we proceed, let’s give the contestants five minutes to think.”
The rules of the Golden Cup were well-known through various posters and announcements, and the contestants had likely considered this beforehand.
The five-minute period was actually for the audience to shop…
Afterward, Judy picked up the microphone again and loudly announced, “Time’s up. Please welcome the first-ranked contestant from the Noble Academy, fifth-year student — Thunder Blade Torre Wozworth, to make the first selection!”
…
“Finally, it’s starting!”
Edwin Clarissa picked up a cup of tea from the nearby tray, sipping it elegantly.
Evan Pearson frowned slightly. “Is the first place very strong?”
Edwin Clarissa responded, “Probably. But he’s a rare loner among us fifth-years, rarely participating in group activities. It’s surprising he decided to join the Golden Cup this year, showing great focus. Perhaps he sees potential rewards in this year’s Golden Cup.”
Evan nodded. “I see. I wonder if he’ll choose Dark Demon?”
Edwin Clarissa looked at him and shook his head with a smile. “Unlikely, since his goal is to win. He’d pick the easiest target.”
Evan frowned. “Not Dark Demon? He’s a second-year!”
Edwin Clarissa smiled. “Isn’t the Saint Son also a second-year?”
Evan immediately closed his mouth.
…
“It looks like our Thunder Blade has made his choice. Let’s unveil the answer!”
Judy waved, and the cube floating above Torre Wozworth shot out, colliding with the remaining fifteen cubes above the other contestants.
The cube skipped from second to fifteenth, finally stopping and crashing into one.
“Boom!”
The two cubes collided, exploding into dazzling fireworks, and a projection appeared in the sky.
First Match: Torre Wozworth vs. Elijah Sheridan
Standing next to Elijah Sheridan, Dark seemed relieved, patting his chest. “Phew, lucky.”
“Close call,” Alvaraite winked at him.
Dark said, “Senior Wozworth is unpredictable. If he picks me, I might go one-and-done.”
Alvaraite glanced at another direction and whispered, “Second-place Regina isn’t weak either.”
Dark shrugged. “Then I can only hope she doesn’t notice me.”
“Haha.” Alvaraite chuckled, looking at Elijah Sheridan next to Dark.
Elijah Sheridan’s expression was quite grim.
As the fifteenth-ranked contestant in the Golden Cup’s qualifying round, unlike Mars Kerry, who surged unexpectedly, Elijah had steadily declined from a higher rank, barely holding his position.
Being seen as an easy target by Torre Wozworth was understandable, but Elijah refused to accept it.
As a fifth-year, Elijah knew Torre Wozworth, and if he could strategically counter in his deck, he believed he wasn’t without a chance.
After all, none here were weaklings; there was no reason to show weakness.
“Let’s settle this on the Dueling Stage!”
He steadied himself and stepped forward, standing alongside Elijah Sheridan under Judy’s encouragement.
Judy conducted a brief interview, then called out the second-ranked Regina Milton.
Regina, also a fifth-year, came from the Fool’s Academy.
In fact, the top three in the qualifying round were all fifth-years, and they seldom lost.
Among the sixth-years, only Luke Beck and Matthew Billbrom advanced to the main event.
Other strong sixth-years focused on their graduation projects and did not prioritize the Golden Cup.
After a brief consideration, Regina chose the last-ranked Mars Kerry.
Her choice seemed reasonable.
Mars, after being called out, accepted Regina’s choice along with an interview.
However, as a fourth-year, Mars showed a youthful arrogance!
He directly thanked Regina for her choice and declared his victory in advance.
At his words, the entire venue erupted!
Audiences preferred seeing contestants’ boldness rather than hiding their talents.
…
“Two down, third to go.”
Dark turned his head and saw Pandora Senior smiling.
He felt a chill, realizing his chances were slim.
If the top five didn’t pick him, the sixth-ranked Pandora would almost certainly choose him!
Facing Pandora Senior now, he might indeed go one-and-done.
Dark Demon needed a little face-saving.
His current goal was clear: survive the first round!
If he was chosen by the top five?
Only three would remain.
He quickly weighed his options.
Third place was Silas Andy, a fifth-year from the Mana Academy.
Silas Andy, a peer and classmate of Pandora’s, though overshadowed by her brilliance, was no pushover. His efforts had earned him a spot as the third-ranked contestant in the qualifying round.
Mana Academy students were notoriously tough opponents. If possible, Dark didn’t want to face him in the first round.
But looking down, he realized Silas was currently his best option.
Fourth place was Luke Beck, the Dragon Slayer.
Fifth place… a fourth-year but deputy leader of the Astrology Club!
The Astrology Club, also known as the Astronomy Club.
Someone who became deputy leader by fourth year was no ordinary opponent.
“Compared to the others, is fifth-year Silas Andy really the easiest to deal with?”
Dark tried to look past Pandora to see Silas’ reaction, but instead saw Luke’s smirk.
“When did I offend this sixth-year senior?”
A thought flashed through Dark’s mind as he noticed Silas Andy being called over by Judy.
Silas Andy, stepping out of the crowd, had average build and features, curly brown hair, freckles, and a monocle on his nose, clearly a student of the Mana Academy.
“Silas Andy, choose your opponent,” Judy handed the microphone to Silas Andy.
Silas Andy quickly and decisively named, “Dark Demon.”
Instantly, his cube flew toward Dark’s cube.
“Boom!”
The two cubes collided, bursting into colorful fireworks.
A clear projection appeared in the sky.
Third Match: Silas Andy vs. Dark Demon
…
