Dekan’s opponent couldn’t even see his back.
After arriving at the southern countries’ territory, the group switched to a magic-powered rail vehicle.
Inside the spacious carriage, the Beautiful Soul Squad and the idol group could sit far apart from each other.
Everyone seemed more at ease.
Dekan was especially embarrassed because three people who knew Little Gray’s true identity had witnessed his mortifying moment.
But he was, after all, the producer.
Given enough time, the embarrassment would naturally fade.
Only Chloix, even though separated, felt somewhat restless.
He wanted to talk to Judith about something.
But he also thought the scene wasn’t appropriate.
“Chloix, rest assured. After we reach the Philovin Kingdom, with such a great festival atmosphere, I will definitely help you and Judith reconcile.”
Dekan looked at his close friend seriously while saying this.
Actually, Chloix and Judith hadn’t quarrelled.
They just lacked the opportunity to clarify things while spending time together.
Chloix helplessly smiled and nodded.
To him, the most reliable person in the world was Dekan.
But the one with the most uncertain factors was also Dekan.
Let’s hope everything goes smoothly.
The three days of the journey passed in a flash.
Soon, they would arrive at their destination, the Philovin Kingdom’s capital city.
Most of the time in Dekan’s travel schedule, he would be seen reading a book.
This time, everyone noticed Dekan clutching a thick book for a long time.
“What are you reading, meow?”
Teacher Cat hopped onto Dekan’s knees and tapped on the book to inquire.
On the cover, it clearly read “Philovin Kingdom Code.”
“You damn cat!”
Readings codes such books could be seen as diligent learning.
But if the reader is Dekan, the meaning changes.
“What are you thinking? The feature of this country is its strict legal code. Even as visitors, we need to pay extra attention.”
Dekan raised the book and gently tapped Teacher Cat’s head.
“So do you really need to read every line like that, meow…”
Teacher Cat was now convinced that Dekan wasn’t reading the code with the intention of learning.
Moreover, no traveler would read an entire legal code as if conducting scientific research before visiting another country!
It looked exactly like someone was up to no good!
Seemingly noticing that everyone’s gaze was becoming strange, Dekan cleared his throat twice and put away the code.
He then helplessly took out intelligence about the other participating contestants from the various countries obtained earlier with Alice’s assistance.
Seeing Dekan behaving normally again, everyone relaxed and went about their own business.
Dekan, looking at this intelligence, began to frown.
Most of the strong opponents were at least of the seventh tier with some reaching the eighth tier.
What’s more, when going up against specialized individuals like Dekan, their strategy would be filled with counter-measures.
For example, besides the “Pain Sensation Block,” they could even bring “Frenzy” to lower pain as a backup.
At the same time, they would not give Dekan the opportunity to use his secondary system, the “Mana Evaporation Flow.”
Dekan was freshly promoted to the fifth rank after clearing the seventh-tier Shadow World and hadn’t had enough time to produce many new cards, let alone develop a third system.
If he wanted to surprise his opponents, he could only rely on the fourth-tier Sister Card created and hidden afterward, and his new fifth-tier spell card.
One-on-one competitive duels.
In reality, this was the least advantageous battle mode for Dekan.
To be honest, even if Dekan wanted to win, he could basically only go all out in the first match to secure a win.
His “initial surprise attack” was almost unbeatable.
But.
Those tricks against the underhanded tactics could not be reused.
Even for the second duel, it would be a hell mode for Dekan.
To reach the championship, he would need to utilize his wisdom.
However, the good news was that as a seeded player, Dekan could skip the qualifying round and start directly from the round of 16.
This meant Dekan needed to win four consecutive matches to aim for the championship, and at the award ceremony, ask the astrologer a question.
“Dekan, this time, I’m going to bet all my money on you winning!”
Alice said cheerfully.
After knowing Dekan for so long, she believed a serious Dekan was invincible!
Imagine the Bishop of Pain from the Rebirth Church participating in the hero festival under legal identity — it would be so stable as to be reassuring!
“Um? Alice, I must remind you that in the laws of the Philovin Kingdom, betting on such competitions is illegal. Although it’s highly unlikely to be found out, it’s better not to take the risk because it’s too dangerous. Moreover, the punishment for tax evasion in this country is very severe. Do not buy smuggled goods indiscriminately.”
Dekan looked at Alice seriously while saying this.
Alice: “Ah?”
“So, be cautious of fraud and stay away from gambling.”
Mia rarely chimed in with a warning on the side.
Dekan furrowed his brows, feeling that Mia was subtly mocking him and another person.
Thus, Dekan added: “Also, be careful of dangerous potions.”
“Alright, alright…”
Alice pouted and mumbled.
Everyone seemed to have full confidence in Dekan, except Chloix who looked slightly worried.
“Dekan, how can I help you this time?”
Chloix asked.
In past battles against strong enemies, basically, Chloix and Dekan teamed up.
This time, he didn’t know if Dekan would find it difficult to face an eighth-tier opponent alone.
On another note, the competition this time would activate the Man-made Shadow World Initiation Device 2.0, fixing many issues from the original version.
Moreover, the “Demon Seal” will be invalid; it won’t be possible to turn a living person into a summoned creature using this method, nor will it be possible to enter the Shadow World in a summoned state to participate in the duel.
“You don’t need to worry, this tournament will mainly feature a few troubling opponents. Just analyze them thoroughly.”
Dekan flipped through the materials while saying earnestly.
“That’s good…”
Suddenly, Chloix’s eyes widened.
Because he noticed most of the information in the materials Dekan held was not about the combat characteristics of the strong opponents.
Rather, it revolved around the life experiences and personal interests of these opponents!
Chloix couldn’t help but twitch his mouth.
He instantly understood.
Dekan’s battle.
Could possibly have already started…
…
A week later.
Because the group arrived at the Philovin Kingdom neither early nor too late, they just managed to catch the opening ceremony of the Hero Festival the next day.
The qualification rounds for the main events would begin in the following days.
Meanwhile, there would be various performances and entertainment programs.
The three members of the idol group indeed seized the opportunity, and their popularity soared uncontrollably.
At the request of the organizers, they began adding more shows and participating in a series of events.
So only Alice and the members of the Beautiful Soul Squad had more leisure time to enjoy the trip, while the idol group’s vacation turned into overtime.
The Round of 16 elimination matches would start tomorrow.
Dekan would also face his first battle.
Opposing him would be the seventh-tier summoner Pultra from the northern Taryatli Kingdom.
Each participant was basically the strongest competitor of their respective kingdoms who met the age limit.
Thus, even though Pultra was of the seventh tier, he was far above the ordinary seventh-tier users.
Even if faced with some weaker eighth-tier users, Pultra could stand a fighting chance due to attribute suppression effects.
…
In the stately mansion.
Even though the outside sky was pitch black, and the upstairs rooms showed no light, the downstairs living room still had lamps lit.
This was the large mansion arranged by the Kingdom Union for the delegation of the Norton Kingdom.
It was spacious enough to house the Beautiful Soul Squad and the idol group, with plenty of rooms left over.
The idol group was tired and had retired to rest early.
Only Teacher Cat and Mia Alice were chatting in the living room.
However, the three powerhouses of the Beautiful Soul Squad had disappeared.
“Are those three off causing trouble, meow?”
Teacher Cat recalled the notorious trio of the Norton Capital who used to stake out Rebirth Church followers. He had a feeling the shadows would reappear in Philovin.
“Be more confident; change the question to a statement.”
Mia said with nonchalance.
“Really daring, Dekan-meow?!”
Teacher Cat knew Dekan must be trying to cause trouble.
After all, tomorrow’s opponent was strong for Dekan, and he could fight, but it would definitely mean revealing some bottom cards.
Therefore, it would be more advantageous for Dekan if he could avoid fighting.
But Teacher Cat thought Dekan wouldn’t dare to try some foul play this time.
The competition rules clearly emphasized that those who deliberately harm their opponents or hinder them from participating normally would be disqualified if discovered.
In such tight security conditions in the capital city, any moves would trigger the detection system of the city protective barrier quickly.
So it was almost impossible to attempt to ambush and kill a seventh-tier expert before the match.
Mia shook her head.
“Dekan wouldn’t possibly attempt such idiocy. Even the Bishop from the Rebirth Church couldn’t leave any traces by assaulting the opponent within this town’s barriers.”
However, Alice seemed to have full trust in Dekan.
She believed Dekan was invincible, and there was nothing to worry about!
In the run-up to the Heroes’ Festival, whether in terms of buzz or controversial topics, Dekan alone almost monopolized half of the attention.
Even after the knockout round schedule was announced, no one dared to predict the winner in Dekan’s half-section.
This guy really lacked strength in one-on-one fights.
But his unpredictability could also not be underestimated.
There even started a saying: “No regular method can win against Dekan.”
“By the way, have you heard? A legend has been spreading in the capital recently. After the Heroes’ Festival starts, you might encounter a mysterious merchant late at night! He has all sorts of magical Epic Cards! If you’re lucky, you can buy dreamlike cards from him!”
When Mia and Teacher Cat stopped discussing Dekan, Alice began to share her hearsay.
“So Dekan and the others should be out catching the mysterious merchant, meow…”
Teacher Cat thought this was quite reasonable.
After all, each Epic card was unique and extremely rare.
If one could acquire a powerful Epic Card suitable for them, it would greatly enhance one’s abilities. Maybe one could significantly reinforce themselves before the match started.
…
The next day.
Round of 16 to Quarterfinals.
Then, as the sun set, the main event of the Heroes’ Festival was about to begin.
Luxurious lights lit the venue, and magical scripts appeared on the largest center arena in Philovin.
The defensive magical barrier radiated cube-like, creating an extravagant effect as if it could illuminate the entire capital city, making it magical. Cheers rose with the spectacular atmosphere.
“Today we will have four matches to determine the first four athletes entering the quarterfinals…”
“And the opening match will be between fifth-level priest Dekan and seventh-level summoner Pultra! We believe they will surely bring everyone a wonderful match!”
With the awe-inspiring opening by the audience, the host and commentator began to stir up the atmosphere passionately.
Today’s first match started with the well-liked participant, Dekan.
Dekan was already standing by the Man-made Shadow World activation instrument at the center of the arena.
No matter whether they were fans or haters, they were all cheering enthusiastically for him under the ambiance.
However.
After waiting for several minutes.
Dekan’s opponent Pultra still hadn’t shown up.
The venue gradually buzzed with voices of gossip.
The host could only try awkwardly filling the silence.
Finally, the embarrassing news came through.
“Cough cough, we just received news that Dekan’s opponent, from the Taryatli Kingdom, Mr. Pultra, has been investigated due to suspected large-scale illegal smuggling last night, and cannot currently attend the competition. We can congratulate Dekan on advancing to the quarterfinals in advance!”
“…”
The entire venue fell silent.
They couldn’t believe the opening match.
Ended in one second.
In the audience.
Teacher Cat sharply turned around to look at Cornelia and Chloix.
Both looked somewhat guilty and turned away.
It immediately clicked in the feline’s mind what those three had done last night.
Based on what it knew about Dekan.
Chasing mysterious merchants?
Bullshit mysterious merchants!
That mysterious merchant must have been Dekan in disguise!
And those Epic Cards were surely the “fake cards” Dekan had used to trick Flata in previous duels with the ability to disguise into Epic grade cards of tier three or below.
The legend of the mysterious merchant must have been spread and intensified by Dekan secretly to go viral throughout the city in just a week.
Moreover, according to Dekan’s cautious nature, he must have first had Chloix use invisibility magic to disguise himself, then used a “Substitute Doll” to impersonate the mysterious merchant and carry a bunch of “fake cards” to “meet” the opponent, leading him to buy the cards at a high price.
Next, they just needed an excuse to interrupt the transaction, leaving no substantial evidence of fraud.
Then the secretly hiding Cornelia could record the whole process with a recording crystal and quickly retreat.
Then anonymously reported it the next day.
Regardless of whether the opponent was actually guilty, because of suspected smuggling of huge amounts, he would be imprisoned for investigation for some time.
Only on the field could Dekan be seen helplessly sighing.
Wiped his hands and walked away.
Seemingly lamenting the loneliness of being invincible.
Displaying a true master’s demeanor.
The audiences couldn’t help but feel twitch in their mouths.
“Damn it, return my money!!!”
“But if you say Pultra is flawless, it’s impossible for him to be put under investigation, there must be indisputable evidence for the trial to happen.”
“This player is good in all aspects, just lacking in confidence, possibly scared by Dekan’s presence and then when he saw the chance to enhance his capabilities, fell into the trap immediately.”
Pultra’s imprisonment.
Any commoner could guess that nine times out of ten it was related to Dekan!
They had never seen anyone before who sent their opponent to prison using legal means before the competition of the Heroes’ Festival!
