Chapter 177: Dark Demon Reaches the Finals Again
Although she knew that this meant “I’ve climbed up from the losers’ bracket,” Emma felt something was off.
She frowned as she walked down the competitors’ platform, her mind feeling somewhat stifled and uncertain.
The students from the Knight Academy didn’t mock her for losing; instead, they warmly welcomed her.
Her performance in this duel alone was enough to earn respect.
With Susan and Lucy’s comfort, Emma gradually regained her composure.
But deep inside, her desire for victory in duels had grown even stronger!
…
The last duel in the losers’ bracket ended.
The final match was all that remained!
The students watching were somewhat disappointed but still engaged.
Even though the in-class duels might not be as exciting as official ones, the participants were classmates they knew well, and the sense of honor from their own academy added to the excitement.
Both the Knight Academy and the Fool’s Academy felt very regretful.
The Noble Academy and the Mana Academy, however, began to show more tension!
Tudor and Heidi seemed like they were about to spark a confrontation at any moment.
Meanwhile, Dark and Sarah found separate spots to sit.
Some were replenishing their mana, while others adjusted their strategies.
…
On the same bench.
Dark took out his deck.
Now, most of Sarah’s hidden cards were revealed. Whether it was the “Sphinx Cat” or the “Living Mummy,” they were both challenging.
The tactics he used against Emma clearly wouldn’t work here.
To win, he needed to adjust his deck specifically.
Dark first took out the “Capital Sin Series” magic cards.
“Arrogance I,” “Arrogance II,” and “Bliss III.”
“Arrogance II” was still on cooldown, but “Bliss III” could be used, and “Arrogance I” should also be ready by the start of the finals.
Since “Bliss III” had a flaw that “Arrogance I” could compensate for, these two magic cards were essential.
Correspondingly, “Magical Beast: Eevee” had to be added to his hand.
Additionally, “Huhu” and the “Trash Slime” that could enter Huhu’s body were also necessary.
Afterwards, he picked two more from “Big Milk Jar,” “Deoxys,” and “Eevee.”
For the rest…
After careful consideration, Dark decided not to include them at all!
…
“Magical Beast: Eevee,” “Trash Slime,” “Huhu”
“Deoxys,” “Eevee”
“Arrogance I,” “Bliss III”
…
Thus, a pure set of magic cards was formed!
Seven magic cards in total, streamlined to the limit.
It also minimized randomness.
…
Only after Dark put away the magic cards did Diana and Rose slowly approach.
Diana handed him a piece of candy, muttering, “You have to win!”
Dark unwrapped the candy and popped it into his mouth before saying, “No problem!”
Rose smiled and took the wrapper from his hand, saying, “Good luck!”
…
“Well then, good luck.”
Dark composed himself and headed to the field.
The students had already surrounded Field ①, creating an unusually intense atmosphere.
The professors had to intervene to prevent the students from the Noble Academy and Mana Academy from quarreling, so they separated them to the sides of the field.
The students from the Noble Academy naturally gathered closer to the red side’s competitors’ platform, with the Knight Academy led by Emma right next to them.
Dark glanced over and walked toward the red side’s platform.
“Hey, Dark!” someone suddenly called out.
Dark turned and smiled, “What’s up, Tudor?”
Tudor’s face reddened slightly, then he raised his fist and shouted, “Go for both of us!”
Dark paused momentarily but responded smoothly, “Sure.”
Seeing Tudor’s response, the other boys nearby quickly chimed in, “And ours too!”
“Don’t forget, there’s mine too!”
“You have to go all out!”
“Bring the championship back to the Noble Academy!”
…
Dark never imagined that such a simple in-class competition could excite the Young Magi so much.
But upon reflection, this in-class competition was indeed different from the first one, resembling a real duel.
Moreover, the intensity of this competition far surpassed the first one.
Perhaps this was their true first duel match!
So Dark waved his fist at them and said, “Definitely!”
Then he stepped onto the competitors’ platform.
…
The students from the Knight Academy looked enviously at the Noble Academy. In truth, no one didn’t wish for their own academy to reach the finals, but Emma had already given her best.
“There’s no help for it, we lost.”
“It’s our fault for not being good enough.”
“We’ll come back strong next semester!”
…
Wit felt a bit sour when no one mentioned him.
…
When Dark and Sarah finally stepped onto their respective platforms.
Professor Jones solemnly stated, “I know everyone has been looking forward to this moment for a long time. From the Noble Academy, Dark Demon, and from the Mana Academy, Sarah Swati, both have shown extremely high standards in dueling.
Perhaps by next semester, you’ll see them on the real dueling field!
And this is only after three months. Three months ago, they were just freshmen, clueless about mana dueling.
Today, their level has left some people in awe.
The reasons behind this, I hope everyone can reflect on after this competition ends.
For the second semester of the first year, I wish more students will join the Dueling Club and become part of the competition! Enough talk, let’s begin the finals!”
…
As expected of a professor, even a carefree person like Professor Pavar Jones could dampen the students’ enthusiasm with just a few words.
Dark looked at the silent crowd outside and couldn’t help but smile.
He casually placed seven magic cards into the card slots on the table, then looked across and spoke rarely, “You’re here.”
Sarah lifted her chin slightly, smugly saying, “I told you.”
Dark nodded, “Then let’s start the second duel.”
Sarah: “This time, the outcome will be different!”
Dark: “That’s not certain.”
…
Their exchange seemed calm, yet there was a sharp edge beneath.
The heated atmosphere, which had been suppressed by Professor Jones’ words, rose again.
Led by Tudor, the boys from the Noble Academy suddenly chanted, “Dark! Dark! Win! Win!”
The unexpectedly synchronized chant made Dark’s ears turn red.
The Mana Academy was also stirred by the atmosphere and immediately, Heidi, who had braided hair, shouted, “Sarah! Sarah! Invincible! Invincible!”
Didn’t they feel the slightest bit awkward?
