Chapter 239: Dark Demon Says Goodnight “8.6k” [49]
The monkey-faced hawk, also known as the “monkey-faced bird” or “grass owl,” belongs to the raptor family. In the food chain, it naturally suppresses the Pigeon King.
With a slight advantage in attack and defense, its speed and strength surpass those of the Pigeon King. Thus, when the monkey-faced hawk was summoned, Wit’s Pigeon King could only flee in panic!
The Pigeon King grabbed the red-side mana guidance ball and dodged in the air, but it was no match for the monkey-faced hawk. It was repeatedly scratched by the hawk’s beak and claws.
When its mana value dropped due to injuries, a bright white ripple suddenly appeared on its body, visibly healing its wounds. Its mana value also recovered somewhat.
This allowed it to survive the first round and continue to maneuver!
…
Wit kept an eye on the 30-second countdown, so he quickly drew two new mana cards. He pinned his hopes on these two mana cards, and the mana cards responded to his expectations!
“Gigant!”
Seeing the ugly yet powerful Gigant on the card, Wit’s heart immediately calmed down. He felt a sense of invincibility with the Gigant in hand.
Indeed, in Wit’s memory, the three-eyed squid should be Scott’s strongest three-star mana spirit. With the power of the Gigant, crushing it was certain!
This meant a guaranteed victory!
Summoning speed superiority.
Mana spirit superiority.
Why lose?
Wit felt confident after a moment’s consideration. Now, all that remained was to summon the “Gigant”!
The cooldown for the usual summon had long passed.
He unhesitatingly began the summoning.
“Fight for me, Gigant!”
The white light from the card face shot into the summoning zone.
…
[Card Name: Gigant]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ???]
[Race: Subhuman]
[Attribute: General]
[Mana: 1200]
[Attack: 1500]
[Defense: 1400]
[Ultimate Skills: Sacrificial Impact, Rampage]
…
The Gigant, as sturdy as a small mountain, rose up!
The injured Pigeon King immediately fled behind the Gigant. The pursuing monkey-faced hawk was met with a counterattack from the Gigant!
The Gigant roared and slapped the monkey-faced hawk!
“POOM!”
A palm-sized like a millstone struck the target perfectly. The monkey-faced hawk was directly turned into light particles!
Scott’s “monkey-faced hawk” mana card instantly turned gray-white. He changed his expression slightly, placing the “monkey-faced hawk” mana card on the lower left corner of the spellboard.
The defeat of the monkey-faced hawk cost him valuable flight-type combat power. But thankfully, the Pigeon King’s wings were already severely injured and couldn’t fly high anyway.
As for the healing skill it showed earlier—the cooldown for healing skills was usually long, and it was unlikely to use it again in a duel. It could essentially be ignored.
Now, they needed to face the top-tier three-star Gigant!
…
Just one Gigant!
“If you really think one Gigant can leave me helpless, you underestimate me,” Scott muttered.
After all, he was a second-year student. Although he had been obsessed with hatred due to brainwashing, two months had passed since the goddess incident. During this time, he did not waste his time. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have participated in this recruitment match.
His grades weren’t great, but he wasn’t stupid. Why would he come just to embarrass himself?
…
After adding two new mana cards to his hand, Scott smoothly began his usual summoning spell. In the field,
the Gigant, having killed the monkey-faced hawk, became extremely excited. Its thick arms pounded its chest forcefully, showing off its strength—this was reportedly a common behavior for male Gigants seeking mates.
“Gigant!”
Wit stopped the Gigant from continuing its display. Then, pointing at the three-eyed squid, he shouted, “Crush it!”
“ROAR!”
The Gigant let out a final roar before charging towards the three-eyed squid!
It didn’t use any skills. It didn’t need to. Its sheer strength was enough to crush the squid!
They clashed in the middle of the field. The three-eyed squid, facing the charging Gigant, suddenly whipped out a tentacle and struck hard!
But the tentacle was caught by the Gigant, who pulled it with force, tilting the squid’s body forward. The Gigant laughed and grabbed the tentacle with its other hand, alternately pulling until it dragged the squid right in front of it!
But such behavior was unwise!
The three-eyed squid simply lifted its head and sprayed black ink at the Gigant!
The ink was abundant, covering the Gigant’s mouth and face. The Gigant momentarily froze, then opened its eyes wide, bloodshot.
“AHHH!”
It howled desperately, its massive arms reaching out and grabbing the base of the squid’s tentacles, then pulling them apart with force!
“TEAR!”
One of the tentacles was ripped off!
The severed tentacle turned into glowing star dust. The three-eyed squid let out a scream.
But as the battle continued, time passed swiftly. Scott shook his mana card, and a black ink fell from the sky, drenching the three-eyed squid’s head!
The Gigant, too close, got splashed with the ink. The areas hit by the ink immediately emitted corrosive white smoke. The Gigant recoiled in pain.
But the three-eyed squid, fully drenched, didn’t suffer any corrosion. Instead, its color turned pure black!
The instinctively cautious Gigant took a step back. Fully “inked,” the three-eyed squid suddenly opened its third eye!
Wit had always thought the third eye was just a decoration. But now, his understanding was shattered!
The black beam from the third eye pierced through the Gigant’s shoulder!
The Gigant’s left arm instantly drooped.
After a brief delay, it suddenly screamed!
The scream was piercing, striking the heart. Wit’s expression changed drastically!
…
Outside…
Those who knew Scott a little bit all looked astonished. Even Dark was very shocked.
Scott’s move completely overturned his previous perception of this person.
The “ink” that fell from the sky was clearly a special prop specifically designed for the three-eyed squid.
The squid, covered in black ink, was obviously strengthened. This enhancement likely included improvements in mana, attack, defense, and even ultimate skills!
This was almost like evolution!
Or another term—Mana Transformation!
Professor Nina had just taught about “beast mana” in Beast Mastery, with Robert providing detailed explanations. Initially, beast mana was merely ordinary beasts, but after a process called “mana transformation,” they gained mana and the ability to use it—ultimately leading to their ultimate skills!
In appearance, it was similar to the “mana transformation” of the three-eyed squid. Although it might not meet the standard strength of a second-tier mana spirit, it was certainly much stronger than before.
This was evident from its ability to easily injure the Gigant.
“Scott, he has this trick?”
Dark never hesitated to praise others. At least, the “ink” impressed him.
…
On the judges’ platform,
Professor Fox had completely recovered from the previous duel between Dark and John. His gaze toward Professor Jones was upwardly biased!
Although he hadn’t taught Scott anything about the “ink,” this didn’t change the fact that Scott was still his student.
But Professor Jones was thinking about something else. Her gaze lingered on Wit’s back, showing concern.
One cannot always face failure; Wit needs a decisive victory to complete his baptism!
But the current duel might not be as satisfying.
…
“Mana Summon!”
After regaining his composure, Wit immediately summoned “Mana Recovery Elixir” and smashed it onto the Gigant.
The Gigant’s mana value recovered by 100. But the “Mana Recovery Elixir” could not heal injuries; it only temporarily calmed the Gigant.
“Create distance!”
Wit loudly gave instructions.
…
The changes in the three-eyed squid were shocking. He didn’t know how many times the ray from its third eye could be released.
Creating distance was the safest approach. Moreover, the squid was completely covered in that “ink.”
“Ink” was highly corrosive.
Just now, the Gigant was corroded by just a little splash of “ink.”
Pain would only make the Gigant go berserk. But the corrosion would continuously drain its mana.
Before understanding the specific effects of the “ink,” Wit didn’t want to risk the Gigant again!
…
However, while the enemy retreated, Scott advanced. Seeing the Gigant withdraw under Wit’s instructions, how could he not take advantage?
The three-eyed squid instantly shot out three black tentacles, one of which wrapped around the Gigant’s neck,
There were two tentacles that wrapped around the Gigant’s feet!
The “ink” on the surface of the tentacles corroded the skin of the Gigant where they touched, causing smoke to rise.
It endured the pain, struggling fiercely.
The three-eyed squid wanted to directly pull its legs apart, causing it to lose balance and fall.
Of course, it could not make this happen.
With a roar, the Gigant managed to stabilize itself!
The tentacle that was wrapped around its neck was grabbed by its right hand!
With the original strength of the three-eyed squid, it was impossible to compete with the Gigant.
If the Gigant grabbed the tentacle and pulled hard, it could cause the three-eyed squid to lose balance.
But now, the tug-of-war had entered a stalemate.
Obviously, after being “inked,” the three-eyed squid’s attack power had at least risen to 1500, comparable to the Gigant!
From 1100 to 1500, a full 400-point increase!
…
Relying on just its remaining right arm, the Gigant engaged in a fierce battle with the three-eyed squid.
During this brief moment,
Wit summoned the Mana Spirit Card that had been drawn alongside the Gigant, attempting to command it to bypass the three-eyed squid and attack the Blue Side’s Mana Guidance Ball.
However, Scott merely issued an order.
The three-eyed squid slightly retreated, extending another tentacle to crush the two-star Mana Spirit Card into pieces!
In a blink, the second round had ended.
…
“Third round, draw cards!”
Wit’s expression changed slightly; it seemed his luck today was not good.
This time, he only drew two Mana Spirit Cards meant for filler.
But Scott could not help but reveal a look of ecstasy.
Seeing Scott start to perform a Normal Summon, Wit became tense.
He looked down at the Gigant and the three-eyed squid on the field, clenched his teeth, and made a decision.
“Gigant, use your life to collide!”
“Life Collision” was an extremely powerful Ultimate Skill, but it required half of the user’s maximum Mana as a cost, akin to a Seven Injuries Fist!
With the Gigant’s total Mana value at 1200, using “Life Collision” would deduct 600 points!
After enduring the “Three-Eyed Beam” from the three-eyed squid, the Gigant’s Mana was already low.
If it lost another 600 points, it would truly be left with just a thin layer of health.
But so be it!
At least, it should make the three-eyed squid pay an equivalent price!
“Roar!”
The Gigant’s eyes suddenly turned red upon receiving the command.
Its entire aura turned vicious and violent!
Blood radiance burst forth from its body, and it fiercely charged towards the three-eyed squid.
Even after being “inked,” the three-eyed squid still couldn’t change its slow movement speed.
It couldn’t dodge at all and could only withstand the “Life Collision” head-on!
This collision, with both attack and defense increased, nearly caused the three-eyed squid to dissipate.
Though the Gigant wasn’t faring well either, its internal Mana values didn’t show externally, and it remained fierce.
Wit watched the heavily injured three-eyed squid and immediately ordered the Gigant to finish it off.
But before the Gigant could act, more ink suddenly fell from the sky!
The three-eyed squid let out a joyful cry, feeling refreshed!
Then…
The wounds on its body, especially the frontal tears, healed at an astonishing speed!
This “ink” was clearly different from the previous one.
Not only did it have healing effects, but it might have also further enhanced the three-eyed squid’s stats.
Even more shockingly, it opened its third eye right in front of the Gigant!
…
Wit’s expression on the Red Side platform instantly changed.
This “ink” could even refresh the cooldown of that Ultimate Skill!
Too strong!
Once hit by that black beam, the Gigant with only 200 Mana would be finished immediately.
“Pigeon King!”
Understanding its command, the Pigeon King holding the Mana Guidance Ball released it and dived towards the three-eyed squid, its sharp beak piercing its third eye!
“Whoosh!”
The black beam shot from the third eye.
The Pigeon King was instantly vaporized!
But this Ultimate Skill also entered a long cooldown period.
Wit breathed a sigh of relief, but then gritted his teeth again, “Rage!”
Since obtaining the “Rage” Ultimate Skill in the Gigant’s skill list, Wit rarely used it.
Because “Rage” meant uncontrollable.
It was a last desperate move!
…
But the situation was dire.
With only 200 Mana left, the Gigant could no longer withstand the three-eyed squid’s attacks.
If it didn’t try something unconventional, it wouldn’t make it through this round!
…
“Roar!”
The Gigant, having autonomously activated the “Rage” skill, opened its blood-filled mouth, revealing jagged fangs.
Before losing all reason, it lunged fiercely at the three-eyed squid!
…
“Fourth round, draw cards!”
Wit reached for the top card of his deck, feeling heavy-hearted.
The enraged Gigant not only blocked the three-eyed squid but also bit it fiercely.
But in the end, it died from Mana exhaustion.
Without the Gigant as the core, Wit could only rely on “Radiant Python.”
Fortunately, he drew the “Radiant Python” in this round.
The other card was—”Forbidden Love”!
Reversal of fortune!
…
Wit’s spirit instantly revived.
He immediately drew the “Radiant Python” and summoned it at breakneck speed.
…
【Card Name: Radiant Python】
【Type: Elemental Card】
【Level: ???】
【Race: Reptile Kin】
【Attribute: Light Type】
【Mana: 1400】
【Attack: 1400】
【Defense: 1400】
【Ultimate Skill: Holy Light】
…
“Holy Light!”
The moment the Radiant Python appeared,
Wit shouted loudly.
The Radiant Python raised its head, and a sacred and beautiful light suddenly burst from the white gem atop its head!
The entire field was illuminated by the light.
The three-eyed squid, with its remaining Mana, dissolved like water under the Holy Light.
…
By this point, the core Mana Spirits—Gigant and the three-eyed squid—had both withdrawn from the battle!
But in Wit’s field, there was the Radiant Python standing guard, while Scott’s field was empty.
“What a tough fight!”
Wit exhaled and immediately ordered the Radiant Python to attack the Blue Side’s Mana Guidance Ball.
Before the match, he never imagined Scott would be this challenging.
Now, he just wanted to end the duel as quickly as possible.
But as soon as the Radiant Python crossed the boundary line, a Mana Spirit appeared in the Blue Side’s Summoning Area!
Scott hadn’t given up.
His deck contained three different “inks,” but unfortunately, there was only one “three-eyed squid.” It was eventually gravely wounded by the “Rage” state Gigant and then eliminated by the Radiant Python.
Besides the “three-eyed squid,” he also had other Mana Spirits.
For example, the three-star blank card summoned now!
…
【Card Name: Ground Mongoose】
【Type: Elemental Card】
【Level: ???】
【Race: Avian-beast Kin】
【Attribute: Ground Type】
【Mana: 1000】
【Attack: 1100】
【Defense: 1400】
【Ultimate Skill: None】
…
The giant ground mongoose, living in underground burrows, had shed its fur, transforming into tough scales covering most of its body except for its limbs and abdomen.
This three-star blank card was only notable for its defense.
But talking about blank cards—
Mana Spirits with all Ultimate Skills on cooldown were essentially no different from blank cards.
Scott ordered, and the ground mongoose engaged in battle with the Radiant Python!
These naturally adversarial Mana Spirits gradually became more ferocious as the battle continued.
Wit suppressed the urge to use “Forbidden Love” at this moment and summoned a new Mana Spirit.
Soon after, Scott also summoned a new Mana Spirit.
Both were two-star blank cards, following the ground mongoose and Radiant Python, fighting each other.
Then came the next one, and the next…
Wit and Scott’s decks were actually quite similar, with only a few Magic Cards or Item Cards, leaving only Mana Spirit Cards.
Most Mana Spirit Cards were just filler.
Once the core Mana Spirit was defeated, only useless cards remained.
Therefore…
When the Radiant Python and ground mongoose lost their combat effectiveness in the fierce struggle, both sides could only summon more of these considered “useless” Mana Spirits.
And because these useless cards were indeed useless, even mutual destruction required considerable effort.
Thus, a tedious, uninteresting, and non-interactive battle of useless cards began.
Wit and Scott’s expressions went from initial seriousness to final numbness, unable to utter a word.
The atmosphere was awkward and eerie.
How did it suddenly turn into such a long, dull script?
But duels don’t allow for draws.
Not wanting to admit defeat, they had to keep playing moves.
Finally, it was coming to an end!
Wit immediately summoned the 【Magical Beast: Buck Deer】…
This initial Magical Beast had not appeared in his matches for a long time.
The white Buck Deer with a faint luster stepped out from the light, gently stomping the ground with its front hooves, holy and beautiful.
…
【Card Name: Magical Beast (Buck Deer)】
【Type: Elemental Card】
【Level: ?】
【Race: Avian-beast Kin】
【Attribute: Light Type】
【Mana: 100】
【Attack: 200】
【Defense: 100】
【Ultimate Skill: Light of Mind】
…
A step slower.
Scott’s Mana Golem was also summoned.
It was a water monkey that Wit had seen before!
…
【Card Name: Water Monkey】
【Type: Elemental Card】
【Level: ?】
【Race: Avian-beast Kin】
【Attribute: Water Attribute】
【Mana: 300】
【Attack: 400】
【Defense: 100】
【Ultimate Skill: Poison Finger, Water Spray】
…
From the panel data, it was clear who was stronger and who was weaker.
Scott knew about Wit’s Magical Beast, so he was well aware that the stats of the Buck Deer were extremely low.
When he summoned the Water Monkey, he was already certain of victory.
But Wit held “Forbidden Love,” equally certain of victory.
They both looked at each other, almost like mirror images, revealing relieved and joyful smiles.
Scott’s Water Monkey burst forth in that instant!
With just one star, the Water Monkey had extremely fast speed, complemented by its sharp, venomous claws, making it easy to poison and slit throats.
But Wit also understood the Water Monkey.
So when the Water Monkey started, the white Buck Deer suddenly raised its head, and a beam of Light of Mind burst from its majestic antlers!
The “Water Monkey” was attacked first, forced to retreat sharply by the Light of Mind.
Wit took this time to activate “Forbidden Love.”
That tiny monkey stood frozen in place.
And the Buck Deer lowered its head, accelerating and piercing its abdomen with the tip of its antler!
As the “Water Monkey” was thoroughly defeated, this grueling Mana Duel finally came to an end.
Even the defeated Scott breathed a silent sigh of relief.
…
“The battle is over.”
“The victor: Wit Gold.”
The judge’s tone seemed weak.
Sparse applause echoed outside the arena.
“Clap clap clap!”
Suddenly, a series of applause stood out.
The clapper was indeed Robert.
“After all, he won, didn’t he?”
Robert clapped vigorously.
…
“Eh, it’s over?”
Diana rubbed her eyes, lifting her head from Dark’s shoulder, a hint of moisture still on her lips.
She was truly awakened by Robert’s applause.
“It’s over, just as I expected, Wit won.”
Dark didn’t say: The result is the same, but the process is different.
Damn it!
…
The two professors on the judging panel had been somewhat tense at the beginning of the duel, but now they just wanted to finish scoring quickly.
Professor Jones silently raised his sign.
“Red side, Wit, 6 points.”
“Blue side, Scott, 6 points.”
Professor Fox, indeed old and tired, couldn’t help yawning, but he still gave scores.
“Red side, 5 points.”
“Blue side, 4 points.”
Fifth-year students had no words to express their bitterness.
“Red side, 6 points.”
“Blue side, 6 points.”
…
Professor Fox’s scores were indeed strict.
Although the duel turned into a mutual destruction of useless cards later on, both contestants had their own highlights.
As a first-year student, Wit’s summoning speed was very fast, and the quality of individual cards was decent, but he lacked tactical systems.
Scott’s “Ink” card was indeed creative.
However, his basic skills were terrible, and he did not have a second-tier Mana Golem card.
If he didn’t work hard, he might fail the end-of-term exam for the second-year Summoning Spell class.
As for whether they could pass the recruitment for the Dueling Club, it depended on luck.
…
After the seventh match ended, Dark finally couldn’t resist closing his eyes for a rest.
Then he watched Sarah Swati’s match.
The top student of the Mana Academy had made significant progress since the last class competition and easily won against a second-year senior.
The first round of recruitment lasted more than an hour and finally entered the second round.
Rose had been waiting at the bulletin board early, found the schedules for matches 123 and 666, and escaped before the crowd gathered.
Thanks to Rose’s foresight, Dark and Diana were spared the trouble of checking the schedule.
They used this gap to chat quietly, and the revitalized Dark looked forward again to dueling with the seniors.
In the second round of recruitment, Dark and Diana were still in venue ①, with Dark’s matches being the second and fourth.
This meant Dark could get back on stage soon!
He perked up: “I’ll go first this time.”
Diana: “Next time, it’ll definitely be me!”
…
Not far away…
Owen, standing beside the recruitment sign for the Noble History Research Club, once again examined the three people sitting on the bench.
One of the short students beside him couldn’t help looking up and asking, “Owen, when are you going to make your move?”
Owen, with a calm demeanor, showed his white teeth: “No rush, I’m going now.”
Actually, he planned to persuade after Dark’s duel ended, but he got distracted by the Hero’s Child’s match.
After all, although the Hero’s Child Wit Gold wasn’t in the Noble Academy, he was still a legitimate noble descendant. Who wouldn’t want to recruit such a hero’s child as a treasure?
If the Kingdom’s dual swords were together, wouldn’t the Noble History Research Club rise to heaven?
But unexpectedly, watching made him drowsy!
He didn’t find an opportunity to persuade Dark Demon afterward.
As for those clubs that had previously tried to recruit but were refused, he considered it natural.
In all of Saint Maryan, only the Noble History Research Club was worthy of Dark Demon!
Anyway, by dragging it out, he arrived at the break between matches, just as no one was around Dark and his companions, a perfect opportunity to persuade…
Owen smoothed his proud golden fringe and stepped forward.
When he reached them, he deliberately turned to face Dark and bowed in the manner of a noble: “Good afternoon, Demon.”
Dark looked up and said, “Good afternoon, senior.”
He called him senior, not knowing where it came from…
Owen naturally introduced himself: “We met in the public room of the Noble Academy. I am Mike Owen, a third-year student and a member of the Noble History Research Club.”
“Noble History Research Club?” Dark knew there were many clubs in the academy, but he never imagined there would be such a club.
Isn’t it better to call it History Club directly?
Research whatever history you want!
Owen cleared his throat, ready for a long speech: “Our Noble History Research Club focuses mainly on studying the rise and fall of royal nobles throughout history. Our purpose is to learn from history and apply it to the future. Every member of our club is a pillar of the kingdom’s future…”
“Wait.” Dark interrupted him directly, “So senior is here to recruit me into the Noble History Research Club?”
Owen revealed a mysterious smile: “Yes. If you join us, you will start as a deputy leader. Of course, formal membership will be next year.”
Dark was surprised: “Deputy leader right away?”
Owen said: “Yes. Your bloodline qualifies you.”
Dark: “Uh…”
Owen immediately added: “If you think deputy leader isn’t enough, staying in the club for a year will make you the official leader! I believe the current leader will step down in favor of you.”
Dark couldn’t help laughing: “Your treatment would really attract me if I didn’t have my own plans.”
Owen instantly picked up the hint and froze: “What do you mean?”
Dark sighed: “The Noble History Research Club sounds great, but I plan to start my own club next year. So I’m sorry. Of course, if senior wants to join my club, I’ll definitely reserve a spot for you.”
Owen fell silent.
After a while, he asked again: “Have you decided?”
Dark looked up: “Of course.”
Owen shrugged: “Then there’s nothing I can do. But starting a new club isn’t easy. If you change your mind at any time, come find me. The position of deputy leader in the Noble History Research Club will always be reserved for you.”
Dark: “Thank you.”
Owen then turned and left.
His originally fake smile turned into a vicious expression!
But this change was quick, and he soon returned to his smiling demeanor.
“How was it?” The short student asked as he saw Owen return.
Owen sat down and smiled: “He said he wants to start his own club.”
The short student nodded: “Indeed, it’s not easy. But if he starts his own club, he won’t promise to join other clubs before next year. We still have a chance, don’t we?”
Owen: “Of course, and we have a great chance.”
Short student: “Haha.”
Owen: “Haha.”
Short student: “Ha your head!”
The short student jumped up, using a folded paper fan to hit Owen’s head forcefully, spitting: “Is this how you handle things?”
Owen: “Sorry, boss!”
Short student: “Useless waste!”
