Chapter 394: Dark Demon’s Magic Mirror Reflection (27/233)
—
Battle Phase [30s]
The countdown for the third round began.
Both duelists naturally drew new cards, but no one lowered their heads to look at the new cards they had just drawn. Their gazes remained fixed on the field.
“Ghost King of the Pot” cast “Snake Demon Revelry,” summoning dozens of ghost snakes. Over thirty of them surrounded Sun Eevee, while another dozen targeted Meow.
In the heat of battle, adjustments were made on the fly.
Despite Stewart Fane setting up six shadow pits in the field, the summoned “Ghost King of the Pot” did not possess the “Shadow Concealment” ability. It did not use any tricks to ambush, instead relying on its high-star advantage to attack head-on.
Forty-odd ghost snakes split into two groups, launching the revelry!
Meow was hit first but showed no fear. It grabbed the fat “Shadow Worm” with one hand, and gold coins on its forehead glowed, falling from the sky one by one and being thrown out by it.
Each coin struck the approaching “ghost snakes” like darts.
—This technique was learned from Wrestler Eagle’s “Feather Dance.”
The “ghost snakes” hit by the coins were clearly wounded but did not disappear. Meow quickly understood the strength of these “ghost snakes.”
Its eyes narrowed as it performed “Harmless Paws,” cutting off the life force of the “Shadow Worm.” Then, it fiercely charged at the dozen “ghost snakes.”
It almost felt like a thousand enemies could be defeated single-handedly!
On the other side, Sun Eevee, surrounded by over thirty “ghost snakes,” raised its head proudly, with gemstones on its head continuously emitting light.
Strong “Telekinesis” formed an invisible barrier, holding back the thirty-odd “ghost snakes.”
The “Ghost King of the Pot” probably never imagined that the summoned “ghost snakes” couldn’t even touch the fur of the two golems. Its rage unabated, it roared again, diving down once more!
“Bang!”
The black snake’s mouth shattered the telekinetic barrier and, unstoppable, collided with Sun Eevee.
Originally, the “Ghost King of the Pot” had stronger attack power than Sun Eevee. The previous bite was unexpectedly blocked, but this time, with a charged dive, Sun Eevee’s telekinesis couldn’t possibly stop it.
Stewart Fane’s gaze was stern. Early in the duel, if he could eliminate the opponent’s high-star golem, it would not only weaken the enemy’s combat strength but also strike a blow to morale.
High-star golems, summoned through complex operations, brought confidence to the magus when successfully called, symbolizing the convergence of beliefs.
If a high-star golem was directly eliminated after being summoned, it would likely lead to a collapse of morale.
Many novices struggling with duels could not cope well with such psychological pressure.
But as Stewart Fane closely monitored the situation, his peripheral vision suddenly noticed Dark Demon looking down at the newly acquired magic cards.
“Has he given up on that golem?”
The thought flashed in an instant.
Stewart Fane’s vision was suddenly blinded by a burst of intense light.
He was startled.
“What happened?”
Suddenly, a loud explosion was heard.
In the air above the field, a golden sphere appeared out of nowhere, like a sun.
The sphere instantly exploded, releasing blade-like beams downward.
The audience shielded their eyes from the sudden strong light, but some still forced themselves to look, seeing each beam hit all the red-side golems accurately.
The forty-odd “ghost snakes” were all pierced by the golden light and quickly vanished under continuous illumination.
The “Ghost King of the Pot,” receiving special attention, screamed in pain, trembling violently, obviously heavily injured.
This sudden reversal left everyone watching in shock.
No one noticed how the disappearing golden sphere had been released.
The tide of battle turned instantly.
“Is it a delayed trap? But I didn’t see him summon another magic card…”
Tears streamed down Stewart Fane’s eyes from the stimulation, but his thoughts didn’t stop, yet he couldn’t figure out the answer.
Angered, Stewart Fane roared, “Ghost King of the Pot, continue!”
…
“Roar!”
The “Ghost King of the Pot” obeyed its master’s command, roaring despite the pain and charging at Sun Eevee like a high-speed train.
“Meow! Deception!”
At this moment, Dark Demon’s voice echoed.
The gray cat, after the attack target was eliminated by the sudden beam, swiftly turned and dashed towards the “Ghost King of the Pot.”
Upon receiving the order, Meow immediately turned and leaped, raising its right paw as if performing “Kitty Punch,” aiming for the crimson snake eye of the “Ghost King of the Pot.”
But the “Ghost King of the Pot” ignored this seemingly harmless kitten, casually flicking its head during the charge at Sun Eevee.
When the huge snake head collided with the tiny cat paw, an extremely strange force suddenly arose.
The “Ghost King of the Pot” suddenly felt its head soften, the impact force plummeting, while the soft cat paw possessed terrifying power!
In this give-and-take.
It found itself unable to resist the cat’s paw force, the massive snake body being forcibly sent flying!
“Boom!”
The “Ghost King of the Pot” rolled violently on the ground.
The entire arena fell silent, only the sound of its continuous rolling breaking the quiet.
Meanwhile, Sun Eevee, repeatedly targeted, still held its head high, giving Meow a disdainful glance.
It was as if a proud queen was acknowledging the warrior who protected her with a slight nod.
Meow: ??
…
The field fell into a brief silence.
Stewart Fane took a deep breath, his face darkening.
Dark Demon, anticipating this, was already considering his next strategy.
That golden sphere was merely Sun Eevee’s “Future Sight” from the previous round.
[Future Sight: Predict the future, placing the designated field under future attack status. After 30 seconds, the future attack status ends, and the opponent on the field receives psychic attribute damage.]
Despite enduring “Future Sight” and “Deception,” the “Ghost King of the Pot” still stood firm.
Dark knew that the seemingly reversed situation was still disadvantageous.
With the two magic cards drawn in the third round, he still had five magic cards left.
[Aragrance I]
[Dream Sprite]
[Eevee]
[Fusion]
[d*e of Fortune]
Among these five magic cards, “Aragrance I” and “Dream Sprite” were newly acquired.
“Aragrance I” could take effect at critical moments, while “Dream Sprite” depended on timing for summoning.
To completely eliminate the “Ghost King of the Pot,” another round might be needed!
Dark’s expression turned serious as he glanced at the countdown timer.
Time was passing quickly.
The third round was nearly over.
He reached for the card slot, ready to draw more cards.
…
But after a brief pause, Stewart Fane regained his composure.
After all, he was a top student in the third year. Despite the changing situation, he had experienced this before.
However, these experiences were usually with opponents of the same grade.
“But he is only a first-year, and I am a third-year!”
Stewart Fane clenched his teeth in frustration.
As the third round neared its end, he did not summon a new magic card but instead gave the final command to the re-risen “Ghost King of the Pot.”
“Ghost King of the Pot, use your ultimate skill—’Pot Sealing’!”
…
Thus, the giant python, for the first time, lifted its tail where its weakness lay.
The ghost-like tip gradually glowed black.
An indistinct “black pot” slowly condensed amidst the flickering black light.
A sinister aura spread.
Sun Eevee seemed to sense the threat and shivered abruptly.
Meow also stood up solemnly.
According to legend, after “Ghost Vine Pot” cultivates a “Ghost King of the Pot,” it seals another “sacrifice,” imprisoning it within the pot to slowly transform it into a new “Ghost King of the Pot.”
This ultimate skill of the “Ghost King of the Pot”—”Pot Sealing”—originated from there.
Once sealed, the golem would not only be imprisoned in the pot but also have its consciousness suppressed, mana drained, and resistance lost.
The waning “Ghost King of the Pot”
“, the scarlet eyes shot from its pupils flickered between the Sun Eevee and MeowMeow.
In the absence of any indication from Stewart Fane, it was making its judgment based on its own likes and dislikes, deciding who should be sealed.
In other words, who was more despicable?
Was it that arrogant purple cat?
Or was it the gray cat that had slapped it away?
The “Ghost King of the Pot” generally knew it should target the Sun Eevee, but the humiliation of being swatted by MeowMeow still lingered in its mind.
Thus, after merely two seconds of thought, it fiercely swung its “black pot” towards MeowMeow!
“Meow!”
MeowMeow’s fur stood on end, instantly wanting to flee.
But that “black pot” moved incredibly fast, reaching it in an instant.
The enormous “black pot” cast a cylindrical shadow, enveloping it from above.
“Sun Eevee.”
At the critical moment, MeowMeow suddenly felt something collide with its side.
“Bean!”
It only heard a familiar voice and was then forcefully knocked away.
“Boom!”
As it flew sideways, MeowMeow turned back, tears welling up in its eyes.
That little Eevee it had never looked at properly—the evolved Sun Eevee, the one it had just been criticizing in its heart—had shown a self-sacrificing side at this crucial moment, saving it from a terrifying crisis at the cost of its own sacrifice!
“Meow?”
MeowMeow, caught up in its own self-induced emotion, suddenly let out a puzzled meow as it landed.
Almost simultaneously,
Most of the audience also expressed their confusion at this moment.
“Bang!”
Stewart Fane, who had just calmed down, slapped the spellboard.
Only Dark Demon did not seem shocked.
Earlier, his call at the critical moment had made the initially unwilling Sun Eevee reluctantly attack,迎面接住了那带着封印之力的恐怖 “黑壶”.
But the “black pot” was immediately reflected back when it hit it, almost instantly hitting the “Ghost King of the Pot” that had released it!
Then, the “Ghost King of the Pot” personally experienced what it meant to be “sealed within the pot.”
【Mana Reflection: When present, continuously in reflection mode, nullifying certain change-type skills aimed at oneself and reflecting them back to the user!】
The black mist that emerged from the “black pot” twisted into pitch-black chains, coiling around the “Ghost King of the Pot” like a snake before dragging it forcefully into the enlarging “black pot” in rotation.
The “Ghost King of the Pot,” summoned from the “Ghost Vine Pot,” was once again sealed inside the pot amidst its cries.
The “black pot” closed its lid and floated in mid-air.
Inside, the “Ghost King of the Pot” struggled desperately, but with mana rapidly draining, the intensity of its struggle noticeably weakened.
…
“Drip.”
The sound of the round switch echoed again.
Stewart Fane, with resentment, reached for his cards.
Dark, however, seized the opportunity to command MeowMeow and Sun Eevee to find and capture the other “Shadow Worm.”
However, the “Shadow Worm” hid in the “Shadow Nest,” dragging the Red Side Mana Guidance Ball and fleeing quickly, completely evading detection.
Dark frowned slightly, then drew the two Mana Spirit Cards for the fourth round.
【Huhu】
【Curse Cage: Imp】
Although these two Mana Spirit Cards drawn this time were not decisive, seeing “Huhu” still brought some comfort to Dark.
He immediately began summoning “Huhu.”
…
At this moment, Stewart Fane, who had suffered the blow of losing a high-star Mana Spirit, finally started to summon new Mana Spirit Cards.
He stretched out his hand, and a drop of extremely thick black ink dripped from the air.
After falling to the ground, that drop of ink did not splash but instead adhered to the ground and was absorbed into one of the “Shadow Nests.”
Such a clear action could not possibly go unnoticed by anyone.
But Dark had never seen Stewart Fane use this move before, so he could only keep a warning in his heart and could not make a targeted decision.
A few seconds later.
The “Huhu” in his hand emitted strong light.
Almost simultaneously, the “Mana Book” finished chanting.
The other Mana Spirit Card in Dark’s hand—”Eevee”—was activated!
…
Thus, in the Red Side Summoning Area, two Mana Spirits appeared simultaneously.
One was a three-star Mana Spirit—”Huhu.”
The other was a four-star Mana Spirit—”Eevee.”
This unexpected four-star Mana Spirit immediately caused an uproar among the audience.
Only then did people’s attention gradually focus on the floating “Mana Book” in the air, becoming increasingly astonished.
…
“Double Chant?”
Professor Shylph, in the ring, couldn’t help but frown. She thought of the technique in elemental magic that allowed simultaneous chanting of two spells.
But she immediately shook her head, negating it.
What Dark used on the spot clearly wasn’t that kind of secret technique.
And a four-star Mana Spirit wasn’t something that could be easily summoned through simple chanting.
Since there were no signs of “sacrifice” or “special summon,” it must be a “normal summon.”
…
“As everyone knows, summoning a four-star Mana Spirit normally takes at least one minute…”
Zach Wilson’s mind was quite sharp, and he saw through the key point immediately.
But he didn’t continue, only looking at the golden-haired youth on the Red Side platform, swallowing hard involuntarily.
A first-year student, having learned Mana Spirit knowledge for less than a year.
How could someone grow to this level?
Even those famous duelists with reputations at this time, did they have such capabilities?
Zach Wilson’s gaze turned involuntarily toward the entrance of the competitors’ passage.
The four contestants advancing to the second round of the senior group were all gathered there watching this duel.
…
Compared to this, Dark Demon’s opponent, Stewart Fane, did not have much mental energy to think about this issue at the moment.
His mind only revolved around the idea that “Dark Demon simultaneously summoned a three-star Mana Spirit and a four-star Mana Spirit,” and then urgently began the next round of summoning.
He had quite a few cards in his hand.
The four cards he obtained in the third and fourth rounds must be utilized.
…
At this moment, if one counted carefully in the arena, there were a total of seven Mana Spirits remaining!
Five belonged to Dark Demon: the “Mana Book” in front of the Blue Side platform.
“Huhu” and “Eevee” in the Blue Side Summoning Area.
“Sun Eevee” and “MeowMeow” in the Red Side area.
Two belonged to Stewart Fane: the “Shadow Worm” hiding in the “Shadow Nest.”
The “Ghost King of the Pot” sealed inside the “black pot.”
Another drop of thick black ink was absorbed into the “Shadow Nest.”
…
The situation on the field was unclear.
At first glance, Dark seemed to have a significant advantage, but he had no Mana Spirits that could infiltrate the “Shadow Nest” or destroy it, making it difficult to harm the Red Side Mana Guidance Ball hidden inside.
Many opponents who had dueled with Stewart Fane before were trapped by this and ultimately lost.
This was also why many did not have high hopes for this first-year student.
Even though he showed extremely strong “prediction” and “control” abilities after taking the stage, as he said in the preparation phase—”My eyes see the future!”
But if he couldn’t directly and effectively damage the Red Side’s Mana Guidance Ball, the duel wouldn’t be decided yet.
But did Dark really have no way?
Obviously not.
…
No matter what mystery Stewart Fane’s drop of ink held, Dark wouldn’t stop because of it.
After summoning the “Mana Book” at the beginning of the second round, he ordered it to normally summon “Eevee.”
And the successful appearance of “Eevee” meant the good days of the “Shadow Worm” were over!
“Eevee, use ‘Charm Voice’!”
Dancing like a dancer, Eevee’s pink ribbon fluttered in the air, exuding a faint charming aura.
With the passive skill “Charming Body,” even if Eevee was disheveled, it was hard to ignore its cuteness; let alone its beautiful appearance after grooming.
It glanced at the proud Sun Eevee and then began to sing, working harder under the influence of competitiveness, and exerted “Charm Voice.”
As the song rose, Eevee’s charm grew even more enchanting.
Its eyes seemed to flow with allure, as if water
The beads dripped.
Despite the “Alluring Body” being clearly stated to be for the opposite s*x, the adorable charm was gender-neutral, affecting both males and females alike.
The audience’s eyes seemed to glitter as they pulled out their model guidebooks, lamenting the absence of this mana spirit in the current models.
In the midst of these complaints, “Enchanting Voice” penetrated the “Shadow Hole,” affecting the “Shadow Worm” hiding within.
The “Shadow Worm,” already severely wounded by the Sun Eevee’s “Telekinesis,” sustained further damage from the low-power “Enchanting Voice.”
With its last breath, the “Shadow Worm” clung to the red side’s mana ball, emerging from one of the “Shadow Holes” closest to the blue side!
This act of betrayal nearly made Stewart Fane, who was focused on summoning, spit bl**d. Fortunately, his mastery over summoning spells was so proficient that he managed to continue without interruption.
…
Seeing the “Shadow Worm” emerge from the “Shadow Hole,” the Sun Eevee and Meow, which had been eyeing it hungrily, naturally did not let it go.
The Sun Eevee’s “Telekinesis” immediately clamped down on the “Shadow Worm’s” head, pulling its entire body out of the “Shadow Hole!”
The “Shadow Worm,” hanging in mid-air, finally revealed its tail, hidden in the shadows, which looked like a soft-bodied creature with eyes, nose, and mouth, similar to a snail’s head.
The red side’s mana ball was attached to the worm’s mouth.
…
“Is this the head?”
Dark looked astonished.
Like most people seeing the “Shadow Worm” for the first time, he instinctively believed that the worm’s pointed front end was its head, used for digging holes in shadows.
But he never imagined that it was actually the tail, and its true head was hidden in the shadows.
While marveling at the wonders of life forms, Dark mercilessly ordered the attack against the Eevee.
“Bottom Force!”
The red gem on the Sun Eevee began to glow, and the continuous consumption of mana initiated “Telekinesis” once more, slamming the “Shadow Worm” into the ground.
“Bang!”
After the heavy impact, the troublesome “Shadow Worm” finally dissipated into mana particles.
The red side’s mana ball also fell down.
Meow, whose claws were already exposed, dashed forward like the wind, swiping viciously.
“Swoosh!”
In this round, the red side’s mana ball was hit first!
[Mana: 8000-6569]
Meow’s base attack was 1500.
After a powerful swipe, it landed on its hind legs, spinning like a dancer, and then struck again with its second claw!
“Swoosh!”
[Mana: 6569-5070]
But when Meow tried to continue attacking, the mana ball suddenly trembled and shot upward, soaring into the sky!
It was Stewart Fane, finally able to use his magic, who pulled the mana ball up with all his might.
“Tsk.”
Meow licked its claws, unsatisfied.
If this were a novice tournament, a life barrier with only 2000 mana points would have been completely shattered.
However, Meow abruptly turned around, sensing a cold aura emanating from the red side, causing it to shiver slightly.
“BOOM!”
The “Black Pot” suddenly exploded in mid-air.
A brand new mana spirit emerged from the “Pot Seal!”
…
Zach Wilson’s eyes lit up on the commentary platform. “Another miracle! Could this be the legendary ‘Pots Within Pots’ tactic in the world of duels? Nesting pots within pots?”
Wilson spoke cryptically, leaving the audience bewildered.
Nevertheless, Stewart Fane indeed summoned another second-tier mana spirit using the “Pot Seal” and the “Ghost King of the Pot” sealed within.
Breaking through the dark mist, a black humanoid figure appeared before everyone, wrapped in a fine black net like a ninja.
The black humanoid’s face revealed only a pair of crimson eyes, with a snake coiled around its neck. It had a slender, flat yet tall build, with three “shurikens” on each outer leg.
Appearing with a single foot supporting it, the “ninja” drew a shuriken from its leg as it lifted its mask, inserting the shuriken into its mouth—a performance of “sword swallowing.”
Then, it extended its tongue as if savoring something delicious.
Confusingly…
[Card Name: Illusionary Shadow Ninja]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ????]
[Race: Undead]
[Attribute: Ghost/Dark]
[Mana: 1900]
[Attack: 2300]
[Defense: 1600]
[Ultimate Skills: Shadow Stealth, Illusionary Shadow]
…
“Illusionary Shadow Ninja, Shadow Stealth!”
Stewart Fane, having successfully rescued the mana ball, issued the command.
The “Illusionary Shadow Ninja” immediately put away its playful nature, stepping into one of the “Shadow Holes” as if using a ninjutsu technique.
When everyone thought it would hide, it burst out from the “Shadow Hole” in just two seconds!
In that instant, people saw a shadow rush out at incredible speed, then sh**t straight up into the sky.
Something spread behind the shadow like wings!
The wind howled, and the situation changed dramatically!
…
Dark’s gaze flashed past the “Illusionary Shadow Ninja,” noticing that its target was the blue side’s mana ball!
Presumably after the initial fierce battle, Stewart Fane realized that his mana spirit couldn’t provide a decisive advantage. Thus, he promptly changed tactics.
The drop of ink he had previously placed in the “Shadow Hole” should be something akin to Emma’s “Gold Coins Beetle,” a mana spirit or “Equipment Card” that could attach to ghost/dark attribute mana spirits.
Under the influence of the ink, the “Illusionary Shadow Ninja” gained the ability to fly.
And with “Shadow Stealth,” it truly had the power of “flying and diving”!
…
Facing such a mana spirit capable of flying and diving, simply dodging with the mana ball would eventually lead to being caught.
“Then down…”
Dark understood clearly. He reached out, making the blue side’s mana ball plummet back into the blue summoning area.
In the blue summoning area, “Huhu” and “Eevee” were present, unafraid of such a five-star mana spirit.
The “Illusionary Shadow Ninja” missed its target.
But it suddenly halted in mid-air, retrieving a shuriken from its side.
In the next moment, the shuriken was thrown.
A thin shadow connected the shuriken’s end, spreading out like a veil in the air.
“Swish!”
The shuriken instantly pinned the “Mana Book,” then exploded.
The dark energy explosion shattered the “Mana Book” into pieces.
“Do you think I can’t see through it?” Stewart Fane’s mocking voice followed.
Dark said nothing, reaching for his deck again.
“Drip! Drip! Drip!”
The fifth round had begun.
[Bliss III Moon]
[Push Spell]
“Here it comes!”
Dark rubbed his fingers together, holding the “Dream Demon,” “Bliss III Moon,” and “Arrogance I” in his right hand.
Three cards, fifteen seconds, and one of his trump cards would appear in this duel.
He raised his gaze to look at Stewart Fane’s “Illusionary Shadow Ninja.” The ninja curled its finger, and the veil spread by the shuriken snapped back.
It then twisted the veil into a thin rope, lifted its mask, and inserted the rope into its mouth.
“Illusionary Shadow Ninja!”
Stewart Fane’s sudden shout startled the ninja, which froze and released the thin rope.
Some of the audience laughed.
The “Illusionary Shadow Ninja” grinned like a monkey, showing a silent laugh.
Stewart Fane immediately gave the order.
The “Illusionary Shadow Ninja” instantly stopped laughing, diving downward rapidly.
It drew a shuriken with its finger, shooting it out during its dive. With the veil spreading, the shuriken aimed straight for the blue side’s mana ball.
Eevee wrapped the mana ball with a ribbon and leaped away, successfully avoiding the attack.
But the shuriken landed, exploding instantly.
This explosion produced black smoke.
The “Illusionary Shadow Ninja” rushed into the smoke, disappearing from sight in an instant.
…
