Chapter 396

Chapter 396: Dark Demon’s Endless Bloodline (4k)

Winning is winning, losing is losing.

Stewart Fane hasn’t reached the point where he can’t accept defeat.

But there’s always an element of luck in dueling competitions; victory and defeat don’t fully reflect one’s strength.

He already admitted that Dark Demon surpassed first-year students, but he might not lose in the next match!

“I hope we meet again in the next competition.”

After leaving these words, Stewart Fane lowered his head and turned off the spellboard.

Now, he needed to think carefully about how to deal with President Jeffrey’s criticism.

An unexpected loss might have extremely negative effects on his position within the Noble Society.

…

“Next competition?”

Dark’s expression was strange after hearing Stewart’s last sentence.

He felt like the senior was saying, “Things change; don’t underestimate the young.”

But isn’t the upperclassman supposed to be you?

He stroked his chin, hesitated for a moment, and then decided not to respond. Instead, he focused on recalling the mana golems.

The mana golems played a crucial role in this duel’s victory, especially the Sun Eevee and the Mana Nightmare Demon, which stabilized the situation.

Stewart Fane probably thought he just needed to drag out this round to regain the upper hand, but once the Mana Nightmare Demon entered the battlefield, the duel was effectively over.

It only seemed like he still had a chance because Dark chose to hold back, not deploying the Nightmare Space.

If he had activated Nightmare Space, the Mana Nightmare Demon could have used “field swap” to switch positions with “Shadowy Ninja,” dealing a fatal blow to the mana ball.

In dueling competitions, keeping information hidden is advantageous for future matches.

For example, the Sun Eevee’s “Mana Reflection” and the Mana Book’s “automatic summoning” might be exposed after this duel.

Therefore, keeping some cards up your sleeve is very important.

…

When Dark finished organizing his mana cards and walked down from the competitors’ platform, Prince Charles, who had come specifically to see him, was starting to lose patience.

Although the duel viewing experience was acceptable, his thoughts were not entirely on the duel itself.

“Where’s the hero cat?”

Prince Charles’ voice carried authority.

His confidant quickly echoed, “It will definitely appear in the next match!”

Prince Charles folded his arms and continued watching silently.

Of course, he knew it was normal not to be able to summon specific mana creatures in one duel. He was just venting his frustration.

But in the next duel…

This wasn’t Dark’s main stage.

He went through the motions on the stage under Judy’s senior’s call and then left the stage.

Then, two upperclassmen stepped onto the stage to begin their duel.

The two participants in the semifinals of the upperclassmen group were the fourth-year noble student who defeated the fifth-year student and the only sixth-year student.

After exiting the stage, Dark did not head to the ring but stayed at the entrance of the competitors’ passage, enriching his mana cards while watching the ongoing duel.

Other non-participating contestants were also in the same passage.

The remaining two upperclassmen, “Dragon Slayer” Luke Beige and “Night Baron” Noah Sharp, were classmates. They clearly knew each other but seemed not to get along, standing far apart.

However, it made sense—a “dragon user” and a “dragon slayer” wouldn’t naturally be together.

The atmosphere among the lowerclassmen was slightly more harmonious.

Dark had some acquaintance with Senior Maly Bond and could exchange a few words.

As for another third-year student from the Fool’s Academy, Tom Nixon, he kept his head down and rarely spoke.

In such an atmosphere, the duel began.

…

Even though the outcome of the upperclassmen’s duel was irrelevant to him, Dark watched intently.

However, the two participants in this duel had a significant disparity in strength.

From the start of the battle phase, the situation became overwhelmingly one-sided.

As a fourth-year student from the noble academy, he couldn’t rise above Dark Demon as easily as expected, being completely dominated by the sixth-year student throughout.

…

“Looks like it’s my turn soon.”

Maly Bond took a deep breath, straightening her posture against the wall.

Dark asked, “Senior, do you have a chance?”

Maly glanced at Tom Nixon opposite her and then raised her fist. “To speak of chances…”

Dark: “Hmm?”

Maly smiled, “Of course not.” Then she turned around and stepped out of the competitors’ passage.

Dark opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words.

“She’s really carefree.”

Dark shook his head, collecting his thoughts.

Senior Maly Bond won against Else Kevin in the previous duel, but upon closer observation, her raw strength was slightly inferior to Else’s.

Her victory was due to a combination of factors.

Facing a top third-year student like Tom Nixon, her advantages were unlikely to show.

As she said herself, there was no chance.

But duelists never give up.

Even if the path ahead is dark, one must believe in themselves and miracles to eventually find light!

…

Though this seems somewhat immature, the power of the mind can indeed create miracles.

And what if the opponent suddenly does something foolish?

Dark smiled slightly and turned to look at the other contestant about to enter.

Their gazes met.

Tom Nixon was a third-year student, fourteen years old.

At fourteen, in this world, it was already the age to marry and start a family.

Despite rapid societal changes giving children more time to grow, Tom came from a slum, knowing the harshness of life.

Dark was meeting this Fool’s Academy senior for the first time and thus observed him closely.

From appearance, Tom’s hair was slightly split, with long bangs covering his eyes, looking very low-key but not as gloomy as Stewart Fane.

He looked natural and ordinary, like any common teenager.

Yet, this seemingly ordinary teenager had defeated Senior Winnie Scarlet, a descendant of the Winter Sage.

Dark had considered Winnie Scarlet a formidable opponent from the start but hadn’t expected her to be eliminated in the first round.

The victorious Tom Nixon naturally caught his attention.

Just as they sized each other up, Tom Nixon suddenly raised his hand, opening his fingers to Dark and then closing them, placing his thumb under his index finger.

Before Dark could express confusion, Tom quickly turned and exited the passage.

“What does this mean?”

Dark recalled Tom Nixon’s gesture, puzzled.

But Noah Sharp, standing nearby, suddenly spoke up, “Do you know him?”

“Do I know him?”

Dark glanced at Tom Nixon’s back and shook his head, “No.”

“That’s odd,” Noah Sharp rubbed his chin, contemplating.

This fifth-year knight academy senior, though only sixteen, was quite tall and sturdy, exuding a reliable presence despite his ordinary looks.

Dark didn’t know him, but from previous introductions, he learned that Noah had saved his hometown and received a baron title.

Since Noah initiated the conversation, Dark saw no reason to hold back. He asked, “Excuse me, what does Senior Tom Nixon’s gesture mean?”

“It’s a custom of certain minority tribes.”

Luke Beige, who hadn’t spoken much, suddenly explained, “Tom is telling you he will devour you.”

“Devour me?” Dark was even more confused.

Noah Sharp glanced at him and said, “That’s why I asked if you knew him. This isn’t a casual greeting but treating you as prey to be hunted.”

Dark was utterly bewildered.

Seeing his junior startled, Noah Sharp laughed and reassured him, “Don’t overthink it. Winning against two third-years in a row as a first-year is impressive. Even if you lose next, you’ll gain popularity. In St. Maryan, popularity translates into credits. You should keep pushing.”

With that, Noah Sharp stepped out of the passage to watch the duel.

He didn’t treat Dark any differently because of his status.

In fact, this was the attitude a promising mage usually had toward nobles.

Though Noah had a baron title, he likely didn’t value the nobility system.

Next, Luke Beige also stepped out of the passage.

Inside, only Dark remained, deep in thought.

In his puzzlement, Dark focused on the duel.

Zach Wilson, returning to the commentator’s booth, began his passionate commentary.

After exchanging roles with the upperclassmen commentator, he returned to Angus Jeffrey’s side, secretly observing Jeffrey’s agitated expression with a hint of amusement.

Of course, he wouldn’t laugh openly.

Back at the commentator’s booth, he could fully engage.

The duel between Maly Bond and Tom Nixon had a slight disparity in paper strength, but after Dark’s upset, the audience was more enthusiastic about this low-to-high-grade duel.

Moreover, the fighting styles of both contestants were unique, attracting a niche fanbase.

Thus, the atmosphere at the start of the duel was excellent.

Both contestants skipped the pre-duel trash talk and jumped straight into the standby phase.

They shuffled and drew their cards, summoned their creatures, and the duel officially began!

…

“Is the winner of this duel the one Dark will face in the finals?” Diana widened her eyes, asking.

Pandora nodded with a smile, “Yes. If Dark wants to gain the final advantage, he must defeat the winner of these two.”

Diana couldn’t help but say, “It seems so difficult.”

The duel between Maly Bond and Tom Nixon was unexpectedly intense.

Or rather, Maly Bond was unexpectedly strong!

She demonstrated the qualities of a Mind Magus with remarkable skill.

Her mana golems lacked the wisdom of Dark’s but were nearly as proficient.

“Diana, she looks a bit like you,” Rose exclaimed in surprise.

But Diana was puzzled, “Really? Where?”

Rose shook her head, “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Pandora stared at Diana’s face for a moment and said, “Watch closely. It will be beneficial for you.”

Diana responded, “Oh.”

…

“Quite impressive talent.”

Elsewhere in the ring, “Lia Goethe” with a new appearance gave an approving glance.

However, she wasn’t paying attention to Maly Bond but to Tom Nixon.

…

While Maly Bond displayed the talent of a Mind Magus, Tom Nixon exhibited a different kind of talent, one that only a few could recognize.

It was the talent of a Bloodline Magus!

Exploring the roots of bloodlines and building connections between mana golems and bl**d, infusing instincts into the core of mana golems, unleashing unimaginable power.

This was the Bloodline Magus.

Unlike the Mind Magus system, Bloodline Magus utilized Bloodline Power.

Neither was inherently stronger or weaker.

But Mind Power could be more widely accessible.

Bloodline Power, however, was the domain of a select few.

The half-bl**d Tom Nixon seemed to possess the key to unlocking Bloodline Power.

…

On the battlefield.

The battle between Maly Bond and Tom Nixon’s mana golems gradually deviated from typical combat patterns.

It was akin to a skilled warrior battling a bloodthirsty beast, with data on the panel becoming insignificant.

Knowing she had no chance from the start, Maly Bond thoroughly enjoyed the duel.

Tom Nixon, confident in his victory, gradually calmed down after encountering unexpected fierce resistance.

The beast within him slowly revealed its fangs.

The intensity of the battle sparked a tidal wave.

…

Dark Demon focused intently, his attention fully captured by the duel.

The clash between the two contestants reignited his recently cooled passion.

Regarding the gesture Tom Nixon made before the match, he had long forgotten it.

Worrying about such things was pointless.

If Tom Nixon wins, he will defeat him in the finals.

That would settle it.