Chapter 403: The Pride and Humility of Dark Demon (42/233)
【Celebration: The ultimate skill of the atmosphere group, a celebratory move for when one is happy, which has no effect and is purely for观赏 (viewing).】
…
The appearance of the “Celebration” ultimate skill was truly unexpected.
This was true for Dark as well as everyone else.
But given the circumstances, Dark could only put on a show of having everything under control, once again emphasizing his role as the mastermind behind the scenes.
Under his influence, the atmosphere in the dueling arena did not change due to this unexpected incident.
In fact, the spectators seemed even more excited?
Dark turned slightly to look at the opposite side.
Tom Nixon’s face on the blue side competitor platform was grim—though it had never been particularly pleasant to begin with.
Dark still didn’t know why Tom Nixon was gesturing in provocation before the duel even began, but it no longer mattered.
Unfortunately, he failed to bring a smile to Tom Nixon’s face during this duel.
However, the golems in the field seemed quite amused?
Whether it was the Sun Eevee that triggered the “Wishing Dice,” or Deoxys and Black Deoxys slowly walking back to the red summoning area, and the Lion Beast gradually recovering from its frenzy, all looked up at the fireworks in the sky and couldn’t help but reveal gentle smiles.
They couldn’t feel the festive atmosphere, but they clearly felt the joy of victory.
…
“Did he win?”
From the first row of the spectator area, the Valkyrie grabbed the arm of Princess Eliza and couldn’t help but ask.
She already knew he had won, but she wanted to hear it from someone else.
“He won! He won!”
Princess Eliza quickly responded, her arm already feeling the pain.
But her gaze remained fixed on Deoxys on the dueling arena, unable to look away.
If the appearance of the Lion Beast had surprised her, then the appearance of Deoxys had left her in awe.
Deoxys, wielding the “Solo Sword Sheath,” was both a “Hero” and “Light Attribute,” which made her unable to help but think the worst.
Especially after seeing Deoxys instantly slay the “Dragon Witch,” she couldn’t help but doubt whether the heir to the title of Hero at Saint Maryann Academy could be any more orthodox than Deoxys.
The eldest prince on the other side also shared the same sentiment.
His expression was not good, and upon glancing at the fireworks in the sky, he suddenly stood up, not bothering to greet anyone nearby, and walked out of the venue.
Since Dark Demon had already won, there would be no more matches for him.
Since there were no more matches to watch, there was no need to stay.
Charles wanted to return to the mansion as soon as possible to discuss matters with the Archbishop.
…
In the Free City, within the box at the dueling branch hall.
Principal Altair of Saint Maryann Academy always smiled.
From her perspective, the more people with Hero Qualities, the better.
The future belonged to the young.
Montiel Farley sighed slightly, but looking at the golden-haired youth on the competitor platform who was blessing the entire audience, she became increasingly uncertain.
Beside her, Aurora slightly raised her head, her eyes as bright as the sun, reflecting the dazzling fireworks.
Thoughts, feelings, actions.
…
Saint Maryann Outdoor Dueling Arena.
As the fireworks faded, someone leaned against the wall, unable to help but sigh.
Ultimately, they failed to take advantage of the situation.
What a pity…
Fortunately, she had placed bets on two people.
If she continued to lose, she would have to step in herself.
Though it was difficult, it was still possible.
…
The cheers of the first-year students lasted the longest.
Before the start of the duel festival, no one expected that the final victor would be a first-year student.
But now, regardless of whether it was because the true powerhouses among the third-years hadn’t appeared yet, or if it was too casual, the lower grades had already determined their winners in the Easter Duel Festival.
“Then, let me read it again.”
“The winner of the first Saint Maryann Academy Easter Duel Festival, the first to third-year group, is — the First-Year Noble Academy, Dark Demon!”
With Zach Wilson’s shout, the venue, which had quieted down, was once again filled with thunderous applause.
Dark Demon held the magic card in his hand amidst the applause, showing it to the audience below and recalling each of the golems on the field back into their cards.
He then picked out the magic card of the Lion Beast, frowning slightly.
The “Parasitic Seed” of “Blood Moon Werewolf” still had an impact on the Lion Beast.
Even though the Lion Beast immediately entered a dormant state upon entering the card, the roots on its face still existed, and its facial muscles occasionally twitched.
“Perhaps I should find Sister Carrian.”
After pondering for a moment, Dark placed this magic card in his sleeve and then descended from the competitor platform.
“Please proceed this way.”
A staff member standing by the stairs pointed towards the stage.
Dark took a deep breath, turned, and started walking, his pace unconsciously quickening.
On the other side,
Tom Nixon had already left the stage.
To avoid meeting Dark, he chose another path and walked alone into the competitor passage and headed to a prearranged location.
He was very anxious.
…
Not long after,
Dark returned to the stage.
Host Judy congratulated him upon arriving, but noticing something amiss in his expression, she immediately stopped being polite.
Opening straight to the point.
She smiled and said, “By now, there shouldn’t be anyone left who doesn’t know your name, right, Dake Demon?”
Dake slightly nodded, relaxing his expression. “Senior Judy, so you’re not specifically repeating my name?”
Judy pressed the microphone to her lips and chuckled lightly. “Then can I call you Dake?”
“Of course.” Dake nodded. “I wonder what your surname is, Senior?”
But Judy pursed her lips. “Dake, it seems you’re not as happy as expected about winning in the finals.”
Dake immediately shook his head. “No, I’m very excited.”
Judy pretended to be surprised. “Is that so? Can I ask you a few questions on behalf of the audience… yes, on behalf of your future fans?”
Dake naturally wanted to say no, but this was an interview for the ultimate winner, and he had to give the academy some face.
He nodded at the moment. “Three questions?”
Judy teased him. “Not like before anymore.”
Dake: “Then let’s hurry. I think the audience must be even more looking forward to the upcoming senior finals.”
Judy smiled. “Who knows which they look forward to more? So, may I ask Dake, what do you think of this duel itself?”
Dake carefully thought for a moment and said, “In this duel, my performance wasn’t really good. The lack of dueling experience and issues with deck construction made it hard for me to grasp the overall situation.”
Judy’s gaze flickered slightly, somewhat surprised that Dake responded so formally.
She had originally thought that Dake would still gloss over it like last time.
This made her speak immediately. “Modesty is a virtue, but Dake doesn’t need to be so modest. Your deck composition is very unique, and it’s hard to find someone in the entire academy who could replicate it. As for the lack of dueling experience… your performance in this duel far exceeded what a first-year student should have.”
Dake shook his head. “That’s not how it is. I just got lucky with the cards I drew.”
After all, nearly half of his deck was useless cards.
The core card “Capital Sin III” only had three copies.
The first tier Mana Spirit Cards were only ten, plus one Solo Sword Sheath, making eleven in total.
Four of those were one-star Mana Spirit Cards with no survival capabilities.
Using such a deck constructed merely to meet the forty-card requirement.
It was already a miracle that he didn’t draw a dead hand in ten consecutive rounds.
And he had done this in three matches!
Normally, even if he started with five useless cards and was instantly eliminated in the first round, it was highly possible.
Indeed, believing in one’s own deck was essential.
Thinking here, Dake couldn’t help but smile slightly.
But Judy said, “Luck is an indispensable factor in mana duels, but it’s certainly not decisive. Is it so hard to admit that you’re strong?”
Dake was taken aback and couldn’t help but scrutinize this senior closely.
Judy’s appearance could only be described as exquisite, with her makeup perfectly enhancing her charm, her aura lying between grandeur and coquettishness, much like a stuffed cat that might suddenly show its mischievous side.
He slightly raised himself, smiling broadly. “Since Senior says so, then I’ll admit that I’m strong.”
Upon saying this, applause erupted from the crowd below.
People respect the humble, but they worship those who are confident and bold enough.
Without the aura of commanding and leading, how can one inspire admiration?
The audience’s impression of the golden-haired youth from the Noble Academy deepened.
Judy revealed a satisfied expression and continued, “Then let’s move on to the second question. How do you evaluate your opponent in this duel?”
When this question came out, Dake slightly frowned.
If Judy’s first question was still a normal one, then this second question seemed somewhat inappropriate.
To ask a newly crowned champion to evaluate the runner-up who was eliminated?
How could you even ask such a thing!
But when his gaze shifted, Judy winked secretly, facing away from the audience, revealing a hint of mischief.
In fact, asking this question was partly to stir up the atmosphere and partly to mock Dake’s previous interview, a small retaliation.
The wife of the famous Duel Master Swiss Lu Xun once said, “A woman’s insight is made of needle tips.”
But Dake saw the meaning in her eyes and relaxed his brow, smiling. “How should I put it? Actually, during the outbound selection, I initially thought my final opponent would be Senior Vini Scarlet, but in reality, standing opposite me was Senior Tom Nixon…”
Tom Nixon, walking in the competitors’ passage, subconsciously stopped in his tracks.
The sound from the stage penetrated through the walls and entered his ears.
But just as he was about to listen carefully, someone stepped out from around the corner ahead.
“Lia Goethe, ma’am.”
Tom Nixon couldn’t help but speak.
But when “Lia Goethe” approached him, she raised her index finger and whispered softly, “Don’t you want to hear what he thinks of you?”
“Do I need a first-year’s evaluation?” Tom Nixon sneered on the surface, but clearly perked up his ears.
…
Dake Demon held the microphone and said, “To defeat Senior Vini Scarlet and advance to the finals, there must be something special. Senior Tom Nixon’s deck has strong synergy, giving the impression that no matter what cards are drawn…”
Walking in the competitor’s passage, Tom Nixon subconsciously stopped.
The voice on the stage penetrated the walls and reached his ears.
But just as he was about to listen carefully, someone stepped out from around the corner ahead.
“Lia Goethe, ma’am.”
Tom Nixon couldn’t help but speak.
But when “Lia Goethe” approached him, she raised her index finger and whispered softly, “Don’t you want to hear what he thinks of you?”
“Do I need a first-year’s evaluation?” Tom Nixon sneered on the surface, but clearly perked up his ears.
To what hand, any combination can be formed.
This is exactly what my deck lacks. I should aim to learn this on my future path. However, Tom Nixon’s deck flaws are also very clear.”
“What kind of flaws?” Judy asked subconsciously, but then added, “If it’s inconvenient, we can skip it…”
“It’s not really inconvenient to talk about,” Dark said seriously, “It’s very simple, his deck isn’t strong enough.”
Judy couldn’t help but be surprised, “Not strong enough?”
Dark repeated, “Yes, it’s just not strong enough. If we meet again in the next duel tournament, I sincerely hope that senior will refine a stronger ace.”
Judy was shocked, “But his golem elemental is already six stars, and it can reach seven-star attributes! This is already quite impressive among third-year students.”
Dark shook his head, “Attributes are only one aspect; the ultimate skill is the core of a golem elemental. Senior, do you have another question?”
Judy quickly said, “Of course.”
Dark nodded, “Please ask.”
Judy pretended to think, then asked, “What are your expectations for the final winner’s reward? I mean, have you thought about what you might get from the final Easter egg?”
Dark smiled, “Of course I have, and I am looking forward to it.”
…
In the competitors’ passage.
Tom Nixon was somewhat surprised after hearing Dark’s evaluation of him.
He had expected Dark to mention his “hunting” gesture before the match and showing his magic card during the match, but Dark didn’t do either. He simply evaluated his deck.
However…
He hesitated, “Is my deck really not strong enough?”
But in front of him, “Lia Goethe” shook her head, “No, he’s not telling the truth.”
Tom Nixon raised his head, puzzled, “How so?”
“Lia Goethe” gave a slight smile, “Because you have a bigger flaw.”
Tom Nixon immediately frowned, but then took a deep breath to calm himself down.
In front of this woman, he had no right to be angry.
“Lia Goethe’s” voice echoed softly, “How about it, have you considered my proposal?”
Tom Nixon said, “But I failed.”
“Lia Goethe” smiled, “It’s okay, we can change the condition.”
Tom Nixon, “What condition?”
Lia Goethe, “Wit Gold, you should know…”
…
Everything has long surpassed its trajectory.
Everyone is walking down completely different paths.
…
After answering Judy’s three questions, Dark bid farewell to the audience and left the stage.
Next would be the final match of the current Easter Duel Festival—the senior group’s final!
Dark looked forward to this surely exciting duel, but at the moment, he needed to do more than just find a seat and watch calmly.
When he was on the competitor platform, he had seen the professors in the circular belt.
“I remember, Professor Shylph should be sitting over there… I wonder if Sister Carrian has taken a small vacation?”
Dark continued to move along the rear area of the circular belt, his gaze sweeping over each back.
He still needs to wait for the senior group’s final to end before he can receive the award with the eventual winner, so he can’t leave the dueling arena yet.
To eliminate the abnormal state of the lion beast as soon as possible, the best way is to find a professor.
Even if Sister Carrian is not around, Professor Shylph should have a solution.
Unconsciously, his relationship with Professor Shylph seems to have improved.
…
When “Baron of the Night” Noah Sharp and the sixth-year student ascended the tier of the competitor platform, Dark finally found Professor Shylph.
Then he unexpectedly discovered that Professor Metia Barcelo was actually beside Professor Shylph?
“Is it to prevent Professor Metia from causing trouble during Easter, that’s why she’s specifically tied to her side?”
Dark couldn’t help but open his mouth, unable to resist laughing.
Professor Metia Barcelo, who is clearly an older unmarried woman, appeared like a naughty child caught red-handed in front of Professor Shylph.
A grand silver moon witch, a fortune teller with star eyes, really lost all dignity.
He walked through the tunnel.
Before he got close, Professor Shylph turned her head, obviously sensing that “blessing of the wind elemental.”
Sometimes, Dark thought, to Professor Shylph, that “blessing of the wind elemental” might be similar to a GPS signaler.
If he ever truly got into trouble one day, Professor Shylph might be able to find him quickly by sensing it.
“Professor.”
Dark quickened his pace and moved to the front of Professor Shylph.
There were still many professors around, including Professor Kazel and Professor Lily, but unfortunately, there was no Sister Carrian.
Dark greeted the familiar professors and then bent down to speak with Professor Shylph.
Professor Shylph said solemnly, “Your golem elemental is unusual, indeed it’s necessary to have Sister Carrian check it. But if it’s just to remove the abnormal state left by the parasitic seed, I can take care of it.”
Dark thought for a moment and said, “Let’s eliminate the abnormal state first. I’ll visit Sister Carrian afterward.”
Professor Shylph nodded, “Summon the ‘lion beast’.”
