Chapter 564: Dakdemon Is Not a Capitalist (4k)
“Has it ended?”
The moment the “Aurora Curtain” was torn apart by the explosion from the “Blood Mother Bat,” almost every spectator’s mind echoed with this question.
The rhythm of mana duels always left people breathless, wishing they could slow down time by twenty times just to watch it frame by frame.
Even though both participants were merely novice duelists who had just entered their second year and hadn’t summoned any second-tier golems throughout the match, the excitement remained unmatched.
The intense competition between the two players kept everyone on edge.
And the conclusion of the duel only heightened curiosity.
Who would emerge as the ultimate victor?
…
The fragmented “Aurora Curtain” shot out colorful rays from the smoke of the explosion.
However, the “Red Mana Ball” still hadn’t reached zero mana value.
“Mobius Worm!”
On the red side platform, Rose’s fingertips glowed with mana, then she forcefully slapped the spellboard, shouting loudly.
Robert, sensing the match wasn’t over, immediately began chanting the “Sacrificial Summoning Spell.”
Despite his unease with the prolonged incantation, he knew that summoning a second-tier golem was essential for victory.
As for the situation on the field…
It had slipped beyond his control!
…
On the battlefield.
The “Steel Fist Warrior” and “Wandering Rabbit” continued their fierce battle within the “Soundproof Barrier.”
Despite the “Wandering Rabbit” maintaining the upper hand, the “Steel Fist Warrior” was not easily defeated.
Robert’s “Steel Gun Ratman” remained poised in the red zone, ready to attack with the “Crossbow” at any moment.
When the sounds of the explosion and dust settled, spectators suddenly noticed that the “Scale Worm” had not stopped its “Melody Tour.” The originally soothing melody had turned intense and high-pitched.
The entire duel atmosphere became filled with a sense of danger.
The “Mobius Worm” floated steadily, rotating slowly around itself, absorbing the impact of the explosion with a光环 resembling a Mobius strip.
Its “Scale” instantly jumped two levels.
The red mana ball finally appeared, narrowly saved by Rose using her mana to push it under the “Mobius Worm”!
Two spheres touched, both protected by the “Mobius Ring.”
And the “Scale” leaped from “6” to “7” the instant everyone watched!
The energy reserves of the “Mobius Worm” had reached its limit!
“Now, Ultrasonic Wave!”
Rose’s voice stabilized at the critical moment.
The “Mobius Worm” abruptly stopped spinning, and the “Mobius Ring” around it vibrated at a high frequency, emitting a piercing sound like a high-temperature warning.
Transparent ripples appeared one after another in front of the “Mobius Worm.”
Robert abruptly halted the “Sacrificial Summoning Spell,” urgently shouting, “Defensive Formation!”
The “Steel Gun Ratman” heard the command and rushed towards the center line like a gust of wind.
A swarm of blood-red bats, flying out from the explosion’s aftermath, screeched towards the “Mobius Worm.”
But it was too late.
On the red side platform, the young girl stretched her arm straight, pointing forward with a slender index finger, her golden hair fluttering behind her, a determined look on her delicate face.
The “Mobius Worm” responded to her will, releasing its maximum “Ultrasonic Wave”!
The wave, spiraling visibly, penetrated the entire battlefield in an instant.
The piercing insect sound almost pierced the eardrums.
Audience members instinctively covered their ears, the unbreakable “Toy Castle” crumbling from the outside in.
Boom!
Until the “Toy Castle” completely disintegrated, the “Steel Gun Ratman” rushed to the center line, propelled by the shockwave.
At that moment, the “Soundproof Barrier” in the middle of the field was also breached.
The “Wandering Rabbit,” wielding a crowbar, sprang up and, with enhanced leg strength, leaped gracefully, drawing a beautiful arc in the air.
In an instant, the “Wandering Rabbit” approached the blue mana ball.
“Up!”
Robert focused intently at the crucial moment, his fingers together like a sword, pointing directly at the blue mana ball.
Exposed by the destruction of the “Toy Castle,” the blue mana ball momentarily jumped, seemingly trying to escape upward.
But another surge of mana halted it abruptly.
A hundred-meter distance.
Rose’s remote control ability over mana had surpassed Robert’s advantage in proximity.
Robert’s tense face instantly twisted; he couldn’t fathom how much their skill gap had widened.
Rose, however, maintained a resolute expression, standing firm.
The “Wandering Rabbit,” holding the crowbar, moved like a graceful swordsman, smashing the blue mana ball’s life barrier with a powerful downward strike.
Then, with a foot tap, it spun and delivered a second powerful blow to the side of the blue mana ball.
Bang!
With the life barrier shattered, the blue mana ball was sent flying.
The battle ended with a whistle.
“Battle Over!”
“Winner: Rose Florette!”
…
A short while later.
Cheers erupted suddenly.
“The dust has settled.”
Announcer Buddy Morris quickly picked up the microphone, making his final summary: “After a fierce duel, the newcomer duelist from the Second-Year Noble Academy—Rose Florette—won with an astonishing performance.
But the other newcomer duelist from the Second-Year Knight Academy—Robert Broheim—also showcased remarkable prowess in this duel.
Although they have only recently advanced to second year, their growth in various aspects is evident.
As an announcer, there is no greater joy than seeing duelists continue to grow. We eagerly anticipate their next performances. Now, let’s welcome…”
Amid Buddy Morris’s official remarks, the two duelists on the platform began recalling their mana golems.
The nerves that had been taut to the limit during the duel gradually relaxed.
Robert released his clenched fist after a brief moment of gritting his teeth.
He hadn’t thought he had much chance when he first stepped onto the field, but once the duel started, all he could think about was winning. Even now, he found it hard to let go.
“If only my summoning speed were faster…”
“If only I could summon a Blood Beast…”
Unfortunately, there were no if’s.
Rose carefully put away her mana cards and glanced at the audience.
She suddenly noticed someone vigorously waving in the middle of the audience and turned to look, eventually spotting her tutor—Debbie Giles—and her uncle and aunt sitting beside Giles.
She silently breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sweet sensation in her heart.
“I wonder if my uncle and aunt will be satisfied?”
With cautious thoughts, she slowly descended from the platform.
…
Not long after, Rose and Robert joined their respective friends in the circular area.
When Diana saw Rose approaching, she hurriedly cleared the seat.
Rose carefully sat down.
Diana immediately grabbed her hand, adopting a mature demeanor to praise, “Well done!”
Rose happily replied, “No, I almost lost.”
She blushed and glanced at Dak.
Dak smiled, “Well done.”
Rose nodded, “Yes!”
“Hey?” Diana bit her cheek.
Rose immediately started playfully teasing her.
…
Meanwhile, Robert was filled with disappointment.
Vit had never seen his usually energetic friend so dejected and didn’t know what to say to comfort him.
After some thought, he simply said, “We’ll win next time.”
Robert clenched his fist, taking a deep breath, “Next time!”
Vit had an idea, “How about we find our chance again at this year’s Halloween?”
Robert frowned, “Vit, that’s not a duel.”
Vit quickly added, “Then let’s issue a challenge! I remember the minimum score required for a duel invitation is one hundred credits. We can participate in more duels to earn more credits and hone our skills. There are plenty of second-year duels… right, are there any other competitions for second years?”
Robert replied, “There’s the Silver Cup exclusive to second years, the Golden Cup open to all except first years, and team tournaments organized by clubs… After we advance to second year, most of the academy’s competitions are open for registration.”
Vit suggested, “Then let’s sign up for the Silver Cup?”
Robert shook his head, “We need to create more mana cards and build a stronger deck.”
Vit reminded, “That requires more credits and materials. And relying solely on random creation won’t guarantee the mana golems you want, often wasting resources.”
Robert said, “For materials, we can get them from the dungeon.”
Vit’s eyes lit up, “Right. We’ll soon be able to enter the dungeon!”
They looked at each other, smiling simultaneously.
Study, adventure, and triumph over opponents and goals!
Nothing could be more exhilarating.
“By the way, let’s visit Traveler’s Street after the match and see if there are new card packs.”
“Let’s have another round when we return, this time, I won’t lose!”
“Tactics are part of dueling.”
“Yes!”
…
A duel between two players naturally had winners and losers.
As noon approached, the debut matches of the novice duelists gradually came to a close.
Many performed well, even impressively.
Of course, some struggled significantly, performing poorly to the extreme.
These situations were observed by the professors, who would provide targeted education afterward.
Those with poor psychological resilience, unable to even participate properly in duels, might be barred from entering the dungeon.
Students in their second year would encounter more things, and professors would face more challenges.
…
Exactly at noon.
The last duel ended under everyone’s watchful eyes, and the audience began to leave.
The Viscount and Viscountess Florette did not leave immediately after Rose’s duel but stayed to watch until the end.
At this point, the Viscount asked his wife, “I don’t know much about duels, but is Rose’s performance good?”
The Viscountess frowned and turned to the tutor, asking, “Debbie, what do you think?”
Debbie Giles couldn’t help but smile, “Of course it is good. If you want to know more, you can continue watching more matches. There are many second-year duels, and Rose has a good chance of participating.”
The Viscount slowly nodded, “It’s quite relaxing.”
…
The saying goes, “Strike while the iron is hot.”
Before the match ended, Dak’s trio went to Traveler’s Street for a small celebration, then returned to their dormitory to work on their post-duel assignments.
By the time they finished all the homework, it was already evening.
The three of them appeared in the clubroom as if by agreement.
Tonight, luck was on their side as all five members of the club were present.
Dak thought for a moment, gathered the mana golems, and took out the “Club Card.”
“Since the club’s formation, it’s been over a week.”
He stood in the middle, opening his palm to make the “Mana Book” float.
“Our club’s mission points are 0, ranking us at the bottom of the academy’s club rankings!”
Hearing this, he couldn’t help but laugh.
The club members shrugged, not taking it seriously.
After all, the Magical Animal Club was essentially just such a club, where members mostly used the clubroom as a comfortable leisure space.
The unique location atop the Spiral Bell Tower ensured the club’s quietness, in a virtually undisturbed environment.
Moreover, the club funds (?) were sufficient, allowing members to transform the clubroom according to their wishes.
The considerate club leader always stocked a large amount of snacks and tea in the clubroom, ready to form a private tea party at any time.
The innocent and adorable Grass Cat Plant and the growing Little Night Bird added charm to the club.
It was so comfortable that one didn’t even want to return to the tower dormitory.
Like Catalysta and Broni, they almost always spent time in the clubroom.
The only downside was the steep stairs.
Seeing such members, Dak sighed, “Although, we should specify the detailed rules for club missions. It’s a great way to earn credits within the academy.”
Catalysta and Broni naturally understood this.
Dak mainly wanted to inform Diana and Rose, as well as the mana golems.
He had already applied for the “Commercial Version” sorting cards for the mana golems and expected to receive them the next day.
At that time, the mana golems could also earn credits by completing missions.
This was exactly what they had been looking forward to!
—
Note: The text has been translated without additional commentary.
