Dekan Focuses on Standard Duels
Soon, Chloix’s gaze became somewhat melancholic again as he looked at Dekan and asked:
“Do you know there’s a third-tier spell card called [Pain Sensation Block]?”
“Hmm.”
Dekan calmly smiled.
“Then how do you defeat him? To win against a higher level enemy, you rely on your pain system!”
“Hmph, how about this, if I can defeat Flata fairly in a duel, you should no longer hesitate and officially admit that you’re part of the Beautiful Soul Squad, alright?”
“…”
Chloix fell silent for a moment before finally nodding heavily, “Alright, I agree. But you must win!”
“Don’t worry.”
Dekan waved his hand, his face full of prideful smiles.
He turned to Cornelia beside him and asked:
“Cornelia, we’re having a welcome party plus a celebration feast tonight. What do you feel like eating?”
“Roast!”
“Roast meat, no problem.”
Seeing Dekan’s confident look, Chloix helplessly smiled.
“Please!”
“Flata says Cornelia will treat us tonight.”
“Thank you… By the way, I had a doubt earlier. How do you understand Cornelia’s meaning?”
Chloix couldn’t help but ask.
“It’s simple, just look into her eyes and you will naturally understand.”
Chloix: “???”
I thought you guys had a team voice channel and just didn’t include me.
At this point, most of the students who were spectating had already dispersed.
Some students were still witnessing what would become a historical moment: the meeting of the three big figures of the Beautiful Soul Squad.
Claire had already silently walked up beside Chloix.
“Are you an idiot? Just letting Flata bully you?”
She looked at Chloix with some anger in her eyes.
“What he said was indeed the truth… I made an irreparable mistake. I’ve shamed your sister, and I’ve shamed you.”
Seeing her, Chloix seemed to wither a little.
“You’ve shamed us, but you feel no shame for what you’ve done to him! I just can’t stand your self-pity! You deserve to be a coward for life!”
Seemingly unable to contain her anger, Claire quickly stepped out of the classroom.
Chloix seemed to have grown accustomed to her scolding, not replying a single word. After Claire left, he smiled somewhat awkwardly at Dekan and Cornelia.
“Sorry, made you guys see that.”
“…What’s your relationship with her?”
Dekan asked.
“Terrible, she didn’t hate me that much when she was a kid, but after her sister got severely injured, she has hated me bitterly.”
“…Is it possible that she hates you but also loves you?”
“Are you joking??”
Chloix’s eyes widened in surprise, his voice increasing slightly.
“You should try strongly pinning her to the wall the next time, and see her reaction?”
“She will never forgive me in her life!”
“Alright, alright, you figure it out yourself.”
Dekan patted Chloix’s shoulder, unwilling to say more.
Some matters are always clear to onlookers but confusing to those involved.
Not saying anything while watching a game is a kind of fun too.
…
The news that Flata was going to duel Dekan quickly spread throughout the academy.
Even before their agreed-upon time, the Phantom Arena was bustling like it was hosting some grand event.
The arena’s main structure is like a coliseum, with the top sealed by a transparent magical barrier.
The venue was divided into various different regions, but without a doubt, the most conspicuous was the “Man-made Shadow World Activation Device” placed at the center.
The walls of the circular area and the partitions are all equipped with large projection screens that can display the situation and data inside the Man-made Shadow World.
The good seats in the audience were all taken up by the students who arrived early.
No matter if they were critics, supporters, or just here for amusement, everyone wanted some entertainment.
After all, many people had guessed.
In this duel, Dekan would likely be targeted by opposing cards.
And as a card maker, Dekan didn’t have enough time to make new cards specifically to counter Flata.
Theoretically, the higher-level elite wizard, Flata who is fifth-tier, should have the advantage.
But for some unknown reason, everyone had a feeling that Dekan might have some new tricks up his sleeve.
And if Dekan really wins, Flata would be in quite a sorry state.
That’s the risk you take when you make a bet with the devil.
Even a number of teachers came.
Particularly the teachers and medical personnel from the Alchemy Institute.
According to the rules, the Phantom Canyon, the Man-made Shadow World, should be absolutely safe.
But last time, Dekan had Professor Arno carried out on a stretcher.
This shows that there still remained some unknown safety hazards.
Chloix and Cornelia sat in the audience.
Even Teacher Cat came to join in the fun, taking the seat beside Chloix.
“By the way, this kid is only third tier, can he beat Flata, meow?”
“I don’t know, but I bet on Flata winning.”
“…”Shouldn’t you be betting on Dekan winning, meow?”
“I almost never win my bets.”
“I suddenly realize you seem to be a curse type too, meow! No wonder that guy noticed you!”
…
Now, the Man-made Shadow World was ready for duel mode, with parameters set by the arena’s custodian.
It would last indefinitely by default, and to ensure fairness, external communication with the internal world would be blocked.
All they had to do was wait for Dekan and Flata to enter the Void Gate.
Both were near the entrance, seemingly waiting for the other.
“What, are you scared?”
Flata mocked with a sneer.
Dekan didn’t respond but instead talked briefly to the custodian.
A moment later, the custodian brought over a document and a pen.
Dekan quickly signed his name.
“Sign the death pact first.”
After Dekan’s signature, he handed the “Man-made Shadow World Activation Device Disclaimer – Risk Acknowledgment Document” to Flata.
“…Is it necessary?”
A strong sense of unease surged in Flata’s heart.
Signing this was only detrimental and offered no benefit for him.
“According to the usage rules of the Phantom Canyon duel mode, it is necessary. Many students simply skip this step, which is a less standardized operation.”
Dekan took out the “Man-made Shadow World Activation Device User Manual,” and flipped to a certain page, handing it to Flata.
Flata winced slightly at the corner of his mouth.
Who has the time to go flipping through this book?
Though he didn’t like it, he still asked the custodian nearby and the answer confirmed that Dekan wasn’t bluffing.
Usually, this step is just skipped because both sides intend to have a friendly duel.
But if one of the duelists requests signing, the rules must be followed.
“Hmm, quite a psychological warfare.”
Though Flata felt uneasy, he quickly realized that this was a pre-game tactic from Dekan to mess with his mindset.
As long as the pain sensation is completely blocked, the Man-made Shadow World poses no danger.
Even if something dangerous really happens, he could always concede and leave the Shadow World.
Flata signed neatly and handed it over to the custodian.
“Alright, can we start the duel now?”
Flata asked.
“Yare Yare, let’s go have a pleasant duel, shall we?”
Dekan looked at him, smiling, and entered the Void Gate.
