Above the mage!

Chapter 566 Art Museum Challenge
Barrow County, Dorn City, Walmart Magic Supplies Store.

Gaode Maps appeared in the second-floor living area.

Upon returning to the Plantagenet dynasty, the first thing he decided to do was to visit Lieutenant Colonel Grayling.

The other party is considered his current backer among the Sea Sentinels; they are one of his own.

It's both a matter of courtesy and reason that he should pay a visit at the end of the year, both to follow etiquette and to maintain this valuable connection.

Etiquette is never a trivial matter.

This was especially true in traditional ancient dynasties like the Plantagenet dynasty.

He first changed his clothes into the uniform of a sea sentry.

In dynastic etiquette, wearing formal attire was both a sign of respect for the other party's status and a clear statement of one's own stance, conveying a greater sense of solemnity than ornate everyday clothing.

Afterwards, he went to the commercial district of Dorne and selected two suitable New Year's gifts:

One is an enamel-painted bronze paperweight from the Central Plains.

For Lieutenant Colonel Grayling, who held a high position among the Sea Sentinels and had to handle many official duties, such a paperweight could both hold down official documents and serve as a decoration on his desk.

It perfectly meets the needs of the aristocracy who want both practicality and aesthetics.

The other item is a leather-bound, gold-stamped replica of an ancient book.

The cover is made of premium cowhide tanned with northern black oak, which has a firm feel and natural leather texture.

The title, "A Brief History of the Magic Schools of the Plantagenet Dynasty," was embossed on the spine with red gold powder.

This is a limited edition replica from the official library of Dorne; the original is housed in the Royal Library of the Dynasty.

Gao De specifically chose this book because Lieutenant Colonel Graylin, as a high-ring mage, had extensive knowledge of the magical history of the dynasty.

Also, because reproductions of ancient books are a symbol of "taste," they are far more sophisticated than gold and silver jewelry.

He then took the two gifts to Lieutenant Colonel Grayling's residence on the banks of the Yadan River.

Lieutenant Colonel Grayling gave Gao De a very warm welcome and invited him to a family dinner.

During the meal, the two chatted about the annual assessment of the sea sentinels and the year-end atmosphere in Dorne, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

However, after the family dinner, Lieutenant Colonel Grayling gave Gao De a piece of news that was completely unexpected.

"This year's Military Mage Tournament has been cancelled?!" Gao De exclaimed softly, feeling somewhat bewildered.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Grayling's previous introduction, this military mage fighting tournament is one of the traditions of the Golden Flower Dynasty, and there has never been a precedent for its cancellation over the years.

Why was it canceled when it was my turn to participate?

Could it be that my "Detective Conan" physique is working again?
“Actually, it can’t be called a cancellation,” Lieutenant Colonel Grayling noticed Gao De’s surprise and slowly explained, “It’s called a reform in name only, but in reality, it’s no different from a cancellation.”

"Restructuring?" Gao De frowned, his doubts deepening.

The Mage Fighting Tournament is a long-standing tradition of the Golden Flower Dynasty, and there has never been a precedent for reform.

“Yes,” Lieutenant Colonel Grayling said, “it’s not completely settled yet, so it’s just circulating internally for now. You should hear the news next year.”

"The Holy Empire, for reasons unknown, has joined forces with Linhai City to make a proposal to His Majesty." Lieutenant Colonel Graylin picked up his red tea, his fingertips lightly tapping the cup.

"They want to build on our current Mage Fighting Tournament and hold the Nolan Fighting Tournament, inviting countries and mage organizations from all over the continent to participate."

"Each faction shall send a team with five mages, whose age limit is under twenty. His Majesty has already agreed."

"Therefore, this year's Military Mage Fighting Competition has become the Unparalleled Mage Fighting Competition."

"Don't worry about what I told you before, about preparing to compete for a spot in the Sea Sentinel competition," Lieutenant Colonel Grayling said with a hint of helplessness in his voice.

Seemingly worried that Gao De would be discouraged, Lieutenant Colonel Grayling offered another word of comfort:
"But don't be discouraged. This time, because it was too rushed, the Holy Empire also wanted to make up for the round number of years, so it proposed to upgrade directly to the Military Mage Fighting Tournament in its own country. The Military Mage Fighting Tournament will definitely continue as usual."

“You missed this year, but you can participate in the next one. By then, you should be a third-ring mage, which will be perfect for joining the third-ring mage group.” He analyzed, “Although you are close to the second-ring mage group this year, you have just been promoted and your mage level is still low. To be honest, it will be a bit difficult for you. Ten years from now, with your talent, you will definitely be able to enter the third-ring mage group.”

"I am honored by the Lieutenant Colonel's high regard," Gao De said with a smile.

However, after thinking about it, he couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "Does this Unparalleled Magic Fighting Tournament have any prizes?"

If the military mage duel was like a military-wide martial arts competition, then the peerless mage duel was exactly like the genius battles that were common in his previous life's novels.

Traditionally, the winner's reward should be extremely generous.

"Of course, and the rewards are far more generous than those of the Military Mage Fighting Tournament," Lieutenant Colonel Graylin gave an affirmative answer.

"Although the specific competition format has not yet been finalized and the final rewards have not been determined, what is certain is that the rewards for the winning team will be jointly provided by our country, the Holy Empire, and Linhai City."

"The rewards offered by the Holy Empire alone include mid-tier elemental species with selectable attributes."

"Elemental species?" Gao De raised an eyebrow.

This is an unfamiliar term.

"It is a supernatural object that is naturally formed by heaven and earth to enhance the power of elemental spells. Even a low-level elemental species is worth more than 100,000 gold coin, and it is priceless. It is normal that you have not heard of it."

"Mid-tier elemental species are truly priceless; they can't be bought with money."

"The purpose of lower-level elemental species is to enhance the power of corresponding elemental spells."

"For example, low-level fire elemental seeds can increase the power of fire elemental spells below the third ring by one to three times, and even fourth-ring fire elemental spells can be increased by 50%."

"As for mid-tier elemental species, not only is the power amplification effect greatly increased, they often also have some unique effects."

"Such a precious item is only a small part of the reward. You can imagine that this magic duel will be extremely fierce, even if it's not for honor, just for the reward."

"Furthermore, in order to attract as many countries and mage organizations as possible from across the continent to participate, the top twenty teams will receive extremely generous rewards."

In fact, even without Lieutenant Colonel Grayling saying much, God was already smitten after he mentioned the elemental species.

He thought for a moment and then asked, "How are the participating mages of the dynasty selected?"

“It’s decided by the higher-ups.” Lieutenant Colonel Grayling pointed to his head. “For ordinary people, the reward for winning might be more important, but for the dynasty, this French fighting competition is also about the face of the country, and there is a reason why we cannot lose.”

"Therefore, in order to ensure victory, the five mages that the dynasty will send to participate are all top-notch genius mages personally selected by His Majesty and the dynasty's nobles."

"Now, the five official participating mages have all been decided."

"Formal?" Gaode captured the key word.

"There are still two substitute spots available, which is allowed by the rules."

"Firstly, to prevent official athletes from getting injured and being unable to participate."

Secondly, it allows for more tactical flexibility, as substitutes can be rotated in at any time.

"His Majesty believes that the five official contestants have already been directly selected by them. Although their judgment is usually correct, the dynasty is so vast and full of talent that it is inevitable that some outstanding young mages may be overlooked."

"At the same time, in order to give the many young mages of the dynasty a chance to perform, it was decided that the last two substitute spots would no longer be decided by them, but would be selected openly within the dynasty, and any mage who meets the age limit can participate."

"Open selection?" Gao De's eyes lit up slightly.

Seeing the gleam in his eyes, Lieutenant Colonel Grayling understood his thoughts and asked with a smile, "What, you want to give it a try?"

“Of course,” Gao De didn’t hide anything, “I definitely hope to have the opportunity to participate in such a grand French fighting tournament.”

"To be honest, with your current mage level, the chances of getting one of these two substitute spots are almost zero, but it's good that you have the ambition." Lieutenant Colonel Graylin nodded in satisfaction and revealed some unannounced information to God.

"The formal selection process will begin at the start of next year, and the selection method will be the Art Museum Challenge."

(End of this chapter)