The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　The snake was as black as ink, and its body was covered with a substance that looked like "black oil".

　This scene surprised Darko Dimon, who entered later.

　But then he suddenly realized.

　"I see, the professors use the [Oil Snake] as a symbol of the [Hidden Serpent]."

　"Is this preparation to have the God of Wisdom take that serpent as a subordinate deity?"

　"However, this might allow the [Oil Serpent] to forge its divine status more quickly."

　"Erganie should also possess some powers related to [snakes], which would be beneficial for both parties."

　After figuring things out, Dark observed his surroundings and discovered that Professor Hoddle Bode and the two "priests" were already...

　They have completely disappeared without a trace.

　If this isn't some kind of "test," then they've probably really left!

　Based on what had happened before and his understanding of Professor Holder-Baud's character, Darke deduced that the latter was more likely.

　Professor Hoddle Bode must really be gone.

　However, it cannot be said that he was simply giving up on the spot.

　It's also possible that the strategy was temporarily changed depending on the situation.

　Dark's gaze immediately fell on the altar.

　On the altar, there was a small box.

　The size of the box is one that is most familiar to the archmage.

　A thought struck him, and he walked toward the altar.

　But Sara Swati, who had entered the area earlier, arrived at the altar first and reached out to take...

　The box was opened.

　"What is that?" someone asked.

　Sarah didn't hide it; she opened the box in front of everyone and took out a...

　Several cards are displayed to the public.

　Dak took a closer look.

　The back of the card was the standard design of a magic card, but the front was blank, although the border of the card was a 'myoboros'.

　Dark pondered, "This should be a card symbolizing membership. Professor Baldr must have prepared it beforehand."

　The program was initially selected, but was abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances. So why did he leave the identity card here? Was it for students to choose freely or to compete for it? Regardless, he should at least release some good ones.

　That's where the students' fighting over it must be. Hmm, could the secret be in that card?

　As he thought this, he paid close attention and then noticed that Sarah's expression was changing from drowsy to surprised, and she became more alert.

　"What's going on? Is there something fishy about this card?" Senior Betty, wearing the [Eel] costume, walked over...

　Beside Sarah.

　Sarah closed her eyes and muttered to herself, clearly deep in thought.

　Betty, the senior student, didn't urge them and waited quietly.

　People gradually gathered around. They came up, but since Betty had spoken first, they didn't ask any more questions.

　About two minutes later, Sarah opened her eyes, her gaze sharpening: "This is a magic card, but it's only half-finished."

　Product.

　The group exchanged bewildered glances: "How can we complete a half-finished product?"

　Sarah shrugged and laughed, "I wouldn't know about that. But after it's finished, it will definitely give you..."

　They brought us a surprise. I'm certain this is a rare treasure, one that's hard to come by. But as you seniors have probably already seen, there are only seven magic cards in this box. And we have twenty-one people.

　Discussions then arose.

　After the discussion, someone shouted: "Every advantage has its disadvantages; what price do we need to pay?"

　Sarah shook her index finger and said, "It's true that if you enjoy the rights, you have to bear the responsibilities. I don't know about other things, but if you complete this magic card, it's basically considered that you've joined the [Hidden Serpent] organization."

　So, upperclassmen, you should really think it over.

　"And what about you?" Snake Harrian asked, arms crossed.

　He didn't say it, but he was clearly very interested in this "Hidden Serpent" organization.

　After all, he has always had a connection with snakes.

　Sarah glanced at him and said, "Senior of the Noble Academy, I think I'm willing to join that organization for the benefits this magic card represents. If it's truly as that wizard said, standing on the side of order..."

　From the side.

　Snake Harriman frowned. "There are even greater interests behind this magic card."

　Sarah said, "That's true. But you'll have to investigate for yourselves to see for yourselves. After all, my opinion is just my own."

　As she spoke, she put the magic card in Shi's hand back into the box and then placed it back on top of the altar.

　Everyone was deeply moved by her actions.

　"Let me see." Senior Betty walked up and took the magic card out of the box again to examine it.

　“I’ll take a look too.” Snake took a breath and stepped forward.

　Immediately afterwards, everyone stepped forward, and the seven magic cards were instantly divided up.

　Those who didn't get the magic cards had to wait for others to finish reading.

　Even Witt was eager to try.

　Ten minutes later, everyone had taken their turn to see the magic card, and each person had a different opinion about it.

　After that, the group discussed the matter from time to time, but they could not reach a decision.

　"Twenty—choose seven, one-third chance of winning. The probability isn't actually low, but if everyone wants it, then..."

　The situation definitely makes it impossible to make a decision.

　In the end, it was Betty who stepped forward.

　She removed the [Moray Eel] hood, revealing her true face, and said directly, "I am Betty, a fifth-year student at the Magic Academy."

　Murray, I'm a little embarrassed, but from what I've observed, there shouldn't be any other fifth-graders here besides me, right?

　After a pause, she said again, "It seems there aren't any more. Since I'm the oldest, I'll preside over for a bit. How about it?"

　No one objected.

　She then said, "Alright, let's start with those who want it and those who don't. Those who want those seven magic cards, stand to my left; those who don't want them, stand to my right."

　As a result, six people stood on her right, while the rest stood on her left.

　“I thought everyone would want it,” Betty said, somewhat surprised. “So, with fifteen people left, it’s fifteen to seven, and if we exclude me, it’s fourteen to seven—a two-out-of-one probability. How about we use the academy rule of deciding the winner through a duel?”

　"You don't want it?" someone asked.

　Betty smiled and shook her head, saying, "In a duel, I'm no match for you. So let's leave it at that. For the sake of..."

　For the younger students, we'll draw lots to determine their pairings, and it'll be a one-match game to decide the winner. How...

　A third-year student immediately objected, "How can that be? What if we get matched with a fourth-year student?!"

　It's not certain that you'll lose.

　Betty shook her head and said, "But if you can match with second-year students, or even—years old, wouldn't you have a much higher chance of..."

　In magic duels, luck is also a factor in winning. I think this is good enough. What do you think?

　Seeing that the reaction wasn't strong, Betty continued, "Then how about this: those who agree stand on the left, and those who disagree stand on the right. The minority submits to the majority, okay?"

　There were no objections this time.

　The results showed that twelve people agreed, while only two disagreed.

　"It seems that most of the senior students still care about saving face," Dark couldn't help but laugh.

　Of course, he was the one who had no interest in those seven magic cards.

Chapter 821 [Seeking Subscriptions] Darkdemon and the Hidden Serpent Sequence (8k)

　Chapter 821 [Seeking Further Subscriptions] Darkdemon and the Hidden Serpent (Prelude)

　Columns (8k)

　Drawing lots, drawing lots, dueling.

　Under Betty's guidance, the battle for magical cards, located in the secret passage of St. Marian Academy, began...

　Let's begin.

　St. Mary's College did not provide specific moral education for its students, but as the saying goes, "what the superiors do, the inferiors follow," because those responsible for teaching...

　Most of the professors in the class were of impeccable character. Therefore, the students weren't particularly aggressive, and the duels didn't escalate.

　The process is progressing relatively smoothly.

　Even those students who were unlucky enough to be drawn against older students all chose to accept it after trying their best.

　Of course, the credibility of the "Hidden Serpent" is still unclear.

　Those students who lost the duel could console themselves with the thought that they could wait and see—and then...

　Seeking new opportunities to join.

　Those who chose not to participate from the beginning, like Dak, plus Betty, make a total of seven.

　The seven are Darko Dimon, Betty Murray, Witt, Gold, Stuart Fowne, and Ann.

　Na, Angie, and a third-grade senior.

　Leaving aside Dark, Betty, and Witt, Stuart Fowne's reason for abstaining is quite simple:

　Since he was the first to launch a sneak attack, he felt he had already fallen out with the "wizard," so he gave up as expected.

　Anna and Angie joined this organization because their identities were no less significant than those of others.

　In fact, despite their mischievous and playful nature, they are actually quite shrewd and discreet, and would never easily stray from the truth.

　Bottom line.

　As for the reason why they learned Dark in the final third grade, I don't know.

　In short, six people watched from the sidelines, one person presided over the duel, and fourteen people fought.

　Among the people Dak knew, young Spike Leon was quite lucky; despite being a first-grader, he had managed to achieve such success.

　Being drawn from among many people in the same grade is truly a stroke of luck.

　Of course, Cecilia Doyle, who dueled with him, was also quite lucky.

　Cecilia Doyle is a top student. However, since first grade, she doesn't seem to have focused on...

　Place it in a duel.

　On the contrary, Spike Leon, as a member of the orc royal family, is naturally warlike and takes duels very seriously.

　Therefore, in the direct confrontation, Spike Leon ultimately prevailed, obtaining the identity of the [Hidden Serpent].

　card.

　Spike Leon was overjoyed after receiving the [identity card]. If it weren't for the many people watching...

　He must be running around wildly and having a great time.

　Dark quietly leaned closer and seemed to hear him muttering repeatedly, "Finally, finally I can understand math!"

　Dak couldn't help but feel ashamed.

　He had also examined that [identity card].

　It does seem to carry a trace of the blessing of the God of Wisdom, which can make the mind more agile.

　If it's completed, meaning the identity is verified, then the effect of that [Identity Card] should also change.