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

　Or, for those who are unwilling to see this development, it may be a perfect entry point to convince themselves.

　Luke Becky gritted his teeth and swore that he would teach Dark Dimon a lesson!

　He began to pray that the three players ahead of him would not choose Darko Dimon!

　"what's the situation"

　Winnie Skadi arrived almost at the perfect moment, looking around the room with great curiosity.

　But before she could even satisfy her curiosity, the staff of the Duel Club rushed over.

　After the staff confirmed once again that everyone had arrived, they breathed a sigh of relief and began to guide everyone toward the backstage area of ​​the stage.

　The sixteen contestants who entered the "Golden Cup" main tournament were all dressed in neat school uniforms, with the Duel Club badge pinned to their chests, displaying the demeanor of top students.

　Once they went backstage, the makeup artists who had been waiting there quickly got to work, styling their hair at an unbelievable speed.

　Of course, students usually take care of their own appearance, so the makeup artist's job is basically just to touch up some imperfections.

　The backstage area is located directly below the stage, but it is completely enclosed by a barrier, making it invisible from the outside, while those inside can see out.

　Here, you can also observe the duels from the best possible perspective. "Ding-dong."

　As the clock struck two, the music floating above the venue suddenly changed, and the melody became more intense. The opening ceremony's initial performance, like a fireball rushing towards us, suddenly began.

　Wearing a golden dress, with a dignified demeanor and a noble and elegant temperament, the female host, Senior Judy, suddenly appeared backstage.

　She glanced inside, exchanged a few words with the staff, and then signaled the little fairy familiar flying on her shoulder to use its teleportation ultimate technique again.

　The next moment, Judy appeared on the stage in the air, offering the most perfect greetings to the teachers and students in the circular area and to the audience from all over the world.

　The hub connects the academy, finally allowing visitors to see countless audience members from its various branch campuses.

　"Welcome to the St. Marian Duel Arena. After months of preliminary rounds, this year's 'Golden Cup' has finally entered the highly anticipated main tournament. Sixteen contestants have emerged from numerous participants and will present you with the most exciting duels on this stage today."

　Senior Judy maintained a radiant smile, like a gentle spring breeze, making one feel completely relaxed just by listening to her voice.

　The audience, both inside and outside the academy, fell silent, and even when they did talk to each other, it was only in hushed tones.

　Guided by Judy's words, the opening ceremony quickly moved into the performance segment.

　Students from the relevant clubs then took to the stage one after another, offering the audience a visual and auditory feast before the grand duel began.

　During this half-hour performance segment, the backstage staff actively worked with the sixteen contestants to rehearse their "lines".

　Because after the performance segment comes the contestant introduction segment. Of course, apart from some fixed "lines," most of the time it depends on the contestants' free improvisation.

　To ensure the smooth running of the opening ceremony, staff will inform the participants of potential questions in advance so they can prepare.

　However, most contestants only glanced at the information before watching the performances on stage without paying any attention.

　If they needed to prepare even this little bit, they wouldn't have gotten to where they are today.

　At the end of the performance, two students hired by the "All-People Duel Club Branch" dressed up and performed a simulated duel between Easter-themed flying decks in the air, which once again drew cheers from the audience.

　Despite their busy schedules, the Duke's mansion did not forget to continue promoting the business founded by the young master.

　Moreover, during this year of operation, the simulated dueling business has shown enormous potential, the initial investment has long been recovered, and it has embarked on a path of continuous profitability... even exorbitant profits!

　This year, throughout the kingdom, preparations are underway for Easter Duel Festivals, which simulate duels and are ready to be held in grand style as the first anniversary of the founding of the All-People Duel Club.

　Although the duration was short, the simulated duels truly achieved "universal participation".

　With the addition of this revenue-generating business, which can be described as a money-printing machine, the Duke's mansion has become more financially secure in all aspects of its spending.

　However, this is only a superficial benefit.

　The completion of the "universalization" of simulated duels has a deeper, behind-the-scenes significance.

　Five minutes later, the mock duel exhibition match came to an end. Senior Judy finished reciting the advertisement with great enthusiasm and then announced, "Next, please welcome the sixteen contestants of the 'Golden Cup' main tournament to the stage! First up is the Knights Academy fourth-year student who entered the main tournament in sixteenth place—Mars Carey!"

　"It's finally starting!" The audience inside and outside the academy burst into applause and cheers.

　Mars Carey, who was backstage, stood up with a delighted smile and said in a low voice, "My turn!"

　Mars Carey was a dark horse who stormed into the top 16 in the final week of the qualifying rounds, earning him more popularity than ever before.

　As he stood up, the other contestants also looked up. Dark was also observing this unfamiliar fourth-year student. Mars Carey was tall with broad shoulders, and the muscles in his arms stretched his sleeves taut. But his face wasn't rugged; his skin was just slightly dark, and his whole body exuded the beauty of a powerhouse.

　As a fourth-year student, Mars Carey's ability to reach the top 16 in the highly competitive "Golden Cup" is undeniable.

　However, everything is relative. Since he advanced as the sixteenth-ranked player, he has the highest probability of being selected by the top-ranked contestants.

　It's very likely that they'll be eliminated today!

　However, Mars Carey himself did not seem to have such concerns, and his eyes were full of confidence.

　The appearance of such a dignified contestant immediately caught the eye of the audience, making the atmosphere even more enthusiastic.

　"I remember you were fourteenth, right?" Pandora leaned close to Dark and whispered in his ear.

　Dark nodded slightly and said, "That's right."

　“Your turn will be soon,” Pandora laughed. Dark replied, “Yes.”

　Pandora said, "Don't fall before you hit me." Dark nodded seriously, "I'll do my best."

　His research on magic cards is just getting started, and it will take some time before he can produce initial results.

　If it takes one or two weeks, the overall strength should see a significant increase.

　Unfortunately, time waits for no one, and he has to face this toughest single-elimination tournament without any results to show for it.

　In this situation, all we can do is give it our all.

　Mars Carey's introduction and interview ended quickly, and then the fifteenth contestant, guided by staff, went up to the stage, where Dark began to prepare.

　After their interviews, the contestants waited behind the stage as required. After the fifteenth contestant joined them, it was finally Darko Dimon's turn.

　Dak stood on the lift platform, which slowly rose into the air. Only after the lift platform was level with the host's platform did he walk onto it.

　Senior Judy turned and smiled, then said, "Alright, please welcome our fourteenth contestant, the much-anticipated rising star, the only second-year student in this year's 'Golden Cup' main competition—Dark Dimon, the 'Star Child' from the Academy of Noble Families!"

　"Child of the Stars..."

　Dak's previously leisurely pace almost came to a halt.

　He had no idea when he had acquired such an official nickname. Although he knew someone liked to describe him that way, he didn't think it had gotten out.

　"Could it be because of the 'Celestial Spirit Card'?"

　The thought briefly crossed his mind, and Darke reluctantly accepted the somewhat embarrassing but still somewhat prestigious title, before approaching Judy.

　Senior Judy smiled and handed him the microphone, saying, "Junior Dimon, would you like to introduce yourself, or would you like me to do it for you?"

　Dark laughed and said, "Senior, come on."

　Judy smiled and said, "Since you've asked, junior, I, as your senior, must do my part. Although the regular viewers who come to watch the duels are already very familiar with him, we must also consider the possibility of new viewers. That's right, standing before you is the top student of the second year, the winner of the 'Crimson Star,' the winner of the 'Golden Orange Star,' the organizer of the Easter Duel Festival... the jewel of St. Marian, blessed by the stars, and also Judy's favorite duelist—Dark Dimon!"

　In an instant, thunderous applause erupted!

　However, amidst the thunderous applause, Darko Dimon's face darkened slightly, and he almost couldn't suppress his smile.

　As the applause subsided, Judy, the senior student, spoke again: "Personally, I believe that Darko Dimon's life was destined to be legendary. This year's 'Golden Cup' was made even more exciting because of him. Now, I'm sure everyone here is eager to learn more about him. So let's move on to the interview."

　Senior Judy turned to Dark, smiling as she posed her first question: "Dimon, the 'Golden Cup' is supposed to be a stage for upperclassmen. But you, only a sophomore, have unexpectedly entered it. Do you have any special thoughts you'd like to share about this?"

　A problem that was recorded in the script.

　Dak readily replied, "It is a great honor to stand on the same stage with so many outstanding senior students."

　But just as he was preparing to wait for the next question, Judy suddenly said coquettishly, "That answer isn't special enough."

　The spectators outside the venue immediately joined in the cheering.

　Dark pursed his lips and could only reply, "The 'Golden Cup' has always been a large-scale competition encompassing grades two through six from its inception. It has never differentiated between lower and higher grades; all participants in the 'Golden Cup' are on the same level, and it's perfectly normal for anyone to stand out. Personally, I don't think it's anything special. Therefore, I don't have any particular thoughts to share."

　After he finished speaking, the audience outside the venue inexplicably started to make a fuss, and applause and cheers suddenly rang out.

　Senior Judy moved Max aside and chuckled softly, "This is quite special."

Chapter 872 Not choosing Dark Dimon? He's a second-year student! (4k)

　Chapter 872 Not Choosing Dark Dimon? He's a second-year student! (4k)

　"How arrogant!"

　Mixed in with the applause was Evan Pearson's low murmur. Sitting beside him, Edwin Clarissa couldn't help but smile with amusement.

　When Evan Pearson asked him about Dark, he realized... this was going to be fun!

　Dark Demon, the son of the Valkyrie, and the only Holy Son chosen by the Holy Church in the past decade, would surely make for a more exciting duel than the previously heard battles between the Holy Son and the Son of the Hero.

　Of course, Edwin Clarissa didn't mean to underestimate the Son of a Hero, but the Son of a Hero... isn't he a hero yet?

　On the stage, after the applause subsided, senior student Judy continued, "These aren't just thoughts, they're profound. I imagine junior student Dimon also has his own goals for this year's 'Golden Cup.' Perhaps I could share them here?"

　Dark thought for a moment and said, "As long as it's not a first-round exit, it counts as a win." Senior Judy covered her mouth and chuckled, feigning modesty, "Junior Dimon is really modest. Didn't you ever think about winning all the way and dominating the 'Golden Cup'?"

　Dark said seriously, "I have thought about that, it's just..." Senior Judy asked curiously, "It's just what?" Dark laughed and said, "It's just that I accidentally woke up from a nap." The venue was immediately filled with joyful laughter.

　After the interview, Dak went to the back and stood with the other two contestants to wait.

　Next, the thirteenth contestant, fifth-year aristocratic student Elurlie Clarissa, was invited to the stage.

　Eluri has a witty and humorous side in her ordinary life. But in public, she always has a cold expression and speaks flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism—and of course, she is also utterly uninteresting.

　However, for those who love her, it seems that just seeing her appear and speak is enough to make them happy.

　And many people just happen to like her appearance.

　Star players like Eluri, who are already in the second semester of fifth grade, have very little time left to be active on the dueling stage, and their fans cherish it all the more.

　Therefore, Eluri Clarissa's introduction and interview also won a round of applause.

　The situation thereafter was largely the same, with the introductions and interviews continuing in a very enthusiastic atmosphere.

　The contestants, whether humble or proud, confidently showcased themselves on the stage, sometimes even joining the host in saying something that added to the show, drawing cheers or boos from the audience.

　Of course, some of the truly heartfelt words cannot be spoken in public.

　Even though Judy frequently asked them if they were "aiming for the championship" and who they most wanted to duel and win against, no one fell for it!

　Those who made it into the top 16 of the "Golden Cup," apart from Dark, were all in their fourth year or above. How could they possibly willingly jump into the fire?

　Even if someone harbors hostility towards a particular contestant due to personal feelings, it's impossible to express it in such a setting.

　If you say something prematurely, and then not only do you fail to achieve it, you also get a severe embarrassment, wouldn't that be just asking for trouble?

　Even someone as seemingly reckless and impulsive as Luke Becky, the "Dragon Slayer," gave a flawless answer.

　Pandora Drogon, the favorite to win the championship, did not say, "Please send the championship trophy directly to my home."

　This greatly disappointed Judy, the host.

　Despite the lively atmosphere, the introduction and interview session for the "Golden Cup" finally came to an end.

　After the top-ranked fifth-year student from the Noble Academy finished his interview, Senior Judy said with a beaming smile, "The interview session is now over. If the audience wants to learn more about our contestants, they can purchase contestant handbooks and merchandise for each contestant at their respective venues. There are also special contestant-exclusive Easter eggs and themed cards available today! Finally, a special reminder: each contestant's exclusive Easter eggs and themed cards will be banned from sale after the day the contestant is eliminated. So, Judy would like to remind everyone to buy them as soon as possible!"

　As soon as she finished speaking, staff members pushed product carts into the aisle from each of the dueling venues and immediately began selling the products while they were still hot.

　Sales were booming!

　Inside the St. Marian Duel Hall in the royal capital, Arvit bought a whole cart of Dark's exclusive merchandise, while Claire smiled and added some Pandora exclusive merchandise.

　Surprisingly, on the other side, Prince Charles also casually bought quite a few Dark Dimon exclusive merchandise items...

　The booming sales did not affect the continuation of the opening ceremony. After reading the advertisement, Judy flipped her hand, turning the microphone in her hand into a magic wand. Then, she raised the wand and waved it gently, and sixteen cubes the size of magic balls suddenly appeared in the sky.

　Each of these cubes has a contestant's portrait and ranking number drawn on each of its six faces.

　With another wave of her hand, Judy sent the sixteen cubes flying above the heads of the sixteen contestants, where they began to rotate slowly.

　She then conjured up the microphone again, raising her voice slightly as she said, "Today is the first day of the 'Golden Cup' main competition, and also the most rigorous day of the tournament. Today's matches will be a single-elimination format; half of the sixteen players who have entered the main competition will be eliminated. The top eight players will have the right to choose their opponents. This is a reward they deserve for giving their all in the 'Ranked Matches.' Now, before that, I'll give the players five minutes to consider."

　The format of the "Golden Cup" competition has been maintained to this day, and it is mentioned in various posters and announcements, so the audience is no stranger to it.

　Most of the contestants had probably already considered this before today.

　This five-minute consideration period is actually given to the audience for shopping time.

　After those five minutes, Senior Judy picked up the microphone again and announced loudly, "Time's up! Please welcome the contestant with the highest ranking in this preliminary round, a fifth-year student from the Noble Academy—'Thunderblade' Torre Wordsworth—to make his choice first!"

　"Hey! It's finally starting!"

　Edwin Clarissa picked up a cup of black tea from the tray beside her and took a graceful sip.