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

　The same words were uttered simultaneously by many people.

　Dark Dimon is, after all, a second-year student who is active among the upperclassmen duelists, so it is normal that he cannot find any opponents among his peers.

　The audience wouldn't care what risks he encountered during the duel; even if they did, they would praise him for his "strategic planning" because of his calm and composed handling of the situation.

　"Now the pressure is on me."

　Sara Swati shrugged and spread her hands in a helpless gesture. "Just do your best."

　Debra Nellie smiled gently.

　Pandora Doragon leaned against the wall, looking at the contestants' platform with a bright smile.

　Diana, Rose, Doron, and others celebrated on the circular track. First-year students from all the houses subconsciously raised their chins. In the audience, Alvitt boasted smugly to Madame Florty about Dark's fabricated healthy childhood.

　King Austin Clarissa and his two children were talking about something.

　The applause and cheers from the audience gradually faded as time passed. The winner's interview finally began.

　Judy, the senior student, immediately asked, "Did you feel any pressure during this duel?"

　Dark rolled his eyes and said, "Of course there is." "Really?" Senior Judy covered her mouth and laughed, "I thought you were all in control and had everything under your command."

　Dark slowly shook his head and said, "Knowledge accumulation takes time, and there are still many things I don't know."

　Judy asked, "For example?"

　Dark said, "For example, Klein's 'Hanged Man,' I still don't fully understand its finishing move."

　Judy, a senior student, said, "That's how 'Tarot' decks are; they follow a certain framework. But the variations within that framework are incredibly numerous and unpredictable."

　Dark urged, "Is there anything else you want to ask?"

　Senior Judy paused slightly before saying, "In the duels this morning, 'The Noble Academy' only gained two winning points. Do you feel any pressure regarding this? Are you still confident about winning the Academy Cup?"

　Dark looked up, staring into her eyes, and said, "If you ask me if I'm confident, I'll definitely tell you I am. As for pressure, what's the point of a duel without pressure?"

　"Okay." Senior Judy glanced away and said, "One last question: what are your thoughts on the 'post-match analysis' section that just started testing?"

　Dark said, "It was a very good segment, and I personally think it should be maintained. However, if the analysts go into too much detail, some duelists might protest. After all, it's like exposing secrets they want to keep to a huge audience. Also, the essence of the 'post-match segment' should be to serve the audience; I think it would be good to add more engaging and entertaining explanations to the analysis."

　After a moment's thought, Judy said, "That's a very good suggestion. I will pass it on to the department."

　Dark nodded and smiled, "Any more questions?" Senior Judy smiled and said, "That's enough for now." Dark said, "Okay."

　Judy then turned to the audience and announced loudly, "Next up is our 'Post-Match Analysis' segment! But I'm sure our analyst has already heard Darko Dimon's suggestion. I wonder if he agrees?"

　“That’s certainly a good suggestion,” Joe William said, standing up with a smile. “I can try to modify it, avoid some sensitive issues, and add some fun. However, I’m only a temporary analyst. How it goes will depend on what future analysts do.”

　After speaking, he unfolded the projector and began his "post-match analysis." This time, he indeed avoided some sensitive topics and added some interesting commentary.

　The audience not only gained clarity on the situation but also experienced joy. "This analyst is a rare talent."

　Claire suddenly spoke from the audience.

　"He's the former head of the Duel Club, after all," said Arvit. "He must have some skills. What, you've got your eye on him?"

　Claire smiled and said, "If I need talent, I can just pick from your maid corps. There's no need to look outside. I mean, many people have their eyes on him."

　Arvit looked around and said, "I wonder who will pick it up."

　Claire suddenly said, "Actually, I'm more interested in the current head of the Duel Club..."

　Inya Knight suddenly shivered.

　[It was so tough! We barely made it into the top ten, thank you so much, everyone!]

　[Monthly pass reward +9, remaining unfilled chapters 10, total 19, rounded to 20.]

Chapter 1061 Darkdemon Doesn't Want to Step into a Dead End (5k)

　string (16345) "Chapter 1061 Darkdemon Doesn't Want to Step into a Desperate Situation (5k)"

　The twenty participants in this duel tournament are all exceptional talents. Even Klein Moretti, who currently appears to be the weakest among the second-year students, has shown tremendous potential.

　But ordinary people only see the contestants, while "smart people" include the host, commentators, and referees.

　Judy, a long-time presenter, is the most talked-about person. However, those who want to recruit her have failed to even make contact with her.

　As a second choice, the two commentators today are the current and former Duel Club presidents.

　The Duel Club is a very special department at St. Marian Academy, wielding considerable power within the academy, and its graduates are generally highly capable. Moreover, those two commentators were the club's ministers.

　Joe Williams, who also serves as an analyst, naturally attracts even more attention.

　Of course, this was also one of the main reasons why Inya Knight recommended him as an analyst: to get him more attention from important figures.

　While archmages are easier to learn and even stronger than magic-based classes like mages, this is primarily true in the early to mid-game.

　If you want to go deeper into academic research, you also need to spend a lot of time on it.

　At the same time, a large amount of money and resources are naturally required to support this.

　Therefore, after becoming independent, mages usually accept recruitment or sponsorship.

　Of course, some mages choose to take up normal jobs, such as the one who was invited to be a tutor in the Flori family.

　In short, ability determines treatment.

　But without a platform to showcase your abilities, it's all for nothing.

　In any case, after today's experience, Joe William should have a better future after graduation.

　After the "post-match analysis" ended, Darko stepped off the platform and quickly returned to the player's bench, where he sat down.

　“My turn.” Elsie Kevin took a deep breath, walked past him, and stepped onto the elevator.

　On the other side of the contestants' seats, Benjamin Leopold of the Fool's House had also stood up.

　Unlike Elsie Kevin's somber expression, Benjamin Leopold's face was full of confidence.

　His confidence stemmed from his strength, but even more so from his record. And the first record that helped build his confidence was his victory in the duel with "The Holy Son" Evan Pearson.

　Despite being only a sophomore, Evan Pearson is a strongman capable of defeating upperclassmen.

　After that, Benjamin Leopold became even more dominant. His goal in this duel was to win all three matches and become the number one third-year student!

　As for challenging opponents of higher levels, he is still considering it.

　Two third-year students took to the stage one after the other. Elsie Kevin remained silent, as always.

　But as soon as Benjamin Leopold turned on the loudspeaker, he sneered, "Elsie, do you remember that duel at the beginning of the year?"

　Elsie Kevin frowned, racking his brains but unable to recall anything; he truly couldn't remember.

　Benjamin Leopold, however, continued, "Back then, I told myself that one day I would take back everything I had lost!"

　Elsie Kevin's expression slowly hardened; he realized that this classmate from the House of Fools might have a mild case of hyperthyroidism.

　However, this is the battlefield that will determine the outcome of the Academy Cup, so we cannot underestimate or throw the game just because our opponent is sick.

　Elsie Kevin quickly reminded herself to fight with all her might.

　"Can Elsie win?" Snake Harriman couldn't help but worry from the Noble House's bench.

　“Take care of yourself… sigh, me too.” Edwin Clarissa grumbled, then continued, “Elsie and Benjamin Leopold are evenly matched, and it’s possible for him to win. But our assessment is based on Benjamin Leopold’s recent performance. If he’s holding back, it will be disadvantageous for Elsie.”

　Sixth-grader Franklin Doron suddenly interjected, "Elsie didn't hide anything?"

　Edwin sighed softly and said in a low voice, "He told us that he had done everything he could to defeat Ida Sawyer."

　"That would be dangerous," Franklin Doron said, his eyes deep and thoughtful. He then looked at Dark, seemingly seeking Dark's opinion.

　Dak closed his eyes, then opened them again: "Well, it's a bit difficult."

　Dark didn't actually pay much attention to Benjamin Leopold. However, Benjamin Leopold had defeated Evan Pearson, who in turn had defeated several Gold Cup qualifying players.

　Judging from this line of reasoning, his strength is definitely above average among the current third-year students.

　Moreover, although Elsie Kevin is very strong, he only has one strongest deck, and he has already fully demonstrated it.

　Once targeted by the opponent, it becomes quite difficult for him to unleash the full potential of his deck.

　Given this shift in momentum, Darke is indeed not very optimistic about Elsie Kevin.

　The final result was as he expected.

　Despite Elsie Kevin being extremely close to victory, Benjamin Leopold used the legendary "Fade in the Wind" technique to pull off a stunning comeback at the last moment.

　This added a dramatic element to the duel and made him even more memorable.

　His confidence stemmed from his strength, and his confidence, in turn, boosted his strength. He was able to pull off a major comeback at the last moment, and strength, luck, and mentality were all indispensable.

　Having won, Benjamin Leopold was naturally in high spirits. Elsie Kevin, on the other hand, appeared visibly dejected. Although Elsie Kevin outwardly appeared composed, his obsession with winning was actually quite deep.

　This is also largely due to the excessive expectations placed upon him.

　This comeback, while not enough to completely crush him, will certainly affect his performance to some extent.

　When he returned to the players' bench, Snake Harriman, as a senior player, showed a mature side.

　He patted Elsie on the shoulder and said confidently, "Don't worry, I'll make up for the point you lost!"

　then……

　Then Snake Harriman lost too!

　Another person with their head down and silent has appeared in the players' stands.

　Snake Harriman's opponent is Polly Bruno from the Fool's House. Both he and Polly Bruno are members of "The Hidden Serpent," and as he previously stated, they know each other quite well. He has a history of winning more than losing, so he is quite confident this time.

　However, the implication of "losing less and winning more" is that one has already lost before. Losing again is perfectly normal.

　Two consecutive defeats have once again plunged the morale of the Noble Academy into despair. "At this rate, let alone the Magic Academy... even the Fool's Academy might overtake us."

　Edwin Clarissa covered her head, looking pained.

　Gina Grant, a fifth-year student at the Fools' Academy and a "star scholar," is also a formidable opponent for him.

　But if he loses again, the House of Nobles will suffer a three-game losing streak this round! And Sandra Wesley, a sixth-year student in the House of Fools, is equally formidable. Franklin Doron clearly lacked confidence when talking about her.

　If they lose four in a row, they'll be out of contention.

　The Fools' House has always been the weakest of the four houses, but for some reason, so many monsters have suddenly appeared this year.

　Edwin Clarissa took a deep breath, said "Wait for my triumphant return," and left the player's bench.

　then……

　And then he lost!

　Then another person appeared in the contestants' stands, head down and silent.

　Although he kept saying he was afraid of losing all three games, Edwin Clarissa was actually a very arrogant person. Deep down, he was thinking that he should at least win one point.

　—The goal before the start of the game was to get two points.

　But Gina Grant's "Tarot" deck was just too bizarre and unpredictable; he couldn't figure it out, he really couldn't!

　...

　After three consecutive defeats in the House of Lords, the pressure fell on Franklin Doron.

　Franklin Doron suddenly felt a sense of tragic grandeur, like the line from the poem "The wind howls, the Yi River is cold, the hero departs, never to return"... no, it was more like "Though there be thousands, I will go."

　All the students in the academy placed their hopes on him.

　"If Franklin loses another game, the situation will be bad."

　Dark leaned back in his chair, squinting as he observed Franklin Doron and Sandra Wesley as they walked onto the platform.

　The House of Nobles only scored 20,000 points in its duel with the House of Knights. If Franklin Doron also loses, he will only score 10,000 points in his duel with the House of Fools.

　The Magic Academy scored 30,000 points in its match against the Fool's House, indicating that the Magic Academy is stronger than the Fool's House.

　Elsie Kevin and Franklin Dorron may not be able to consistently score points in their matches against the Magic Academy.

　If things go according to the worst-case scenario... forget about even considering challenging a sixth-grader, even if they win, it will be too late to turn the tide.

　But that would allow him to do whatever he wanted.

　After all, we can't win the Academy Cup anyway! Since we're sure we can't win, why bother with anything else and just go for it?

　Of course, that's absolutely impossible.

　Even if Franklin Dorron really loses to Sandra Wesley, there is still some room for error.