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

　Even so, the golden golem displayed great power, allowing Emma to hold her own against the elf.

　After the Golden Golem and the Steel Soldier faced off, what remained was a duel between the two contestants based on their magical abilities.

　That elf seemed to be a rare type among elves, not skilled in high-speed movement, and his combat elves were not numerous. He was distracted multiple times during his duel with Emma.

　Therefore, his dueling advantage, which he had built up through magic, was quickly wiped out in subsequent duels.

　On the other hand, the "Iron God Soldier" summoned by the elf is a magical elf that focuses on defense and is inherently lacking in attack.

　Its opponent, the golden golem summoned by Emma, ​​also focused on defense.

　Therefore, the duel between these two magical spirits has a bit of a turtle versus turtle feel to it.

　In this situation, whoever can break through the opponent's defense first will gain the advantage more quickly.

　With both sides possessing comparable inherent strength, the duel between these two robots became a crucial focal point, playing a key role in determining the outcome of the battle.

　In the end, it was Emma who broke through the "Iron God Soldier's" defense first and gained the upper hand.

　Then, building on this success, she pressed her advantage, continuously accumulating and snowballing her efforts to further increase the likelihood of success, ultimately forcing the spirit to reveal itself.

　After the "Iron God Soldier" summoned by the elf for the second time was also destroyed, Emma finally established a winning position and successfully turned the advantage into victory, completely defeating the troublesome elf.

　The match mode that randomly selects opponents has its pros and cons.

　At St. Marian Academy, the contestants who were chosen to participate in the preliminary rounds generally delivered outstanding performances and had a very high probability of winning.

　However, the contestants from other colleges were not so lucky—it's possible that the strength of their contestants was not balanced enough, with a large gap between the strong and the weak, which lowered their chances of winning.

　However, among the pre-competition contestants from other colleges, many were drawn against opponents they could not defeat at all, or opponents whose strength was far too weak for them.

　In both of these situations, it is indeed quite difficult to make the duel exciting.

　However, a combination of relaxation and adjustment is necessary.

　The audience had been watching the duels for almost a whole day, and some matches were just for casual viewing.

　However, for the players who want to obtain more "divine factors", it is not a happy thing.

　But this was just an exhibition match, so we couldn't expect too much. This format didn't last until the end of the competition.

　As today's exhibition match gradually came to an end, Senior Judy took to the stage again and changed the gameplay once more, switching directly to the most popular arena mode.

　—The contestants who want to participate in the duel continue to take the stage, and then contestants from all different colleges in the same group actively challenge each other.

　In short, settle scores and avenge wrongs. If you don't want to be challenged by name, then don't go on stage. Going on stage means accepting every possibility.

　As the competition neared its end, the atmosphere of the exhibition match at the opening ceremony of the "Academy Championship" reached another small climax.

　A renewed clash between elves and orcs. A skillful exchange between goblins, dwarves, and elves. The long-lived species of Sky City banding together with the sea creatures for mutual support. A covert rivalry between the Holy Mystic Academy and the Royal Academy. And the occasional intrusion of St. Marian Academy.

　Both duelists who had participated and those who hadn't actively participated.

　For example, after adjusting her mindset and replenishing her deck's mana, Rose returned to the field. Although this duel was still difficult, she finally won.

　This instantly stabilized her mindset, and her energy and spirits were noticeably boosted.

　As the match progressed, orange-red clouds gradually appeared in the sky.

　The opening ceremony exhibition matches consisted of only morning and afternoon sessions.

　As the sun began to set and dusk approached, after the final exhibition match, Senior Judy once again explained the rules and schedule of this year's "College Championship".

　The "Academy Championship" is divided into three parts, excluding the opening day: the lower grade group, the upper grade group, and the all grade group.

　The competition will be held every weekend starting today, lasting for a month.

　Then, with a lingering sense of satisfaction, Judy loudly announced the end of today's opening ceremony.

　The opening ceremony of the inaugural "Academy Championship" has successfully concluded!

　Thunderous applause erupted instantly, filling the entire venue.

　Guided by staff, audience members from various locations left the venue one after another, filled with anticipation.

　But after today, tickets for the "Academy Championship" will definitely be in high demand, and it's not certain that everyone will be able to return.

　However, this has nothing to do with students, nor with the powerful figures of various countries. Royal Capital Duel Branch.

　Both Arvit and Claire left the field with their teams, filled with regret.

　With the change in gameplay mode, they were looking forward to Dark's second appearance, but unexpectedly, the game was over in the blink of an eye.

　Princess Elizabeth, who was traveling with them, boarded a carriage to return to the palace after leaving the venue.

　—Her time to exercise was over.

　The next time they're allowed to get some fresh air will be a week later.

　St. Marian Academy, Open-air Duel Arena.

　As the audience gradually left, the pre-competition contestants who were sitting in the spectator stands also left the stage one after another.

　The exhibition match had no winners or losers, and apart from a few particularly vengeful players, most were in good spirits.

　After all, everyone who plays will gain something, it's just a matter of how much or how little.

　"Next, let's move on to another round of drinks." Dark waved and followed the crowd.

　Although the opening ceremony of the "Academy Championship" has ended, the students' activities today are not over yet.

　In the banquet hall on the first floor of the castle, a variety of delicacies and teas were laid out on the long table, and elite musicians from the orchestra were playing music on the stage.

　Tonight, in the banquet hall on the first floor, we will formally welcome the pre-competition contestants from various colleges who have traveled from afar to participate in the "College Championship".

　"Welcome to St. Mary's College! I sincerely wish that every student here will make great progress in the coming month."

　Principal Arte stepped onto the stage, said only a few words, and then completely handed over the banquet to the students.

　Banquets and dances.

　After dinner, the welcome party will turn into a welcome dance. Students from different colleges around the world will all be on the same dance floor, dancing to the same music.

　Even the lion prince Grace Leon joined the dance floor, laughing and wiggling his hips with his orc companions.

　Of course, there were also aloof or introverted students who simply carried glasses full of grape juice and leaned against the edge of the long table, chatting quietly.

　If you are not very interested in the banquet, you can leave early.

　However, the vast majority of students remained in the banquet hall, enjoying the atmosphere.

　Dark was no exception.

　He neither left nor danced, but sat at the long table chatting with Diana, Rose, and others.

　The daytime atmosphere continued, with Diana and Rose occasionally giggling.

　Dark looked around and saw that Pandora had already left, but Winnie was still there. She was still sitting in the same spot reading, seemingly unaffected by the noise around her.

　Aurora was once again pulled to the side of the elves by the elven princess Lucia Artemis, where she was surrounded by a group of moon elves.

　She is clearly a hybrid, yet she is not rejected by the elves, much like the existence of the Free City.

　after a while.

　Tiffany from Sky Magic Academy and Disney quietly approached, trying to infiltrate Dark's inner circle—of course, they couldn't succeed.

　However, after offering them a glass of wine-flavored grape juice, Dak introduced them to Diana and the others, and the two quickly became acquainted.

　Outside the window, the stars twinkled; inside, the lights shone brightly. The ball proceeded smoothly, the atmosphere was perfect.

　The students of St. Mary's College also got to know each other and gradually became familiar with the students from other colleges.

　The banquet didn't gradually end until 9 p.m.

　But the students continued their drinks in the common lounges of each tower. Night fell.

　An accident occurred silently.

Chapter 1172 Detective Robert's Impromptu Deduction (4k)

　"In terms of program effect, today's opening ceremony exhibition match was undoubtedly a great success. But my suggestion is not to hold it again."

　The clock hands had long since passed eleven o'clock, but the towers were still bustling with activity, and Dak was still awake.

　After taking a bath and changing his clothes, he went to bed and was sitting with his knees bent, writing and drawing with his notebook on his lap.

　And to his right, the "blessing of the wind spirit" was swaying slowly.

　Professor Sylph's voice came through: "The exhibition match was originally held because this year is the first one, and we need to use it as an experiment to prove our long-held hypothesis. Moreover, this competition was held in a hurry, with a short event schedule. In order to expand its influence, each college sent a total of twenty-four pre-competition participants. We need to give them a chance to show themselves, as a substitute selection, and as a reference for determining the main competition participants. Next year... if there is a next year, there probably won't be another exhibition match."

　Dark nodded slightly and said, "That's true. Since this is the first year of the 'Academy Championship,' it's certainly necessary. Next year, when the competition is more formalized, each academy can hold its own preliminary rounds. Then, only one or two substitutes will be needed. However, twelve people from each academy—wouldn't that be too many?"

　Professor Sylph's voice carried a hint of amusement: "That's the problem. However, the reason for increasing the number of participants was originally to extend the competition and make the overall impact of the competition more lasting. In fact, we initially decided on six participants from each college and one from each grade, but later, considering practical factors, we changed it to three groups of varying strengths."

　"Six...that's reasonable, I guess," Dark said.

　Professor Sylph said, "With the number of participants halved, the competition time doesn't need to be so long. The competitions for the lower and upper grades can be held in the same week. At that time, each participant will have more time to adapt or improve themselves through exchanges and learning, instead of having to participate in the competition at the opening ceremony shortly after arriving."

　Darke pondered for a moment, pen in hand, and said, “Splitting the competition into weekends is a good idea in itself, and it greatly helps to lengthen the competition schedule. However, if this method is no longer needed next year to increase the popularity of the ‘Academy Championship,’ it would be best to concentrate the competition into the last week. However, the exchange and learning component can be retained. After a month of exchange and learning, students whose skills have improved further can showcase what they have learned in the last week. In a sense, this is clearly more in line with the style of an academy.”

　Professor Sylph said, "That's true. If there's going to be another 'Academy Championship' next time, I'll offer my opinion. But when that time comes, it should be another academy's turn to organize it. So, my opinion is just that—an opinion."

　Dark glanced at the wisp of "Blessing of the Wind Spirit" and said, "I was just mentioning it casually. Whether to adjust the rules or continue with the old rules from the first edition will depend on the actual situation."

　As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of flowing water suddenly came from the other side.

　This made him look puzzled.

　But Professor Sylph responded normally: "That's true. But your advice is equally valuable."

　The sound of flowing water grew louder and louder.

　After a moment's thought, Dark said, "It's getting late, Professor. I'm going to rest now."

　There was a slight pause on the other end, and then the voice continued: "Goodnight then."

　Dark said, "Good night."

　Then he put the "blessing of the wind spirit" back into his ear and continued to think about how to make the golden golem.

　In the afternoon, Emma also summoned a "Golden Golem". However, that "Golden Golem" was completely different from the golem he was preparing to create; the two had fundamentally different natures.

　He would occasionally flip through reference books on golem making, and sometimes add a note to his notebook, gradually gaining clarity of thought.

　Time passed silently.

　When the clock struck midnight, the students suddenly realized what was happening, ended their conversation, and left the common room in small groups, heading up the stairs to their dormitories.

　"Luckily tomorrow is Sunday, otherwise..."

　They patted their chests, exchanging words of relief, and soon arrived at their respective dormitory doors, pushing them open and entering.

　After a day of excitement, the time for reflection finally came. Nothing more was said that night.

　Almost all the students slept soundly and peacefully.

　October 4th, early morning.

　Because most students went to bed late last night, there were far fewer students getting up early this morning to exercise or study.

　But when the time came, students would still emerge from the tower in twos and threes, and the castle gradually became more lively.

　Some people started jogging around the castle in the morning, some went to the library early to borrow and return books, and others interacted with the food in the canteen.

　However, as the castle continued its slow, steady progress, a sudden scream shattered the long-standing tranquility and order.

　Students who were nearby immediately rushed towards the source of the screams.

　Whether it was out of a desire for excitement or concern for their classmates, people quickly surrounded the area.

　Students in this age group are always full of inexhaustible energy, especially since they are in a magic academy.

　All sorts of pranks are commonplace at this academy.

　The students were all "well-informed," so not many people paid attention when they first heard the screams.

　The reason why the reaction was faster than usual was simply because it was the special period of the "Academy Championship".

　The presence of outsiders in the academy naturally raises a degree of wariness. However, when they arrived at the scene, they were utterly astonished to discover that the protagonist of this incident was none other than an outsider.

　"Isn't that the grassland spirit from yesterday?" someone suddenly exclaimed.

　The girl who first discovered the grassland spirit was still filled with fear.

　Senior students arrived shortly after, and with their greater experience, they immediately knelt down to check on the grassland elf.