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

　This one-star magical Pokémon also couldn't escape Eevee's ravages and was quickly defeated.

　……

　"The battle is over!"

　"Winner: Darko Dimon"

　With Siward's only three magical spirits defeated, Professor Jones judged that Siward was no longer able to stop Dark from attacking the magic ball, and decisively declared the outcome of the battle.

　[End Phase]

　The text displayed directly above the card table has changed again.

　Follow normal procedures.

　The next part should be the exchange (taunting), card collection, and declaration.

　The victor gave an interview and made a statement.

　The losers leave behind sayings such as "The green hills remain unchanged and the clear waters flow on forever".

　This duel will then come to an end.

　But the atmosphere of in-class competitions is not so aggressive.

　Sivort left the arena early with a long face.

　Darko also resigned after his victory.

　……

　"How does it feel to win the duel?"

　Professor Jones watched as Dark returned and then asked a question.

　Dark sighed slightly, "It's alright, but it's a bit boring."

　Professor Jones nodded and said, "Indeed, this is not a closely contested duel. Perhaps a second-year competition would be more suitable for you."

　Dark was slightly taken aback: "Second year?"

　……

　With Dak successfully filling in the gap.

　The round of 9 to 5 was successfully completed.

　The competition has progressed to the fourth round, with the top 5 advancing to the next 4.

　Professor Jones then separated Dark again, making it a 4-into-3.

　The remaining four contestants will first compete in pairs to determine two winners, and then the two losers will compete for the final spot in the next round.

　When the first round was completely over, it was already 1 p.m.

　Professor Jones gathered the students of the Noble Academy again and announced loudly, "The first round of the competition is now over. Winners, do not be arrogant; losers, do not be discouraged. No duelist is invincible. As your professor, I hope you have all gained something from this competition. Now, I will announce the list of those who have advanced. First, Darkdemon!"

　Darko, who had only played once as a substitute, stepped up.

　"Diana Gretby!"

　Diana awkwardly moved closer to Dark.

　"Teddy Doron!"

　The red-haired boy stood tall and proud, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

　Johnny Yorkson!

　A tall, thin boy, who was half a head taller than the other students in the same grade, walked out.

　Professor Jones glanced at them and nodded in satisfaction: "The four of you will represent our Academy of Nobles in the second round of duels this afternoon. I don't want to say much more, just bring back the championship."

　"Yes!"

　Dorona's powerful response resounded throughout the stadium.

　The other three opened their mouths, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

　Professor Jones couldn't help but laugh, clapping his hands and saying, "You'll have an hour and a half to eat and rest. Reassemble here at 2:30. Dismissed!"

　……

　The little mages scattered immediately.

　Rose trotted over and started playing with Diana.

　The three chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the cafeteria.

　Even though it was already 1 p.m., the food in the cafeteria was still plentiful.

　Halfling chefs always make sure to keep the food at a certain temperature to maintain the best possible taste.

　After ordering a few dishes, Dak sat down at an empty table.

　After a while, Diana and Rose took their seats one after the other.

　The three of them ate lunch together, just like they had for almost half of the lunches during those three months.

　Diana stuffed a piece of roasted lamb into her mouth, puffed out her cheeks, and asked indistinctly, "Dark, how was my performance today?"

　Dak thought about it for a moment.

　Diana's performance was indeed quite outstanding among the first-year students of the academy at this time.

　Her Bear-themed Magical Spirits are powerful enough, and surprisingly, in addition to Magical Spirits cards obtained through "gambling," she also has several extra Magical cards.

　In particular, the "Bear Power" card helped her turn the tide in the final duel of the first round!

　So Dark said after careful consideration, "You performed very well."

　Diana felt a little shy and proud after hearing this, and couldn't help but want to tell her "little secret".

　But Dark raised his index finger, reminding him, "The method of making magic cards cannot be revealed casually. For a mage, every secret formula is a great treasure."

　"It's okay," Diana said nonchalantly. "I just found the notes in a book, followed the instructions, and it worked."

　Dark said with a straight face, "That's also your opportunity."

　Diana: "Woman's mouth."

　Rose looked at the two of them repeatedly, and couldn't help but smile.

　……

　Lunch that day was as pleasant as ever.

　The chill of winter seemed to have been dispelled.

　……

　It's about two o'clock in the afternoon.

　The junior mages, who should have been wandering around Traveler's Street, returned to Battle Arena 1.

　The four professors gathered together to discuss the first round of the competition that morning, and each gave feedback to the students in their respective colleges.

　As the conversation progressed, they inevitably focused their attention on a few key figures.

　Claire, who was in charge of the House of Fools, sighed: "This year's House of Fools still needs to grow. Ever since I was a student, their talents have all needed time to accumulate before they can blossom and bear fruit."

　Professor Lily glanced at her; "Like Peter Sherwich?"

　Professor Sylph quickly glared at her, then warmed up the mood by saying, "Shelvich is indeed a prime example of someone who has accumulated knowledge and experience before making a breakthrough. Lily, it seems there are quite a few outstanding students in this year's Magic Academy?"

　Lily smiled: "Yes, our Magic Academy's Dark Dimon is exceptional."

　Professor Jones rolled his eyes: "You'd want to tie him to your feet, wouldn't you?"

　Lily, on the contrary, said proudly, "That's right, he's Lily's little darling."

　Claire frowned.

　Professor Sylph said speechlessly, "Let's get down to business. How did Sarah Swati perform?"

　Professor Lily straightened her expression: "She has reached the point where she can apply knowledge to practice. It is said that she is the granddaughter of an ancient sage?"

　Claire casually interjected, "She's my own daughter."

　Lily was taken aback, a look of disbelief appearing on her face: "No way? The ancient sages were all that old!"

　Claire: "Have you ever heard of 'old but still strong'?"

Chapter 160 Courage and wisdom are not contradictory

　As the only character with a name in the first-year magic academy to date, Sara Swati's name is still not remembered.

　But she was clearly highly regarded by the professors.

　With her brown eyes and dark skin inherited from the ancient sages, Sarah stands out in the academy, where light-colored people predominate.

　Among first-year students, no one can compare to her in terms of knowledge base.

　In the first in-class competition, Sarah was no match for Emma's "Golden Chest," but this time she came back with amazing momentum.

　Apart from Sarah.

　Emma Metis of the Knights House was also a point of great interest to the professors.

　As a professor at the Knights Academy, Professor Sylph naturally knew more about her: "As you might expect, Emma Metis is also from the lineage of sages; her mother was a disciple of the Mystic Sage."

　Professor Lily pouted: "So why isn't she a student at the Magic Academy?"

　Professor Sylph explained earnestly, "The Sorting Ceremony is a selection based on a variety of factors, including a student's magic power, talent, character, and mindset at the time of enrollment. Since she was sorted into the Knights' House, it means that her qualities at the time were more suited to the Knights' House, or that she was more psychologically inclined towards the Knights' House. If the Sorting were to be conducted again now, the result might be different."

　Professor Jones pointed to his muscular brain and said with a smile, "Courage and wisdom are not contradictory."

　Professor Lily's eyes darted around, and she chuckled.

　Then they talked about the son of a hero.

　Professor Sylph's expression softened slightly: "William Gold does have talent, but he's a bit unruly. Under the supervision of Instructor Grace, he has made some progress. However, compared to those three..."

　She shook her head, unwilling to say more.

　"Is it my turn next?"

　Professor Jones crossed his arms and said smugly, "Our academy of nobles has a small class this year, but there are quite a few outstanding students. Putting aside Dark Dimon for the moment, Diana Gretby and Teddy Doron are both exceptionally good kids. In terms of character, I quite like Doron, but Diana is definitely more likable."

　Claire said helplessly, "Professor Jones, after all these years, your hobby hasn't changed."

　Professor Jones: "What's wrong with liking bears?"

　Professor Sylph: "Alright, let's begin the second round of the competition."

　The professors then shook themselves off and left the office in the battle arena.

　……

　Half past two.

　The first-year students have all gathered in Battle Arena 1.

　Unlike in the morning, the students who didn't advance to the second round didn't have to play. So they were very relaxed and watched the game more as spectators.

　However, the junior magicians have a very strong sense of collective honor, and almost everyone is cheering for their own academy's contestants.

　The Knights' Academy and the Nobles' Academy, which have always been on opposite sides, are even more hostile towards each other, baring their teeth and vying for supremacy.

　Although the Knights Academy's once-proud son of a hero had failed to impress, Emma Metis displayed exceptional competitiveness in the first round of the competition, which fueled their high expectations for this know-it-all girl who was gradually integrating into the group.

　The House of Nobles, of course, placed its hopes for the championship on defending champion Darko Dimon!

　……

　From being highly anticipated at the start of the school year to now being completely ignored, the increasingly obvious sense of disappointment is suffocating Vittor Gold.

　Right after Halloween, he was able to maintain his composure thanks to his second-place finish in the event.

　Even after being put in solitary confinement, he could still feel progress under Ms. Grace's supervision.

　He also came to today's in-class competition with the goal of winning the championship.

　However, he encountered a tough battle in the first round of the match in the morning!

　A classmate I used to completely disregard suddenly seems to have become stronger!