Chapter 1548 The Pied Piper in Patchwork Clothing <TOC> Chapter 1550 Wintertime Antler
Translator: SumTLMan
David’s first battle ended in defeat, leaving him deeply disheartened. As he emerged from the contestants’ backstage area, his head hung low in silence.
After Angel provided an analysis of the reasons for his loss, David did feel somewhat better.
He had initially assumed that his own carelessness was to blame for the defeat. However, after listening to Angel, he came to understand that even if he had been vigilant, he likely wouldn’t have been able to withstand the Pied Piper’s attacks.
The manipulation of mental energy was exceedingly rare among apprentices. Although David had some potions for repairing mental injuries, he had no means to defend against mental invasions. Facing the Pied Piper, even if he had been prepared, the ultimate outcome would most likely have been the same — a loss.
In other words, though David’s opponent was relatively unknown, when judged based on skill, he was undeniably a dark horse in the Novastar Competition.
Failing against a dark horse seemed more understandable. With this thought, David felt considerably relieved.
“Well, I have to accept it. This failure is no big deal; I still have another chance,” David said, implying that as long as he won the next match, he wouldn’t be eliminated.
“Actually, even if you lose the competition, it’s not a problem. Your ultimate goal is to enter the Endless Corridor, for which you are already qualified,” Angel remarked. According to him, Shalem’s mindset was quite good; he now participated in the competition with the intent to win if possible, but ready to concede early if defeat seemed inevitable. After all, the primary objective had been achieved; competing for ranks with those with high potential was somewhat unrealistic.
Upon hearing this, David sighed and said ruefully, “That’s what I thought initially. But my mentor Liana issued a strict order that I must at least rank within the top 50 in the Novastar Competition, or else…”
Angel: “Or else what?”
David looked down, his demeanor deflated, “Or else I’ll be assigned to accompany Jacques for ten years.”
Upon hearing this, a glint of sympathy flashed in Angel’s eyes: “That’s a harsh penalty; I never expected your mentor could be so ruthless.”
Jacques is a magical servant cultivated by Liana. What sets Jacques apart, however, is its true form — a rose from Liana’s Rose Garden. While roses are typically associated with elegance and beauty, Jacques is a far cry from that. It is not just vulgar and crude, harboring all kinds of ill intentions, but it also has an incredibly sharp tongue.
Every time David meets Angel, he takes some time to complain about Jacques. This is because Jacques consistently undermines David with sarcastic and cutting remarks that hit their mark every time. Angel can’t help but wonder where Jacques gathers such an arsenal of depressing vocabulary, as even a mere recounting of his comments by David leaves a lasting impact.
To add insult to injury, Jacques isn’t just sharp-tongued; it’s also black-hearted and avaricious. During Angel’s last visit to the Rose Garden, Jacques nearly swallowed the magic crystals meant for Angel, illustrating its unbridled greed.
If David were to actually spend a decade in the company of Jacques, it would undoubtedly be a cruel and unusual punishment.
“Then give it your best shot and hope for an easier opponent in the next competition,” Angel sincerely wishes David well.
Armed with Angel’s blessings, David checks the schedule for tomorrow’s match. When he sees who he’s up against, he feels a lump in his throat, nearly spitting up blood from the shock.
Angel steadies David, whose legs have begun to wobble, and then looks at the matchup board.
“Stargazer of Mysteries VS Divine Dress Maiden”
Upon seeing “Divine Dress Maiden,” Angel gazes at David with a look of pity. Had it been any other competitor, and as long as the skill gap wasn’t too vast, there might have been a chance for an upset. But it had to be the Divine Dress Maiden.
What’s David’s biggest advantage right now? His alchemical gear, which is looked down upon by the audience.
Against any other opponent, even if he were to lose, his alchemical equipment would still provide him with some level of confidence. However, facing off against Carvelyn, a witch from the Shepherd God Family, he can’t even muster that.
Compared to Carvelyn’s divine dress, David’s alchemical gear seems as insignificant as a grain of sand next to a star, unworthy of even sharing the same stage.
Without the advantage of his alchemical gear, David stands even less of a chance against Carvelyn.
“How could it be her…” David lamented, his face a portrait of misery. “She’s aiming for the crown in the Novastar Competition. I’m just struggling to crack the top fifty. How can I possibly compete?”
David’s wail was heartfelt, a cry from the depths of his soul. The mere thought of spending a decade with Jacques made him feel that starting over from scratch would be a more appealing option.
Facing David’s misfortune, Angel had no solutions either, only able to suggest, “Maybe you could discuss this privately with Carvelyn?”
David looked at Angel in astonishment. “You’re a judge, and you’re encouraging me to cheat? This is… delightful!”
David’s mood took a sudden nosedive, and without any hesitation, he decided to conspire behind the scenes.
However, what David hadn’t considered was whether the other party would even agree to his underhanded scheme.
Not only did Carvelyn refuse David, but in the competition the following day, she thoroughly defeated him. Had it not been for the on-site judges intervening, David would have been completely humiliated, even gutted right there in the arena.
David’s second match ended in failure. With the conclusion of this game, his journey in the Novastar Competition also came to an end.
In Liana’s derisive laugh, what awaited David wasn’t just a decade of agony; it was perhaps a lifelong shadow that would haunt him.
As for advice, all Angel could offer was, “Advance as quickly as you can, and then find a way to eliminate Jacques.”
Whether David could accomplish that remains an open question.
David’s competition had ended, and the matches for the other residents of the Bliss Pavilion also began in succession. These days, Angel had been busy not just with routine teaching but also attending the matches of his friends.
Nausica currently has one win and three losses; lady luck hasn’t been on her side, having faced several opponents at the top of the potential rankings. Given her current performance, she essentially lacks the qualifications to advance to the finals. Though she hasn’t been eliminated yet, at most, she can only compete for a better rank.
Shalem’s fortune fares slightly better. He’s mainly encountered average opponents in the matches and won two out of three. The one loss was unfortunate, as he faced Saladin, a madman from the Extreme Sect.
If Shalem were to go all out, perhaps he could give Saladin a run for his money. With some luck, he might even push him into a corner. However, labeling Saladin as a “madman” is no exaggeration; Saladin exhibits his full prowess in dire straits, annihilating all foes in sight in a crazed state — something even Jiebo would find difficult to counter directly. After evaluating both sides’ abilities and personally probing them during a round, Shalem wisely chose to forfeit.
As for Hilary, she has the best record among the three, with one loss in four matches.
Her three wins were against formidable opponents, prompting her to cautiously use potions before securing victories. Her sole loss came about because she faced an average opponent and felt she could persevere without using any potion. Unfortunately, she overestimated her willpower and underestimated an overpowering wave of sleepiness.
Midway, Hilary began to doze off, baffling not only the audience but also her opponent.
There’s not much anyone could do about it; Hilary’s vulnerability is evident and impossible to hide. Moreover, her stock of potions is indeed dwindling. Losing a few inconsequential matches is not a big deal.
However, Coral, looking at Hilary’s sleeping face, couldn’t help but worry: “If only she had the powers of the Dream Realm, at least she would gain something while sleeping. Right now, her sleep is merely a waste of life.”
Angel noticed this as well and thought that once the Login Device for the Wilderness of Dreams becomes widespread, Hilary should be the first to receive one. She is, after all, the one who needs it the most.
These are the combat achievements of the three individuals, all of which are commendable. However, aside from Shalem, it would not be easy for Nausica and Shalem to advance further. Moreover, Shalem comes with a slew of issues that make him a headache to deal with.
Apart from these three, there is another individual whose combat achievements Angel is particularly interested in.
That person is the “Shadowflame Witch,” Cherie.
Cherie’s record is exceptionally eye-catching; she has fought in five matches and has been victorious in all. It’s nearly a foregone conclusion that she will rank in the upper echelons of the leaderboard, and she may even break into the top ten.
As for the matches involving other participants, Angel has not paid much attention.
However, today Angel made his way to the venue of a particular match. Intriguingly, he was not present in the capacity of a judge but merely sat in the audience.
Sitting beside him was Shalem, as well as his brother Leon, who was visibly thrilled.
Angel had never heard of the competitors in this match. The reason he attended was to accompany Shalem in analyzing the competitors.
This was because one of the competitors in this match was set to be Shalem’s opponent the following morning.
Chapter 1548 The Pied Piper in Patchwork Clothing <TOC> Chapter 1550 Wintertime Antler