NOVEL NEXT Chapter 57: TST [57]
The second day marked the start of the Junior Division of the Duelist League.
Though it didn't have the same hype as the main event, it still drew a fair bit of attention. After all, the competitors were rising stars from various clubs. If any of them delivered an impressive performance, other clubs might buy them out at a premium.
To that end, many clubs assigned scouts specifically to watch these matches and identify promising talent.
Spectators in the stands found it just as entertaining. A rookie getting bought out for a high price always made for juicy gossip.
"Wonder which duelist will rise to the top this year."
"Last year, it was that rookie from Haisen Club who took the crown. But then, nothing else was heard about him."
"Of course. With a record like that, Haisen probably kept him under wraps. If they didn't, every other club would be knocking down their door with offers."
"There are plenty of promising newbies this year, too. I heard a rookie from the Saint King Club is competing!"
After a brief speech from the host, the matches officially began.
An intense countdown appeared on the screen. The two duelists took their positions, and one of them stepped unhurriedly into the spotlight at center stage.
It was a short boy with long hair. Despite being only in his teens, he showed no signs of stage fright, even smiling and waving at the crowd.
He wore a pure white team uniform with a crown insignia printed on it.
"Ah! That's the new rookie from Saint King Club—Dorian!"
"I heard he was the fastest trainee in Saint King Club history to reach Gold rank. Looks like we're in for a good show!"
"What the hell?! He's only a teen and already Gold? I'm in my twenties and barely made it to Silver!"
"Dude, you're doing fine. Took me ten years just to crack Bronze..."
Dorian relished the admiration from the stands. He loved standing on stage, being the center of attention. That was why he joined a club and entered the league.
He was also looking to sell himself to the highest bidder.
Though he wore the Saint King uniform, he was just waiting for the right price. Wherever the money was, he would go. Loyalty was rare in pro dueling.
What gave him that confidence was his skill.
He was the only trainee in Saint King to reach Gold that fast, and never lost a match within the club; Therefore, he was confident he could turn this entire junior tournament into his personal showcase.
And it would all start with a victory in the opening match.
Full of confidence, Dorian crossed his arms and grinned as his opponent appeared.
It was a girl with shoulder-length hair, wearing a white blouse under a bright yellow fleece jacket. A standard pleated skirt revealed her pale legs.
The Duel Disk on her left arm was unusual—not a standard model. And she wore no team uniform, suggesting she wasn't part of a club but an independent pro.
Dorian sneered.
Unlike club duelists, independents had no access to club resources. The difference in strength was enormous.
He felt disappointed. He had hoped the opening match would pit him against a strong opponent, someone worthy of showcasing his power.
Dueling only excited the crowd when it went back and forth. A one-sided stomp was just boring.
The crowd murmured as the girl stepped onto the stage.
"Who is she? Doesn't look familiar."
"Name's Morgan? She's not wearing any team gear… looks like an independent."
"Pfft, you must not watch much. Every year, the Junior Division throws in a few indie duelists. They say it's to foster new talent, but really, they're just cannon fodder. In the end, the club duelists always fight for the title."
"Ugh... that ruins it. What's the organizer thinking with this kind of opener?"
As the crowd sighed in disappointment, Morgan stepped onto the Duel Stage and locked eyes with Dorian.
"Tch, better surrender now," Dorian scoffed. "If the loss is too crushing, girls like you will probably cry."
"Crying in a tournament like this? You might as well kiss your duelist career goodbye."
He didn't hold back.
Yet, Morgan didn't get angry. Instead, she smiled brightly.
"Really? Funny. I happen to be great at making opponents cry."
"Huh?"
Her reply stunned Dorian. He had no idea what she meant.
Before he could react, the host announced the match in an excited voice.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the opening match of the Junior Division of the Duelist League is about to begin! Let me introduce our special guest for this event!"
"A duelist who can see spirits, everyone's idol—Viviana!"
With a burst of streamers, Viviana appeared on the commentary stand in a dazzling outfit, waving to the crowd.
"Hi everyone! I'm honored to be your commentator for this opening match!"
The majority of the audience were her fans, and the stadium erupted in cheers.
"It's Sweetheart Viviana!"
"With Viviana on commentary, this match is already a win!"
"Just seeing her makes the ticket worth it!"
After greeting the crowd, the host wasted no time and officially announced the start of the duel.
Then, lowering his mic, he whispered to Viviana with concern:
"Viviana, we only gave that unknown duelist the opening match because you insisted. Are you sure this is okay?"
Viviana kept her eyes fixed on Morgan and grinned.
"Relax. After all, the one standing on that stage now... is a witch."
...
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