"Adhering to the principles of friendship and mutual strength, I hereby declare the 99th Empire of Aetherlight National Competition officially begins!"
Within the vast arena of Beijing, a white-haired elder gripped the microphone and shouted his announcement across the massive venue. Sparse, unenthusiastic applause erupted from the scattered audience, causing the dignitary's face to visibly darken with embarrassment.
Shaking his head in disappointment, he passed the microphone to the person behind him and departed the stage with wounded pride.
The individual and team competitions naturally drew minimal attention during the first few days due to the overwhelming volume of matches. Peak audience traffic would only arrive when the competitions narrowed down to large-scale, one-on-one elimination matches that truly showcased elite talent.
"Azrael, wake up."
A young man with perfectly slicked-back hair gently nudged the closed-eyed youth sitting beside him in the competitor seating area.
Azrael, feeling the persistent pressure on his arm, slowly opened his eyes. "I wasn't sleeping, I was meditating."
He couldn't really be blamed for his apparent inattention. After all, anyone capable of remaining alert during a bureaucratic opening ceremony speech possessed rare willpower indeed.
Unless it had been a certain peninsula leader speaking in his past life, Azrael reflected with dark amusement. In that case, he would have raised his hands in terrified celebration.
"So, have we confirmed our first opponent?"
Noticing the students around them gradually filing out of the competition venue, Azrael gestured for several Shadowkhan to materialize and hold up a protective parasol over the Pixar University competition team.
"It's decided. Our first match is against Tarvok Technical College," announced Chisaki. As the team leader, he naturally maintained close surveillance of their school's opening opponent.
Azrael paused, genuinely startled. "That name sounds... impressive."
Everyone in the Pixar University group glanced at him in surprise. "No, it's just an ordinary vocational school," Oliver clarified with a dismissive wave.
"Seriously, anyone with even minimal Lore Cardian talent wouldn't attend an institution like that," Choi-Gyu added matter-of-factly.
Azrael remained skeptical, a nagging feeling suggesting he'd encountered that particular school name somewhere before. But since his companions had already categorized them as a weak opponent, it shouldn't pose any significant challenge, right?
Donning their official Pixar University identification badges, Azrael and his four teammates followed Chisaki toward the designated first match venue. Upon arriving at the competition area, they found several young men with distinctly gloomy expressions already waiting nervously.
"This is so unlucky! How could we possibly be matched against a prestigious school like Pixar University in our very first round?" one of the opposing students complained bitterly.
Another team member attempted optimism, "I heard Pixar University's results last year weren't particularly impressive. We still have a fighting chance, right?"
Upon hearing this hopeful assessment, several of his teammates rolled their eyes in exasperation.
As the old saying went: even a starving camel remains larger than a horse.
Azrael, standing within earshot, sensed the presence and general power levels of the young men. He turned to Oliver and the others with a slightly apologetic expression. "Looks like I was definitely overthinking this matchup."
"Who should handle the first round?" Kevaugn asked, eager to prove himself.
"Actually, I can take care of this," Azrael volunteered casually.
From his assessment, these Tarvok Technical College students were all Bronze-level Lore Cardians at best. Any single member from the Pixar University Battle Club could defeat them without breaking a sweat.
Even Choi-Gyu, whom Azrael considered relatively weak within their group, could only struggle against average Silver-Tier Lore Cardians from other prestigious schools. Against Bronze-level opponents, however, she would dominate effortlessly.
Chisaki stepped back to observe as his team made their strategic decisions.
Just as Choi-Gyu was preparing to volunteer herself for the opening bout, Azrael, who had initially posed the question, suddenly interjected, "Forget it, I'll handle this myself."
His teammates looked stunned. "Won't that completely reveal your abilities?"
"My cards were already exposed during my previous battle with Crowley. Those elite schools could probably obtain footage of that match whenever they wanted, correct?"
Oliver and the other three exchanged knowing glances and fell silent. Indeed, this concern was unavoidable for Azrael at this point.
While his strength was certainly formidable, he had revealed the majority of his strategic capabilities during that highly publicized confrontation. With opposing schools' Lore Cardians now prepared and on guard, even Azrael's considerable prowess wouldn't guarantee effortless victories moving forward.
However, Azrael didn't mention that he had recently created an entirely new trump card: [Sasuke].
Arriving at the battlefield perimeter, Azrael glanced dismissively at the apprehensive players positioned on the opposite side, then calmly settled into a chair materialized by his ghost soldiers.
Since he wasn't planning to engage in direct melee combat, why remain standing when he could sit comfortably?
With practiced ease, he summoned dozens of Shadowkhan soldiers onto the field simultaneously, then closed his eyes and resumed his meditative state.
The referee overseeing the match silently observed Azrael's casual behavior. "Are all young people these days so pretentious?"
It wasn't that Azrael was attempting to show off; he genuinely didn't need to actively monitor a match with such an obvious outcome.
The Tarvok players couldn't help but grimace at the intimidating sight before them. When they felt the crouching and standing Shadowkhans staring at them with glowing crimson eyes, they all swallowed nervously.
"They're all Bronze-level," one student whispered in dawning horror.
It would have been shocking enough if their opponent had summoned three or four Bronze-level cards, but the number of ghost soldiers currently occupying the field approached twenty. What were they supposed to do against such overwhelming numerical superiority?
The young man selected for the opening round attempted to rally his team's morale, "Don't panic, everyone! With so many cards summoned at once, the individual quality can't be that impressive. It's just an intimidation tactic."
Suddenly energized by this reasoning, his teammates cast hopeful glances at their representative.
However, at that same moment, the young man's carefully crafted cards were systematically destroyed like stray dogs being put down, their faces turned ashen with despair.
Oliver, observing from the audience seating, curled his lips in amusement. "They can't even defeat Azrael's utility cards?"
Indeed, in the eyes of the Pixar University Battle Club, the Shadowkhan served primarily as convenient transportation rather than serious combat assets.
Kevaugn scratched his head in confusion. "Wait, those are utility cards?"
Since he hadn't entered the Eye of Infinity alongside Azrael and the others, he naturally remained unaware that the Shadowkhan could facilitate movement through the Shadow Realm.
Kevaugn had originally assumed the cards existed solely for Azrael's daily convenience and mundane tasks.
Before long, Pixar University's first competitive match reached its predictable conclusion.
Azrael leisurely opened his eyes from his seated position and looked expectantly toward the referee.
The official's eye twitched with barely concealed irritation before he shouted the formal announcement, "Round one, Zone A, Section 6: Pixar University wins!"
Hearing the referee's declaration, Azrael emerged from the shadows cast by his parasol and rejoined his companions.
"Let's go investigate what the other schools are doing," he suggested with renewed interest. "It's still early in the day."
Just as the Pixar University group was preparing to scout several random battlegrounds, a thunderous roar of applause erupted from the northwest corner of the massive arena.
"What's happening over there?" Azrael asked with genuine curiosity, turning to Chisaki beside him.
Chisaki frowned while pulling out his phone. After scrolling through several news updates, he announced with solemn gravity, "There's been a major upset!"
"Jinghua University has been eliminated."
His words struck like a bomb dropped into calm waters, instantly leaving the Pixar University Battle Club members stunned into silence.
"The same Jinghua team that was ranked on our competition tier?" Kevaugn asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Chisaki nodded grimly. "Their opponent today was Northwest University of Science and Technology. Jinghua was completely crushed."
Upon hearing this shocking development, Oliver and the others remained somewhat bewildered. After all, just yesterday they had been discussing how Jinghua University finished third the previous year and deserved serious attention. Yet today, they were being dominated by a relatively unknown institution. The performance gap was truly staggering.
Azrael, though somewhat surprised, found the outcome entirely acceptable. Yesterday, when he had scouted several of Jinghua's key students, he hadn't considered them particularly impressive. Perhaps with favorable matchups, they might have advanced to the round of sixteen.
But being defeated by a sudden dark horse wasn't especially shocking in competitive card battling.
"Do we have any intelligence on their players?"
Azrael was more concerned about identifying Northwest University of Science and Technology's capabilities than mourning Jinghua's elimination. Since they had managed to pull off such a significant upset, there must be legitimate substance behind their success.
Chisaki continued scrolling through his phone for additional information. "Unlike typical Lore Cardians who favor biological summoning cards, these Northwest University of Science and Technology students apparently prefer technology-based mechanical cards."
"Unfortunately, there's no detailed intelligence available yet. Based on the five players who appeared in today's matches, except for their anchor, the other four seem relatively evenly matched in overall strength."
Hearing this assessment, Azrael glanced curiously toward the corner where the celebratory noise originated. "We really shouldn't underestimate the heroes emerging from unexpected places."
Fortunately, this appeared to be the only major upset of the opening day, so Oliver and the other three weren't overly concerned about their own prospects.
The following days of preliminary competition proved relatively stress-free for Azrael's team. He could handle virtually any opposition single-handedly. When occasionally facing Silver-level opponents, he simply deployed one of his own Silver-level cards to maintain dominance.
One week later, Pixar University needed only to defeat their scheduled opponent to advance into the main tournament bracket.
Today, Azrael and his team faced students from Yucheng University. Interestingly, every member of that school's battle club possessed the exaggerated muscular build of professional bodybuilders.
While visually impressive, the first four players' cards weren't particularly powerful, and Azrael defeated them with minimal effort.
But when he observed the final player's summoned card, Azrael's eyes widened with genuine interest.
"Then let me ask you a question."
A massive giant with a distinctive pointed head and vibrant green skin materialized in the arena's center. His eyes, somehow radiating an aura of profound wisdom, gazed intently at Azrael, who remained comfortably seated on the sidelines.
"A custom card? Now that's genuinely interesting."
Azrael's attention was fully captured for the first time in days. His recent opponents had been mind-numbingly boring, like playing house with small children.
"But it's unfortunate you encountered me today."
No matter how creatively designed the concept, raw power would ultimately determine the victor.
The next moment, Nelliel materialized on the battlefield in her adult form.
The giant's summoner looked sternly at the newly appeared warrior, "Azrael, I've studied your previous battle recordings extensively."
"Don't hold back, unleash that transformation immediately."
Azrael, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but chuckle softly. Based on the spiritual pressure emanating from the green giant, it wasn't remotely worthy of forcing Nelliel into her Resurrección release.
Even without transforming, her natural physical capabilities were more than sufficient for this encounter.
Azrael's expression shifted to mild annoyance when he realized his opponent was underestimating the situation.
The green giant roared and charged directly at Nelliel with surprising speed. His massive right fist reached toward her face in an instant.
Nelliel regarded the approaching attack with calm detachment.
The next moment, the seemingly tiny figure, dwarfed by the giant's enormous frame, also launched her right fist forward.
Fist met fist with tremendous force, and the resulting shockwave instantly pulverized the surrounding ground into debris.
The giant, experiencing unexpected pain, quickly retracted his hand. But the nimble, petite figure had already slipped inside his guard.
"Bang!"
A devastating elbow strike echoed across the arena, and the massive body was sent flying backward.
The giant tumbled across the battlefield, ultimately colliding with the protective barrier at the arena's edge.
Nelliel naturally couldn't miss such a perfect opportunity. Using her enhanced speed, she quickly pursued her airborne opponent.
However, what happened next caused Azrael to raise an eyebrow with genuine surprise.
"Anadrol! Trenbolone! Oxandrolone! Stanozolol! Testosterone! Dianabol! Primobolan! Deca-Durabolin! Winstrol!"
"The Power of Nine Enhancements!"
A terrifying roar reverberated throughout the arena.
A tremendous wave of energy immediately surged around the green giant, forcefully repelling Nelliel's advancing assault.
In mere seconds, the giant's already impressive frame expanded even further beyond normal proportions.
His originally green skin transformed to a deep purple hue, while thick black veins coiled around his massive muscles like writhing serpents.
"He's here! The legendary Yucheng Bodybuilding God!" one spectator shouted with excitement.
"As expected of our captain, this pose is truly magnificent!" several Yucheng University students who had already lost to Azrael blushed with admiration while humming appreciatively.
Meanwhile, students from other schools whose matches had concluded were drawn to investigate the dramatic commotion.
"Hey, hey," the captain of the Yucheng University Battle Club struck a classic bodybuilding pose while addressing Azrael. "Feel honored! Not everyone gets to witness the Bodybuilding God in such perfect form."
"..."
Azrael stared with bewildered amusement at the Yucheng University student, who had inexplicably begun posing dramatically in the middle of combat.
Had excessive bodybuilding somehow damaged his brain?
Oliver and the others in the audience couldn't help but observe the nearby muscular spectators with speechless expressions.
"That's... not actually that impressive, is it?" Kevaugn asked hesitantly, sensing the spiritual pressure emanating from the purple giant.
Oliver nodded in agreement. While he acknowledged the so-called [Yucheng Bodybuilding God] wasn't weak, that assessment only applied when compared to average cards. Azrael's summoned warrior would undoubtedly achieve victory even without employing her most powerful transformation abilities.
On the battlefield, vibrant green life energy swirled dramatically around the enhanced purple giant.
Nelliel maintained her characteristically impassive demeanor.
However, sensing the increased spiritual pressure emanating from her opponent, she couldn't help but release a resigned sigh.
"Ultimately, non-released forms have their limitations."
Holding her Zanpakutō horizontally before her chest, her calm voice echoed clearly throughout the arena.
"Declare, Gamuza!"
Intense red-brown spiritual pressure erupted outward, directly colliding with the purple giant's spiritual energy.
The resulting wind pressure ruffled the hair of every spectator watching the confrontation, while an overwhelming sense of power settled over everyone's consciousness.
"Gulp. Are all the competitors in the national tournament genuine monsters like this?" one student whispered nervously.
"Don't even consider it. That's Azrael from Pixar University, a legitimate contender for the individual championship," another replied knowledgeably.
"How do you know so much about him?"
"Go ask your team leader later. I guarantee they're familiar with his reputation."
As students chatted anxiously below, the transformed centaur-like Nelliel appeared beside the purple giant, now wielding her distinctive double-headed lance.
Green life energy, manifesting like materialized lightning, carved terrifying furrows through the surrounding arena floor.
But for Nelliel in her released Resurrección form, such attacks felt like a gentle breeze.
Under the horrified gazes of the Yucheng University students, the tip of her lance made contact with the purple giant's muscular chest.
Despite his desperate roars of resistance, the weapon pierced through his enhanced defenses in the following second.
Within moments, the once-formidable purple giant was pinned helplessly to the ground, completely defeated.
Witnessing this devastating conclusion, the Yucheng University students were heartbroken. Their captain even fell to his knees in dramatic despair. "Yucheng... Bodybuilding God..."
"Even the legendary Power of Nine Enhancements couldn't achieve victory?"
Upon hearing this lament, their instructor, a shirtless, equally muscular man, clapped him encouragingly on the back. "If nine enhancement powers aren't sufficient, then strive for ninety! One day, you'll become a truly elite Lore Cardian!"
"Are you giving up so easily?"
Azrael muttered internally while observing the muscular instructor offering consolation to his defeated team. "I'm afraid even ninety enhancements wouldn't make a difference."
Among the students gathered on the sidelines, several plainly dressed young men were studying Nelliel with intense focus.
"What's your assessment, President? Do you believe we can achieve victory against her?" one asked quietly.
"If it's only this single card in its current state, defeating it shouldn't pose a significant problem."