In the distinguished guest seats, Finn, resplendent in traditional Taoist robes, addressed Prime Minister Yuichi with a knowing smile. "Prime Minister Yuichi, do you still believe Pixar University stands no chance against their opponents?"
"After all, Azrael single-handedly defeated the entire Coral University team."
Prime Minister Yuichi's expression remained stoically unchanged upon hearing this observation. "I harbor no intention of underestimating Coral University's capabilities. After all, Admiral Shui, the institution's esteemed founder, once commanded a naval fleet that earned world-renowned recognition."
"It's simply that this year's student body..."
"Lacks the exceptional caliber we've witnessed in previous years."
Master Finn rolled his eyes dismissively before steering the conversation toward another compelling contender. "What about Northern University of Science and Technology? What particular insights do you possess regarding their performance, Prime Minister Yuichi?"
Upon hearing mention of the dark horse that had triumphed over another tournament powerhouse earlier that day, Prime Minister Yuichi's interest was immediately and visibly piqued. "From a logical standpoint, Northern University of Science and Technology shouldn't maintain any significant connections with those foreign competitors across the vast ocean, correct? Master Finn, having observed those foreign Lore Cardians firsthand during your diplomatic missions, do you believe their methodologies bear any striking similarities?"
Upon hearing this probing inquiry, Master Finn carefully recalled and analyzed the specific techniques employed by the foreign competitors he had personally witnessed, then shared his considered assessment. "No, the fundamental gap between their approaches is quite substantial and unmistakable."
"Northern University of Science and Technology follows a completely different philosophical and tactical path."
His authoritative words immediately drew the undivided attention of everyone present in the viewing area.
Observing the eager and expectant expressions surrounding him, Master Finn didn't hesitate to explain the fundamental differences he had discovered. "Some of those foreign competitors bear a remarkable physical resemblance to us, Aetherlight people. Everyone gathered here should be acutely aware of this historical fact, correct?"
The assembled government officials nodded solemnly in unanimous agreement.
"However, others originate from the Red Barbarian territories to the distant west."
"Those Red Barbarians initially planned to systematically usurp our traditional position of power, but then the mysterious Secret Realms arrived unexpectedly."
"Initially, they didn't consider utilizing advanced technology to forge powerful artifacts for combat. Instead, they relied heavily on indigenous mythology and folklore to create specialized cards capable of resisting the devastating Secret Realm invasions."
"But you understand how the Red Barbarians have always maintained an obsessive fascination with technological advancement."
"So after successfully escaping their initial predicament through sheer determination, they formed strategic alliances with the native peoples and began systematically combining cutting-edge technology with ancient mythology."
"I heard through diplomatic channels that they call their innovative creations Mecha Gods."
"It's been reported that their most formidable Sovereign-level Lore Cardian, the legendary [White Crown] Tavaris, possesses cards of precisely this revolutionary type."
"What was that specific designation again?"
"[Supreme Mecha God Quetzalcoatl]."
Everyone present was genuinely stunned by this revelation. Although they possessed some general knowledge concerning the foreign competitors across the ocean, this marked their first exposure to such highly classified intelligence information.
Master Finn wasn't particularly surprised by their shocked reaction. After all, he had responded in exactly the same manner when those foreign delegates first explained their innovative methods to him during confidential meetings.
The philosophical contrast was indeed quite striking. The Empire of Aetherlight's most powerful Sovereign-level Lore Cardian, Lioren, wielded the traditional [Sun Patrol of the Eight Directions: Dongjun].
The fundamental difference between these two distinct approaches was remarkably significant. Had those foreign competitors not been so enthusiastically eager to delve deeper into Empire of Aetherlight Taoist mythology, he wouldn't have successfully obtained such confidential intelligence through diplomatic channels.
"Speaking of which," Master Finn muttered quietly to himself, "those barbarians aren't actually trying to create some kind of mechanical interpretation of the Three Pure Ones, are they?" Suppressing this deeply disturbing thought, he coughed diplomatically and returned to the original topic of Northern University of Science and Technology. "Those students' cards are simply advanced mechanical constructs, bearing absolutely no connection to traditional mythology."
"So the fundamental difference between the two approaches remains quite significant and philosophically distinct."
Upon hearing this comprehensive explanation, the elderly government officials suddenly understood the broader implications.
Prime Minister Yuichi listened attentively to Master Finn's detailed analysis before speaking thoughtfully. "However, from my careful observations during today's matches, there's something genuinely unusual about Adrian's particular cards."
"We'll have to wait patiently and see how events unfold."
Adrian was the skilled captain of Northern University of Science and Technology's prestigious Battle Club.
After Prime Minister Yuichi finished delivering his assessment, some government officials agreed wholeheartedly with his analysis, while others felt he was placing excessive emphasis on this grassroots talent who had seemingly emerged from complete obscurity.
However, these seasoned veterans wouldn't dare publicly contradict the Prime Minister's judgment.
The first day of intense competition, the crucial round of 32 to 16, lasted well into the late evening hours. After all, not every competitor could finish their matches as efficiently as the exceptional Azrael.
Most students' cards were relatively evenly matched in terms of power and strategy, with battles lasting at least thirty grueling minutes. Encountering defensive specialists proved even more mentally and physically grueling, as victory often came down to determining who would exhaust their precious energy reserves first.
However, subsequent matches throughout the day didn't produce another major upset comparable to Northern University of Science and Technology's stunning victory. After all, if such dramatic surprises were commonplace occurrences, audiences wouldn't anticipate dark horse competitors with such genuine enthusiasm and excitement.
At the day's conclusion, Pixar University learned the identity of their next formidable opponent: Kyoto University.
Their remarkable luck had finally run out, they now faced a truly formidable and well-prepared adversary.
Kyoto University was widely recognized as another championship favorite, and the impressive strength they had demonstrated consistently throughout this year's tournament was certainly not to be underestimated.
"For the day after tomorrow's crucial match, we'll follow our established standard lineup order," Chisaki announced casually, lounging comfortably on the sofa while scrolling through his phone and absentmindedly scratching his belly.
Azrael and the other team members nodded in collective agreement.
It was hardly surprising that Chisaki appeared so disheveled and middle-aged in his demeanor. National competitions really didn't concern head coaches much—they were typically content to arrange match schedules and order takeout food for the team.
Could he really be planning to execute the legendary head coach warm-up routine that had become tournament folklore?
Even if Chisaki genuinely wanted to participate more actively in strategic planning, the tournament committee wouldn't approve such direct involvement.
Furthermore, a strategically sophisticated team like Kyoto University wouldn't allow Azrael to compete first and potentially sweep their entire roster with overwhelming force.
While Azrael felt genuinely confident he could systematically defeat five opponents in sequential order, he couldn't help but consider the broader strategic implications of such an approach.
With this tactical consideration firmly in mind, he decided to share a small but significant revelation with his teammates. "Everyone, you should clearly remember the [Silver Arm] artifact from our last challenging Secret Realm expedition, right?"
As Azrael finished speaking these words, gleaming silver armor instantly materialized around his entire hand.
Oliver and the other two veterans nodded knowingly with understanding, leaving Kevaugn with a completely bewildered and confused expression.
"Azrael's new card can effectively compensate for his King Arthur card's inherent vulnerability after unleashing that powerful attack," Oliver explained quietly and patiently to the confused Kevaugn.
Kevaugn was genuinely startled by this revelation. He was naturally familiar with Azrael's signature card, which he affectionately called Lily. He had witnessed the devastating release of Caliburn on live television broadcasts. While its destructive power was indeed terrifying, the difficulty of landing accurate hits, the lengthy preparation time required, and the card's post-attack weakness were undeniable tactical concerns.
However, he hadn't expected Azrael to successfully create a specialized equipment card in such a remarkably short time period to address these significant limitations.
"So you're planning to reveal this new card in the upcoming round?" Kevaugn asked with growing confidence, believing he had successfully grasped Azrael's strategic intentions.
But Azrael shook his head decisively in response.
Everyone present, including their coach Chisaki, was genuinely stunned. They had all assumed exactly the same thing.
The next moment, Azrael revealed his true strategic plan with determination. "What I'm actually saying is, I've successfully created an entirely new creature card."
"?"
A massive question mark seemed to hover symbolically over everyone's heads.
They struggled mentally to process this surprising information. Was Azrael seriously claiming he had created yet another powerful card in such a short timeframe?
Worried that his dedicated teammates wouldn't fully understand his new card's unique capabilities, Azrael quickly added for clarification, "It's definitely not weaker than Nel in terms of combat effectiveness."
"Nel is the Antelope Knight card, for reference."
"My strategic plan is to debut this new card in the upcoming crucial round while keeping [Silver Arm] completely hidden for a decisive moment."
"However, I definitely can't reveal my new card's hidden abilities during preliminary rounds, so I'm genuinely hoping everyone can take the stage this round and share some tactical burden, allowing me to keep its true power completely concealed."
As soon as Azrael mentioned Nel specifically, everyone formed a clear and vivid mental image. They still remembered the heroic green-haired female knight who had dramatically impaled Crowley's final card.
Oliver was the first to recover from his surprise. After carefully considering the proposal, he said with determination, "Then I'll volunteer to go first."
Oliver's reasoning was strategically sound. He estimated his current skills placed him in the upper-middle tier of national competition participants, so handling two mediocre opponents shouldn't pose a significant problem.
He might even manage to systematically defeat three or four opponents, allowing Azrael to enter the battle with a substantial advantage.
He added confidently, "If I can successfully eliminate three or four of their competitors, Azrael, you can finish the job directly and decisively."
"If not, let Choi-Gyu or Kevaugn take the next turn in sequence."
Azrael nodded approvingly at this suggestion. "That settles our strategy then. Hopefully, everything proceeds smoothly according to plan."
While he believed Oliver could potentially defeat two opponents single-handedly through skill alone, since his teammate had volunteered enthusiastically, it made perfect sense to let the others gain valuable competitive experience.
"Alright, it's getting quite late. Let's all return to our accommodations and rest properly."
Azrael and his teammates glanced at the wall clock, it was already past one in the morning. Rest was definitely overdue for optimal performance.
On the third day, Azrael's team arrived early at the tournament venue with focused determination.
As the second round of round 16, the excitement and anticipation naturally exceeded that of the previous round significantly.
After learning about their assigned opponents, Pixar University also inquired about the specific matchups facing other competitive universities in this round.
No participating school had any strategic reason to conceal such basic information.
The upcoming matches were strategically arranged as follows: Ming University of Technology versus Vaelcrest Buddhist College; Northwind University versus Riverstone University; and Northern University of Science and Technology versus Tiova University.
By the round of 16, virtually no weak teams remained in competition. Every participating school possessed winning strategies of varying degrees of sophistication and preparation.
Some had already deployed their most powerful trump cards against exceptionally strong opponents, while others kept their secrets carefully in reserve.
"I didn't expect we'd be scheduled first up today," Azrael remarked casually from the sidelines, observing a skilled female Lore Cardian riding what appeared to be a powerfully muscular humanoid creature nearby.
Moments later, the official referees completed their final preparations.
Pixar University and Kyoto University each sent their carefully chosen opening players to the battlefield.
Pixar University naturally chose Oliver, exactly as previously discussed and agreed upon.
Kyoto University deployed a competitor that Azrael didn't immediately recognize from previous tournaments.
In the spectator stands, a buzz-cut young man from Northwind University stared intensely at Azrael, who sat calmly on Pixar University's bench, and silently crushed an iron sphere in his clenched hand. "Azrael, I absolutely won't lose to you this time." (AN: Northwind University is different from Northern University)
His surrounding teammates fell into uncomfortable silence, wondering what specific incident had triggered this emotional outburst.
Speaking of which, Northwind University's core Battle Club members were experiencing serious difficulties of their own. They had reached the prestigious round of 16 with such strong institutional backing, and double happiness should have naturally resulted from this significant achievement. How had their situation become so politically complicated?
This particular teammate was genuinely difficult to manage effectively.
Unable to defeat him in direct combat and lacking comparable political influence, they could only endure like wronged spouses in an arranged marriage.
Of course, if this gentleman could successfully lead them to ultimate victory, they would have only two words to express: absolute loyalty!
In the main arena, both skilled Lore Cardians had already summoned their primary creatures for battle.
Pitch-black storm clouds enveloped the entire battlefield, with serpentine bolts of electricity writhing dramatically through the oppressive darkness.
Black mud undulated across the ground like living organisms, spreading in layer upon layer.
A young man clad in gleaming black armor stood bathed in absolutely dazzling lightning.
With a thunderous roar that shook the arena, a massive lightning spear descended upon Kyoto University's card like divine retribution.
Clearly, Oliver hadn't exaggerated his considerable abilities during team discussions.
Even without Azrael's overwhelming presence, Pixar University should have no trouble reaching the top 16 under Oliver's capable leadership.
The battle concluded with surprising swiftness and decisiveness.
Kyoto University soon deployed their second strategic choice. To everyone's genuine surprise, it was their skilled female Lore Cardian.
Her name flashed prominently on the large screen: Eina.
Arriving at the field's edge with confidence, Eina glanced meaningfully at Azrael standing nearby before releasing her signature card.
Unlike previous matches against demonstrably weaker opponents, Eina clearly held nothing back this time.
Pixar University's team hadn't been idle during their preparation period. They had naturally invested considerable effort gathering detailed intelligence on their opponents' ace cards.
They knew the specific name of the muscular humanoid Eina had been riding: [Muscle Warrior: Hercules].
However, they remained completely unfamiliar with the effeminate figure standing beside Hercules. This was clearly a newly crafted card by Eina.
Furthermore, the shadow of a circular structure flickered ominously behind the pair.
While venue cards remained relatively rare at the national tournament level, Azrael wasn't the only competitor possessing them.
However, their quality and effectiveness varied considerably.
A venue card's true effectiveness depended entirely on its associated creature card. If the creature wasn't powerful enough, everything else was meaningless.
Fortunately, since Kyoto University had previously competed against another school earlier in the tournament, Pixar University possessed some understanding of this venue card's name and abilities.
[Bloody Arena], the silver-level ability, likely enhanced the card's recovery capabilities significantly.
At this crucial moment, Eina's face revealed confident determination and resolve.
At the referee's official command, the effeminate figure in the arena instantly extended his right hand and slashed decisively across Hercules' muscular back.
Splattering blood formed a complex magic circle on the ground.
"Not good!" Oliver's heart sank immediately. The opponent's perfectly coordinated actions completely caught him off guard.
However, there was no point dwelling on tactical mistakes now. As long as he could gather valuable intelligence for Azrael, the sacrifice would be tactically worthwhile.
A blinding flash of lightning reached Hercules almost instantaneously with devastating force.
The next moment, vibrant crimson light erupted from the ground, shielding Hercules from the attack and completely obscuring everyone's vision.
A wave of pitch-black darkness surged toward the blood-colored magic circle. The black-armored youth wielded his lightning spear like a dragon in human form.
Under the earth-shattering assault, the blood-colored magic circle flickered dramatically, seemingly about to dissipate entirely.
Finally, under Oliver's cards' relentless and sustained attack, the blood-colored magic circle gradually dimmed.
Just as Oliver breathed a sigh of relief, the subsequent scene left him speechless with absolute shock.
Hercules' skin had turned crimson red, as if blood itself coursed visibly beneath the surface.
But that wasn't the most crucial detail of this transformation.
Most importantly, the once-effeminate youth was now reduced to only his upper torso, grotesquely stitched to Hercules' back with his eyes half-closed, as if sleeping peacefully.
As everyone watched in horror, a bloodthirsty smile played across Hercules' lips.
"Just like that, look at me!" he roared with wild excitement, his aura growing exponentially stronger.
The next moment, a massive crimson hand seized the black-armored youth's head and slammed him brutally into the ground.
Bang!
The dull impact resonated through everyone's hearts like a funeral drum.
Faced with such horrifying imagery, Oliver finally regained his tactical composure. Instantly, the endless black mud transformed into razor-sharp blades, severing Hercules' right hand cleanly.
Freed from the crimson grip, the black-armored youth retreated with a grimace of pain. However, the following scene was even more horrifying, leaving all observers gasping audibly.
As the effeminate youth opened his eyes slowly, Hercules' previously severed right arm healed completely with a flash of blood.
The next moment, the crimson figure reappeared before the black-armored youth with supernatural speed.
This time, Oliver's cards were completely powerless to resist.
After his primary card, the black-armored youth, dissipated into thin air, Oliver's remaining two cards naturally had no chance of mounting a counterattack.
With a wry smile of acceptance, he returned to Azrael and the other three teammates. "I didn't expect them to deploy their trump card so early in the sequence."
"Brother Oliver, you performed excellently under the circumstances," Choi-Gyu said, gently grasping Oliver's hand with a soothing smile.
Unable to bear witnessing the young couple's affectionate moment, Kevaugn immediately stood up with determination. "Then I'll go next."
Just as he was about to enter the stage, a firm hand rested on his shoulder. "I'll handle this situation."
It was Azrael.
"I've seen through their complete strategy."
With these confident words, he walked purposefully toward the sidelines, leaving his teammates bewildered and confused.
Eina was clearly surprised that Azrael would take the stage at this particular moment. "You're actually competing second in the lineup?"
Azrael nodded decisively. "I'll finish the remaining matches."
Eina's slender eyebrows rose slightly at this bold declaration. "You're quite confident in your abilities."
"But at this point, I absolutely refuse to lose!"
Azrael smiled without responding directly.
He had already formulated the complete path to victory.
His entrance undoubtedly caused a tremendous response throughout the arena. Amidst thunderous cheers, Azrael summoned his cards:
Fubuki, Artoria, Unohana Retsu, Nel, and a mysterious black-haired youth who had never appeared before.
Almost immediately after the referee's whistle, the black-haired youth's cold voice reached everyone's ears with chilling clarity.
"Amaterasu!"