"Who is Victor looking at?"
A puzzled voice echoed from the stands.
In the eyes of the audience, Victor was gazing intently at the south side of the stands, unmistakable fighting spirit burning fiercely in his eyes.
Fortunately, the confusion didn't last long, as the cameraman wisely provided a close-up shot of the target of his attention.
Azrael's somewhat helpless smile appeared on the giant screen suspended above the battlefield.
"Isn't that Azrael from Pixar University? Is Victor looking at him?"
Although they could now see that Victor was indeed looking at Azrael, new doubts immediately arose in the hearts of most spectators who witnessed this silent exchange.
However, some viewers who had watched the Jiangxi Provincial Unified Entrance Exam and were familiar with the heated rivalry between the two quickly explained, "Azrael and Victor are old rivals. They faced off in the Jiangxi Provincial Unified Exam earlier this year."
"It's obvious that Victor lost that encounter."
"But now that Victor has been coached personally by Master Tempest for six months, it's hard to say who would win in a rematch."
"The problem is, Azrael is also Master Lucian's disciple, and you saw his dominating performance in the first match."
"That's absolutely right."
As the audience discussed these developments, Victor walked off the platform with measured steps, his fighting spirit undoubtedly conveyed clearly to Azrael across the arena.
As for when they would inevitably meet, Victor was confident he wouldn't be defeated in the next round, and Azrael felt exactly the same unwavering certainty. However, fate had clearly decided to play a trick on Victor's expectations.
The next four matches proceeded in fairly standard fashion, with no particularly outstanding players emerging to capture the crowd's attention.
After all matches concluded successfully, the highly anticipated list of opponents for the next round was finally revealed.
The first pairing to immediately catch everyone's eye was Pixar University versus Northwind University.
In the stands, Kevaugn stared wide-eyed at Pixar University's next opponent, muttering incredulously to himself, "This has got to be rigged somehow!"
"Isn't this pure manipulation by the tournament organizers?"
To him, Victor had just openly challenged Azrael, and now the two schools were conveniently facing each other in the very next match. He absolutely refused to believe there were no shady dealings involved behind the scenes.
Azrael, standing calmly beside him, disagreed with this assessment. After all, the national competition didn't need manufactured drama to boost its already massive popularity. "It should be normal random grouping. Don't overthink it unnecessarily."
Oliver nodded silently in agreement, supporting Azrael's rational assessment. "It's just that Northwind University is a bit tricky to handle strategically."
He pinched the bridge of his nose with a slight headache forming.
At this point, Northwind University, led by Victor, undoubtedly had the genuine potential to make a serious championship run.
Just then, Azrael spoke up confidently, "Don't worry about the outcome. If I can beat Victor once decisively, I can beat him a second time just as thoroughly. Leave it to me."
The four Pixar University players fell into contemplative silence. Azrael's calm words gave them a deep sense of reassurance and confidence.
"I'm Azrael, after all. No need to say more about my capabilities."
But it was abundantly clear that other spectators throughout the stadium couldn't interpret the result as rationally as the players themselves.
"Wow, these two powerhouses are meeting so soon? It seems a bit unrealistic and convenient."
"Yeah, I think so too. I don't believe the organizing committee didn't deliberately manipulate things."
"Actually, I think this proves there's no manipulation whatsoever. After all, if they really wanted to create maximum hype, they could just let the tension build gradually and then have them face off in the finals."
"You're assuming that Pixar University and Northwind University will both make it to the finals, but where does that put powerhouses like Mingke University and Northern University of Science and Technology?"
Soon, the stands erupted in heated debate over which university was truly strongest in this year's national competition.
Then, the opponents for Mingke University and Northern University of Science and Technology were officially announced.
In the next round, Mingke University would face the formidable Shandong University, and Northern University of Science and Technology would face Wuhan University. Both matchups featured strong schools fighting desperately for a coveted place in the top eight and a realistic shot at the top four.
"Okay, okay, don't dwell on the bracket for now. I'll take you guys out for a proper celebratory meal," Chisaki approached with a broad grin.
Pixar University had already successfully made it to the quarterfinals, far surpassing last year's disappointing result. It wouldn't hurt to celebrate early and enjoy the moment.
Azrael, letting his instructor casually put an arm around his shoulders, quipped with characteristic dry humor, "Popping champagne at halftime isn't exactly a good strategic idea."
Chisaki dismissed the cautious remark entirely, instead bringing up another important matter, "Speaking of which, the principal and his entire administrative team will be here to watch the next round personally."
Azrael didn't seem particularly fazed by this news, but it was crystal clear his four teammates didn't share his composed demeanor.
"You're making such a big deal before we even reach the finals?" Kevaugn swallowed nervously.
Beside him, the usually expressionless Jea-Min pushed her black-framed glasses up her nose to mask her inner panic and growing anxiety.
"It's because you guys have performed so exceptionally well," Chisaki shrugged pragmatically. It was mainly because the Pixar University Battle Club had barely encountered any significant setbacks in the early rounds this year.
Azrael often single-handedly defeated five opponents with apparent ease.
Even the more troublesome and traditionally strong Beijing University had faltered completely before Azrael's innovative new cards.
"Don't worry too much about the pressure. Since you can't resist the attention, just enjoy it." Chisaki patted Kevaugn's back comfortingly. "You're already performing better than last year anyway. It honestly can't get much worse than that."
Kevaugn couldn't help but roll his eyes in exasperation. Listen to this, was this even proper human language from his instructor?
The first half of the encouraging sentence was actually true, though. Now, enjoying the remaining tournament schedule was what a proper Lore Cardian should do.
The opportunity to face so many genuinely powerful opponents without risking one's life doesn't come around often in their world.
Except for Victor, of course.
His life was genuinely in danger every single time he fought.
The next day, as Azrael meditated peacefully in his quiet hotel room, a crisp knock on the door brought him back to immediate reality.
"Who is it?"
He opened his eyes slowly, frowned slightly in concentration, and released his mental power in a carefully controlled breath to scan beyond the door.
But after sensing who was approaching, Azrael was genuinely startled by the unexpected presence.
"Senior Sister?" Azrael quickly opened the door and welcomed the intellectual beauty standing at the threshold. "Why are you here in Beijing?"
He was now deeply thankful that he had stayed up too late socializing with his friends yesterday, so there was no awkward romantic situation to explain.
Otherwise, the current situation would be so embarrassing that he would want to live on another planet entirely.
"School is on summer vacation." Alice's characteristically cold voice rang out clearly in the room.
Azrael then suddenly remembered that it was almost July, and it wasn't strange for Pixar University to have summer vacation at this time of year.
And it was perfectly normal for his senior sister to come to Beijing to watch the important match without classes to attend.
But he immediately thought of another concerning thing, "Will the teacher come as well?"
Alice shook her head initially and then nodded slightly, "The teacher will come specifically for the finals."
Azrael sighed inwardly at this revelation. This gave him one more compelling reason to make the finals successfully.
If he didn't make it that far, wouldn't it be incredibly embarrassing when Lucian showed up? Although he knew his wise teacher wouldn't care about such superficial things.
"Are you close to achieving a breakthrough?" After a long, contemplative silence, Alice calmly asked the important question.
Azrael nodded honestly. Lately, he felt he was getting closer and closer to Gold rank. He might even break through before the National Championship ended completely.
He didn't know if he would be able to continue competing legitimately then.
But advancement in realms wasn't something Azrael could just artificially suppress. Even if he didn't meditate diligently every day, he would only get closer and closer to that inevitable threshold.
Ah, the unique troubles of being a genuine genius.
If ordinary people knew Azrael's internal thoughts, they would only have one unified reaction: I'll kill you!
Alice looked visibly dejected at his response. "You'll be leaving soon, too, right?"
"Leaving me alone again in that empty place?"
Azrael opened his mouth, completely at a loss for appropriate words.
Aside from Alice, his other seniors were all incredibly busy with their own pursuits, and might not say a single word in the group chat for ten days or even half a month.
Not to mention actually returning to Pixar to visit Alice personally.
"Sister, you're not that old, why do you act like a lonely empty-nest elderly person?" Azrael quipped gently.
But remembering how the woman had genuinely cared for him during his time in Pixar, he quickly added, "Don't worry, Sister. I'll come back to Pixar to see you more often when I have time."
Alice's expression brightened slightly at his promise. "Good luck in tomorrow's crucial match," she said, offering Azrael an encouraging gesture.
On the third day, thanks to the massive hype surrounding the anticipated Azrael versus Victor showdown, the stadium was exceptionally crowded and boisterous with energy.
In the team preparation area, several people from Pixar University were actively discussing potential countermeasures.
"How about we send someone else first?" Kevaugn suggested hesitantly, unsure who would be the first to enter the stage from Northwind University's roster.
Oliver thought carefully for a moment and agreed with Kevaugn's strategic idea, "Azrael, you go last, wait until we defeat the others from Northwind University..."
However, before he could finish articulating his tactical words, Azrael interrupted, "No need for complex strategies, they've already made their choice clear."
Several people stared at the main fighting stage in complete amazement.
Victor had already confidently entered the arena and was looking directly at them with an unmistakably arrogant expression.
Seeing this bold declaration, Azrael stood up with calm determination, "Don't worry about the outcome. I will win decisively."
"Just like during the Jiangxi Province Unified Examination."
With that confident statement, he walked towards the fighting stage without looking back at his concerned teammates.
The glaring spotlight made it genuinely difficult for everyone from Pixar University to keep their eyes open.
Seeing Azrael arrive at the center stage, Victor trembled visibly with pure excitement. "Sure enough, Azrael, you haven't changed at all!"
"It's just that I'm a completely different person now!"
"Today I'll prove it beyond any doubt..."
"I'm no worse than you, Azrael!"
Azrael sighed with familiar resignation. Victor hadn't changed at all since the Jiangxi Province Unified Examination. "Talking tough before the results are determined will only backfire spectacularly."
Victor was stunned momentarily, then laughed maniacally. "You're absolutely right about that."
"But you know what? I've been dreaming about fighting you every single day since that decisive battle."
"It would be so incredibly great to fight you again! Just thinking about it makes me want to roar with pure excitement!"
Azrael felt a genuine chill run down his spine. He definitely didn't want to be constantly dreamed about by a grown man in a fighting context.
He didn't bother to pay further attention to Victor's dramatic declarations and calmly summoned his carefully prepared deck of cards.
However, after thoroughly scanning Azrael's revealed cards, Victor couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
The scarred, straw-hatted boy who had decisively defeated him in the Jiangxi Province Unified Examination wasn't present there. Perhaps Azrael hadn't successfully advanced that particular card to Silver rank yet.
Victor didn't know that Luffy specifically needed Gold rank materials to advance to the next level.
As the referee's shrill whistle blew, Victor activated his formidable abilities in a brilliant flash.
Victor grasped the howling wind expertly, its swirling currents still stinging his cheeks painfully even through the barrier's protective field.
Azrael frowned as he carefully surveyed the changed scene. "Has Fubuki's telekinetic wind control been severely suppressed?"
Before he'd personally battled Victor, he hadn't felt the true overwhelming intensity of his opponent's pressure.
But now that the actual fight had begun, Fubuki's telekinetic wind control had largely lost its usual effectiveness.
Her control of the wind was far inferior to his opponent's natural mastery.
Fortunately, her telekinetic whirlwind still functioned adequately, maintaining its essential power as a defensive technique.
Artoria, wielding her holy sword blazing with black flames, attacked first with decisive action.
Wreathed in inky black flames, the magnificent holy sword slashed down at Victor from directly above.
However, it was blocked firmly by Victor's invisible spear made of highly compressed wind.
The wind and black flames tangled chaotically, and the blade clashed with the swirling air currents, creating a harsh, grinding sound.
But Azrael didn't just have Artoria at his disposal.
A sharp cry echoed, and Sasuke indifferently raised his right hand with practiced precision.
A slender flash of lightning instantly reached Victor's position.
However, Victor remained completely calm, exerting his strength to push Artoria back, then hurled his wind spear.
As everyone watched in genuine shock, the lightning was instantly shattered.
"Tsk, a mere parlor trick!" Victor tightened his grip on the newly condensed wind spear and attacked Artoria aggressively.
"Clang, clang, clang!"
The sound of weapons clashing echoed continuously throughout the arena.
Scattered black flames danced throughout the sky above.
Seeing this intense display, Azrael couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Victor's melee combat ability is getting stronger and stronger."
Although Victor had been formidable during the Jiangxi Province unified exam, he was nowhere near as overwhelmingly powerful as he was now.
In the arena, Nelliel had already enlarged her body to her adult combat form.
With her lance held horizontally before her, she completed her transformation.
A faint green spiritual pressure displayed its presence powerfully, and a sense of danger from an apex predator crept over the hearts of all the watching spectators.
The former Espada, wielding her weapon expertly, reached Victor in a flash.
Yet, facing the coordinated dual assault of Artoria and Nelliel, Victor held his ground completely undeterred, "Not enough, not enough, not enough!"
"Azrael, is that all you've got!?"
He fiercely swept the two women aside and slammed his lance into the ground.
A terrifying chasm instantly split the entire arena perfectly in two.
Rippling winds battered the protective barrier violently.
Witnessing this terrifying scene, the Pixar team looked at Azrael with growing concern.
Victor's strength far exceeded their most pessimistic expectations.
Only Alice remained completely calm, watching the battle unfold with analytical eyes.
In the arena, Artoria sighed and voluntarily gave up direct confrontation.
The black flames of her holy sword dissipated in an instant, replaced by a faint golden glow.
Since a direct confrontation was proving unsuccessful, she would unleash Caliburn to finish off this madman in one decisive blow.
Meanwhile, Unohana Retsu had already stepped forward to activate her [Yachiru: Manifestation].
Blessed by her spiritual pressure, the former Kenpachi bared her fangs before the world.
Victor remained perfectly composed as he skillfully fended off the coordinated siege of two Bleach-type cards, Nelliel and Unohana Retsu. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Artoria preparing her holy sword.
He was now trapped in a small corner by the two women's relentless powerful attacks.
Faced with this almost hopeless tactical situation, Victor was not surprised but genuinely delighted, "That's it!"
"Use all your trump cards!"
"Azrael!"
The next moment, a golden torrent descended, and Unohana Retsu and Nelliel simultaneously dodged to avoid being caught in their teammate's devastating attack.
Victor stared at the approaching golden beam, his expression fierce, as if he were about to devour someone alive.
"[Severed World: Storm Lance]!"
With a faint flash of light, a card shattered and converged into the invisible spear in his right hand.
The golden beam split cleanly in two and passed by Victor. Although his hair was singed slightly from the searing aftermath, the light in Victor's eyes was terrifyingly bright.
The terrifying torrent continuously impacted the barrier at the edge of the field. Even ordinary spectators couldn't help but feel suffocated by the overwhelming sight.
On the sidelines, Azrael's pupils contracted sharply, "Another card I haven't seen before. It turns out I'm not the only one with carefully hidden trump cards."
A moment later, as Caliburn's light gradually dissipated completely, Victor, with a somewhat tired but exhilarated face, appeared before everyone.
At this time, the ground on both sides of him had completely disappeared, leaving only two deep gullies carved by Artoria's devastating attack.
Although Victor's current appearance was much more disheveled than at the beginning, his aura was far stronger than before.
He raised his mouth in an exaggerated arc and roared triumphantly to the sky.
"Come and fight!"
The next moment, Victor suddenly rushed towards Artoria, whose holy sword had quietly begun to crack in her hands from the immense power she had channeled.