Chapter 406: Haikal and Bagus take the lead
Lein nodded slowly. "No need to worry. She shouldn't be foolish enough to spread news that you've reached the King level in just a few months," he said calmly. However, behind his composed demeanor, his mind was racing.
He needed to be more cautious in using his talent from now on. Even if he had reached the Race level, there were still individuals out there who could not be underestimated. They were rare, but their existence was real.
"Hopefully, I won't encounter someone like that again," he muttered softly, recalling the terrifying experience he had during the soul-forming trial. Back then, an individual named Mharzan—the one who had given him the God Promotion Potion—had almost killed him.
"I hope I don't encounter someone like that again," he muttered softly, recalling the terrifying experience of undergoing the soul formation trial. At that time, an individual named Mharzan—the one who had given him the Divine Promotion Potion—had nearly killed him.
Fortunately, his system not only protected him but also managed to counter Mharzan's attack.
Lein exhaled slowly, calming his thoughts. "Forget it for now. Anyway, don't forget about the power-building plan. All of these matters will become your responsibility in the future," he said, casting his gaze over the Divine Sky Realm.
Nita looked at her brother's sturdy back, then nodded firmly. "Alright, Bang. I will do my best," she replied with determination. A warm feeling spread in her heart—her brother still cared for her and trusted her. That made her feel slightly emotional.
After that, they continued watching the performance on the stage, just like everyone else.
Time passed unnoticed, and an hour slipped away just like that. Many in the audience felt disappointed that the beautiful performance had to come to an end. However, when they remembered that the Friendly Duel would soon begin, their enthusiasm reignited.
Beside Lein, Haikal Emanuel stood, adjusting his dazzling white robe under the light. With graceful movements, he bowed toward Lein.
"Permission, Young Master Lein. I will be overseeing the Friendly Duel," he said respectfully before darting toward the center of the stage, leaving behind a faint white blur in the air.
Not only Haikal, but Bagus also stood up from his seat. After asking for Lein's permission, he too soared toward the central arena, his body moving swiftly like a gust of wind.
In the middle of the stage, three other figures were already standing—two from the Cui Race and one man from the Silent Forest Elves. Their auras were calm, but from their eyes and posture, it was clear they were not ordinary individuals.
"They're quite eager," Haikal Emanuel murmured, his gaze sweeping over the academy students who were already lined up in formation. Some gripped their weapons tightly, while others looked excited, eager for the duel to begin.
Behind him, Bagus walked with firm steps, his chest puffed out with pride. The massive hammer strapped to his back gleamed under the light, adding to his intimidating presence. The students gazed at him with shining eyes. In their world, the bigger someone was, the stronger they were—and Bagus was living proof of that belief.
They continued walking toward the center of the stage, where the three other figures were waiting. As they approached, Haikal bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Lord Meng Hao, Lady Hua Ling."
"Greetings, Lord Lorin."
Bagus, standing behind him, also bowed with equal respect, his posture remaining firm and dignified.
The three did not remain idle. They immediately returned the gesture, showing the same level of courtesy.
"Lord Haikal, no need to be too formal. We are all fellow Taoists; there are no barriers between us," Meng Hao said with a small laugh, his tone relaxed yet authoritative.
"Indeed, Lord Bagus," Lorin added with a friendly smile. "As cooperation partners, there's no need to be rigid with formalities."
Haikal nodded lightly in response to their friendliness, then shifted his gaze to the stage that would soon become the battlefield. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire
Looking at the students lined up neatly below the stage, Haikal Emanuel stood tall. His face was calm, but his sharp eyes examined their readiness one by one.
"Separate," he murmured softly.
At his command, the stage beneath him rumbled. The sound of mechanisms clicking filled the air as the floor began to shift, splitting into five large sections and one smaller pentagonal platform in the center.
At the heart of the main stage, Isabel stood firm. Her high ponytail swayed slightly as the wind from the shifting platform swept around her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement that was almost contagious, her body leaning slightly forward as if she couldn't wait to witness the duels that were about to begin.
The five separate platforms would serve as the arenas for the Friendly Duel. Three sections were designated for Direct Duels, where participants from Tier-1 to Tier-3 would face off. Meanwhile, the other two stages would be used for Skill Duels, where Blacksmiths and Alchemists would compete by crafting extraordinary creations.
"You must all be eager, right?" Isabel's voice echoed, igniting the audience's enthusiasm. "At last, our main event is about to begin now!"
Standing at the center, Isabel became the focal point of everyone's attention. Her presence was powerful, her voice like a surge of energy that fueled the participants' spirits. The tension in the air grew, as if the arena was already charged with electricity even before the matches had begun.
"Miss, enough talking! Just start already!" someone from the crowd shouted, their voice ringing with excitement.
"Yeah, let's go! I'm sure we'll win!" another voice chimed in, accompanied by a wave of cheers from various supporters.
Shouts from the spectators grew louder, echoing throughout the arena. They roared, calling out the names of their favorite students, their excitement burning like a fire ready to set the battlefield ablaze. But it wasn't just the academy students who would be fighting—hunters and rulers from Tier-1 to Tier-3 were also allowed to participate, pushing the competition to an even higher level.
"Calm down, everyone..." Isabel's voice resonated above the commotion. She raised one hand, signaling the crowd to settle down. "Before we summon the participants... I will introduce the duel referees for each stage!"