The golden afternoon sunlight, originally streaming through the wooden window lattices, now pierced through the dust motes in the arena. A faint smell of gunpowder lingered in the air, and the floorboards creaked occasionally, like cries in the silence.

However, with Lanqi replacing Frey, choosing to sincerely apologize to everyone, moving them with emotion, explaining the cause, process, and outcome of the misunderstanding.

Through continuous efforts to communicate, the atmosphere in the arena gradually eased somewhat.

A cool breeze blew through the dilapidated doorway, and the bamboo blinds rustled softly, like a gentle lullaby, gradually calming the agitated hearts of the fighters in the arena during this siesta hour.

Lanqi's slow and methodical words, and his friendly attitude, so different from Frey's, seemed to make the fighters feel that perhaps they could each take a step back.

"..."

Hyperion didn't know how to evaluate the Frey and Lanqi combination for a moment.

Frey almost blew the roof off, but after Lanqi came in, everyone naturally felt that opening a window wasn't a big deal.

After a period of negotiation.

Ci'erweini frowned and pointed to Frey, who was standing in the distance, and said:

"You went too far just now. That guy must be banned and not allowed to compete again. If you agree, I will accept another match with you!"

Ci'erweini was now getting angrier and angrier every time she saw Frey!

She would never allow such a despicable guy without the soul of martial arts to step onto their fighting stage again, even if the other party guaranteed the fairness of the duel this time.

"No problem, Frey is banned."

Lanqi promised Ci'erweini.

Hyperion stood in the back, watching the rapidly changing situation with confusion.

She felt that this situation seemed to be taken over by Lanqi and was gradually stabilizing.

But she had an even more ominous premonition.

Next.

Lanqi took out paper and pen from his coat pocket, went to the fighters' side, and wrote down detailed duel clauses with their approval.

It even made the fighters a little embarrassed.

Because compared to Frey, a cunning and unethical guy, Lanqi was indeed sincere and reasonable.

"...Therefore, the most important rule is that no hidden weapons, explosives, or magical props other than magic cards can be used in the competition. A fair duel in the Shadow World will be held."

"The Fighter Club will be responsible for the damage to the house caused by the duel. The Student Management Committee will not be responsible."

"No matter the outcome, neither party shall violate the honor of the martial soul and family name to carry out post-event revenge on the other party, shall not slander the other party's reputation, shall not threaten or infringe upon the other party with force and power, and must maintain friendly exchanges."

Lanqi held the contract and repeated it from beginning to end to the members of the Soul of the Fighter, confirming with them.

"No problem."

Everyone nodded.

Ci'erweini felt that this knowledgeable black-haired noble was much more pleasing to the eye than the pure rogue Frey.

Gradually, she also found that it was actually quite easy and pleasant to communicate with the reasonable academic masters of the Sage Academy.

Mainly, he had a kind and friendly personality charm.

Lanqi's attitude was so sincere that Ci'erweini was a little embarrassed to deal a heavy blow to Lanqi and the others.

"So, is she going this time?"

Ci'erweini pointed to Hyperion and asked Lanqi.

This time, because the fifth-order vice minister could no longer fight, and in order to maintain the stability of the club room, she finally decided to play in person.

"No, I'll fight you this time."

Lanqi folded the contract, put it in his coat pocket, and said to Ci'erweini with a smile.

"Are you sure? Although I won't endanger your life, don't think that I will let you off easy."

Ci'erweini asked with a contemptuous expression.

She had heard rumors in the school, and friends who watched the Shadow World broadcast that night said that this kid was very evil in the Shadow World.

But this was the real world, and there was a written agreement. She didn't think Lanqi would have any chance to cheat or win against her.

"Of course, give me a minute to warm up, and then we can start the duel, okay?"

Lanqi nodded solemnly, confirming that he would play, and asked.

Ci'erweini was stunned.

It seemed that this third-order support mage might have some trump cards that could create miraculous effects in a one-on-one fight.

"Well, no problem. Whether I win or lose today, I will treat you as a worthy opponent."

Ci'erweini showed a hearty smile, and her eyes showed a bit more appreciation for Lanqi.

In her opinion, the contrast between Lanqi and Frey was too strong, so even Lanqi's courage to challenge her fairly seemed very dazzling.

This was the embodiment of the soul of martial arts.

Then Lanqi walked back to the rear, near Frey and Hyperion.

"Lanqi, is there anything you need me to do?"

Hyperion asked worriedly.

She was the only spectator present who knew the composition of Lanqi's magic cards.

Without teammates delaying to set up enough pre-fury, even if she used [Basic Etiquette] (kneeling) plus [Great Poet], it was almost impossible to make Ci'erweini faint from anger, it would only make her enter a state of rage.

If [Wonderful Notes] (Purgatory Sound) were used, it was also a question of how long the soft control of "stiffness" could hinder the sixth-order Ci'erweini. She only needed a short time to kill Lanqi.

In short, even if Lanqi's single-player ability was not weak in the third-order, he could not defeat his opponent head-on by too many ranks without the cooperation of teammates!

"Don't worry, Hyperion."

Lanqi just said with a smile.

As if certain that the tacit understanding between them did not need to be said.

……

One minute later.

As the new competition was about to begin, the tension in the arena was gradually replaced by an atmosphere of expectation and mutual respect.

In the four corners of the arena, the marks of grinding on the old wooden walls looked more distinct, as if recalling the past glory.

The two sides of the competition had already stood on the other side of the arena on the open space that had not been affected by the previous explosion.

This was more suitable for a fair, free-wheeling, and whole-hearted duel.

Ci'erweini and Lanqi stood facing each other from a distance, and their focused expressions made the whole scene more solemn.

"Lanqi, I reiterate that I will do my best and treat you as a strong enemy."

"You are too kind, Senior Sister Ci'erweini."

Every salute and every expression of theirs was full of a serious attitude towards this competition and respect for their opponents.

"Duel - Start!"

The loud voice was like a sharp blade, cutting through the silence of the arena.

The voice of the fighter serving as the referee echoed in the arena, announcing the official start of the fierce battle between the two sides!

(End of this chapter)