https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-185-Lanchi-s-Unsuitable-Countdown/12584220/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-187-Lanchi-Is-Also-in-Good-Spirits-Today/12584226/
Chapter 186: The Storm Stirred Up by Lanchi
Chapter 186: The Storm Stirred Up by Lanchi
"......?!"
Adams, who was standing by, was once again left speechless by Lanchi's calm demeanor.
No wonder he's a student of that scumbag, Loren. With such smooth-talking skills, he could probably juggle over a dozen fiancees without a hitch! Adams had found it hard to imagine how Loren managed to navigate such a complex romantic entanglement, but after meeting Lanchi, he understood.
"So, Adams, our wager has been witnessed by Knight Captain Julianna. Now, it's your turn to choose the challenge. I'll agree to whatever type of contest you propose."
Lanchi smiled as he held the cat in his arms, as if he had just finished a casual phone call.
"...Alright!"
There was no denying that Lanchi had laid out the wager fairly, leaving Adams with nothing to refute.
After a moment of silence, Adams decided to go all in.
"Very well, Lanchi. Even though I have my reasons for needing to win, I won't choose a challenge that favors me. I will defeat you fairly and squarely, so that you will admit your loss without any reservations."
Adams declared.
"I look forward to it."
Lanchi remained elegant and unperturbed, appearing unconcerned about the outcome.
Or perhaps this posture indicated that no matter what challenge Adams proposed, Lanchi would be the inevitable winner.
Adams nodded, relieved to see that Lanchi was finally taking him seriously, just as he had hoped.
"Let's compete in an area where both of us excel—a challenge in the Shadow World. We'll use the Endless Mode of an artificial Shadow World, lock the tiers to the second stage, and disable magic cards for a pure test of our mental fortitude and willpower."
Adams said, pointing at Lanchi.
A murmur spread through the conference room as the upperclassmen and teachers quickly understood which Shadow World Adams was referring to.
It had to be the second-stage artificial Shadow World, 'Despairing Bone-Chilling Prison'—a grueling test of human survival instincts.
Due to its fame and frequent use in practice, everyone was familiar with this Shadow World, and its highly random nature ensured fairness.
However, with this choice, it was difficult to predict whether Lanchi or Adams would emerge victorious.
"No problem. How about we meet in the atrium on the seventh floor of the Learning and Education Building in an hour?"
Lanchi asked.
Even with the school's permission and the support of the Magic Engineering Institute, it would still take some time to activate the artificial Shadow World terminal in the seventh-floor atrium.
"Deal. See you in an hour,"
Adams turned and left the Sage's Conference Room, confident in his impending victory.
A rare opportunity lay before him, one that he had never even dared to dream of when he first arrived at Ikelite.
His eyes now held a battle-ready gleam, and he made no attempt to hide his arrogance. Today, he would teach the Sage's Council a lesson.
...
Autumn had arrived at Ikelite, and the campus was swept by strong winds. The air currents howled between the buildings, swirling leaves into a dancing frenzy, as if heralding the approach of a storm.
Golden and crimson autumn leaves, stirred by the wind, detached from their branches and fluttered downward, some riding the breeze through the ancient clock tower, adding to the sense of time's passage and signaling the depths of autumn.
The clock tower stood majestic in the wind, silent and steadfast, its hands steadily ticking away the moments.
Students' coats billowed in the wind as they walked with determined gazes, braving the gusts in small groups.
"Forget the classrooms, let's go watch the show!"
"If we don't hurry, we won't get a spot at Gera Memorial Square!"
Amidst the howling wind, students hurriedly spread the word—there was going to be a special event soon:
A derby between Adams, the top close-quarters combat student in the third year of the Royal College of Yarloran, and Lanchi, the representative student of the Sage's Council!
In addition to the giant outdoor screen at Gera Memorial Square, which broadcasted nonstop around the clock, there were also independent team activity rooms across the campus equipped with magic screens for indoor viewing.
In a separate magic engineering laboratory within the Magic Engineering Institute, the ceiling lights shone like stars, evenly illuminating every corner. The circular walls were embedded with magic screens displaying various campus information.
Magic engineering students worked diligently at the scattered workbenches, while newcomers discussed the day's big event.
"There's no guarantee Lanchi will win this time, don't be too optimistic. Even if Frey were here, he might not be able to beat Adams in this survival-type Shadow World."
"It's more exciting with some uncertainty! Tsk tsk, have you guys heard about the bet between Lanchi and Adams? If he loses, I dread to think how explosive the show will be."
"What will be explosive is probably Loren's temper."
"... "
From a distance, Karen, a second-year Gold-level Card Maker from Yarloran Royal College who was giving a tour, sighed helplessly upon hearing the news.
"Senior Adams is at it again."
Then, a smile curved her lips as she tucked a strand of her light-colored hair behind her ear, her emerald green eyes turning towards Prince Enol, who was guiding her on the tour.
"It's still your calm and steady demeanor, Your Highness Enol, that deserves the admiration and respect of your juniors."
"Haha, not at all."
Prince Enol himself admired Karen, a genius Gold-level Card Maker younger than him, and he couldn't help but laugh heartily at her continuous praise.
"... "
Meanwhile, Sophia averted her gaze, acting as if she hadn't heard a thing.
The students from the Magic Engineering Institute had initially thought that this genius Card Maker from the Yarloran Kingdom would be arrogant and proud.
But contrary to their expectations, not only was she exceptionally talented, but she also had a humble and friendly attitude, quickly earning the unanimous approval and affection of everyone at the Magic Engineering Institute.
Sophia was well aware that Karen was a very innocent and adorable girl.
However, she felt that over the past two days, Karen had been intentionally or unintentionally getting a little too close to Prince Enol.
Sophia had been holding back, not expressing her thoughts. The last time at the Card Maker's Association, she had made a fool of herself due to her strong possessiveness over Enol.
"... "
As Sophia's mind wandered, the subtle change in her facial expression seemed to catch Karen's attention.
"Sophia, I'm sorry if I'm intruding on your space with Enol. I hope you don't misunderstand."
Karen furrowed her brows in concern and spoke to Sophia with a hand covering her mouth.
"He's not yours!"
Sophia, who had snapped back to reality, replied sharply, unable to hide the pent-up emotions of the past two days.
"... "
Karen pouted and nodded slightly, looking a little wronged.
"Sophia, Karen didn't mean anything by it."
Enol quickly spoke to Sophia.
If they, as students of the Magic Engineering Institute, bullied Karen, it would reflect poorly on the entire Ikelite College.
"I'm sorry..."
Sophia soon calmed down and hung her head.
A sense of bitterness filled her, and she felt like her throat was constricted, making it hard to utter any words.
She felt that if this continued, she might need to see a psychologist.
Or perhaps there was a love guru who could help her out.
...
The thinning sunlight streamed through the large windows of a popular cafe in downtown Ikelite, located in a former printing house with the Herton Times editorial department on the floor above.
The cafe buzzed with morning activity, as people from all walks of life intersected briefly, creating a tapestry of soft clinks from coffee cups, murmurs of conversation, and background music. It painted a relaxing picture of urban life.
Seated by a long table were several students from Yarloran Royal College, leisurely enjoying their brunch.
One student was sipping a latte with a carefully crafted latte art, while another munched on a bagel topped with avocado, fried eggs, and fresh tomatoes. They chatted and immersed themselves in the newspapers at hand, seamlessly switching between study and relaxation. This place felt like more than just a breakfast spot; it was their second campus.
"There's news today."
"Go get Lu Weixi quickly! We must make sure the whole school knows about this within an hour!"
Among the relaxed group at the long table was a student from Yarloran Royal College. Upon hearing the news of the upcoming Shadow World contest between Lanchi and Adams from the Ikelite students who had just entered the cafe, he put down his fork.
He thought for a moment, considering the timing of Lanchi's entry into the artificial Shadow World.
That would be the perfect time to strike and get rid of the Duchess's daughter.
(End of Chapter)
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