Pillar of Yita

”Rolin can definitely secure one of the two spots in the exhibition match,” the old Speaker quietly reminded his student.

But the Earl shook his head: ”That young man can too.”

What he said actually meant a negation.

The old Speaker sighed but could only nod.

The Elfendo Council works in unison, of course, they wouldn’t undermine each other over small matters like these.

Phales, seeing their expressions, understood that his strategy had worked—the Ishurian Artisans’ Association Guild needed more outstanding competitors for the upcoming Continental League.

Everyone has their private intentions, of course.

Phales himself hoped that all these excellent competitors were selected by the Golande Artisan’s General Guild.

Speaking of which, he suddenly realized he hadn’t seen the match mentioned by the Elpaxin People. He glanced at the stack of forms on the table, filled with dense scores, and felt a stir in his heart.

Thinking that he should find the match and see the situation for himself.

At this thought, he looked towards his old friend beside him.

But Ande had already lifted his head: ”Come to think of it, it’s been years since that spot in Phoenix City was used, hasn’t it?”

Phales looked at him in surprise.

Count Westwood Sibika also raised his head: ”The Modkaesar Family’s spot hasn’t been used in years... but our relationship with them is just average...”

Ande glanced at him and shook his head: ”They’re not interested in it, so they let me decide on the spot this year.”

”What!?”

Ande calmly surveyed the crowd: ”Perhaps I can make a nomination on my own.”

Phales’s mouth dropped open.

The surprise on Count Westwood Sibika’s face was exceptionally evident. He opened his mouth but didn’t say anything, yet the old Speaker beside couldn’t help but ask, ”Ande, shouldn’t you discuss this with us?”

Ande shook his head: ”Perhaps it’s not necessary.”

...

Meanwhile, Fang Hong had no idea that he was inexplicably already on the main competition list of the Continental League, a certainty.

He came to participate in this competition partially to fulfill a promise to Odin, and partly due to the sudden change at the banquet last night. His primary goal was to figure out a way to defeat that young man named Rolin in the finals and secure the lead over Rose Workshop.

As for the main competition of the Continental League, he hadn’t even considered the issue.

When the match ended, people in the square were still abuzz with discussions.

Earlier, the tournament organizers seemed to be up to something, taking a long time to announce their match result with Elite—the result was actually very obvious—apart from some commotion outside the arena, the Elite side had accepted the reality.

Virus appeared very calm, simply leading the group to shake hands with everyone one by one.

The others’ emotions were relatively stable, while the Elite side, though somewhat unwilling, didn’t show it.

Fang Hong had only been worried that Liuli Yue would stir up some trouble with the opposing team, but seeing him maintain a decorous manner despite his sullen face, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Yet he never expected that when Liuli Yue stood before the ”past”, he looked at the outstretched hand and suddenly uttered:

”Idiot.”

And then passed by.

This made the other party tremble with anger, and if not for Virus grabbing him, he might have rushed at Liuli Yue.

Seeing this, Fang Hong also sighed. The king of foul mouths in his team was truly well-deserved.

However, when it was his turn to shake hands with the opposite side, he immediately felt he had been set up by Liuli Yue—that was Virus, the Ice Goddess, who was notoriously unbeatable in social graces in Eteliria.

If the other side made a mocking comment, he’d likely have to run away in embarrassment. And if he tried to retort, not just being no match for this Ice Goddess, but a single fan of hers could drown him in saliva.

But before he could ponder these things, he felt a cold hand grasp his.

Instead of a handshake, it was more like a cold clamp had caught him.

Considering Virus’s Level, it was impossible for him to break free.

Fang Hong was startled, quickly looking up.

But he only met Virus’s cold eyes, hearing her ask in a uniquely calm tone: ”How much did Odin give you?”

”Huh?”

Fang Hong was dumbfounded.

”Join Elite,” Virus said, ”I’ll give you double the benefits, and I won’t tell anyone about Fenris.”

After she said this, she let go of Fang Hong’s hand, patting his shoulder: ”Think about it.”

Then she turned and left with her team.

Leaving behind a floor full of dropped glasses.

”Did I see that right!” Hawk-Beak Bean nearly dropped his jaw: ”The Ice Goddess spoke to you, why, is your relationship with Princess Sophie that good too?”

He couldn’t help but scrutinize Fang Hong: ”I don’t think you’re more handsome than me.”

The Elite fans in the live stream were even more distressed.

What did this guy do to deserve the Ice Goddess’s special treatment?

Fang Hong himself felt no honor, looking at his hand and pondering how to leave this place. He couldn’t figure it out.

How exactly did the other side see through him?

But Fang Hong was oblivious to the fact that Virus wasn’t the only one who saw through him.

At this moment, Su Changfeng quietly walked to the corner of the arena, looking in this direction from afar. After a while, he picked up his Communication Crystal, speaking softly: ”There’s one last match, all teams prepare to enter.”

”’Protect’ the target well—”

...