"So? What's the material tier, and where is it?"
Despite the dangers of bringing the statue back to life, a grin split his face.
As long as he forged his body, even if those powerhouses failed to deal with it, he didn't doubt he would have the means to deal with it in five years.
The cleaver's whispers resounded next.
"The answer lies at sea. There was a city between the central and southern continents fifteen thousand years ago. They used maritime beasts' mythical tendons to fortify their ships. Who knows, you might find something there?"
"A city from fifteen thousand years ago? Great! I'm sure it's still around, and their people are selling them."
A disdainful snort escaped his lips as he glared at the distant cleaver.
'What a scammer. The information is worth nothing.'
However, the cleaver spoke again, its tone firm.
"You don't need to find the city, but the mythical fishes. Don't underestimate the sea. It is much more dangerous than land. Century, even millennia-old creatures litter its bed."
It lingered for a moment before its mocking voice filled the place.
"I remember those mad sea-lovers even tamed a tier eight one. I wonder if it's still alive."
Just the thought of meeting a tier-eight monster sent a shiver down his spine. Yet, they tamed one?
'What kind of crazy men do that?!'
The cleaver answered his question without asking, making him realise something.
'That tempter's knowledge is useful.'
"I think their order was named the exorcists. They were the world's first magic users, and with some magical beasts, they were the ones who repelled..."
It stopped mid-sentence, making his eyes narrow, curiosity and a hint of dread mixing.
However, the cleaver didn't continue and just spat.
"Don't speak with me again until you fix the statue or find a method to return it to normal."
A wry smile stretched his lips, and he shook his head. The price attached to this world's knowledge only fueled his adventurous spirit and desire to uncover those secrets buried in the sands of time.
With a surge of anticipation, he closed his eyes, returning to the real world.
The moment he reopened them, Nova's voice resounded behind him.
"I was about to wake you up. The third day's qualification starts in a few minutes. Let's go."
She offered him a warm smile, waving Stella's paw as a good morning.
He nodded in gratitude. Together, they walked through the castle-like academy corridors until they reached the familiar arena.
Beatrix already stood before the drawing box, her enthusiastic smile contaminating him as he approached.
"It's your turn to draw today. Four more victories, and you'll enter the final phase!"
He saw how she raised her fist, her cheering forcing a warm smile out of his lips.
Without wasting time, he shoved his hand into the box and gripped a round gem.
He showed it to her before she guided him to his duel desk, cheering him again.
Yet this time, his brows creased in a frown.
'Why is she insisting so much?'
Shrugging the reason away, he glanced at the teenager approaching the opposing desk.
Exuding a noble aura, the boy arranged his fiery red uniform before his red eyes met his.
"The name's Carl. I study at the fire branch of the Academy of Elemental Arts. I don't need to know your name. Only winners shall be remembered. Sadly, you aren't one."
The boy snickered, fixing his blond hair and shuffling his deck without showing any sportsmanship.
Somehow, he didn't mind his manners. Honestly? He even preferred to duel individuals like him over Lena.
His eyes narrowed into slits... because he wouldn't feel bad after destroying them and shattering their pride.
In a flash, he shuffled his deck and placed it in its slot.
Despite his dislike for blatant arrogance, he kept his moral values, choosing tail at random for the coin toss.
As he drew three cards, Shepard turned to Zeph on the balcony.
"What do you want to bet?"
With a pensive frown, Zeph tucked his fingers around his chin.
"I believe in Carl. He can't end first but has a good chance of reaching the top four with his unique deck."
His sapphire eyes glinted as energy wafted from his golden necklace.
Two items dropped from a cloud of ethereal mist the next second, landing in his palm.
"Two tier-five cores. One from a harpy, the other from a water elemental."
"So much? You are a bully, Zeph! You only offered a tier four core on yesterday's bet."
Maya interjected, waving her little fists at the man's broad chest.
Shepard rolled his eyes at her shenanigans, and Zeph sighed in defeat. Yet, a glint of understanding flashed in their eyes. They just shrugged and continued.
After betting two materials of equivalent value, Shepard focused on Adam.
"I summon a Pontianak and cast a field spell."
From a cloud of swirling fog, a curvaceous evil ghost jumped on the vast plain, causing heated reactions from the public despite its scarlet body.
"Whistle. I'm ready to pay a hundred thousand gold for this beauty."
"Arun! Cover your eyes before I pierce them!"
Upon catching his friends' reactions, his soul shuddered, and pangs of shame struck him.
'Why is this temptress naked?!'
His brows twitching, he changed his next action.
"I cast a boosting spell."
After a short incantation, purple lightning armor enveloped the evil ghost's forms, increasing her strength. But more importantly, revealing her dreadful side to the mesmerised crowd.
Sharp nails capable of gutting a vigorous adult like a pig glinted under the chandelier's bright light. The ominous smirk stretching her lips and the enticing smell permeating the air, like an invitation, sent a wave of terror crashing on the envious men, making them change their minds in a second.
Then, mana swirled above the Pontianak's head, showing her attack value.
"Not bad for a first turn," Carl said, his dismissing tone drawing everyone's attention.
"But you are not ready to face my defensive deck. Hahaha!"