"Have the fungal spores on you been cleared?" Kaier hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over to Vay. In a setting filled with Official Wizards, he instinctively preferred staying close to fellow apprentice Vay.
Vay didn’t say anything, simply nodding silently.
Although Kaier found Vay’s reaction a bit odd, he didn’t think much of it and casually asked, "Wasn’t it difficult to remove them before? How were they suddenly cleared?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Kaier noticed something was off because he inadvertently glimpsed Dox standing across from him.
Dox was clutching his fist to his mouth, his face turned away, his shoulders shaking as if he was... secretly laughing?
Perplexed, Kaier looked to the other side, where Angel showed no expression but gazed at him with a meaningful look.
The atmosphere was so peculiar that Kaier suddenly felt at a loss. He turned to ask Vay, only to find that the previously silent Vay was looking up at a forty-five-degree angle at the dark void. Through the light above the dueling platform, one could vaguely see his eyes were slightly moist as if there were tears swirling within.
Was Vay... crying?
As Kaier doubted his own eyes, the voice of the Black Earl suddenly came through.
"You’ll be up next, but for the match after that, there will be a substitution."
The Black Earl’s tone left no room for negotiation, and Kaier naturally didn’t dare to refuse. As for who would go next, there was no need to think much; only Vay could.
Could it be that Vay’s tears stemmed from reluctance to duel?
If that’s the case, then there’s really no need to worry. Previously, Lord Chaowei had already discussed each battle’s strategy with him. For instance, the previous match with Fenmo was entirely planned by Angel.
So, simply relaying the battle strategy to Vay should eliminate his reluctance, right?
Kaier tentatively expressed his speculation in a roundabout way.
In response, the Black Earl merely scoffed, while Vay seemed not to hear at all, looking soul-lost, gazing into the distance.
It was then that Angel provided an answer through the Mind Ribbon: "No need to communicate strategy; just like before, Vay will have his own setup."
Kaier: "No need to communicate strategy? But..."
Kaier wanted to say that Vay seemed very reluctant, but the words stuck in his throat, and instead, he said, "But the remaining two apprentices opposite look quite tough..."
Both the massive Magic Elephant whose features were hard to discern and the Shepherd leaning on the dark-faced sheep appeared much stronger than Fenmo. Especially the Magic Elephant, whose thick blood aura Kaier could feel threatening from afar. As for the Shepherd, it wasn’t clear how strong he was, but the Black Earl had already clearly stated he was a "Rhythm Apprentice."
As long as one is a Rhythm Apprentice, they can’t be underestimated, even if it’s not the strongest Rhythm of Water.
Angel reassured him: "Don’t worry, the ghostly ability previously did restrain Vay quite a bit, and didn’t Vay still manage to turn the tables on his own? Trust Vay, he will have his own strategies. Besides, compared to the duel with the ghost, in the next duel, Vay will at least know who his opponent is, giving him more time to devise a plan."
Since there were only two apprentices left on the opposite side, whichever one Kaier faced in the next duel meant Vay’s opponent would be the other.
Of course, this relies on Kaier winning the next duel; otherwise, Vay would have to face a two-person relay of opponents.
However, Angel seemed quite certain that Kaier would secure a victory. After all, he had revealed only one of the cards he gave Kaier, the Nightmare Illusion Mark. If the remaining cards couldn’t even handle one person, how could Angel have the audacity to call them trump cards?
On second thought, Kaier found reason in that. If he could handle the Magic Elephant, then Vay only needed to figure out how to handle the Shepherd, and vice versa.
In this way, Vay would know his opponent in advance, giving him ample time to prepare. As Lord Chaowei said, trust Vay, he will definitely have his own strategies.
Thinking of this, Kaier nodded: "I understand."
Angel smiled brightly: "Glad you understand."
After a pause, Angel suddenly added, "Anyway, even if Vay loses then, can’t you still step up?"
This duel was different from the Sky Tower’s competition rules. The victor could always choose to let a teammate take over and rest, and after resting, they could return if they wished. The loser, however, would be directly eliminated and have no chance to return.
Therefore, as long as Kaier won the next match, even if Vay lost the match after that, Kaier would still have the opportunity to step back in and reclaim victory.
Angel blinked at Kaier with a demeanor that said, "I have faith in you."
Kaier was momentarily dazed. Though what Lord Chaowei said was logical, the sudden shift from ’trust Vay’ to discussing the possibility of stepping in if Vay loses left Kaier unsure how to respond, and made him wonder whether Lord Chaowei actually had faith in Vay or not.
Kaier didn’t voice his question, but Angel understood from his gaze.
Does he have faith in Vay or not? This was a complex question even for Angel, as he didn’t know whether the Black Earl had prepared any cards for Vay or if Vay’s plan could ensure victory.
In terms of winning odds, he had more faith in Kaier, because Kaier had the cards Angel gave him. So, rather than expressing faith in Vay or Kaier, Angel seemed to place more faith in himself.
Without further explanation, Angel chuckled and said: "You performed well in the last duel, keep it up."
After these words, Angel intended to end the brief exchange.
However, Kaier quickly seized the moment to voice his greatest curiosity: "My lord, Vay seemed to be crying earlier...it’s odd, is he alright?"
Angel paused for a second before responding, "Ah, that. I think it’s best if you don’t inquire now. Once we leave here and return to the Sandworm Market, you can ask Dox privately...if you’re still interested in the matter by then."
With a tone full of implications, Angel offered a vague answer.
Kaier, still somewhat perplexed, didn’t quite grasp it. Generally, outside of relic intelligence, he didn’t concern himself much with other matters. Given Lord Chaowei’s suggestion, perhaps there was something delicately complex about this situation? If so, Kaier felt it best not to seek an in-depth explanation.
After the conversation, Kaier’s excitement and thrill from his previous victory gradually calmed down. Moreover, knowing he only had one more opponent to deal with reduced his mental burden once more.
Soon after, the voice of the Wise Sovereign resounded, announcing the recommencement of the duel.
Kaier was still the first to step onto the stage, and shortly after he did, a melodious pastoral tune reached his ears.
Kaier looked up at his opponent, and in the backlight, a man with green hair wearing a Sheep Demon mask was leisurely walking onto the arena, whistling softly as he went.
His steps were relaxed and leisurely, reminiscent of a stroll through his own backyard, matching his loose robe and casually tied green hair, adding to his carefree demeanor.
If not for the mask, he might have appeared even more languid.
As Kaier was pondering this, his opponent stopped several meters away, ceased humming, and removed the Sheep Demon mask from his face.