The Evil God Summoned by the Saintess

Chapter 332: Chapter 330: I Just Wanted to Compete in Peace

That morning, Hilia gathered the others and went to report to Mr. Nikodemos, checking with him to ensure there were no abnormalities. Afterwards, they were led by Mr. Nikodemos himself to the competition stage.

Although the Northern Alliance hadn’t caught the culprits from the previous two major incidents, it wasn’t without response.

The security at the arena was much tighter, mages could be seen patrolling around the venue at any time, and even Tier Four Mages made appearances.

This situation did reassure the remaining contestants a little.

But only a little.

Because the previous incidents didn’t occur at the arena.

"Today is an important time for you entering the knockout rounds. I’ll first brief you on the specific competition process; according to previous draws, your opponents are decided. There are a total of 8 matches today; 4 in the morning, with your two teams competing in the morning. One team in the first match, the other in the third match.

"Although you’ve been unfortunately placed in the same group, you won’t meet during the 16 into 8 rounds. You’ll only encounter each other in the 8 into 4 rounds. If both advance, it’s guaranteed at least one team will make it to the semifinals.

"Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves, just demonstrate your flair. Reaching the top 16 is already a success and there are generous rewards awaiting."

After entering the backstage, Mr. Nikodemos spoke to the ten team competition participants.

The Divine Magic Academy brought three teams, but ultimately, only the Holy Maiden Squad and a team formed by fifth-year students remained; the other team had been eliminated.

However, the remaining team didn’t fare much better, with very difficult matches, winning somewhat by luck.

In the individual competition, some students performed exceptionally well, but today was all about team matches.

Individual matches are scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

"What if unexpected incidents occur today?" Someone asked.

Mr. Nikodemos replied, "The league committee has already promised that if any issues arise, they’ll take responsibility, but the consequences are borne by the contestants themselves. Rest assured, even if there’s trouble, it will be met by others, not us."

Willing to take responsibility, yet leaving consequences to the contestants?

What a magical wording combination!

The 10 participating contestants exchanged glances.

"No need to worry, if I were you, I’d hope our opponents run into issues instead." Mr. Nikodemos smiled slightly.

The 10 contestants froze for a moment, then shared a knowing smile.

"Alright, please wait a moment here. Doris, lead your teammates to prepare for the first match. You’re the opening match today, make preparations, show the spirit of our Divine Magic Academy!"

"Got it."

As the team leader, Doris called Hilia and the others to get ready, while the rest went to the stands to watch.

In the preparation area, Phil nervously watched the stage outside, praying, "Hope everything goes smoothly today."

Doris put her hands on her hips, "With me leading, nothing will go wrong. If issues arise, with our strength, we’ll easily overcome!"

Hilia said, "Everyone be prepared for unexpected incidents. From my... experience, our opening match might really have issues."

The others looked over, Benovia asked, "Really?"

Hilia laughed, "Just intuition, I think something might happen, but my intuition could be wrong."

She certainly wouldn’t say that after asking Rose, she received a definite answer that something unexpected would happen.

"In any case, everyone be ready to deal with sudden dangers."

Encore asked, "What kind of sudden danger?"

"I don’t know, I can’t predict the future."

As they spoke, the league came to notify them to start the match and called them onto the stage.

By this time, the league seemed less like a hodgepodge, at least a bit more professional.

Following the league’s guidance, the Holy Maiden Squad arrived on the stage and sized up their opponents—a team that had fought five rounds in the round-robin before entering the 32 into 16 elimination round.

Coincidentally, they hailed from the Northern Alliance.

In the previous two upheavals, the Ista Empire escaped once, and the Northern Alliance escaped another time, although the former didn’t gain any extra victories, the latter earned extra individual match wins.

If there had been team matches at that time, it seems likely that the team matches would have garnered a free win.

Once on stage, their opponents immediately glared at Hilia and the others, one contestant said, "You guys from the Ista Empire are behind this, aren’t you? You’re always thinking about invading other empires, resorting to such dirty tricks!"

"Yes, trying to frame us is despicable. We’re the hosts, we wouldn’t use such filthy means!"

"..."

Opposite, five young men and women were indignant, while Doris was equally unyielding, scoffing, "Only the weak constantly worry about being set up; the strong ignore such absurd things, using Magic Puppets to show those schemers what’s true strength."

The referee said nothing about the quarrel on both sides, simply watching the countdown.

While Doris confronted the other team, Encore already drew out the potions that could be used before the match began, activating them with magic power to apply them to the five people.

Altogether two kinds of potions, one ensured smoother magic power operation, and the other enhanced spiritual power stability, allowing calmness in facing rivals.

Phil also used the Light Blessing Skill to bless the team.

Meanwhile, Hilia was not looking at the opponents, but at the sky.

A raindrop fell on her cheek, she touched it with her hand.

"Hmm, it’s going to pour rain."

Hilia cautioned everyone, "Don’t let the rain touch you."

The others nodded and began using their own methods to avoid getting wet.

The opposing team watched and mocked.

"Such pampered ladies."

"Not even a drop of rain, wasting magic to avoid it, ridiculous."

"School-taught without real battle experience, those previous three wins were all luck and sabotage to reach the top 32."

"Three minutes, we’ll defeat you!"

The referee said nothing to those taunts, only raised a hand.

"10, 9...2, 1, start!"

Boom!

As the referee declared the start, thunder rumbled from above.

A torrential downpour burst forth.

Among the five opposing individuals, two brought Magic Puppets forward, while the remaining three scattered into a mushroom-like formation, beginning to channel magic power and cast spells.

On the other side, Encore had already executed the first step of the tactical battle method, Water Mist Perception, slowly enveloping the entire competition venue with mist.

The water mist wasn’t thick, just a thin layer. For mages, the mist couldn’t block vision, even with eyes closed, they could sense the surrounding magic power fluctuations.

Even more so for the Magic Puppets, which never relied on sight for combat.

This mist, primarily served to enhance perception as an aid.

"Benovia, let’s go."

"Right."

Doris called Benovia, charging forward together.

Their strategy was discussed beforehand.

First to probe, assess the enemy’s combat strength, then decide whether to deploy the tactical battle method or Combination Skill One.

With Water Mist Perception’s assistance, confirmation was easy.

In the back, Phil used [Sacred Link] to strengthen the connection among teammates, while Encore maintained Water Mist Perception, simultaneously using Water Element magic to interfere and hinder the opponent’s spells.

Hilia...

She was gazing upward.

"I wanted a peaceful match, yet something happened after all, alas."