Well, the Monthly Ticket count reached 600 last month, and this is the promised extra update; I always keep my word and won't deceive you all. Today's base guarantee is still three chapters, not counting this one, of course.

The big push for this month remains unchanged: a minimum of three updates, with an extra chapter for every 50 tickets. Even though the double-ticket period is over, this promise still stands, so I sincerely hope everyone will cast their base monthly tickets for this book to keep my motivation high.

Thank you in advance. …… The semi-finals had thus concluded.

The remaining four competitors were undoubtedly the top powerhouses of this martial arts tournament. In fact, anyone with even a moderate understanding of the underground world could discern that these four ranked among the absolute elite, even within the entire scope of that world.

Therefore, in a competition where their full strength was somewhat restricted, it would come as no surprise no matter who emerged victorious. The lineup for the semi-finals was: Lin Luo vs.

Gunell, and Evangeline vs. Sakuya Izayoi.

Because the arena required several critical repairs after sustaining heavy damage from the previous matches, the first bout of the semi-finals would commence in half an hour. Fueled by the brilliance of the earlier fights, the audience's excitement had reached fever pitch.

Not a single person departed during the intermission; rather, the crowd continued to swell. The viewing spots with good perspectives in the stands were already packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

Everyone awaited the remaining three matches with intense anticipation, eager to see who would claim the title of this martial arts tournament champion, regardless of whether their power was genuine or merely a convincing illusion aided by props. In contrast to the audience's fervor, the magic teachers at Mahora Academy were deeply troubled.

The proceedings of this martial arts tournament had spread widely online, causing intense buzz on forums. They worried that if the competition continued, it might expose the existence of the magical world.

Some magic teachers proposed forcefully halting the tournament, a suggestion that garnered majority approval but was ultimately overruled by the Academy Headmaster. This wasn't because he was oblivious to the potential major repercussions of the event; rather, he could not betray the spirit of Mahora Academy.

Although Mahora Academy maintained strictness regarding certain aspects of educational life, it was exceptionally liberal concerning students' independent innovation, perhaps ranking among the best globally. There were nearly a thousand extracurricular clubs dedicated to allowing students to pursue their strengths, with several clubs achieving significant fame throughout Academy City—the Super Steamed Bun Shop and the University Engineering Research Club being the most distinguished.

The primary director for both the Super Steamed Bun Shop and the University Engineering Research Club was Chiyoko Sumire. Some of her technology was so advanced it could earn Nobel Prizes, far surpassing the current era.

If the martial arts tournament she organized were forcibly stopped now, it was difficult to predict the unpredictable consequences, and it would certainly dampen the morale of countless students—an act entirely contrary to Mahora’s spirit. While Mahora Academy began as a magic school founded by mages, it had since fully integrated into the visible world and gained worldwide renown.

Should the negative outcomes predicted by the teachers occur, Mahora’s reputation would face severe, irreparable damage. Regarding the potential exposure of the magical world, while the current situation was certainly worrying, it hadn't reached a critical point, and solutions were available.

Moreover, there was currently no definitive proof that Chiyoko’s objective was to reveal the magical world. A little management after the competition should suffice to cover things up.

After all, in this day and age, no matter how authentic online content appears, unless people witness it firsthand, few will truly believe it. Even if a minority did believe, they would remain too small to affect the overall situation.

Thus, after thorough discussion, the Mahora magic teachers decided against intervention, allowing the martial arts tournament to proceed. However, refraining from stopping it did not imply indifference.

They deemed it necessary to investigate the true purpose behind Chiyoko organizing this tournament, reserving the right to intervene forcefully if the situation became dire. …… “Well, is everything fine?” In a room saturated with glowing screens, Akase Hatsumi sat before a machine, querying the girl beside her.

Chiyoko Sumire smiled faintly, confidence radiating from her: “Just as I predicted, Mahora won't intervene to stop this contest. Of course, even if they tried to halt things, I have a final contingency plan to ensure the competition continues smoothly.” “That’s a relief,” Hatsumi sighed, then continued, “But I am genuinely astonished.

I thought the impact would be minimal, but so many exaggerated incidents have occurred, far exceeding expectations. This development will only increase our plan’s success rate.” “Indeed,” Sumire nodded.

“The surprises started rolling in from the semi-finals onward. Every match has showcased power that surpasses what the visible world can achieve, power that even ranks among the upper echelon of the underground world.

Still, I look forward to what comes next…” As she spoke, Sumire pressed a button beside her, causing a screen to pop up, clearly displaying the avatars of the four semi-finalists. Looking at the display, Sumire laughed happily.

“With the strength these four possess, the battles they will unleash might just shock this world, haha.” “Are they really that strong?” Hatsumi asked, confused. Although she had been assisting Sumire with the plan for quite some time, she remained a resident of the visible world and knew little about the intricacies of the underground.

“They aren't just strong; they are exceptionally, overwhelmingly powerful—counted among the best even in the entire underground world,” Sumire chuckled. “Although Teacher Izayoi is one of ours, to draw out three other monsters of the same caliber was unexpected even by me.

It would be a tremendous stroke of luck if they weren't enemies.” “Mhm,” Hatsumi nodded, then suddenly exclaimed in alarm, “Blast! Someone is already investigating us!

They’ve infiltrated that armory!” “They’ve reached that point already? Quick work indeed.

Which individuals are they?” “It’s Professor Takarou, Professor Negi, Setsuna-chan, Asuna-chan, Takane-chan, and Saotome Aoi-chan.” “It’s them, then. That complicates things slightly… I’ll leave the handling of this to you,” Sumire frowned in thought, then spoke to someone standing behind her.

“You want me to handle six people? You certainly hold me in high regard,” the person replied coolly.

Their tall stature and composed expression belonged to Mana Ryuguji. Sumire smiled.

“With your skills, plus what I’m giving you, taking them all down should be a trivial matter if you don't hold back.” “Heh heh,” Mana Ryuguji also let out an enigmatic chuckle. “Don’t worry.

Payment received means the job is done. Since I’ve accepted your task, I will naturally put forth my best effort—it’s professional ethics.” Saying this, she turned and walked out.

“Then, I shall anticipate… all aspects of this.” …… Thirty minutes later, the first semi-final match commenced exactly on schedule. Lin Luo and Gunell stood facing each other on the platform.

Once Kazumi Asakura announced the start of the match, neither competitor moved, remaining rooted in place. “Um… the match has started,” after about a minute passed with neither side showing intent to fight, Asakura Kazumi awkwardly reminded them.

“I know. We’re waiting,” Lin Luo nodded, replying.

“Waiting? For what?” “For you to get off the stage,” Lin Luo looked at her and smiled.

“This match is different from the previous ones. If a dead weight like you remains here, we won't be able to fight to our full satisfaction.” “Eek!” Kazumi Asakura froze, opening her mouth as if to retort, but then she noticed Lin Luo’s expression had hardened; there was no trace of humor in his eyes, which caused a sudden shift in her thoughts.

It was necessary for her, as the host, to stand on the platform to provide commentary for the audience—it was her job. So… perhaps it was better to leave.

The matches were becoming increasingly bizarre; the last few fights had already unnerved her. Who knew what might happen now?

Besides, she was beginning to understand less and less, making commentary impossible. With this realization, Kazumi Asakura hesitated no longer and promptly ran off the platform.

“Now then, shall we begin, Al?” After Kazumi departed, Lin Luo looked at his opponent and grinned. Al smiled back.

“Call me Gunell. That’s the name I’m using now.” “No, too many syllables.

It’s a hassle to write,” Lin Luo said with a faint smile, then instantly vanished from his spot. At almost the exact same moment, the ground where Lin Luo had stood abruptly cratered, forming a massive depression several meters in diameter, as if crushed by an invisible force.

“Oh dear, the first strike missed,” Al chuckled awkwardly, retracting the hand he had suspended in mid-air, and then floated upward like a phantom, drifting aside. A figure appeared beside him, a fist crackling with electricity descending directly toward his neck—it was Lin Luo.

“Consecutive Void Flits, that’s quite a demanding technique,” Al said calmly, leaning his body slightly back to easily evade Lin Luo’s attack. “That sort of thing is child’s play for you,” the fist grazed his clothing edge, and Lin Luo smoothly shifted his stance, launching a fierce kick with his right leg.

Type: Heavy Pressure Black Gunell reached out and pressed gently toward where Lin Luo’s kick was aimed. A black sphere, about the size of a palm, suddenly manifested there.

“You truly are malicious…” Before he could finish speaking, Lin Luo had already disappeared from mid-air once more, retreating dozens of meters in an instant, his expression slightly vexed. “To use such a terrifying technique with such a relaxed face.

Playing with darkness will bring retribution, you know.” “Because if I don’t use my full power, I will lose,” Al said, pointing a finger, and the black sphere shot toward Lin Luo like lightning. “That’s why I’m saying…” Suddenly, a wooden sword materialized in Lin Luo’s hand.

He swung it down at the black sphere—it was the Zanmaken Part Two: Tachi. “You need to make some adjustments to your main body.” The white light descended, and the black sphere was instantly cleaved in two, and then… : Allow me a short nap first; I’ll continue writing at noon.

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