The night sky, devoid of light and steeped in darkness, was pierced by two bright spots that cut through the cold air. They burst through the hazy and mist-laden clouds, arriving above an expanse of brilliantly lit land, rushing toward the flickering lights of the gathering venue.
One red and one blue, these two gleaming spots, trailing long paths behind them, illuminated the night sky as they journeyed. Eventually, they collided just above the center of the venue, shattering into countless fragnts. A splendid shower of light rained down, adorning the night.
The Winter Festival Tournant site was abuzz with voices as countless people waved flags and chanted, supporting their favorite academies or contestants. So waved banners, others shook their hands, and so had their faces adorned with painted tattoos, while on the stage in the middle of the venue, young and dazzling talents battled each other. The fireworks of variously colored magic powers burst, strength and sweat were expended, and those faces, slightly dusted, refracted a shimring brilliance under the convergence of lights.
"The competition has now reached the incredibly intense third round! From the initial 192 contestants, we've whittled down to just 48 after two rounds of duels. This round will cut that number in half again, leaving only 24 to compete in tomorrow's second stage of the tournant. Let's wait and see who can overco these tough and challenging confrontations!"
The announcer's exuberant voice once again pushed the atmosphere at the venue to a new climax, finally setting off fireworks as two high platforms rose within the gathering, becoming the focal point of everyone's attention.
"Among the remaining 48, Saint Yingo has 15, Edith Academy 10, Lelysia 8, Swarm's Reign 7, Crystal Lattice 4, and Thunder Edge 4." An audience mber tallied up the data from the stage below.
"Saint Yingo is still strong, far surpassing other academies," soone remarked with a sense of admiration.
"It's rare for Edith Academy to have 10 qualify. Lelysia, with 8 qualifiers, remains stable. In fact, they've made significant progress too, it's just not very obvious compared to the top two."
"Swarm's Reign has 7 this year, down from last year's 10, a bit of a decline. As for Crystal Lattice, they've fallen behind greatly this ti. Thunder Edge has only 4, but their past highest was only 6, so nobody really minds."
"According to tradition, the drawing of lots will start with the academy having the fewest contestants. If soone draws a contestant from their own academy, they can draw again. It's likely Saint Yingo will have between 2 to 4 facing intra-academy battles,"
While the audience discussed, the second half of the draw began. Contestants ascended the stage, taking turns to spin the transparent large wheel until a small ball rolled out.
Inside Edith Academy's preparation hall, Tilan and Efnie still sat in front of the screen watching the live feed, though it had beco slightly more lively since so of the students had been eliminated and returned.
"I'm so unhappy, why was I paired up with an ice-cold blockhead? I was eliminated before my outstanding charm could make a difference," Sui Qin lanted, propping her head as she sat on a nearby stool, her fluffy goose-yellow short hair also drooping.
In the recent match, as a practitioner of the "Natural Sequence 5: Treant's Dream," a Transcendent Profession, Sui Qin encountered a male student from Thunder Edge. His style was cool and swift, giving Sui Qin no ti to play to her strengths. He cornered her within a few strikes, forcing her to combat using her weaknesses and quickly leading to her defeat.
"Co on, don't be so down. There's a team competition in a few days, and that will be your ti to shine," a companion consoled the petite and cute girl, cheering her up.
"Really?" Sui Qin lifted her head, taking the cola cup handed to her and sipping from it gingerly.
Apart from them, at the mont, so students with bandages were lying on beds, watching the competition. Though they had been eliminated, after treatnt their conditions were not severe, and they would be mostly recovered after a couple of days of rest.
The previously quiet preparation hall was now bustling as everyone discussed the last round of matches. Just then, a girl in an elaborate dress entered through the back door. She looked around the room, then headed towards the two sitting in the corner under the screen, walking briskly and even stopping to buy a few cups of chilled fruit tea along the way.
"I'm late," Deloris sat down in the vacant spot to the left of Tilan, explaining why she had arrived so belatedly.
"Not only father but other relatives ca to watch the contest too. They talked to for quite a while." Being a properly mannered young lady from a wealthy family, Deloris would not do anything rude. She had fulfilled the courtesy of accompanying and chatting with her family before excusing herself to co over.
Today, she was dressed in a slightly extravagant gown, which consisted of double layers. The outer layer was of elaborate black lace with hollowed-out patterns, while beneath the intricate hollowed floral decorations lay a deep blue lining. There were simple cut-out lace edges on the corners, modest and appropriate compared to the outer layer.
"What a beautiful dress," Efnie bent over and looked at Deloris's outfit, rarely uttering such complintary words.
This wasn't because Efnie was usually picky and harsh, but rather because she had grown up in a privileged environnt. Additionally, her studies in dance ant she was well-versed and had seen all sorts of luxurious and beautiful dresses, making it difficult for her to feel surprised.
"Indeed," Tilan, not very knowledgeable about the world of fashion art, could still see that the dress had been ticulously designed.
"Thank you for the complint," Deloris blinked as she handed over the fruit tea to the two of them.
"Actually, this dress design has been around for a while. I've been pushing the designers since the beginning of the year, and after discussing it with them several tis and making a few revisions, we finally settled on the version I'm wearing today."
"Because the design is so close to what I envision, I even hesitate to promote it as a product," she said softly, sipping her fruit tea and sharing her thoughts.
"The clothes I usually wear are experintal versions from my own 'Incense Workshop'. After wearing them for a while, I make so adjustnts based on how they feel on , and then we promote them."
"...And there is another set that cos with it," Deloris said as her gaze shifted toward the young girl beside her.
"It's made to fit Tilan's body shape and style," she suddenly winked again.
"At first, I also thought of making Tilan a dress of the sa style, but soon felt it wasn't right because Tilan and I are different. Using overly elaborate decorations would only create a discordant effect that overshadows everything else."
"After experinting with several other designs, we finally settled on one."
"Tomorrow I will bring it over for Tilan to try on, and it would be perfect if Tilan could wear this dress on stage," Deloris shared her thoughts.
After listening, Efnie covered her mouth and giggled lightly.
"Deloris really does like Tilan. I rember that this year, you've given Tilan no fewer than five sets of clothing – from winter dresses, coats, boots, sun hats, and now this gown," she said.
"It's because it's hard to find a friend as adorable and likeable as Tilan. If I don't dress her up nicely, it feels like such a waste, an absolute pity and regret."
With the chatting and teasing of her companions on either side, Tilan, sitting in the middle, finally felt her ears turn slightly red. She picked up the popcorn in her hand and popped it into Deloris's mouth.
"Alright, let's stop talking about it and watch the match," she said.
With the subject successfully changed, the three of them refocused their attention back to the screen to watch the final round of the evening's elimination match.
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