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“Huh? The venue for their match is different. Is it because they are VIP?”

Looking at the seemingly endless expanse of greenery on the screen and recalling the simple arena stage used in the previous team’s match, Lilith could not help but wonder if the concept of enhancing one’s strength through monetary investments, similar to online games, also applied in this world.

Luna wagged her finger and explained, “No, the tournament offers two options—the ring and randomly generated map. However, most teams prefer the ring as opposed to the minority that would opt for a randomized map.”

“Why?” Lilith asked.

“Because it’s unfair.”

“Unfair…? They’re fighting on the same map though, why would it be unfair…” Lilith pondered for a moment, a sudden realization dawned upon her. “Ah… because every team has different preferences for terrain.”

Lilith herself preferred open areas like the deserts or grasslands if the map were randomly generated. In contrast, terrains like forests and swamps would be unfriendly to her.

“That’s right. It’s a group battle, and each team specializes in different areas. Terrain will significantly affect the outcomes. For instance, that assassin from the last match would have had a high chance of interrupting the mage’s spell if they were in a forest like this one.”

Luna patiently explained, “That’s why most teams opt for a relatively fair venue like the arena stage. The variables introduced by randomly generated maps are too unpredictable. Only weaker teams, facing a clear strength disparity, might take a chance with a randomized map.”

Luna’s gaze was fixed on the members of Team Estelle on the screen, especially on the girl at the center whom most in the audience were cheering for—her half-sister, Princess Estelle.

A fleeting disdain flashed across her eyes before she returned her attention to Lilith, smiling.

“Even though that big sister of mine isn’t exceptional, she is still Lord Taylor’s disciple. Bullying those unknown small fries on the opposing team is still an easy task.”

“Is that so?”

Lilith shifted to a more comfortable position, lying on her back on the sofa with her head resting on her arms as she observed the participants on the screen who had not made any moves yet.

“Then let’s see how your big sister bullies the small fries since we have nothing better to do.”

“All right, Master Lilith.”

Luna obediently sat down beside Lilith, though her hands seemed a bit mischievous.

“Hey, where are you touching!”

OOOFFFT!

A muffled sound echoed in the room, and Luna once again curled up on the sofa, clutching her belly with a flushed face.

“Compared to that sister of mine… This makes me feel happier…”

“……”

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

On the verdant field, the whistle signaling the start of the match had already sounded.

Yet, the five people remained motionless as they surveyed the area like they were appreciating the scenery, showing no signs of concern for any impending enemy attack.

“Your Highness, what should we do next?”

A black-haired teenager, wearing silver knight armor, turned his gaze toward the slender figure. A fleeting fervor flashed across his eyes.

“I will proceed alone.”

“What? No way, it’s too dangerous.”

“Are you doubting me, Calvin?” Princess Estelle turned around, casting a cold glance at Calvin.

“I dare not.” Calvin quickly lowered his head. “I am merely concerned about Your Highness’ safety. After all, the opponents are from the Southern Federation, likely skilled in forest combat. What if they…”

“There’s no what-ifs for them.” Princess Estelle asserted, “I’ll get rid of them so fast that they won’t even have a chance to act. I’ll show the world who the disciple of Lord Taylor is and turn this entire Great Celestial Rite into a stage where I alone will shine.”

“So now is not the time for you guys to act.” With a wave of her sleeve, Luna glided toward the depths of the forest like a breeze.

“Haha, that was really cold of Her Highness. Do you want big brother to comfort you, Calvin?” A red-haired swordsman teased as he patted Calvin’s shoulder.

“Get lost, Mint.” Calvin shot a furious glare at the red-haired swordsman, and clenched his fists.

Mint patted his chest and pretended to look frightened. “Oh no, Lord Calvin is mad, I’m so scareddddd.”

“Are you seeking death, Mint?!”
“Yes, and that’s you.”
“Are you looking for a fight, you a̲s̲s̲h̲o̲l̲e̲?!”
“Well, if that makes you feel better…”

“Enough!” The man resting in the shade of a tree opened his eyes, and in an instant, a formidable aura descended upon the two bickering men.

“Save your strength and prepare for the next match. Our aim is the championship. There’s no need to quarrel over a few small fries. If the two of you dare to stand in Her Highness’ way, I’ll be the first to make you regret it.”

“Fine…” Calvin shot one last glare at Mint.

“Hehe, all right, since it’s a request from Lord Moore…” Mint rubbed his hands together and smiled. “With Lord Moore in charge, I think this tournament will be a walk in the park.”

“Don’t try to flatter me.” Moore cast an indifferent glance at Mint, then turned to look at the young girl who had been staring blankly at the sky in silence.

She seemed to have been lost in her thoughts for quite some time. However, this forest was entirely generated by the Immaculate Tree Domain, so there was actually real sky above them.

“What are you looking at, Myre?”

“Ah, big brother…” Myre turned her eyes toward him, then crinkled up with a smile. “It feels like the world has been shaking since just now.”

“Shaking? Is it now?” Moore frowned. He had been in a meditative state, and if there had been any movement around him, he would have detected it immediately.

Moreover, they were within the small world of the Immaculate Tree Domain. Who could possibly make the demigod artifact shake?

“That’s probably your imagination. I’ve told you not to stare at the sky for too long.”

Myre playfully stuck her tongue out and said, “Fine~ The sky is really pretty though.”

“What’s so pretty about it?”

Moore glanced at the sky. It was nothing more than just a blue expanse.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

“Princess Estelle went into the forest alone. What does she want to do? Could she be planning to take on all five enemies by herself?”

“It seems like she’s genuinely considering it! Princess Estelle has made contact with the enemy! It appears to be a scout sent by the Southern Federation’s team. The scout seems to have mastered the stealthiness of an ancient forest clan in the Southern Federation, allowing him to shuttle through the forest.”

“What? The scout has been detected despite his stealthiness! Princess Estelle executed a move that I couldn’t quite catch with my eyes.”

“Unfortunately, the enemy is still too quick. Princess Estelle did not manage to finish him off instantly, and now the rest of the Southern Federation’s team has surrounded her.”

“That’s five against one! There’s an absolute numerical advantage! Team Southern Federation seems to be deliberating whether this is a trap or not and dare not attack recklessly.”

“Princess Estelle has initiated an attack. What is she trying to achieve? Does she genuinely want to take on all five opponents single-handedly?”

“Oh my god, Team Southern Federation is powerless against her. All five of them have been annihilated by a single person! Princess Estelle actually pulled it off!”