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Tokitsune would not take that lying down, despite the first blow, he quickly regained his footing and the match went on.

Marian continued steadily deploying summoned units, increasing his power, and since Danbulf also counted as a Sage, he could diminish the damage he took. It was a constant bout of aggression and defense, with neither side relenting, and constantly trying to find an opening to unleash a major attack to secure the win.

“Ohh… Incredible. So this is how summoners fight in the game.”

Obviously things worked differently between real life and a game, so Mira was impressed by the choices Marian made.

“I’m still processing it all. I didn’t know you could play like this.”

Even Iris, who was obsessed with the game, was seeing Marian’s playstyle for the first time. She even began to take notes just to keep track of everything. While the two girls were focused on Marian, the First Lieutenant was focused on Tokitsune, wanting to learn as much as possible for the warrior deck he was building.

The match waged on, so fierce that it was certain to be remembered in the history of such tournaments. Still, it would not go on forever.

‘He’s done it! The snowball just keeps rolling and no one can stop it!’
‘That was a genius move!’

After an arduous battle, a finishing blow finally came through, coming from the side of…

‘And the winner is… Tokitsune!’

The winner was announced.
Tokitsune emerged as the victor of the first international Legend of Astelia tournament, hosted by Nirvana.

“Hrnghh!”

It had been a really even match for most of the game, but sadly Marian had been defeated.
Mira’s sweaty palms curled into fists as she grumbled loudly.

“Awww, that was so close.”

Mira’s cheering for Marian had also influenced Iris to cheer for him, so she also looked disappointed when the match ended.

“That was definitely a match worth watching meow.”

The First Lieutenant had remained neutral, instead focusing on building a deck as the watch went on.
Meanwhile the event continued, with the winner’s ceremony being readied.

‘I’m always taken aback by how fearsome warrior decks can be.’
‘Yes, they can be relentless. But we can’t forget how many times Marian managed to thwart his advances.’
‘I have to agree… I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I never expected a summoner deck to hold its own like that.’
‘That surprised me too, actually. Maybe it’s time we take another look to reevaluate the strength of summoner cards. I really wish I could take a look at Marian’s deck and pick it apart right now.’

The two casters also continued talking amongst them, looking back at the match as a whole.
As they brought up key moments, the audience also raised their voices.
That was the moment when summoners became accepted in the card game world.

“Marian, that was splendid!”

Mira was moved to her core witnessing that, praising Marian loudly. She also made a mental note to personally commend his performance the next time they met.

The tournament’s first place prize was thirty million Rils, and the ability to request a new card set. As well as designating a person who should become a card as well.

That person would have the final say on whether they wanted to appear in the game or not, but the publishers of the game, the Grimoire Company, would use all its connections to make it happen.

Tokitsune’s pick was a rank A adventurer, Eleonora of the Moonlight Cross.

She was the leader of the White Moon Knights guild, and everyone knew who she was. At the same time, she was drop dead gorgeous, making her even more popular.

But arranging such appearances was no easy job, so it was still left to be seen when her card would be made.

Tokitsune was not the only person who wanted her in the game either, as a vast portion of the audience cheered loudly hearing her name, happy that he had chosen her.

Marian would also get a monetary price and something extra.

He had still not recovered from the shock of realizing he was entitled to ten million Rils, when he looked around nervously hearing what else he was getting. The second place contestant could pick between a card set they wanted, or appointing who should become a card as well.

‘Umm…ummm…’

Marian decided to go with a new card, and became even more flustered and embarrassed when asked who he wanted to be on the card. But after a few seconds of silence, he finally got his courage up and gave the name.

‘I want the Spirit Queen Mira!’
“Me?!”

Mira had been cheering him on, like a proud parent, so she was completely taken aback when she heard her own name be brought up like that.

“Oh wow! Did you hear that? You’ll have your own card!”

All adventurers depicted in those cards were celebrities in Iris’ eyes, so she was beyond excited to hear that Mira would be joining them as well.
Next to them, the First Lieutenant had changed into a fancy outfit and struck a pose. He was determined to infiltrate the card to be part of it as a mascot.
While they talked about that, over in the event stage the casters received a sheet of paper, and then announced something unexpected.

‘Oh what’s this? I’ve just received a top secret message! It appears that the Spirit Queen Mira requested by Marian has already been confirmed to be part of the next expansion pack!’

As it turned out, Mira’s card was already being worked on since before Marian’s decision. But talks about that were being handled entirely by Mariana, so Mira did not know they had progressed that much.

“Is that true?!”

Marian looked stunned hearing that, and Iris became even more excited, encroaching closer to Mira, who explained that a trustworthy person was in charge of that.

“That’s so cool!!”

Iris looked at Mira, her eyes full of respect.

And while they talked about that, things were moving forward on Marian’s side as well.

Since Marian’s pick was already being worked on, he was free to pick someone else. Except that he could not think of anyone else. So the organizers came up with a suggestion.

They could prepare a special Spirit Queen Card Set, with a unique variation of the main card that used a different picture of her. And that entire set would be made for Marian.

‘So what do you think of that idea, Marian?’
‘Y-Yes please!’

He looked even more embarrassed than before, overshadowed only by his happiness at the news.

“Hmm… I’ll have to practice my pose.”

With that announcement, Mira knew that it would not take long before she was contacted for a photo shoot.

She wanted to be sure she would be depicted in a cool and imposing manner, so she began practicing different poses. And the First Lieutenant silently stood in the background, grinning as he snuck into frame.

“You two look really cute!”

No matter what pose she tried, she could not escape her cute appearance, which became evident from Iris’ comments. But she was determined to do it, so that Marian could also be proud of how cool the cards looked.

Not long after the curtain set over the stage, marking the end of the Legend of Astelia tournament, which had greatly entertained the audience in person and in the oracle’s room.