When Master Jikongyue put the question to them, no one answered at once. They needed to see how the others reacted first.
But Karl Maniakis, from the Black Earth Region's Wizard Land, spoke up directly. "There's no reason to change anything. Let's stick to the original rules. And don't complain. You can all—"
Karl paused and glanced at Locke, remembering the recording Rameses had shown him.
That Spiritual Breath spell had been virtually invincible.
Karl continued, "All of you except Locke Augustine can have your project proposals scored together against mine. If I lose, I'll withdraw voluntarily. If I win, I expect you to withdraw from the competition.
"That would simplify things, wouldn't it? We could clear out everyone who doesn't matter."
Edgar David sneered.
The Rose Witch crossed her arms and tapped one impatient finger against them. "Karl Maniakis, you seem to have misunderstood something. How much could a Star-Ring Wizard from an ordinary Wizard Land know? Do you really think Magic Pressure is everything?"
Karl Maniakis said, "Isn't Magic Pressure everything? Or do you have some insight to share, stranger?
"What exactly are you good at?"
"Hmm?"
The Rose Witch's eyes turned cold. "You—"
If Karl Maniakis's Magic Pressure had not reached the Star-Ring Limit, and if this had not been the March Palace, the face of the Starfield Sea, she would already have attacked.
Edgar David sneered. "Some people really think they're invincible. But Magic Pressure isn't the deciding factor in a project application. Wisdom and a grasp of truth are. Even Star-Ring Resources can be bought with money. If cost is no object, Magic Pressure can be built up."
"Stop making excuses," Karl said.
Edgar David flushed. The trouble was, he could not judge Karl's ability. If Karl was stronger, Edgar would never dare say a