Dekan's Best Actor Award

Look at Dekan's performance in the center of the arena.

Saint Knight Captain Alger frowned.

Compared to dissatisfaction with Dekan's arrogant attitude, it felt more like a sense of resentment.

Because Alger's purpose in winning the championship was also to find out the identity of the Lord of Calamity.

But he had neither thought of nor dared to openly declare war on the Lord of Calamity like Dekan did.

On the other side...

Adair, the Imperial Sword Saint dressed in a white Imperial officer's uniform, smiled and stopped paying attention to Dekan's figure.

"So this is the strongest of the new generation in the kingdom? Turns out he's just a cunning ant."

Adair leaned back lazily on the sofa and muttered to himself.

Please be careful of him.

"That's what the attendant beside me said."

Despite being dressed like a butler, his aura clearly indicated that he was no ordinary person.

However, because they belonged to a special unit, they were not wearing their own officer's uniform.

"Don't worry, none of his tricks will work on me. Your superiors overestimate him."

Adair chuckled softly, his expression calm and composed.

Dekan's underhanded tactics seemed utterly ridiculous to him.

Unless there are mental weaknesses, he won't be so easily defeated by Dekan.

In a one-on-one fight, Dekan would be as small and insignificant as an ant in his eyes.

"..."

The attendant hesitated, as if he wanted to speak.

If the other person won't listen to what you say, no amount of talking will help.

He didn't want to displease the sword saint.

Although he also believed that in a one-on-one duel, the Sword Saint would completely overwhelm Dekan.

But the officer's favor made it impossible for him to feel at ease with Dekan.

Dekan and his party returned to the mansion.

They sat down on the sofa and started chatting.

"Dekan Meow! You!"

Cat Teacher's thousand words can only be expressed through his cat-like expressions.

Although it didn't know what Dekan meant by that gesture in the post-match interview.

But it knew that Dekan wasn't like Alice.

This move to openly declare war on the Lord of Calamity must be hiding some ulterior motive.

"Of course, it's to deal with that Saint Knight Captain Alger."

Dekan replied with a smile.

"Meow?"

It quickly dug out the Saint Knight Captain's information and started reading.

Dekan calmly took a sip of the cool fruit tea.

Actually, this Saint Knight Captain is a very good person in terms of character and conduct.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a perfect knight.

But this guy's problem is that he's too honest.

After reviewing his profile, Dekan described him as: aloof, straightforward, and a bit of a goofball.

He deserves to fail to win Judith.

This guy probably hasn't even exchanged more than a few words with Judith.

He's expressionless; it would be a miracle if Judith, who's already a bit slow-witted, could even understand his thoughts.

Just as Cat Teacher began blinking, deep in thought and puzzlement...

"What do you plan to do with the Imperial Sword Saint? He doesn't have the same mental weaknesses as the other three, who are so easily manipulated by you. Besides, he's quite intelligent."

Mie leaned back on the sofa and looked at Dekan across from him, asking a question.

"Him? It's unlikely that underhanded tactics will work on him; in fact, he might just turn the tables on you..."

Dekan put down his teacup.

Based on past information, this swordsman did not show any obvious desires. In fact, it could be said that this guy, who was a chosen one of heaven, was almost without desires and could do anything with ease.

Whether it's swordsmanship, magic, or even card making, all of these can be mastered as long as you're willing to learn and spend the time.

Moreover, this guy is skilled in tactics and strategies, and is very cunning.

Trying to outsmart him without sufficient preparation is more likely to backfire.

Dekan remained calm and continued:

However, his weaknesses are also obvious.

Mie: "What?"

Dekan: "He probably thinks that as long as I don't use any tricks, he can beat me easily, right? That's his weakness."

Mie smiled helplessly and shrugged.

Cat Teacher finished reading the information on Dekan's last two opponents and also overheard Dekan and Mie's conversation.

It probably understood Dekan's plan.

He's going to pull off one more stunt, and then he'll show his true skills and teach the Sword Saint a lesson.

"So what are you planning to do these next few days, meow?"

"Cat Teacher asked."

There are two days left until the next match.

Since Dekan still intends to use underhanded tactics against Alger, he must be making some preparations during these precious two days.

However, Dekan simply shook his head:

"I'm thinking of staying home for the next couple of days and getting some rest. Staying in a hotel is part of the trip! Enough said, today I will surely achieve unparalleled skill and the Nine Lotus Lantern!"

After saying that, they all eagerly headed towards the mahjong table that Dekan had made.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the day of the semi-finals (4 to 2).

Compared to another match where the outcome was almost certain without even watching, tickets for this semi-final – Dekan vs. Alger – have been scalped to exorbitant prices.

Everyone acknowledges the entertaining nature of the Bishop of Pain's performance.

However.

The audience members who came to the scene all noticed.

In the players' waiting area, Dekan didn't look too good.

Many viewers are speculating whether Dekan is about to start using tactics again.

But Dekan's listless state didn't seem like an act.

Rather, it was a genuine injury.

"I heard that Dekan was cursed by the Lord of Calamity?"

"I heard that Dekan hasn't left his house these past few days, and some people even saw a priest from the Sun God Church going to Dekan's residence."

Many viewers started discussing it.

Rumors had been circulating for some time that Dekan had become the Lord of Calamity's new target.

The intense torture began.

"With a public declaration of war, how could the Lord of Calamity not target him?! Are you suggesting we let him win the championship?"

"From the perspective of the Lord of Calamity, we should also stop Dekan from continuing to win and help the Imperial Sword Saint win the championship, because the Imperial Sword Saint's divination problem certainly cannot be attributed to the Lord of Calamity."

The more the audience discussed it, the more reasonable it seemed.

And at the entrance to the Artificial Shadow World Initiator.

Do I need to wait until you're ready?

Alger said, frowning.

Although he knew Dekan was despicable, he didn't want to win unfairly.

Dekan isn't faking it; he's genuinely in extremely poor condition.

The Sun God Church priests who went to the Dekan mansion confirmed that Dekan was indeed cursed by the Lord of Calamity.

It was the same curse that the two kings who were murdered suffered.

These next few days are probably going to be tough.

Dekan seemed somewhat surprised by Alger's words, turned to look at him, then smiled genuinely and said:

"I didn't expect you to be such a decent person... It's alright, let's start the match. This time I'll go all out to crush you."

"..."

Alger paused for a moment; he wasn't used to dealing with a cheerful guy like Dekan.

However, he felt that talking to Dekan wasn't as unpleasant as he had imagined.

"Then let's go."

Alger said, and walked into the entrance to Phantom Canyon without looking back.

Dekan smiled and walked forward.

However.

Just as Dekan was about to enter the Shadow World.

He seemed to stagger slightly.

Compared to Alger, who walked steadily into the Void Gate.

Dekan seemed to have lost all his strength and collapsed forward.

As the Phantom Canyon appears on the screen.

Alger appeared in a mountainous area.

Opposite him, Dekan collapsed to the ground in agony.

His face was ashen, and blood was seeping from the corner of his mouth.

"Damn Lord of Calamity! Despicable and shameless!!"

"The Lord of Calamity actually chose to curse Dekan right after he entered the Shadow World!"

The spectators outside the stadium all understood what had just happened.

Two days earlier, the Lord of Calamity had cursed Dekan.

They are nothing more than warnings and threats.

By doing this before the match, they really wanted to completely cut off Dekan's path to victory!

At the same time, it is also a threat to Alger!

If Alger wins today, he'll be the next one to become like Dekan!

In the picture.

The preparation time has long since passed.

Dekan tried several times to prop himself up with his elbows, but each time he seemed to lose all strength and fell to the ground again.

Alger had originally planned to use Magic Card to enter battle at any time.

He put away the Magic Card.

Upon reaching the vicinity of Dekan, he unleashed the divine magic he possessed.

Instead of taking the opportunity to attack Dekan, he used Purification and healing magic on Dekan.

He first used Purification on Dekan, and then began to treat Dekan.

"I'll wait until you've recovered before we start fighting."

Alger said this while treating Dekan.

"Aren't you afraid I'll ambush you from this distance?"

Dekan finally managed to sit up from where he was lying on the ground, and looked at Alger as if he were looking at a fool and asked.

"... Although I dislike you for personal reasons, you are the one who defeated Fahim. If you are ever in danger, I will save you."

Alger had considered the possibility that Dekan mentioned.

Because it is indeed possible for Dekan to cheat.

For example, suddenly poisoning him at close range, or using mental magic.

But Alger hadn't sensed any such intention from Dekan.

This was his accurate judgment as an eighth-level martial artist.

Or.

Even if Dekan really wanted to launch a sneak attack, Alger would accept it.

After all, given Dekan's Dekan form, even if he were to only receive one move, it would merely bring the match back to a level playing field, not be enough to truly secure a decisive victory.

"Hehe, you're the last opponent, not bad at all."

Dekan smiled and shook his head, seemingly relieved.

"Saint Knight Captain Alger, please stop wasting your Magic Power. You have won this match."

Dekan looked at Alger and said.

Alger did not stop the healing magic, looking at Dekan with a slightly puzzled expression.

Dekan didn't explain anything further, but simply took out a Magic Card that glowed with a faint, dazzling red light and showed it to Alger.

[Pain-Shattered Heart]

[Category: Equipment Card]

[Rarity: Crimson Epic]

[Class: 5]

[Effect: When equipped, the next pain sensation received will be multiplied by 5 and refunded at 500%. This effect is unaffected by any other Magic Card. Cooldown: 100 days.]

[Note: How could they even make a card with such an insane effect?!]

The moment this card appeared, a gasp of surprise erupted from the audience!

"The Crimson Epic?"

"Could it be Fake Card?!"

"Impossible! I've seen Lord Avalon's Crimson Epic! This kind of quality, beyond the comprehension of ordinary people, cannot be forged! Dekan must be the Card Crafter personally created the Crimson Epic!"

Has Dekan's card-making technology reached this stage?

Within the entire Card Maker Association, only the two chief card makers among the top-tier Card Crafter have ever produced cards of this grade.

If Dekan can create a Tier 5 Crimson Epic, it means that Dekan can qualify as one of the top three Card Crafter in the world with this work!

Inside Phantom Canyon, Alger stared blankly at the card in Dekan's hand.

They all forgot to stop their healing magic.

"So you are..."

Alger hesitated, then merely exchanged a glance with Dekan.

When he saw Dekan's eyes, his brows gradually relaxed, and then he revealed an expression of understanding.

Dekan has already used up all his cards.

He could no longer defeat the Imperial Sword Saint.

Until this moment.

Alger finally understood why Dekan, despite being very strong, had been using tricks to avoid battle.

It turns out that Dekan's initial purpose in coming to the Hero Festival was not to find out the identity of the Lord of Calamity by winning the championship.

Instead, they directly killed the Lord of Calamity!

All the previous schemes, step by step, were aimed at proving to the Lord of Calamity without revealing our true intentions.

Dekan has the power to threaten the Lord of Calamity.

Then, in a perfect moment, he challenged the Lord of Calamity.

The Lord of Calamity is being lured to seize the opportunity before the next round of matches in Dekan to unleash a full-force curse!

But the Lord of Calamity does not know.

Dekan had already prepared this deadly move, waiting for the Lord of Calamity to take the bait.

Pain feedback that ignores Pain Shield by 25 times.

Having endured twice the pain of the curse, Dekan has been rendered incapable of fighting.

If the Lord of Calamity doesn't die, he will likely be crippled.

"Saint Knight Captain, the task of defeating the Imperial Sword Saint is entrusted to you."

Dekan smiled with relief, as if the gloom from the previous two battles when he was strategizing had been dispelled, and his usual sunny optimism returned to his face.

He was extremely weak at this moment and was clearly no longer able to fight.

"I assure you, I will fight with all my might to defeat the Empire."

Alger stopped the treatment, looked at Dekan, and said, word by word.

"Okay, it's a deal."

Dekan smiled with satisfaction and gave Alger a fist bump.

Alger hesitated slightly, but still extended his hand and lightly bumped fists with Dekan.

Dekan then chose to surrender.

His figure gradually faded and disappeared.

The words "[Winner: Alger!]" appeared in the sky above, a celebratory message.

"..."

Alger looked up at the sky, his expression revealing deep regret.

Even so, they won the game.

But he felt he had still lost, utterly defeated.

Then I exited Phantom Canyon.

"The Lord of Calamity probably never dreamed that Dekan wasn't there to compete, but to hunt him down."

"What a moving duel!!"

"Although Dekan didn't play a single game, I think he's the best player in this tournament."

Many viewers felt that the mutual respect between the two when they bumped fists at the end would undoubtedly be the most unforgettable scene of this year's Hero Festival.

This is the true symbol of the kingdom's heroic spirit!

However.

"Etc."

Something seems off...

Viewers watching the screen gradually began to realize a problem.

That is.

Why did Alger leave Phantom Canyon?

The screen still shows an empty Phantom Canyon?

The match is already over, isn't it?

"I※!!!"

The next second, the audience screamed in surprise.

All I saw was...

In the scene where Dekan had disappeared, his figure reappeared mysteriously.

The words "[Winner: Alger!]" in the sky gradually disappeared.

Instead, it reads "[Winner: Dekan!]".

"What's going on?!"

"There's a malfunction?!"

"※!!! The exit effect and the opponent's victory message just Dekan, could it have been something he did himself using [Phantom Barrier]?!"

"This beast has no shame! Give me back my gratitude!!"

Instantly, the audience, who were initially excited and moved, turned into shouting and cursing.

Alger, however, returned to the present world.

His eyes widened, and he stared back at the screen with an expression of utter disbelief.

In the video, Dekan is seen laughing heartily with his hands on his hips.

"Hahahaha! Defeat the Lord of Calamity! Win the championship! I want it all!!"

Although Dekan's face was still somewhat pale.

But it seems that Alger has basically cured him.

He once again effortlessly eliminated an opponent!

Successfully made it to the finals!