Under everyone's eager gaze, Thief Spirit Bartrus came to his senses and swallowed the Silver Goblet Badge whole.
"Ahem... Hehehe~"
"Sorry, everyone. I seem to have swallowed the badge. If I try hard enough, I should be able to pass it."
"But you'll have to give me some time, right? Let's see... At least five business days."
"Five business days?" Apophis frowned. "By then, the sacred flame holding back the Black Tide will have gone out!"
"Forget it. We've achieved our goal." Apophis looked at Yan Huan.
"Let's just start the match. Mr. Yan Huan is right—the badge is only a formality."
But then the Mountain Folk shook his head.
"...Dalian doesn't want to compete anymore."
"I want Baturus to take my place."
"???" Yan Huan stared at the Mountain Folk. "Buddy, what's wrong with you?"
"This kid stole your badge. Now that we've finally caught him, you want to let him steal your spot in the competition too?"
"Exactly," Apophis urged.
"Contestant Dalian, isn't that playing right into his hands?!"
"Of course I know." Dalian looked at Yan Huan.
"Lord Yan Huan is formidable in combat, and his ability to deploy his seals in Seal Clash Battle is extraordinary."
"I know I can't beat him, even if I give it everything I have."
"So, Baturus, steal a victory for me as compensation..."
"Huh?" The Thief Spirit shot the Mountain Folk a surprised glance.
"Hehehe, you're just afraid of losing too badly, so you want me to win a match for you?"
"Since you've put it that way, then I'll—" The Thief Spirit crooked a finger, and several of the Mountain Folk's little seals came over to his side.
"Compete for you."
"You think switching contestants will change the result?" Yan Huan folded his arms, utterly unmoved.
"Bubble, show this