The final is nearing its end, and the contestants have finished performing their acts. There's only 15 minutes left for canvassing votes.

The popularity of the four young girls is way ahead, so smoothly securing the top four positions should be no problem.

Meanwhile, the judges are gradually starting to comment on this final, and soon it's Theo's turn.

Shami looks over.

The only variable on stage now is this guy Theo.

Theo stands up from the judges' seat and walks to the front of the stage.

During the latter half of the final, Theo appears very calm, but inside, he's been struggling.

On one side is the justice symbolizing fairness in the competition, and on the other is the solid 100,000 Gold Coins. This isn't a choice that can be made easily.

But Theo eventually makes his decision; he slowly looks over at Shami.

Their gazes meet.

Shami knows it's secure.

"Next up, we invite Judge Theo to select the Best Newcomer award!"

Under the host's moderation, Theo takes the microphone, looks around at the contestants still on stage, and finally, his gaze shifts from contestant number 9 to contestant number 8.

"I intend to…"

Just as Theo is about to speak, contestant number 8 raises his hand, interrupting him.

"Wait a minute, I have something important to say."

The entire stadium focuses their attention on him.

The 200-pound, 5-foot-tall contestant number 8 slowly walks forward, resolutely looking ahead.

"Thank you all for your support along the way. I can also feel everyone's enthusiasm and encouragement towards me."

"No, actually your popularity has been low all along, just slightly higher than Bone Frame's, whose popularity is at zero."

Shami mocks the contestant number 8 for playing fake matches, unsure for a moment what this is all about.

"But I announce that I will withdraw from this competition and not participate in the contention for any awards thereafter."

The voice of contestant number 8 causes an uproar in the stadium.

"Withdraw from the competition?!"

"Is there some shady dealings?"

"This guy actually is a contestant; I always thought he was someone the organizers asked to fill in!"

The audience discusses among themselves, but contestant number 8 remains unchanged.

"Although I know my appearance poses a great threat to the championship, I am also a failureist; success is fleeting, while failure is the main theme of life. Until we meet again! Meanwhile, as an environmentalist, I condemn the organizers for wasting paper…"

"Still making excuses?! You were obviously invited by the organizers!"

Contestant number 8 is quickly pulled offstage by the organizers.

The brief, but vote-unaffected, farce ends.

Theo, bewildered, looks at Shami.

Shami immediately understands his expression.

With contestant number 8 gone, Theo suddenly doesn't know where to cast his vote.

Shami hastily signals with his eyes, but Theo's gaze has returned to contestant number 9.

This won't do, Theo! Even if you vote for Bone Frame, who's still hanging, don't vote for contestant number 9!

"Please, Judge Theo, cast your precious vote!"

The whole stadium, and those watching the stage through the Live Crystal, hold their breath for this moment.

Shami nervously clenches his hands.

Theo's forefinger slowly points towards the 10 contestants.

"I want to vote for…"

Shami swallows.

"It's commercial time! After the ad, things get even more exciting! Who will the final champion be, find out right after the ad!"

At this time, upbeat background music from the surround speakers on the stage covers Theo's voice.

The ad team, long ready backstage, steps onto the stage and swiftly promotes the brand.

"It's actually ad time... looks like the situation can still be salvaged."

Shami runs backstage to find Theo.

Men's restroom.

Shami opens the door to the innermost stall and finds Theo sitting on the toilet.

Theo is startled, hurriedly pulls up his pants, and looks at Shami with wide eyes.

"Is this your spawn point, Shami? Why do I always run into you in the restroom!"

"Aren't you the one? Why do you always come here when you're free? Replenish energy?"

Shami doesn't want to meet Theo in the restroom every time, but this guy always runs to the toilet when he leaves the judges' seat.

The two have no choice but to meet here time and time again.

"Of course not. Previously, when I got tricked, and sold to the Hongshawa Region, I stayed there for more than a month, those guys wanted to mess with my kidneys."

Theo retorted.

"I never heard you mention this experience before!"

"Because it happened when I was kidnapped for the third time."

"You've been kidnapped so many times?! You say you're traveling, but you're actually just being taken around!"

The atmosphere quiets down, Shami also calms down and sees the word 'miserable' clearly on Theo's face.

"Sorry… do you still have your kidneys?"

"Almost didn't have them anymore. At that time, I was already pushed onto the operating table, injected with anesthesia, and suddenly, an adventurer group hired by the kingdom stormed in and arrested the criminals inside. I was rescued too. Although I still have my kidneys, it seems a slight mental disorder was left on my nerves. Since then, whenever I get nervous, I feel the urge to urinate."

So that's how it is.

Shami sympathetically pats Theo's shoulder.

However, sympathy is one thing, serious matters are another.

"You have to vote soon, contestant number 8 has already left, are you going to continue voting for contestant number 9?"

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