However, since the Alchemists from the army aren't well-known, this competition wasn't considered an upset, as the response in the square was far less than their previous match.

Ande glanced around and continued: "Rolin has Count Westwood Sibika on his side, so naturally I can't just sit back and do nothing for my student. I came to discuss the details of the upcoming competition with you all. Do you know what the next match looks like?"

Everyone shook their heads. They had only heard a hint from Hawk-Beak Bean, but regarding the details of the match, even Hawk-Beak Bean himself didn't know, let alone the others?

However, they exchanged glances at Fang Hong, surprised that someone would compare Rolin to Fang Hong, which seemed rather exaggerated. After all, the former was one of Idus' Dragon Slaying Heroes, while Fang Hong had no previous reputation. They could only interpret it as blind confidence in his own student.

Of course, Cui Yu and Dill shared a glance, both recalling the scene in the café earlier.

Ande wasn't surprised by their reaction, so he carefully explained the rules of the final match.

According to the old man's description, due to the temporary change in the competition format, the final match actually involves five competing teams.

Besides them and the Shadow Throne, there were two regular teams—the Ancient Tower's team and Colin Ishurian's team. Originally, the Colin Ishurian delegation was actually the Kapuka Artisan Association; however, due to some reasons, the Kapuka Artisan Association didn't arrive in Fanric on time.

Thus, their slot was given over to the Golande Artisan's General Guild team. However, the Golande Artisan's General Guild team has not been fully assembled yet. According to Fang Hong's idea, it might be formed by selecting a few athletes from the lists submitted by various Summoners' Guilds to build this temporary team.

The last team left is the one organized around 'Rolin' by Elfendo. While this team appears to be a makeshift group, Fang Hong knew that this team is actually the protagonist of the competition.

Ande privately told him that besides Rolin, there is at least one veteran who has been to the Hall of Thousand Doors. Count Westwood Sibika intends to go all out for her student this time.

Despite having five competition teams, the match itself consisted of only one round.

"To be fair," Ande replied, "for the final competition topic, the Elpaxin draft method will be used."

Upon hearing this term, Soul Fingerprint raised an eyebrow.

The so-called Elpaxin draft means there is no ban mode. In the competition, each team chooses a specialty domain, and since there are five teams in total, five topics should ultimately be selected.

"This format is advantageous for us," Fang Hong replied, "We can at least ensure Cui Yu and Dill get one topic they are skilled in."

His notion of a skill domain naturally involves recycling the techniques taught earlier. Without that, they wouldn't stand a chance against the regular competitors in the finals.

Only the Elf Legacy has the power to contend.

"This was proposed by the Old Speaker," Ande mentioned.

Fang Hong understood tacitly.

"But with five topics," Hawk-Beak Bean couldn't help but say, "we only have four people?"

"This is the captain format," Soul Fingerprint explained, "where the captain completes two of the topics, while the others each complete one."

She paused and continued: "However, this demands a lot from the captain, because among the topics, only the lower score is taken as the valid score and added to the team's total. Generally, the captain is responsible for the more challenging topics, requiring wide-ranging skills and comprehensive abilities."

The crowd instinctively looked towards Fang Hong.

But Fang Hong didn't think much about it; his thoughts were instead on Rolin.

Count Westwood Sibika agreed to such a format, implying that he is also a versatile participant, but to what extent compared to himself?

Ande noticed his unperturbed demeanor and whispered, "Are you alright?"

Fang Hong replied without hesitation, "I think I can manage."

"Think you can manage?"

Ande couldn't resist pulling him to the side, whispering, "Be psychologically prepared, things aren't that simple."

Fang Hong was taken aback, "Why do you say that?"

"I suspect Pudra is in cahoots with that Westwood Sibika guy. They've bribed the Rose Cross Army, and the Shadow Throne is their planted scheme," Ande frowned slightly, "If the Shadow Throne is indeed theirs, you're at a total disadvantage."

He sighed, "This is why I insisted on arranging the match in the regular phase—three against two is a better chance than two against one."

Fang Hong glanced at his teacher, surprised to realize this had been long planned.

However, the old man shook his head and said, "Don't look at me; this was your little fox's arrangement."

Fang Hong was a bit embarrassed upon hearing this.

But he recalled the official from the Super Competitive League's words earlier, seeming to confirm this.

If this were truly the case, the days ahead would be filled with fierce battles.

He gently furrowed his brows.

"Ade," Ande sighed, "Count Westwood Sibika has high hopes for Rolin, going to great lengths for his fame in this match. It's a pity this isn't ten years ago; had it been, I wouldn't let my student endure this injustice."

"Elfendo has changed after all, and when my old friend was still alive, how could we overlook it when the Southern Region Alliance abandoned its promises? Prince Mawei had declined, and the promises we made when Sir Mawei left are now forgotten."

He softly patted Fang Hong's shoulder: "Do your best; even if we don't win, there's still hope."

Fang Hong paused, turned back, and saw the old man quietly gazing into the distance, "Ade, don't let down the little girl from the Albert family; you're the only one who can help her now. Even I am stuck in this quagmire."

Fang Hong listened and simply bowed his head, examining his palm.

Then he gently clenched his fist.

He never planned to give up.

...

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