THE moment he was announced as the winner, Xia Lei instantly appeared inside the floating pavilion. At the same time, the Duke of Hearts flew down on the rink to do his usual commentary.

"Is it just this lord or was that fight really just went by in a flash?" he asked. One didn't know if he was being condescending or if he was really amazed. "It seems that the number one bet to win is finally showing us the reason why he's the number one."

The crowd cheered as if agreeing.

Xia Lei, who was drinking a high-grade potion, almost choked because of what the duke said. Did he really have to mention that bet? It's one of the reasons why he was being so hardheaded in simply using his sword skills in these fights. Because he knew most of those who bet for him only did so because he was a dragon.

If not for his sister, he might have continued being stubborn about it. He was probably even subconsciously thinking of losing on purpose just so he could piss those people off. Of course, he wouldn't do it. Aside from the fact that his sister would kick his ass if he did, he also didn't want to spit on the face of those few people who were genuinely supporting him.

"Now, onto the second match! This lord can't honestly make a guess on who you peasants chose because of the first pairing. Let's hope this next one makes more sense than the last."

After the duke said that, the huge virtual screen appeared again with two names rolling like a slot machine. It took a few seconds before two names appeared on it.

[Winged Tassel vs Malekith]

"Hmm… now this is another odd pairing," the duke said. "This lord really couldn't understand the logic behind the way you peasants chose the pairs that would fight in this quarter finals. Although this lord must say that this pairing is indeed very interesting."

Just like what the duke said, this time, Luo Yan truly couldn't understand the logic behind this.  He was actually expecting for him and Ying Chen to be paired up. After all, both of them were elves that belonged to the newly added 'Special race' category. But it seemed that majority of people didn't think so.

He glanced at Ying Chen. The other also seemed surprised by this outcome. But his expression slowly turned into that of an evil villain because of the smile that suddenly crossed his face. 

He must be happy that he'd fight Winged Tassel. The only reason Luo Yan could think of was because Winged Tassel was the one who defeated the panther beastkin. The other might have think of this as some kind of revenge. Knowing Ying Chen's personality, that's very likely.

And Luo Yan was indeed right.

Although Ying Chen was disappointed that he could no longer fight with Noctis in this round, this Winged Tassed guy was certainly a welcome alternative. At least, he could pay him back for the defeat that Liang Sen experienced. 

Liang Sen could be infuriating at times but he was his friend. In fact, it would probably be more accurate to say that other than Huang Wen, he was his only friend. The three of them grew up together because their families were friends. They always played together when they were kids, with Huang Wen being their leader.

But as they grew up, Ying Chen also discovered his sexuality. It was a struggle, really, being different. It was even harder for him because he ended up liking Huang Wen – one of the two people he considered as friends. The realization made him feel like he's drowning. The fear that Huang Wen would find out about his feelings ate at him every day. It was Liang Sen who saved him. 

He still remembered what happened back then. It was the summer vacation before the start of his last year in middle school. Liang Sen suddenly barged in his room. He had been avoiding the two for days now, so, he was surprised seeing the other. 

Liang Sen did not waste time and simply asked him the reason why he was avoiding them. He couldn't really answer him, he couldn't even remember what he said back. But it was probably something hurtful. He knew how he tend to be mean whenever he felt cornered or flustered. It's a bad trait that he still had until now.

What he did remember was what Liang Sen said after.

=====

"Is it because you like Huang Wen?"

Ying Chen was so shocked when he heard that. But his expression right then probably answered the other's question.

"I know there are people out there who doesn't conform to the norm and are different. But what's wrong with that? It's not criminal to be different," Liang Sen with indignation. "I don't care if you like Huang Wen. Because it won't change the fact that we're friends. You're still you. It's not like liking another guy turned you into a monster or something. So, don't coop yourself here, looking like it's the end of the world. Come, let's play Arcadia."

=====

That little talk probably pulled him out of the quagmire he was in. Liang Sen accepting the fact that he's gay as if it was nothing helped him get through that phase. He would probably be a complete loner if not for him.

And for that, he would forever be grateful.

"Then, let the second match start!"

As soon as the Duke of Hearts said that, Ying Chen and Winged Tassel were transferred to the rink. 

Ying Chen stared at the smiling guy in front of him. And he also smiled back. Just that, his smile was more like of a villain. Well, it certainly matched Winged Tassel's creepy smile. 

Just like the first match, a countdown appeared between them.

3…2…1!

Ying Chen didn't waste time and used his strongest AoE skill – [Dark Land].. And the rink was suddenly filled with darkness.

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