Chapter 17 - Dragon Tooth Field: The Night Before the Official Duel

In the Dragon Fang Arena of Dongyun Academy, a storm is brewing in the silence. Tomorrow, the Magic Department and the Swordsmanship Department will have their official showdown here. This will be the first high-profile competition in the Academy's history in which a non-traditional fighting system will challenge orthodox swordsmanship.The Tactics Department has announced that this battle has received "strategic level certification," meaning that the outcome will directly affect the course structure, resource allocation, and reshaping of the power dynamics within the Academy.The entire campus is in an uproar.Magic Department BasementThe Magic Department's training hall is as brightly lit as ever.Feng Ke stands in front of the central formation array, three groups of simulated tactical layers floating beside him. The cards in his hand flip like flowing light, each reflecting a potential clash.Aelfi leans against the wall, chewing on an energy bar: "Practicing more is useless; you've already simulated it hundreds of times."Didn't you already know... that the Swordsmanship Department won't fight the 'standard battle' you set up?"Feng Ke doesn't turn around and whispers, "I know.""So I have to think carefully - not just about how to win, but how to win in the most difficult way to counter."Rein sits far away, watching the data stream: "The three from the Swordsmanship Department are among the few who can break through the projection of ritual formations in close combat. They don't 'break' from the formations, they directly 'destroy' on the battlefield.""Especially Bai Gong Qian Li. Her slashing frequency... is almost enough to 'disrupt the time delay of ritual formation construction.'"Aelfi rolled her eyes: "This is a sorcerer's nightmare."Feng Ke nods: " "The more it is like this, the more we have to create a ritual process that they cannot break.""Shifting from 'confrontation' to 'leadership'-leading them to cut in the wrong direction, causing them to miss the chance to win themselves."The three exchange glances, silently understanding. This is the last night.What they are betting on is not fame, not resources. It is the very right to exist of the entire magic system.Meanwhile, at the top of the Swordsmanship Department dormitory, Jiu Yuan Cang Ya stands on the balcony, looking at the silhouette of the Dragon Fang Arena in the distance.Bai Gong Qian Li approaches with a cup of red tea, her gaze calm."He will use tricks.""I know," Jiu Yuan takes the red tea and drinks it indifferently."Aren't you afraid?" Qian Li presses.Jiu Yuan thinks for a moment, her voice slow:"Afraid. But not afraid of losing.""I'm afraid-his magic can truly prove that tradition is outdated.""When that day comes...I won't be able to claim 'orthodoxy' anymore."Qian Li remains silent for a long time. "You are strong because of your beliefs, and he is fighting for his beliefs."Jiu Yuan smiles: "Isn't that fair? Tomorrow, let us cut out the answer."Battle Announcement Noticeboard・Update![Duel Confirmation]: Magic Department vs. Swordsmanship DepartmentVenue: Dragon Fang Arena・Core Practice SpaceTime: Tomorrow at noon sharpFormat: Three-on-three tactical relay system※Audience limit of 300 people, queuing in advance with entrance pass※This battle is a strategic level exhibition match, and the Tactics Department mentors will observe and evaluate throughoutCharacter Quote・Bai Gong Qian Li"Sorcerers form arrays with reason, while swordsmen slash with intuition. But in front of you, I must admit... sometimes reason is more like a knife."