"Ladies and gentlemen! After three rounds of preliminaries, it's finally time for the official fourth-round matches to begin!"
"This time, we have two incredibly powerful contestants facing each other. Both sides have garnered immense attention and become the center of discussions throughout the previous rounds. Today, they will clash on this stage, and we can't wait to witness this match."
"That's right! First, let's introduce the contestants. On the east side, we have Contestant Ardi and Contestant Rimsy. In the previous three rounds of preliminaries, these two contestants consistently adhered to the 'one-minute declaration' approach, refraining from launching attacks for the first minute of each match. They effortlessly secured victories and are now considered top contenders for this year's Phoenix Festa championship!"
"On the west side, we have Contestant Fang and Contestant Cecily Wong. They've also performed exceptionally well in the previous three rounds of preliminaries, concluding each match in less than a minute. Contestant Fang has refrained from making a move and has been observing, making them strong contenders for the championship!"
"So, will we witness a different kind of match today? Will Ardi and Rimsy's one-minute declaration be broken? Will Contestant Fang finally make a move? Let's stay tuned!"
As the live broadcast continued, the cheers within Sirius Dome grew even more exuberant, reaching ear-splitting levels that made eardrums tingle.
On the stage, the pillar-like platforms had risen, opening their entrances, and both pairs of contestants were slowly walking into the arena.
This match had garnered the attention of many.
In the VIP room of Seidoukan Academy, led by Claudia, Julis, Toudou Kirin, Sasamiya Saya, and even Amagiri Ayato were present and were looking forward to this match, they all wore serious expressions as they watched the contestants make their way into the arena via the Space Screen.
In the contestant lounge of Arlequint Research Institute, Ernesta and Camilla had also opened the Space Screen. One had a smile on her face, while the other maintained a solemn demeanor, both closely observing the match.
In the Yellow Dragon Temple audience room of Jie Long Seventh Academy, Fan Xinglou, Zhao Hufeng, and the Li siblings were present, watching Fang Li and Cecily as they walked toward the stage.
Countless people were watching this match, causing the viewership numbers to skyrocket on various websites, creating an exhilarating atmosphere.
Sirius Dome, on the stage.
Fang Li raised his head and looked ahead.
He saw that Ardi and Rimsy had already entered the arena, standing side by side. One stood tall and proud, while the other appeared exceptionally cold. They awaited the entrance of their opponents.
This was the first time Fang Li had faced these two puppets in a face-to-face manner. As a result, he could sense something he hadn't noticed before.
That was the extremely concentrated mana flowing within the bodies of these two puppets.
Inside the bodies of these two puppets, they must have used Manadyte with exceptionally high purity as their core. Otherwise, they wouldn't be so powerful.
In this situation, Ardi extended his hand and pointed it toward Fang Li and Cecily. In a solemn yet emotional tone, he made his declaration.
"Humans, as in previous matches, we shall grant you one minute's time. Seize the opportunity and attack to your heart's content!"
Ardi's declaration immediately garnered a reaction from the live broadcast.
"It's happening, it's happening! Contestant Ardi's one-minute declaration is here again!"
"Even in the official matches, they're making this concession. In a way, that's quite impressive."
Not only was the live broadcast crew excited, but the audience in the stands also simultaneously erupted in cheers. The waves of sound grew louder and more tumultuous.
Fang Li and Cecily exchanged glances and both smiled.
However, before they could express themselves, something unexpected occurred.
"Boom!"
A heavy, resounding noise suddenly echoed in the surroundings.
The sound of a gun-shaped Lux being heavily struck on Ardi's head resonated loudly.
"Ouch!" Ardi immediately clutched his head, crouching down and crying out in pain.
At this moment, Rimsy, who was holding the gun-shaped Lux, retracted the weapon and coldly remarked, "You useless piece of scrap metal! Your head is made of iron, did you metalize your analytical ability too? You might as well be scrapped as a defective product!"
"What are you saying, Rimsy?" Ardi protested, "We were only conducting our usual declaration. Why did you attack?"
"That's because your head has clearly rusted. It's completely useless now. I might as well smash it here," Rimsy raised the gun in his hand, pressing it against Ardi's forehead, and said coldly, "They're supposed to be an opponent our Masters specifically cautioned us to be wary of. Yet, you gave others the chance to attack. Your thought processes are not only malfunctioning but your memory ability is also crippled. Keeping you here truly brings shame to our Masters."
"Um, don't say that, Rimsy," Ardi's tone softened, but he continued, "This is also to showcase our Masters' greatness and demonstrate our power to the world. Making a small concession should be fine, right?"
"Shut up." Rimsy kept tapping Ardi's head with the gun barrel, maintaining her icy expression.
Watching Ardi and Rimsy engage in this seemingly casual back-and-forth, Fang Li and Cecily were left speechless.
"Hahaha!" Laughter erupted from the surrounding audience stands, turning the cheers into laughter throughout the arena.
"Ugh…" Fang Li could only scratch his cheek and ask Cecily, "Senior Sister, what kind of expression should we be wearing at a time like this?"
"How should I know?" Cecily replied, narrowing her eyes and sounding exasperated. "I can't figure out if there's something wrong with those two puppets themselves or if they're underestimating us."
Meanwhile, Ardi had freed himself from Rimsy and continued to address them.
"Anyway, we'll give you one minute. Seize the opportunity and attack!"
Hearing these words, Fang Li smiled.
"Is that so?" Fang Li said indifferently. "Then I won't hold back."
With that, he made his move.
"Boom!"
With a resounding and lightning-fast leap, Fang Li shot toward Ardi like lightning, landing in front of him in less than a second.
"What…?!" Ardi exclaimed in shock.
"So fast!" Rimsy's eyes narrowed in the next moment.
Immediately, a blade of light suddenly illuminated, cutting through the space, and viciously slashed toward the emblem on Ardi's chest.
The target was the school emblem in front of Ardi.
...
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