Compared to the individual competition, the number of participating countries in the team competition was significantly reduced.
Only 64 national teams qualified to compete.
There is a special rule here.
Only the countries with players who ranked in the top 64 in the previous individual competition are eligible to participate in the next team competition.
The individual competition ranking determines the spots for the team competition.
With only 64 countries competing, naturally, there are only 64 teams.
This first round is an elimination match, reducing the field from 64 to 32.
This means that winning six consecutive matches will secure the championship.
"The draw for the first opening match is complete!"
"First to take the stage… huh?"
The official commentator's tone suddenly paused, and amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, they continued with a mix of excitement and slight embarrassment:
"It's our old friends again, the team from the Dragon Kingdom, the Panda Warriors! This is also the team of the individual competition champion!"
"Let's give them a warm round of applause as they take the stage!"
As pandas are the national treasure of the Dragon Kingdom, the country's teams have consistently named themselves after the panda in each Monster Battle Tournament.
The reason behind this tradition is said to stem from the Dragon Lord's youngest daughter, who loved pandas so much that it was decided this way during the first tournament.
The tradition has continued to this day.
It must be said, such an adorable team name somewhat lessens the intimidating aura of the Dragon Kingdom's team.
As soon as the commentator finished speaking.
A murmur of surprise spread through the audience.
And then all eyes once again focused on the Dragon Kingdom's team members.
Oh…
How is it that the opening match once again features the team with Ling Zhan?
It seems that after the uproar caused by the opening match of the individual competition, the officials believe that having the non-specialist's team take the stage first would generate the most buzz.
It's as if the "non-specialist" has become the officials' secret to drawing attention.
And it's working!
At least 80% of the audience immediately showed expressions of excitement and anticipation.
In the individual competition, Ling Zhan left an impression of absolute dominance through overwhelming strength.
So, in the team competition, under the focus of multiple Dark Priests, can he continue to demonstrate his absolute suppression?
Meanwhile.
Ling Zhan's teammates in the same team finally understood the immense pressure that the non-specialist was under.
Whether it was from the audience or the other national teams.
All eyes were on them.
Eyes filled with fear, hope, mockery, and challenge shot at them from all directions.
Even with so many teammates sharing the burden of these gazes, they still felt the pressure.
It's unimaginable…
How immense the pressure must have been for the non-specialist during the individual competition!
Not only did he face others' contempt and criticism, but he also had to withstand various hostile stares.
Thinking of this.
The teammates' admiration for this non-specialist's resilient mindset grew even stronger.
"The draw is complete!"
"The team that will face the Dragon Kingdom Panda Warriors has been determined!"
"It's the Spirit Chain Team from the Muling Empire!"
When the official commentator finally announced the draw result.
Wow!!
The audience erupted in shock!
"The Muling Empire!"
"It's the Muling Empire!"
"The Dragon Kingdom team is facing last year's third-place team right from the start!"
Amidst the chaotic uproar, someone revealed the identity of this team that was relatively unknown in the individual competition but fiercely competitive in the team events!!
This is a rather unique team!
Because every citizen of the Muling Empire isn't human, but rather a type of spiritual lifeform with intelligence equal to humans!
And the most peculiar thing is…
All Muling share a special bonding magic.
'Life Sharing.'
It's similar to the 'Life Link' passive skill possessed by Necromancers and Summoners.
The 'Life Link' effect allows you to link your life to your summoned spirits, undead, or other entities.
Unless you wipe out all my summons in one go, no matter how you attack my main body, I can avoid fatal damage by sacrificing one of my summons.
Simply put, it lets the summoned creature die in your place.
The Muling's 'Life Sharing' works on a similar principle.
But the difference is…
'Life Sharing' allows the Muling to transfer some of their life force to heal a companion when they take damage.
Moreover…
All Muling share the same senses, emotions, and have no gender distinctions.
The Muling Empire has a 'Rebirth Tree,' and whenever a Muling nears the end of their life, other Muling will bury them beneath the tree.
Then, within a few days, the Rebirth Tree will bear fruit.
When the Rebirth Fruit ripens and falls to the ground, it transforms into a new Muling.
Hundreds of years ago, the existence of the Muling Empire was recognized through a world summit of all nations.
What used to be referred to as 'it' for Muling creatures has now changed to 'he.'
Although the Muling Empire only reached the top 64 in the individual competition, their team competition performance has always been outstanding.
Thanks to their shared senses, life force, and thoughts, their teamwork is nearly flawless.
The worst result the Muling team has ever had in team competitions is making the top eight.
As for winning the championship, they've done it more times than you can count on two hands in the past century.
However, last year, they only managed to secure third place, so they are surely aiming to push forward this time.
For an opening match…
The Muling Empire, as a former champion team, challenging the recently legendary non-specialist is certainly a formidable challenge.
Let's see if this non-specialist can continue leading his team and extend his legendary streak.
…
At this moment.
Both teams were already in position under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Fifty Muling, each standing only about 1.3 meters tall, and all round and plump like little meatballs, faced off against Ling Zhan and his team.
They had no necks, no noses, no mouths, and no ears.
Their round orange-yellow heads were set with two large gem-like black eyes, staring innocently at Ling Zhan and the others.
Their short arms held the weapons of their respective professions.
It's hard to imagine…
That such creatures were acknowledged by the heavens and granted the right to change professions.
As for their contract beasts, they hadn't been released from their 'Beast Space' yet.
"So cute!"
Female spectators in the audience had stars in their eyes as they looked at these adorable little beings.
"Both teams, please follow me into the 'Duel Space' in an orderly fashion!"
Under the referee's guidance.
Both teams entered the special duel space.
Then, a large high-tech holographic projection screen slowly rose from the center stage.
As the screen flickered.
You could see both teams appearing on a vast battlefield stretching beyond the horizon.
And the countdown finally began to tick down on the screen.
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