Challenge

“In light of the Grand Mage’s status, the government has decided to allocate 120 hectares of land in the suburbs for Grand Mage Sean as a research area.

Additionally, the government will grant 5 billion in funding to construct a professional magical research complex for him, paving the way for the magical achievements he is certain to bring to the government in the future.”

The hall erupted in commotion.

The total budget of all the research projects Kona had just announced didn’t even reach 10 billion, yet now they were giving 5 billion just to build facilities for an outsider.

This was blatant favoritism.

Many felt stifled with indignation, but no one dared voice their displeasure in the face of Grand Mage Sean’s identity.

Kona turned to Sean and made a gesture of invitation.

Sean nodded and walked down from his seat.

When he stepped onto the platform, he smiled broadly.

“Everyone, though I have not been here long, I have already felt the strong atmosphere of academic research in this land, and I have witnessed many magical elites…”

Slok let out a cold snort.

“A Grand Mage really knows how to flatter others with such words.”

Despite the disdain, Sean’s gesture of lowering himself to compliment everyone in front of the entire assembly was effective.

The mages who had been displeased with the government’s 5 billion investment now looked slightly more appeased.

But for Sean, that was still not enough.

It was best to win not only approval but genuine respect.

“I do truly admire the magical achievements here.

But the place I come from is hardly a barbaric land.

I also have great confidence in my own magical attainments and accumulation.”

All the mages stirred.

This was it—the climax within the climax.

The confrontation between the locals and the outsider was finally about to begin.

Many mages turned their gaze toward Entis.

Entis closed his eyes and pressed his hand downward, signaling silence.

No one spoke.

The atmosphere was so quiet that only rapid breathing could be heard.

“So, I too hope to witness firsthand the magical accomplishments of this land.”

After saying this, Sean returned to his seat.

Though he had issued a challenge, he could not, as a Grand Mage, personally face off against Entis.

It was customary to appoint representatives to compete.

As Grand Mages, neither could afford to lose.

Even with a ninety-nine percent chance of victory, they would not risk their reputations.

Seeing things develop as he expected, Slok took a deep breath.

He lowered his voice and said to Collins, “This contest is different from the ones before.

In the past, it didn’t matter if we lost.

Letting Xiao Xuan or Aya step up was fine—we could afford defeat.

But this time…”

Usually, after these conferences ended, a few mages would challenge Entis’s family to casual matches.

Those matches were truly friendship first, competition second.

Winning or losing made little difference, aside from the nature of the gifts exchanged.

But this time, Grand Mage Sean was formally appearing in the local high magical circles, bringing his students and descendants under official sanction.

Victory or defeat here carried heavy political weight—so much that even Entis could not ignore it.

Still, not ignoring it did not mean he had to take it overly seriously.

Inviting Collins to attend was one matter.

Whether or not he could win was another.

Thus, when his son declared that they must win, Entis felt a flicker of displeasure.

“Slok, enough nonsense.”

After speaking, both Entis and Collins turned their gaze toward Mitt and Diana.

Diana gave a cold smile.

Entis nodded slightly.

“This girl is not weak.

But if she admits defeat, I hope you can show her some leniency.

What would you do?”

Collins rubbed his chin.

“I would say that if victory can only be won through the opponent’s mercy, then she had better not stand before me at all.”

Entis shook his head.

“You’re being far too blunt.”

“Grandfather, I am not like my father.

I dislike those roundabout games.

Besides, the other side doesn’t seem intent on facing us honorably anyway.”

Entis fell silent.

Collins fixed his gaze on Diana.

Diana raised her head and was just about to stand when her brother Mitt stretched out his hand to block her.

Mitt smiled warmly toward Collins in the distance.

“This time, let me take the lead for my sister.”

Sean’s eyelid twitched.

“I think it would be better for Miss Diana to make the first attempt.”

Sean’s chief disciple looked at Mitt with confusion.

Normally, the trump card was kept for the end.

Since Mitt’s magical attainment was higher than his sister’s, if one were to be treated as a disposable pawn, it ought to have been Diana.

Mitt shook his head and rose from his seat.

“I believe it’s better if I go first.

After all, if I go, our side will gain the greatest advantage.

My sister has no idea how to use the art of words.”

Mitt slowly walked up to the platform.