Chapter 44 - Upcoming Semifinals!
The 'Festa' is referred to as the preliminary competition/qualifier before determining the top 32. Only when entering the top 32 and using the 'Sirius Dome' as the unified venue does it qualify as the official competition.
This year's 'Lindwurm' has more than 200 participants, and it basically takes three days to determine the top 32.
According to the schedule of one match per person per day, Luke still has two matches to play in the preliminary competition.
He specifically checked the groupings and estimated that it was an operation carried out by the organizing committee. Sylvia, Orphelia, and Luke were all placed in different groups.
However, considering it, no matter from what perspective, the organizing committee would not allow these three currently highly anticipated individuals to meet prematurely.
In that case, even if there is a re-grouping in the official competition, it is likely that the earliest opportunity to encounter Sylvia and Orphelia would be in the semifinals.
"Counting the two matches in the preliminaries, there are still five matches to go."
Luke sighed. To be honest, facing opponents at the student level, he was having a hard time getting excited about the battles.
However, he was currently in a situation where he needed to express his fighting spirit.
In this year's 'Lindwurm,' the only ones who could arouse his fighting spirit and dispel any lingering frustration were Sylvia and Orphelia.
But there was no other choice. Luke shook his head and walked onto the stage amid cheers.
Bang—!
Drip—!
The match concluded, the winner: Luke Ashburn of Jielong Seventh Institute!
...
"The match of 'Extreme Swordsman' was just like yesterday. It was solved in an instant."
The host, Miko Yanase, was very excited.
Being able to broadcast this unprecedented 'Lindwurm Festa' was considered an honor, and it had significant benefits for her future career development.
However, she was just a live broadcaster. The real weight in the commentary came from her partner, the commentator Tracy.
"This can be considered the first appearance of 'Extreme Swordsman' in front of everyone. The level of strength displayed truly aligns with the fantasies people have had about him all along."
Also a swordsman, Tracy clearly understood more than others. He knew that what Luke was currently showing was not even one-thousandth of his full strength.
Otherwise, he wouldn't give such an evaluation as "meeting people's fantasies." It's worth noting that 'Extreme Swordsman' is a center of discussion in Asterisk City.
To become the focus of discussion gives an idea of how highly people must regard him.
Now what he's showing is just 'within expectations,' but there's another person worth mentioning.
"Compared to the 'Extreme Swordsman,' whose performance is within expectations, the 'Sigrdrifa' Sylvia is even more surprising."
Indeed, for most people, the evaluation of Sylvia Lyyneheym, the 'Sigrdrifa,' who has won both battles with overwhelming advantages, is unexpected.
Sylvia's strength is undeniable; being the top-ranked in the academy's hierarchy means she's not someone to be taken lightly.
However, the situation at Queenvail Girls' Academy is a bit delicate. As the top-ranked in this somewhat controversial academy, Sylvia was actually referred to in secret as the 'ace of the weakest academy' before this.
Who could blame people for having such an image of the school? Queenvail Girls' Academy, operating under the theme of 'idols,' hasn't produced any notable achievements recently, not to mention in its history.
Sylvia's popularity is high, but most of that comes from her identity as a 'World-Class Singer.' Even though people are aware of her strength, they wouldn't necessarily believe she could match up to 'monsters' like Luke and Orphelia.
But the situation is different now. Sylvia's performance in these two matches is not in the least inferior to the other two top-ranked individuals.
Even in terms of entertainment value, Sylvia surpasses them.
With her own strength, she has given the audience a completely new understanding of the 'World's Number One Singer.'
She has made everyone reevaluate why she was given the title of 'Sigrdrifa/Witch of War' and what truly defines 'Versatility.'
...
The competition continued at a steady pace, and even as it reached the top 32, there was not much change in the rhythm of the matches.
From start to finish, it was a dominating performance by the three top-ranked individuals.
Whether it was Luke's one-hit kill, Orphelia's unmoving stance, or Sylvia's graceful and magnificent display, they all deeply engraved themselves into the hearts of the audience.
Everyone was anticipating, looking forward to the true beginning of this 'Lindwurm Festa.'
With everyone's attention, the competition finally reached this moment.
In the semifinals, the 'Extreme Swordsman' Luke Ashburn vs. the 'Sigrdrifa' Sylvia Lyyneheym!
Like a carnival, the enthusiasm of the audience made Luke, who was already somewhat familiar with this stage, once again feel amazed.
"What's this? The renowned swordsman, could it be that even the great Luke feels pressure because of the audience's enthusiasm~"
Sylvia looked at Luke's performance and said with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
"If I say yes, would you go easy on me because of that?"
Luke shrugged, looking at Sylvia with an innocent expression.
In response to Luke's banter, Sylvia's face darkened.
"No way! Watch as I make you kneel and beg for mercy, for bullying me, for playing with young girls' hearts, for being a rogue, you swindler, villain, scoundrel, rogue, shameless rascal, shameless playboy..."
"Um... you seem to have repeated 'rogue' once..."
Looking innocent, Luke listened to Sylvia's complaints and, upon realizing she had repeated a word, kindly pointed it out.
"You dare to talk back!!!"
Sylvia instantly gave him a fierce glare.
From their conversation, it can be inferred that after this period of contact, Sylvia has come to know that her identity was exposed from the very beginning.
She also learned that the 'truth' she believed in at that time was mostly a result of her own imagination, and Luke merely took advantage of the situation.
Initially, when she found out about this, shame and anger made her want to sever ties with Luke.
However, upon realizing that Luke's strange behavior wasn't an act, her innate kindness overcame her anger.
She decided to help him. Using her singing to assist others was something she had always hoped for.
Absolutely not because Luke wanted to turn her crying into music and share it with the world.
As such a kind girl, how could she possibly help others only because of a threat?
Helping others with her singing was such a beautiful thing, and she felt obligated to do it!
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