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Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva-Chapter 547 - 217: A Dazzling Entrance _2
"Unlike the lottery, the prize ticket system explicitly states that the value of the prize cannot exceed ten times the face value of the ticket, and the consolation prize must not be less than one-quarter of the ticket’s face value."
"It’s a kind of promotion and a way to add fun by selling merchandise."
"I’m back, what are you guys talking about, is it the prize tickets? I bought them all, yo, the entire collection from all six academies~" Ruby’s voice suddenly appeared from behind the three, and then she popped her head out, snuggling up next to Tilan.
"Ever since I became wealthy, I buy them every year because it’s part of the persona too, which lets me show everyone that I’m a devoted fan~" Ruby talked about the little tricks in building an idol’s image.
"When an idol shows such devotion, the fans gradually get influenced, meaning they’ll also buy all of my merchandise to collect and keep as memorabilia~"
"You really put a lot of thought into it," the other three teased Ruby with amusement, and then she swiveled the chair around to sit next to them.
"Why are you back so soon? Didn’t you say you were going to make an appearance among the fans?" Efnie asked curiously.
"That was just for the opening, and now everyone’s attention is on discussing the new rising star; the competition is nearly over, and there’s nothing particularly attractive left, so I came back early." Ruby said as she reached over Deloris to get to the popcorn bucket in Tilan’s arms, grabbed a handful, and started nibbling on it.
"I’m a bit hungry too, I’ve been eating less lately because of my diet."
"You don’t need to diet, though," Deloris said, not understanding.
"I do, I do. Even though I’m not fat, if I wear a crop top, I can’t have any belly fat, and summer in South First District is coming. I still have to go take photos for the beach swimsuit shoot during this vacation, and having a good figure is very important." Ruby waved her finger, talking about the not-so-simple and easy life of an idol.
"The beach, huh..." Deloris remembered something, and glanced at Tilan beside her.
Sensing something was amiss, Tilan pretended not to hear and continued to bring up other topics.
"I officially take the stage tomorrow."
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"Tilan, good luck~ It would be even better if you could take a photo with me tomorrow, let me also ride on Tilan’s popularity." Ruby raised her hand, expressing her wish.
Although she was also an idol with a certain level of popularity, compared to a Songstress — a rare species — her fan base was still too small. Only a small portion of the young demographic liked her, but Songstresses’ influence crossed age barriers, from children in elementary school to people in their eighties, most knew the names of a few current federation Songstresses or had listened to their work.
"Riding on someone else’s popularity, that feels so fresh." This was the first time Tilan had experienced this situation; she only used to hear about it.
As the four chatted, today’s contest at the venue also slowly came to a close. Compared to the opening situation, the outcome hadn’t changed much.
Out of 24 candidates, Saint Yingo had 8, Edith 6, Swarm’s Reign 4, Crystal Lattice 3, Lelysia 2, Thunder Edge 1.
As night passed, the next day the internet was filled with various discussions, and the attention to this year’s Winter Festival contest climbed higher and higher, far surpassing that of previous years.
"Who will end up victorious, the upsets coming out of this contest"
"It’s not just Levito, but those quietly advancing players"
"Can Saint Yingo still maintain their first-place throne?"
"The lady of Swarm’s Reign, Luligeta’s exquisite performance"
"The blood-red scythe cutting through the contest, Sitasia’s battle montage"
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"The green-and-golden butterfly, Saint Yingo’s graceful dance"
"The Flame Spear falling from the sky, Levito"
"Crystal Lattice Academy’s spell improvements and new technology analysis"
"The love and hatred among the six major academies"
Under each topic, there were various discussions taking place. It happened to be the holidays, and as the topics spread, more and more people inadvertently began to pay attention to this year’s Winter Festival Tournament.
——————
The following evening, the Tournament venue was not yet fully open, but members from various academies had already arrived and were preparing in their respective areas.
"So, there are only ten of us, huh?" Tilan looked at the few familiar faces in front of her and recalled their names and respective strengths.
"Yes, today there are a total of 48 contestants. Compared to before, having ten people enter the fourth round is already a significant improvement." Teacher N walked over, advising Tilan not to be too harsh on herself.
"Those who were injured yesterday have mostly recovered. Although I, too, would like to say some encouraging words, it seems you all prefer to hear Tilan say something."
As the team-leading teacher, Teacher N clapped his hands and simply yielded his spot, inviting Tilan onto a small platform. Today, Tilan was dressed in a white, simplistic dress with black stockings, which outlined her exquisite figure—her slender legs without a hint of excess fat. The translucent black stockings, set against the stark white dress, created a unique aesthetic appeal; the simple black-and-white color scheme far surpassed the impact of other luxurious dresses.
Gazing at the eager and expectant eyes below, the girl wanted to say something encouraging but didn’t really want to utter any arrogant grandiose speech; it wasn’t in her character.
She gently shook her head, casting away some of her nervousness and shyness, took a breath, and then spoke.
"Fight well today, and there will be rewards if you win."
With that single sentence, enthusiastic cheers erupted throughout the venue, not only from the other nine competitors but also from the many students who were curiously watching from behind.
Consequently, amidst a succession of cheers, whistles, and screams, Tilan led her students into the venue, where the outside was already buzzing with noise as students from all the academies took their seats.
"Ladies and gentlemen~ Welcome to the third night of the Winter Festival Tournament. Tonight, we will witness the fourth round of individual competition and unveil the secret competitors from various academies. I’m sure you have all been eagerly waiting. Without any delay, allow me to introduce them!"
Countless lights swayed and spun inside the venue, then the intense, fast-paced background music came to an abrupt halt, and all the lights converged onto the stage of Thunder Edge Academy.
"The elites of Thunder Edge, they are: Sweitevi, Kragon, Fuyu Wu, and Noah!"
A group of students in deep blue uniforms, as straight as spears, stood arrayed in front, with four students standing steadfast, their arms adorned with the emblems of lightning and longswords.
After the lights and music converged for a few seconds, a figure draped in a wide-shouldered cape stepped out, followed by the background music’s vigorous violin strings playing again. The neatly standing students turned and faced each other, forming a path for him to walk through slowly, as if a general passing through an array of loyal and elite soldiers.
"And their unanimously united leader, Flame Spear Levito!"
This figure, illuminated by innumerable lights, stood firmly at the forefront and slowly lifted his head to reveal golden eyes beneath the brim of his hat. Following that, a spiraling long spear shot down from the sky, piercing the ground before him, for him to seize and then thrust into the earth, leveling the tail of the spear with his chest.
"Victorious Thunder Edge!"
"Victorious Thunder Edge!" The students behind him also shouted in unison, their voices resonating powerfully and leaving an awe-inspiring impact.
Deserving of its military academy reputation, Thunder Edge’s opening had raised the venue’s atmosphere to a fervent pitch. Although they had the fewest members in the fourth round this time, the spectacle still managed to get the blood of many youngsters watching on television pumping, envisioning Thunder Edge as the ideal academy to enroll in the future.
After introducing Thunder Edge, the venue’s lights once again slowly dimmed, followed by the resumption of music—this time, the background tones were more sacred and ethereal. Soft golden lights descended from above, converging on the stage of Lelisa Academy.
Nuns with white cloth over their eyes walked onto the stage, each holding a balance-scale-like bronze candle holder. In the middle, there was a burning white candle.
Flecks of golden flame flickered, and amidst the hazy, shimmering light, students draped in sacred white robes stepped forward, six of them holding Cross Holy Swords, forming an outward-facing circle; in the middle of the circle, an emblem of angel wings lit up.
Lovely, equal, holy—these three ideals of Lelisa Academy, and also the beliefs of the mainstream church, shone brightly at that moment.
Seraphiel at the very front slowly opened her bright blue eyes, then her hood gradually slipped down, and specks of golden Light Sand fell from the sky.
"Praise to You, holy guide, the miracle cited by a myriad of stars, the eternal cradle’s wings, His Highness Loranshir."