ant to believe in him too.Thus, the two of them naturally came to possess an identity that could allow them to mingle with the lord's manor."...."Listening to Ranch's plan go over.The cat owner in the...Chapter 186: Rancière's Wake

"......!"

Adam was once again baffled by Lance.

He's truly a worthy student of Lorenz the Scoundrel. This composure and smooth talk could definitely handle multiple fiancées without any problems!

Adam had found it hard to imagine Lauren navigating such a high-stakes drama, but after meeting Lance, Adam believed it.

"So, Adams, our wager has been witnessed by Lady Juliana Knight. Now, it's your turn to choose the challenge, anything goes, I accept any type of competition."

Lanci smiled as he hugged the cat, saying it was just like a casual phone call they'd had.

"Alright!"

Lane's description of the wager is accurate, and Adams has nothing to refute.

After a moment of silence, Adams decisively agreed.

"So, Lance, even if I had a reason to win, I wouldn't choose a method that gave me an advantage. I would defeat you openly and honestly, so that you would accept your loss with grace."

Adam declared.

"I'm looking forward to it."

Lanchi remains elegant, and doesn't seem to be overly concerned with winning or losing.

Or perhaps this posture represents that no matter what challenge Adams throws, he will always win.

Adams nodded, and Lynch finally took him seriously as he wished. This was what he hoped to see.

"Let's have a match in a field that we both excel at, challenging the Shadow World. We'll use the Limitless mode of the Artificial Shadow World, locking all ranks to Level 2 and disabling Magic Cards, engaging in a pure battle of intellect and willpower."

Adams pointed at Ranch and said.

With a murmur of understanding rippling through the room, other upperclassmen and teachers quickly grasped which Shadow World Adams was referring to.

He must be referring to the Second-Order Artificial World 【Despair's Piercing Cage】, an extreme test of humanity's will to survive.

Since it is very well-known and frequently used for practice, everyone understands this cinematic universe, and it inherently possesses a high degree of randomness, so there are no fairness issues.

But as for this shadow world, it's hard to say whether Lynch or Adams would come out on top.

No problem, how about we meet in an hour at the seventh floor atrium of the Learning and Education Building

Lan Chi asked.

Even with the approval from the school and the support of the Magic Engineering Institute, it still takes some time to activate the artificial shadow world terminal located in the seventh courtyard.

"Okay, see you in an hour."

Adam left the Council Chamber of the Wise with a confident air.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lay before him, something he hadn't even dared to dream of when he first arrived in Ikte.

His eyes were now filled with fighting spirit, and his arrogance was on full display. He had made up his mind to teach the Academy of Sages a lesson today.

……

In the autumn at Ekrithe, a strong wind swept across the entire campus. The air rushed between the buildings, howling and swirling leaves into a dance in the sky, as if heralding an imminent storm.

Those golden and crimson autumn leaves, propelled by the wind, detached themselves from the branches and swirled down, dancing through the air. Some rode the breeze past the ancient clock tower, deepening the passage of time and heralding the arrival of deep autumn.

The clock tower stood more solemn in the wind, quietly standing there, letting the wind blow, and the hands of the clock turning.

On the road, students' coats flapped in the wind, but their eyes remained resolute, defying the gusts as they strode forward in groups of three or five.

"Don't go to any more classrooms, hurry and go see the commotion."

If we don't leave now, there won't be any space left at the Gera Memorial Square.

Among the chatter, many students were buzzing about a special program that was about to air—

Adamus, the top-ranked close combat student in his third year at Alolan Royal Academy, will battle Ranchi, the representative student from the Wise Men's Institute!

Besides the best public viewing spot, the Jellicle Memorial Square's 24-hour running outdoor jumbotron, the school also has several standalone team activity rooms equipped with magical screens for indoor viewing.

Located in the Magic Engineering Academy, an independent magic engineering laboratory. The ceiling lights shone like stars, evenly illuminating every corner. On the circular walls were embedded magic screens displaying various campus information.

Before the scattered workbenches, many students from the Arcane Engineering Academy were diligently conducting their research, while others who had just arrived discussed today's major event at the academy.

"It's not certain that Lance will win this time, don't get too excited. Even with Frey here, it might be hard for him to beat Adams in this survival reality show."

"It's more interesting when there are doubts, isn't it Hmph, have you guys heard about the bet between Lance and Adams If he loses, I can't even imagine how explosive the show will be."

"Probably Dean Lorens is the one who got blown up."

"……"

Aloylan Royal Academy's second-year Gold-ranked card maker, Kaelan, who was busy giving a tour at the moment, heard the news and let out a helpless sigh.

"Senior Adams is at it again."

A hint of a smile played on her lips again, she twirled a strand of her light hair, and with her emerald green eyes, she looked at Prince Anorl who was giving her a tour.

"Still, Your Highness Anor is as composed and steadfast as ever, worthy of the trust and admiration of your juniors."

"Haha, no way."

Prince Einor, already in awe of Kahlen, a talented Gold-Ranked cardmaker who was younger than him, couldn't help but smile genuinely when she showered him with praise.

"……"

Sofia shifted her gaze away, as if she didn't want to see it.

Originally, everyone at the Magic Engineering Academy thought that this talented card-making mage girl from the Avalor Kingdom would be someone who was arrogant.

Not only was she outstandingly talented but also humble and friendly. She quickly gained the unanimous recognition and love of everyone in the Magic Engineering Institute.

Sophia also knows that Karen is a very natural and cute girl.

But she just felt that over the past two days, Karlien had been deliberately getting too close to Prince Eleanor.

Sophia had been holding back from expressing anything. Last time at the Cardmaking Association, it was because her possessive desire for Eleanor had gotten out of hand, leading to a ridiculous joke.

"…"

When Sophia was lost in thought, the subtle changes in her facial expressions seemed to be noticed by Karen unintentionally.

"Sophia, I'm sorry, I'm sitting too close to Arnold again. You wouldn't misunderstand, would you"

Karen bit her lip slightly, looking at Sophia with concern.

He's not mine!

For a moment, Sophia regained her composure, but her voice was noticeably sharper, unable to hide the emotions that had been building for two days.

"……"

After being scolded by Sophia, Karen gradually lowered her eyes and let out a small, slightly wronged "um".

"Sophia, Karen didn't mean any harm."

Aenor hurriedly said to Sophia.

If the Arcane Academy were to bully Kaelen without reason, it would make the entire Iktheria Academy seem petty.

"I'm sorry..."

After Sophia quickly calmed down, she hung her head.

A gradually sour bitterness welled up within Sophia, filling her heart and clogging her throat, preventing any words from forming.

She felt that if this went on, she might have to see a psychologist.

Is there a love guru who can help her

……

The gradually thinning sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the wooden furniture inside. This was a trendy café in the heart of Ickert City, set up in an old printing factory, with the editorial department of the Hetton Times on the floor above.

The shop was bustling with the energy of morning, a kaleidoscope of people briefly converging here. The gentle clinking of coffee cups, murmured conversations, and soft background music wove together in the air, creating a relaxed urban scene.

At a long table sat several students from the Alora Royal Academy, leisurely enjoying their brunch.

A student was intently sipping on a latte, with a meticulously crafted latte art design floating on top, while the student next to them enjoyed a bagel topped with avocado, eggs, and fresh tomatoes.

They would chat sometimes, and other times they'd be absorbed in the newspapers in their hands. Here, they could easily switch between learning and relaxing modes, making the place feel like more than just a breakfast shop—it was almost like their second campus.

There's more news today.

"Go tell Lu Wei-Xhi, we need everyone to know this in an hour!"

At a long table, one of the contented figures from the royal academy of Aloran was savoring their meal. After hearing the newcomers discussing that Lance was going to have a Shadow World duel with Adam.

He thought for a moment, and put down the fork in his hand.

The Ranch will enter the artificial world of shadows.

That must certainly be the perfect time to take action, rid ourselves of the Duchess.

Recommending my friend's book!

(The End)

[ ]res calming and treatment. Please set a trap for me within the city to capture him.""Understood, those damn Specter Gang are trying to pull the same trick on us again, trying to deceive our Frostfang...