Card Duels: Start by deducing the Blue Eyes White Dragon!

"Impressive."

Many were surprised, especially the students of Class 3. Zhang Tiansuo, the outwardly cheerful but secretly cunning guy, had actually joined forces with those mysterious, reclusive individuals who spent their days in secretive gatherings.

Su Chengyang was also aware of the Aberrant Card Cult. It was a widespread organization, spanning the nation and even multiple countries worldwide. Its core members were primarily students from prestigious academies, with the backbone consisting of advanced students from various institutions. The group focused on researching unconventional and bizarre magic cards. Their motto was: "To overthrow the old magic card system, for the aberrant shall reign supreme!"

Despite its global reach, the Aberrant Card Cult had strict membership requirements. Not only did applicants need to meet certain criteria, but they also had to pay membership fees. It was the kind of organization that lacked both funds and influence, yet demanded a lot from its members. Naturally, its membership was small.

The Aberrant Card Cult had existed for decades, initially resembling a rogue group that was despised by both people and dogs alike. It had been involved in numerous terror-like duels and provocations. However, in recent years, after being thoroughly beaten down by some of the mainstream Magic Card Masters, the group had become much more low-key.

Over the past two or three years, the Aberrant Card Cult's reputation within academies had improved. Moreover, members who joined the group often experienced noticeable improvements in their abilities. As a result, the organization had grown somewhat respectable. Joining such a group was no longer seen as shameful—it even carried a certain cool factor.

"So, you really joined that kind of organization. I never expected that," Lin Yaxuan said, shaking her head.

"The Aberrant Card Cult is different from what the rumors say. Once you're qualified to join, you'll realize it's a place full of progressive ideas," Zhang Tiansuo replied, placing a hand on the table. "For example, did you ever expect my card to unleash an attack like this? The Heart-Rending Scythe!"

In the arena, the Explosive Rock Beast had lost an arm, and a gaping hole in its chest dripped with magma. Such injuries were beyond repair.

"The outcome of this duel is already decided!" Zhang Tiansuo said with a hint of pride.

Lin Yaxuan watched as a smug smile spread across his face. She crossed her arms and said calmly, "The reason mainstream methods remain unchallenged is because they are strong and backed by deep-rooted traditions. Your Smiling Jester may have its tricks and unconventional methods, but in the face of true strength, such tactics are meaningless."

"You should talk less. It'd make you more likable," Zhang Tiansuo said, rubbing his forehead. Why did she have to sound so preachy?

He shifted his gaze back to the arena. The Explosive Rock Beast's health had dropped to zero. Its massive body could no longer support itself and began to collapse. It was over.

The shadowy sludge reformed, restoring the Drama Master – The Smiling Jester to its original form, though it now had only 1 health point left.

"Looks like the underdog wins," Zhang Tiansuo said.

Many first-year students in the audience whispered among themselves, thinking the outcome was settled.

But then, Lin Yaxuan shouted, "Activate the Explosive Rock Beast's talent effect – Battle Endurance! When the Explosive Rock Beast is defeated, it can continue fighting for 15 seconds!"

The pile of rubble that was the Explosive Rock Beast suddenly stirred. Its remaining arm pushed against the ground, and it rose once more. Its rocky fist clenched, heat escaping through the cracks as its arm compressed like a coiled spring.

"Such a talent exists?!" Zhang Tiansuo was stunned. This was trouble.

The Smiling Jester's Magician's Cloak armament card had already been destroyed and could no longer provide any effects. He could only watch helplessly as the Explosive Rock Beast swung its arm, the air whistling with the force of the blow. The attack struck the Smiling Jester, its body stiffening before exploding into a cloud of gray mist.

The Smiling Jester returned to its card form and flew back into Zhang Tiansuo's hand.

"Victory!"

Lin Yaxuan made a victory sign, declaring her triumph in the duel.

At the northern end of the arena, high above, sat the judging panel for the selection. There were three seats, occupied by three powerful Magic Card Masters.

On the far left was a middle-aged man with black glasses. He was the Inspector of Qingbei Academy, responsible for overseeing the students, especially those active in external advanced studies. His name was Bai Gu, an eighth-tier peak Magic Card Master who specialized in the Demon Clan.

In the center sat a well-dressed woman in elegant purple attire. She was the Academic Dean of the second year at Qingbei Academy, overseeing all second-year students. Her name was Zhou Hua, a ninth-tier Magic Card Master, though her exact level was unknown.

On the far right was a young man in military uniform. His purple eyes were cold and emotionless, and though he sat motionless, he exuded an overwhelming presence. The students didn't dare to look directly at him. He was technically their senior, having graduated from Qingbei Academy, and had returned to serve as a judge for the selection. His name was Su Wu, and his exact strength was unknown. He was rumored to be a rising star in the military meritocracy, a path only the most ruthless and capable could tread.

Bai Gu, Zhou Hua, and Su Wu had no objections to the outcome of the duel.

Finally, Zhou Hua announced, "Lin Yaxuan advances and is awarded a Level 1 Evolution Fruit."

In her hand appeared a small white fruit, about the size of a thumb. It seemed unremarkable, but as she tossed it toward Lin Yaxuan, its significance was clear.

"Thank you, Dean Zhou! Thank you, judges!" Lin Yaxuan was visibly excited.

She caught the Evolution Fruit with both hands.

Zhang Tiansuo looked on with envy. "A Evolution Fruit… I want one too. Too bad it's not my turn yet…"

Zhang Mingyun licked his lips, staring longingly as Lin Yaxuan popped the fruit into her mouth without hesitation.

A surge of spiritual energy erupted from the fruit, flowing into her body. Her mental and physical strength were enhanced in an instant. Within seconds, her hair floated as if caught in an invisible breeze, and her eyes glowed with a blue light—a sign of her heightened spiritual power.

Her strength had broken through from the third-tier advanced stage to the third-tier peak stage!

"Jealous?" He Nuonuo nudged Su Chengyang.

"Obviously. Who wouldn't want an instant power-up?" Su Chengyang muttered. Grinding for strength was just too slow.

"Don't worry. After the eighth group, it'll be your turn to eat a Promotion Fruit!" She sighed. "Too bad I'm in the eleventh group. So slow."

"Eleventh group? I'm in the twelfth!" Zhang Mingyun complained.

...

(End of Chapter)