The group of eleven consisted of the eight students from Shrek Academy, along with Dean Flender, Vice President Zhao Wuji, and Yu Xiaogang. As they entered, all eyes were immediately drawn to them. The identical, monstrous green masks they wore were simply too conspicuous, making them stand out in the crowded hall.
"What organization are they from? I've never seen them before," a curious passerby whispered to his friend.
"I don't know. The fact they're wearing masks probably means they don't want anyone to know their real identities," the other person replied thoughtfully. "If I had to guess, they must be pretty powerful. Their fights should be exciting!"
"In that case, why don't we follow them? We can buy tickets for whichever arena they go to. What do you think?"
"Great idea! Let's go!"
Similar conversations buzzed throughout the crowd as the Shrek group made their way to the registration area for the Thirteenth Fighting Arena. As planned, everyone registered using their Iron Fighting Spirit Badges. Since they needed to participate in both solo and duo battles, Flender had them register for both categories at the same time. Huo Feng, Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and Tang San all signed up for their one-on-one matches first.
Just as Tang San was happily anticipating the easy points he would get from his two-on-two match with Dai Mubai, the unexpected happened. Dai Mubai approached Dean Flender and spoke in a calm, firm voice.
"Dean, I've decided to withdraw from the two-on-two spirit battle," he announced. "Instead, I'll participate in two one-on-one matches. If my spirit power allows, I might even do three."
Hearing this, Tang San, who was standing nearby, was stunned. If Dai Mubai didn't participate, how was he supposed to get any points? He couldn't possibly agree to this! But the final decision rested with Flender. Tang San frantically looked around for Yu Xiaogang, hoping his teacher would back him up. He certainly didn't dare to protest to Dai Mubai on his own.
However, Yu Xiaogang, who had been standing nearby just a moment ago, was nowhere to be seen. It turned out that back at the hotel, in an attempt to save a little money, the "Master" had bought day-old food for himself and Tang San. As a result, he was now suffering from an upset stomach and had rushed off to find a restroom.
Tang San was completely dumbfounded. With his teacher gone, how could he possibly argue his case?
Flender frowned slightly. He knew this was unfair to Tang San, but he also understood Dai Mubai's frustration at being forced to carry him. He was about to refuse Dai Mubai's request when he noticed that Yu Xiaogang was, indeed, absent.
"Whether you participate in the duo match isn't up to you alone," Flender said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "You need to ask for Tang San's opinion as well. If you both agree to withdraw, then it's fine. You can participate in another solo match instead."
Hearing Flender's words, Tang San's heart sank. With his teacher gone, did he really dare to say "no" to Dai Mubai?
Sure enough, a moment later, Dai Mubai walked toward him, a calm expression on his face. A dangerous gleam flashed in his evil eyes, and he sneered inwardly. You want to leech points off me, Tang San? Dream on!
"Tang San, I'm sure you heard what I said to the dean," Dai Mubai said, showing him a kind smile that didn't reach his eyes. To Tang San, it looked utterly terrifying, and he couldn't help but shudder. Dai Mubai casually reached out and patted his shoulder. "Don't be nervous. We're students from the same academy. If you have an opinion, just say it."
"I... I have no objection," Tang San forced a stiff smile and stammered. "One-on-one is good, too."
"I'm so glad you think so!" The smile on Dai Mubai's face widened, and this time, it was genuine. He patted Tang San's shoulder again before turning back to Flender. Before he could speak, the dean cut him off.
"I heard everything. You can proceed with your own arrangements. While I am your dean, I won't enforce rigid requirements." Flender, too, had reservations about Tang San joining Shrek. Perhaps only when Yu Xiaogang finally realized how weak his disciple truly was would they stop bothering his academy.
With that, Dai Mubai officially registered for a second one-on-one match. To give some sort of explanation to Yu Xiaogang later, Tang San felt he had no choice but to sign up for a second solo match as well, using the money his teacher had left him.
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang was still in the restroom, completely unaware that his beloved disciple had not only lost the opportunity to gain easy points but had also spent twenty gold soul coins to register for two difficult solo battles. The money he had given Tang San was likely gone for good.
Next, the staff arranged the match times to ensure none of them overlapped. Everyone also had to pay to change the names on their Iron Fighting Spirit Badges from their real names to their "Shrek" codenames. This cost another ten gold soul coins each, making Tang San's already dire financial situation even worse. The fifty gold soul coins Yu Xiaogang had given him as startup capital were now down to just twenty, and he had no idea if he could win any of it back.
Soon, the fight schedule was announced. By some twist of fate, Tang San's first one-on-one match was scheduled to be the very first fight of the night. Flender and Zhao Wuji followed the students into the arena, taking seats on the viewing platform among the large crowd. It was a weekend, so the arena was packed with cheering spectators, mostly ordinary civilians excited for the first match.
As it was time for his turn, Tang San clenched his fists, trying to psych himself up. But just then, a sharp pain shot through his lower abdomen. His stomach churned, and a dreadful feeling washed over him.
Oh no!
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