Chapter 376: Substitution

On the arena, though the battle had not yet truly begun, both sides had already formed their combat formations.

For Lindon Academy, Li Mochen, Louise Lindon, and Lena Adric stood at the front, each holding a shield.

The main profession of all three was the Arcane Swordsman. In ancient times, this profession was called the Magic Swordsman, a versatile type skilled in melee, ranged, source energy, and magic alike. Since the invention of firearms, they could also master a decent marksmanship with magical assistance. Of course, the Arcane Swordsman could hardly reach the pinnacle in any aspect.

However, aside from this, they also held兼职 such as Dragonblood Sorcerer, Titan Holy Warrior, and Arcane Hunter, which enhanced their abilities in various ways.

Behind them stood Angela, a seventh-level Illusionist兼 Sorcerer and Dragonblood Sorcerer.

It must be noted here that Sorcerers generally do not study spells; they spend their lives refining their mental power and bloodline, casting spells through their bloodline power. They usually master fewer spells, but each one is extremely powerful, exceeding normal mages by one to two levels.

The sources of their power are diverse: some come from ancient gods, or mythological beings that can take human form, or devils and demons from the abyss; others are influenced by other planes, or interfered with by some unknown cosmic force, causing bloodline mutations.

Angela's Sorcerer profession came from her angel bloodline, and her兼职 Dragonblood Sorcerer further enhanced her spellcasting ability, making her long-range spells highly intimidating on the arena.

Next was William, who also hid behind the three Arcane Swordsmen, concealing his body thoroughly.

Arcane Shadow, also known as Rogue or Assassin, both in modern and ancient times, like the Arcane Hunter, can only unleash their full potential when acting alone.

But on the arena, an Arcane Shadow obviously couldn't do that. Especially when his profession level was only six, it would be outright suicidal.

In contrast, the profession composition of the opposing Saint Mecken High School team was much more reasonable: a Berserker, a Shield Warrior, a Holy Warrior, a Mage, and a Bard, all seventh-level arcane professions with powerful兼职.

At this moment, the five were also whispering among themselves.

"The four casters on the opposite side look quite capable."

"So we avoid close combat?"

"I hope we can tear apart that lucky Andre's face. Arcadis's offer is twenty million gold shields."

"That's not up to us. Whether we can claim that bounty depends on those guys' abilities."

"Can you all shut up?"

Claude Antel, the captain of the five, snorted lightly: "Time is running out. Everyone, get into state from now on."

Behind him, the girl Isa O'Neill, carrying a large shield, frowned slightly, looking reluctant.

"Don't be willful, O'Neill! Our opponents now are not the trash we faced before."

At this moment, faint golden lines began to flash on Claude Antel's forehead: "Those guys on the opposite side are strong. Four out of five come from noble families, with full support from the Nathan Sports Group. We must ensure everything goes smoothly. Isa, you want your mother to receive the best treatment from now on, right?"

Isa O'Neill said no more. Golden lines also began to appear on her forehead.

In an instant, her expression changed, becoming indifferent, yet tinged with novelty and disdain.

"Wow, this feeling sucks. This body is like a cage."

"The compatibility this time is unexpectedly poor. I'm not sure I can bring out 100% of this body's combat power—at most 70%."

"It would be better if we could adapt more. I know! I know! The cost is high, and there's only 30 minutes left, right? But give me five minutes, no! Three minutes is enough. Three consecutive matches, only nine minutes."

"Can we stop discussing? Everyone, the head referee is watching us. He's a powerful sixteenth-level Outlaw."

It was still Claude Antel who said this: "Let's talk tactics. First, charge in and disrupt their formation. Sarah, this is your job! Use a Blood Rage Charge."

Sarah, the Berserker among them, agreed without hesitation: "That's the way. But I need enough support. That little girl's 'Wind Domain'—no need to hold back this time, right?"

"Then that guy!"

Claude Antel continued: "Kasha, the body you control belongs to Isa O'Neill. At level seven, she is a very strong Shield Warrior. Later, together with me, we'll tie up that lucky Andre. No problem?"

Isa O'Neill twirled her mace: "I look forward to fighting him. If I can smash his face in public, there's extra reward, right?"

"Yes, if possible, we'll take that reward."

Claude Antel laughed: "30 minutes. Let's crush them in the first match."

Shortly after, in Box No. 2 of the stands, Alec Brood, after finishing a phone call, said with a dark face: "It's a variant of the Eastern 'Divine Descent Technique,' invented by some mage, capable of bypassing the venue's monitoring instruments. Middle school tournaments are annoying for this reason—too many cheating methods. Legendary combat awareness and control are nothing in the NMOSA professional arena. Those professional players are all stronger than them."

Dwight Payton turned to another assistant beside him: "Call Karl and have him find a way to suspend the match, or delay its start. Since it's a Divine Descent Technique, there should be a time limit."

He believed Lindon Academy would ultimately win, but if there was an easier way to victory, why expose Li Mochen and Angela's abilities?

"It's useless, Dwight."

Alec Brood shook his head: "Do you think they didn't anticipate this? They must have prepared thoroughly beforehand. I guess this Divine Descent Technique can either be paused, or they've bribed someone on the tournament committee. Considering the consequences, I think the former is more likely."

Dwight Payton, however, said nothing, just looking at the CEO of Penguin Betting Company. He felt that the man beside him could no longer be fully trusted at this stage.

The latter understood his meaning and said indignantly: "Hey! Dwight, what's that look? I'm not stopping you from notifying Karl. And now, I have no reason to betray you and Andre, right? In this betting pool, the funds betting on Andre to win are ten times the difference. Your Andre has many fans, but they don't like gambling. Besides, the betting company can also make money on details like Andre's fight time or whether he wins within a hundred rounds. We have no need to, Dwight. If you can take over the Nathan Sports Group, or even one day lead the Nathan Military-Industrial Complex, that only benefits me."