Countess Lilian Field and her group had just turned the street corner, completely leaving the line of sight of Magic Feather Fantasy.
Those faces, which had barely maintained their noble composure a moment ago, could no longer keep up the façade.
Excitement, ruthlessness, and a hint of twisted pleasure flickered in their eyes.
“Hmph, that lowly Su Nian, she’s really putting on airs now!” Viscountess Rosaline, dressed in a long pink gown embroidered with roses, covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief as she spoke.
If it weren’t for the need to keep up noble appearances, she would have torn off her mask right then and there.
“She dares to ‘instruct’ us? Does she even deserve it?”
“That’s right, Sister Lilian, tonight we’ll make sure that fat bird of hers won’t have a single feather left!” Another young lady, dressed in a water-blue gown and stroking her glossy, restless wolf-shaped magic pet, gritted her teeth as she spoke.
The wolf-shaped magic pet seemed to sense its owner’s mood and let out a low whimper.
Lilian Field took a deep breath, trying her best to quell the raging anger inside her provoked by Su Nian’s words, “Come at me together,” but the corner of her lips curled into a cold smile by saying, “If she wants to court death, we’ll grant her wish.”
“In a moment, we’ll notify our families to bring the strongest magic pets we can muster today… And make sure all the servants spread word of this duel—she’s in for a good show!”
“That’s right! The more spectators at the Magic Pet Glory Arena, the better!”
“Let’s make her lose all face in front of everyone!”
The noble girls chattered noisily, as if they could already see Su Nian’s miserable defeat.
A few hours later, they quickly gathered seven carefully chosen battle-type magic pets.
Lilian Field’s Lava Drakesaur was naturally the core force; the pressure exuded by the sub-dragon was enough to make ordinary magical beasts tremble in fear, even when it was just lying quietly in wait.
Its dark red scales shimmered with a metallic sheen under the sunlight, and the occasional sulfurous breath from its mouth and nose made its formidable fire power even more evident.
Rosaline’s Shadow Leopard excelled in speed and strange movements, while Juliana brought along a tough-skinned, thick-hided Steel-Armored Bull.
In addition, there was a Two-Headed Wind Serpent adept at ranged magic attacks, a Swamp Giant Toad capable of releasing poisonous mist, a Windblade Wolf who could wield wind magic, and the only flying magical beast…
The Longhorn Griffin.
Each one was an elite, painstakingly raised by their families, representing the nobility’s absolute dominance in the field of magic pets.
“Hmph, even if Su Nian is a genius magic instructor, so what? That round, fat bird of hers, besides being cute, what’s it good for?” said Amelie, a young lady from a viscount’s house, as she glanced at her own awe-inspiring Longhorn Griffin, her eyes full of contempt for Little Green.
“I bet my noble, mighty Longhorn Griffin could swallow it in a single gulp!”
Amelie was quite pleased with herself at this moment.
Granted, the Field Family’s Lava Drakesaur was powerful, but it couldn’t fly.
If that little fat bird on the other side took to the air, it would obviously stand an even greater chance of being brought down by her Longhorn Griffin…
That way, both she and her family would gain a tremendous reputation.
Lilian was even more triumphant, as if she could already see tonight’s glory.
Her Lava Drakesaur would, under the gaze of thousands, easily burn that ridiculous little bird to ashes, and she, Lilian Field, would step over Su Nian’s reputation and make a name for herself in Academy City and even throughout the Red Maple Kingdom… as the new star!
Perhaps even the distinguished Third Prince would notice her because of this.
A letter of challenge, both flowery and brimming with the pride of a victor, was soon sent by a special messenger to Magic Feather Fantasy, declaring that Su Nian would instruct their seven magical beasts at dusk tonight in the Magic Pet Glory Arena.
With the efforts of various parties the news that Su Nian would be leading her magic pet to face off against seven noble families tonight at the Magic Pet Glory Arena spread like wildfire throughout every corner of Academy City within just half a day.
***
Magic Academy.
“Have you heard? Instructor Su Nian is going to go one versus seven against the noble girls with their magic pets!”
“What? One versus seven? They even have a Lava Drakesaur!”
“What’s Instructor Su Nian’s magic pet again? I think it was a purple cat…?”
“This time, I heard she’s using a chicken…”
“No, it’s definitely a little fat bird.”
“Pfft! A little fat bird? Is Instructor Su Nian going to lose this time?”
“I don’t think so! Instructor Su Nian is sure to win!”
***
Inside the tavern.
The mercenaries burst into laughter, all agreeing to go watch the match at the Magic Pet Glory Arena tonight.
Many fans of Magic Feather Fantasy and Su Nian spread the word excitedly—tonight, their ‘idol’ would be having a magic pet match at the Magic Pet Glory Arena!
A lot of Magic Feather Fantasy’s supporters couldn’t actually catch every performance of their idol.
But this “match” was different.
You could always catch another show if you missed one, but if you missed this match, who knew when the next would be.
In no time, many supporters of Magic Feather Fantasy and Su Nian were preparing to head to the Magic Pet Glory Arena to watch the competition.
On the streets, passersby stopped to discuss.
Some looked forward to witnessing a miracle that would overturn common sense.
Some shook their heads and sighed at Su Nian’s arrogance, but most simply wanted to join the excitement, flooding toward the Magic Pet Glory Arena, eager to witness this unusual match that was destined to go down in the annals of Academy City.
In short, the whole of Academy City was boiling with excitement.
Meanwhile during a break after the latest rehearsal on the Magic Feather Fantasy stage.
Su Nian’s slender fingers absentmindedly twisted the delicate lace on her skirt.
On her stunningly beautiful face, a slight frown formed between her brows, and clear worry and unease flickered in her sky-blue eyes.
Of course it wasn’t tonight’s match she was worried about losing.
Rather, it was… her promise to the Horned Demon.
It was obviously impossible not to attend the magic pet match.
She’d already boasted about the upcoming match; if she didn’t go, those noble girls would spread rumors of her cowardice, and her reputation would be ruined.
What should she do…
Should she finish rehearsal, go back to Shadowmoon Manor, and ask the Horned Demon Sir for leave… or just go to the match first and explain afterward?
If she did ask for leave, maybe… she could say that the match would draw great attention, indirectly raising Mo Yuan Sir’s mystique and the reputation of Shadowmoon Manor?
Su Nian pondered in secret.
That reason actually sounded a little reasonable.
After all, that scoundrel Horned Demon did seem to care quite a lot about fame and influence.
But what if the Horned Demon Sir felt she shouldn’t have taken on the match without asking…
What if he forbade her to go?
Then she’d really be done for.
At this moment, Su Nian had completely given up the idea of “defeating the Horned Demon.”
As long as she didn’t get crushed by him, she’d be content…
Or maybe…
She should just head to the Magic Pet Glory Arena early, get the match done as soon as possible, and go home early.
Even if she was a little late…
Surely the Horned Demon Sir would forgive her…
Right?