Today was the last match of the first round of the Competition of Kingdoms, and the air was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. The streets of Frostpire were incredibly crowded, and the frequent shouts of people placing their bets could be heard. Even the match between the Frostpire team and the Wind Dragon hadn't generated such a reaction from the dragon folks. The reason for this was that the two kingdoms participating were members of the Big Four. The Shadow and Light Dragons. This fight was considered the main event of this round. And because such fights between the Big Four were rare, the dragon folks went to the arena earlier compared to the other days with the sole purpose of finding a good spot to enjoy the fight. "Dammit, I'm a bit lost. Who do you think I should place my bet on?" "I don't know, it's very difficult, but I'm placing my bet on the Shadow Dragons... I think they're the ones who will win this competition." "What makes you think so? Is it because Princess Nyxirith is competing?" "Yes, I'm more than certain that someone as experienced as her wouldn't lose to a team led by a ten-year-old girl." "You're not wrong. Sometimes I think the Light Dragon Monarch is a bit too arrogant. Even though he wanted his daughter to participate in the competition, why make her the captain? It just doesn't make sense, and I'm sure her teammates aren't happy with that decision." The Dragon Monarch was known to be very unpredictable. However, never did the netizens of the Dragon Realm think a day would come when he would make his ten-year-old daughter, who was yet to turn into a full dragon, the captain of his team. Naturally, the dragon folks didn't find anything strange with her age—after all, one of the main headliners of today's match had competed in the Competition of Kingdoms around the same age as well. But even then, she had only been a member and was heavily covered by her teammates, who didn't want their princess to sustain any injuries. As captain, however, the ten-year-old Light Princess was required to fight at the very forefront. The netizens found the Light Dragon Monarch's actions to be very stupid, and the majority of them lost the respect they once had for the man who was referred to as the wisest Dragon Monarch alive. Yet, there was a minority that thought the Light Monarch had something up his sleeves. They didn't think he would send his daughter out there casually without a plan. "I think I'll stake on the Light Dragons," Drake yawned, tears almost coming out of his eyes. Just like yesterday, they were at the audience stand waiting for the match to begin. "Why? I mean, you were the one who told us about Nyxirith being a major force to be reckoned with. I thought you'd stake on her," Kaisy asked, biting her nails—a little habit of hers that everyone in the group had gotten used to. "Yes, I consider Nyxirith to be a threat—I still do—but there's just something about that Light Monarch," Drake frowned. "I can't quite get my head around it, but I can tell he's up to something. Even Father, the smartest person I know, is cautious of that guy. There might be a reason." "I agree with Drake," Nox said, nodding his head slightly. "From our short encounter, I doubt the Light Monarch would pull such a stunt without thinking things through." "This guy gets it." "Bastard. What are you up to again?" Dracos Frostpire clicked his tongue, eyeing Thomas Celestis, who was looking at the arena with a bored expression on his face. "Nothing. I'm just trying to see how my little girl will fare in the competition. As you know, the Corrupted Dragons are becoming more troublesome. This competition will be the best place to hone Lumi's skills." 'He actually expects me to buy that bullshit?' Dracos shook his head. At that precise moment, the gate at the left side of the arena creaked open, and emerging out of the darkness were the Shadow Dragons. The Shadow Dragons appeared gaunt, with dark, writhing, tendril-like scales adorning their arms and necks. The one leading them was a tall young girl. Her shoulder-length hair shimmered under the pale sunlight, and her gaze—seemingly a bottomless pit—was sharp, focused, and cold, as if nothing mattered to her. Nyxirith Nocturna stood in front of her team, her head held high and her hands clasped behind her as she watched the northern gate slowly open, revealing the Light Team, who emitted a radiant glow. The Light Team, led by a young girl of about ten years, marched forward. The rest of the team were roughly the same age as the Shadow Dragons; however, the oddity was the supposed captain. With lush white hair and mesmerizing, big, innocent, gem-like eyes of the same color, Lumi Celestis appeared innocent, as if she had never killed even a bug in her life. Her hair, which was styled into twin buns, didn't help matters, further enhancing her cuteness. She was the kind of beauty many people would willingly sacrifice themselves to protect. Lumi Celestis was a stark contrast to the cold, intimidating Nyxirith. Now that he saw her in person, Nox realized why the others thought the Light Monarch was stupid. He tried to use Analyze, but just like with most of the top dragons and monarchs here, nothing popped up—meaning her information was being concealed by an item. Normally, even without the system, Nox could make a judgment on someone's strength by simply looking at them. But no matter how he looked at the young girl, he didn't see her as a fighter. Instead, he saw a child. A child who should be fed and pampered at home, not competing in this bloody competition. But maybe—just maybe—he was wrong. Suddenly, at that moment, while Nox was absentmindedly lost in thought, something unexpected happened.