The sun reached its highest position in the vast azure expanse as the fifth day of the tournament reached its halfway point. Yet, the passion and energy that the crowd of onlookers showed were still the same as it was at the start of the day. Stepping into the arena where hundreds of acolytes had fought for the championship title, Magus Serena beamed a bright smile at the audience and once again fanned their spirits to the max. It was then that she gave a brief introduction to each of the 16 acolytes who made it through, as well as their matches to advance to the top 8 quarterfinals. [Diyoo] versus [Zetto] [Mahinder Nieves] versus [Shatter Cross] [Emery Ambrose] versus [Mera] [Eeshoo Nephilim] versus [Atlas III] [Thrax] versus [Zach Talon] [Lyndell] versus [Anzi Tamasi] [Olivier Arkaland] versus [Jai Strider] [Roran Harlight] versus [Annara Vermont] During the one-hour-long break, the people weren't overwhelmed with boredom as they were busy discussing who would most likely make the top 8 and who would advance to the finals with the information Magus Serena had previously provided. "There's no need for us to even discuss this. It's a fact that Mahinder is ranked number one in the privileged ranking, so he will definitely be ranked number one in this tournament as well!" "No, no, no. Have you not seen that young man who wields both space and gravity? There's also the famous Nephilim Prince in Block A. We can't just say anything for sure because nothing is certain with all the monstrous talents in this tournament!" "I actually like to see the underdog! That gladiator Thrax! If he can reach the semifinals, I will be very happy!" "You talking like that when his opponent is that Zach? No fucking way he will win against that monster! Hear me out, if you want an underdog, let me recommend you the one I like. The Harlight guy! He has decent skill!" "You all have gone bonkers. For me, Olivier Arkaland; he will definitely be the champion!" ***** The heated discussion didn't stop at just the people in the arena stands, but everyone in the entire human universe who was watching the tournament broadcast. After all, ever since its inception, this lively event has been a topic of conversation between factions and planets every year. Like any other tournament, there was of course also gambling involved. On a planet like Furia, where black market thrived, high-stake gambling was being held and the target of the bet was none other than the ongoing Magus Academy's Magus Tournament. "The 16 names are here! Bet your picks and collect your winnings!! The new bet odds are now available!!" "Top 8 betting pools as well as the champion are now open! Place your bets before it closes!!" [Champion bet odds] Mahinder Nieves - 0.20 : 1 Olivier Arkaland - 0.30 : 1 Zach Talon - 0.80 : 1 Emery Ambrose - 1.30 : 1 Eeshoo Nephilim - 1.50 : 1 Anzi Tamasi - 2.80 : 1 Zetto - 4.50 : 1 Roran Harlight - 8.00: 1 "Emery Ambrose climbs once again, becoming the fourth favorite!!" "What the fuck?!! He became the new favorite!? Even more than Eeshoo!?" "Bet 10 to 1 for Thrax the Gladiator to win against Zach Talon!" "I placed one hundred thousand spirit stones for Roran Harlight as top 3!" **** Similar things unfolded within the big cities across the universe, even one far across the world. One particular girl with white hair and pale skin was watching the screen showing the tournament broadcast, anticipation could be clearly seen on her face as she clenched her fists tightly. "Emery.. you can do it.. be number one.." "Sister!! How many times have I told you not to watch that thing again? You are still unwell!" "Get the fuck out, Vizla! I am fine! Don't you bother me again!!" ***** In another corner of the Magus Universe, inside a small construct hidden at the dark side of a moon, a group of magus were also discussing the ongoing tournament. If Emery and the others were to see these people, they would immediately recognize who they were. "Huh! To see all of them manage to get into such high ranks! I'm pissed! Father, we really should do something before they become too much of a thorn to us!" "I agree, Father. Let me prepare something. We only need to make small accidents with one or two of them and they will have no chance to win against us." "Huh!! Something like sending Rome soldiers to burn the Gaia Shrine?! Fuck you are all fools! You will do nothing! One more mistake and that earthlink might get Earth without a fight!" Seeing the look of his son, the man calm down and added "If we want to do something to them, we shall do it right" "Yes father" **** Zodiac City Thousands of half-bloods were seen crowding the streets of the huge city. They were celebrating the happenings of the ongoing tournament, which was more hopeful than the last year or many years before. They all hoped that their king's nephew Zach Talon would be able to rise to the top and become the tournament champion. If that happened, the peculiar situation surrounding the half-bloods would certainly ease. Of course, there were also some who wished the young wolf to win instead of the Dragon Prince. However, unexpectedly, the guards and soldiers of the Zodiac City didn't share the same excitement and sentiment as the general populace. Instead, they seemed to be more tense and solemn than usual. "Make sure to report for any kind of suspicious activity" "Yes my King, please be assured that all parts of the city are under full surveillance, our flagbearers were also informed and ten thousand army from the barrack are ready for any incoming trouble" **** Golden City In one of the many taverns in the bustling city, a particular spot was strangely crowded with a gathering of people. Upon closer look, one would find that these people were actually watching the ongoing Magus Tournament. A fat man who had too many drinks shouted his annoyance so loud that everyone on the premises could hear it. "Huh! What a disgrace!! Three fucking half-bloods still competing!" The nearly fifty people in the tavern apparently spoke the same language as the fat man as supportive words quickly echoed throughout the business. "Yeah!! Those two animals even have a high chance to be champions!!" "Huh! Why does Lord Shatter have to face that monk!! This must be a set-up!!" "True true!!" "Halfbloods are only as good as human pets!!" "Yes! That bat half blood girl, she is perfect to be my pet!" said the fat man, while showing some illicit moves to the group and seeing that everyone burst into laughter together. But then, to the surprise of everyone, a figure in a dark cloak who saw at the corner laughed a little too long, and in a creepy kind of way. Thanks to that figure, the place quickly descended into silence before the fat man broke it. "Are you mocking me?!" shouted the fat man, glaring at the unknown figure. "Hahaha.. yes I am.. In fact, I'm mocking you and everyone in this place!" Hearing this, a strong-looking saint-level guard approached the figure and said "Sir, this tavern is a private establishment only for members. You are not supposed to be here. Please leave right away otherwise we'll use force" "Not supposed to be here? ..No no, you're wrong. I am exactly where I am supposed to be." The figure showed their face that was hidden by the cloak, and at first everyone didn't react at all. But when they saw the two pairs of sharp teeth that showed when the figure smiled, chaos broke out in the place. "Half blood!"