Chapter 153 Dark Hills
Facing the defeat of Xia Kui, Sitasia took a step back, then lightly lifted her skirt and bent over to curtsy.
"Thank you for your leniency."
Only then did she wave to her own team members on the bridge, expressing thanks for the victory.
"Unexpected!" The host's voice emerged once again in the venue, breaking the silence of the battle.
"Absolutely unexpected. Although Sitasia was at a disadvantage for a time and nearly faced defeat, the timely music that played healed her wounds and replenished her fighting spirit. She later seized a small opening in her opponent's defense and won the match—it's unbelievable!"
"Now the score is 2:1, with Edith Academy in the lead!"
Loud cheers and applause erupted from the audience once more, celebrating the thrilling and twist-filled match they had witnessed.
"Xia Kui lost, huh." In a distant corner of the city, Deloris was still watching the projected big screen from that open-air balcony, now dressed in her usual black Lace dress, reclining in a finely crafted chair.
She knew Xia Kui as well; the two were fairly good friends, and she didn't expect her to lose so miserably today.
She'd visit her tomorrow -- no, the day after would be better. Going tomorrow might lead to an encounter with the students from Swarm's Reign, where she had many middle school classmates, and that would be somewhat awkward since it was a member from Edith who had defeated Xia Kui.
"Next up is the fourth match, which everybody must be highly anticipating." The host announced once again on the projection screen as the new round of competition began.
"Didn't expect her to hold back half her skills," Prin said, dissatisfied that Tilan had only played the violin instead of actually singing.
"Hmph, is this underestimating me?" She tossed her hair, then flipped open the scorebook in front of her, where a theme-compliant music score appeared.
"Jet-Black" × "Hill," that'll be it.
In the night, members from both sides took to the stage again. Swarm's Reign sent out a girl holding a tin staff, with long, dark hair, eyes half-closed, and a tall, straight figure. Edith Academy, on the other hand, fielded a short-haired, noticeably sturdy young man.
"Swarm's Reign Academy, Serena, Angel Sequence 5·Black Priest."
"Edith Academy, Rock Candidate, Primordial Sequence 5·Qi Fighter."
Just as the two stepped onto the stage, a hurried, raindrop-like sound of violin playing ensued.
Like a downpour, the heavy black sky pressed down, and then the deep singing voice echoed amid the curtain of rain. Prin Coco strummed her guitar, then suddenly opened her eyes, gazing directly at the dark-haired figure on the distant broken bridge, her singing voice like a shout.
'Hill Of Sorrow'
[The blood battle once unknown to all]
[Everyone was rendered homeless]
[Tears poured amidst the endless smoke of gunpowder]
[I pray for a path of survival]
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[To escape the sinful world]
...
On stage, Serena held the tin staff and walked forward slowly, with each step, the black priest's gown swayed, and the metal charms hanging from the hem collided to make a crisp sound. Faced with an opponent whose momentum was rising step by step, Edith's Rock Candidate had to take the offensive, breaking the rhythm of the adversary.
He pushed down slightly on the icy ground with his back foot, hot Magic Power surged from his body and turned the ice into wafts of white steam, then he burst forward, leaving only imprints behind.
The compressed air formed a protective layer over his body, and then he swung his fist forcefully. The instant vacuum created by the motion caused a booming sound, which followed the punch as it struck Serena's staff, abruptly halting her forward movement. She even stumbled back several steps involuntarily.
Atop the stage's overhead bridge, Prin Coco took another deep breath before singing the next lyrics.
"[The dazzling light in the sky]"
"[Pierces my cheek]"
"[My breath is taken away]"
"[Until my fear vanishes]"
…
The situation was dire, Tilan's violin bow was still playing, but her music was completely overwhelmed by the opponent's. In terms of infective power, although her talent was sufficient, she was now required to not only maintain a Starshine Level but also indirectly exhibit it through her instrument. Compared to Prin Coco, who was unrestrained and giving her all, it certainly wasn't enough to contend.
The battle on the stage continued. Yankou leaped into the air, rising wisps of smoke trailing from his body. He spun half a turn in midair before his powerful kick collided with Serena's raised staff. The formidable force made Serena's figure dip, and the staff slightly deformed.
As expected of a Transcendent Profession known for strength and combat, had that kick landed on a truck, it would have been enough to send a loaded truck flying and shattering into pieces. And Serena, who seemed like a gentle older sister, was far from the weakness her appearance might suggest.
Facing Yankou's relentless attacks, she held back her anger until the music from above the bridge resounded once again.
"[Shadows hide in this dust-filled hole]"
"[Until they annihilate my deepest fears]"
"[We can't possibly follow the multitude of commandments you've laid out]"
"[Now we begin our climb]"
"[Up this sorrowful peak]"
Finally, the blessing of the music began to manifest in Serena. Though she stood in place, she was like an insurmountable hill, unmoving despite Yankou's onslaught.
"Had enough already?" Suddenly, the squint-eyed older sister barked. Then she smashed her staff heavily onto the ground.
Dark flames rose behind her, then surged toward Yankou like tangible tendrils. These condensed evidences wrapped around Yankou, binding him layer upon layer. Even as he struggled, he was lifted into the air, powerless to find leverage.
With both hands gripping the long handle of her staff, Serena aimed the tip at Yankou suspended in the air. She then began to chant a curse spell, the patterns on the staff lighting up one by one. The deep purple and black patterns flowed with dense magic power, converging into a black sphere at the staff's tip.
"Jet-Black Tome: Cleansing Surge!"
The black sphere at the tip of the staff triggered instantly, forming a thick torrent that rushed at Yankou in midair.
In the high-speed particle erosion, the black tendrils covering him were instantly scattered and annihilated. The compressed layer of air meant to protect his body was continuously weakened until, finally, it was completely broken, and he fell from the sky.
Looking down at Yankou, who lay on the ground with a vacant stare and a look of being utterly spent, Serena walked over in her thick-heeled shoes. She gave him a light kick and, seeing no response, smiled.
"Don't worry, I am a priest from the Angel Sequence. Your sister here can take good care of you tonight; I guarantee you won't die~"
Yankou slowly turned his head in response to her mocking and teasing words, spat out a mouthful of blood, and finally passed out.
"The fourth duel has ended, Swarm's Reign wins!"
PS: The songs that appeared in these two chapters are "Flash" and "Hill Of Sorrow." If interested, you can search for the playlist 'The Witch Lady Does Not Want to Be a Songstress' on NetEase Music.