Chapter 130: A Dance of Strategy and Power

The atmosphere in the arena was tense. The initial round of duels among the newcomers had concluded, and now it was the turn of the top 100 to defend their positions or rise even higher. These were seasoned players, their experience evident in their strategic decisions and their bonds with their card monsters.

Mei Ling's calm and measured approach led her to retain her spot at the 95th position. After her challenging battle against Arion's Terra Tortoise, she chose not to advance further, satisfied with her current standing. Tara, with her impressive win against Cassian, also decided to stay put at 93rd rank. Yin Yue and Talina, both showcasing exceptional prowess, settled at 92nd and 90th respectively.

However, Feng Xuan, with a burning desire to climb higher, challenged the 77th ranked student. The opponent, Orion, was a tall and brooding figure with a reputation for his tactical gameplay. His card monster, the Shadow Lynx, was a feline entity made entirely of shadows, its every movement a dance of darkness and stealth.

As the duel commenced, the entire arena watched with bated breath. The Wind Cog, Feng Xuan's trusted monster, moved with agility and precision, summoning gusts of wind and powerful tornadoes. The Shadow Lynx countered by disappearing into the darkness and ambushing from behind, its claws slicing through the air.

Feng Xuan had to think on his feet, strategizing on the go. Using the Wind Cog's ability to manipulate air currents, he lit up the arena, preventing the Shadow Lynx from hiding. A fierce aerial chase ensued, culminating in a dramatic showdown. In a burst of speed, Wind Cog summoned a hurricane, trapping the Shadow Lynx in its vortex and ensuring Feng Xuan's victory.

Catching his breath, Feng Xuan exclaimed, "No more challenges for me! This was exhausting!" He looked relieved, deciding that being higher up the rank, even if not at the very top, was satisfactory for now.

Lysandra, with her graceful Radiant Pegasus, too, felt content at the 83rd spot. Lisa, with her formidable Ice Dragon, carved her way up to the 60th rank and chose to settle there. Zephyr, showing the same determination, also secured the 60th spot.

However, Maelon's ambition knew no bounds. He aimed high and chose to challenge the 35th rank. His opponent was Elara with her card monster, the Blazing Chimera. After a fierce battle, with the arena echoing the roars of the Chimera and the icy blasts from Maelon's Crystal Wyrm, Maelon emerged victorious, showcasing his impressive command over strategy.

As the dust settled and the audience whispered in awe, all eyes turned to Li Yang. The crowd eagerly awaited his decision, anticipating another epic duel. With the formidable Ares by his side, the possibilities were endless.