IUD-CHAPTER 321 THE PROLOGUE

With Camilla's words, the atmosphere in the vicinity suddenly became somewhat tense.

"Ca~mi~lla~," Ernesta puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction, sounding somewhat angry. "What are you doing, saying something like that?"

"I merely stated the facts," Camilla said matter-of-factly. "The Ferrovius Faction's philosophy is to universalize armed Lux, creating Lux devices that anyone can use. But Ogre Lux, in contrast, possesses immense power but lacks versatility. Only those with a high compatibility rating can use them, and it also carries the risk of being discarded. I cannot approve of such weaponry, no matter how powerful it may be."

"But in terms of a research subject, that Ogre Lux is of the highest level, isn't it?" Ernesta giggled as she spoke. "No research facility has fully analyzed it, not even the Integrated Enterprise Foundation. Don't you think that as researchers, achieving something that no one else can is the greatest accomplishment?"

"…I don't deny that, which is why I mentioned my interest in collecting data solely related to the weaponry," Camilla sighed. "However, it is still an Ogre Lux, which doesn't align with our Ferrovius Faction's ideals."

These two genius research experts from the Arlequint Research Institute continued their discussion as if Fang Li were not present at all. Their nonchalant attitude could rival even Fang Li's laid-back demeanor.

At this point, Fang Li merely smirked and decided to leave them be. He turned around and prepared to exit.

But in that fleeting moment, Ernesta's voice reached Fang Li's ears.

"By the way, Nii-Chan, we're also participating in the 'Phoenix Festa.'"

These words made Fang Li halt in his tracks.

If anyone else heard these words, they would undoubtedly be surprised, right?

After all, researchers like Ernesta and Camilla were not supposed to participate in the Festa personally.

The Arlequint Research Institute was divided into research classes and practical classes. The former focused on researching techniques, while the latter engaged in combat practice.

For students from the research classes to participate directly in the "Phoenix Festa" would indeed be surprising.

However, Fang Li was not surprised at all because he already knew what was going on.

"I assume you've understood that this year's 'Phoenix Festa' allows proxy participation?" Camilla gazed at Fang Li's retreating figure and continued, "We will use our creations to represent us in the competition— Ernesta's puppet and my Lux."

In other words, Ernesta had developed a puppet suitable for combat competitions, and they were using these creations as their proxies in the tournament.

Camilla, on the other hand, provided Lux to power these puppets.

In this manner, Ernesta and Camilla had entered the "Phoenix Festa," explaining their presence in the contestant area.

"If you happen to encounter my creations, please treat them well," Ernesta said with an innocent smile on her face. However, her smile no longer appeared as guileless as before. It now held a deep and profound feeling.

Then, Ernesta added, "At that time, let us observe just how capable the user of Bo Xie truly is."

Leaving these words behind, Ernesta happily bounced away, leaving the corridor.

Camilla nodded slightly at Fang Li, acknowledging their encounter, and followed Ernesta's departure.

Sensing their aura fading away, Fang Li couldn't help but chuckle.

Whether it was Ernesta or Camilla, they had simply expressed their thoughts openly, without any malice or ill intent.

However, it was a pity that even if both sides were participating in the "Phoenix Festa," friction was likely to arise sooner or later, regardless of their intentions.

"Puppets as opponents?" Fang Li mumbled before he added. "Interesting".

With that, Fang Li quickened his pace and slowly walked away.

At this moment, Fang Li still had no idea that his encounter with Ernesta and Camilla's creations would come sooner than he had imagined.

…

The preliminary matches did not all take place at the Sirius Dome. Instead, they were held on different stages based on the groupings. Only the teams that garnered special attention would compete in the Sirius Dome.

Fang Li and Cecily's match was scheduled to be in the Sirius Dome.

Of course, this was not because Fang Li was particularly renowned. It was because Cecily had been the runner-up in the previous "Phoenix Festa," which earned her the privilege of competing in the Sirius Dome.

Furthermore, Fang Li and Cecily's match was the first one scheduled for today.

…

The main stage, Sirius Dome.

The resounding cheers echoed through the sky, igniting the passion of the spectators. Around the entire stage, ceremonial cannons boomed, releasing shimmering confetti from above, creating a spectacular scene.

Inside the live broadcasting room, two females were transmitting their voices through microphones to reach the audience.

"Hello, everyone. This is the first match venue, Sirius Dome, of the 24th 'Phoenix Festa.' I am your live broadcaster, Yanase Miiko, and providing commentary for you all is Ms. Pham Thi Tram, a Jie Long Seventh Institute graduate and a former runner-up of the 'Phoenix Festa.'"

"Hello, everyone."

Two figures appeared simultaneously on the large space window suspended above the stage, both dressed in uniform attire, waving toward the camera lens.

"Before we begin the match, let's explain the rules. Although we say this, all judgments are monitored in real-time by the school emblems. Just remember that when the emblems of both contestants on a team are destroyed, or if one loses consciousness and concedes, the match is declared over. At that time, the emblems will announce the victors."

"After all, the students' emblems contain data processing chips, equivalent to each person carrying a referee with them."

"That's right. So, all we need to do is look forward to the exciting matches that the contestants will bring us, and everything will be fine."

"I can't wait to see the contestants enter the stage; it's making me impatient."

"So, let's get started with the first round of matches today!"

As the live broadcast continued, two massive column-like platforms ascended from the ground on either side of the stage.

...

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