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The VIP section sat in stunned silence. The apocalyptic destruction followed by dual Gold-rank breakthroughs had short-circuited even their ancient, experienced minds.
Finally, Alaric ventured tentatively, "We could... let them continue? There's technically no rule against Gold-ranks competing."
His suggestion met a silence so complete it had its own gravitational pull.
Blake had no particular opinion. His disciple would obviously win the individual competition—that was mathematical certainty, not speculation. Every high-rank cardmaker present could see it.
Yves had only attended because escaping the Shu Highlands for a day felt like vacation. The competition's outcome meant nothing to him personally.
Frank had just received a message from Holden: Not competing in individuals. Returning north to train. Need to get stronger.
With his disciple withdrawn, Frank had no stake in the decision. Though even if Holden had stayed, Frank wouldn't have intervened. Better to lose in competition than die on a battlefield.
The three heavyweights' silence left the lesser powers floundering.
Chancellor Valeron finally proposed a solution. "Russell and Anson don't compete in individuals. As compensation, each receives a complete Gold-level material set. Thoughts?"
His logic was sound. If they competed, the individual tournament would become Russell versus Anson: The Rematch, making everyone else expensive extras. The outcome was predetermined anyway. Plus, Gold-ranks fighting Silver-ranks violated the competition's purpose—identifying rising talent, not confirming obvious superiority.
For the Federation, two material sets were pocket change.
Yves raised an eyebrow, impressed by Valeron's decisiveness.
After brief deliberation, consensus emerged. "Agreed. If they refuse... well, we'll deal with that."
Valeron glanced at Blake. "Second issue: Northgate won the team competition, earning access to a welfare secret realm. Russell's obviously too high-level for the standard Silver realm."
"Simple," Alaric said immediately. "They normally choose their own realm anyway. Let Russell pick a Gold-level one."
Valeron stroked his chin. "Acceptable."
With business concluded, Yves turned to Blake. "Director Blake, at the same age, I wouldn't have matched Russell's talent."
Blake's shock was visible. Such praise from a Palace-rank was unprecedented.
"Russell is gifted," Blake said carefully, "but I just hope he can carry my legacy forward. Reaching Palace rank requires more than talent—it needs fate."
Among his disciples, only Jasper and Hazel had reached Diamond. Jasper was trapped in the north by past events. Hazel's personality chained her to Northgate's teaching position. Russell was his only real hope.
Yves looked conflicted. Behind them, several elders exchanged meaningful glances.
Below, Russell's Gold-rank energy had banished exhaustion. He walked off the platform to immediate mobbing by his team.
"Russell..." Lucian had speeches prepared but words failed him.
Russell raised a hand. "Save it. We're grown men, not romance novel protagonists. Besides, we've been through worse together."
Lucian caught the reference—the Infinite Eye, Sonny's death, their shared secret. Jean and Yuna understood too, four conspirators sharing silent smiles.
Only Grant remained confused. Am I being excluded from something? No, that's paranoid. Right?
Leaving them to celebrate, Russell approached Hazel.
"Senior Sister, I won."
She looked at him with those perpetually frozen eyes. Then, impossibly, her face thawed into an actual smile.
"Well done, Russell. Teacher will be thrilled. I am too."
Russell stared, pole-axed. "Senior Sister... you CAN smile?"
The expression vanished instantly, ice reforming.
"I'll find Teacher," she said, walking away with just wind-carried words behind.
Did I just fumble something important?
A staff member intercepted him. "Student Russell, the organizing committee has a proposal."
Russell listened to the expected news—no individual competition for Gold-ranks, full material set as compensation.
"Has Anson agreed?"
"Already confirmed."
Russell looked toward Northwestern's area. Anson was comforting a sobbing teammate, but caught Russell's gaze and offered a gentle smile.
"Fair enough. Fighting children would be boring anyway."
The announcement spread across all platforms within hours. Internet forums exploded with debate about the hypothetical Russell vs. Anson finale. A poll emerged: Russell won with 99% of votes.
Thus was born his title: The Uncrowned King.
Individual Competition Finals - One Week Later
"Sienna wins," Russell observed from the stands.
The finalists were Sienna from Science & Technology and Charlotte from Capital University.
If Holden hadn't fled north, he'd have won easily. Some things never change.
Charlotte's Hercules was powerful but threshold-limited. Against Sienna's infinite giant spawning, without weapons like Caliburn or Kirin, he stood no chance.
Sienna showed no joy in victory. She looked up at Russell and Anson in the stands.
Winning what they discarded. How fulfilling.
Only the Gold-level materials made it bearable.
The award ceremony took place on the unrepaired battlefield—scars as medals of honor. A replica of the finals crater was being constructed as a permanent monument.
"Time to go," Carter said, still glowing from Northgate's victory. He hadn't stopped smiling in a week.
Russell sighed at the fanatical crowd. Shadowkhan had to clear a path through the mob.
Sienna waited on stage, silent and bitter.
Chancellor Valeron and Archmage Alaric presided, the Masters having returned to their duties.
"Congratulations," Alaric said, pumping Russell's hand. "Blake taught you well."
"All credit to Northgate's education system," Russell replied diplomatically.
The materials weren't distributed immediately—he'd select them at the government office.
"Stop daydreaming," Carter said, patting Russell's back.
And so ended the most challenging competition of Russell's life. Gold-rank achieved, materials secured, immediate crisis resolved.
One Week Post-Competition - Northgate Government Office
Russell scrolled through available material sets on a tablet.
"[Spirit of Electricity], [Sky-Lightning Mirror]..." He paused. "Isn't this just Enel's kit?"
The office had thoughtfully pre-sorted materials into themed sets. But as he browsed, inspiration struck.
"These pre-made sets aren't mandatory, right?" he asked the attendant.
The man looked surprised—the young Gold-rank wanted custom selection.
"No, but maximum five materials."
Russell smiled. He knew exactly what he needed.
Time to create something special.
(End of Chapter)
300 , 500 , 1000 Each milestone will have 1 Bonus chapter.