Reader Mage-Stubbing August 10! Chapter 171: 171-Give It Your Best Shot

Read chapter 171 of Reader Mage-Stubbing August 10! by A_Random_Turtle on NovelPedia.

Sunday was warm. The sun was overhead, and Prestige Academy was roaring with life just like on the day of the festival. Everyone was invited to witness the competition between Prestige Academy and Crown Academy for the academic rankings. Professor Jung made certain that security was far tighter this time as a consequence of Merlin’s revelations to her, even a few Mages from the Consortium Guild were present. However, Merlin doubted that it would work. The man had escaped even his Perception, appearing and disappearing like a ghost. Someone of such a caliber would have no trouble blending in into a large crowd and escaping scrutiny. Which was only made more certain by the fact that he was supposedly a member of the Blackguards, a villain group that has been eluding them for almost a decade now. Merlin decided that he wouldn’t let that bother him now, though. He had the competition to think of, and… “Don’t look so sad,” Nora said from where she sat close to the window of her ward, her arm still wrapped in a cast. “It’s not like I’m dead. I just won’t be competing with the rest of you.” “And that’s enough cause to worry,” Merlin replied. “You’re the best we’ve got.” Nora scoffed. “We have two S-Class Mages, nerd. I’m just an A-Class Mage.” Merlin tutted. “There’s no way you believe that nonsense. You’re literally first on the academic rankings.” “Yeah, yeah.” Nora waved his words away languidly. “I did my research on the guy replacing me, Carlos. He seems very good.” Merlin nodded. “I know. His Hex is unique and it can help him with winning his duel. But that depends on how he uses it. Without a spark, petroleum is useless. It's basically just oil, but his opponent is a—” “Jesus. Nerd alert.” Nora snorted, and Merlin shut his mouth instantly. “I don’t need your lectures right now, please. Say something else, or be quiet.” Merlin frowned. “You brought up the conversation.” “Oh, yeah? Well, I’ve put it to a close now.” Merlin clicked his tongue. It didn’t matter the situation she was in, she was always so aggravating. But it was good that her inability to perform in the tournament wasn’t dealing a great deal of damage to her psyche. He knew how competitive Nora was, and the fact that she was out of such a big finale was definitely eating into her. She had led them to it. She was the real MVP. And they all had to ensure they won—for her. Merlin’s smartwatch beeped at that moment. He glanced at it, noting that there was only about three hours left until the final began. It was time he made his way to the waiting room. “I guess that’s it,” Merlin said as he stood up. “Aunt Zuzu said she would be spending the whole time with you, watching the tournament from here. So prepare yourself for all her screaming and gasps.” “Ugh.” Nora’s nose wrung up in disgust. Merlin turned around with a smile. As he got to the door, he halted and glanced over his shoulder. For a moment he thought about using this moment to reveal all he had been involved in during these past few months, all from the mysterious lady and man, down to his ability to open dungeons, and, most importantly, his interaction with Sunny in regards to Professor Dmitri and Club Spiral. But he decided to hold off on it for now. After the tournament things would change for him, however slightly. He would tell her about everything then. Right now, all she needed was rest. “Wish me luck,” he said instead. Nora smiled as she turned her attention back to the window. “You don’t need it.” Merlin pulled the door open and walked out. In the hallway was Kim Yiseo. She leaned on the wall, her arms folded and her eyes cold. That was until he walked out. “You took awfully long,” she said with that stoic expression of hers. Merlin raised a brow. “She’s my sister.” “And she’s my friend. Move out of the way.” She pushed him away and walked in. The vibe in the room changed instantly, and Merlin felt a little bit jealous. “What is it with girls feeling so much more comfortable with girls at the expen