Chapter 69 Duel
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After the small gathering, time came to January 22nd full of hope.
There have been a lot of snowstorms recently.
Even magicians don't like to go out on days like this. The penetration rate of terminals is increasing every day. People who cannot afford them are happy to spend their days off in Internet cafes, and some even stay up all night.
In an era of entertainment recession, this is undoubtedly the best way for everyone to relax.
Apart from horror games, the most popular platform right now is the [Gululu] video platform.
After launching the True and False Young Master, the platform began to collaborate with local opera houses and captured a large audience.
On weekend nights, audiences habitually click on Gululu Video to look for new operas to watch. As soon as I entered, the scroll bar at the top of the homepage was extremely eye-catching. A new column was playing previews back and forth: "Today's News".
"A new show?"
It seems out of place among a bunch of colorful opera trailers.
Finding that there was not much time left before the show started, the customers in the Internet cafe decided to have a snack while watching the show.
Just as announced, the program started on time.
The music started with great domineering power, and the netizens who were stuffing snacks into their mouths paused.
A map of the entire Holy Demon continent flashed before our eyes accompanied by music. Both the color and tone were different from the current broadcast style.
"It's a bit strange."
How can a map be used as the opening of a film? Not sure, will check again.
After the prelude, the news anchor sat at a long table, smiling at the audience in front of the screen.
When he opened his mouth, his words were clear and his expression was serious.
"Good evening, everyone. Today is January 22 of the Demon Realm Calendar. Welcome to watch today's news."
“…” The audience didn’t have a good evening.
It took them a moment to react before they were sure that this was a real demon.
"Has he been possessed?" From my impression, aren't all demons indulgent in their behavior and attach great importance to carnal enjoyment?
The demon in front of him was not only very conservative, but his already strong physique, when tightly wrapped in cloth, had a unique charm.
In addition, even the hair is meticulously fixed with hairspray.
The contrast of the picture is quite strong.
Luke recruited two hosts in total, who took turns to host the show. Based on the results of the interview, the older demon would open the show tonight.
"grumble!"
It wasn't just the audience who were surprised by the show. The ferret who was having its nails trimmed was even a beat slow.
It clawed its way up and down. Did the demon's brain get kicked by a saint?
The saint standing by already knew that Luke was going to do a news program. I thought the other party would continue the exaggerated style, but who would have thought it would be so... simple.
The demon host almost broadcast without a script. After many days of special training, he has initially acquired the qualities of a professional host:
"…The exchange delegation from the First Magic Academy has returned today."
The screen inserted several scenes from the exchange group's arrival. Students were having friendly exchanges with demons of the same age from Klin Tower, and teachers were sparring with guards. The whole scene looked surprisingly harmonious.
It turns out that text and watching videos are two different experiences.
The serious and upright style, without any exaggeration, is like the only refreshing dish in a table of chicken, duck, fish and meat, which will make the audience feel refreshed.
After feeling refreshed, I was like fuck.
Judging from the student uniform, they are indeed students of the First Magic Academy! When did they go to Demon Realm to communicate?
The administrators of some Internet cafes even temporarily disabled the sound-blocking function to make it easier for everyone to communicate freely.
However, such an important matter was introduced in less than half a minute.
The screen cut back to the face of the host demon, calmly reporting the next piece of news:
"Because of the death of the former First Crown Prince Alec, Prince Notting went to the Demon City to seek an explanation. It is reported that the Demon King did not meet him because he was in seclusion. Soon, Prince Notting and the Lord of Red Banyan City had a fierce conflict. Below, our reporter Barry will bring you more live reports."
Bang.
The camera turned and a corpse fell from mid-air and broke into pieces.
audience:"……"
I was so scared that I dropped the food in my hand.
Barry, the reporter on the line, was holding a loudspeaker, his hair flying in the wind. "Good evening, everyone. I am now at the intersection of the Huodong Mountains and Lari City outside Hongrong City. Prince Notting's guards are still fighting with the Hongrong City Lord's guards. So far, the two sides have been firing for 72 hours!"
"Several fortresses behind me have been blown up. The Lord of Red Banyan City is currently at a disadvantage, but the nearby camp said that Prince Aman is leading his troops to the scene. They will be able to launch a counterattack soon."
After this news came out, whether it was the Internet cafe or people watching the terminal with their relatives and friends, everything became quiet in an instant.
Admiral Carol, who had just returned to the military lounge, stopped and asked, "The demons are rioting, are they fighting?"
His expression suddenly became very serious.
The demon clan has been in constant turmoil for years, so news of war is not a bombshell to them.
What really made him feel threatened was the news itself. Completely different from newspapers that publish articles at intervals, the immediacy of live news broadcasts gave him an overwhelming sense of shock.
What an efficient and terrifying information transmission tool this is!
Just as he was thinking about it, the military broadcast notified all the generals to go to the conference room for a meeting immediately.
The news continued: "Hongrong City is the main mining area for tiger stick trees, which are essential materials for making scrolls. Affected by the war, the price of scrolls may reach a new high in the future."
Word spreads from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred, and more and more viewers are focusing on the screen.
The civilians' hearts were pounding as they watched. It was incredible that a news column was so powerful that it could let them know so much information at the first time.
You know, these news were all secrets before!
Just as I came back to my senses from the shock, I saw the host devil maintaining the same sitting position as before and spoke solemnly: "Next, let's focus on the news outside the domain."
"At 12 o'clock this morning, the written examination for terminal programmer recruitment in major central cities of the human race officially began. It is reported that there are more than one million candidates who have registered for this round, which can be called the largest recruitment in history."
At this point, the host demon's eyes turned slightly red.
Similar situations foster empathy.
Half-blood demons of low power are treated similarly to those with low magical powers, and their fate is determined from birth.
However, at this moment, the content he broadcast was being seen by the entire continent, and the candidates in the broadcast were also working hard to change their destiny. This feeling of interweaving made him unable to remain unmoved.
The host demon suppressed the bitterness.
The complex emotional changes are directly conveyed to the audience through the screen. For a moment, the emotions of some civilians of different races also begin to become complicated.
The host demon kept in mind the professional ethics that should be followed and continued to broadcast.
"…I have an important message for you."
"Because of the life fluid, the Elf King recently sent a challenge to the Saint of the Holy Court. It is said that this is the second time the Elf King has issued a challenge this week."
The audience in front of the screen, who hadn’t even finished catching their breath yet, exclaimed: “!!!”
They were in a roller coaster mood, the Demon Realm, the Klin Watchtower, and the News Department.
Messages came one after another from the terminal.
Luke stood in the corner, reading the information provided by Lillian. The other party sent some people to the vicinity of the Internet cafe to observe the audience's reaction. It was said that it was very good.
Quill said: "According to this feedback, live news broadcasts will establish authority and credibility in the shortest possible time."
The platform the other party wants already exists.
Luke also relaxed and nodded, saying, "All we have to do now is wait for the duel. As long as we win the duel, we will immediately prepare to reveal the truth about the Tree of Life in the news."
This is much more useful than him posting a message in the community to publicize the problems with the Tree of Life.
One ring after another, not giving the opponent any chance to breathe.
————
On January 22, the first trial broadcast of "Today's News" was a great success.
On January 23rd, just one day later, the first national network construction conference was held at the Klin Watchtower.
But soon, this piece of news was overshadowed by another piece of news: The Saint accepted the challenge!
The duel was set to take place in the Land of Exile.
The Holy See has already released the news in advance that spectators are prohibited from watching this duel, otherwise the consequences will be at their own risk.
Nowadays, in the place of exile, one can tell whether there is any extra life breath just by scanning with spiritual sense. In this case, the possibility of trying to secretly watch the game is almost zero.
The public's desire to witness this battle of the century has reached its peak, but there is nothing they can do. At this moment, someone in the community made a comment:
Can you find out by watching the news? 】
As soon as this sentence came out, a gap was immediately opened, and many people subconsciously wanted to leave a message under the official account of "Today's News".
As soon as you enter the official account, the big words on the homepage introduction are extremely eye-catching: Know everything about the world without leaving your home.
After seeing the introduction, netizens became more confident.
The continuous live news broadcast at a fixed time every day, with all the information being fact-verified, has already made them recognize this platform.
This special column has gradually begun to represent the channel for disseminating important events on the mainland.
[You are the only one I have in this battle of the century... Momai, please be sure to provide me with first-hand information! 】
[Please, I'll take a day off that day and stay in front of the terminal screen the whole time! 】
[Agree, I’m willing to pay to watch it! 】
Since the terminal came into being, the speed of brushing reviews has become faster and faster.
As of that evening, the number of public comments had easily surpassed the number of comments from the previous trailer, setting a new record.
Among them, many big shots have secretly created small accounts and are secretly expressing the same demands, hoping that the live news broadcast can provide news of the decisive battle.
The News Department is constantly communicating with Luke to discuss how to meet the audience's expectations.
While Luke was communicating with them, he was also busy on his side.
The network construction conference lasted for several days, and he didn't even have time to eat, but he found time to draw pictures.
The quill was curious and wanted to take a look once, but the latter covered it up mysteriously.
What a familiar scene!
When I was celebrating Luke's birthday, I was also trying to cover up something.
The quill was now like looking in a mirror, making sure the other party had prepared a surprise for him.
His eyes softened as he lowered his head. Quill said, "Today is the last day of the conference. We must end this tug-of-war as soon as possible."
There are less than three days left until the duel. If we are any later, we will not be able to reach the Stone City, which is closest to the place of exile.
The rustling sound of writing paused for a moment, and Luke stood up.
"Let's go to the meeting."
The conference room is right next to the News Department, and people of all races attending the meeting would deliberately stop when passing by.
The value of live news broadcasts has skyrocketed. They have realized that they must set up their own news team as soon as possible and cannot let the public rely on other tribes for important news.
The only trouble was that I was worried that Luke would get in the way.
Unexpectedly, the parties involved did not mind sharing relevant experiences: "Build a network civilization together and achieve mutual benefit."
For the races that wanted to join the convenience of the Internet, Luke directly asked them for certain weapons.
The word "mutual" in the conference theme was emphasized.
The eyes of representatives of various ethnic groups flickered. The reason for asking for weapons is not difficult to guess. It is probably related to the duel between the Elf King and the Saint that will take place in the near future.
But none of them wanted to be involved in the feud between the Holy See and the elves for no reason.
In the awkward and suffocating silence, Quill, who was also attending the meeting, suddenly curled his lips:
"Why don't we just start the meeting here? Anyone who is interested in cooperating can contact us directly in private. Anyone who doesn't contact us before dark will be deemed to have voluntarily been rejected from the Internet."
The sound was not loud, but everyone could hear it.
Unfriendly glances were cast at him one after another, but he realized it was a stranger's face. He also failed to determine the race, so he could only hold his anger in his heart for the time being.
Only a fool would stand at the door!
Everyone can see the huge prospects of the Internet. If that were true, wouldn't it be a step too slow?
Lujia and Feather Pen played the good cop and the bad cop respectively, saying in a gentle tone: "...Wouldn't it be nice to use some of your consumables to exchange for long-term sustainable benefits?"
The atmosphere remained silent.
Luke tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingertips and waited patiently. The crisp voice slowly paused when a figure stood up.
The first to speak out were the Orcs. The current Orc King asked in a rough voice:
"You said that the Elf King can promise to forgive our past grudges. Is that true?"
Luke smiled: "Of course."
The current orc king made up his mind after hearing this: "Okay, I agree. Anyway, there are so many tribes. Does the Holy Court want to make the whole world its enemy?"
The law does not blame everyone.
This sentence made many clan leaders who were still weighing the options feel a little moved.
"That's right." We're not asking them to lead the army to war, so why not?
Statements made in meetings are always like dominoes. Following the crowd will quickly tip the trend to one side. Seeing this, Luke's lips slightly raised.
"I won't let you down."
Destroying the Holy See is only a small goal.
At the beginning of the year, everyone sets their own small goals, some kill people, some set fires, and some rob people.
While the Klin Outpost was holding a network construction conference, the Holy See was also making its deployment.
Because of the sacrificial ceremony, the last part of the induction ceremony for trainee priests was delayed until today.
The whole scene was solemn and orderly. The trainee priests who had been standing in the tall white building did not dare to overstep the boundaries in any way.
One of the trainee priests took a closer look to make sure that none of the people in the strange team he saw on the road that day appeared here. At this time he didn't know that these people had already turned into skeletons under the Tree of Life.
The highest-ranking officials in the entire Holy Court now are the Saint and a high priest with a long history.
Both parties took the upper seats.
Communication can only be heard by each other.
The priest's eyelids opened and closed, and he was majestic: "The deployment for the sea adjacent to the Elf Island is almost complete. The high-altitude cover formations are all gathered on the road that must be taken back from the Land of Exile, and the three hundred great magicians are all in place. Even if the Elf King has the upper hand in the duel, he will not be able to return on his way back."
This is just a precautionary measure. If the plan goes well, there is a 70% chance that the Elf King will die in the duel.
The saint nodded slightly.
Once the Elf King falls and the Elf race falls into chaos, the curse against the child can begin. Even a saint cannot take care of both ends.
She had considered all the routes and possibilities in the process of removing the curse. There would be many checkpoints along Iliad's route, so she would definitely be able to capture him alive.
The priest glanced sideways and moved his lips as if he was about to speak.
The Saint said calmly: "The fate of the Holy Court has long been connected to the Tree of Life. No matter who it is, no one can stop the Tree of Life from returning to its glory."
Not even her own child.
The situation where you fail at the last minute due to being soft-hearted will not occur.
…
The duel was scheduled for the seventh day of February.
According to the human perpetual calendar, it is advisable to start earthwork and seek wealth, and do not do anything else.
Apparently, most people don't have these taboos.
On that day, everyone lined up to ask for leave, and in some places, the streets were deserted and everyone gathered in front of the Internet cafes.
Such terrifying levels of national attention are unprecedented in the history of the entire Holy Demon Continent.
When Luke arrived at the Stone City, the city was crowded with visitors from various races, including many intelligence dealers.
This time he specially called on Berlani to travel with the dragon all the way. He was easily recognized by the guards at the city gate as he flew in the clouds.
The guard saw them, greeted them politely and said, "If you are any later, the city will be closed."
"Lock down the city?"
Guard: "It's overloaded, and it's difficult to maintain law and order."
This battle, no matter who wins or loses, will change the situation of the entire continent.
The closest city to the Exile Land is the Stone City, where battle reports can be obtained relatively easily.
The city is now filled with a powerful aura. Those who dare to come here are all truly powerful magicians. Otherwise, in this remote place, once the duel is over, there will be many people who will take the opportunity to attack and rob on their way back.
As soon as Luke and others appeared on the street, they immediately became the focus of everyone's attention.
Fortunately, he was well prepared, and the dragon power released by Berlani next to him made other magicians dare not approach easily.
Ignoring his surroundings, he walked down the street, and Berlani only communicated with Luke: "I saw that several platforms of the terminal have been updated, but I didn't find any new functions."
The quill also pricked up its ears at this time. Luke uploaded a new magic framework these days and did not let him check it as usual, so he didn't know where the updates were.
Without giving a direct answer, Luke watched the color of the sky change from blue to an unnaturally transparent white.
He narrowed his eyes and smoothly changed the subject: "The duel is about to begin."
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Excerpt from Luke's diary:
There are fewer secret visitors in my diary recently. What are you all doing?
@Saint@Dragon Clan@Saintess@Alec
Alex came uninvited: I'm always present.
Luke: [question mark]
Sage: Black market betting is being opened for the duel.
Dragon Clan: Go to remote areas, to places where our construction is needed.
Saint: I'm busy plotting, please don't disturb me.
Alec: I'm already dead, why are you tagging me? ! [Angry][Angry][Angry]
…
I'm going to take a day off to recuperate after my period. I'll go to the electric heater later. My waist hurts so much. I'll see if I can write more tomorrow. One hundred red envelopes will be dropped randomly, happy weekend everyone~
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