As the very first match of the preliminary rounds, Shrek Academy had left a far too deep an impression on the audience. Though the battle itself had been brief, the explosive power and somewhat ruthless attack methods displayed by all seven of Shrek Academy's participants left every spectator's heart trembling.
Their display of strength ensured that no one in the audience dared underestimate this oddly dressed team any longer. The appearance of two Soul Masters at level forty had already made them one of the favorites to advance from the preliminaries.
Flandre, who had no need to flee early today, had instead donned the same team uniform as his students and marched right at the front, chin held high, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
Though the audience's mockery had faded, the Shrek Academy team members still kept their heads down. True, they had proven with strength that they were no pushovers. But the text on their backs had changed.
Thanks to the team's flawless performance in the first round—and Flandre's silver tongue—they had successfully secured a sponsor. It was a company that sold premium fragrance extracts. Apparently, half the fragrance extract business in the entire Tian Dou Empire was controlled by them.
Fragrance extract was derived from flower essences, blended in specific proportions, and added to bathwater. It left a pleasant scent on the body after bathing. It was wildly popular among women. Whether noble ladies or commoner girls, none could resist fragrance extract—though of course, they purchased different grades.
Now the text on the backs of the Shrek Academy members read: "Radiant Charm, Wondrous Fragrance Extract — Wash Your Way to Wellness."
When the Shrek Seven Devils first saw the new uniforms, every one of them wanted to ram their heads into a wall. It was Ma Hongjun, ever more sympathetic to Flandre, who consoled the group—at least their teacher hadn't found them a sponsor that sold toilets. If he had, they'd never be able to show their faces outside.
The price Wondrous Fragrance Extract was offering was equally tempting: one thousand Gold Soul Coins per match, continuing through the entire tournament. If they made it past the preliminaries and into the advancement rounds, the sponsorship per match would double to two thousand Gold Soul Coins. And if they could reach the top three in the finals, there would be an additional fifty thousand Gold Soul Coins. All told, if Shrek Academy could win the championship, they would earn over a hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins in total. Flandre was thoroughly satisfied with that kind of income just for having a few words on their backs. To convince the Shrek Seven Devils to wear the uniforms, he had taken the lead by example today.
If it had been anyone other than Flandre, the Shrek Seven Devils would never have agreed to put them on. But they could never forget the look on Flandre's face when Shrek Academy had shut down due to financial troubles all those years ago. So, despite their reluctance, they ultimately put on the even more outlandish uniforms.
Under the audience's watching eyes, they entered the Great Spirit Arena, and this time two staff members immediately came forward to escort them to the competitor rest area.
Starting yesterday, fourteen matches were held each day.
Upon Shrek Academy's arrival, the members of other academies directed numerous glances their way. The one who drew the most attention was undoubtedly Tang San, who had revealed a ten-thousand-year Soul Ring. Displaying one's strength was indeed the best way to prove oneself. Though the text on the back of Shrek Academy's uniforms had changed, these soon-to-be opponents had no interest in that. What concerned them far more was how to defeat Shrek Academy.
"Headmaster, who are we up against today?" Dai Mubai asked Flandre.
Flandre blinked, then said, "How would I know? Am I the one competing, or are you?" These past few days he'd been busy securing advertising deals. It wasn't just this fragrance extract deal—several other advertisements were still being negotiated. When would he have time to pay attention to the match schedule?
Dai Mubai was speechless for a moment. "Headmaster, you can't just think about making money. You should show some concern for us too."
Flandre chuckled. "You got a problem with that, brat?"
Seeing the strange look in Flandre's eyes, Dai Mubai shuddered and hurriedly shook his head. "No, no problem at all."
Flandre smiled. "I may be the headmaster, but everyone has their role. Don't worry—Liu Erlong has been scouting your opponents these past few days. She'll brief you on your next opponents shortly. And let me remind you: if you don't win the championship this time, I won't allow any of you to graduate."
While they were talking, the Great Master and Liu Erlong approached together. They had no obligation to follow Flandre's lead and were wearing their own clothes.