The customers returned to the duel area, still unsatisfied.
With Wardson gone and Rowell leaving with his beauty in his arms, the excitement from the earlier match gradually cooled.
Some people also left the Magic Battle Arena.
But most stayed behind.
Why?
Well~ the lottery event wasn't over yet.
What if they got lucky next?
Some people didn't think getting the "Elemental God Elementia" Opening Special Edition card was anything special.
But if they happened to win one, selling it later to interested nobles would be quite profitable.
In short, if there's free stuff, why not stay a little longer?
Of course, that was only part of the reason.
More importantly, the earlier duel had already begun to spark everyone's interest in Magic Duels.
Especially since the final round ended in a draw, it left many people feeling frustrated, like something was stuck in their throats.
They couldn't help but think that if they had been the ones making decisions at certain moments, they could have done better—maybe even determined the winner.
So people began borrowing noble-version Element Cards from the arena, pairing up in the duel area, and jumping into lively matches.
Meanwhile, the nobles gathered in the booth area, ordered drinks and desserts, and started playing among themselves.
It was practically an afternoon tea session.
After confirming everything in the arena, Nora reported the entire course of the duel to the plush in her arms.
When she mentioned that the match ended in a draw, Ron's surprised voice came from the plush:
"A draw? That's a good thing!"
"Huh?" Nora was momentarily stunned.
But having seen Ron's methods before, she quickly reacted. "Boss, are you planning to use this as another promotion like today?"
"Of course," Ron said. "Since they didn't decide a winner this time, when people hear they're going to duel again, won't they be curious about the result?"
"And during this period, we can do more to increase the appeal of their next match."
"For example, we can subtly spread the idea that Wardson and Rowell are currently unmatched in Magic Duels."
"We'll keep elevating their reputations behind the scenes until people naturally believe they're the two strongest."
"That way, when they duel again, plenty of people will want to witness these 'legends' in action."
"And there will definitely be some who doubt it—thinking they're overrated—and come to see for themselves."
"In short, we just need to build hype."
"If possible, we can even wait one or two months until we organize a professional Magic Duel tournament, and invite them both to participate."
"Their drawing power will definitely be enough."
The more Ron thought about it, the clearer his plan became. He couldn't help but feel these two were truly his lucky stars.
He could keep "milking" this opportunity endlessly.
"I understand." Nora nodded seriously. "Should we inform Mr. Kiel? He seems quite skilled in this area."
"Mm, let him know in advance. Have him come up with an initial plan—I'll discuss it with him when I have time."
"Okay~"
…
On a piece of land outside the City of Chaos, Ron withdrew his thoughts and looked around again.
Harper, Illya, Edith, Guy, and the construction team leader stood nearby, carefully explaining the design plan to him.
Holding the draft blueprint of the experimental zone, Ron reviewed it roughly.
After asking Harper and the others a few questions, he nodded in understanding.
The experimental zone was mainly divided into two parts.
One was the Mana–Element Reaction Zone, and the other was the Experimental Research Zone.
The former was specially built for Harper, designed to minimize the danger when mana is reversed into elements.
The materials required were extremely expensive—once completed, the cost would likely approach six figures in gold coins.
And the daily maintenance would also be costly.
Ron had already expected this.
Research always burns money.
If he didn't have a strong financial backing, he wouldn't have supported Harper in doing this on a whim.
As for the latter—the Experimental Research Zone—it was similar to the laboratory areas in magic academies.
It provided equipment and facilities for various experiments.
After obtaining data in the Mana–Element Reaction Zone, Harper would return here for calculations and analysis.
Of course, Illya's experiments on the Element Potato would also be conducted here.
Ron had high expectations for Illya.
If it were just about experimenting with Element Potatoes, there would've been no need for her to resign from the magic academy.
It was precisely because Illya focused more on "daily life" rather than "combat" that Ron chose her to lead this part.
If they could determine the various properties of Element Potatoes, then in the future, the convenience of magic might truly benefit ordinary people.
This was something meaningful—and, to Ron, very interesting.
"Let's go with your plan," Ron said, putting away the blueprint and turning to leave.
At that moment, as the plan was finalized, a system notification sounded in his mind
-------
System: "Side quest triggered."
[Side Quest] — [Construct Private Experimental Zone]:
[Requirement: Successfully build a complete private experimental zone according to the approved design and put it into operation.]
[Reward: Mimic Grass seeds and their cultivation method.]
-------
Ron raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected this to trigger a side quest.
Judging by the name of the plant… it seemed like something special?
Not dwelling on it further, Ron turned to the construction team leader and asked:
"How long will it take to complete and put the experimental zone into use fully?"
"Well… there are quite a few factors," the team leader replied nervously in front of the Seventh Prince. "For example, whether materials can arrive on time…"
"Or during geological surveys, we might find unstable areas that require reinforcement, which takes time."
"Additionally, the Mana–Element Reaction Zone you requested has very high requirements for strength and precision, so that it will take longer than the Experimental Research Zone."
"If we encounter rainy weather, we'll need to set up protective measures in advance, or it could severely affect construction quality."
"Taking all that into account… it will take about a month."
At this moment, Illya suddenly spoke up, "I don't have much going on normally—I can use magic to help with construction. That should speed things up."
"I can help too!" Edith quickly added.
Harper rolled his eyes. "Then I—"
"Stop!" Edith immediately cut him off. "Harper, you specialize in fire magic. Don't mess things up."
"I can use earth magic too!" Harper retorted unhappily.
Ron chuckled. "Then I'll be counting on all of you."