Andy wasn't sure whether it was because Magic Duels were simple, or because he had some talent—but in any case, he found it easy to understand.
After watching just a few matches, he had already grasped the basic rules and even memorized many of the elemental interactions.
Before long, he lost interest in watching.
Because the people here were full of flaws.
Most of them were just playing randomly, relying on the dealer to determine which card was stronger.
Who won largely depended on luck.
This wasn't some childish game of comparing numbers.
Some Legendary-tier spells could be cleverly countered with mid- or low-tier magic.
Likewise, some high-tier spells with larger values could be overcome by lower-value spells of other elements.
Without careful study, it was hard to truly understand the underlying strategies.
Lost in thought, Andy finally decided to head to the counter that the staff had mentioned earlier.
There was nothing more to learn just by watching.
The matches ended too quickly, and the same patterns kept repeating.
If he could see a full deck, maybe he could understand more.
So he walked over and gathered his courage.
"I'd like to borrow a set of Element Cards. What do I need to do?"
"Please wait." The staff immediately took out a form and handed it to him. "Fill this out. Can you read?"
"Yes." Andy nodded and filled it in.
"All done."
The staff glanced at it briefly, then took out a box of noble-version Element Cards and handed them over.
"Here you go."
"If you have time, you might want to check out our current events. Completing challenges can earn you rewards."
The staff pointed to a notice posted on the counter.
Andy suddenly remembered what the staff at the entrance had said earlier—
No gambling, but you can still win money.
He lowered his head and read the notice:
Achievement Challenges
Defeat 10 randomly selected opponents in one day → Reward: one new Earth Element Card (Tier 3)
Remove the Elemental God Elementia card and the Magic God card from your deck, and win 50 matches within 3 days → Reward: one new Water Element Card (Tier 5)
…
Win 500 matches within 7 days (no more than 5 matches against the same opponent) → Reward: one full set of basic noble Element Cards.
Notes:
Each reward can only be claimed once per person. Challenges update weekly.
Completing the same challenge again grants half the reward value in cash. (Example: a Tier 3 Earth card worth 1 silver coin → reward = 50 copper coins)
Cheating (e.g., impersonation) will result in a ban from the arena.
After reading, Andy swallowed hard.
Could you really make money playing Magic Duels?
And with zero cost?
The cards were borrowed, the venue was free, and as long as you didn't buy food or drinks, you spent nothing.
Yet by completing challenges, you could earn cards… or even convert them into money.
"Mr. Gadden at Table 86—congratulations on completing the first challenge! Please come to the counter to receive your reward!"
An announcement rang out across the hall.
A young man cheered and ran over, receiving a new Earth Element Card (Tier 3) right in front of Andy.
Andy stared, his throat tightening.
To him, that wasn't a card—
It was 50 copper coins.
And the deck in his own hands was worth 1 gold coin… which could be converted into 50 silver coins.
That was his family's entire monthly income.
Andy's heart began to race.
Without hesitation, he turned and walked toward the duel area.
He would practice.
Then challenge the achievements!
…
Afternoon, February 11th.
Ron sat in a carriage heading toward the Royal Capital Magic Academy.
Nora had gotten off earlier near Moonview Street to inspect a store under reconstruction.
As Ron sat alone, still faintly recalling her scent, he reviewed recent matters.
The expansion of the hotpot restaurant and construction of the experimental zone were progressing smoothly.
The Magic Battle Arena was also well managed under Nora.
In a few days, once the upper floors were completed, ranked matches could be introduced—further fueling the popularity of Magic Duels.
Thanks to the Achievement Challenges, a large number of commoners had flocked in.
Even though most couldn't complete the first challenge, every success was publicly announced—
constantly reigniting enthusiasm.
After all, all it cost was time.
And there was a chance to earn money.
Of course, people would keep trying.
After all, when watching others play, everyone thought they could easily win if they played themselves.
Only repeated defeat could bring clarity.
But in the heated atmosphere of the arena, very few remained truly rational.
The second-floor booths had similar mechanics, but the mood was calmer.
After all, nobles didn't care much about small rewards.
So instead of money, their challenges rewarded exclusive skins.
These couldn't be bought—only earned.
As a result, people like Betty—obsessed with collecting—spent all their time in the arena, determined to gather every skin.
Meanwhile, some noble youths discovered that Princess Mia occasionally visited the arena.
So they began lingering there as well—
and ended up collecting skins too.
After reviewing all this, Ron felt reassured.
At this rate, organizing future tournaments would be much easier.
Just then, the carriage arrived at the Royal Capital Magic Academy.
Ron got down and headed toward his laboratory.
He had originally planned to spend the afternoon with Nora, but Dunlop had urgently summoned him—
Something had gone wrong with the club leaves taken from the Divine Tree.
"What happened?" Ron asked upon entering.
Dunlop, a blond man, looked relieved to see him.
"Your Highness… the club-leaves you provided… are a bit unusual…"
Of course they are… they came from the Divine Tree… Ron thought.
"Be specific. Is it serious?"
"…Not exactly serious. But on a larger scale, it could be."
Ron raised an eyebrow.
"At first, everything seemed normal. The effects were slightly better than previous samples, but nothing unusual."
"But later, we discovered something…"
"These leaves are two to three times more effective on followers of the Goddess of Harvest — Hervesta."
"Oh?" Ron was slightly surprised, but accepted it quickly.
That made sense.
"But that's not the real issue," Dunlop continued nervously.
"At one point, I was even planning to request a large-scale supply…"
"But then something… very strange happened."
"Several test subjects… suddenly changed their faith."
"They became followers of the Goddess of Harvest."
"And it wasn't forced. No mental interference. It was completely voluntary."
"We're not sure of the full effect yet."
"Most test subjects originally followed the God of Life or the God of Healing. So far, only those who worshipped the God of Healing have converted."
"I confirmed this last night and immediately sent for you."
Ron was stunned.
This effect—
subtly altering someone's faith, without resistance—
was terrifying.
"Who else knows?" Ron asked seriously.
"Only me," Dunlop replied quietly.
"I assigned the tests privately. Two of the three subjects were followers of the God of Healing—both converted."
"And neither finds it strange. It feels completely natural to them."
"Even if others notice, they won't suspect anything."
"It just seems like a personal change in belief."
Ron exhaled, then fell into thought.
"Give me all the remaining club-leaves. Suspend all related experiments."
"And keep observing those two. See if their faith reverts over time."
Dunlop nodded.