God of Tricksters

"Without further ado…" Sheira raised her two fingers and said, "Each of you will be required to fight twice because the main competition will be divided into game and brawl.

"The game will be randomly chosen by our system. I can't explain much about the game since I may end up giving you some clues about it, but I am sure you will understand it when the main competition starts.

"As for the brawl, it will be a total of three matches: 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, and 3 vs 3. This is a spontaneous choice as you don't need to submit your name before the competition. You can even challenge your opponent to fight you, but it will also depend on whether your opponent will accept it or not. To this point, I assume everyone understands my explanation, right?"

Suddenly, Cheng Sui raised his hand and asked, "How do you determine the winner?"

"The game itself will be divided into two parts, so each game and brawl will score you one point. That's why you need to choose your order well, because one mistake may cost you and your team the entire game. whichever team gets three points first will be the winner."

Cheng Sui nodded in understanding.

"And this is the bracket. There are four Blocks. Each block will get a winner and the semifinal will start. I'm sure it's easy to understand from the image alone.

"Also, we will determine up to 3rd place, so those who lose in the semifinal will be fighting again."

"That's a given." All of them nodded in agreement.

"Each battle will take one day with the first battle starting in two days, so all of you can rest your body to make sure you fight with full strength."

Theo chuckled inwardly as he thought, 'Heh, fighting so hard just to receive a small medal. That's certainly an irony… Though, I believe if one makes an impression in the competition, they are usually scouted by other countries. It's a great first step I should establish in this place.

'Well, I can't say I have much loyalty to the country since I prioritize myself more. Whatever the case, getting a medal should be enough to repay the country for their support. Depending on the result, I may choose a different option in the future.' Theo felt a bit fired up, wanting to win.

"Then, how about we start drawing the lots?" While Theo was thinking, Sheira continued and pointed at eight names on the screen. The names began to change as it was trying to draw a random name.

The United Kingdom.

"Ah? It's us." Zara commented and tapped Nella, who seemed to be eager to get it. Nella had been showing such enthusiasm the whole night, so she could only let her do whatever she wanted.

Seeing it was alright, Nella came to Sheira as the latter raised a wooden box with a small hole on top, allowing her to draw one paper from inside.

Nella dove in without hesitation and pulled out a paper before showing it to everyone, including Sheira.

B2

"B2, I'm sure no one has any objection, right?" Sheira asked with a smile, confirming that she wasn't cheating. With no one raising an objection, Sheira proceeded to fill their name in the top right corner.

Following her action, everyone gradually had their turn to get their own placement. The bracket was as follow:

Block A – Thersland vs Italy

Block B – China vs The United Kingdom

Block C – Japan vs India

Block D – The United States vs Egypt

"This is the final matchup." Sheira presented them with the bracket with a smile.

Seeing the placement, Nella suddenly came to Theo and grabbed his hands, saying with an innocent face. "I am happy that I can meet you in the semifinal, Cousin."

"Oi, oi. Are you underestimating us?" Cheng Sui furrowed his eyebrows, glaring at Nella.

Nella glanced at him and smiled. "Of course not. Underestimating you and defeating you are two different cases."

Cheng Sui's eyebrows twitched as he snorted, "Fine by me. I wonder what kind of face you will make when you lose against us in the first match."

"Why are people so easily provoked?" A chuckle resounded in their ears as they saw Enrica coming to Theo. "I am sure it will be an exciting match between us. Whoever wins, I hope there's no hard feeling."

"Likewise." Theo nodded as their country surely couldn't do anything to Italy with the current disparity.

"And we're first again…" Enrica smiled, recalling that Thersland and Italy won their rights on the first day.

"Right… Now we need to do it like this." Theo shrugged while saying, "In any case, no matter the odds, I am aiming for the win."

"Of course. That's how the competition should be. I am looking forward to our battle." She smiled and stepped back, regrouping with her team.

"That woman is dangerous." Ellen's voice suddenly echoed in Theo's ears as the latter glanced to the right, finding her face close to him.

"Do you know anything about her?"

"No, but I can feel it. Those eyes, I am sure it's not blind."

"I know. Whatever they will throw at us in two days, we can only deal with it." Theo shrugged.

"Yes. So, how is your condition after dealing with Alea this whole time?"

"Tired. This girl sets her priorities wrong." Theo pointed his finger at Alea while shaking his head in disappointment. Ellen just chuckled.

The rest also began to talk about the brackets, challenging their opponents.

However, Theo certainly got a surprise tonight.

[God of Mischief is interested in the competition and gives you a trial.]

Trial: Get the first place to tell the world tricks are the best

Reward: Upgraded Skill Eyes.

Theo furrowed his eyebrows and made a weird expression, thinking, 'I just got the first trial, and wow, not holding back, eh? Getting first place is easier said than done, but the reward is related to Skill Eyes. I'm sure it's the name for the eye ability that allows me to see the requirement to upgrade my skills. I wonder what kind of effect the upgraded version will give me.'