ack's Shadow × Descent into the Mind"[Main Plot - Illusionary Training × Mental Abyss] Once again, Yomi Cang returned to Funke's "Confinement Chamber".
Inside the gray-white barrier space, countless fragments of playing cards floated in the air. The Queen's whispers surged like waves. But this time, Funke stood by his side, constructing an ancient magic tower.
"Every time you hear the whisper of the cards, it's proof that your personality is being tested."
He tossed the ghost of the Jack of Hearts from his cloak. The card floated in the air, but did not take physical form.
"The Jack series... are 'mirror carriers' of personality. The Jack of Hearts isn't just a power - it's the part of you deep inside that wants to protect everyone."
Yomi Cang stared at the map, his fingers trembling.
"But why is it whispering to me in my dreams?"
Funke sighed. "Because you have begun to fear the price of this power. Jack is born of doubt... He can be your salvation - or your destruction."
When Funke activated the magic tower, [Illusionary Training] officially began.
Inside the tower, each level simulated a projection of "unstable personalities": the Raging Queen, the Corrupt Joker, the Silent Ace... and at the deepest level was the Jack of Hearts, whose face resembled Yomi Cang's - but with hollow, gentle eyes.
"Do you remember why you wanted to become strong?"
He smiled as he asked.
"Because I wanted to protect," Yomi Cang replied in a low voice.
Jack's smile deepened. "But you can't even protect yourself."
The next moment, Jack drew a sword of illusion - a short blade made entirely of crimson heartlight, pointing straight at Yomi Cang's forehead!
"Choose - will you become a savior... or sink as a sacrifice?"
[Subplot - Azure Three Generals × Magic Club Triple Clash] Meanwhile, three official battles began in the Dragon Fang Arena!
Battle 1: [Bai Lan] vs. [Mechanical Spear Thrower - Kalanso] Bai Lan used illusion magic to construct a 3D maze, forcing Kalanso to misjudge his paths-his spear throws often missed their mark.
Kalanso activated a linked firepower array and launched a full-area bombardment - but Bai Lan dodged with extreme reflexes while setting off phantom traps, creating multiple "bomb-clone Bai Lans" in Kalanso's vision.
Eventually, Bai Lan tangled the core of Kalanso's spear with illusions, causing it to explode and win the first match!
Second Battle: [Kagurain Kuren] vs. [Phantom Blade Dancer - Eleia] A clash of speed and precision.
Eleia attempted three lightning attacks, each of which was countered by Kuren's Twin Sheath Style. Each sword strike was flawless, allowing Kuren to gradually read Eleia's rhythm.
But at the last moment, Eleia used a spatial folding dash, bypassing Kuren's defense and leaving a sword wound. The match ended unresolved - but Kuren remained standing.
This battle ended in a draw due to mutual damage.
Third Battle: [Mitou Karuma] vs. [Phantom Warrior - Altis] Altis finally got serious.
He opened an "Otherworld Interface" on his left arm and drew out two spectral blades formed by alien energy. His sword and footwork defied human understanding.
"Karuma, you're Cang's right hand, right?" Altis sneered coldly. "Then I'll use you to test the tolerance of the 'Otherworld Gate'."
Karuma roared and went into a rage, unleashing Chain Prison - Flame to seal off the arena, forcing Altis into melee.
The two fought fiercely for twenty minutes. The battle ended with Karuma wounded and Altis retreating, also wounded.
Final result: Magic Club - 1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss [Intel - The Shadow of the Holy Nurture Foundation] Late at night.
Funke entered the back room of the headmaster's office.
Behind the wall, an ancient ritual gate slowly turned. The vice principal stood before it, his eyes veiled by arcane symbols from another world.
The principal's voice echoed: "'Queen' has finally begun to lead Yomi Cang to Jack... The gate will soon be ready."
Funke remained silent, spinning his magic cube idly.
(These people... they're not what they used to be.) He muttered under his breath:
"Looks like it's time to tell Yomi Cang... The real enemy... is already inside the school."