The second round of the semi-finals began with the battle between Team Moss and the Crimson Fires as scheduled.

Colorful flags fluttered as gongs and drums echoed through the air. Although many audience members supported the Crimson Fires, it didn’t stop others from loving Moss and his team. Many fans wore knight armors while holding swords high, cheering and chanting.

The two teams assumed their positions in the arena as Davis introduced them, “Let’s take a look at the two teams’ formations today, ladies and gentlemen!” Davis’s attractive voice echoed.

“The two teams have done a lot of preparations considering their formations. The Crimson Fires have assumed a square with their fire mage, Turner, and ice Mage, Trent, standing in the back. Their grand alchemist, Adam, and great swordsman, Pell, are in the middle while the beastmaster, Jones, is in the front.”

“However, Team Moss is in a rather strange formation. Moss is in the front while Baylon, the water mage, is behind him. Standing behind Baylon are Alan, Kohler, and Moore in a triangle formation. Mr. Edward, can you analyze the teams’ battle tactics from their formations?”

Edward happily replied, “The Crimson Fires’ formation looks relatively safe, while Team Moss’s formation is different from before. They might have analyzed their earlier battle experiences and concluded a beneficial arrangement. Their formation boasts offense and defense.”

“However, I think Team Moss should adopt a more defensive counterattack strategy in this match. After all, it is what they’re known for.”

“Still, whether or not Team Moss can withstand the Crimson Fires’ attacks and ultimately exact an effective counterattack would depend on Moss’s performance.”

Ten loud drums sounded, and the match officially began as Edward finished speaking. When the drums ended, Team Moss quickly set up their defenses.

Alan set up his paralyzing gas as Moss planned, while Moore used his rain of arrows to slow down their opponent’s advance, buying time for his teammates.

The Crimson Fires were familiar with Team Moss’s tactics, so they took the initiative to attack and defeat Team Moss as quickly as possible. However, Moss didn’t stick to fighting defensively.

A few minutes later, Moss seized the opportunity and dashed out of his team’s defensive setup with a shield in one hand and his two-star Frost Knight Holy Sword in the other.

Moss ran toward Turner at breakneck speed with the help of Alan’s paralyzing gas. Moss had five times increased speed due to the agility ring Elroy gave him.

The sudden change in Moss’s speed shocked Turner. He was about to mobilize his teammates and launch a flurry of attacks on Moss, but Moss was too fast.

Turner wore a speed-reducing ring that would slow Moss down by fifty percent. However, the ring Moss wore offset Turner’s ring, returning Moss’s speed to its original state, which was enough for Moss.

“Thunderstrike!”

Moss shouted and swung his sword while summoning three shields that shot toward Turner’s left, right, and back respectively. Moss’s actions were rather complicated, but he executed them swiftly.

Bang!

The two swords collided, and before Turner could use his ultimate fireball skill, Moss’s attack shook Turner as he spat out blood.

“Ah!”

Turner let out a blood-curdling scream. He slowly fell to the ground and fainted. The rest of the Crimson Fires ceased attacking when they saw their captain faint. They hurriedly returned to Turner’s side and switched to a more defensive formation.

Pell examined Turner’s injuries and shook his head disappointedly. Then he glared fiercely at Moss and shouted, “Stop the match! We admit defeat!”

Pell wanted to fight, but his captain was unconscious, and they would be fighting an unfair match—four against five.

Moreover, Pell witnessed Moss’s performance when he knocked Turner out and knew Moss had improved exponentially compared to when Pell fought Moss in the individual Player Kill competition.

Pell knew there was no point in continuing the match and might as well admit defeat so that Turner could receive treatment.

White Deer High’s viewing area exploded with loud drums, cheers, and chants when they heard the Crimson Fires admit defeat.

The shocked audience members returned to reality when they heard the sounds of drums, cheers, and chants from White Deer High’s viewing area, responding with warm applause.

“Knight! Knight!”

No one knew who yelled, but soon after, the word “knight” resounded throughout the paladin training grounds and reverberated toward the arena.

…

The match sparked a heated discussion on the internet shortly after. When the referee announced that Team Moss would advance to the finals, the comments exploded on a knight enthusiast’s Livestreaming broadcast.

Several layers of comments covered the screen.

“What a glorious moment for knights around the world!”

“I’m crying joyful tears! The knight’s team has advanced to the finals!”

“The knight’s team defeated the Crimson Fires—Number Two High’s alliance second ace! That’s impressive!”

“I thought the knight’s team would struggle, but it seems I underestimated them.”

“I think Moss leveled up. He was so fast!”

“I’m hoping for Team Moss to win the championship!”

“For the glory of the knights!”

The netizens expressed their shock, emotion, and anticipation for Team Moss. There were finally more who hoped Team Moss would continue to create miracles and win the championship.

…

Taylor’s face was ashen as he sat in the VIP viewing area.

Meanwhile, Corwin sat still, his lifeless eyes staring toward the arena’s center. He was utterly confused and unwilling to believe what had happened.

Buzz. Buzz.

Taylor picked up his phone and saw a message from Miller, so he tapped it.

“Moss’s performance has verified my previous judgment. Moss has almost caught up to me in terms of strength, and I might lose if I’m not careful. Please continue to support me, Director Taylor! I want to severely wound Moss so he can’t participate in the individual Player Kill competition.”

Taylor immediately revealed a fierce gaze after reading Miller’s message. He nodded as if he had made up his mind.