Chapter 1138: AFTER THE TOP 16 MATCH

Luo Yan had anticipated that Nereid would take action the moment he vanished into the shadows. Team Siren had gone to great lengths to counter his [Shadow Walk] skill, ensuring they could neutralize it. It was only logical that they would have a contingency plan ready for when their initial strategy failed.

So, he instructed Luo Jin to relentlessly attack Nereid and, at the last moment, when she least expected it, destroy the item she used to erase the shadows. This should occur precisely when Eclipse managed to nick her with Luo Yan's dagger. The dagger's special ability would immobilize Nereid for a few seconds, ensuring she couldn't interfere with the destruction of the item.

That's why, even though Luo Yan knew diving into the shadows was likely a trap, he still did it. He trusted that both Eclipse and Luo Jin would do everything in their power to secure their victory.

And they did win.

After their victory was announced, instead of being immediately transported to their headquarters as usual, they were teleported on a large stage that was on the central plaza of Lunaris Vale.

The moment they appeared, cheers erupted from the players surrounding the stage. No, more accurately, the cheers began the instant all eight winning teams appeared, not just them.

Luo Yan, still exhilarated by their team's victory, paid little attention to the surrounding cheers or the other teams that were with them. Instead, he rushed to embrace Eclipse and Luo Jin the moment he saw them. "You both did an amazing job!"

"Okay, enough already! Put me down," Luo Jin huffed, his cheeks slightly flushed.

A shy smile appeared on Eclipse's lips. "I did pretty good, right? We won because of me," he said adorably.

"Hey, kid, it's not entirely because of you that we won," Bai Ze said, pinching Eclipse's cheek.

"I think I also deserve a hug," Shen Ji Yun quietly mumbled on the side.

Luo Yan glanced at Shen Ji Yun with an amused expression. Despite wanting to hug him, the crowd made it impossible. Instead, he discreetly hooked his little finger with Shen Ji Yun's, ensuring it stayed hidden from the prying eyes around them.

"Don't worry, I will give you all the hug you need later," he whispered. "Good job, by the way. You did amazing as well."

The corners of Shen Ji Yun's lips turned up, revealing just how happy he was in that moment. "You're also amazing."

"But where's Uncle Dusk and Rowan?"

Luo Yan glanced around in response to Eclipse's sudden question. It was then that he noticed the other teams on the stage with them. Not all 16 teams were present; only eight. It was easy to assume these were the teams that had won the top 16 match. He could see Celestials, Fenghuang, and even team Sanguis.

Then his gaze landed on the male player who had looked at him creepily during the opening ceremony. What was his game name again? Ah, Zephyr. Luo Yan quickly looked away before the other could notice him. He had no desire for another unsettling staring contest with the guy.

But just like what Eclipse had said, Dusk and Rowan were not here.

"Where are the others?" he asked, looking at Shen Ji Yun and Bai Ze. "Are there serious repercussions for being eliminated during the match?"

Since the two dragons were technically NPCs, he wondered if being eliminated in a match would have different consequences for them compared to other players.

"Dusk is fine," Shen Ji Yun said. "He's just recuperating in our headquarters."

"It's the same with Rowan," Bai Ze added. "According to the Pet Status bar, they just need 24 hours of rest, and they'll be as good as new."

"Are they really fine?" Eclipse asked again.

Luo Yan ruffled Eclipse's hair. "Don't worry, didn't you hear the Captain and Brother Ze? They said they're fine."

Eclipse nodded, but still looked obviously worried.

Luo Yan was about to say something more when, suddenly, two girls appeared at the center of the stage.

The first girl had long, flowing purple hair that cascaded down her back, adorned with a delicate spade-shaped hair ornament. She wore a tailored black dress with silver spade symbols embroidered along the bodice and hem. A silver choker and matching earrings completed her uniform.

The second girl had short, dark purple hair styled neatly. She wore a well-fitted black suit with a dark blue shirt underneath, the silver spade symbols subtly decorating the cuffs and collar. There was also a spade-shaped brooch pinned to her lapel. She wore a simple gold bracelet and small gold earrings, complementing her outfit perfectly.

"Hello, everyone! This is Lila!" the girl with long hair said.

"And this is Lena," the other one said with a much more somber attitude.

"To represent His Grace, the Duke of Spades, we will be your hosts for the duration of the final tournament of the Arcadia Cup," Lila announced, her voice clear and confident. "Aren't you glad to see such pretty girls like us?"

She ended her announcement with a playful wink at the crowd, which instantly sent the audience into a frenzy of cheers.

Lana gave Lila a disapproving glance before addressing the crowd. "The top 16 match is now over. Let's give a round of applause to our current top 8."

As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd erupted into applause.

"And now, we'll announce the NovelFirePs of the eight matches that had just ended," Lila continued.

After she said that, eight virtual screens floated above them. Each screen showed scenes from the earlier matches. On one of the screens, it showed Luo Jin firing his guns. At the bottom of the screen was the MVP title and the name AmazingYoungMasterJin.