Chapter 166

The competition between the two teams was always the most thrilling part.

Caleb Monroe scratched his head. "I know how to play Go, but I'm just average. Doubt I'll pass the test."

Wesley Hart chimed in, "Same here. I only know the basics. Guess we'll give it a shot."

Surprisingly, Mason Bell also knew Go, giving their team three players—an advantage over the other team.

Caleb asked, "Who can play the zither?"

Just knowing Go wasn’t enough; they needed a musician too.

Serena Blake blushed and spoke softly, "I’ve studied the guqin."

She had trained in the guqin since childhood and even majored in it at art school. When she saw this challenge was set in the "Conservatory Hall," she secretly rejoiced.

Especially after hearing Aria Bennett also played, she was eager to prove herself. She refused to believe her decade of practice could lose to Aria.

Caleb smiled. "Then the zither performance is on you, Serena."

Though he wasn’t particularly fond of her, teamwork mattered.

Serena nodded confidently. "I’ll do my best."

She was determined to impress the judges and win over new fans.

The director, delighted by their enthusiasm, stepped forward and knocked on the door.

Soon, a young woman in traditional attire opened it.

"Welcome to the Conservatory Hall. You know the rules—please come in."

Inside, the courtyard bloomed with flowers, with a Go board and guqin placed at the center.

The woman smiled. "Would you like to start with Go or the zither?"

The director immediately said, "Go first."

He figured saving the "rivalry" between Aria and Serena for the zither would make for better entertainment.

The woman nodded. "Very well. I’ll summon the masters to play against you."

She disappeared into a side room, and soon, three Go masters emerged.

The director had Caleb’s team go first.

The rules were simple: one match, winner takes all.

After polite bows, Caleb, Wesley, and Mason took their seats.

Within two minutes, Wesley lost.

He chuckled wryly. "I used to think I was decent playing with friends. Now I know what real skill looks like."

The director consoled him. "Don’t feel bad, Wesley. These are national-level masters."

Wesley waved it off. "No need to sugarcoat it. Let’s see how Caleb and Mason do."

Everyone expected Mason to lose first, but minutes later, Caleb conceded.

"Guess I’m just not good enough," Caleb admitted, standing up.

Wesley patted his shoulder. "Still lasted longer than me."

"Mason’s holding up well," they remarked, watching him continue.

Ten minutes later, Mason also lost.

The middle-aged master commented, "Not bad for your age, but impatience cost you. With more focus, you could’ve lasted longer."

Mason bowed. "Thank you for the advice."

His grandfather had taught him, but as the master noted, his impulsiveness was his downfall.

With the entire team defeated, the director wasn’t surprised. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be called the Aldercrest Mountain challenge.

Caleb grinned. "Now it’s up to Damian."

The others agreed. "Damian, our fate’s in your hands."

Damian Cross gave a faint smile. "I’ll do my best."

Then he glanced at Aria. "Care to join me?"

The director brightened. "Right! Aria plays too. Why not give it a try?"

Though he doubted she’d win, more participants meant more fun.

"Alright, since you insist," Aria agreed reluctantly.

Damian and Aria sat opposite two masters.

Ten minutes later, the unexpected happened—Aria, whom everyone assumed would lose, was dominating the game.

The room fell silent as everyone gathered to watch.

Another ten minutes passed, and Damian won first.

His opponent conceded gracefully. "Your skill is remarkable. I yield."

Damian bowed. "You honor me."

Then he went to observe Aria’s match, the master following.

Soon, Aria placed her final stone. "Thank you for the game."

Her opponent—the same master who’d played Mason—smiled. "Your technique is exceptional. I’d love a rematch someday."

Aria nodded. "Certainly."

Wesley gasped. "Aria, you call this 'average'?"

Caleb laughed. "If this is average, what does that make us?"

No one had expected Aria to be this skilled. While perhaps slightly below Damian, she was undoubtedly a master.

The middle-aged master added, "Miss Bennett’s skill ranks among the best here. Calling yourself 'average' is far too modest."

Aria sighed. "You flatter me."

To her, she wasn’t top-tier, but apparently, she stood out here.

The director beamed. "Aria, you’ve been hiding your talents!"

"So, Damian and Aria pass the Go test?"

The master nodded. "Of course. If you clear the zither challenge, you may enter."

[Shocking! No one saw this coming!]

[Aria’s insane—I thought only Damian could win!]

[Even the masters say she’s elite. Why was she so humble?]

[The haters are in for another L.]

[Can’t wait for the zither face-off.]

[Who’s better—Aria or Serena?]