Chapter 1246
Because right after the welcoming remarks.
It was time for the official introductions of each nation’s delegation.
However, it was blatantly obvious that the commentary was laced with heavy bias. The other countries received entirely normal, official praise.
When introducing the United Realmon States, the announcer’s tone soared. “The elite collegiate delegation from the United Realmon States has achieved outstanding results in previous iterations of this event, making them one of the strongest contenders for the championship this year p>
The introduction for Caldoria was equally glowing. “The Caldoria delegation possesses a profound academic heritage and remarkable innovative prowess. They remain highly anticipated in this year’s competition p>
When it came to Dovaria, the praise was relentless. “Dovaria’s strength is absolutely not to be underestimated p>
As for Severia themselves, it went without saying; they practically wrote ‘The Ultimate Host’ across their foreheads.
But when the massive screens cut to the Elyndor team.
The commentator’s tone took a subtle, deliberate pause.
Then, it shifted into a deeply condescending drawl. “Next up, we have the young team from Elyndor p>
“In recent years, the Elyndor delegation has been constantly trying to push their boundaries. We believe they have joined this competition with an attitude of learning and cultural exchange. We wish them luck in gaining valuable experience in an arena filled with such formidable opponents p>
On the surface, there wasn’t a single insulting word in those sentences.
If anyone tried to call them out on it, the announcer could just feign innocence and claim they were merely offering well wishes.
But everyone could hear exactly what was being implied.
This was in no way an introduction for a powerhouse team.
Learning?
Exchange?
Gaining valuable experience?
This was a blatant attempt to label the Elyndor team as mere placeholders,
participants who were ‘just happy to be here’ and ‘looking to learn,’ broadcasting that narrative to the entire world.
Lydia’s face flushed hot with anger, and she cursed under her breath. “What the hell does ‘an attitude of learning and exchange’ mean? They’re making it sound like we’re on a field trip p>
“Exactly!” another teammate gritted his teeth. “When they praised the other countries, it was all about being top contenders or having profound heritage. But for us, it’s just about ‘accumulating experience p>
“These Severians are unbelievably shady p>
“It was bad enough that they pulled
those dirty little tricks behind closed doors yesterday, but pum
this crap
on a global broadcast? Do they really think we’re just pushovers p>
What was even more sickening was that the shady commentary wasn’t the only issue; the live broadcast director was clearly messing with the camera angles as well.
During this specific introduction, whether on orders from the Prescotts or simply because The Elyndor Delegation Uniforms were too eye-catching.
When it was time for Severia, the United Realmon States, Caldoria, and the others, the main cameras zoomed in with plenty of crisp close-ups.
Every detail of their uniforms, along with crystal-clear shots of the captains and team members, was perfectly showcased.
But the moment the focus shifted to the Elyndor team, the screen time was drastically slashed or the broadcast simply cut to incredibly blurry, wide-angle shots.
No close-ups of the intricate uniform details.
No close-ups of Serena.
Not even a proper shot of the Elyndor team’s formation.
It was glaringly obvious that they didn’t want Elyndor taking up even a second of extra screen time on the global feed.
“This is downright bullying p>
A suffocating weight pressed against the chests of the Elyndor team as waves of fury spiked within them.
Looking at her fiercely indignant teammates.
Serena finally spoke. “There’s no need to get angry p>
Her voice was light, yet it effortlessly quelled the rising storm of emotions within the group.
Everyone turned to look at her.
Serena stood at the very front, her posture as relaxed and effortless as ever, her luminous, cold eyes devoid of any turbulent emotion.
But the lingering awe from her spectacular rifle-spin with the flagpole had yet to dissipate.
She radiated an overwhelming aura of dominance, looking down on the chaos with absolute composure.
She stared toward the high podium and the broadcasting booth, her tone indifferent. “Them playing these petty little games just proves they’re terrified of Elyndor stealing the spotlight p>
“And the harder they try, the more it shows their guilt, their deep-seated fear of
Elyndor’s strength p>