"However, according to the tradition of previous tournaments, the early stages should still be free challenges."

Senior Mia thought for a moment and then said this.

"Free challenges? I can fight whoever I want? Is it that casual?"

Dorothy was stunned, somewhat surprised.

She had thought it would be more formal, like the Dragon King Cup, relying on methods like drawing lots or randomizing to match opponents, progressing through the ranks.

"Hehe, it’s really that casual. After all, the Kengan Tournament isn’t a serious competition for winning first place; its original purpose was to replace commercial wars."

Senior Mia laughed as she explained, her steps lively as she approached Dorothy, then turned to face her while moving backward.

"If we followed formal matching rules, how could you ensure you match the business opponent you want to deal with? If the issues you want to resolve aren’t addressed, participating in the Kengan Tournament would really be a waste, wouldn’t it?"

Dorothy: "...."

The Homebody Witch scratched her head speechlessly, realizing there was some sense to this.

It’s like how she’s here this time for the secret techniques held by the other four warship workshops. If she can’t match up against those four, she’d really fight for nothing.

"Haha, Little Fairy, looks like you’re getting it too."

Senior Mia turned around again, then slowed her pace to align herself with Dorothy. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Actually, Kengan duels initially were private challenges between different parties, but commercial wars require reliable witnesses, leading to witnesses being quite busy. Later, some witnesses were scheduled for too many matches simultaneously, so they decided to call everyone together, thus forming the prototype of today’s Kengan Tournament."

"Furthermore, challengers found that gathering for Kengan allowed them to expand their network. After all, those who can play Kengan are somewhat formidable trade associations, and the items each party puts up as stakes might be what others desire, so the scale grows larger, and participants increase in number."

"Later on, some respected seniors from the Dragon Kingdom collaborated to establish the current Kengan Association, agreeing on fixed annual dates to hold the Kengan Tournament. Interested parties can sign up with them."

"Nowadays, many trade associations without commercial conflicts actively participate in the Kengan Tournament. They try their luck, hoping a participant has something they want, allowing for a duel right on the spot to potentially win what they desire."

"In the end, while the Kengan Tournament is labeled as a duel competition, to us merchants, it’s more like a grand commercial expo, with each party offering some rare things as stakes."

"Of course, for Little Fairies like you acting as duel agents, there are earnings as well. After all, trade associations wishing to enter Kengan need to pay a hefty registration fee, and the remaining after covering Kengan Association’s operational expenses goes entirely as prize money to the winners."

Senior Mia talked enthusiastically about the origins of the Kengan Tournament, clearly not her first time at such an event—she’s quite the veteran.

And Dorothy listened quite attentively, enjoying these little stories about things she didn’t know before, as each place has its own unique customs and unspoken rules, intriguing for outsiders.

The fun of travel lies here, listening and experiencing these unique activities, which is much more interesting than just mountain climbing or sightseeing.

The Homebody Witch once considered traveling around the vast Witch World on her broom, collecting various unique magic spells.

But the idea, while romantic and beautiful, always felt too troublesome once she prepared to head out, causing her to lose the will to move.

Leaving home feels like torture; it’s more comfortable staying inside.

However, since she’s already out and accompanied by good friends, the travel experience is quite pleasant.

Of course, the main point is...

"Prize money? How much prize money?"

Dorothy’s eyes suddenly lit up as they transformed into gold coin shapes, looking eagerly at Senior Mia.

Meanwhile, the Golden Princess couldn’t help but laugh at her own beloved’s reaction.

Little Fairy’s money-loving isn’t just a figure of speech. Her pupils literally turned into gold coins, which must be some kind of minor yet amusing pupil skill.

Tsk tsk tsk, Lady Witch of the Forest, you have fun spells you keep for yourself rather than share with your sisters, huh? I’ll take your money and teach me this spell.

Who could resist eyes turning into gold coins? Please, that’s super cool.

"The prize money is quite substantial, especially with this year’s Kengan Tournament being so large, involving almost all the Dragon Kingdom’s trade associations. I heard quite a few foreign trade associations came to join the fun too. While I don’t know the exact prize amount, I estimate it might be this much."

Senior Mia raised a hand.

"Five billion?"

Dorothy’s breathing became rapid; this was delightful news to her, who recently lost her savings and urgently needed to replenish her small treasury.

But Senior Mia rolled her eyes, not ordering.

"Little Fairy, now you’re also someone with a battle group and a trade association under your command, can you raise your standards a bit? Is just fifty million worth such efforts for these titled or peak players?"

"It’s five hundred billion, although that’s the total amount, distributed as roughly 350 billion for the winner, 100 billion for the runner-up, and 50 billion for third place."

The Golden Princess speculated based on past traditions.

Dorothy: "..."

Sorry, in the end poverty limited my imagination. Turtle, are you rich people really playing like this?

The Homebody Witch marveled at how extraordinary high-level gatherings were in the Witch World.

Once upon a time, she worried about a few million gold coins for house money, where even a small goal seemed out of reach, but now it turns out little goals are really minor things, barely noteworthy for the big shots.

"So, what are we waiting for, Senior? Let’s get going, my little gold coin darlings are calling me."

Unable to contain herself, Dorothy grabbed Senior Mia’s hand and started speeding off.

This left the Golden Princess a bit helpless; she was quite the lady, and running and jumping around really tarnished her image.

But oh well, she’s no longer the princess of the Golden Country, so there’s no need to keep up any appearances of being a classy lady.

Well, as long as she’s happy.

Senior Mia thought this but, in action, she habitually tried to pin down her magic robe’s skirt.

Though she wasn’t wearing a ceremonial dress at the time, it seemed past habits couldn’t easily be changed.

As she realized it and intended to adjust, she suddenly felt the hand held by her beloved tugging strongly, catching her off guard as the strength pulled her forward, embracing Dorothy.

Actually, Mia could resist the pulling force just now, but why resist?

Although this sudden intimacy left her a bit dazed.

Ah, when did Little Fairy become so proactive?

She wondered.

But before she finished wondering, the Homebody Witch started moving again, twirling her beloved into dance steps, quickly becoming several classic dance poses.

Well, thinking she’s about to get her hands on some cash, she was super excited.

In the past, she might have just cheered "hooray," but now...

Yes, Senior Mia is right, now I’m someone to be reckoned with, better make it elegant with a dance, as I just learned to dance...

Regarding this, Senior Mia was initially surprised but soon smiled, coordinating with her beloved’s steps. For a wealthy heiress like her, dancing was a mandatory course.

The Golden Princess once imagined if she would dance with her beloved someday, but she genuinely didn’t expect it to occur in such a situation.

Yet, it’s not bad.

Under the night sky with a full moon high and the arena lights ablaze in the distance.

Under the moonlight, the two witches walked gracefully with confident dance steps, capturing the surprised gaze of passersby, elegantly but swiftly proceeding.

Kengan Duel, commence.

....witches dancing.....