This morning's opening ceremony was quite a formal reception.
The visiting guests each held a wine glass, sitting or standing, and after listening to a brief speech by Vice President Mark of the Prophet Association, President Addis Stan of the local association announced the final rules for the 1853 Great City Player rhode cards tournament.
Xia De stood with his friend Baron Lavende, accompanied by the Baron's "arch-rival," the somewhat short Baron Rwanda.
"It's finally starting."
Baron Rwanda looked up, appearing very confident, as if he had heard inside information early on. Baron Lavende, on the other hand, held a champagne glass, his fingers constantly tapping the body of the glass.
Similar to previous Great City Player tournaments, this year's competition is also divided into three stages.
Stage one is the preliminary round, where 1273 card players who obtained "numbered rhode cards" before registration closed yesterday will begin competing against other contestants starting today, the sixth of the harvest month, within the Prophet Association's already arranged premises, under the supervision of the Prophet Association's staff.
Xia De heard that not only were all rooms from the first to third floors dedicated to the gambling games during this period, but even the rooftop had rhode cards tables set up.
Each registrant has 10 points; losing a game deducts two points, and winning a game earns one point.
Participants with 20 points in hand by 5 PM next Friday, the thirteenth of the harvest month, exactly one week from now, can all participate in the next stage, the semi-finals.
The preliminary round is a fixed rule for every Great City Player tournament, and invited card players, like Xia De, can skip the tedious first stage and directly enter the semi-finals.
"This year's Stage Two is different; these are brand new rules specifically designed for Tobesk City!"
President Stan announced loudly, causing a stir of discussion below. People looked at him with great anticipation, and even Xia De had a smile on his face. He was pleased that besides drinks, the association also prepared juice:
"The Prophet Association has partnered with local clubs and shops. The semi-finals will not only be held at the Prophet Association. To fully embody the spirit of the Great City Player and allow rhode cards players from all over the world to enjoy the autumn of this City, the association has set up semi-final venues in different districts of Tobesk. Those who have obtained 20 points, or our specially invited card players, can go to six venues within the City starting next Wednesday to play multiplayer card games. The rules for multiplayer card games are as follows:"
The rules for the multiplayer card game he announced were exactly those of the game Xia De participated in and won the Genesis Darkness at the Queen's birthday banquet. Of course, at that time, the Queen provided 10 gold stars, while the association only provided "Big City Player 1853 copper commemorative coins," and these commemorative coins could be kept privately after the competition.
It seems the people's speculation at the Queen's banquet was correct; the Prophet Association had long planned to do this for this year's Great City Player.
"Each card player entering the semi-finals needs to play one multiplayer card game at each of the six venues. The semi-finals will conclude at noon next Sunday, at which point the number of copper coins held by each player will be tallied, and the top sixteen players will advance to the final stage."
"Where are the six locations?"
Baron Lavende, next to Xia De, asked loudly. Vice President Stan provided the answer, while the staff of the Prophet Association carried large oil paintings and a map of the City, showing people the locations.
"Marquis Martinez's mansion in the East District; the Marquis is also participating as a specially invited card player in this competition. We hope you like the aristocratic architectural style of the Old Continent's north!
Shadis Cotton Mill in the West District; thanks to the factory owner who owes us a large sum of money. rhode cards, weaving machines, and steam engines might go very well together!
The first floor of the Three Cats Inn in the North District; Mrs. Sangmei generously lent us the venue and hopes we can help her promote it. Experience a commoner's inn, play cards amidst lute music and songs—that's what a truly interesting card game is!
Hall 3 of the Delarion Royal Opera House in the South District; thanks to the King's generosity. rhode cards are an elegant game, but don't forget to wear formal attire! Gu
The assembly hall of Tobesk University in the University District; we rented this, thanks to everyone's registration fees. The University District has a strong academic atmosphere; playing rhode cards in such a place might offer a different experience!
The third floor of the Prophet Association on Silver Cross Avenue in the Central City, which is this very room we are in now. We hope you won't dislike it here!"
His humorous analogies drew bursts of laughter, and Xia De also pondered what he needed to do.
From next Wednesday to next Sunday, a total of five days, he needs to participate in six multiplayer card games and try to accumulate as many copper coins as possible. Although only the top sixteen players will enter the finals, according to past ratios and information secretly told to him by Vice President Mark, the number of rhode cards players able to enter the semi-finals should be less than one-tenth of the total participants.
Therefore, making it into the top sixteen out of a hundred people is not extremely difficult.
"Finally, the finals! Next Sunday afternoon, the association will conduct a draw based on rankings to pair the top sixteen players. Next Monday, the sixteenth of this month, will be the round of sixteen to eight, Tuesday eight to four, Wednesday four to two, and Thursday the final showdown. This year's winner, in addition to the customary 3000 pounds prize money and the special rule card 【the City player · 1853 Tobesk champion】, will also receive prizes provided by the Tobesk branch and local rhode cards clubs."
President Stan quickly listed the prizes, which were physical rewards provided by local shops and clubs for self-promotion. For example, the Three Cats Inn promised the ultimate winning player a year of 30% off accommodation and dining privileges.
It seems Mrs. Sangmei is certain she will make a fortune during this year's Great City Player.
Sometimes, an Outsider truly has to marvel that people from other worlds are not lacking in business acumen at all. Even if he were to organize this Great City Player tournament, he couldn't do it any better.
President Stan's soaring voice and the exciting upcoming competition made the Friday morning reception even livelier. Reporters from the Three Penny Newspaper and Steam Bird Daily, who were invited, even interviewed Xia De individually just before the reception ended.
As the holder of three Founding series cards, he had quite a reputation among rhode cards players. Therefore, the two newspapers offered a high interview fee of 3 pounds, specifically asking Xia De to express his views and opinions on this year's Great City Player tournament.
Xia De was naturally happy to earn this money and answered the questions very seriously, slightly praising Vice President Mark's efforts for this year's competition. But when he was finally asked for a photo, Xia De did not take a frontal shot, but instead had the reporters take a back shot of him leaving with other players.
Xia De did not want his clear photo to circulate, not because he was some criminal who needed to conceal his misdeeds, but simply because he occasionally still needed to visit Coldwater Port.
However, at least for now, he would only be in this City, throughout the Northern Pearl, enjoying the steam-era card tournament.
"Are you really not a criminal?"
Xia De declined Baron Lavende's invitation to go for a drink. On his way home, "she" suddenly asked.
Xia De thought about what he had done:
"Indeed not."
"Then why did you have to think about it?"
Xia De was choked by her, and the pleasant laughter echoed in his ears again.
Taking advantage of having nothing else to do this afternoon, Xia De visited Priest Augustus again. The Priest had already received definite notice that he would be leaving Tobesk City next week and was currently packing his luggage.
Due to his age, Priest Augustus had not been sent on official business by the church for almost ten years. This unexpected business trip puzzled not only himself but also Bishop Owen, but the Holy See never gave a reason for the trip, only stating that a group of elderly, devout clergy were gathering in a southeastern City for a meeting and training.
