409,

This is the result of the three judges' joint deliberation.

This result often comes with a premise.

That is, the three judges can each evaluate independently without being influenced by external factors.

Whether the other party can achieve this needs to be observed in practice before analyzing.

However, it is difficult to use pretentious behavior, which is so ethereal and vague, as a criterion for evaluation. It's unlikely that personal criteria can be established based on that.

Moreover, since this is a competition that only happens once every ten years, there are probably not many individuals with the ability and experience to evaluate pretentious behavior. They may only appear after the preliminary rounds.

Regardless, Cyclone has already taken all of this into consideration.

It has been only a few weeks since Cyclone knew that the Celestial Dragon Festival included a pretentiousness evaluation.

Cyclone simply didn't have time to teach Little Dragon how to observe expressions and use targeted pretentious techniques.

Therefore, Cyclone can only prepare a set of specialized pretentiousness strategies that combine Little Dragon's abilities and personality to deal with all situations for maximum pretentious effect.

First and foremost, from start to finish, remain calm and composed, focusing on one's own tasks as if at home.

At the same time, avoid any eye contact with the opponent, pretending as if the opponent doesn't exist, only making a move when necessary.

This approach is the simplest and most straightforward for Little Dragon.

For one simple reason, aside from Little Dragon's strength, her straightforward nature makes it impossible for her to feign pretentiousness.

For Little Dragon, the best way to be pretentious is to be "impressively pretentious."

To overwhelm the opponent with great strength and make them see her as formidable.

But unfortunately, Little Dragon can't even achieve this.

To be impressively pretentious, Little Dragon would have to put on a strong front, use harsh words to bully opponents and dominate them.

Little Dragon is kind-hearted, and once she attempts such aggressive behavior, she will be instantly seen through.

Both are pretending, but this is not pretentiousness, let alone impressively so. It's just a show.

Therefore, Cyclone has chosen a variant of an "impressive pretentiousness technique" for Little Dragon, emphasizing her strength with minimal words, known as the specialized skill of "subdued pretentiousness."

It begins by waiting for the crucial moment, the very end.

At present, the ultimate moment is when two judges nod in agreement.

At that moment, Little Dragon will perform a simple act.

With a slight cough, followed by a simple statement.

The cough serves to lure in the opponent who has been ignored all along.

Then, with a dismissive tone, saying, "Is it just you?" to show her superiority and make the opponent seem insignificant.

Starting with silence, followed by just one statement, this back-and-forth response utilizes silence to emphasize her strength and disregard for the opponent.

Of course, if the opponent cannot bear it or react, and is unwittingly provoked by Little Dragon's final and only remark, the entire set of subdued pretentiousness completes perfectly.

"Listen~ dear audience!! The contestant who receives this mark will be the winner of the 53rd group's preliminary round! And the person who triumphs in pretentiousness with this mark is..."

As is the custom, the emcee paused skillfully, making even Cyclone nervous.

"Little Dragon, Theodore!!!!"

As the emcee pronounced the name Little Dragon, the whole arena erupted in cheers.

Just a simple preliminary round, yet Little Dragon's fans multiplied in an instant.

"This might be the dark horse of this competition~ Little Dragon, Theodore!! Congratulations! You have won this round of the competition!!"

"No, it can't be..."

"Phew..."

"Haha~ Everyone, don't get too excited~ In an hour, the next preliminary round will take place, so please come and enjoy!"

And so, Little Dragon won its debut battle.

Listening to the cheering of the audience, seeing the approving looks of the judges, and feeling the sense of achievement from defeating the opponent.

Cyclone looked at Little Dragon's joyful expression and felt happy too.

"Honey~ Tonight, we'll have to reward Little Dragon, okay~"

Yuna put away the sunflower seeds and leaned against Cyclone's side.

"Well~ We must make sure Little Dragon has a great time tonight~"

A match between Tinies brought cheers from the entire arena.

To which, Cyclone exclaimed from the heart.

"Damn!! Such a fun competition, I want to join in too!!"