Oak Barrel on stage was overjoyed; he felt fantastic. The Invincible Underpants Formation was a great formation, and he hoped his luck would continue.
The next number draw battle is crucial; everyone wants to draw Oak Barrel, as drawing him means entering the top two.
The final result of the match was: Alice — Smith, Oak Barrel — Meishuge.
Adelaide was the referee on Alice's side, while Ed was the referee on Oak Barrel's side.
The match started quickly, and Oak Barrel used his Invincible Underpants Formation. In the first game, Meishuge seemed to be caught off guard and quickly followed the game plan, resulting in a swift defeat. This surprised Ed, as reaching this point meant he must have some skill. Underwear Formation was well-known in the region, and it was difficult to win without following the established rules.
The second round began quickly. Oak Barrel continued with Underwear Formation, and Meishuge stuck to his usual routine, losing quickly. This puzzled Ed. Why fall for the same trick twice? Was he going to repeat the same mistake?
Is it that he's not used to this formation, or is it that no one in Windmill Village uses this formation and he's never seen it before, so he doesn't know how to break it? Or is it a fixed match? But that's probably impossible.
Regardless, Oak Barrel, this incredibly lucky kid, has already made it into the top two.
Alice, who was watching Adelaide's match, also won easily against Smith in just two quick rounds.
There was no further process; the battle for the top three continued immediately, even faster than before. Oak Barrel's Underwear Formation was worthless in the face of a master, and he decisively lost two consecutive rounds, ending the match.
The battle for third and fourth place was quite intense. After three rounds of fierce fighting, Meishuge finally emerged victorious.
"Everyone, please be quiet. The first, second, and third place winners for today have been announced. I will now announce their names, and Adelaide will present the prizes."
Ed paused for a moment and continued, "Third place, Meishuge, let's cheer for him."
"Oh! Oh! Oh!" The audience erupted in cheers.
"Your prizes are eighteen copper dragon coins and one soap. Have you thought about how to use them? Do you have anything to say?" Ed asked, looking at the somewhat excited young man.
"I'm sorry, Lord, I haven't figured out how to use them, just like I never thought I'd be standing here. First of all, I want to thank Lord Ed, Chief Will, and the villagers of Windmill Village who helped me. It is thanks to their help that I can stand here. Thank you!" Meishuge's hand holding the soap was trembling, because he knew that this piece of soap was very valuable.
"Yes, you can tell he was very excited and nervous, but his achievements today live up to his name; he has never lost."
"Hahaha!"
The audience below the stage burst into loud laughter.
The square quickly quieted down, and Ed continued, "Now, please welcome the runner-up of this competition, Oak Barrel."
"Oh! Oh! Oh!"
The audience cheered again, even louder than before for Meishuge, because many people recognized Oak Barrel.
"Second place: 38 copper dragon coins, 2 soaps, and a new outfit. Mr. Oak Barrel, what are your plans for the prizes?"
Oak Barrel received the prize from his sister Adelaide.
"I'm so sorry, my lord, I never expected to win a prize, so I don't have any good ideas yet. Could you give me some suggestions?"
Oak Barrel, for some unknown reason, actually asked Ed for advice.
"Oh, that's a good question. I think it would be better to leave the arrangements to your mother."
"I don't think it's very good?" Oak Barrel said quietly.
"Heh!" Adelaide heard Oak Barrel's whisper.
"Alright, let's give an even warmer cheer to Alice, today's winner."
"Oh! Oh! Oh!"
The cheers in the entire square were deafening.
"First place gets 58 copper dragon coins, 3 soaps, 2 sets of new clothes, and a mirror. Alice, what are your prize plans?"
"My lord, I'm sorry, I don't know what to do with such precious prizes."
" Miss Alice, if you haven't decided yet, you can give it to me. I'd be happy to help."
People who knew Alice started making jokes.
"Hahaha."
The first Gomoku tournament ended in this joyful atmosphere.