Volume 1 Chapter 8: The Duel Challenge
“Duel, you say?”
Fine asked me back, perplexed.
“In the Royal Magic Academy, or rather in this country, duels are sometimes held in higher regard than the law. Even if it’s a prince, no one can dispute the outcome. If you want to overturn the rumors surrounding Fine, this is the most effective method.”
“But, but, Prince Alberich and Eugene-san are powerful enough to have earned recognition as knights and court magicians during the drills! How can we possibly…?”
Indeed, while other mob characters in Kizuyoru start at level 1, the characters we can pursue like Alberich are all at least level 5 in terms of stats.
Now, having been promoted to second-year for a few weeks, they’ve likely reached level 10 (effectively level 20 in abilities) without actively grinding, merely leveling up from boss fights.
Fine is in the same boat, but as the only healer and buffer in this world, she would definitely lose in a direct fight.
So, if Fine were to duel alone…
“Of course, I’m not thinking of fighting without a plan. I will do everything possible to win. But first and foremost, I need your cooperation. So, Fine, what do you want to do?”
“I… will do it. For everyone at the orphanage and for my own dignity.”
Despite her hesitation, Fine decided to fight back. I would respect that choice and do everything I could to help her realize the future she desired.
“Fine, what’s your level?”
“Well… to be honest, I’m still at level 3…”
She should have matched Alberich’s level by now, but having had her role as the heroine taken over by Elise, it’s no wonder she can’t gain experience by fighting worthy opponents.
But this isn’t bad news; in fact, it could be considered good news.
“If you’ve been practicing your sword skills, you know the basics, right?”
“Yes, of course!”
“Then, for the next month, this will be your partner.”
“Y-yes, understood!”
I handed Fine two one-handed swords, enhanced with experience-boosting effects, that I had kept in the hidden area within my dresser.
In Kizuyoru, Fine is the only character who can equip all weapons. She would surely handle dual-wielding with ease.
Oh, and I needed to confirm this too.
“Fine, are you okay with bugs?”
◇◇◇
“Hmph, it seems commoners can’t even remember promises!”
A month later, upon seeing Fine walking into the Royal Magic Academy, Alberich and Elise frowned as they were together.
“My enrollment at the academy is still valid… And I absolutely did not do what you accused me of, Your Highness.”
“Oh? So, you’re saying you don’t care what happens to the orphanage?”
“Do you truly have the authority to do such a thing, Your Highness?”
“…What did you say?”
“I asked if you really have the power to shut down an orphanage approved by His Majesty the King. Now, please answer.”
Alberich tried to retort but seemed at a loss for words, clicking his tongue in frustration.
Amidst this, Elise, who had acted meekly like the heroine of an otome game, clung to him.
“…Your Highness, perhaps I was wrong. The real wicked woman that deceived you and everyone else, as Fine said, might have been me after all—”
“Elise, that’s absolutely not true! You cared for me when I was injured! There’s no way such a kind person could be a villain!”
As Alberich emotionally denied Elise’s seemingly guilty demeanor, nearby students watched and directed even stronger disdain towards Fine.
“Alberich is right, Elise. We all know you’re not a bad woman. So don’t be fooled by a villain’s words.”
“They probably tried to slander Elise with their half-baked knowledge, but we won’t be deceived.”
“Fine Shutaut. I’ll teach you that there are things in this world that cannot be obtained by money or power.”
Following Alberich’s words, the three pursuable characters, Eugene, Recon, and David, appeared to defend Elise.
Four of the most powerful individuals in the Royal Magic Academy plus stares from students on the way to school created an intense pressure on Fine.
However, when Fine caught sight of my face among the crowd, she took a deep breath, placing a hand over her chest, and boldly looked at Elise and the others without retreating.
“What do you mean by ‘teach’?”
“Fine Shutaut, I’m challenging you to a duel.”
“A duel, you say?”
“Hmph, I suppose a commoner like you wouldn’t understand. A duel is when we cross swords, risking our beliefs and dignity. And according to the kingdom’s law, the loser must uphold the winner’s claim beyond the law.”
A duel is a fixed event in Kizuyoru, akin to a boss battle in the RPG section.
The results hold precedence over the nation’s law, and in the game, adversaries would try various antics to hinder Fine during her duel, but, often thanks to her bond with the characteristics of the pursuable characters, they would get through it leading to a battle.
“Understood. So, who will I be dueling with?”
“With all four of us. There’s no need to be a gentleman towards a villain like you. However, we will permit someone to be your proxy or let you fight alongside us. But I doubt anyone that generous exists in this academy—”
“Then, I’ll be teaming up with Miss Fine!”
I cut off Alberich’s words, raised my hand, and declared I would stand beside Fine, pushing through the crowd to stand next to her.
“Who are you, you cur?”
Alberich’s expression darkened further.
Well, that’s a natural reaction. An unexpected lower-rank noble had interrupted and strutted in.
Ignoring the attitude of the second prince and the others, I opened my mouth.
“I’m Ash Reuben, the second son of the Reuben family. Pleased to meet you.”
“Reuben? Never heard of that house.”
“Well, that’s not surprising. My family hasn’t accomplished anything noteworthy in generations, being the lowest of the low among noble families.”
“Do you understand what it means to raise your voice in this duel then!?”
“Of course.”
I responded to Alberich in a nonchalant manner.
His irritation flared, and he yelled about the consequences of my actions.
When I replied without hesitation, I could see him grinding his teeth.
— And behind him, Elise also looked unpleasant, as if to say, “You’ve meddled with things again.”
“The duel will be between us four and you and Ash. Are you truly okay with that?”
At this point, Recon forcibly redirected the discussion and confirmed with Fine and me.
“…Yes. I will accept the duel.”
“I won’t change my mind either. But, are you sure four of you is enough? Wouldn’t it be better to have Elise join?”
“Y-You think we’d allow Elise to deal with fools like you!”
As I provocatively suggested Elise join, fury spread across the faces of Alberich and his group.
“Fine. Then we’ll make it a 2 vs. 4 match. What do you wish for as conditions for the duel?”
“Our conditions upon winning are set. Fine Shutaut and Ash Reuben! We demand you leave this country and never show up before us again!”
I see, so their demand is for us to be exiled.
“Then if we win, we want a denial and apology for the lies and rumors spread by you and Elise, and you must promise to never force Fine Shutaut to withdraw again or bring harm to her affiliates.”
“Is that all you’re asking? No matter how wicked your power is, Fine Shutaut’s capabilities are limited. Even with a lowly noble like you, there’s no way you could win against us!”
“Just be sure not to shout ‘foul play’ after you lose.”
“…You’re an infuriating guy. The duel will happen three days from now at the Coliseum within the academy, understood!?”
“Sure, that works for me.”
“I’m okay with that too.”
Throwing those words at us, Alberich walked away with his companions, keeping an eye on Elise.
Well then, I didn’t want to get tangled up with the onlookers, so we should head to our respective classrooms.
“Fine, are you alright?”
“Yep! With Ash-san helping me train over this past month, I won’t be intimidated!”
“Good! But don’t let your guard down.”
“Yes!”
Ah, that’s right. Over this past month, we prepared meticulously to ensure Elise and the others wouldn’t have the chance to complain.
Now all that’s left is to put this into action.
(Let the counterattack begin.)
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