The Day of the Duel
The long-awaited day of the duel had arrived.
The academy had a dedicated coliseum on its grounds, and despite it being an hour before the start, students were already swarming in to secure good seats.
On days when duels were held, classes were canceled, which meant a large number of spectators.
Even if someone couldn't enter the venue, they could still watch the duel using crystal-shaped magic tools, the same kind used in the underground arena, allowing them to view the fight from afar.
These devices had been set up in the dormitory lobbies, where some students had gathered to watch—essentially turning it into a public viewing event.
One thing was clear—this duel's outcome would be known to every student, without any room for deception.
Walton probably hadn’t even considered the possibility of defeat.
Indeed, the magic herb potions Claire had formulated were nothing short of revolutionary in the medical field.
Some of them could even be repurposed for combat.
He planned to use them to their full extent in this duel.
By the way, the academy regularly used this coliseum for practical training, and the results of those training bouts were used to publish a ranking list.
According to that ranking, Walton was fifth among the over one hundred third-year students.
Since the musclehead—no, the Student Council President, Tricia—was ranked second, that meant he was reasonably strong.
But that ranking wasn’t an accurate assessment.
After all, Claire was the one actually creating those magic herb potions.
"Master Lake, it’s almost time to enter the venue."
"Ah, got it."
Relaxing in the waiting room within the coliseum, I savored the last bite of Lucina’s homemade cookies before standing up.
"You’ve improved your baking again, Lucina."
"I am honored by your praise."
"Is it really okay for us to be this relaxed…?"
I was simply staying calm before the match, but Connie seemed more uneasy—more worried than anything else.
"Do you think I’ll lose, Connie?"
"Not even in a million years… But still, you know, this just feels a little… off?"
"I get what you’re trying to say. But panicking now won’t change a thing. What’s more important is Claire."
Lucina had investigated, and Claire had not entered the venue.
Walton had likely come up with some excuse to keep her away.
What concerned me was whether she would be able to see how this fight played out.
I had already arranged for the crystal magic tool that would broadcast the duel to be delivered to her.
Now, it was just a matter of her seeing it and deciding how to act after my victory.
Besides… I had a little something planned on my end too.
"Alright, let’s get going."
"Yes."
"Good luck, Young master Lake!"
"Leave it to me."
We left the waiting room, stepping through the designated passageway into the center of the coliseum—the battlefield.
The moment we emerged, the packed audience erupted in cheers.
"We’ve been waiting, Lake!"
"We’re counting on you!"
"Go all out!"
Surprisingly, most of the cheers came from male students.
Ah, I see.
Those must be the ones whose girlfriends Walton stole…
Rather than cheers, these were cries fueled by resentment.
It seemed he had earned more grudges than I had initially thought.
If I crushed him spectacularly here, I could gain their trust as well.
An unexpected bonus.
As the deep roars of the male students faded, the high-pitched screams of female students took over, filling the coliseum.
"Young master Walton!"
"You’re so wonderful today too!"
"Please look this way!"
It was like an idol concert.
"You actually showed up, Lake."
"Right back at you."
"What!?"
Still as easy to provoke as ever.
… But this isn’t enough.
Right here, in front of this massive crowd, you’re going to disgrace yourself.
And I *will* set Claire free.
What do you think about this chapter?
