Ashes of a Fallen Legacy-Chapter 59: Let’s Have a Duel [2]

A draw.

Their fight ended in a draw.

After a moment of pause, Zane canceled the magic spell he had just recently cast. It was a spell he instinctively created after almost losing a battle against Vale.

It was supposed to be a spear, but since it ended up too long, he tweaked the pattern of the spell—turning it into a sword. After all, if it had been a spear, Vale would've died.

Both of them withdrew their attacks and stood across from each other in silence.

Both had the same thought.

'Since when did Zane become this strong?'

'Since when did Vale become so strong?'

Of course, he knew that Vale had been ahead of him for some time, but he thought he had caught up by now, considering all the training he'd done.

But still, even though Vale was in D-class, he belonged to a great clan. They were bound to be better than those without any notable bloodline.

"What the hell was that, Zane!" Vale said, dumbfounded.

"I could say the same for you! That was an advanced spell, wasn't it?"

Although the spell may have seemed simple, it was quite a hard thing to do—especially since each spell followed a specific pattern to be cast.

"Well, yeah. I learned it not so long ago," he said, then added, "But seriously! How the hell did you catch up to me so fast!"

Zane smiled awkwardly. He was weak to compliments after all, and even though Vale didn't say it in a complimentary way, Zane still took it as one.

"...Well, you know how weird I've been acting these past few days. I've been working really hard, ever since my mana core restored to its true state."

Vale remained quiet for a moment.

'This guy... he might actually get to A-class next year!'

'Then that means I have to catch up too.'

"Your mentality really knows no bounds, huh, Zane," he said, reaching out his hand.

"How about a rematch? Let's take this opportunity to grow even stronger. And plus, having tons of duel experience will definitely help you win tomorrow!"

Zane smiled, then said, "Sure, why not?"

...

Hours and hours later... Zane and Vale were finally done with their training session.

This might've been the longest training session Zane had ever had—the same went for Vale.

Both of them were finally returning to their dormitories.

Meanwhile, Velrath had been watching them the whole time—dueling and learning new things. The scene was actually entertaining enough for Velrath to stay until the end.

"Ah, that was fabulous~" he said as he approached Zane. Zane tried to remain in the same position he'd been in and spoke to Velrath.

"I'm surprised you didn't wander around this time."

"I was invested in your amateur duel. It was quite unexpected."

"Anyways, can you just cast the spell? I really want to get some rest..."

Zane said with a tired expression.

"Hey, Zane. Are we going back to our dormitory the same way we got here?"

Zane looked towards Vale and said, "Pretty much."

"Woah, I get that our mana regenerates much faster here, but to think you still have enough mana to cast another teleportation spell—and so far away too."

Zane smiled and said, "Don't underestimate a Thaleward's capabilities."

Vale's expression turned sour, and he said, "What? I thought you hated your family."

"I do, but I can't say I'm not amazed by what we can do."

"Ah, whatever. Let's just go back!"

Zane and Vale then teleported back to their dormitories. Velrath was the one who cast the teleportation spell, of course—since he could visualize the place himself, Zane didn't need to do it.

Zane then took a bath, ate with Vale, and went back to his bedroom. He was tired... very tired, actually.

He still had a duel with Arlo tomorrow, too.

'One shot... I'll try out the technique I learned with Vale.'

And so, Zane slept.

...

A day passed, and a new day arose. It was finally the day Zane had awaited—and dreaded.

He was going to face Arlo, a man who could go toe-to-toe with a top-tier C-ranked potentialis, even as a D-ranked potentialist.

Of course, being marked as a D-ranked potentialist didn't limit your growth. However, those with higher potential usually had better growth rates.

But still—even B-ranked potentialists dreaded Arlo's growth rate. Though his progress wasn't as fast as the other Thalewards', the results of his growth had proven to be something dreadful.

If Zane managed to beat him in one shot, that would mean he'd rise up to become one of the top-tier D-ranked potentialists.

Zane rose from his bed, then took a shower, ate, and dressed himself up. This time, something formal, since he was heading back to the Main Castle.

Soon after, he bid farewell to Vale.

"Good luck, Zane. Don't be nervous. If you mess up the attack, you'll have to proceed with plan B—which is going to be a real hassle and will lower your winning chances."

Zane smiled softly, then said, "Thanks. I'll win. Hopefully..."

Zane exited his dormitory and went outside. Beyond the gate was a familiar carriage, bearing the symbol of the Thaleward clan.

Zane had already sent a letter to the Main Castle, asking them to send a carriage to pick him up.

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Zane then approached the carriage and stepped inside—only to be greeted by a familiar figure.

"Huh? Eris?" he said, then added, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Eris turned her head to look at Zane, then said, "What do you think? I'm going to watch your duel with Arlo."

She added, "By the way, the news has already spread all over the Main Castle. About your duel with Arlo, I mean."

Hearing Eris' words, Zane's expression twisted and he shouted, "What?!"

Zane, of course, knew that a duel in the Main Castle wouldn't be private. But still—he was hoping it wouldn't attract that much attention. He didn't want to pressure himself more than necessary.

'Fuck it.'