The chatter around us grew louder.
My instincts told me that this was a trap.
Jaran, the third-ranked magical swordsman in our class, whose pride rivalled that of a Barbary macaque with a goatee, would never willing apologise to me without reasons.
Just as I was about to refuse his offer, Fredric interjected, "That’s impressive. I’d mistaken you for the prideful type, along with some of your peers. Admitting to your mistakes is an admirable trait that all aspiring heroes aspire to."
He stretched his hand and parted Jaran’s shoulders gently.
"If you continue to cultivate this character, your reputation will be as boundless as your talent."
"What kind of request do you want to make with Ezekiel? I hope that it isn’t something that would further provoke conflict between you two."
"No, it isn’t anything like that," Jaran shook his head and responded.
"I would like to propose a duel after this class. I’ve been curious about how Ezekiel resisted my family sword art. I’m willing to put my current position as the third-ranked magical swordman in Class three on the line according to the rules of the Grand Avalon Academy," he explained.
"I also want to confirm for myself if you had truly defeated Ivory, who possesses a Rank Two Trait. Regardless of whether I win or lose, I’ll be satisfied after I’ve tasted Ezekiel’s blade."
He showed a slight smile, but I sensed his mocking tone.
"Of course, you’re free to disagree and refuse this duel."
Even if he had said that, I knew that I couldn’t refuse the duel.
Refusing would mean that I had cheated in my duel against Ivory, that I had resisted Windcrest’s famed technique by a fluke.
With my current strength, defeating Jaran wouldn’t be as challenging as defeating Ivory, but it wasn’t worth the effort.
If I revealed my strength now, it would only draw more attention to me.
The descendants of the Zahara Clan were already aware of me due to my victory against Ivory.
Although I wanted to shed the title of the Worst One,’ I wasn’t foolish enough to risk everything for a short-term approval from people who had once rejected me.
There was no reward - only death.
I glanced at Fredric. His expression was stern and deep in thought, but I could sense a flicker of amusement in his gaze as he caught my gaze.
"Have you thought about it? Although I feel ashamed to admit this, I’m also as curious as Jaran about your current strength. I think that every in-class time feels the same, too," Fredric said.
His words were sharp and direct, slicing through the silent murmurs on stage. "Do you accept an official duel from Jaran?"
My lips parted to respond. To put an end to this entire charade.
But what came out of my lips where further than my thoughts.
I have stayed in the Zahara Clan for nineteen years. For nineteen years, they cursed at me. Drugged me. Physically assaulted me, and sent their servants to do the same.
I was beaten to death’s door. But they never took my life.
The only people who came to my rescue were my servants because every attempt on my life was an attempt on theirs.
Rather than the heir of the Zahara Clan, I was called ’the servant heir.’
I trained every day until I was exhausted.
Till I collapsed, hoping that the next time I awoke, it would be in Paradise with clouds filled with angels welcoming my arrival.
Yet every single time, the servants brought me back before I could unlock that door.
It was an endless cycle of torment that never seemed to end.
Compared to what I experienced, this event seemed almost laughable.
Suddenly, the quest function, which had been silent for some time, lit up again.
[ ◆You are a joke to me.
Quest: Jaran, the descendant of the Windcrest Clan, has challenged you to a duel. He plans to humiliate you, cripple your spirit veins or create an accidental death. His goal is the same, your ’ruin.’ But this is not your downfall. Don’t prove your strength. Prove his weakness.
Reward: Obtain an uncommon magic item: Spiral Fang. ]
I’m starting to think this quest function was broken because it hadn’t activated the last time Jaran and I fought, nor while I was completing tasks in the dungeon.
I recalled the description when it had first been unlocked.
-A decision has been made that alters the trajectory of your fate.
-Welcome to the path of consequence.
So that’s how it was.
Every decision I took that would significant impact on my life would trigger a quest.
The second time, a quest was triggered. It wasn’t done directly, but as a result of the previous quest.
Depending on the outcome of this duel, I might trigger a quest later on.
I quickly pushed the thought to a corner in my mind and glanced at the reward.
- Obtain an uncommon magic item: Spiral Fang.
It was a magic item this time around.
Magic items were categorised into five categories: "Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. Each from tier one to ten.
I was surprised that the system would assign a magic item as a reward for this duel.
I realised that the quest rewards are calculated based on the opponents or the situation.
I knew that there were other conditions that I wasn’t aware of.
I was sure that there would be opportunities for me to gradually uncover more in the future.
I pondered what tier the Uncommon magic item was, and the Rare magic item the system had assigned as a reward for the second quest.
Without hesitation, I accepted the quest.
A warm smile bloomed across Fredric’s face.
"Perfect, since you’ve accepted. I’ll give you both ten minutes to prepare," Fredric said.
He turned to the other students around us. "Everyone should step down from the stage and take a seat. Let’s make room for them."
It’s a new month, guys. Don’t hesitate to your Golden Tickets if you’re enjoying the story.