Roughly one month had passed since Alexander began his training with Merlin. The days were filled with lessons, practice, and an ever-growing sense of frustration. Merlin met with Erika and Elizabeth in the great hall to discuss Alexander’s progress.

“His power has grown exponentially,” Merlin began, her voice thoughtful. “He is quickly learning and mastering basic spells. By all metrics, his progress is satisfactory—remarkable even. But something doesn’t feel right.”

Erika nodded, her expression concerned. “His heart isn’t in it. He seems to just be going through the motions so he can go back home.”

Elizabeth crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “He doesn’t have the heart of a warrior. He lacks the courage to fight. Let me duel him to prove it.”

Erika frowned, shaking her head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to duel Lord Bellmont. You’re always so mean to him. I’m worried you might go too hard and end up hurting him.”

Elizabeth’s annoyance was clear. “You can’t coddle him forever, Erika.”

Merlin sighed; her gaze distant. “Elizabeth is right. Alexander still doesn’t understand what it means to be a World Guardian. We’ll have the duel, despite Erika’s protests.”

Erika’s eyes widened with worry. “But Master Merlin, what if—”

“We don’t know how much time we have,” Merlin interrupted. “The vampire activity has calmed down for now, but we have no idea how long that will last. The previous guardian cast a magical barrier over the world, but when he died, it dissipated. Without that barrier, there’s no telling what else could be trying to claw its way in.” She paused; her eyes filled with sadness. “I don’t want to see your world die.”

Erika was taken aback, realizing the weight of Merlin’s words. She reluctantly agreed. “Alright. Elizabeth will duel with Lord Bellmont to test him.”

In his room, Alexander studied a tome of basic magic. He scanned through the book, noting various spells that caught his interest momentarily. After a few minutes, he grew bored and shut the book, letting out a long sigh. He lay on the bed, wondering how much longer this had to go on. He had absorbed all of Merlin’s lessons thus far and done everything she asked, yet he still wasn’t allowed to return home.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

How much longer? What’s going on back at home? How are Robert and Megan doing? Do they miss him? What do they know? Has Lila already moved on from him yet? They only had one date before he came to this world, but he thought they had a genuine connection.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it to see Erika standing there, nerves all over her face. “Can I speak with you for a moment, Lord Bellmont?” she asked sheepishly.

Alexander nodded. “Of course. And you don’t have to call me ‘Lord Bellmont.’ Just Alexander is fine.”

She quickly shook her head. “Proper etiquette must be maintained! But I have something important to tell you!”

“What is it?” he asked, a flicker of hope rising within him. “Has Merlin given the okay for me to leave?”

Erika’s expression grew serious. “Tomorrow morning, you will duel with Elizabeth.”

Alexander’s heart sank. Duel with Elizabeth? For what purpose? His “servant” who had shown nothing but contempt for him? He thought she would take joy in embarrassing him and causing him pain.

Seeming to understand his thoughts, Erika apologized. “It’s out of my control.” She quickly departed, leaving Alexander alone with his anxiety.

The next morning, Alexander met Merlin and the twins in the great hall. He was a nervous wreck; his palms were sweaty, and his knees were shaky. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was calm and confident. For a moment, he thought he saw a sadistic smile form on her face.

Merlin addressed them. “The duel will end when one of you is incapacitated or voluntarily gives up. This duel is meant to test your progress.”

Alexander could see through the facade. He believed she must be trying to punish him for something. There was no other explanation that he could think of.

Merlin gave the signal to begin. Elizabeth raised her shield, leaving her sword sheathed.

Alexander felt a surge of annoyance. “Are you only going to use your shield against me?”

Elizabeth snapped back. “I won’t need my sword. You’re too weak and cowardly. In fact, I might not even need my shield.”

Her taunts touched a nerve within Alexander. He quickly channeled his magical energy, feeling it well up within him. He extended his hand, and a colorless, ornate magical circle appeared in front of it. A bolt of pure magical energy flew forth, directed straight at Elizabeth.

Without breaking eye contact, she swatted her shield, effortlessly deflecting the magical bolt away. It impacted the walls of the castle interior, letting off a small explosion as the walls lit up, revealing a barrier protecting them.

Elizabeth stared at him, the sadistic smirk forming on her face once again. Alexander swallowed hard, realizing that compared to her, he might just be an annoying insect, buzzing around waiting for her to crush it.