Jeff could not believe how lucky he was that the face of the Association was an idiot. Not even considering the repercussions of how his terms could be taken. Then he discarded such thoughts. It would be the best-case scenario if that were true, but more than likely it was a clever trap laid out to either cripple him if he did not catch on fast enough or at least make him think like this. With that thought now passed he decided to make this more interesting.

“ Since we represent two groups, totaling nearly a quarter of those at the resort. So a wager of twenty-five thousand gold crowns is not excessive. After all, we both represent hundreds of thousands if not millions. And as the good Duke here ultimately has our purse strings until we leave this place, he can ensure the wager is paid.”

After being thrown through a loop with the class restriction, Jeff was sure that was a trap because of how quickly Luke responded.

“ In that case, how about fifty, and two thousand additional wagered between you and me.”

Jeff almost hesitated but ultimately nodded in agreement.

“ Very well, I Duke Randolph Hamelton, have overseen the terms of this duel. This duel of honor shall commence after a brief respite for final preparation. And only after the contract about the duel is signed. SCRIBE!”

With a raise of his voice a scribe, who no one seemed to have noticed standing nearby appeared beside the duke with a writing desk with a newly written contract. Being familiar with duel contracts, Jeff quickly glanced at it to confirm it was as it was and all the terms they just discussed were on it, the newest part being the wager. Still, he moved over to it and read it a little more thoroughly before signing it and then taking his stamp to it to seal the signature magically.

Jeff then moved to his summons as he did a last check on his armor and gear. He also watched as Luke and another of the association looked over the contract. On occasion, they asked a question of the duke, who answered in a neutral but refrained annoyance tone. Clearly not liking them issuing a challenge but do not even understand all the rules to go with it. With only his helmet left to secure, Jeff motioned to his maid for a cup of wine and it was well gone and the next cup as well, before Luke even started his final preparations. He even took so long that both the scaleprince and the dwarf called for drinks of their own. Finally, after over half an hour wait, Luke moved forward to begin the duel. Jeff only smirked as he felt the presence of something similar to Rachel’s healing, but it felt different from her healing. This felt like an emperor about to judge a coliseum battle. The reason why Jeff smirked was the look of shock on Luke’s face as all the buffs his people applied to him were dispelled and both of their classes were sealed.

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Class ‘Cardmancer’ has been temporarily sealed.

Due to circumstances, all summoned cards and attached items have returned to card form and entered your card vault. They will be automatically restored after the duel is concluded. Attempting to use sealed class skills or abilities will result in immediate disqualification and will earn you a divine penalty.

Note due to this being a duel amongst groups the erred group will share the penalty.

Note due to being otherworlder. You will be more heavily penalized.

Jeff only acknowledged the message for a moment before willing it away and drawing his arming sword. He also noticed a brief glow over the sword.

Mithirl arming sword (epic quality) has had its damage reduced to 1 for the duration of the duel. A counter will signify true damage that would be done instead.

Jeff acknowledged this and decided to take a thrusting guard stance with his sword, putting his left hand on his hip. Luke, getting over the divine ‘pitty you for trying to cheat’ draws his sword as well. A bastard sword that he chose to wield two-handed, forgoing a shield.

“ Begin when the coin lands on the ground.”

With that, the duke was handed a golden talon and he flicked it in the air. Jeff watched it for a tense moment before focusing on his opponent fully. He was kind of confused why Luke had not taken a traditional two-handed sword stance to counter his stance and instead only looked like he was casually holding it. Casting the thought about making assumptions out of his head he watched Luke’s eyes focus solely on the coin till it hit the ground before he charged Jeff with a yell like some kind of berserker.

Still weary of this being some kind of trap, Jeff decided to play defensively as Luke stepped forward and swung the bastard sword like it was a club. A move he easily got out of the range of by taking a step back and he stepped forward after to exploit the opening presented to him by the overly powerful strike. Allowing him to score a strike on Luke’s arm that resulted in a five to appear over their head. Jeff then quickly retreated again to avoid the powerful backswing of the bastard sword and the two of them soon found themselves back in the same stances as before.