Vell's voice remained calm and composed, even as Inure's sword clashed against his own. The Dread Mage turned to him.

"I am somewhat disappointed, but I can’t say that I am truly surprised," Vell said, his tone tinged with a hint of sadness. "I had hoped that you would move past this… disdain you have for me."

Inure's grip on his sword tightened, his knuckles turning white.

"Move past it? How can I, when you’ve warped what I stand for? I am a solider for the king, not the tutor for your plaything,” he spat.

Sonder watched the exchange with growing unease, uncertain of how to defuse the escalating tension.

Vell sighed, "I understand your anger, but violence won’t solve this. There are things you just can’t overcome. Is that truly what you want?"

Inure's response was to lash out again, his sword slicing through the air with renewed fury.

Again, Vell parried the blow, swords interlocked over their heads.

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“Both of you, enough!” Sonder implored, but her plea seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Inure’s chest was rising and falling rapidly as he poured all his strength into his sword. Vell, in stark contrast, remained icy calm, his gaze anchored on Inure.

He turned to Sonder, “Would you mind returning to your quarters at the inn? Or perhaps spend the rest of the day with Languor?”

Inure's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched tight. "What do you plan to do, Dread Mage?"

As Sonder reluctantly left, Vell refocused his attention on Inure. "Since you seem bent on settling this through a duel, I will oblige." The Dread Mage lifted his hand, a faint glow radiating from his fingers.

"I have no intent to see you grievously wounded."

With a subtle gesture and the words, "Num Ver Dol,” a shimmering barrier formed around Inure, enveloping him in a protective ward that enveloped him like a second skin.

Inure eyed the barrier warily, looking at his hand, his grip on his sword tightening. "What trickery is this, Vell?"

"No trickery, Inure," Vell replied calmly. "This barrier will ensure that any wounds I inflict on you will be instantly healed, preventing any serious injury." He paused, his gaze locking with Inure's. "And should you somehow breach my defenses, I will readily accept the damage."

Inure's scowl deepened in confusion and frustration. "Why would you do this? Why not face me as an equal?"

Vell's expression softened. "Because it is my decision. If your aim is to harm me, then why not accept this gift? Even if you resist it, there is no way to dispel it. You have no choice."