After bidding farewell to Alicia, Carn leisurely strolled around the vibrant campus, taking in the sights and sounds that surrounded him. The crisp scent of pine trees hung in the air, mingling with the invigorating energy of a new beginning. As he embarked on his exploration, he consulted the communication pill for information on Stanford, and to his delight, a handy map materialized, guiding him through the labyrinthine pathways. Some areas evoked a sense of déjà vu, remnants of his previous visit during the combat aptitude test, while others unveiled uncharted territories.
Yet, as Carn traversed the campus, a strange phenomenon began to unfold. Passersby cast lingering gazes in his direction, their whispers trailing like ephemeral whispers on the wind. Some even nudged their companions, pointing him out with curious intrigue. Undeterred by the growing attention, Carn maintained his composure, refusing to allow the peculiar behavior to dampen his spirits.
Hours passed, and with each step, Carn grew more acquainted with the campus layout. Satisfied with his newfound knowledge, he decided it was time to eat and ventured toward the bustling dining hall. Upon entering the establishment, the communication pill chimed in his mind, offering additional information. Curiosity piqued, Carn accepted the assistance, enabling him to effortlessly locate the array of culinary delights. However, to his bewilderment, the scrutiny and hushed conversations intensified as he queued for his meal. The air seemed filled with clandestine murmurs, and he swore he caught snippets of his and Alicia's names woven into the conversations around him.
Unyielding in his determination, Carn grabbed a plate laden with food and settled himself at a secluded table, creating a personal haven amidst the bustling activity of the dining hall. Though some groups resumed their lively conversations, there remained those whose inquisitive glances persisted, intermittently turning their attention towards him. One particular gathering seemed fixated on Carn, their unwavering gaze conveying an intensity that sent ripples of curiosity through the air.
Just as Carn approached the final bites of his meal, the group that had been scrutinizing him with unwavering focus began to make their way toward his table. The room fell into a hushed stillness, a palpable tension weaving its way through the space as the other students caught wind of the unfolding situation. Carn maintained an air of indifference, steadfastly feigning immersion in his food. He had no desire for a confrontation or to entertain whatever agenda these three individuals harbored after the remarkable night he had experienced. Hope flickered within him, hoping their intentions merely encompassed a casual conversation. Yet, the collective response of the onlookers hinted that this encounter would not unfold so easily.
The trio approaching Carn's table exuded an eclectic mix of otherworldly features. The tiefling male stood tall, his purple skin shimmering with an otherworldly nature. Horns adorned his forehead, spiraling gracefully, while a long tail flicked with subtle intrigue. By his side stood a half-elf girl, her golden hair cascading down in a radiant display. Her ears, though subtly pointed, hinted at her lineage, adding a certain charm to her visage. Yet it was the dark elf male, with an undeniable air of prestige enveloping him, who took the lead. His wavy white hair danced with elegance, a stark contrast to the intensity gleaming in his eyes.
Approaching with an unyielding smile, the dark elf extended his hand in a gesture of greeting. "Hello, Carn. My name is Rubio Hernandez, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he spoke with a confident tone, his voice carrying a hint of charm.
Carn, having finished the last morsel of his meal, rose from his seat and reciprocated the handshake. "Nice to meet you, Rubio. I don't believe we've crossed paths before. How do you know me?"
Rubio's response carried an air of incredulity. "Are you kidding? You've been making quite the splash in the news lately," he said, his recollection of recent headlines imbuing his words with the tone of a seasoned journalist. "Alicia Williams' secret boyfriend caught in the clutches of a mysterious group?! The enigmatic persona of Carn Roswal. How did Alicia meet her elusive paramour?"
Carn attempted to brush off Rubio's insensitive remarks, his laughter masking any offense he might have felt. "Hahaha, you've got me there. So, what brings you here?" he deflected, hoping to steer the conversation in a better direction.
Rubio paused, his pacing adding an air of theatricality to his demeanor. Rubbing his chin in mock contemplation, he finally responded with a hint of sarcasm lacing his words. "What do I need? Well, let me think," he mused, his eyes narrowing in a show of exaggerated concentration. "Ah, yes! How can someone as seemingly feeble as you become the boyfriend of the Great White Mage?" The underlying bitterness and flicker of anger in his tone were hard to miss, his crimson gaze fixated on Carn with an intensity that pierced through the room.
A flicker of discomfort passed across Carn's features, his gaze sweeping across the dining hall. As he observed the eavesdropping onlookers, some hastily averting their eyes when caught, he chose his words with caution. "That's a long story I'd rather not talk about in such a public setting."
"Oh, is that so?" Rubio's words cut through the air, leaving no room for Carn to interject. "You see, we've been forming quite the theory about how you managed to capture Alicia's heart." A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he leaned in closer. "Considering your history of homelessness, we couldn't help but wonder how someone like you could become her boyfriend. The conclusion we arrived at is quite intriguing, I must say. It seems you were the Great White Mage's... how should I put it bluntly? Ah, yes, her favorite whore! Your prowess must be something to behold. You should be proud, my friend!"
The tiefling and half-elf burst into raucous laughter, their mirth echoing through the dining hall. Carn's hands clenched with restrained fury, his anger simmering beneath a thin veneer of composure. He knew Rubio was deliberately trying to provoke him, but he fought to keep his emotions in check.
"Oh, no response? Well, silence speaks volumes, doesn't it?" Rubio's voice carried a smug undertone, relishing in his perceived victory. "Looks like our theory must be spot-on. Bravo, everyone, we've cracked the case!" The tiefling and half-elf's laughter escalated, fueling Rubio's self-assured smirk. "I mean, Ms. Williams even rejected me, the illustrious Rubio Hernandez. If our theory isn't accurate, that bitch must truly be deranged."
Carn's teeth clenched, and his fists balled up tightly. He could feel his anger boiling, but he refused to give Rubio the satisfaction. Through gritted teeth, he managed to force out a question. "What did you just call her?"
Rubio's smirk widened, his arrogance radiating like a noxious aura. "Who? That bitch of a White Mage? Well, if she chose you over me, she must be completely insane—" Before he could finish his sentence, Carn's fist launched towards Rubio's face with a blazing speed, connecting squarely with his jaw.
The impact of Carn's punch sent Rubio hurtling backward, his body careening through the air like a ragdoll. He crashed into a nearby table, shattering it into splintered debris and scattering the once-engrossed onlookers in a chaotic frenzy.
Driven by a surge of adrenaline, Carn swiftly pushed aside the half-elf and tiefling, his eyes locked on Rubio. He sprinted toward his fallen adversary, his determination propelling him forward. However, before he could reach his target, the voice of the communication pill pierced his thoughts, echoing with an authoritative tone, "Hostility detected within campus grounds. Teleporting the provocateur, Rubio Hernandez, and the provoked, Carn Roswal, to a designated duel arena, along with nearby spectators."
In an instant, the world around Carn dissolved into a blinding white light. When his vision returned, he found himself standing within a colossal dirt circle, the designated arena for their impending clash. Across from him, Rubio staggered to his feet, spitting blood from his mouth, his features contorted with a mixture of pain and fury. As Carn attempted to move, he discovered himself restrained by an invisible magical force, preventing any premature action.
Within Carn's mind, the resonant voice of the communication pill broke through once more, relaying the regulations with a stern tone, "According to school rules, any physical altercation can be settled with a formal duel, provided both parties agree. If either participant is unable to continue or concedes, the duel shall be considered resolved. Any injuries sustained during the duel will be attended to by our medical staff. If either party declines participation, a formal meeting with the administration will determine the appropriate consequences. Do you wish to partake in the duel?"
Unyielding determination gleamed in Carn's eyes as he glanced at the growing crowd that had formed around the arena. Disregarding their presence, he responded resolutely, "I agree."
A smug smile crept across Rubio's face as he retorted, "Oh, you agree to fight me? Well, I simply can't resist such a challenge. I agree as well. Let's see what Alicia's toy is truly capable of."
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the arena, capturing the attention of the gathered spectators, "A formal duel shall commence shortly. On the left, we have the provocateur, a Sorcerer of Platinum-tier... Rubio Hernandez!"
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers, indicating that this was a familiar occurrence, and many had already claimed their seats in the stands. Supporters of Rubio expressed their admiration, treating him like a renowned celebrity within the school.
Once the cheers subsided, the resonant voice declared, "And on the right, we have the provoked, a Ranger of Iron-tier... Carn Roswal!"
An expectant hush fell over the crowd, accompanied by a flurry of whispers that erupted simultaneously, expressing concern and doubts, "Iron-tier? Isn't this too dangerous for him?"
"Someone should intervene..."
Without delay, the commanding voice boomed once more, counting down the final seconds, "Three... Two... One... Fight!"
In an instant, the restraints on Carn's movements dissipated. His hunter's instincts took over as he swiftly activated Hunter's Mark on Rubio, marking him as his prey, and imbued himself with Hunter's Accuracy. He knew the odds were stacked against him, but his resolve remained unyielding. He was determined to wipe that smug smirk off Rubio's face, even if it meant risking an arm or two.
"Iron-tier? My theory must be true, then! After all, someone as feeble as you would never be accepted by the Great White Mage," Rubio sneered, his laughter ringing with a touch of malice. "Allow me to remind you of your rightful place."
In an instant, Rubio's hands moved with a dizzying speed, weaving intricate patterns that blurred in the air. And just like that, he defied gravity, hovering several feet above the ground. Carn's heart raced as he charged toward the levitating sorcerer, his mind racing through possible strategies. He knew that because he lacked a weapon most of his skills were rendered ineffective. With limited options at his disposal, he made a quick decision.
Swiftly navigating the arena, Rubio floated gracefully, his flowing hair dancing in the wind. He maintained a considerable distance from Carn, taunting him with a burst of mocking laughter. "With your weakness, I could float around this arena all day, and you'd never lay a finger on me! Hahaha! Weaklings like you are truly amusing."
Ignoring the jabs, Carn remained focused, his determination unyielding. He sprinted relentlessly toward the hovering sorcerer, his mind fixated on a single plan. He just needed the right opportunity to execute it.
Rubio continued his laughter, effortlessly evading Carn's frenzied pursuit. "A ranger without his weapons is a pitiful sight. You couldn't even offer a semblance of resistance if you tried. But fear not, for I am a generous soul. For the sake of my adoring fans, I won't prolong this match any further." Rubio winked at the crowd, eliciting a mix of cheers and silent anticipation. "In simple terms, it's time for you to learn your place."
Rubio conjured a small ball of fire with a perfect circular motion of his hand, it's flickering glow illuminating the arena. In one swift motion, his hand clenched around the fiery orb, engulfing his entire arm in a vibrant orange flame. Carn's gaze remained locked on the sorcerer's movements, his senses on high alert, uncertain of the intentions behind the spectacle. Before he could decipher Rubio's plan, the sorcerer contorted his body, propelling a punch forward with his blazing arm.
The air sizzled with intense heat. In an instant, a searing hot burst of fire, molded into the shape of a clenched fist, shot towards Carn with incredible speed. Reacting with instinctive agility, Carn managed to sidestep the fiery assault narrowly, feeling the scorching heat grazing his cheek. The impact reverberated through the arena, shaking the ground as the fiery projectile slammed into the dirt, leaving behind a charred, smoking mark.
Rubio's malevolent grin widened, relishing in Carn's struggle. With a swift motion of his left arm, he summoned a violent gust of wind, swirling and howling around the battleground. The tempest raged, cutting through the air and battering Carn, his skin bearing the marks of the storm's fury. Each laceration inflicted upon him further diminished his chances of mounting a meaningful counterattack.
"Is this all you've got, Carn?" Rubio taunted, his voice dripping with superiority. "I expected a bit more fight from the Great White Mage's 'lover boy.' Perhaps you're just a puppy chasing after scraps."
Without a moment's respite, Rubio's left hand traced intricate patterns in the air, channeling raw energy that crackled with electric power. A torrent of lightning bolts materialized, dancing with malevolence within his palm. With a flick of his wrist, the bolts were unleashed upon Carn, streaking through the arena with blinding speed. Carn's agility was put to the test as he maneuvered deftly, evading the electrifying onslaught. Yet, despite his nimble movements, one stray bolt found its mark, searing Carn's shoulder with a blackened, scorching burn.
As the crackling lightning subsided, Rubio unleashed another devastating blow. His right arm shot forward, a clenched fist engulfed in seething flames hurtled toward Carn. Reacting swiftly, Carn leaped backward, but the sheer force of the impact as the flames connected with the floor sent him hurtling through the air. His body skidded across the ground, rolling to a halt in a jumble of limbs. Concern etched the faces of some spectators, while Rubio's fervent fans erupted into raucous cheers, their enthusiasm resounding through the arena.
Carn struggled to his feet and brushed himself off one hand clutching his side in a tight fist. Rubio's mocking laughter echoed through the arena as he surveyed his wounded prey. "How disappointing, Carn. I expected more from the 'great' warrior who won the affection of the Great White Mage. It seems you're nothing but a pathetic plaything."
With sheer willpower igniting his spirit, Carn clenched his jaw, summoning every ounce of strength left within him. Defying the searing pain coursing through his body, he propelled himself forward, sprinting toward the hovering sorcerer, his arm still cradling his injured side.
Rubio floated just out of Carn's reach, an infuriating smirk etched upon his face as he observed the wounded warrior's futile advance. In a sudden burst of power, Rubio drew his hands back, gathering an ominous energy that crackled between his outstretched palms. With a thunderous clap that reverberated through the very core of the arena, a tempestuous fusion of wind and flames erupted, giving birth to a vertical shockwave of fire hurtling toward Carn.
As Carn witnessed Rubio's hands converging, a glimmer of anticipation illuminated his eyes. This was the moment he had been waiting for. Anchoring his feet into the ground, he stopped limiting his speed, propelling himself even faster towards his adversary. Rubio's shockwave of fire cascaded through the arena, its lethal intensity threatening to consume everything in its path. Carn contorted his body, desperately attempting to evade the onslaught, yet the inferno seared his arm, reducing flesh to cinders and transforming bone into ashen remnants. Grimacing in agony, he refused to yield, pushing through the pain and pressing onward.
Rubio had anticipated Carn to roll into the dirt, relishing the chance to mock him once more. But as he watched in astonishment, his eyes widened with a mixture of shock and trepidation. Carn, undeterred by his grievous injuries, charged forward with an almost unhinged determination. Rubio attempted to retreat, his levitation carrying him away from Carn's path, but it was too late. Carn, a one-armed man fueled by unbridled resolve, closed the gap with a speed that wasn’t present moments earlier, his eyes locked on his target.
Carn was within range, from the clenched grip of his remaining fist, he hurled a large piece of charred rock at Rubio's face. With an almost inexplicable grace, Rubio tilted his head, narrowly evading the projectile as it whizzed past him. In a bewildering turn of events, Carn materialized in the very spot where the rock had just been, his one remaining arm outstretched, aimed for Rubio's face.
Reacting swiftly, Rubio spun his body around, his flaming fist hurtling toward Carn's exposed side. The impact was brutal, a searing inferno colliding with Carn's already battered form. The force threatened to knock him off balance, but Carn persisted, grabbing hold of Rubio's face with an iron grip.
As their bodies tumbled through the air, Carn sensed the rush of wind whipping past them. In a moment of primal instinct, he unleashed all his strength, driving Rubio's skull into the unforgiving floor below.
BOOOM!
The impact of Rubio's head meeting the ground sent shockwaves through the cracked floor. The spectators stood frozen, stunned by this unforeseen turn of events. The sight of a one-armed student, refusing to concede and now poised for victory, ignited a mix of disbelief and awe in their eyes.
Carn swiftly positioned himself above Rubio, exerting his dominance with each calculated move. He pinned the sorcerer's right forearm to the ground with his knee and secured his left hand with a firm press from his foot. With a release of pent-up frustration, Carn unleashed a relentless barrage of bone-crushing punches, each word punctuated with a devastating blow. "Why... Are... You... So... Weak?" he demanded, his voice filled with righteous indignation. The scorching flames on Rubio's arm seared Carn's knee, but the pain was a mere afterthought compared to the overwhelming surge of triumph coursing through his veins.
Rubio, dazed and disoriented, could only endure Carn's barrage. Blow after blow rained down upon him, shaking his senses and testing his resilience. Carn's relentless onslaught was accompanied by biting words that pierced Rubio's consciousness, "Sorcerers are nothing without their range, huh? Why is your body so frail? Did you truly believe no one could ever reach you?"
Rubio struggled to regain focus as his head was pummeled in a rhythmic fashion. Through blurry vision, he fixed his gaze upon his relentless attacker. The sight before him was extraordinary—Carn, devoid of an arm and bearing the remnants of a devastating blow to his side, pressed on undeterred. There was an unyielding determination in Carn's eyes, an unwavering spirit that defied all odds.
In a moment of clarity, Rubio dispersed the fiery aura engulfing his right arm and swiftly executed a hand symbol, conjuring a powerful gust of wind. The force propelled him out from beneath Carn's pinning hold, allowing him to escape the immediate danger.
Carn slowly rose from the floor and stood tall with his bloodied hand outstretched, pointing directly at Rubio, who lay sprawled against the edge of the arena. His voice carried an authority borne of his triumph and the fierce protectiveness he felt. "Keep Alicia's name out of your mouth," Carn declared, the words heavy with a mix of warning and profound sentiment. Yet, as his proclamation echoed, Carn's battered knees buckled, betraying the physical toll exacted upon his worn body. With an undeniable display of determination, he toppled forward, his face embracing the charred earth.