Before I knew it, four weeks had passed.

I haven’t had any run-ins with the MC, but I got the feeling he was up to something so I decided to keep my guard up. Also, the school year was almost at an end. In fact, once this week was over, we’d get a two month break before returning to school for the new year.

What am I going to do during the break?

Not much. The only things I really had planned was having Sirin set up a few things on the island as well as going on some dates with Xara.

In short, nothing too eventful.

However, there is that one thing I had asked for Xara and the MC’s help with in exchange for us helping them out during the Hunter Games.

It’s nothing too big. In fact, it’s actually quite small. But I figured it’d be better safe than sorry so I asked for their help. But that’ll be a story for another time.

Oh. I almost forgot to mention that Lily’s family sent me even more compensation for my troubles with their daughter.

I didn’t need more than what they offered, but apparently, the king had asked for them to do it so they had to comply.

If I had to guess, that was probably thanks to Dianne. Meaning now I have enough to last me probably for a solid twelve years.

Also, I was informed that since Lily’s parents were so ashamed of her actions, they sent her off to get married to some lower-ranked noble in order to teach her a lesson about humility.

All I can say is that I hope whoever the groom is, they can handle a stuck-up brat who’s both manipulative and cruel.

But that thought aside, it looks like Lily’s finally getting the punishment she deserves.

Speaking of punishment, I finally learned what happened to those guys who sabotaged me and Dianne during the Hunter Games.

As per the order of the principal, they were all sent off to study abroad in foreign lands that didn’t contain things like nobles and royals. Meaning they’ll probably get a good lesson in how to stop looking down on others. Not the punishment I would’ve gone with, but I guess it’ll suffice.

And that’s about everything that I either learned about or went through during these last few weeks.

Overall, they weren’t that eventful. Well, besides having gotten the chance to go on a date with Xara. It wasn’t anything worth going over though since mostly all we did was go around food stalls.

Although we did get to stop at Dave’s Diner to grab some cheeseburgers which, while still food, was a highlight during the date…at least for me.

But yeah. I guess that’s all. And since this is the last week of school, I think I can finally take some time to relax...

“Duel me Axel Savoncho!”

Feeling something hit my chest, I look down to find a glove there.

Looking up to see who threw said glove, the MC was standing in front of me with a determined look in his eye.

“And why should I do that?”

I wasn’t against beating him up again, but why in a duel? He just attacked me head-on before.

“You said before that if I wanted to challenge you, I should do it through a duel! So this is my challenge to you! I promise you this time that I will defeat you!”

Did I say that? It’s been a while so I kinda forgot what I said to him that day.

Still, I wasn’t against taking on anyone who wanted a beatdown, so I didn’t see any issue with this.

“Fine. I’ll accept your duel.”

I picked up the glove.

“Good. In that case, the battle will be a one-on-one fight in the school arena the day after tomorrow. Be prepared!”

Having said what he needed to, the MC walked off and left the students walking the halls murmuring amongst themselves.

Once I got to class, everyone was already talking about the duel. It reminded me of the last time the MC challenged me. The one where I beat him in mere seconds, much to the crowd's dismay,

Dianne walked over to me.

“I heard about the duel. Are you going to be okay?”

I grinned.

“Of course! I’m not some weak pipsqueak who can’t take a hit.”

“I…guess that’s true.”

“Besides, I’d be more worried for Riko than me. He’s probably gonna get absolutely slaughtered.”

“Er…Is that so?”

“Actually, why are you so concerned about me? I figured you’d be trying to cheer on the guy you like.”

A stiff smile appeared on Dianne’s face.

“Right…I guess it’d be weird for me to think of you more than him. Y’know…because he's the guy I like.”

“Why does it sound like you’re forcing yourself to say that?”

“No…reason.”

A bit confused by Dianne's words, I tried to shrug it off as a voice came from nearby.

“So you’re in another duel ey Axel? You better win!”

Dianne jumped in surprise as Roy appeared from behind her with a grin.

With a smile of my own, I pumped my fist upward.

“You know I will!”

With that, I went up to my normal seat. Thankfully, I’ve caught back up to everyone else with our lessons, so I was able to pull out my grimiore and get back to reading like I normally did. And as class was about to begin, I pondered what awaited me during the duel

Before I knew it, the day of the duel had arrived. In fact, I was making my way to the stadium right now.

Letting out a yawn, I stretched my arms toward the sky.

“Looks like today’s perfect butt-kicking weather.”

The sun shined brightly above as the wind blew past my face. It felt amazing.

Seeing the stadium up ahead, I grinned.

“Alright. Let’s do this.”

Ten minutes later, I reached the stadium and was currently standing in a room where I found myself dressed up in the same outfit I’d worn during my and the MC’s last duel. The design consisted of a crimson red cloak, a silver chest plate, as well as a black t-shirt, dark grey pants, and dark brown boots.

“You still look absolutely ridiculous in that.”

“Oh put a sock in it.”

Moving past Nia’s comment, I finished preparing the last of my outfit and looked in a mirror.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

I personally thought I looked good.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Xara. Can we talk for a bit?”

“Sure. Come on in.”

Xara walked into the room with a look of concern on her face.

“I-I’m sorry. I wasn’t able to convince him to back down," she said as Xara slumped her shoulders.

“It’s fine. I appreciate you trying.”

I had asked Xara to talk with the MC about stopping this duel, but I guess it didn’t work out.

Now before you misunderstand, I didn’t want him to reconsider because I thought I’d lose. I just figured I’d save him the humiliation of being beaten to a pulp in front of a live audience. But oh well. Guess that’s just how this is gonna go.

Holding my grimoire with one hand, I used the other to pat Xara on the head.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

“I know. I’m just confused as to why Riko wanted to duel you in the first place. This feels so sudden.”

I mean, I already knew the reason. He’s angry at me for ruining his original plans of being the MC from the game. But I couldn’t exactly tell Xara that. Mainly because she wouldn’t understand, but it’d also be a pain to explain.

“It’s best not to worry about that.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. For now, just focus on rooting for me during the match.”

“Um…Yeah. You got it.”

Patting her head one more time, I left the room and began making my way toward the arena in the middle of the stadium.

When I walked into the arena, I was met with the booing of several students who had come to watch the fight.

Irritated, I tried to mess with them by sending some wind behind their backs to give them a scare. But when I attempted to do so-

“...Huh?”

-my magic vanished into thin air.

“What the hell?”

I tried casting a few more spells, but nothing worked.

“Master. Take a look around.”

Listening to Nia, I glanced around at my surroundings just as the MC stepped into the ring.

“Magic blocking barriers, huh? Kinda cheap, don’t you think?”

The MC grinned.

“It’s just to put us on an even playing field. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Even my ass. I know the MC’s main trait is that he’s really good in physical combat as well as magic. Making this about as even as weighing a watermelon to an orange.”

The MC scoffed at my comparison.

“Whatever. Just come and face me.”

I rubbed my eyes. This was gonna be a pain.

Xara watched Axel from the stands. She couldn’t help but get angry when she saw the magic-blocking barrier Riko had no doubt put up to push things in his favor. How was Axel going to win at this point?

Xara waited to see what Axel’s reaction would be, but all he did was rub his eyes before attempting to cast some magic.

“Why? Why is he still trying to cast magic within a magic-blocking barrier?” Xara found herself wondering.

Not giving Axel any more time, Riko charged at Axel. He didn’t have a sword in hand, but he was wearing gloves that looked like they’d pack a punch.

Using his momentum, Riko jumped into the air and brought his fist down on Axel who dodged out of the way right before the attack made contact.

Weirdly enough, Axel was still trying to cast magic. But every time he did so, it fizzled out instantly.

“How stupid can you be trying to use magic while a magic-blocking barrier is up?”

“Maybe he has a screw loose.”

“What a stupid commoner.”

Xara couldn’t help but get angry at the words of those around her. She hated how these people continued to look down at Axel even after everything that's happened to him.

And while it’s true she once thought of him as a commoner the same as everyone else, once she actually met and hung out with him, she realized just how great of a person Axel was. But in the end, there was only so much she could do. So she tried to simply sit there and see how things would play.

While she was doing that, Riko continued swinging at his enemy as Axel kept trying to cast spells time and time again.

Keeping her eyes on him, Xara could swear Axel was muttering “Not that one either. Maybe this one then?” several times as he dodged Riko’s attacks. What was he up to?

Riko seemed to be growing irritated.

“Stop dodging you weakling!”

“You’re the last person who should be calling me a weakling!”

“Just shut up and take my attacks like a man!”

“Are you crazy!? Only a total masochist would say taking an attack is something manly!”

“I said shut up!”

“Stop telling me what to do!”

Axel and Riko continued to shout at each other as the battle continued. Before Xara knew it, almost eight minutes had passed. Some students were growing bored, while others started getting up to leave.

Gazing down at the arena below, both Axel and Riko were clearly exhausted.

“Just let me hit you…”

“Like hell I’m gonna do that…”

They were both out of breath. Despite that, Axel was still trying to cast spells.

Clearly done with this situation, Riko took in a deep breath and sunk his feet into the ground as if ready to charge.

“Haaaah!”

Pushing himself forward, Riko tried going in for a swing in an attempt to finish Axel with a single strike.

Scared he wouldn’t dodge in time, Xara grabbed the rim in front of her seat. As she did so, Riko continued to draw even closer. All the while, Axel was continuously failing to cast a spell. After another moment, Riko was right in front of Axel. Terrified, Xara opened her mouth.

“Axel!”

“...Found it!”

Right as she said his name, a wind began to pick up around Axel and he was sent flying into the air.

Riko stared at him with his eyes wide. As did the other students.

Landing on the ground behind Riko, a fireball appeared in Axel’s hand and he launched it at Riko who barely blocked the attack with his gloves.

“Did he just…cast magic?”

“He did. But aren't they in a magic-blocking barrier?”

“Yeah. How is he doing that?”

The crowd whispered among themselves in confusion.

As they did so, Axel let out a laugh.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Confused as the rest, Riko checked to make sure his barrier was still up. After seeing it was active, he glared at Axel.

“How are you doing that?”

“Hm? You mean this?”

Instantly, a giant ball of water dropped down on Riko’s head and soaked his entire body.

“What the-!?”

Not giving him any time to react, Axel vanished from Riko’s view.

Riko looked around, but Axel wasn’t anywhere in sight. Then, a sinister laugh entered the air.

“Honestly. Did you really think setting up a barrier like that would be enough to stop me? How stupid can you be!?”

Clearly, Axel had grown rather cocky.

“Grrr. Show yourself! Only cowards hide from a fight!”

“Haha! Do you really believe that crap? That was just some lame excuse an old guy made up in order to make sure he could always keep track of his opponent.”

“You dare insult a fair battle with such words!?”

“Fair battle? Haha! You’d have to be a madman to say this battle’s fair!”

Growling in frustration, Riko continued looking around.

“Show yourself! If you’ve left the ring, then you’re disqualified!”

“Who said I left the ring?”

“What?”

“Look up.”

Confused, Riko and the students watching looked up to see a giant ball of wind rapidly falling from the sky.

“What the-!?”

Before Riko had any time to react, the ball of wind smashed into him and sent him crashing into the ground.

A cloud of dust picked up from within the stadium and people struggled to see the arena.

Worried, Xara tried to squint her eyes enough to see, but it was too thick to make out what had happened.

When the dust finally cleared, Axel stood there posing in a rather unique manner that was apparently reminiscent of a character from a Japanese manga series he’d read with Riko lying on the ground both battered and unconscious.

The referee, who’d been standing off to the side trying to block out the dust from hitting his eyes, saw the sight and declared the verdict.

“R…Riko Toyazoto has been knocked unconscious! The winner of this duel is Axel Savoncho!”

As he uttered those words, everyone else was speechless. They were all still in shock at what had just occurred. But with that, the rematch between Axel and Riko officially came to a close.

Seeing the result of the battle, a woman with long white hair watched from one of the stands.

Unlike everyone else who had expressions of shock on their faces, she had a calm and composed look as she began to write something down on a notepad in her hand.

“I see. So these are the kinds of powers Axel Savoncho has. How intriguing.”

Closing the notepad, the girl got up from her seat and left the stadium. Completely ignoring the looks of shock still on the other student's faces.