After the king's words, we now find ourselves inside the ring. He had challenged me to a duel, and as I descended into the arena, the place fell into complete silence as the audience watched the imposing royal figure advancing toward the ring. Honestly, the situation still felt a bit strange to me.

I must admit I wasn't expecting this. In fact, I wasn't confident that I could defeat him. Based on what I heard during my stay in Anima, the king is an experienced warrior, accumulating years of experience in real battles. Although I also have my share of experience, it probably doesn't compare to his.

"Are you ready, young one?"

The king asked in front of me, while putting metal gloves on both of his arms. I looked perplexed at the scene, as I was never informed that we could use weapons. Noticing my hesitation, the king commented.

"Ah, right, do you use any weapon?"

Upon hearing the king's question, I slowly nodded my head, still somewhat confused.

"Use it. Even though it's a training bout, let's fight with all our might. I can't use magic, but you can, so use it. Also, weapons are fair game"

Honestly, the fact that I could use magic filled me with joy. I mean, clearly, this fight was in my favor, but I questioned whether the king was right in allowing this advantage, given the considerable power difference.

"Are you sure I can use magic?"

Hearing my words, the king let out a loud laugh, as if finding my question amusing.

"This is the first time I'm underestimated by someone younger, and that's how it should be. The young need to be bold"

After these words, his smiling gaze turned into a serious expression.

"But I hope you're not underestimating me too much, as it might end badly for you"

Uttering these words, I felt his gaze fixed on me, and my body instinctively stepped back. I looked at him in surprise, only to find him smiling.

"Well, it seems your instincts are sharp. That's good. Being arrogant is one thing, but if it's not backed by instincts, arrogance becomes foolishness. Many warriors have lost their lives due to this negligence"

After saying that, he assumed a stance. To be honest, his pose was quite simple. Maybe expecting something extremely elaborate from the king of Anima and the strongest warrior, I envisioned a more complex posture. However, even though it was simple, I couldn't identify any apparent openings.

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I straightened my posture and drew the sword from my storage. After these simple exchanges of words, my perspective had completely changed. If I chose not to use magic, I would probably be the first to succumb in the fight.

(Maybe it's time to employ this skill)

With that thought, I closed my eyes and uttered the words.

"Aura Manipulation"

Instantly, I felt my body being renewed by an invisible force. Upon opening my eyes, nothing seemed to have changed externally, but I could sense the new strength permeating my being. Although not entirely certain, it was evident that my strength was considerably amplified compared to what it was before.

"I'm coming"

While uttering these words, I tightly gripped the hilt of my sword. The king, upon hearing my statement, displayed a small smile and gestured with his hand, inviting me. Without hesitation, I advanced towards the king.

At that moment, I was surprised by my speed. As I imagined, I was several times stronger and more agile than before. However, even this improvement was not enough to overcome the king.

My sword was intercepted by the king's gloves, and a metallic sound resonated through the area. Without wasting time, I resorted to shadow teleportation and disappeared from view. In the shadows, I utilized the replication ability, giving rise to an exact copy of myself.

Unlike my cloning ability, this copy faithfully reproduces all my powers and skills. To some extent, it is like another personality of mine, capable of executing all actions without my direct intervention.

With a nod from both sides, we resumed the battle. The first to reappear was my replica. While it fought with the king, I waited for the opportune moment and employed the steel wire. With his body temporarily restrained, I leaped out of the scene and joined the battle. In truth, I knew this wouldn't be enough to keep him imprisoned, but I didn't need much time, just a few seconds.

"Paralyzing Mist"

"Ice Mist"

My replica and I simultaneously pronounced, releasing two abilities at once.

(Shade, do it)

Speaking in my mind, Shade's response came immediately.

(Yes, my king)

With that said, the ground beneath us sank into complete darkness. Although I was unaffected, the king, at this precise moment, was being enveloped by the paralyzing and icy mist, while his movements were restricted by the quagmire created by Shade.

Now, all I needed was to finish. However, before I could take any action, the connection with my replica suddenly vanished. A few seconds later, a voice emerged from behind me.

"A brilliant plan, yet perhaps inexperience has shown in the end. It's as if you've gained powers recklessly, and therefore, still don't know how to use them in harmony"

After these words, intense pain took over my neck. The last image I managed to capture was the king's smile, observing me, before my vision faded completely.

***

When I woke up, a few hours had already passed, and to my surprise, it was already the next day. I realized I had slept for quite a while and found myself lying in a bed. While the girls visited me and explained how things unfolded, I expressed my realization.

"So, I lost, huh?"

Upon hearing my words, Saemi and Aoi seemed somewhat concerned.

"You fought really well, Makoto. Even though you lost, you were amazing out there, you know?"

Said Aoi, with a reassuring smile on her face. Hearing these words, I closed my eyes as I reflected. It's not like I consider myself the strongest in the world, but, to be honest, I've been feeling overly confident lately. I didn't imagine I would encounter someone stronger than me in this world. Apparently, there's still a lot to see and learn.