Angel's demeanor was as cold as ice; she was not one for conversation and had seldom interacted with Dick. Over time, due to Frank's influence, Angel's relationship with Alina had grown distant, and she had remained aloof from Dick's small circle for a considerable period.

"Regarding Frank, I apologize. I had no idea he intended to scheme against you."

"It's fine. Frank is Frank, and you are you. We are friends, aren't we?" Dick replied with a chuckle. In truth, Dick bore no ill will towards Angel. In fact, she herself was a victim. "How about you, Angel? Did you gain anything? I've hunted down three first-level magical beasts myself."

Given their past acquaintance and the need to return together, it seemed awkward to remain silent.

"You’re impressive. I didn’t manage to hunt even one; the magical beasts were too swift."

"That's still commendable. Being able to confront first-level magical beasts is already quite remarkable."

Angel, reportedly deeply affected by Frank, seemed to have mellowed somewhat. At least she was now able to engage in a normal conversation.

"Dick! Angel!" It was either a case of encountering no one or running into familiar faces repeatedly.

"Liu Tiesheng! Frank! Haha!" Dick laughed, noting that old rivals often crossed paths.

"Dick, you seem quite cheerful. This is the magical beast forest, deserted and desolate. Aren’t you afraid I might kill you?" Liu Tiesheng, who harbored a strong dislike for Dick, taunted him.

"Liu Tiesheng, are you out of your mind? Behind me and Angel, there are two experts. What can a mere second-level magician like you do in this situation?" Dick was exasperated. In such a scenario, what decisive impact could Liu Tiesheng, a second-level magician, possibly have?

As for Frank, a commoner with no notable protection from family elders, he was essentially a disposable pawn to Liu Tiesheng in the magical beast forest.

"Hmph!" Liu Tiesheng was unsure whether his elders could match the experts accompanying Dick and Angel. Likewise, the accompanying experts from each side were uncertain of the outcome in a confrontation. Sometimes, numbers alone did not determine the result.

It was not guaranteed that two intermediate warriors would defeat a single intermediate warrior. Under uncertain conditions, even experts preferred to avoid reckless battles unless significant stakes were involved.

It seemed that they would simply pass each other by, but then an unexpected event occurred: Angel spoke up, "Frank, I hear you enjoy gambling?"

"And?"

"How about a duel here, just between us?" Angel gazed calmly at Frank.

Frank, seemingly resigned, looked to Liu Tiesheng, his superior.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Interesting! Since Angel is interested, Frank can indulge her," Liu Tiesheng said dismissively. "Since Frank is my subordinate, Angel, what do you wish to wager?"

"A second-level space pouch!"

Dick was astonished. A second-level space pouch? That was the one Alina had lent him, with ample space to store numerous magical beast carcasses, worth over twenty thousand gold coins. Dick could not afford such an item.

Alina’s own space pouch was only first-level, significantly smaller in capacity, and valued far less. Dick felt uncomfortable asking Alina for such a pricey item. The first-level pouch was too small to be of much use.

"I have no objections!" Given Liu Tiesheng and Angel's high status, Dick was not in a position to refuse. Although twenty thousand gold coins was a considerable amount even for them, it was not unheard of for noble scions to bet on such sums.

Neither Liu Tiesheng’s nor Angel’s elders intervened, merely observing from afar, tacitly approving. Disputes of this nature among juniors did not warrant the involvement of family experts.

Dick had fought Frank before when he was only a first-level magician and warrior. With Frank having recently advanced to a second-level magician, the method of his breakthrough was questionable. Liu Tiesheng’s own advancement had resulted in a somewhat unstable inner force, and he had refrained from using elixirs for a year.

Since Liu Tiesheng agreed to the duel, Frank’s performance would likely be more formidable. The second-level space pouch, worth twenty thousand gold coins, was not something Liu Tiesheng would underestimate.

Angel, having broken through to become a second-level magician through her own means, might be capable of contending with Frank. The true extent of her combat abilities remained to be seen.

Dick, who had not yet learned second-level magic spells, observed the duel between second-level magicians for the first time. The battle followed familiar patterns, with both sides initially deploying their swift and favored first-level spells.

Dick scrutinized Frank. Although Frank was also proficient in both magic and martial skills, his combat style differed from Dick’s. He did not appear inclined to initiate direct attacks, occasionally using his weapon to block magic spells.

The battle seemed less impressive at first. As time progressed, the disparity in strength became evident. Despite Frank’s seemingly unstable second-level magical prowess, he effectively utilized his aura to aid him.

It was noted that practitioners of both magic and martial skills had a slightly greater reservoir of energy compared to their peers. Dick estimated an increase of around ten to twenty percent, though Frank’s exact situation was unclear.

By the later stages of the battle, second-level spells were in play. Dick observed that these spells were significantly more powerful than first-level spells, potentially doubling their threat.

The substantial magical energy consumption indicated that the duel could not last much longer, given that both combatants had recently achieved second-level status.

Ultimately, Frank lost the exhausting battle. His magical energy proved insufficient despite the aid of his aura, leaving him unable to compensate for the magical disparity.

"I won. Frank, you owe me. Let’s call it even!" Angel declared as she claimed the space pouch.

Frank understood the implication, and Dick did too. Frank’s magical and martial skills, initially taught by Angel, were primarily supported by resources provided by her. This second-level space pouch, valued at over twenty thousand gold coins, was a form of recompense.

Perhaps the psychological burden Angel had borne regarding Frank was also lifted.

"Let’s go!" Liu Tiesheng made no further remarks. He bore no personal grudge against Angel, and a space pouch might not be worth incurring enmity. Noble duels often involved such stakes and were common occurrences.

Angel’s elder finally approached and patted her shoulder with a look of satisfaction.

"Dick, take this space pouch as a gift!" Angel unexpectedly offered.

"What? Angel, don’t be silly. I can’t afford something so valuable…" Dick hesitated. Even with Alina’s second-level space pouch, he felt uncomfortable accepting it outright, let alone something of such worth. After all, he and Angel were not yet close enough for such generosity.