What goes around comes around, I guess. I should have just let it be. Maybe just snatched the coin and ran.

No. I refuse to think that's all I could have done. I did what I should have.

I mean, I do not regret my 'outrageous' remarks. It was entertaining to see the kid's face contort into different forms of anger and embarrassment, but we're in the arena now, and he seems a lot cheerier.

Of course, he would be happy. Raekol always receives proper training to control and shape their magic. Judging solely by the shit-eating grin he's wearing on his face, he has had a few years of training at least.

Okay, then what do I have? A few years of practise on my part sounds impressive. A few years of practice in a cramped backyard with nothing but a dummy made out of leftover wood and plastic is distinctly not that impressive.

The worse thing right now is that this fucker is relaxed. His eyes wander to the crowds above, giving flirtatious looks to the girls present. He spreads his arms apart to bring more attention to his, admittedly appealing features. His steps are light as he does his short pace on his side of the arena. He holds his chin high, probably so that he can continuously look down on me.

He truly believes he will win this fight no matter what I try. So it makes sense for him not to be trying. He's planning to give the audience a show.

Yet, he has every right to be so confident. He's up against a commoner, someone who couldn't possibly afford proper training. He, however, probably got not only a mentor but a good mentor.

He returns his attention to me, and a wide smile forms on his face as his eyebrows raise in an exaggerated expression of shock, earning him some laughter from the crowds.

I break out of my trance and take note of my movements. I'm now sure that everyone can see how tense I am. I quickly shake my head.

He's taller than me so, stay low. He's stronger than me so stay sharp. He's...

Why can't my hands stop trembling? 

"Woah there! The fight hasn't started yet! We have to introduce ourselves. Or did you not know that was the tradition?" he says with a smug smile on his face. His arms are behind his back as if to taunt just how assured his victory is.

I bite back a retort. I cannot afford to lose the increased awareness I have of him. I'm watching his every movement, whether in his legs or his lips. One slip up and I'm screwed. As much of an ass he is, he's also equally as powerful.

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Well, if that were the case, he would be unstoppable, but the point is, he's strong. The Duke of Douche notices me hesitating and lets out a laugh.

"Why don't I start then hm? Let you get get your bearings?" 

I instinctively roll my eyes in response.

He grimaces for a split second, his facade breaking ever so slightly before he presents another sly smile.

"I am Leon Domer of the Domer family, and I challenge you to a duel in the glory and honour of....hmm, let's go with, in the glory and honour of my ring. That's probably worth more than anything you own right?" he says with a snicker, raising his left hand to show off that damn silver ring.

This stupid tradition. Of course, the bloody Raekol would want to show something off before they fight. Always measuring dicks before-

"Dravus, please proceed with your declaration" chimes in the Director.

I take a deep breath and focus my thoughts. The declaration is not the problem right now.

"I am Ritz Dravus, and I challenge you to a duel in the glory and honour of me, my family and my name." 

The theatrics are over now.

Leon looks dazed, probably surprised from the conviction in my voice. Then, he lets out a bitter chuckle.

"Of course you would fight for your name. It's the only thing you own." he spits out. The sheer disgust in his voice is almost tangible.

At this point, I do not even care.

I'm focused.

I'm ready.

I'm going to kick banana neck's ass.

I hope.

Leon smirks before forming a fire in his right palm.

He's a fire mage. That makes things significantly harder.

He holds the small flame up for the crowd to see before clutching his fist, fire spilling out between his fingers. Suddenly, he moves his open left hand next to his clutched fist.

I crease my eyebrows at his unexpected movement. What is he planning? I've never seen well; anyone performing a gesture like his. I look to the crowd and notice some of the first-years with gaping jaws. A few of them are even downright pale. I gulp the saliva building up in my mouth and return my attention to my opponent.

"Create Flame Sword!" he screams, moving his left hand up as a blade of bright orange flame starts forming. The fire is sputtering and unfocused, but it is still a pretty skilled move. It is, as a matter of fact, a very skilled move.

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

He knows how to shape his magic. Cold sweat starts forming on my back. I expected him to be good, but not this good. The shaping of magic is not even close to the level of magic I possess. He has refined his magic to a level rarely seen for someone his age.

Fuck.

This....this is not possible. There is no running now.

I try my best to pull myself together, snap back into the battle mindset and adjust my focus back to Leon. His left hand is trembling, and there is a sheen of sweat on his brow.

I can only assume this is taking too much out of him. I need to take advantage of that.

I notice Leon glance at the teachers and I do the same, waiting for confirmation to begin the battle. Mr Liken looks at each of us briefly and gives the nod of agreement. Leon and I snap our heads back to face each other.

In a voice only I could hear and a demented smile on his face, Leon chooses to gloat.

"I hope you're ready~,"

He's going to enjoy this. Me, not so much.

I cover my arms in my dark magic, letting it wander around me. I look Leon in the eyes and force a smile on my face.

Well, it's now or never.

"Come at me, you worm-eating bitch."