Today's the big day: the duel, and I can't shake off my nerves. From the web novel, Lumi is one of the top talents in ‘A Magician's Path’. At Verdant Arcanum's entrance exam, she only trails behind Célestin, securing the second spot.

-Slam!

All of the sudden, my door was slammed open and André entered my room, holding the clothes we bought last Sunday.

“Dad! You’re okay!”

I was relieved that André looks fine. Even though Celine reassured me that he and Maurice won’t fight, I’m still slightly thinking that they will fight. But seeing André again made me relieved.

André raise one of his brows. “Of course, I would be fine. Why are you asking that?”

I scratch the back of my head, “I thought…you and Professor Maurice fought last night.”

“Why would we fight?”

“Well, Mum told me you were agitated and went to see him.”

André’s expression softened and ruffles my hair.

“Dominic, we just discussed about his training intensity and your injuries last night, don’t worry.”

Once again, I'm caught in the web of my own overthinking. It's like my mind has a knack for conjuring up the worst-case scenarios, always bracing for a storm that never comes. I suppose it's natural, considering the stakes of today's duel.

But sometimes, I wish I could silence that anxious voice in my head and trust that things will be okay. André's reassurance is like a lifeline, reminding me that not everything is a disaster waiting to happen.

"Anyways, you should wear this for the duel.”

André then hands me the clothes. But why would he suggest wearing something so fancy and impractical for a duel?

"Why?"

"In a duel, appearances matter a lot. It's about showing confidence and making a statement."

I've overlooked this detail from the web novel Verdant Haveners, which places a high value on how one presents oneself. They believe attire reflects personal style, preparation, and respect for the occasion.

"But won't it get ruined in the duel?"

"Don't worry; if anything happens to it, we can have it repaired for free within 30 days of purchase. The store offers that service."

That's some impressive customer care.

Still, I don't like the idea of wearing such a refined suit to a physical contest doesn't. But when in Verdant Haven...

"Okay, I'll change.”

André nod and went out of my bedroom.

After changing, I examine myself in the mirror. The ensemble looks sharp—a white dress shirt paired with a black vest, red tie, black trousers, and matching shoes.

"Now, what about you?" My eyes land on the black jacket resting on my bed.

Wearing it usually feels too restrictive, but leaving it behind isn't an option, given the local customs around dress.

An idea strikes me. I drape the jacket over my shoulders like a cape, checking the effect in the mirror.

Not bad. It has a certain flair.

"Does this count as fashionable?"

Fashion was never my strong suit, especially not in my past life. This feels like treading new ground.

"Well, it's now or never," I mutter, heading out to meet André.

He's waiting for me, and upon seeing me, he hands over a black fedora.

"Don't forget this, Dominic."

I place it on my head, then look to André for approval.

He gives me a thumbs up. "You look great!"

His thumbs-up boosts my confidence. Maybe, just maybe, I can pull this off not just in style but in the duel itself.

"Oh, Dominic, you look fantastic!" Celine's compliment catches my attention as she approaches.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Thanks, Mum."

"Do you know where it's going to be held?"

That's a good question. Lumi has thrown down the gauntlet but hasn't bothered with the details, like where we're supposed to meet. It almost feels like she expects me to figure it out alone or fail to show up and be branded a coward.

"I'm not sure, to be honest."

André's reassuring hand lands on my shoulder.

"You don't need to worry about that, Dominic. Since you're both from the same middle school, the duel will be held there."

"In the middle school?"

The idea seems strange to me. I haven't seen any place that could serve as a duel arena. But then again, I haven't explored every school nook and cranny.

"Yes, in the gymnasium. Every middle school gymnasium in Sylvestria is equipped to transform into a duel area, specially designed for aspiring Stargate Raiders."

That's news to me. The web novel hasn't mentioned such a detail, likely because the story's main events unfold in Aurelior and Verdant Arcanum, not within the confines of a middle school.

"You know this, Dominic; how did you forget about it?" André looks at me, scrutinizing me.

Oh, crap, I slipped up. I have to tread carefully.

"No… I'm just making sure."

-Ring!

Fortunately, the sound of a Commlink interrupts our conversation, and I can't help but sigh in relief internally.

"Hold on, I've got a call."

André announces, retrieving his Commlink from his pocket. As he glances at the screen, a scowl forms on his face, a rare expression that instantly catches our attention.

"What's wrong, André?"

"A Stargate has opened up on the northern Emerald Coastline."

A Stargate. These portals are always an omen of challenge and danger.

"What rank is the Stargate, Dad?"

"It's a [A] Rank."

My heart skips a beat at the news. An [A] ranked Stargate is known for its huge mana emissions, which are capable of disrupting weather patterns and spawning monsters with the strength to devastate entire cities. Only [A] ranked Magicians above and above have any business facing such dangers head-on.

So, this means that André is [A] to [S]. He obviously can’t be a [SS] rank or above since there only 10 known [SS] ranked Magicians from the web novel. So, the chance of André being [SS] ranked is zero.

"I'm sorry, Dominic. It looks like I won't be able to attend your duel."

Though I feel a pang of disappointment knowing he won't be there to see me duel, the gravity of the situation far outweighs my personal feelings. They need his strength and experience to confront this looming threat.

"It's okay, Dad. Don't worry about me."

The safety of many is far more critical than my duel, and I know André has to go where he's needed most.

"Thank you for understanding, Dominic." André then ruffles my hair.

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As I make my way toward the middle school, the atmosphere in town seems unusually welcoming today. Locals greet me with bright smiles as I pass through.

"Good morning, Dominic!"

"I heard you have a duel today against an Everheart; you can do it!"

Their encouraging words boost my spirits. It's heartening to see that my status as Manaless doesn't seem to matter to them; they support me just the same.

Just then, a familiar voice breaks through the murmur.

"Hey, Doms!"

Arthur appears out of nowhere, draping his arm around my shoulder enthusiastically.

"Did you fully heal from yesterday? Are you okay? Are you ready for today's duel?"

I sighed, touched by his worry yet overwhelmed by the rapid-fire questioning. "Yes, yes, and yes," I assure him, hoping to alleviate some of his concern.

A visible wave of relief washes over Arthur's face.

"That's good to hear."

"By the way, thank you for carrying me to my house and giving the cub to the animal conservatory."

"It's not a big deal, Doms."

He replies with a wave of his hand as if carrying an unconscious friend and handling a wild animal are everyday occurrences.

With that, we continue drawing the school grounds closer with each step. The duel looms large in my thoughts, but the weight feels just a little lighter with Arthur by my side.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

After a while, we reach the entrance of our middle school.

As we navigate the campus paths, I can't help but notice the pairs of eyes following us and the hushed, not-so-subtle whispers that fill the air.

"There he is!"

"Manaless vs. Everheart – like a lamb to the slaughter."

"That ensemble gives very 'fashion victim' vibes, honey!"

The comment stings with the kind of theatrical flamboyance you'd expect from a reality TV drag queen reading me to filth.

I did my best to block out their murmurs, and my focus is locked on the challenge ahead—my duel with Lumi.

"You're dressed for our duel already?"

Lumi's voice cuts through the background noise, stopping me. Her tone carries a hint of surprise – or is it amusement?

Turning around, I find her, surprisingly still in her school attire. It seems odd that she is calling me out, considering she's the one who challenged me to a duel and yet appears utterly unprepared, combat-wise.

"Not in your battle gear?"

"Our duel is after classes."

A wave of embarrassment washes over me.

"Would've been nice to know when and where before I decided on my attire," I mutter under my breath, a flush of embarrassment coloring my cheeks.

Here I am, overdressed for a school day, thanks to the lack of details on her part.

"You should've warned Doms about the duel timing, Everheart. Now you've got him parading around in a three-piece at school!"

Arthur attempts to deflect some of the awkwardness my way. Though well-intentioned, his words feel like a double-edged sword, slicing through whatever dignity I manage to cling to.

"This duel is between him and me, Lyon. Stay out of it." Lumi replies, her voice and demeanor as icy as a winter storm.

With that, she strides past us and heads toward the school, leaving us in the wake of her chilly exit.

I watch her walk away, frustration and resignation washing over me.

"What a day this is shaping up to be."

As we continue walking, Arthur can't hide his frustration.

"Seriously, what's with her attitude? What an annoying Bi—"

Before he can finish his sentence with a term less than flattering, my hand flies up to cover his mouth.

Surprisingly, even to me, my body just reacts on its own. It's like I get angry.

"Mmph!" Arthur quickly pulls away from my grip, his face a mix of surprise and annoyance. "What was that for?"

I give a slight shrug, still slightly baffled by my reaction.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe it's just an instinct to keep things family-friendly?"

"Huh?"

Arthur gives me a puzzled look, his eyebrow arching in confusion.

"Yeah, you know, keeping our conversation suitable for all audiences."

Arthur shakes his head, half-amused and half-bewildered. "Alright, Mr. Censorship. Let's just focus on what's ahead, shall we?"

"Yeah, let's head in. It's going to be a long day."