With two victories under his belt, Allen Fleming is halfway to passing this third condition - winning four consecutive duels in the annual tournament in a row.
His duel against Blanche Dene, the rank 2A Water mage, was not easy, but it was not difficult either. Allen managed to push through and claim victory, despite the magical artifact she possessed.
After his and the rest of his friend's second duels, which all ended in victories, the "small resistance" members had all met in Mr. Garet's office, where they discussed recent events and their own duels. So far everything seems to be going off without a hitch, but will it remain this easy?
Mr. Garet and Ms. Florence both suspect Ellen Marion will be getting more directly involved, with Allen already halfway through passing his third condition. They believe Allen's third duel may not be as easy as his first two duels, and they advise him to be careful and keep up with his training.
In addition, Allen's second condition is to get to C rank, which is already becoming more difficult as time passes with Allen set back to F rank. Allen's only hope as of right now is to stand out as much as possible in his duels, so they have no choice but to promote him.
As much as Allen doesn't really like to stand out, he understands the situation. If Allen stands out enough to prove himself, then even Ellen would have no choice but to promote him. They all decided that Allen focusing on his third and fourth duels would be more important right now.
As the announcement for the third set of duels had yet to come in, Allen sat in his desk, which still had dust all over it no matter how many times he cleaned it, in the F ranked class.
With him being the only student in that class, or just F ranked in general, the room was a lot quieter than it was before. Ms. Florence sat at her desk, as she shuffled through the messy paperwork covering it.
As Allen couldn't help but sigh over how disorganized her desk was, Ms. Florence pulled a paper from her desk and walked over to Allen.
"Fleming, your next duel opponent is listed on this paper," she advised him as she handed it to him. "Walter just handed this to me this morning"
As Allen unfolded the paper, the name he saw on the paper completely surprised him. He took several glances from each side, almost as though he hoped it would show a different name.
"It can't be…," Allen finally spoke, breaking the silence. "I-"
"I understand your surprise. There's no doubt Ellen planned this," Ms. Florence spoke as she crossed her arms. "I will leave it to you for now. We can discuss about this later"
But as Ms. Florence started to walk back to her desk, Allen stopped her.
"Why…," he said as memories resurfaced.
"I'm assuming Ellen knows of your history with this individual," Ms. Florence spoke, as she turned around to face him. "We'll talk about this later. Just for right now, try to focus on your studies"
Allen gritted his teeth as Ms. Florence finally walked away, leaving him alone. How could he study, knowing who he was going to face in his third duel?
It's all over, Allen thought to himself, as he slammed his forehead into his desk.
After classes were finally over, Allen walked the hallways of his academy, planning to meet up with his friends. With his next duel opponent being revealed, Allen was going to need as much help as possible from his friends.
However, as Allen was caught up in his thoughts, he almost didn't realize the person in question that had been in his thoughts had been standing right in front of him!
"It has been quite some time, hasn't it, Fleming?," the individual asked, the arrogant confidence in his voice seeping through his words.
Allen looked up to face none other than Nathaniel Rivertide, regarded as the Infamous C Ranker. Nathaniel was Allen's first duel opponent, and the first and only student Allen had major complications with. Nathaniel was also Charles Rivertide's older brother, and Cecily Rivertide's cousin.
"You…," Allen spoke, as he started to shiver in place. "Why?"
"Such a shame, you don't seem very eager to see me," he spoke, a hand on his cheek as if this moment was supposed to be very emotional for the both of them. "The same cannot be said of me. I was very excited to learn that I would get to be the one to face you in your third duel… and your last"
Allen let out a small grunt as he stared back at Nathaniel, while doing everything he could to keep his composure. He knew Nathaniel's tactics - he wanted nothing more than to get reactions out of Allen. But despite knowing that, it was really hard to, considering their past.
Memories of their first duel from earlier this year resurfaced. Nathaniel causing problems for Allen's friends Thomas and Cecily, Nathaniel taking underhanded measures to get Allen to agree to a duel, Nathaniel's teacher Jane Lynde being their duel referee, and of course Nathaniel's victory.
Nathaniel had also apparently used a magical artifact during their duel, to allow him to cast an elemental circle farther away, effectively changing altogether how he can cast his spell. It was later revealed as a prototype by none other than the Demon of Finance, Reynold Windblade.
But lastly and most importantly, the condition Allen agreed to if he lost the duel was that he would have to give up his precious sword, the only thing he had connected to his real mother, away. But the strange thing was, Nathaniel had never tried to take his sword away ever since their first and only duel.
Or better yet, I haven't seen Nathaniel Rivertide not a singular time since our duel, Allen thought to himself. Just what has he been doing this entire time?
"Lost in thought, are we? That eager to face me once again, Fleming?," Nathaniel's questions put Allen back to reality.
"I have nothing to say to you, Nathaniel," Allen spoke, trying to sound confident and keep a level head.
Nathaniel looked surprised for a moment, before his expression turned towards a more mischievous and sickening grin, an expression he wore often when he confronted those he considered lower than himself.
"You know Fleming, I haven't forgotten about our first duel, and I doubt you have either. That's why I was so excited to find out about our next duel. For me to be the one to be the reason you fail your conditions and be expelled from the academy… sounds fun, does it not?"
Allen gritted his teeth as hard as he could as he tried to keep his emotions in check. He knew Nathaniel was trying to rile him up, to try to lash out. There was no doubt in Allen's mind that he was doing this on purpose. If Allen tried anything against him, it would make it all the more easier for Ellen Marion to expel him here and now, and no one would be able to refute the decision.
"I doubt you've heard, but recently I have been promoted to B rank by none other than Mrs. Marion herself!," Nathaniel spoke, but the malicious intent towards Allen still lingering. "Such a kind woman she is, I have much respect for her. But now everyone is starting to refer to me as, 'The Infamous B Ranker'. Has such a nice ring to it, does it not?"
Allen offered no words or answer as Nathaniel continued to speak, but instead stood as still as he could, trying to keep his emotions in check. Several students throughout the hallway began to stop, as if noticing the interaction between the two of them. Allen feared that this interaction would only get worse the longer he lingered.
"I've cared little for ranking since the beginning, but with Mrs. Marion in charge… Well, let's just say that the desire for A rank is now on the table! Unfortunately due to my… reputation here… they have put the thought on hold. But, here's the best part! Mrs. Marion herself told me they would put a lot more consideration into it if I defeat you in our upcoming third duel!"
No way…, Allen thought as the realization came to his head. It's true. She's involved.
With Nathaniel mentioning Ellen Marion in a positive outlook, it became very obvious what was really going on, and what he was starting to suspect since he learned Nathaniel would be his duel opponent.
No doubt Ellen knew of or learned of Allen's history with Nathaniel Rivertide. Their duel, how it ended, and what impact it created for the both of them.
With Nathaniel being the only student who has challenged and won against Allen so far, no doubt Ellen rigged the system and intentionally put Nathaniel as Allen's next duel opponent.
With Nathaniel already being tricky and underhanded as is in a duel, it will only be making things worse for Allen when Nathaniel will no doubt be using the same or a better magical artifact in their upcoming duel. All to just ensure not only Allen's defeat, but his expulsion as well.
William, where are you when I need you the most?, Allen almost pleaded, in his own thoughts. Everything is starting to go wrong here while they keep you from us. Just what am I supposed to do?
Allen couldn't help but shiver as everything started to come crashing down on him. His third duel should not be taken lightly, and he will need to do everything in his power if he wishes to remain a student at this academy he has grown to love so much.
"My, my… stop getting so distracted on me, Fleming. It's not so much fun for me if you don't talk back," Nathaniel spoke as his grin grew larger.
"Nathaniel…," Allen muttered, as Nathaniel closed the gap between the two of them.
Nathaniel now only stood inches away from Allen, looking down at him. The height difference between the two of them became very apparent, as Nathaniel almost seemed to loom over him.
Nathaniel held his hands in his pockets, as almost to prevent himself from doing anything he knew he shouldn't. Or perhaps, as a way to tell Allen he didn't need to do anything. Regardless, the amount of intimidating pressure Allen felt was nothing near minimal, as Nathaniel looked down at him like some sort of insect to be trampled on.
"Oh, how I look forward to our duel, Allen Fleming," Nathaniel spoke, the sickening grin on his face growing. "And I can't wait to claim the soon to be most satisfying victory I will have ever achieved!"
"I won't let you," Allen raised his voice, doing everything he can to not let Nathaniel get to him.
"Then prove it to me, Weakest Mage. I won our last duel, perhaps by almost mere luck, but I will be sure to crush you to nothing this time," he spoke, intentionally raising his voice so the students starting to surround them could clearly hear him. "Allen Fleming shall truly be the Weakest Mage, with nothing to his name!"
Noise began to erupt amongst the students surrounding them, no doubt talking about the interaction happening between Allen and Nathaniel.
I need to get out of here now, before things get worse, Allen thought, worried about what he or Nathaniel may try to pull if given the opportunity or reason.
"I shall-"
But before Nathaniel could continue his sentence, everyone heard a voice call out from behind Nathaniel.
"Nathaniel!"
As everyone looked to find the source of the voice, Nathaniel's expression turned to annoyance as he turned around to face who called him out.
Charles Rivertide, none other than Nathaniel's younger brother, stood tall and faced him from across the hallway. He wore an annoyed, yet serious look on his face, a look Allen had never seen on him, even with his interactions with him.
Sure, Charles in the past has called out to Allen, proclaiming himself as his "rival". However, the look on his face was nothing like the immature looks and posture he has held in the past.
"Just what are you doing here, younger brother," Nathaniel asked, clicking his tongue.
"I thought that would be obvious, older brother," Charles spoke back to him, crossing his arms.
As Allen looked back and forth between the two of them, he couldn't help but wonder if Charles' unexpected appearance would be for the better, or for the worse. Just what could he be planning?