"Get ready everyone!," the twin announcers raised their voices, for everyone to hear. "The finals of the Annual Magical Knights Tournament is finally here!"
Immense cheering erupted from the crowd, mages and non-mages alike, that filled the arena. There were almost no empty seats, as everyone did not want to miss today. The final round is arguably the most important, and generally the most interesting to watch.
"Today's match will be between two students I'm sure all of you are cheering for, one or the other!," Lisa raised her voice, speaking first. "The first and obvious, arguably our strongest mage our academy has to currently offer, Simon Windblade!"
The arena filled with loud cheers, as many alike were excited for Simon's arrival. No doubt many mages within the higher influential families wished to see Simon's victory, proving they are superior.
"A year 3 and rank A, Simon Windblade is no doubt many of you here today are expecting to win!," Misa explained, with it being her turn to speak. "And I'm sure that all of you are aware that Simon is son to the both honorable and respectable Solomon Windblade, the Triumvirate's leader!"
Respectable cheers went through the crowd, mostly from mages alike, for those who agreed with the Triumivirate's current rule and methods. Those that were more opposed to it, kept their mouths shut and heads down.
"And last but not least, considered our weakest mage attending the academy, Allen Fleming!"
The arena was once again filled with loud cheers, with many also excited for Allen's arrival. Allen's reputation had begun to go up ever since his outstanding victories against many strong mages alike throughout the tournament, earning him many fans alike. He was especially popular with the lower ranked students, as they too did not possess much mana. That did not mean he was likable and respected by some of the higher ranked mages, who agreed with him more than their current temporary head director, Ellen Marion.
"A year 1 and rank D, Allen Fleming may prove to be the underdog some of you see him as!," Misa finally spoke. "While he may not be from any influential or powerful family, Allen has been making a name for himself through his skill alone!"
"And now, welcome both of our competitors in, as they will soon compete to become the winner of the tournament!," the twins announced at once, pointing towards either side of the arena.
Cheers came from all sides of the arena, as Allen Fleming walked in from one side, and Simon Windblade walked in from the other. The two began to converge towards the middle, where they would soon begin their awaited duel.
Murmurs finally went throughout the arena, as many began to debate what they think would be the result of the duel. Can Allen Fleming manage to prevail against Simon Windblade? Will he somehow beat him against all odds? Or will Simon once again prove to be victorious, highlighting his strengths above all?
"But that's enough about our two competitors for now!," the twins continued. "Because I'm sure some of you are already aware, we have special guests in for the finals!"
The arena began to quiet down and turn their attention towards the twins, in both confusion and interest. Just who could be coming in?
"Everyone, please welcome in our honorable and respectable Solomon Windblade, current leader of the Triumvirate and head of the Windblade family!"
The arena went quickly silent as many mages got up from their seats and bowed, as Solomon Windblade made his appearance. Several important Triumvirate officials followed behind Solomon, which one of them included Edmund.
Solomon wore his usual, professional grand attire, and a calm and collected look on his face. His short and grey hair complimented his grey beard, which gave him an older but handsome look.
"You all may raise your heads," he shouted, so everyone in the arena could hear him. He took a seat, just right near the directors' seats, where both Vice Director Walter Garet and temporary Head Director Ellen Marion were already seated. The Triumvirate officials that were with him, promptly took their seats, after they waited for Solomon to take his.
While the seats for the directors were very orderly and always kept clean, the seats prepared for Solomon Windblade and his Triumvirate officials were much more polished and well kept, prepared specifically for events such as the tournament. They by far stood out the most, and were easily noticeable throughout the entire arena.
There were only two empty seats near the director's seats, which was the seat of the former vice director Martha Clark, and the second was presumably last used years ago, before the fire outbreaks, when the academy had fire mage students and a fire mage director.
Solomon Windblade promptly rested his head on his hand, as he awaited for the tournament to begin. This year's tournament would be between his second eldest son, Simon Windblade, against a mage known as Allen Fleming. His son has shown great promise throughout the years, and has never failed to disappoint. However this year, things may be different based on this 'Allen' he has heard somewhat about.
That boy, Solomon thought, as he looked down into the arena. Have I seen him before? And why does he seem so eerily familiar?
"You're excited for this match just like me, aren't you?," A familiar voice came from next to Solomon.
"I suppose so," Solomon responded in an even tone. "My son is in the finals, after all"
"A very interesting one, he is for sure," he responded. "I can't wait to see what he will show us"
The man speaking to Solomon was none other than Julian, Solomon's appointed secretary. Solomon couldn't help but notice that Julian's appearance has never changed in the slightest. Short brown hair, and different colored eyes. His right eye was brown, and his left was an eerie black.
"I doubt my son will disappoint," Solomon commented. "This match may be over as soon as it has started"
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Julian responded, in a rather peculiar tone. "I've heard a little about this 'Allen Fleming' from several of my sources. And it seems to me he's becoming somewhat of Walter's 'golden child'"
Golden child?, Solomon thought, confused. That Walter Garet, so interested in a mere boy? Is he truly the type to take notice of a student?
Solomon looked once more over at Allen, who seemed to be patiently waiting for the referee to begin the usual pre-duel process. He had a determined look on his face, almost ready for the duel to begin at any moment.
He must understand he is going against Simon?, Solomon thought to himself. And yet… wait, a sword?
Solomon finally noticed what appeared to be a sword sheathed away at Allen Fleming's side. Solomon couldn't see the finer details of it quite yet, but it looked rather peculiar.
It was already uncommon as is for a mage to use any sort of physical weapons outside of their usual magic skills. But those that did were either complete fools, or those above the common talent.
And yet, my eldest sister was both, Solomon couldn't help but think.
"It appears they'll be beginning any minute now!," Julian commented, already chomping away at the snacks he brought in.
Seriously, does he have no shame?, Solomon shook his head, and then turned his attention back down below.
Allen Fleming stood near the middle of the arena, as both Simon Windblade and himself awaited for their duel to begin. It seemed like the duel referee had a few things to do before beginning. The twin announcers Misa and Lisa kept the crowd entertained as everyone awaited the duel to begin.
Allen looked over at Simon Windblade, who simply seemed to be staring Allen down. Was he trying to analyze him? Or perhaps he had something to say?
With his short, grey hair and grey eyes, there was no doubt in Allen's mind that Simon was a Windblade, sharing the usual grey hair and eye traits with William and Stephen.
"Allen Fleming, was it?," Simon asked, finally breaking the silence. "I hear you've been making quite the name for yourself"
"Perhaps," Allen shrugged. "Was there something you wanted?"
"This may be the finals of the tournament, and I'm sure everyone here is hoping for a good match," Simon began to explain. "However, I grant everyone I face the same opportunity"
Wait, Allen thought. Is he-
"Forfeit the match," Simon declared, making it sound more like a command than an option. "With me being stronger in every way, there's no possible chance you can beat me"
He said the same thing to Thomas, Allen thought, recalling Thomas' conversation with everyone after he was sent to the infirmary after his match.
"Forfeit the match?," Allen snorted. "And why would I do that after I've come this far?"
"If you're worried about being looked down upon for forfeiting, I can promise you no one will," Simon explained. "Everyone might be disappointed they didn't get to watch a match, but in time they'll all come to understand"
"Seriously? You really think that after making it to the finals, I would just end it here?," Allen asked, shaking his head.
"You're called the 'weakest mage', yes? And yet you've managed to come all this way, even beating opponents such as my cousin and the Student Council President," Simon pointed out. "And they are no easy opponents"
"As such, I'm sure everyone here is starting to see you aren't quite the weakest mage. But you're not the strongest either. If anyone's the strongest at this academy, it's obviously myself"
Even if that's true, he doesn't need to put it like that, Allen thought, sighing.
"Therefore, everyone can understand the position you're in," Simon continued. "Just forfeit the match. I will win, as expected. And you walk away knowing you made it to the finals, and didn't have to go through losing very quickly. Both of us can walk away pleased"
Simon had both a confident and content look on his face, as though he just offered Allen a deal he could never refuse. But unfortunately for Simon, Allen had better plans.
"I refuse," Allen declared, loud enough for everyone to hear. Soon enough, the crowd began to catch on to what was going on. This is exactly what Allen wanted.
"What?," Simon asked, confused. "You would seriously turn down my favorable offer? Do you seriously want to fight a duel you cannot win?"
"Sure, I might not win. That's simply how duels go," Allen shrugged.
"But at the end of the day, I will still give everything I've got, despite the odds. I will fight you until the end, no matter how long that might be"
"You're a fool," Simon shook his head. "Very well, I'll show you just how large of a gap there is between the two of us. I'll get the results I need, and you can walk away knowing you had an easy way out"
Allen chuckled for a moment. "Doesn't matter to me. I'll throw everything I have at you, and show everyone what I am capable of!"
The duel referee was just about to walk up to the two of them, until a certain someone interrupted from the stands.
"Wait just a moment!," Ellen yelled, standing up from her chair.
Ugh, not her again, Allen rolled his eyes. And here I thought she'd stop interfering after my duel against Rose.
Everyone's attention finally turned to the temporary head director, Ellen Marion. She had an annoyed expression on her face, no doubt towards Allen. Allen noticed Mr. Garet still remaining in his chair, already exhausted from whatever Ellen wanted to say.
"Allen Fleming, I highly consider you to take Simon Windblade's offer," she suggested, but it was more like a command. "You obviously will not win here today, and there is no fight to be had. Therefore-"
As Ellen was speaking, Allen recognized Edmund standing up from his seat, one of the Triumvirate officials who no doubt came with Solomon Windblade himself today. He looked like he was about to interrupt Ellen Marion, to no doubt stop her.
Hopefully he's going to say something similar to last time, Allen thought, as he recalled the events after his duel with Rose. Edmund had completely shut Ellen down, which inadvertently started to make more students question Ellen's authority.
"Ellen!," Edmund began to speak up. "You-"
But instead of Edmund stopping her, something else completely unexpected happened, surprising everyone.
"Silence, both of you!," Solomon shouted, grabbing everyone's attention all at once. "This is a duel between two students. As such, they should make their own decisions!"
Silence fell in the entire arena, as everyone was completely caught off guard at the sudden words of the Triumvirate Leader himself. Even Ellen, who is not so easily stopped, was suddenly taken aback.
So, this is Solomon Windblade, Allen thought, as he got a better look at him. The current leader of the Triumvirate, and the one behind the unnecessary hunts of fire mages.
While Solomon may have been inadvertently helping him, that did not change the fact that Solomon could still be considered Allen's enemy at the end of the day. If Allen was found out to be a fire mage, Solomon would no doubt be the first one on the arena floor, stopping him.
But, haven't I seen him before?, Allen thought, trying to recall. Oh wait, the magical knights training program!
Allen recalled the magical knight training program the academy hosted several months ago, before the tournament and before William was stripped of his position.
A fire mage had been spotted during a speech by a few higher ranked magical knights. Allen had instinctively decided to chase after the fire mage, and happened to cross paths with the mage in question.
When everything was all said and done, Allen happened to pass by Solomon by mere coincidence, and not learning about it until after the fact.
The only emotion Allen felt during that encounter was fear, from the immense pressure emanating from Solomon.
But, I don't feel that now. Strange.
Regardless, Solomon had chosen to stand up and let Allen make his choice, for whatever reason that might've been.
Solomon seemed to have taken a small glance over at Allen before taking his seat once again. Defeated, Ellen sat down, followed by Edmund.
Well, I guess that's out of the way, Allen thought, sighing for a moment.
"Well, this is your last chance to back out," Simon reminded him. "My father did highlight you have a choice, after all"
"And my answer is still no," Allen repeated himself. "I will face you in this duel, and give everything I have"
"And you are still a fool," Simon shook his head. "Regardless, I will give results"
"Am I really a fool for giving it all?," Allen asked, grinning. "It's as someone I know once put it 'It is not a matter of how much magic you possess, or even how powerful your magic may be. It's a matter of will, and how hard you work to push forward'"
Simon only gave him a small weird look, before turning his attention over to the duel referee, who seemed to be starting to get impatient with all the interruptions. But unfortunately for them, Allen had one last action to do before the duel begins.
"Solomon Windblade!," Allen shouted, for everyone to hear. "I have a proposition for you!"
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing to turn to Allen, in complete shock. Just what was he doing? What was he thinking, saying something like that to the honorable and powerful Solomon Windblade?
"What are you doing?," Simon immediately asked, eyes widened. "Are you trying to-"
"Allen!," Ellen shouted, already furious. "How dare you-"
Allen could already see Edmund starting to get up from his chair, no doubt to stop both Ellen and himself. Mr. Garet had a neutral look on his face, awaiting to see what will happen.
"Silence!," Solomon yelled once more, turning the arena quiet once again. "You are brave, young Allen, for so calmly speaking up to the Triumvirate Leader. Tell me, what is this 'proposition' of yours?"
All eyes were now on Allen, in anticipation for what he had in mind. Will it be something interesting? Or something completely foolish?
I hate this immense attention, but I'll bear with it for just a moment, Allen thought to himself, taking a deep breath.
"Before I make the proposition, I need to know one thing first," Allen put up a finger, while his attention remained on Solomon. "What is the current state of William Windblade, the former Head Director?"
The crowd began to murmur as Solomon's gaze remained on Allen. His eyes widened, only for a moment, as if reacting to Allen's question.
Edmund once again tried to get up, but this time Solomon only put a hand up, stopping him.
"What you are asking for, is classified information, only known by official Triumvirate members. His current state, supposed crimes, and whether he is or has been found innocent or guilty remains classified. Just what could you be after?"
All eyes were once again on Allen. Just what did the former head director have to do with this match?
"Ellen Marion, our temporary head director, believes only the strongest mages should be allowed to thrive. Only they should receive favorable treatment. Is that right, Ellen?"
"Yes, but-"
"However," Allen continued, completely cutting her off, to her annoyance. "Our former head director, William Windblade, believed in a more fair and balanced system. That even mages like myself, considered inferior, could still make a difference"
"With that in mind, if I, a former F ranked student and current D ranked, first year student, manage to defeat a third year, A ranked student, then is it somewhat fair to assume William Windblade's methods are better for this academy?"
As everyone within the crowd began to discuss amongst themselves what could be going on, Ellen once again tried to interfere, immediately stopped by Solomon once again.
"Just what is your angle, Allen?," Solomon asked, tilting his head with a strong gaze.
"Here is my proposition," Allen continued. "If I, the Weakest Mage, win against Simon Windblade, considered the strongest mage this academy has to offer, that would mean William's methods work. And if William's methods work, then he should be allowed to return as Head Director, with Ellen Marion forcefully removed from her unfit position"
The murmurs in the crowd grew even larger, surprised at Allen's sudden proposition. Did he really choose to say something like that to the Solomon, especially when Allen would be facing his own son?
"Hmm, quite an interesting proposal," Solomon said, brushing his own facial hair.
"You can't be serious, Fleming!," Ellen yelled, absolutely furious. "You would dare-"
"Father!," Simon raised his voice. "Are you really going to consider-"
"This is not your choice to make," Solomon raised his voice, getting them to quiet down once again. "And what if you lose, Allen? What then? What will you bet on?"
Allen took a deep breath as the pressure in the room grew.
Here goes, Allen thought, preparing himself.
"Absolutely nothing!," he yelled.
The pressure in the room increased, with everyone completely surprised at Allen's proposal. He would dare bet nothing, on something like this? Especially when attempting to make a proposal with the Solomon Windblade himself?
Suddenly, the silence in the arena broke as Solomon erupted in laughter.
"You amuse me, Fleming," Solomon finally said, after calming down. "Very well. I shall accept your proposal. Should you happen to defeat my son against all odds, and William is innocent of any and all crimes, he shall be allowed to return as your Head Director"
Everyone's eyes widened at the sudden acceptance of the proposal. Even Ellen, who was the most against it, couldn't help but remain silent.
"My father cannot be serious…," Simon commented, slightly furious. "He would accept… no. It does not matter. I will still claim victory and show results, no matter what"
"Well Simon, looks like you're stuck facing me after all," Allen grinned, unsheathing his sword. "All of London's eyes are now on us. Get ready, because I am going to throw everything I've got on you!"
"Hmph, very well Fleming," Simon couldn't help but grin, as he took his position. "I actually was somewhat looking forward to this. But let's see if you can prove your worth, huh?"
As the two of them took their positions, the duel referee was finally able to say their last advisements to the two of them, right before the countdown.
"And the final duel begins!"