"This..."
Despite his shock, Rain continued Inscribing runes until he completed it so as to avoid the backlash. After which, he dropped down to the ground with a blank look.
He never felt so defeated in all his life. Even in Myriad Kingdom's Magic Academy, people praised him as this 'Prodigy' for becoming a Mage in only a year. However, in front of Claude, his prodigal status is nothing but fart.
"Alas, it seems that I still need more practice. Otherwise, I could've casted that spell in less than two seconds." Claude sighed loudly and smacked his lips.
Upon hearing this, Rain glanced up and stared at Claude with a flabbergasted expression.
More practice?
Can cast it in less than two seconds?
Rain felt as though he was barraged with a series of slaps, so his eyes twitched visibly. In spite of this provocation, he had to admit that the other party is extremely gifted in terms of magic.
At least, compared to him, the other party has surpassed him by an insurmountable degree.
Standing back up, he patted the dust of his body and walked towards Claude. After which, he extended his hand and said, "You win."
This came as a surprise to Claude. But he soon regained his composure and smiled as he shook the other party's hand, "Thanks."
Seeing this scene, the man in charge of taking bets had a bad feeling in his heart. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes, and a wicked thought emerged in his mind.
Just as he was about to realize that thought, he felt a thick hand grip his shoulders. No matter what he did, he cannot shake off the hand nor can he take one step forward.
"Where do you think you're going?" A gruff voice sounded behind him.
Turning to look, he found a muscular man. Judging from the strength he exerted and the aura he exuded, this man must be a Knight or at least a retired Knight.
"I..." The man pursed his lips, "I just wanted to pee, that's all."
Knowing that the situation has escalated to this point, he quickly thought of a reason. Even if he comes home in-debt, at least he can preserve his life.
"That's right!" Argus nodded, "Since I betted the most amount of money, you should give the others their winnings first. Otherwise, you can't give them their winnings if you pay me first."
After leaving the restaurant, Argus had nothing to do so he decided to wander around the city. It just so happens that he stumbled across this duel between Claude.
With his 'inside information', he naturally betted for Claude. And as expected Claude won the match.
"Yes, yes, you're right." The man nodded weakly as he motioned the people who betted for Claude.
"Thirty-six silver taels for you... Forty-five silver taels for you... A hundred silver taels for you..." The man distributed their winnings individually, and as he did so, his heart kept bleeding.
"And you, little girl..."
Even though the man was extremely unwilling, he could feel the hand on his shoulders grip tighter. As a result, he could only grit his teeth and say, "Here's your two hundred fifty silver taels. For convenience's sake, I converted the two hundred silver taels into two gold taels."
"This... Is it actually mine?" The little girl stared at the bulging pouch on the man's hand with a look of shock.
"Yes, of course it's yours! The person you betted on won the duel" The man said. After which, he can't help but grumble, 'Otherwise, I wouldn't have given you such a large amount of money...'
Hearing this, the little girl took the pouch with trembling hands.
"And you, merciful Lord, how much did you bet again?" The man turned to look at Argus with a respectful look.
"Ten silver taels!" Argus replied directly, "According to your odds, my payout would be five hundred silver taels!"
"F-Five hundred..." The man's mouth went slack.
...
Not long after, the crowd dispersed.
At the same time, Claude went back to the library to read the book.
Actually, the book in question had nothing special to it. It was simply a book regarding Mana Manipulation, and detailing ways which could further enhance it.
Because of his '1 Comprehension', it boosted his reading efficiency and he finished reading the book in no time. After which, he heaved a sigh of relief and closed the book.
"Are you finished?" A voice suddenly sounded behind him.
Turning to look, he found that it was Rain, the opponent he had earlier. Knowing that he was most likely still here to read the book, he grabbed it and handed it to him.
"Thanks." Rain said as he took the book from Claude's hands and grabbed a chair to sit sown.
After which, he started to earnestly read the book with his full concentration. Meanwhile, Claude sat there silently and looked at him.
"So why are you here? You didn't come here just to duel with someone and read a book, right?" Claude suddenly said to break the silence.
"Of course not!" Rain replied with a chuckle, "Actually, I came here to get my Mage Token. The Academy gave a lot of students time to get their Mage Tokens, and since I was a bit homesick, I chose River City to get mine."
"Mage Token? What's that?" Claude asked with a puzzled expression.
"You..." Rain was speechless, "Are you really a Mage?"
Seeing Claude nod, he sighed in resignation, "Essentially, a Mage Token serves as a way for people to identify you—a status symbol if you will. On top of that, it can also give you benefits from the Mages Association. For instance, suppose you want to buy resources to advance your class. The establishment will give you a discount as long as you show your Mage Token. "
"If a Mage is found to not have a Mage Token in their person, they will be given a fine. When it is found for over three consecutive times, they will be sent to jail for a few days or even upto months, depending on the severity."
"This... Is it so serious?" Claude was taken aback and his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Of course! That's why the Academy gave us time to get our Mage Tokens."
"Then... Where do I apply for a Mage Token?" Claude asked with a serious expression.
"The Mages Association!"