"Give me just a little more time... One month from now, I challenge you to a duel again!" Mizar declared boldly, his unwavering confidence radiating through his words as he addressed Abel.
Throughout the entire duel, Mizar had displayed fearlessness, and even in the aftermath of his defeat, his fiery determination remained unyielding, not a flicker or doubt in his eyes.
"What?" Abel exclaimed in genuine surprise, still attempting to process Mizar's audacious statement.
Caught off guard by the unwavering resolve of his younger brother, Abel realized that Mizar's spirit had not wavered, even in the face of a resounding defeat and the harsh reality it brought.
Mizar's undying passion for magic duels had reached a whole new level, surpassing anything Abel had seen before.
"If, within the next month, we can defeat you, please allow me and the others to participate in the tournament!" Mizar pleaded with his brother, hoping to convince him.
"Abel firmly stated, 'I will grant your wish, but I cannot allow you to participate in the tournament.'"
"No, it's not the same. My wish is to challenge you with a condition: if I win, both I and the others can join," Mizar explained.
Mizar had discovered a loophole in Abel's earlier promise. His words were now coming back to haunt him.
"Fine, I agree. However, don't expect the next duel to be the same. I will give it my all," Abel conceded, unable to deny the up truth. He found himself trapped by his own words, left with no choice but to comply with Mizar's request.
"I promise to allow you to participate in the tournament, on the condition that you emerge victorious," he added.
They seized a final opportunity to challenge Abel, knowing that it was their last chance before the commencement of the tournament. This was their one remaining shot to prove themselves and test their skills against him.
Abel bid his farewell to Axel and the children before departing. He walks away while doing so." Is that the extent of your words? If there is nothing more you wish to express, then I shall take my leave," he stated calmly, his voice carrying an air of finality.
With his statement, he made it clear that he had no intention of prolonging the conversation or engaging in further discussion. The decision to depart was imminent, emphasizing his resolve to move forward and leave the current situation behind.
In the silence that followed, the weight of his departure hung in the air, prompting those present to reflect upon the significance of his departure and any remaining sentiments left unspoken.
As he left, a wave of relief washed over them, as they realized that their journey was far from over. Gradually, this feeling of relief transformed into genuine joy, filling their hearts with anticipation for what lay ahead.
"Way to go, Mizar!" exclaimed Ridley, filled with excitement. Ridley jumped and latched onto Mizar's back, expressing their joy. Mizar, delighted to have another opportunity to duel Abel, he couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness.
"One month? I can work with that," said Vanta, brimming with confidence.
He was already contemplating a strategy to defeat Abel.
"We've been given a second chance. We won't lose next time," Letto declared with unwavering determination. Frustration welled up within him as his cards were snatched away. If only he had been quicker, he might have been able to save his friends, he thought.
"Alright, boys, gather around," Mizar called his friends together, signaling the start of their planning session.
With summer vacation just on the horizon, Mizar posed a question to his friends, seeking input on how they should make the most of their upcoming free time. They acknowledged the duality of one month - a seemingly long stretch, yet also fleeting - and recognized the need to utilize it carefully.
Excitedly, all three friends raised their hands, brimming with individual ideas.
"How about embarking on a secluded training? My island would be the perfect place for us to focus on honing our senses," suggested Letto, putting forth a plan that would benefit their dueling instincts and enhance their awareness.
Letto's idea had merit, as it would provide an opportunity to harness their newfound power and deepen their understanding of it. However, Vanta had different priorities.
"Hmm... I'm not so sure about that. We still need to uncover more about the Mana Manual," Vanta interjected.
For him, acquiring additional knowledge about their recent power acquisition took precedence. Properly understanding and utilizing it would be vital.
Not wanting to be left behind, Ridley contributed his own suggestion.
"What if we prioritize training our bodies first? Let's face it, compared to adults, we're still weak physically," Ridley proposed. He highlighted their vulnerability as children, emphasizing the importance of improving their physicality, whether in magical or physical combat.
As the group engaged in lively discussion, they grappled with the possibilities of how to spend their precious time.
Having formulated their individual plans, they reached a unanimous decision to reconvene exactly one month later.
Recognizing the value of individual training, they collectively agreed that it would be most beneficial for each of them to pursue their own path during this period. With distinct goals in mind, they embarked on their personal journeys, utilizing their free time to focus on their chosen areas of improvement.
For Letto, he went and become the sole inhabitant of his own private island named "Purgatory,"
He received the island as a birthday gift from his parents last year. Originally renowned as a secluded training ground for magicians who rarely returned, the Lovetrain family transformed the entire island into their exclusive training facility.
The island boasted an infamous reputation due to its abundance of mana and diverse ecosystem of magical creatures, making it an exceptionally hazardous location.
Furthermore, the Lovetrain family maintained strict surveillance over the island to ensure security.
Vanta sought out his sponsor, Daniel Noah, to engage in training. His primary objective was to learn more about the enigmatic Unlimited Mana Manual. Vanta believed that Daniel Noah, the individual who provided him with the book, might possess valuable knowledge on how to utilize mana more efficiently, particularly through the application of membranes.
Upon their meeting, Daniel accompanied Vanta to a nearby branch headquarters of Winhard Enterprise.
Daniel explained that he intended to introduce Vanta as a new intern within the company. Vanta found Daniel's eagerness to fulfill his request somewhat suspicious, as it seemed unusual for someone to readily agree without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Ridley headed to the gym, determined to commence his physical training regimen. Recognizing that he lacked the inherent talent of Mizar, the vast mana reserves of Letto, and the brilliant intellect of Vanta, Ridley realized that the key to catching up with his friends lay in developing his own strength.
He understood that by surpassing his friends in terms of physical strength, he could level the playing field and carve out his own unique path to success.
Meanwhile, Mizar found himself in a peculiar situation. With Axel embarking on an overseas journey and his brother preoccupied, joining Ridley's intense training regimen seemed overwhelming for him.
"Ah, I know what I can do!" exclaimed Mizar, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. A bright idea had sparked in his mind, illuminating his thoughts on how to make the most of the month ahead.
As he pondered, a plan began to take shape, weaving together his passions and aspirations. Mizar knew exactly how he would spend this precious time he had been given. And that plan was….