Leo's rise in proficiency and the whispers about his unique class had inevitably brewed a mix of awe and envy among his peers at the Arcanum Collegium. The noble students, in particular, watched his progress not just with skepticism but with a growing sense of threat to their status. Darius, a noble with both pride and prowess, found Leo's ascent especially unsettling.
It was during a frosty morning practice session when the tension finally snapped. As Leo honed his skills with the scythe, effortlessly integrating complex maneuvers that belied his brief period of training, a crowd of students gathered, their murmurs filling the crisp air.
Darius, flanked by his usual entourage, pushed through the crowd, his expression one of derision. "Quite the show, Leo," he called out, his voice loud enough to draw even more spectators. "But performing tricks is different from real combat. How about you show us how well you handle that scythe against a real opponent?"
The challenge hung in the air, heavy with implications. Leo paused, the blade of his scythe resting lightly against the ground. He turned to face Darius, his expression calm yet resolute. "Leo replied, his tone neither aggressive nor submissive. "Under proper supervision, as per the academy's regulations."
The word of the impending duel spread quickly, and by the afternoon, a large part of the student body had gathered in the main training arena. An instructor, aware of the tensions underlying the challenge, agreed to oversee the duel, ensuring the rules were strictly adhered to.
As the students formed a wide circle around the center platform, Leo and Darius took their positions. Darius wielded a finely crafted broadsword, a family heirloom that gleamed under the sun. Leo stood opposite him, his scythe seeming more a part of him than a separate weapon.
At the instructor's nod, the duel commenced. Darius started aggressively, his sword sweeping in broad, powerful arcs designed to overwhelm and intimidate. Each clang of metal rang through the arena, drawing gasps and murmurs from the onlookers.
Leo, however, maintained his composure. His movements were fluid, almost ethereal, as he used the scythe's long handle to deflect and redirect Darius's attacks. The scythe, an unusual weapon in direct combat, proved to be surprisingly versatile, its curved blade catching the broadsword and creating openings that Leo exploited with precision.
The turning point came when Darius, driven by frustration, overextended a downward strike. Leo sidestepped smoothly, his scythe moving in a swift, elegant arc to tap lightly against Darius's back—a clear sign in a training duel of a decisive strike.
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted in a mix of cheers and shocked whispers. Darius stood frozen, his chest heaving, face red with exertion and embarrassment. He turned slowly to face Leo, his eyes burning not just with defeat but with a reluctant respect.
Leo offered a hand to help Darius regain his balance, a gesture of sportsmanship that was met with a stiff nod." well fought" Leo said quietly, ensuring his voice carried respect.
Darius took a moment, then took Leo's hand. "you are much stronger than I taught" he admitted grudgingly, before turning away to join his friends.
As the spectators dispersed, many casting curious glances back at Leo, he remained in the arena a moment longer, his gaze thoughtful. The duel had not just been a test of skill, but a statement: he would not be underestimated or dismissed because of his background. Yet, he knew this victory wouldn't end the challenges or the envy. If anything, it might intensify them.
As he walked back to his quarters, Leo felt a mix of triumph and wariness. He was learning to navigate this new world—one where his past and present continuously intertwined, shaping a future that remained uncertain and fraught with potential conflicts