Chapter 41: The Duel
The Noble Dorm was still alive with energy after their easy win in Arcane Conquest, with students lounging around in relaxed confidence. A few boasted about their roles, while others simply enjoyed the brief downtime. Among them, Lysandra quietly observed, her eyes subtly scanning the room as she sized up potential "toys" for manipulation. Her intent was careful, calculating—but no one else seemed to notice or care. The rest of the dorm, however, remained focused on their win, basking in the atmosphere of superiority that always accompanied victory.
Sitting by the window, Valerie stretched her arms lazily, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Well, that was way too easy," she said with a smirk. "They never stood a chance."
Luther, leaning back with his usual calm, nodded slightly. "Expected. Thalor overextended, and they paid the price."
Elara, who had been listening quietly, caught Argus's eye from across the room. She didn't say much, but her eyes flickered with curiosity. Though outwardly composed, she couldn't help but feel a growing interest in how things were unfolding—especially when it came to Argus.
Amid the lively conversations, Nerissa Drakthorn stood off to the side, her golden, slitted dragon eyes focused entirely on Argus. Her wings twitched slightly, betraying her impatience. She was not interested in the banter or the victory. Her thoughts were solely on the duel she had been promised. The others might have been distracted by their win, but Nerissa had no such luxuries.
Without a word, she moved toward Argus, her presence immediately catching his attention. She didn't need to speak loudly—her intense gaze said everything.
"Argus," Nerissa said, her voice low and cold. "It's time."
Her words were simple, direct, and they left no room for negotiation. This duel had been on her mind since their first meeting, and she wasn't going to let it slide any longer. She had to prove herself.
Argus, still sitting, smiled faintly, unfazed by her intensity. "I thought you'd ask soon." There was a hint of amusement in his tone, but also respect. He stood up, ready to go. "Lead the way."
Without attracting attention, Argus and Nerissa quietly left the room, stepping into the corridor and out of sight. Their exit was subtle, unnoticed by most—except for Elara, who watched them go with a curious expression. Her gaze lingered on Argus, a subtle spark of interest lighting in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then quietly rose to follow them. She didn't know exactly what was going on, but something about Nerissa's determination and Argus's calm acceptance intrigued her.
As they made their way outside, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the academy grounds. They walked in silence to a secluded spot near the edge of the training fields, far enough from the main paths to ensure privacy. Nerissa's footsteps were purposeful, her focus entirely on the duel that awaited.
Unbeknownst to them, Valerie, who had noticed Elara following them, trailed behind as well, keeping her distance but curious. Her fiery nature didn't allow her to sit still when something interesting was happening. She wasn't the jealous type, but there was a certain possessiveness in her playful curiosity.
At the training field, Nerissa stopped, turning to face Argus, her golden eyes gleaming with determination. Her wings flared slightly as she stretched her arms, preparing for the battle ahead.
"Let's get this over with," she said, her voice sharp. It was clear she didn't expect this to be a casual fight.
Argus, calm as ever, tilted his head slightly, a small smile on his lips. "You've been wanting this challenge for a while," he said, his tone light but with an edge of confidence. He wasn't asking—he already knew. She had been fixated on the 1st seat since their first encounter.
Without another word, Nerissa charged forward. Her draconic blood made her faster and stronger than most, and her movements were sharp and aggressive. She led with a powerful swipe of her claws, aiming straight for Argus's chest.
But Argus moved with fluid grace, sidestepping her blow effortlessly. His reflexes were honed from years of training under Suzume, the Eastern Guardian. His master had instilled in him a discipline and precision that no other student could match, and it showed in how easily he dodged Nerissa's strikes. He remained calm, even as she pressed her attacks with increasing ferocity.
Her golden eyes narrowed in frustration as she realized her strikes weren't landing. Every attack she threw was met with nothing but air as Argus smoothly evaded, his expression unchanged, almost disinterested.
With a frustrated growl, Nerissa leaped back, her wings flaring as she prepared for her next assault. But this time, something shifted. Her movements became quicker, her strikes heavier. There was a subtle change in the air around her—a slight pressure that hadn't been there before.
Argus, ever observant, raised an eyebrow, sensing the change. "Hmm... interesting," he murmured to himself, dodging her next attack but noting the increased force behind it. Nerissa charged again, her speed noticeably increased. Her body felt lighter, her strikes faster and stronger. This time, it wasn't just her draconic blood giving her strength—there was something more.
Argus smiled faintly as he easily deflected her next blow. "Ah," he murmured, more to himself than to her. "So you've awakened..."
As he continued to dodge her attacks, his eyes narrowed slightly in thought. Her movements had changed—faster, heavier. It wasn't just her draconic strength anymore. He could feel a subtle shift in the air around her. "Could it be... gravity control?" he wondered, a glint of curiosity flashing in his gaze as he studied her carefully.
Her control over the power was still raw and unrefined, he could tell. The effect was subtle, but enough to make her movements faster, her strikes heavier. However, it was clear she was struggling to maintain it. As a beginner, her abilities were limited, and the strain was already showing in the way her breath quickened, her body tiring under the effort.
Argus smirked, easily deflecting her next blow. "Not bad," he commented, sidestepping another strike. "But it's not enough."
Suddenly, Argus moved with a fluidity that seemed almost unnatural, the shadows around him thickening as he tapped into his Void power, using it to subtly distort his presence. His swift movements made it appear as though he was disappearing from sight altogether, reappearing with perfect timing behind Nerissa.
Before she could react, he leaned in close, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, "You'll have to do better than that."
Nerissa's eyes widened in shock as a rush of heat flooded her face. His voice was teasing, low, and it sent a strange, unfamiliar shiver down her spine. She growled in frustration, whipping around with a fierce swipe of her claws, but Argus was already gone, appearing a few steps back, watching her with that infuriatingly calm smile.
"Don't get distracted," Argus called out, his tone playful. "Or is this all you've got?"
Her usual cold, composed expression began to crack as a flicker of embarrassment crossed her face. Nerissa's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, her heart pounding in both frustration and something else—something she hadn't expected to feel. She had never been taunted like this, never had someone handle her so effortlessly.
With a sharp growl, she flared her wings wide, her golden eyes narrowing in determination. "I'm not done yet," she snapped, pushing herself harder, her awakened power surging again. She could feel the gravity around her shift, lightening her body even more as she threw herself into another attack. Her claws cut through the air, faster than before, but Argus met her with that same infuriating grace, sidestepping each strike as if it were nothing.
Again, Argus disappeared from her view, reappearing behind her in an instant. His hand gently tapped her shoulder, his voice a low whisper. "Missed again."
Nerissa whirled around, her breath quick and heavy, her face flushed with a mix of exertion and growing frustration. Her draconic blood roared for battle, for strength, but she was being toyed with, and it was maddening.
"Come on," Argus said with a smirk, his tone light, almost teasing. "Show me the real strength you're hiding."
Her eyes locked onto his, and for the first time, the cold, stone-faced mask she usually wore cracked. The mixture of embarrassment, frustration, and a growing sense of helplessness in the face of Argus's overwhelming skill became too much. She clenched her fists, her claws digging into her palms as she glared at him.
"You—" she started, her voice trembling with anger, "—you're mocking me!"
Argus chuckled softly, stepping closer, his expression softening slightly. "I'm not mocking you, Nerissa. I'm just showing you where you stand." His voice was still teasing, but there was an undertone of seriousness. "If you're going to aim for the top, you have to understand what it takes."
With that, Argus moved again, his speed blurring as he circled behind her once more. This time, his hand gently rested on her waist, just long enough to send a jolt of surprise through her before he vanished again.
Nerissa froze for a split second, her body reacting to the sudden contact. She felt a strange warmth spread across her skin, her heart racing even faster. Her frustration was still there, but now mixed with something new—a sense of helplessness that left her feeling vulnerable, exposed in a way she hadn't expected.
Before she could regain her focus, Argus was behind her again, his voice soft and teasing in her ear. "It's not about just brute strength. You'll learn that soon enough."
Her face flushed deeper, using what little energy she had left she swung wildly, desperate to land a hit, but Argus was already gone, standing several feet away, watching her with calm amusement.
Nerissa dropped to her knees, her body trembling from exhaustion. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her wings drooped low behind her. Her claws dug into the dirt as she glared at the ground, trying to steady herself. The defeat stung—worse than any physical blow. It wasn't just exhaustion; it was frustration, embarrassment, and the nagging pressure that had been looming over her.
"I... can't lose," she whispered, her voice shaky. Her golden eyes were still fierce, but there was a flicker of something else behind them—something more vulnerable. She tried to stand, her legs trembling beneath her. "You don't understand," she muttered, frustration mixing with the embarrassment of being brought to her knees in front of Argus. "I can't lose. Not to you... not to anyone."
Argus stood a few steps away, watching her, his playful smirk replaced by something gentler. He saw through the bravado, understanding that there was more behind her drive than just the 1st seat. "Nerissa," he said softly, stepping closer, "you pushed yourself hard. But you can't win every fight."
She bit her lip, her pride refusing to let her fully break. "You don't get it," she muttered, her fists clenching tightly. "I have to win. My father... the Nest... they expect it. They expect me to be the best." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her vulnerability.
Her cheeks flushed a deeper red, partly from exertion but also from the embarrassment of having said too much. She hated looking weak—especially in front of Argus.
Argus, ever calm, knelt down beside her, his voice still soft but steady. "You're strong, Nerissa. Everyone knows that. But strength isn't just about winning every fight. You're not going to impress anyone by breaking yourself."
Nerissa's eyes flicked to the side, her face still flushed with a mix of exhaustion and embarrassment. She wanted to argue, to deny what he was saying, but deep down, she knew he was right. Still, admitting that felt unbearable in the moment.
"I don't have the luxury to fail," she muttered, her voice smaller now, though her pride was still fighting not to crumble completely.
Argus offered a faint smile, standing back up and offering her his hand. "You didn't fail. You pushed yourself to your limit. That's what matters. You'll get there... but for now, maybe take it a bit easier."
Nerissa hesitated, her pride warring with the practicality of accepting his help. Finally, with a frustrated sigh, she took his hand and let him pull her to her feet. "This isn't over," she muttered under her breath, her face still flushed as she avoided eye contact. "Next time will be different."
Argus chuckled lightly, stepping back. "I'm sure it will."
With a final huff, Nerissa turned and walked away, her wings folding tightly against her back. The embarrassment still clung to her, but her resolve hadn't faltered. She wasn't done—not by a long shot.
Before Argus could move, he turned his head slightly and called out, "You two can stop hiding now."
From behind a nearby tree, Valerie and Elara jumped, both startled before stepping out, sheepishly exchanging glances.
"Seriously?" Valerie said, a grin tugging at her lips. "You knew we were here the whole time?"
Argus chuckled, crossing his arms. "You two aren't exactly subtle."
Elara's cheeks flushed briefly, but she regained her composure, offering a soft smile. "We were curious. It's not every day you get to see how strong the 1st seat really is."
Valerie raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "Yeah, I mean, you toyed with the 4th seat like it was nothing. Couldn't you have gone easy on her?"
Elara, her silver eyes fixed on Argus, added, "You could've ended it earlier. You didn't have to drag it out."
Argus smirked, raising his hands in mock defense. "Hey, it's not my fault she's so stubborn. I had to make sure she learned something. Besides, I thought it was a good lesson." He glanced between the two, his expression softening. "And let's be real—it wasn't bullying, it was... encouragement."
Valerie snorted, amused. "Sure, encouragement. That's one way to put it."
Elara's lips quirked in a smile, her usual calm returning. "Just don't make a habit of it, alright?"
He laughed, shaking his head. "I'll try, but I can't make any promises."
The three of them stood together as the evening settled in, the soft twilight glow surrounding them. Despite the playful banter, Valerie and Elara shared an unspoken awe. Watching Argus handle Nerissa so effortlessly and seeing the gap in strength was... staggering.
As they turned to head back toward the dorm, Valerie nudged Argus playfully. "So... who's next on your list? Planning to toy with the rest of us too?"
Argus grinned, glancing back at her. "Only if you ask nicely."
Valerie laughed, rolling her eyes, while Elara watched Argus for a moment longer, her gaze lingering thoughtfully.
With that, they headed back toward the dorm, the night air cool and filled with possibilities. Argus had won the duel, but the true battles that would shape their futures were only just beginning.