Chapter 9: when I defeat you.
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Professor Elwes's Research Facility
Professor Elwes gathered Benzamin and Magnus around a holographic display. "Gentlemen, I've made progress in understanding Benzamin's Apex Light Weaver Talent, though it's only a bit."
Benzamin's eyes locked onto the data. "What have you found, Professor?"
"I feel that, with all the research I've been conducting thus far, I can at least state that your talent, light weaving, doesn't just control energy but produces the energy directly from your body," Professor Elwes explained, her eyes scanning the data, "which I believe... is utterly impossible for the current human body, even if we've evolved during the age before the merge. It's still not within any known database or studied research for any talent holder to generate energy or even create it within us! and it's almost as if it's a part of your very being,i can't think of the right words but."
She moved closer to Benzamin, a huge smile on her face, and kissed him on the cheek. "With such a discovery, my paycheck will increase exponentially! And using your way of converting energy to store it in your body... oh, the possibilities!"
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "Professor, focus."
Professor Elwes chuckled. "Right, sorry. Your Talent has reached Stage 3, Benzamin. You're advancing at an unprecedented rate."she spoke in a slow tone due to his growth speed.
Magnus's eyes widened. "Stage 3? That's incredibly fast, stage 3 already?!" well he got lost in his thoughts.
Benzamin's expression remained calm, but a hint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
Suddenly, the facility's comms system beeped. "Professor Elwes, we have an incoming transmission from the Supremacy Council."
Professor Elwes's expression turned cautious. "Accept the transmission."
A holographic projection materialized, revealing Kaelin Vex.
"Greetings, Professor Elwes," Kaelin said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I am Kaelin Vex, Supremacy Title Holder No. 5, and a fifth-year student at the Aurora Academy."
Kaelin's gaze locked onto Benzamin. "I've heard of Benzamin Red'lux's... impressive Talent. I must see it for myself."
Benzamin's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Kaelin?"
Kaelin sneered. "I challenge you to a duel, Benzamin. Prove your worth as a Platinum rank against a true warrior. prove to me and everyone else that you truly at the legendary rank as a talent holder and a specie.
Magnus stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Back off, Kaelin. Ben's not interested and also I've heard of you supremacy holder's you aren't supposed to challenge others it's the other way around jeez."he grunt's.
Kaelin's gaze shifted to Magnus. "And who are you to interfere, Elite rank? You think you can protect him? I've been training for years, and my Geo-Manipulation Talent is unmatched and soon i may very well breakthrough and graduate from the academy."
Professor Elwes intervened. "Kaelin, this is unnecessary. Benzamin is under my supervision."
Kaelin's smile twisted. "Supervision? You mean protection? I'll show you what a true Supremacy Title Holder looks like."
The transmission ended, leaving an unsettling tension.
Benzamin's eyes locked onto Professor Elwes with a smile that for some reason sends shivers down her spine, but she shake's it off "I'll accept the challenge."
Professor Elwes's expression turned concerned. "Benzamin, are you sure?"
Benzamin nodded. "I need to understand my limits, and I've stumbled across a great opportunity. I can't miss it." he said with confidence brimming in his eyes.
Magnus's eyes narrowed. "I'll be there to support you, Ben."
---
Aurora Academy's Central Plaza
The news of the duel between Benzamin Red'lux and Kaelin Vex spread like wildfire.
Lyra Flynn approached Kaelin with a hint of curiosity. "Kaelin, why challenge Benzamin? He's still a first-year student."
Kaelin smirked. "That's exactly why. I want to see if he's worthy of his Legendary rank."
Arin Vashin chuckled. "You're just seeking validation, Kaelin. Afraid someone will surpass you?"
Alethea Blackwood and Ryder Red'lux emerged from the crowd.
Alethea gazed at Kaelin with an intense stare. "Kaelin, you're putting unnecessary pressure on Benzamin. He's still adjusting to his Talent."
Ryder nodded. "Kaelin, you're seeking trouble. Back off."
Kaelin's expression turned stubborn. "I won't back down. I'll prove my strength."
Headmaster Elijah Nightshade appeared, his eyes scanning the gathering. "What's the commotion about?"
Lyra explained, "Kaelin Vex has challenged Benzamin Red'lux to a duel."
Headmaster Nightshade's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. Well, since the challenge has been issued, we'll allow it. But I expect both participants to adhere to the academy's rules."
He continued, "The duel will take place in three days' time. Until then, prepare."
________
Aurora Academy's Central Plaza
Headmaster Nightshade's announcement sparked a flurry of discussions among the students.
"I can't believe Kaelin challenged Ben,"Aliya said, shaking her head. "He's not ready for that level of competition, come on it wasn't long he joined the academy, am getting tired of kaelin obsessed attitude of fighting students who are strong."
Eren chuckled. "Kaelin's eager to prove himself, which isn't wrong but he's biting off more than he can chew,i just hope he doesn't get humiliation from a first year."he thinks with what he's heard it may be possible.
Aliya eyes narrowed. "I'll make sure Ben's prepared. He won't embarrass the Red'lux name."
Ryder nodded. "I'll help with his training. We can't let Kaelin get the upper hand."
Meanwhile, Benzamin and Magnus walked through the plaza, surrounded by curious students.
"Hey, johnny do you think ben can?, you think he can take Kaelin down?" a student asked.
Another student replied. "As for me I'll give it my all to support ben as a fellow man and first year."
As they walked away, a group of students began discussing the upcoming duel.
"I've got my money on Kaelin," one student said. "He's a fifth-year student, after all he's got a strong talent, he's even advance it to legendary rank five, and has a lot of experience in combat"then the student bent over causing the other's to do the same then continue's"I've even heard that he and some of the other members have attempted the academy artificial rift and are close to reaching the core of the rift."
The others in the groups were awestruck by this information.
Another student countered, "But Ben's got the Legendary rank. That's no joke it aren't easy to just advance one's talent to legendary, even if the ranking is on the academy level and if possible he may just be possible for him to advance and become the youngest to graduate from the academy city within the three continent based Aurora academy city"
A third student chimed in, "I heard Ben's Talent is too unpredictable. And not much is known about his talent so he's might not be able to defeat him during the duel, basically his doom."
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud voice.
"Hey, what's all the fuss about?"
It was Evan Eclipse, a charismatic student and avid dueling enthusiast.
"The duel between Benzamin and Kaelin," someone replied.
Evan's eyes lit up. "Hmm,That's going to be epic! I'll make sure to get the best seats in the house."
Luna Nightingale, Evan's partner in commentary, joined the conversation.
"Ho evan so this is where you were I've got my concerns about Ben's inexperience," Luna said. "But if anyone can pull off an upset, it's him."
Evan grinned. "I'll make sure to hype up the crowd. This duel is going to be legendary!"
---
Later that day, Benzamin met with Aliya and Ryder in the training room.
"Alright, Ben, let's get down to business," Ryder said, cracking his knuckles. "We need to work on your defense and see how well you can hold your own."
Aliya nodded. "And I'll help you refine your Talent control."
Benzamin corrected her"If it's about my control I've got it covered, I just need help with my basic ability as a human "
Alethea smiled. "That's the spirit, cousin."
---
The next day, Kaelin was seen training intensively in the supremacy assigned training room.
His Geo aura swirled around him, creating complex structures and patterns around his neck, arms and fist, a glow in his eyes, with a few hundred block of stones floating around him,he was breathing heavily. In a martial art stance similar to Thailand Muay Thai and boxing,he moves in a smooth and efficient moves and the earth moves with his every movement.
After the training exercises for a few hours he stopped, controlled his breathing, walked towards the table and grab a drink and suddenly his comm-link alerted him with two message ,a message from benzamin and a notification of the headmaster announcement
Suddenly, his eyes flashed with an intense look of joy, thrill and he had a huge smile on his face, as in benzamin message it stated "you've got your challenge see you in the arena and put on your best shoe cause you would need it, WHEN I DEFEAT YOU"
"Benzamin Red'lux thinks he can defeat me?" Kaelin muttered to himself. "we'll see about that." he had a scary smile on his face.
---
Two days before the duel, the students of Aurora Academy were abuzz with excitement.
Bets were placed, and predictions were made.
The stage was set for an epic showdown between Benzamin Red'lux and Kaelin Vex.
Who would emerge victorious?