As the first rays of morning sunlight streamed into the Northern District, the entire area erupted in excitement.
Various factions gathered around the duel platform, causing the vast square to buzz with activity.
Today was the day of the duel between the two greatest talents of House Roan.
Everyone was familiar with these two figures.
Alan, the former spearhead of House Roan, had been instrumental in the family's past successes.
The nobles of the Northern District all held vivid impressions of him; many of their talented warriors had suffered defeats at his hands.
He was known as a relentless fighter. Unfortunately, it was rumored that his mana core had shattered, leaving him a cripple, and he had been replaced by William.
William had previously been relatively unknown within House Roan, a mere shadow with only his identity as the seneschal's grandson to distinguish him.
However, he had recently awakened a special bloodline—the Hellfire bloodline!
This marked the first appearance of a special bloodline talent in the entire Northern District.
His breakthrough to the early tier-bronze stage had caused a stir, even attracting the attention of the imperial rose, Duke Alice.
This undoubtedly heightened everyone's interest in him.
While many were eager to witness this life-and-death duel, a significant part of the crowd was simply curious to see this recently acclaimed figure.
It was said that families from Snowguard city were also keeping an eye on the match.
At that moment, as more and more eyes focused on the duel platform, the seneschal squinted, reminiscing: "It's been years since I've seen such a lively scene."
Now, outside of House Roan, the area was packed with influential figures from the Northern District.
After this event, House Roan's prestige and influence would surely reach new heights.
Feeling delighted, the seneschal turned to William beside him and asked, "How are you prepared?"
"Today, under the spotlight, we must eliminate Alan decisively. His reputation will become a stepping stone for your advancement," William said, calmly pouring himself a glass of red wine and taking a sip. "Rest assured, even if he has some grit, he'll have no choice but to face execution in the presence of absolute power."
Seeing William's confidence, the seneschal nodded slightly. Given the current situation, he couldn't imagine how William could possibly lose to Alan!
…
Meanwhile, inside Roan Castle.
"Brother, this is the mana recovery potion I prepared for you. Please take it with you."
As Alan was about to leave after enjoying some cake with Isabella, she suddenly called out to him.
Turning around, Alan saw Isabella pulling out a light blue glass vial from her pocket, her eyes slightly red as she handed it to him.
This mana recovery potion was the only thing she could do for her brother.
Alan knew that while Isabella appeared calm on the surface, her worry for him had only grown in recent days.
So, he gently patted her head and smiled, saying, "I'll be back soon. Why so sad? Just prepare things at home. Once I win, we'll go to the imperial capital and visit Lioncrest Academy!"
Isabella nodded vigorously.
Seeing her emotions stabilize, Alan accepted the potion and turned to leave confidently.
Watching Alan's retreating figure, Isabella's worry deepened. After a moment of silence, she pulled out a black glass vial from her pocket, from which dark mist swirled, forming a sinister skull.
This was the poison she had prepared for herself while making the mana recovery potion for Alan.
If her brother were to perish in the duel, she had no intention of living alone!
…
Time passed quickly, and as the mist that filled the air was dispelled by the light, William, having downed his glass of red wine, stood up from his seat and made his way to the duel platform.
As William rose, all the mages present focused their attention on him, their expressions revealing a mix of emotions.
After William awakened his bloodline and became House Roan's successor, chaos had reigned in the Northern District.
The streets and shops governed by various noble families were rampaged by House Roan's people without restraint.
Anyone who dared to retaliate found themselves ruthlessly suppressed by William.
Consequently, the people of the Northern District despised him, as he disrupted the region's former order.
However, they also sensed the terrifying power he wielded.
If Alan had previously exerted pressure, William now instilled a sense of deep despair—one that seemed to offer no hope of surpassing him.
This internal conflict within House Roan, regardless of the outcome, was a spectacle they were keen to see.
Otherwise, with two prodigies in one family, the entire Northern District would be under House Roan's rule!
Upon stepping onto the platform, William paid no mind to the gazes upon him, viewing them as nothing more than the looks of the weak.
"Alan, the time has come! Come out and accept your death!"
His thunderous voice resonated, waves of magical energy radiating outward, causing the eardrums of weaker mages to tremble.
Instantly, all eyes turned to where he looked.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, revealing a slightly gaunt, handsome young man stepping forward.
Alan!
Alan had arrived!
In that moment, many held their breath.
The three lords who had arrived earlier also focused their gazes on Alan.
They were not strangers to him, even if he was their enemy; they admired him and wished he were part of their own family.
"Although I heard his mana core shattered, his calm demeanor suggests he doesn't fully despair over today's duel," one lord remarked.
"I have a deep understanding of Alan; he is ruthless yet meticulous. He must have some confidence to dare come here…" another commented.
"Compared to William, I'd prefer Alan to win; it would benefit us all. Though Alan may have no apparent cards up his sleeve, he should pose some threat to William," said a third lord.
As Alan silently walked onto the platform, his gaze fixed calmly on William, as if he were looking at a dead man.
William, already harboring murderous intent, felt even more provoked by Alan's gaze. He sneered, "I thought you might flee, unwilling to come here. Since you've chosen to seek death, I will grant you that today!"
As William's taunts echoed, Alan replied indifferently, "Can the duel begin now?"
The seneschal frowned slightly.
Alan's calm demeanor was particularly irksome to him, and he stepped forward, raising his voice, "Gentlemen, let's keep it brief. Today, we have a life-and-death duel between Alan and William from House Roan. I ask you to bear witness!"
After speaking, he shot a smile at the distinguished guests seated not far away.
There, a man and a woman sat.
The man wore a well-tailored suit, his hair meticulously styled, appearing stern and unsmiling.
The woman beside him was dressed in an elegant gown adorned with intricate floral patterns and precious gemstones that sparkled under the sunlight.
These two hailed from Snowguard city!
They were figures that House Roan looked up to!
As the seneschal glanced at them, they nodded indifferently, then surveyed Alan and William.
"The Hellfire bloodline, while not the top magical bloodline, is indeed rare, especially with the manifestation of natural phenomena. I wonder how powerful his combat abilities truly are?" the man in the suit remarked.
The woman in court attire smiled lightly, saying, "I am unsure of William's fighting power, but I cannot discern Alan's aura. This is quite intriguing."
Hearing this, the man in the suit paused for a moment. "Alan's mana core has shattered, and the magical elements within him have dissipated, making it impossible to sense his aura…"
He had yet to finish his sentence when he seemed to realize something, exclaiming softly.