Though Lucian had nearly exhausted his supply of mana stones, his true worth lay in the years of knowledge and research he had accumulated. While this knowledge might not be of much interest to formal wizards or even veteran third-level apprentices, it was an enticing prize for someone like Apollo, a second-level apprentice.
"I'm sorry, but I already have a mentor." Carrie took a cautious step back, half-drawing her bow, every fibre of her being tense and ready.
"You're aware, I'm sure, that the academy's rule against fighting mainly applies to those of the same level," Apollo said coldly, his eyes narrowing. "For third-level or second-level apprentices, killing a first-level apprentice like you would be a minor infraction at worst. And the bond between you and your mentor? It's hardly a one-way investment."
The threat in Apollo's words was clear. Without a second thought, Carrie spun and bolted, firing two enchanted arrows from her bow in a split second as Apollo closed in.
"Hm?" Apollo's eyes gleamed with interest as he noticed the magical energy emanating from Carrie's arrows. With a sweep of his black cloak, he transformed it into a shield, deflecting the explosive arrows.
Boom! Boom! The sound of dual explosions echoed around them.
[Your student Carrie has mastered Multi-Scorching Arrow. Choose an upgrade path!]
As Carrie released her arrows, Lucian received a notification from the system just as he was about to begin his meditation.
"What?" He frowned, realizing Carrie had engaged in combat. But we're inside the academy!
"Damn it!" Lucian's face darkened. He'd expected these people to target him directly, but it seemed they had chosen to go after the more vulnerable Carrie instead.
Lucian quickly left his lab, and the moment he stepped outside, he heard the faint sounds of explosions and glimpsed flashes of firelight nearby.
"What kind of spell is that?" Apollo's eyes lit up with excitement as he stared at Carrie. He had estimated the power of her arrows to be close to 70 pawas—a level of force that intrigued him, especially with the rapid-fire technique she seemed to employ.
Carrie clenched her teeth, reaching back for another arrow, only to find her quiver empty.
Apollo noticed this and sneered. Extending his hand, he advanced, ready to seize her and extract the spell model he so desired.
Boom—
Just then, a Firebolt shot past Carrie, erupting in flames as it hurtled toward Apollo.
Unlike Scorching Fire, Firebolt was a more complex zero-level spell, often used by third-level apprentices, boasting a force of 150 pawas and known for its swift spell construction.
Apollo's eyes widened, and he performed a quick backflip, using his enchanted cloak to shield himself from the bolt.
Boom—
This time, the explosion scorched Apollo's cloak, leaving it smouldering and slightly damaged—a stark contrast to the ease with which he had deflected Carrie's arrows.
"Fighting is strictly prohibited within the academy!" shouted the patrol squad, arriving on the scene and glaring at Apollo.
Apollo shrugged, halting his actions but keeping his gaze fixed intently on someone approaching from behind Carrie.
"Mentor Lucian!" Carrie exclaimed in relief, her eyes shining with emotion. But as she realized she might have caused trouble for him, she quickly lowered her gaze.
"You've recovered," Apollo said, staring at Lucian with a glint of fear and wariness.
"Just fortunate, I suppose." Lucian's eyes were cold, his gaze like that of someone assessing a dead man.
"Are you alright?" he asked, glancing at Carrie.
"Yes…" Carrie nodded quickly, then, realizing her reply might be confusing, shook her head. "I'm fine, Mentor."
"Stop! What's going on here?" The leader of the patrol squad, a third-level apprentice, looked between Lucian and Apollo, waiting for an explanation.
"I take full responsibility," Apollo said, raising his hand. "I got a bit carried away. I'll compensate for any damage caused."
The squad leader nodded, ready to note it down, but Lucian interrupted, gesturing toward Apollo and then back to Carrie.
"Apollo's actions tonight endangered my student, breaking the terms of our bond and causing me severe distress. By academy regulations, this constitutes serious provocation. I believe I am within my rights to demand a duel to the death with Apollo. Isn't that correct?"
The squad leader raised an eyebrow, frowning at first, but then nodded. "That's your right."
Apollo's face darkened upon hearing the words "duel to the death." He had initially planned to defuse the situation, uncertain of Lucian's current strength. However, Lucian's formal challenge left him in a difficult position.
Though Apollo's strength was close to that of a third-level apprentice, bolstered by a powerful relic he had obtained on a dangerous mission, Lucian's sudden recovery left Apollo uncertain.
Still, he was not afraid of Lucian. With the powerful relic he'd found in a wizard's ruin, as well as a stock of potions and other items, he felt confident in his ability to stand his ground against any third-level apprentice in the academy. Even at Lucian's peak, Apollo had estimated his odds of survival at five or six out of ten.
But a duel? Why would Lucian dare?
Apollo's eyes narrowed.
"Apprentice Apollo Cabot, Apprentice Lucian Kevin has issued a challenge for a duel to the death. You may refuse," the patrol leader said, "but if you do, you'll be required to relinquish one of your enchanted items, potions, or other resources as compensation; at your opponent's choice."
Apollo's expression twisted with anger.
Compensation?
His most prized possession—a powerful relic he'd discovered in the wizard's ruin—gave him the confidence to stand up to third-level apprentices. If he forfeited it now, he would lose his most valuable tool. He couldn't possibly accept that.
"I accept the duel," Apollo replied coldly, glaring at Lucian. Initially, he hadn't planned to use such drastic measures against him, but now, he had changed his mind.