"Let's have a duel, Arlon!" Mirek declared, his voice brimming with confidence.
For a brief second, silence fell over the group. Then, as if synchronized, nearly everyone had the same thought:
There's no way Arlon will accept.
It wasn't that they doubted his strength—on the contrary, Arlon had already proven himself to be one of the most formidable individuals in the academy.
But accepting a challenge like this? From a priest? Over what was clearly a love rivalry, even if Arlon himself didn't realize it?
It just didn't seem like something he'd bother with.
But then...
"Sure."
Arlon's answer was short and direct, delivered with his usual calm.
A stunned silence followed.
"Is tomorrow alright?" he added nonchalantly. "I have things to do today."
Mirek blinked. "Wait... you accept?"
Now everyone was staring.
Mei nearly dropped her spoon.
Leafa, mid-drink, almost choked.
