The academy's dueling grounds were sacred—a vast coliseum etched with ancient spells, surrounded by floating crystal observers that recorded every clash. Blood spilled here didn't stain floors. It stained reputation.
And today, that blood would be Harvey's.
Or so they thought.
---
Noble Announcement
"By rights of lineage and trial standing," a voice rang out across the arena, "I, Lucien Delacroix, Third Son of House Delacroix, challenge the anomaly known as Harvey—on grounds of blood and honor!"
Murmurs broke out among the students packed into the audience stands.
Lucien was no small name. A descendant of war mages. A prodigy with lightning-based magic. Top five in the practical exams. And, more importantly—
A noble backed by the Council of Heritage.
A public challenge like this wasn't just for pride.
It was a message.
> "Stay in your place, commoner. Or bleed trying."
---
Harvey's Response
Harvey stepped into the arena.
No robe. No emblem. Just simple black combat wear, and a gaze cold enough to freeze fire.
He didn't bow.
Didn't speak.
Just stared.
Lucien sneered. "What, no last words? You don't get a funeral, so I figured you'd want the moment."
Harvey tilted his head.
"If you survive this," he said, "don't talk to me again."
Then he raised his hand—and the arena shifted.
---
The Duel Begins
[Duel Authorization: Combat Tier B Initiated]
[Class Zero combatant: Harvey – Cleared]
[Ranked Noble combatant: Lucien Delacroix – Cleared]
[Battlefield Seal Engaged – Interference Nullified]
Lucien struck first. His mana flared, and thunder crackled across the sky.
"Stormstep: Crashing Fangs!"
He blurred forward, wrapped in electric claws. A move meant to paralyze, shred, and break bones all at once.
Harvey didn't move.
He simply whispered.
"Dissect."
[New Skill Generated: Dissect - Lv. 1]
[Effect: Temporarily reveals the structure, formation, and flaw points of incoming spells.]
His eyes flashed gold.
And in that moment, Lucien's spell lit up before him like a diagram.
Too slow. Too linear. Too… predictable.
Harvey stepped forward. One palm—open.
He pressed it directly to Lucien's chest mid-charge.
"Collapse."
Lucien's spell shattered.
The noble heir flew backwards, slamming into the arena wall with a crack.
Silence.
Gasps. Confusion. Shock.
Harvey walked over, crouched next to Lucien's broken form, and spoke just loud enough for the noble's friends to hear.
> "If I wanted to kill you, I'd have used your own heart to sign the surrender notice."
He stood.
The judges had yet to move.
So he raised his voice and said:
> "I accept all future noble challenges. No restrictions."
> "Line up."
Then he left.
---
Aftermath
Later, in a quiet tower where nobles gathered to whisper and scheme, a red-haired girl watched Harvey's duel replayed in slow motion.
She closed her fan, expression unreadable.
"So the ghost lives again," she murmured.
> "Let's see how long you last this time… Harvey Luxen."
---