Kael narrowed his eyes at Ragnar.
"What is the offer?"
Ragnar leaned back in his chair, fingers interlocked.
"The council has identified the culprit behind your mana dispersion poison incident."
For the first time, something flickered in Kael's gaze.
"Who?"
Ragnar raised a hand lazily.
"Patience. That information… is part of the deal."
The air grew colder.
"Then state the deal."
Ragnar's smile sharpened.
"Join the Student Council. In return, we provide full support, resources, protection, influence… and the identity of the one who poisoned you."
Kael felt it immediately.
Too convenient.
"It cannot be that simple."
Ragnar suddenly laughed and struck the arm of his throne-like chair.
"Good. I was hoping you'd say that."
His gaze hardened.
"I've heard about your abilities. I saw the duel. But I believe you are holding back."
A pause.
"So let us confirm something."
His voice echoed.
"Let us test you."
Immediately, the council members lining both sides began chanting in unison.
Ancient glyphs ignited across the floor.
The platform beneath Kael and Julian rose by a foot, transforming into a dueling stage.
Two figures stepped forward from the council ranks.
One wielded a thin fencing like sword.
The other carried twin short-handled battle axes.
Kael and Julian were asked by Viktor, "What kind of weapon would you prefer?"
"A fine sword would do " replied Kael.
"And a chain with blade attached to it's ends" followed Julian excitedly.
Viktor simply nodded and started casting a spell, a green glow hovered around his hands and the weapons Kael and Julian had requested for were summoned out of the ground also covered in faint green mana, both grabbied their respective weapons.
Kael looked at Ragnar.
Ragnar smiled back.
Challenge accepted.
Viktor Voss adjusted his glasses.
"You may choose who goes first."
Kael stepped forward,
But Julian grabbed his shoulder.
Still smiling.
"Relax, bro. Let me look cool first."
Kael's lips curved slightly.
He stepped back.
Julian walked onto the platform.
The axe wielder followed.
"Julian Grates. It's an honor."
"Darius Viremont. The honor is mutual."
They assumed their stances.
And then,
Julian attacked first.
The shift was instant.
His usual carefree aura vanished.
His expression sharpened. His movements became predatory.
Darius noticed instantly.
Steel clashed.
Darius blocked the incoming strike and smirked.
He charged forward.
Julian's smile twisted.
The chain blade shot outward.
Darius pushed through the assault, axes spinning defensively.
Then,
He entered range.
| Cleaving Slash |
A horizontal arc tore through the air with brutal force.
Julian leaned back just enough.
| Binding Chain |
The chain wrapped around Darius' torso and arms mid-motion.
Gasps echoed.
Julian moved like a spider, using the tension to vault behind him, landing on Darius' back and pulling the chain like reins.
Darius dropped to one knee,
Then,
| Rampage Charge |
Mana erupted from his body in a violent burst.
He leapt upward, breaking tension, loosening the chain.
Julian lost balance.
Darius twisted mid-air.
| Cleaving Slash |
Julian hurled his chain blade in response.
Steel and steel were about to collide,
But both froze mid-air.
Suspended.
The entire chamber went silent.
Lyra Valecrest stood calmly, violet mana swirling around her fingertips.
Her eyes glowed faintly.
"Enough."
With a subtle motion of her finger, both combatants were gently lowered.
"Julian Grates… you pass."
She glanced at Ragnar who was smiling like a mad man, she could tell he was itching for a fight, she sighed then continued.
"Welcome to the council."
Murmurs spread.
She continued:
"Kael Dravenheart. Lance Gilde. Enter."
Julian landed beside Kael, still grinning despite being slightly breathless.
"I was cool, right?"
Kael smirked faintly.
"You were.... dude"
He stepped forward.
The sword user, Lance Gilde was already waiting.
Calm.
Disciplined.
Noble posture.
"No introductions needed, are there?" Lance said, unsheathing his blade. "Let us begin."
Kael slowly drew his sword.
Metal sang softly.
"It is an honor to face a member of the Glade family."
A faint smirk flacshed in his calm face.