Saruto got out of bed and walked quietly back to the academy hall, his head buzzing with thoughts. I had to find a way to force Lucien to cooperate with me… or we'd both be expelled.
He sat down and stared at the table in front of him. Suddenly, an idea struck him… an idea that might be crazy, but it was the only way.
He stood up and walked straight to Lucien, who sat with a straight back, his icy eyes radiating the same contempt he always showed to those around him.
Without warning, Saruto stood in front of him and unleashed his dark aura all at once.
The room froze for a moment. Some students trembled from the pressure, while Lucien's eyes widened in surprise before he smiled sarcastically and unleashed his own icy aura in an instant.
The two auras collided in the middle of the hall. The air shook violently, sending papers flying and students backing away.
"What do you want from me now, you commoner?" Lucien said coldly.
Saruto took a step closer, his gaze as unwavering as stone.
"A duel. The winner becomes the leader… and the loser follows his orders in the upcoming cooperation test against the master."
Lucian's mocking laughter rose.
"Hahaha… What's the point of this duel, you lowly commoner? I won't fight you, so get out of my sight."
Saruto replied coldly, his voice thicker than ice.
"Then prepare to be expelled from the academy… and with it, to lose your right to the family throne."
Saruto's words were like a dagger plunged into the pride of the Ice Heir. Lucian's features hardened, and he gritted his teeth.
He remained silent for a few seconds before replying,
"…Fine. I'll tear you to pieces and make you kneel before me."
Both turned and headed toward the students' fighting arena. No official announcement was needed; the students followed them enthusiastically, and whispers quickly spread through the corridors.
Saruto vs. Lucian… a showdown to be remembered.
They stood facing each other in the middle of the arena, the atmosphere tense, all eyes fixed upon them.
Lucien raised his right hand, and ice crystals began to condense around him, forming a glittering spear of frost.
Saruto closed his eyes for a moment, then his chains, ablaze with black and purple flames, appeared, swirling behind him like bloodthirsty beasts.
The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the students took a step back.
"Begin!" announced one of the professors who had come to observe the fight.
In an instant, the two charged forward, the ice spear gleaming with a deadly chill, the black chains moving swiftly toward their target.
The battle had begun… a battle that would determine who would become the leader.