Chapter 5 – The Challenge From the Nobles
News spread quickly.
Selene Arkwright — a respected noble mage — had publicly aligned herself with Audrey.
For many students, it felt like betrayal.
For the noble families, it felt like an insult.
And for the men who already disliked him…
It became a declaration of war.
---
The Accusation
Three days after the alliance was formed, Audrey was summoned to the academy courtyard.
A group of young nobles stood waiting.
At the center was a tall student named Markus Valen — the son of a military duke.
He stared at Audrey with obvious hostility.
"You think destroying a crystal makes you powerful?"
His voice echoed across the courtyard.
Students gathered around to watch.
Markus pointed at Selene.
"Women of noble blood shouldn't kneel before someone like you."
Audrey remained calm.
"Someone like me?"
Markus clenched his jaw.
"A suspicious outsider."
"Someone who suddenly gains unlimited resources."
"Someone who disrupts order."
Audrey tilted his head slightly.
"Sounds like you're afraid."
The crowd gasped.
Markus' face turned red.
"Afraid?!"
He drew his sword.
"I challenge you to a duel!"
---
The Duel Announcement
According to academy rules, challenges could not be refused if issued publicly.
The duel would determine authority.
Victory meant respect.
Defeat meant humiliation.
The head examiner appeared and confirmed the terms.
"Magic allowed."
"Weapons allowed."
"No lethal intent."
The arena barrier activated.
Markus stepped inside confidently.
He believed raw sword skill and noble training would overpower any mysterious power Audrey possessed.
Audrey entered calmly.
Selene watched carefully from the sidelines.
She whispered to herself:
"Don't underestimate him…"
---
The Battle Begins
The duel started instantly.
Markus charged forward with explosive speed.
His sword glowed with reinforced mana.
He swung downward aiming to overpower Audrey quickly.
Audrey reacted instinctively.
He sidestepped.
The blade struck the ground — creating a shockwave.
Students cheered.
"Markus is overwhelming him!"
But Audrey's eyes narrowed.
He focused.
Inside his mind…
System Interface Activated
Gold Available: ∞
Temporary Boost Requested
He silently commanded:
"Convert 5,000 gold into combat enhancement."
Golden energy wrapped around his body for a brief moment.
His reflexes sharpened.
---
Counterattack
Markus attacked again — faster this time.
But now Audrey could see every movement clearly.
He grabbed Markus' wrist mid-swing.
The crowd gasped.
Using momentum, Audrey flipped Markus over his shoulder and slammed him onto the ground.
BOOM!
Dust exploded across the arena.
Silence followed.
Markus struggled to stand.
"Impossible…"
Audrey stepped forward slowly.
"You rely on status."
"I rely on adaptability."
Markus roared and unleashed a powerful fire spell from point-blank range.
Flames engulfed Audrey.
Gasps filled the audience.
"Did he get hit?!"
When the fire faded —
Audrey stood unharmed.
Golden energy shielded him.
Markus' eyes widened in shock.
"That barrier…"
Audrey walked through the smoke calmly.
"Your power is limited."
"Mine isn't."
---
The End of the Duel
Audrey delivered a controlled strike to Markus' chest — not lethal, but powerful enough to knock him unconscious.
Markus collapsed.
The arena fell completely silent.
The referee raised his hand.
"Winner — Audrey."
Students stared in disbelief.
A noble heir had been defeated.
Publicly.
Selene smiled faintly.
He is growing faster than expected.
---
Aftermath
That night, rumors exploded across the academy and noble circles.
Some families demanded punishment.
Others secretly began observing Audrey as a potential ally.
And deep within the empire…
Leon — the hero candidate — received reports of the duel.
He closed his eyes slowly.
"So he defeated a noble heir."
Leon stood up.
"Then I cannot delay anymore."
"Next time we meet…"
"It won't be a classroom duel."
It will be war.
---
End of Chapter 5