Chapter 24: Duel of Prestige

The Royal Academy's Grand Dueling Arena was packed. Students filled the stone bleachers, eager to witness the clash between Kaiser Ashbourne and Lucian Vaelthorne. The air buzzed with anticipation, and even the Academy instructors took notice—this was no ordinary duel.

Kaiser stood in the center of the arena, his expression calm but sharp, his hands resting on the hilt of his training sword. Across from him, Lucian adjusted his stance, his emerald eyes glowing with restrained mana.

"I hope you're ready, Ashbourne," Lucian said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I won't go easy on you."

Kaiser cracked his neck. "That makes two of us."

The Duel Begins

The instructor raised his hand. "Begin!"

Lucian vanished the moment the match started. Kaiser's instincts flared as a sharp wind sliced toward him.

'Fast.'

Lucian reappeared behind him, a blade of condensed mana aimed for Kaiser's back. But Kaiser had already shunpo'd away, leaving behind a brief afterimage.

The crowd gasped.

Lucian spun, barely deflecting Kaiser's counterattack. Their blades clashed, sending shockwaves through the arena.

Kaiser grinned. "Is that all?"

Lucian's smirk widened. "Not even close."

He raised his hand, and the air around them shifted. Suddenly, dozens of mana swords materialized around him, suspended in midair.

"Starfall Barrage."

With a flick of his fingers, the swords rained down like comets.

Kaiser reacted instantly, gripping his blade as blue energy surged around him. He slashed—one, two, three times—cutting through the barrage with precision.

"You think a few swords will stop me?"

Lucian narrowed his eyes. "Then let's step it up."

Unleashing True Power

Lucian's mana surged. The ground cracked beneath him as a golden aura enveloped his form. His power skyrocketed—he was holding back before, but now he was serious.

"Rank 9 Legendary Mana User…" someone in the crowd murmured in awe.

Kaiser exhaled, excitement flickering in his eyes. His system's notification flashed.

[New System Challenge Unlocked: Defeat a Rank 9 Opponent Without Using Bankai.]

[Bonus Reward: Exclusive Ability Unlock.]

"Alright, let's see how I match up."

He stepped forward, mana igniting around him. Blue flames licked at his blade as he prepared his next move.

Lucian charged first. Their blades met once more—but this time, it was no contest.

Kaiser grinned. "Your mistake."

With lightning-fast reflexes, he sidestepped Lucian's strike and landed a precise blow to his ribs, sending the noble skidding back.

Lucian barely regained his footing before Kaiser vanished again.

"Where—?!"

Kaiser reappeared above him, blade arcing down with overwhelming force.

Lucian raised his weapon to block, but the impact sent him crashing into the ground. Dust erupted, and silence filled the arena.

The instructor hesitated before finally declaring—

"Winner: Kaiser Ashbourne!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and whispers.

Lucian groaned, staring up at the sky before letting out a chuckle. "Tch… Looks like I underestimated you."

Kaiser extended a hand. "Get used to it."

Lucian took it, pulling himself up.

"Next time," he said, "I won't lose."

Kaiser smirked. "Next time, I'll be even stronger."

Aftermath & New Threats

Later that night, as Kaiser rested in his dorm, the system chimed.

[Reward Unlocked: New Ability – Sternritter Schrift Selection Available.]

Kaiser's eyes widened. "So, now I can buy Quincy abilities too? Interesting…"

But before he could dive into his system menu, another notification appeared.

[New Threat Identified: The Obsidian Order has infiltrated the Academy.]

Kaiser's expression darkened.

"So, the real game begins."