The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 008

The days at Arcadia Academy passed quickly, filled with a rigorous schedule of classes and energy draining drills. Despite his life experience, Lucian still felt the pressure of the intense competitive atmosphere. The Academy was not just a place of learning; it was an arena where each individual fought to prove themselves the best.

However, not everyone at the Academy welcomed Lucian with open arms. Most of the students came from noble families with a background of luxury and privilege. As a child from a small village, Lucian was often the target of ridicule, especially from a group of students led by a child of high nobility named Aldric of Drakmoor.

Aldric was the son of a powerful duke. He was handsome, with neatly combed golden blond hair and blue eyes that exuded arrogance. He was known at the Academy for his strength in the sword arts and his ability in elemental magic. But underneath it all, Aldric has an arrogant nature that is difficult to tolerate.

The conflict begins one afternoon in the academy hall. After a swordplay training session, Lucian decided to stay longer and perfect the basic techniques taught by the instructor. He felt that although his old skills were slowly returning, he still had to adjust to his new, younger and less powerful body.

While he was practicing, Aldric and his group entered the hall. They laughed loudly, their voices echoing in the large room. Lucian ignored them and continued his training, but the laughter soon turned to taunts directed at him.

"Hey, you!" shouted Aldric, his voice echoing. "What's the point of trying so hard? You're just a nameless country boy. No matter how hard you train, you'll never be able to compete with those of us who were born with royal blood."

Lucian paused and slowly turned his head toward them. His gray eyes met Aldric's arrogant gaze. He said nothing, choosing to return to his training.

Aldric was not satisfied. He walked over, followed by his friends. "Don't ignore me, country boy. Are you deaf or just too cowardly to answer?"

Lucian took a deep breath and tried to control his anger. "I don't have time for people who just talk without doing anything," he replied calmly.

The words made Aldric's face flush. He drew his sword, an elegant blade with a gold hilt, and pointed it at Lucian. "Then prove yourself! I challenge you to a duel, here and now."

The hall suddenly fell silent. The other students nearby stopped what they were doing and began to gather, forming a circle around Lucian and Aldric. Duels between students were allowed at the Academy, but only within certain limits and under supervision.

Lucian knew that refusing this challenge would only make things worse. He nodded slowly and took a wooden sword from a nearby shelf. "Alright. But remember, this is only training. There's no need to hurt each other."

Aldric grinned. "Of course. I just want to teach a country boy like you his place."

The duel began quickly. Aldric launched the first attack, the blade of his sword moving at lightning speed. Lucian easily dodged the attack, his steps light and precise. He relied on his years of experience on the battlefield to read his opponent's movements.

But Aldric was no weak opponent. His every strike was full of power and practiced technique. They exchanged blows, the sound of clashing wood echoing through the hall. The students watching began to cheer, divided between support for Aldric and Lucian.

After a few minutes, Aldric began to lose his patience. He stepped back, raised his left hand and said a short incantation. A small fireball appeared in his hand and flew straight at Lucian.

Lucian was startled, but his old instincts took over. He jumped aside and dodged the fireball with ease. "What is that? I thought this was a sword duel," Lucian said, his tone sharp.

Aldric laughed. "Who said I had to play fair?"

Lucian sighed. If this was what Aldric wanted, then he had no choice but to respond in earnest. Inwardly, he summoned the energy that had once been a part of him. He felt a spark of that power, however faint, and countered with far greater speed than before.

In a move that was almost impossible to follow, Lucian disarmed Aldric's sword and knocked him to the ground. Aldric staggered back, his eyes wide with shock. The crowd fell silent, only Aldric's heavy breathing could be heard.

Instructor Seraphina suddenly walked into the hall, her eyes flashing with anger. "What's going on?" she asked in a stern voice.

Aldric, trying to save his pride, answered first. "We're just practicing, instructor."

Seraphina gave Aldric a sharp look, then turned her attention to Lucian. "Is that true?"

Lucian nodded. "Yes, Instructor. But this exercise may have gone beyond the permitted limits."

Seraphina sighed. "Look, I don't care what your excuses are. Unsupervised duels are not allowed. Both of you will serve your punishment - cleaning the halls for a week."

Lucian accepted the decision without protest, while Aldric looked as if he wanted to argue, but chose to remain silent.

The duel left a noticeable impression. The students began to look at Lucian differently. He was no longer the village boy who could be easily underestimated. In fact, some of them began to approach him, trying to make friends.

But Aldric did not forget the insult. In his heart he vowed to take revenge on Lucian one day. But for Lucian, this was only a small step on his journey. He knew that conflicts like this were only the beginning of the greater challenges that awaited him at Arcadia Academy.

As he cleaned the halls with Aldric during the week, Lucian tried to open the conversation. "Look, I have no intention of becoming your enemy. Maybe we can start over?"

Aldric gave him a sharp look, but after a moment he sighed. "You think it's easy for me to forget? You made me lose face in front of everyone."

"I was only protecting myself," Lucian said calmly. "You may come from a noble family, but that doesn't mean you're better than everyone else."

These words made Aldric pause. Though he did not respond immediately, Lucian sensed a small crack in his arrogance.

This conflict became a valuable lesson for Lucian. He realized that the journey at Arcadia Academy was not only about learning and honing his skills, but also about facing different types of people and proving his worth. With growing determination, he prepares for the next challenge, whatever it may be.