Chapter 7: A Fool’s Challenge

Despite the overwhelming fear that now surrounded Frank Luminous, there were always those too ignorant, too arrogant, or too foolish to understand reality.

In the capital, rumors of his overwhelming strength spread like wildfire. The nobles, commoners, and even the Imperial Palace had come to the same conclusion—Frank Luminous was an untouchable existence.

However, not everyone believed it.

The Arrival of a Challenger

In the heart of the Imperial Academy, a group of young warriors and mages gathered in a large training hall.

A young man with golden hair and a sharp gaze stood before them, his hands crossed behind his back. He was dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Knight Order, a symbol of his elite status.

This was Gale von Eberhart, one of the Empire's most talented prodigies.

His swordsmanship was unmatched among his peers, and his mastery over mana had earned him recognition from even the Royal Family.

Yet, as he looked at the gathered knights and mages, his expression twisted in irritation.

"You mean to tell me," Gale said coldly, "that you all fear a lazy noble who does nothing but sleep?"

A silence settled over the room.

One of the knights hesitated before speaking. "Sir Gale, we saw what happened at the coliseum… Duke Reynard was completely overwhelmed."

Gale scoffed. "Duke Reynard is an old relic. His swordsmanship is outdated, and his magic is second-rate. His loss means nothing."

A young mage stepped forward. "But… even the Emperor refuses to act against Frank Luminous. Shouldn't that mean something?"

Gale narrowed his eyes. "That means nothing. The Emperor is simply being cautious. And that's exactly why I will challenge Frank myself."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Finally, someone dared to speak up. "Sir Gale, if the rumors are true, you could—"

"Enough." Gale's voice was sharp. "I will prove that Frank Luminous is nothing more than an overrated noble who got lucky."

And with that, he left the training hall.

His destination? Luminous Manor.

A Quiet Afternoon at Luminous Manor

Frank was, as always, lounging on a soft couch, flipping through a book while snacking.

Elise stood nearby, watching him carefully.

"…Young Master, you do realize that people are plotting against you, right?"

Frank lazily turned a page. "Of course."

"Then why aren't you doing anything about it?" Elise sighed.

Frank shrugged. "Because it's not my problem."

Elise stared at him, frustrated. "What if someone attacks you?"

Frank took a bite of a pastry and smirked. "Then they'll regret it."

Just as Elise was about to say more, a loud, arrogant voice echoed through the courtyard.

"Frank Luminous! Come out and face me like a man!"

Elise's expression darkened. "Looks like someone is here to challenge you."

Frank sighed. "How troublesome."

The Challenge Begins

Frank stepped outside, his expression as lazy as ever.

In the courtyard stood Gale von Eberhart, his sword radiating golden light, and his uniform immaculate. Behind him, a small crowd had gathered—knights, mages, and even a few nobles who had followed him here, eager to see what would happen.

Gale smirked at Frank. "So you finally decided to show yourself."

Frank blinked. "Who are you again?"

Gale's smirk faltered for a second before he regained his composure. "Gale von Eberhart. The strongest swordsman of the younger generation."

Frank yawned. "Never heard of you."

Gale's expression darkened. "Hmph. It doesn't matter. I challenge you to a duel."

The crowd whispered among themselves.

"Is he insane?"

"Does he not know what happened to Duke Reynard?"

"But Gale is a genius… Could he actually win?"

Frank sighed. "I don't feel like it."

Gale clenched his fists. "Are you scared?"

Frank blinked at him.

Then, without warning, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

BOOM!

In an instant, Gale was sent flying backward, crashing into the courtyard wall with an earth-shaking impact. The air cracked, the ground trembled, and the once-proud swordsman collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.

The entire crowd froze.

Gale's body refused to move. His limbs were trembling, his mind unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Frank walked up to him, his golden eyes shining with indifference.

"I wasn't scared," Frank said lazily. "I just didn't feel like wasting my time."

Then, without another word, he turned around and walked back inside the manor, leaving Gale broken and humiliated in front of the entire audience.

Aftermath

By nightfall, news of Gale's defeat had already spread throughout the capital.

The nobles who had doubted Frank were now silent.

The knights who had questioned his power were now terrified.

Even the Emperor, upon hearing the report, merely sighed. "I expected as much."

And the gods?

They merely watched in silence, knowing that nothing in this world could stand against Frank Luminous.

Meanwhile, back at Luminous Manor, Frank was already asleep on his couch, completely uninterested in the chaos he had just caused.

Because to him…

It was never even a fight to begin with.