Chapter 42

While preparing for the duel, Shuna approached me with an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Zeros. It's because of me that you have to duel."

"No, I decided to accept the duel, and it was Dion who started it all. You don't need to apologize, Shuna."

With that, Shuna smiled in relief. Immediately after, she tilted her head slightly, as if in doubt.

"Thank you, Zeros. By the way, how strong is your brother? Since he's taking the same test, he must have obtained his crest within half a year, right?"

"From what I heard a few days ago, he's already surpassed level 40."

"... Higher than I thought."

Her voice was tinged with surprise. I shrugged and explained.

"He hired a few Sylphid Knights as guards to level up safely. His experience and skills aren't that great, so even with a level difference, I can easily win."

"Right. And he thinks you can't use skills, so if we exploit that overconfidence—"

"Actually, I don't plan to use skills this time."

"—What?"

Shuna let out a voice mixed with surprise and confusion. I explained my reasoning to her.

"If I win using skills in this situation, Dion might later accuse me of using a magic item, since he believes someone with the [Void Crest] can't do such things."

And there's another big reason. This one is more important to me.

"Besides, to make him truly feel defeated, it's better if he thinks he lost to someone without skills."

"... Zeros."

Shuna's voice was a mix of confusion and bewilderment. In short, it's just a matter of overwhelming Dion, regardless of skills.

"Shall we head over then?"

"Y-Yes."

After our conversation, we moved to the training ground, the stage for the duel.

A few minutes later, Shuna and I arrived at the training ground. Dion was already there, and he directed a mocking gaze at us.

"Haha, you actually came. For an incompetent, that's quite a commendable attitude."

"..."

As I ignored his taunt, heavy footsteps approached. Turning around, I saw Duke and Edgar. Duke, after looking at me and Dion, slowly spoke.

"I heard the story from Edgar. I will serve as the referee for this duel, understood?"

"Yes, Father."

"Yes, of course."

After hearing our responses, Duke nodded and raised his left hand high. The [Magic Crest] on the back of his hand glowed brightly.

"Absorb Territory."

As Duke chanted, a dazzling light spread in a spherical shape, enveloping about 80% of the training ground. I exhaled in admiration.

(So, Father can use this skill...)

The high-level skill [Absorb Territory] from "Cleone" can nullify damage within a certain area, making it a powerful skill. While there is a limit to the amount of damage it can absorb, it is still an excellent skill.

In the game, it was often used as a defensive spell, especially when fighting large numbers of weaker opponents. However, it couldn't eliminate shock or stun time, leaving that to the player's judgment.

In any case, there is no better skill for a duel. Despite the limit on the amount of damage it can absorb, the level difference between Duke and us is significant, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Duke continued his explanation.

"Within this barrier, you won't suffer fatal injuries, so feel free to fight to your heart's content. However, the pain won't be eliminated, so be cautious. The winner will be decided by one party's surrender or unconsciousness."

I nodded quietly. Unlike in the game, in this world, the pain is real (in the game, pain sensitivity could be adjusted). I need to be careful about that.

(... Though, there's someone who seems happy about that.)

Just before the duel started, Dion approached with a malicious smile.

"Hey, incompetent. Do you have any last words? I thought I'd listen before you faint from the pain... No, you'll probably surrender from the pain before you even faint. Hahaha!"

With that, Dion returned to his position.

(What was he trying to do...)

Despite my exasperation, I took a deep breath and observed Dion. While I had the Guardian's Sword at my waist, he had no weapon, only a storage ring on his hand.

A storage ring is an advanced version of the storage bag I've been using. While a storage bag requires you to reach in, a storage ring allows you to summon items with a thought. It's an essential item for users of the [All Crest], who use a variety of weapons. Duke didn't say anything, and I had no complaints.

(This way, the skill difference will be more apparent.)

I remained silent, taking a calm stance. I tensed my muscles, ready to move at any moment.

As the tension filled the air, Duke's voice rang out.

"Begin!"

In that instant, Dion drew a bow from his storage ring and quickly aimed.

"I'll take you down in an instant, before you can even get close—"

"———"

Before Dion could finish, I sprinted at full speed. I closed the distance so quickly that the sound of my feet hitting the ground was barely audible. All I heard was the sound of the wind.

"Where are you looking?"

"—Huh?"

The moment Dion's voice of surprise rang out, my fist struck his face. A dull thud echoed as Dion's body flew through the air. After a moment that felt like time had stopped, his body crashed to the ground with a loud thud.

"Ugh!"

Dion's scream echoed. His body bounced several times before coming to a stop face-down.

"What... What are you...?"

Dion groaned, his face contorted in pain. His eyes still held a look of confusion, unable to grasp the situation.

I stood over him, my voice cold.

"Quite commendable. You're already bowing your head before the fight is over."

"Damn you!"

Anger and humiliation flashed in Dion's eyes.

This was my declaration of war. And with that, the duel truly began.

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