Chapter 31

"First basement level! The first basement level is calling you!"

"It's been a long time since there was a mage duel, ever since Paro and Harrison fought over which school of magic had a wider range of applications."

"Hurry up and place your bets, my gold coins are thirsty!"

Clearly, mages whose lives were filled with the dull Arcane Research Institute were quite enthusiastic about duels. Many people started to egg on the situation, fueling the excitement.

At this moment, a voice with a pure imperial accent, lazy yet charming, rang out: "Gentlemen, don't you think the arena in the basement of the Mage Guild is not suitable for this duel?"

The crowd parted, and a tall young man with flowing long hair walked over. His face, handsome enough to make a goddess jealous, wore a warm and enthusiastic smile, especially for the beautiful female mages.

"Mr. Lannister."

"Hello, Mage Dorne Lannister."

The mages all bowed to him. Although he was only a mage who had mastered fourth-level arcane spells, Dorne Lannister, by virtue of his surname, received the respect of all mages.

"Mr. Dorne, do you have any suggestions?" Gorden bowed to Lannister and deliberately ignored the wink he gave him.

"I am well aware of the conflict between the two mages," Dorne said in a very attractive noble accent. "The arena of the Mage Guild is always set up to resolve academic disputes. However, you and Mr. Hao Lin are dueling to prove your honor. Therefore, I believe there is a more suitable place for the duel in Bishui City."

"The Platinum Square?" someone asked.

"Exactly!" Dorne snapped his fingers. "In the Ferelden Platinum Empire, we worship the Platinum Dragon Bahamut. Every citizen of the empire should follow the teachings of the Platinum Dragon, which are glory, honesty, and protection. Conducting this duel in the Platinum Square, under the statue of the Dragon God, wouldn't that be a very romantic thing?"

The guardian deity of Ferelden is the Platinum Dragon Bahamut. In all large and medium-sized cities with a population of over 50,000, there is a Platinum Square built to commemorate the great achievements of the Dragon God.

The Platinum Square is often at the heart of a city. Not only do the followers of Bahamut perform rituals here, but many official festivals of Ferelden are also held here. Of course, countless duels have taken place under the gaze of the statue of Bahamut. If you look carefully at the smooth blue stone floor of the Platinum Square, you can always find some bloodstains left by duels.

"Very well, I agree with Mage Lannister's suggestion, in the Platinum Square!" Hao Lin finally stopped his nosebleed. The anger in his eyes seemed to ignite the air. If he didn't think his physical condition was inferior to Gorden, he would probably have pounced on the detestable noble mage and beaten him up. Dorne's suggestion suited his intentions perfectly. Compared to the underground arena of the Mage Guild, the Platinum Square undoubtedly had a much larger crowd. He wanted to humiliate and kill Gorden in public, and only then could he resolve the twisted anger in his heart.

"Tomorrow morning at nine o'clock." Gorden glanced at Hao Lin provocatively.

Dorne clapped his hands and smiled. "Very well, it's decided. Tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, in the Platinum Square, the two mages will fight for their honor!"

This young noble was very enthusiastic about the duel and even personally found three respected old mages to serve as witnesses.

"I will make you regret it! Even if you kneel before me tomorrow, humbly licking my shoes and begging for forgiveness, I won't let you off. Gorden, I am the winner, I will always be the winner!" Hao Lin left in a huff after his fierce words.

The commotion subsided, the crowd dispersed, and the Mage Guild returned to its usual calm. Gorden and Dorne left the guild one after another and met in a secluded alley.

"Your instructions have been carried out, my friend." Dorne bowed to Gorden, his face beaming with a satisfied smile.

"Put away your nobleman's airs. You should use these meticulous etiquettes to seduce naive girls," Gorden teased.

Dorne shrugged. "Seducing naive girls doesn't require these annoying and complicated noble etiquettes; a smile is enough."

The two had been chatting frequently through communication spells. Dorne admired the various ingenious ideas Gorden had obtained from "The Ancient Era," while Gorden had learned a lot from this second-generation mage with a deep family background. They had become close friends who could joke with each other.

Dorne Lannister suddenly reined in his charming and lazy smile and said seriously, "Gorden, why did you choose this method to clear your name?"

"Because the power of the rumors has already formed. It would be too difficult to prove my innocence through ordinary means. Only by taking the initiative, exposing the rumor-monger, and using irrefutable facts to show that he is of low character and not trustworthy, can the rumors be dispelled."

"But although you know that Hao Lin Heideberg is the originator of the rumors, you don't have enough evidence to convince the adventurers."

"Evidence is not important," Gorden said with a mysterious smile. "I just need to make Hao Lin look more like a villain than me, and that will be enough."

Dorne's mouth dropped open, and he hesitated before finally saying, "I should write down this sentence in my notebook."

"Write it down. You can use it to educate your son in the future."

"I don't want my son to become as cunning as you. Besides, I prefer daughters." Dorne glanced at his friend. "So, do you have a surefire way to win the duel? Remember, Hao Lin has mastered third-level spells for six years and is very strong."

Dorne's concern was not unfounded.

In the mage community, it is generally believed that becoming a fifth-level mage and mastering third-level arcane spells is the first significant breakthrough for a mage, leading to a substantial increase in power.

First, when a mage masters third-level spells, they usually have some years of experience. At this point, through years of accumulation, the mage's wealth is quite substantial. With the help of scrolls, wands, potions, and various enchanted equipment, the mage's combat power and endurance have greatly improved.

Second, third-level spells include powerful spells like Fireball and Dispel Magic, which have either great destructive power or high versatility. The power of these new spells is incomparable to that of first and second-level spells.

Finally, when a mage masters third-level spells, their research into arcane magic becomes more profound, allowing them to choose a specialized school from the eight major schools, further enhancing their spell power. Due to their closer connection to the Weave, mages can also learn a technique called "Spell Slot Expansion" to increase their spell slots.

Mages who have mastered third-level spells, especially those like Hao Lin who have been at the third level for some time, can easily deal with ordinary second-level mages.

Of course, Gorden is not an ordinary mage.

Seeing Dorne's worried face, Gorden couldn't explain much. He couldn't say, "I have a game system as a golden finger, and I just developed a powerful spell."

Thanks to the performance of the Lannister young master today, Hao Lin was lured into the trap, but some secrets must remain hidden.

After a few more casual words, they parted ways and went home.

Due to the duel, Gorden took a day off from the cemetery. To be honest, the job of a gravedigger was now a bit of a burden for Gorden, not earning much money and taking up a lot of time. Unfortunately, the contract stipulated that unless there were special circumstances, he had to work for at least six months before he could terminate it.

After a good night's rest, the day of the duel arrived quickly.

"Master, can my sister and I watch the duel?" Yilian asked eagerly as she helped Gorden dress.

"What's there to see?" Gorden glared at her. "Blood splattering everywhere, heads flying, it's terrifying!"

"Ah! Really?" Yilian shuddered, looking like a frightened rabbit.

Yilei reached out and gently tapped Yilian's nose. "Silly sister, Master is just scaring you."

Gorden stroked the faces of the two sisters. "Be good and stay at home. I'll buy you pretty clothes when I come back from the duel."

Yes, not "I'll marry you after the duel" or something like that. That should be fine.

Leaving the noble district, Gorden followed the riverside path toward the Platinum Square. The road was lined with green trees, the environment quiet and serene, a favorite spot for couples in the evening. In the summer, the soft moans at night could even drown out the chirping of insects.

However, during the day, there were few pedestrians on this road, with only the occasional fully armed patrol team passing by.

At a corner, Gorden suddenly heard a passerby exclaim, "Look, the house across the river is on fire!"

Following the direction the passerby pointed, Gorden saw a warehouse on the opposite bank engulfed in raging flames, with thick smoke rising into the sky, forming a giant gray-black dragon.

"Quick, go put out the fire!" The patrol captain shouted, leading his men toward the bridge.

The street became even quieter.

A gentle breeze blew, and a strange smell entered Gorden's nose. It was the scent of Scream Mandrake juice, an essential ingredient for making invisibility potions, so Gorden was very familiar with it.

Gorden immediately cast a Shield spell on himself.

"Damn, he noticed! Attack!"

From the bushes, several blurry transparent figures suddenly emerged. They drew their cold daggers and rushed at Gorden.

The invisibility spell's effect automatically disappeared as they attacked, revealing four masked rogues in front of Gorden.

"Using the fire to distract the patrol team, ambushing me on my way to the Platinum Square, and then attacking me. It seems Dengwei really can't change his ways and always likes to use such despicable tactics."

The attackers ignored Gorden's taunts and silently surrounded him.

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