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Chapter 577, Identity Stacking
"What level is he?"
Sheila Grey said, "Luan is 17 years old, a level 16 mage. He is accompanied by his teacher, an 18th-level Grand Mage from the guild named Moffat."
Both of them are mages!
This Luan is only 17 years old.
Reaching level 16 as a mage at 17 is a rare talent even among humans.
No wonder he's so arrogant.
Just arriving on the island and already challenging me at my peak—he does have the qualifications to be arrogant.
The other person is his teacher.
An 18th-level Grand Mage—his profession and level alone make him a formidable backer.
Thinking about it this way...
Luan's goal in defeating me is to build up prestige for his own future as an 18th-level powerhouse.
And the old mage allowing him to make such a grand entrance is also a way to build his own reputation.
Having his disciple in the spotlight is a form of promotion for him as well.
Wu Heng asked, "I heard people say he always carries a sword wherever he goes. I thought he was a swordsman or a melee combatant!"
"The guild's records classify him as a mage, a proper Evocation specialist. Carrying a sword might just be a habit. Many mages have a preference for carrying melee weapons," Sheila Grey explained.
"Oh, a decoration." Wu Heng understood.
Even if a mage has some melee capability, they usually store their weapons in a spatial ring for convenience.
Carrying it openly looks more like an ornament.
Sheila Grey raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps. Or it could be some special artifact or relic that requires being worn to activate its effect."
"Makes sense! Any other intelligence?"
Sheila Grey continued, "Born in the Celtic Kingdom's royal family, he holds high prestige in his country. You could consider him the next heir apparent."
Damn, a whole kingdom's population, competing with me for a bit of prestige.
Back in Blackstone Town and Rentam City, I never saw any royalty—not even heard rumors about them.
But now, on Gold-Silver Island, suddenly princes and princesses keep popping up.
Seen enough of them already. Nothing special.
Wu Heng was also familiar with the Celtic Kingdom.
It was the kingdom where Lopez City's Snake Emblem Consortium operated.
Shiyali sliced some fruit and handed it to Wu Heng, adding, "He's likely preparing for his advancement to level 18. Otherwise, he should've gone back to inherit the throne by now."
"What, he can't reach level 18 at home?"
Sheila Grey continued, "I heard Steward Imiro mention before that their kingdom has a peculiar trait—the kings are always mediocre in one generation, while the next is exceptionally brilliant. It's practically a pattern. Luan happens to be the outstanding one this time."
One generation mediocre, the next exceptional.
That sounds like siphoning the previous generation's fortune.
Wu Heng said nothing and looked at the challenge letter again.
Now that he analyzed it, there was no scenario where he could lose.
Meanwhile, Luan's identity was stacked with buffs—prince, guild's nurtured talent, the heir who took the previous generation's fate.
If Wu Heng defeated him, his reputation wouldn't just increase a little—it would skyrocket.
His previous approach was to develop slowly and stay low-key, but now prestige was practically being delivered to his doorstep. Letting Luan walk away without a fight seemed unreasonable.
Wu Heng leaned in and looked at the elven sisters. "If I ask him to raise the stakes for the duel and then agree to it, do you think he'll accept?"
Sheila Grey's eyes widened. "I thought you didn't want to fight him?"
Shiyali also added, "He has his teacher guiding him, the guild and kingdom's resources backing him. You've only recently changed professions—there's no need to fight him."
"I thought about it, and I just can't see how I could possibly lose to him," Wu Heng said, then continued, "How about this? Have someone negotiate with him. We both put up a wager for the duel—if he agrees, I'll accept the challenge. If he refuses, then I have a valid reason to decline."
Sheila Grey looked at him. "Are you sure? Normal duels won't allow you to bring all your skeletons—at most, you'll be allowed two."
"It's fine! I have a plan. Just go with what I said."
Sheila Grey nodded and looked at Shiyali. "Shiyali, you handle the negotiations. Just say what Wu Heng suggested, and we'll see how they respond."
"Alright!" Shiyali nodded.
With that, she immediately left the room.
Sheila Grey then looked at Wu Heng suspiciously. "What level are you? When you heard he was level 16, you actually looked relieved."
"At first, I thought he was level 18."
"There aren't that many level 18s."
...…
Guild Dormitory.
Shiyali relayed Wu Heng's proposal to the master-disciple duo.
Luan turned to look at his teacher.
Then he responded, "Since the Island Lord has suggested it, I'm willing to offer a second-tier merit reward as my wager for the duel. As for the Island Lord, there's no need for him to stake anything—just participating is enough."
The old mage added blandly, "Your goal is to become a hero. You should be generous."
"Yes, teacher!" Luan casually took out a wooden staff wrapped in cloth strips and feathers, placing it on the table. "The Grayhawk Staff—it can summon a magical scouting hawk for reconnaissance. Consider it my wager."
Shiyali nodded and took out a new challenge letter.
She rewrote the terms and had Luan sign it.
Once completed, she bowed again. "The venue and time will be set soon. I won't disturb you further."
The two nodded, and Shiyali left the room.
The old mage remarked, "He has a bit of Imiro's tenacity. The fact that he dares accept this challenge against you is interesting—it saves us trouble."
"Maybe living on this tiny island made him think the world is only this big."
"The venue will be decided in two days. Make sure you win beautifully."
"Yes, teacher!"
...…
Shiyali returned to the office.
She handed the challenge letter and the staff to Wu Heng. "He offered a second-tier item, the Grayhawk Staff. It can summon a magical reconnaissance guardian."
Wu Heng glanced at the item.
Only second-tier, but still not bad.
Second-tier merits correspond to slaying level 15 professionals.
Wu Heng nodded. "I have no issues with this."
Sheila Grey immediately said, "Then it's settled. I'll arrange for the venue—don't want the battle causing unnecessary damage."
"You pick the place. I'll send some skeletons to help install equipment so the islanders can watch the duel."
"Alright."
Shiyali looked at both of them. "What's with you two? You're both way too confident. Sheila Grey, aren't you worried about Wu Heng losing?"
"If he wasn't confident, he wouldn't have agreed."
"You really understand me."
...…
Wu Heng left the guild and returned home.
Upon entering the building…
Minnie helped him take off his coat. "Master, Lighthouse Street is buzzing about the challenge against you."
Wu Heng casually said, "I accepted the challenge. The guild is picking the venue now."
"Huh? Weren't you planning to ignore him?" Minnie poured him a cup of floral tea.
"The challenge letter was already submitted to the guild, so I just accepted it."
Minnie looked worried. "Will it be dangerous?"
"No worries. Guild duels aren't life-and-death battles."
"Will you win?"
"Relax, beating him won't be a problem."
"That's good. We'll cheer for you!" Minnie smiled.
"Mm." Wu Heng nodded. "Minnie, check if Annette or Robe is available. I'll send some skeletons to the guild to help set up the venue."
"Alright."
Minnie acknowledged the command and went to inform the other two.
Wu Heng went to the courtyard to mobilize some skeletons.
He had Annette lead them to the guild.
...…
The next day, at noon.
A designated area in the development zone had been marked off as a flat and spacious dueling ground.
The island's residents and representatives from various merchant groups.
They gradually gathered here, waiting for today's duel between the Island Lord and the guild's prodigy.
The guild's squads and skeleton patrols had been heavily deployed to maintain order and secure the battle area.
On the viewing platform, the old mage instructed, "His level is lower than yours, but he has crossbow-like weaponry. Fight with your full strength and finish the battle quickly."
"Yes, teacher!"
As the two conversed, Sheila Grey arrived with a small squad of members.
After exchanging greetings, no further words were spoken, and the field fell into silence.
Below the stage, Wu Heng's carriage arrived as well.
He stepped down and walked straight into the dueling ground.
...…
Wu Heng wore a Hundred-Arms Robe, stepped in Hundred-Arms Battle Boots, and beside him stood his level 18 skeleton retainer—Kashu.
Shortly after, a figure leapt into the dueling ground from the distance.
Golden-haired and blue-eyed, with strikingly handsome features.
Yet his gaze was deep and steady, reminiscent of Wu Heng's first steward—Yazde.
Assistant Shiyali stepped onto the stage.
She announced in a solemn tone, "For this duel: No abilities that exceed the battlefield's range. No lethal artifacts or tools. No soul damage. If one surrenders or suffers serious injuries, the battle must cease immediately."
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