Chapter 7: The Humiliation and The Reckoning
The Royal Academy's grand courtyard was bustling with students, but a tense circle had formed near the central fountain. In the middle stood Bazi Arkaan, his uniform disheveled and face burning with humiliation. Surrounding him were Kael Lin and his cronies, their laughter echoing cruelly.
"Look at the mighty Arkaan heir!" Kael sneered, pushing Bazi roughly. "Can't even perform a simple mana circulation. Your family should have stayed in the gutters where they belong!"
Bazi's hands trembled at his sides, his knuckles white. "My family has more honor in their little finger than your entire lineage, Kael!"
Kael's face twisted in anger. He was the Lin family's young master, arrogant and privileged, known for his bullying nature. "Honor? Your family is a joke! Here, let me show you what real power feels like!"
Kael channeled mana into his palm, a faint blue aura surrounding it—the sign of a Low-Level Knight. He aimed a mana-infused slap at Bazi's face, but before it could connect, a firm hand caught his wrist.
"Touch my brother," a cold voice said, "and you'll lose that hand."
All eyes turned to Vicky Arkaan, who stood holding Kael's wrist in an iron grip. The crowd fell silent, shocked by both his sudden appearance and his boldness.
Kael yanked his hand back, scowling. "The failure dares to show his face? What, here to beg for your brother?"
Vicky ignored him, turning to Bazi. "Are you alright?"
Bazi nodded, eyes wide with surprise and relief. "Brother, what are you doing here?"
"Headmaster Thorian summoned me," Vicky said calmly, then turned his gaze back to Kael. "I brought evidence of your family's schemes."
Just then, Headmaster Thorian arrived, his stern presence parting the crowd. "What is the meaning of this disruption?"
Vicky bowed respectfully. "Headmaster, I have proof that the Lin family planted stolen scrolls in my brother's room to frame him." He presented a sealed letter. "This is a confession from a Lin family servant, obtained under witness of Count William's daughter."
Kael's face paled. "Lies! You're bluffing!"
Headmaster Thorian read the letter, his expression growing stormy. "These are serious allegations. The Lin family will be investigated immediately." He turned to Kael. "As for you, attacking a fellow student is grounds for expulsion."
Kael's arrogance returned in a desperate surge. "I demand a duel! A trial by combat! If Vicky defeats me, I'll accept any punishment!"
The Headmaster raised an eyebrow. "Vicky? Do you accept?"
Vicky's lips curved into a cold smile. "Gladly."
The duel was set for the main training ground. As they took their positions, Kael smirked. "This will be over quickly, failure."
"Remember," Reman's voice whispered in Vicky's mind. "He relies on flashy techniques. Let him exhaust himself first."
Kael lunged, his sword glowing with blue mana. He moved with the predictable flourishes of someone taught to show off rather than fight. Vicky dodged effortlessly, his movements economical and precise.
"Stand still and fight!" Kael shouted, frustrated.
"Are you tired already?" Vicky taunted, easily parrying another clumsy strike. "And here I thought the great Lin heir would be more impressive."
Enraged, Kael unleashed his signature move—"Sky Piercer"—a dramatic leap followed by a downward strike. It was all show, no substance. As Kael descended, Vicky didn't retreat. Instead, he stepped forward, meeting the attack with a perfectly timed upward strike that sent Kael's sword flying.
Before Kael could react, Vicky swept his legs out from under him and pinned him to the ground, a knee pressed firmly against his chest.
"The duel is over," Headmaster Thorian declared.
But Vicky wasn't finished. He leaned close, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper only Kael could hear. "If you ever look at my brother again, if you even think about harming him, I will bury you and your entire family. This was a warning. Next time, there won't be a duel."
The threat hung in the air, cold and absolute. Kael could only nod, trembling, as Vicky released him.
Later, as they walked through the academy grounds, Bazi looked at his brother with awe. "I've never seen you fight like that."
Vicky smiled gently. "Focus on your studies, Bazi. Leave the Lin family to me. Your only job is to learn and become strong."
Bazi nodded, a new determination in his eyes. "I won't let you down, brother."
As Vicky watched Bazi head to his classes, Reman's voice echoed in his mind.
"Well handled. But the Lin family will not take this lightly. They will strike back soon."
Let them come, Vicky thought, his eyes hardening. I'll be ready.
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