By the time evening settled in, the Chen family drove through the grand iron gates of the Strongman estate.
The mansion stood tall and imposing beneath the fading sunset, the many windows glowing like watchful eyes. Even from the driveway, voices and laughter could be heard drifting through the open courtyard.
Alexander stepped out beside his parents.
The house elf led them inside.
Alexander excused himself from his parents and went over to his friends.
Before he could even say anything, one of them said.
"You're finally here! Do you know what Kyle did?"
Alexander raised a brow.
"Judging from your faces… something troublesome."
They laughed with excitement.
"He told everyone."
"The duel, I mean."
"He's been bragging about it all week."
Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
So much for a private match.
Was it too late to back out now?
After chatting a bit longer, he slipped away to find Silver and Copper. The two house-elves were already wandering the estate halls in awe, taking many photos and exploring.
Alexander quickly found them and leaned down slightly.
"When the duel starts later, remember to take lots of photos."
Both house elves had their eyes lit up.
They nodded so fast their ears flopped.
"Yes, Young Master!"
"We take the best photographs!"
They no longer cried about photography payments. Instead, it had turned into passionate dedication.
Alexander chuckled and patted both their heads before returning to the main hall.
Dinner itself was surprisingly normal.
Alexander was expecting more than the usual, since there was going to be a duel later.
Long tables.
Floating candles.
Elegant silverware.
Delicious food.
Parents discussed politics, business, and the latest news, while the younger generation whispered among themselves about the upcoming duel.
Kyle was nowhere to be seen.
Halfway through dessert, Mr. Strongman rose from his seat and tapped his glass.
The hall fell silent instantly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced proudly, "thank you for attending tonight's gathering. As some of you may know… my son Kyle has arranged a friendly duel this evening."
Several adults smirked knowingly.
"I invite everyone to proceed to our dueling arena."
Chairs slid back as excitement rippled through the room.
The arena was built within a massive domed chamber attached to the mansion.
It wasn't just decorative, but it was a professional dueling arena.
Several seats surrounded a circular marble dueling platform. Runes glowed faintly along the walls, layered protection charms humming in the air to intercept stray magic.
The Strongman family took dueling seriously.
Kyle was already there.
He stood on the platform in formal dueling attire, wand in hand, posture straight, eyes locked on the entrance, the moment Alexander walked in.
Kyle grinned.
"Do you need to change or anything before we start?"
Alexander laughed as he glanced down at his clothes.
"Nope. I have everything I need."
Murmurs spread through the audience as he stepped onto the platform.
In the stands, Silver and Copper scrambled for the best angles, cameras ready.
There was even a small betting pool forming among the guests.
Alexander noticed Copper pointing at him while placing coins down.
He shook his head, amused.
Kyle rolled his shoulders.
"You can use whatever you want. I won't lose."
Alexander smiled faintly.
"You seem confident."
"I am," Kyle replied.
"Then let's make it interesting," Alexander said. "We should wager something."
Kyle didn't hesitate. "Fine. Anything."
Alexander's smile sharpened.
"Good. Then we'll discuss the prize… after I win."
Kyle snorted loudly. "Keep dreaming."
Mr. Strongman stepped onto the platform as referee.
"Wands ready?"
Both boys raised their wands.
"Begin!"
Kyle moved first.
"Confringo!"
The blasting curse roared forward in a burst of violent light.
"Protego."
Alexander's shield rose instantly to block.
The explosion rippled across the barrier but failed to break it.
They began circling.
Alexander cast casually.
"Expelliarmus."
Kyle deflected.
"Stupefy."
Blocked again.
Kyle, however, fought aggressively—firing advanced spells one after another, forcing Alexander on the defensive.
Then—
"Bombarda!"
Alexander's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Protego Duo!"
The reinforced shield flared just as the explosion struck. The impact boomed across the arena, protection wards absorbing the excess force before it reached the audience.
A few impressed murmurs echoed in the stands.
Alexander lowered his wand slightly.
"Oh? That was nice."
Kyle smirked, breathing was a little heavier, but confident.
Alexander beckoned with two fingers.
"Come on. Keep it up. Cast it again."
The taunt worked.
Kyle's pride ignited.
"Bombarda! Bombarda! Bombarda!"
Explosions chained across the platform in rapid succession.
Alexander defended each one, studying carefully—timing, wand motion, magical output.
He was learning the spell mid-duel.
But he wasn't about to let Kyle control the tempo forever.
With a flick—
"Rictusempra."
The tickling charm struck Kyle squarely.
…Nothing happened.
Kyle didn't even twitch.
Alexander blinked—then burst out laughing.
"Kyle… you're not ticklish?"
Kyle scowled. "Only babies are ticklish."
Alexander laughed harder, the sound echoing through the arena.
"Come on, come on—I'm just getting warmed up."
Fury flashed in Kyle's eyes as they resumed exchanging spells—blasts, shields, dodges, counters—magic flashing like fireworks beneath the warded dome.
From the stands, cameras clicked wildly as Silver and Copper captured every moment of the duel.
Meanwhile, Alexander's smile slowly faded into focus.
While blocking and countering, he thought.
Kyle had improved.
Which meant—
He finally adjusted his stance.
His aura sharpened.
He knew it was time.
Time to get a bit more serious.