40: The Sword Duel

Today, there were no classes for the students at the academy. It was the only day of the week when the academy allows students to do whatever they want, especially practice or take a break. In addition, students who have been granted permission to train in the dungeon only have today to venture there.

This is one of the reasons why Mr. Ronald arranged today's duel between Elvis and Logan.

As noon approached, the majority of the academy students headed towards the training grounds. Even some second-year students were also coming to the dueling unit of the training grounds.

One of the reasons why this particular duel had attracted many students was because it involved one of the geniuses. Therefore, many students simply wanted to witness the greatness of these geniuses and observe how effortlessly Logan defeat the other boy, who only started practicing swordsmanship three days ago.

The other reason was that this duel was personally arranged by a teacher. Not just any teacher, but the renowned and revered Grey Swordsgod, who was their combat teacher. As rumors have it, there is a student named Elvis who desires to become a disciple of the Grey Swordsgod, which is the dream of every student in the academy. So, they came to witness the turning of events.

The training grounds were abuzz with people chattering and moving around, making their way to the dueling unit. The duel was certainly the hottest and most talked-about topic, especially because Mr. Ronald and the genius, Logan, were involved. No one recognized Elvis as someone worth discussing like the other two.

Unlike the sparring unit, the dueling unit's ring was very spacious. It was circular and its diameter stretched out to more than 15 meters, whereas the sparring unit covered a space of 6 meters in diameter. That was just the main ring where the duel was meant to take place. On its floor was a large yin-yang-like drawing, unlike the sparring unit whose floor had a snowflake drawing. And it was slightly elevated from the ground, unlike the sparring unit.

Outside the ring, there were elevated platforms on the left and right sides of it. On this elevated platform, which was constructed by earth elemental mages, spectators can observe the brawl occurring in the ring. Even so, the space between the ring and the two elevated platforms was also expansive, allowing most students to stand around while watching the duel.

The time to start the duel was almost here, and all the spectators were present. Almost all of the first-year students were here, especially since this was going to be the first duel they would witness since coming to the academy. Some second-year students were also spotted in silver uniforms.

Mr. Ronald was also spotted seated on the elevated platform on the right side with a few of the teachers. Mr. Leonard was present as well, and of course, Werney wouldn't miss such a grand gathering. Perhaps his lackey, Derek, would spot the girl he had been searching for. There was also the Duel Referee and a few other distinguished individuals on that particular platform.

On the ground, near the slightly elevated ring, was the group of four friends and another person who was familiar to them. They were Elvis, Evelyn, Zoya, Cedric, and Troy. Yeah, Troy. After revealing his mission to Evelyn, he had been doing his utmost to stay around her in case of any peril. They happened to be discussing among themselves, probably lifting Elvis's spirit, who seemed to be nervous from the expression plastered on his face.

'He still hasn't manned up even after the sermon I gave him last time,' Troy muttered in his mind, feeling frustrated by his lack of contribution to the group. He just stood there, like an outcast.

Still engrossed in their conversation, not minding the other students glaring at Elvis, they didn't notice when a student walked up to them. She was wearing a black uniform like theirs, and she said:

"I was sent by Mr. Ronald to fetch Elvis. Please, follow me," the girl said.

They glanced at each other and then at the new girl before Elvis dejectedly followed her to the elevated platform where the Grey Swordsgod was seated.

They had arrived, and Elvis was now standing directly in front of him.

Mr. Ronald was about to speak when his eyes caught sight of the sword's hilt that Elvis was holding. Seeing that sword once again was making him remember his friend from back in the day. The resemblance between his sword and this boy's was so strong. He scanned Elvis's face, maybe forgetting what he initially wanted to tell him.

Those blonde hair, those brown eyes, and the shape of his face. Not to mention, the sword felt familiar. All thoughts were screaming inside Ronald's head that this student might have a connection to Nate Calder.

"What is your name?" He blurted out, forgetting what he initially wanted to tell the student. In addition to the fact that during their previous meeting, he didn't find out the name of the student who was so determined to call him a master.

As if whispering, he wants to be as honest as possible with this man - hoping that it would increase his chances of impressing the Grey Swordsgod. "My name is Elvis Calder," Elvis said. He didn't go by the Zeccammon surname that he was known for in the academy.

"Calder?" Ronald screamed, his eyes rolling. He was slightly jolted from his seat. This caused the other spectators on that platform to glance in his direction. Elvis was also surprised by his would-be master's reaction when his surname was mentioned.

However, Ronald composed himself, noticing the strange looks he was garnering. "I mean, do you know of one late Nate Calder?"

Elvis' eyes flickered with an indescribable glint. This man knows his father, but how? "Yes, sir. He is my fa…"

"I get it now, there's no need to say anything else. No wonder, I had been wondering why your sword looks so much like his." The Grey Swordsgod said, after composing himself from the shock of discovering that his old-time friend's son was the one who wanted to be his disciple. However, Elvis wondered about this man's relationship with his father. He even knew his surname and easily recognized his sword.

"Anyway, I called you here to tell you that you should give this duel your best. You shouldn't think that I set you up with Logan just so I could easily push you away from becoming my disciple… as the rumors said. I'm only interested in your abilities, and the best way to analyze them is by making you go against a more powerful opponent… Understood?"

The Grey Swordsgod lied, after discovering who Elvis really was. Initially, he wanted to persuade him to consider giving up the duel and look for another master. But now, things have taken another turn after learning about Elvis.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir!" Elvis said. He didn't know why, but hearing this man's words somewhat cleared all his nervousness and reluctance to duel Logan. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his blood vessels, ready for the duel. He looked down at the other three, who had been encouraging him, and that even fueled his resolve. He was ready to win or lose.

"The dueling students should now step into the ring!" The duel referee announced. Elvis left the elevated platform and walked towards the ring. On the other side, Logan was gracefully making his way into the ring too.

'I hope you win this duel. It's a pity, I went overboard to arrange you with Logan.' These were Ronald's thoughts.

Elvis, with determination to win, walked towards the center of the ring and was now standing face-to-face with Logan.

The two of them were wearing their brown training attire, which made Logan stand out because his hair, eyes, and scabbard were also brown.

As the air breezed past Elvis' head, his blonde hair fluttered in the sunlight, reflecting a golden hue. His brown eyes complemented his uniform, however, his scabbard was black with crimson engravings. If this was a battle of handsomeness, Elvis would have won but only by a small margin, because Logan himself wasn't lacking in looks.

From the elevated platform on the right side, the duel referee read out the rules of the duel to the duo.

Elemental abilities were allowed, but can only be used through their swords. They are limited to only dueling with basic sword techniques that are known by every swordsman. No spirit spell is allowed, even though Elvis has not yet discovered his spirit spell, same cannot be said for Logan.No fatal injuries and they are limited to use only the strength of an intermediate mage, even as Logan was an expert, he would never use an attack above the intermediate level.

So on which ground could one win the duel? The first to knock out his opponent's weapon. That was it. It might seem simple, but it is far from simple.

"Now introduce yourselves before the duel begins." The duel referee announced. Certainly, a duel is more coordinated than just a spar.

Elvis took the initiative and, after bowing to his opponent, he introduced himself, saying, "I'm Elvis Zeccammon, a 4-star mage. I have an elemental affinity for lightning. It will be an honor to duel with you."

"Logan Brown, 7-star. I have an elemental affinity for earth. Same here." Logan did his own introduction after bowing slightly to Elvis. He was an earth elemental mage. That was the main element of the Brown family including some variant ones like the ability to control plants, decay and destruction ability, etc.

The Duel Referee struck a bell on his table and announced the start of the duel, "Let the brawl begin."