Episode 25: Duel ban lifted
When I reflect on it calmly, I realize that I had become complacent, perhaps even arrogant. The days I spent in Xenon’s shoes were filled with excitement—immersed in magic, dedicated to training, and even facing off against the world’s strongest magician, which was a rare experience.
Enrolling early at the Royal Academy, making like-minded friends such as Yuno and Patricia, everything seemed to be going smoothly. While outwardly I maintained a facade of composure, deep down, I knew I had become too self-assured. It’s not good at all. In fact, it’s downright embarrassing when I think about how much I had overestimated myself.
Thankfully, Professor Calvin made me realize my mistake. The potion I created was too pure, potentially becoming a deadly poison if used as is. Diluting it would be one solution, but considering the cost of dilution and the fees for professionals to handle it, it would be much more cost-effective to simply produce low-level potions.
I had been so focused on showcasing my abilities that I completely missed the purpose of the task.
What was I thinking? Yuno, who can see through things, probably understood better than I did. I shouldn’t have said such things.
“Anyway, I need to switch gears,” I thought to myself. I couldn’t afford to keep dwelling on my mistakes. Instead, I needed to turn this failure into a learning experience and feedback for improvement. My stance wouldn’t change, but I would never become complacent again.
After all, complacency only led to destruction, and that’s the last thing I wanted.
“I should be thankful to Professor Calvin,” I mused. He made me realize my folly. Well, maybe not intentionally, but at least he helped me avoid inevitable trouble down the road. I didn’t want to face the consequences of my arrogance.
However, I wouldn’t let this hinder my enjoyment of school life. I had no intention of constantly being on edge, as that could lead to a momentary lapse in judgment. I wanted to make the most of my time at the academy for myself and for the friends who had embraced me. While I wouldn’t go easy on my enemies, I would enjoy my school life to the fullest.
“Well, it’s time to go,” I decided.
“Huh? Are you leaving already?”
“Ah, I have a feeling today is going to be troublesome. I want to resolve this quickly.”
“A feeling of trouble…? Ah! It’s been a month since we enrolled! Dueling is allowed now. Xenon will probably be even more challenged, making it tough.”
“How about you, brother?”
“Well, I’m the eldest of the Restinata family, you know. I was challenged by people of similar status.”
He said with a half-hearted smile.
Dueling offers more than just academic credit.
It adds prestige.
Defeating the eldest son of a prominent noble family holds considerable influence. While strength isn’t the sole measure, a loss is still a loss.
Especially during student years, rumors spread like wildfire. At this age, even rankings based on martial prowess wouldn’t be surprising.
In other words, something like, “Oh, those folks? They’re amazing, right? They’ve expanded their territory and all. But back in their student days, didn’t they lose to that other family? What if their land gets attacked? If they can’t defend it, they’re in trouble, right? (Lol)” That sort of thing.
Unfounded biases come along with it.
That’s why nobles without confidence in their abilities tend to avoid duels.
They might be called cowards, but it’s better than losing.
“But, you’re undefeated. I hear a lot about you, brother. They call you the undefeated genius. ‘The white hero who has never known defeat.'”
I said with a sly grin, my elder brother blushed slightly and protested.
“H-Hey, cut it out… I never approved of those titles!”
“That just means you’re popular, doesn’t it? It’s better than being unknown.”
“Well, that’s true, but… I think Xenon will come to understand this embarrassment too.”
Yeah, I get it.
After all, Xenon’s original title is the Apostle of Darkness.
It’s way too cringey.
By the way, the protagonist’s title is ‘Holy Knight of Light.’
Both titles are simply too embarrassing.
“I don’t know how many challenges I’ll face, but if they come, I’ll just have to defeat them.”
“I hope you do your best.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Give it your all, stay vigilant, and respond with all your might.
Even if I end up losing, it’s just a sign of my own inadequacy. I’ll accept it and become stronger.
But ever since I lost to Nova, I made a vow. I won’t lose anymore.
I don’t want to break that promise…
“───It’s a duel!! Xenon Restinata!!”
“I accept. Anoi Longren.”
“Huh, are you sure…? Seriously…? And you know my name…? Wow…”
He looks so happy.
ーーーーー
Author Note:
In the next episode, there will be a duel with Anoi, the guy with brown hair. He was originally intended to be a genuine villainous side character, but because the author liked him, he seems to be gradually taking on a more prominent role.
[Additional Information]:
In the previous episode, there were many suggestions to dilute the “super concentrated” potion that Xenon made. However, even if you add water to a potion, while the taste may become milder, the effectiveness doesn’t decrease. You need a special diluent and someone capable of diluting it. In other words, that would be more expensive! So, it’s much cheaper to make regular low-level potions! I also used to think, “Just add water, it’ll be fine,” until I did some research. It involves things like molar concentrations… I’m not a fan of chemistry… I don’t get it…
