C152: Public Duel (2)
The moon went down and a new light of dawn rose. The second day of the magic festival has begun.
“Move it slowly!”
“Are you ready for this?”
From early in the morning, students and users busily walked around to check the banners and items. Since the full-fledged festival started on the second day, the preparations were more thorough then the previous day.
As if to prove it, wagons were coming in through Theon main gate in line from early morning. It was a similar scene to the previous day, but there was a big difference, which was the pattern engraved on the wagons.
“Look, it’s the Duke of Lumos’ carriage!”
“He really came.”
“Is that the pattern of the Deville family?”
“Then, didn’t Duke Kadushan also come?”
The guards at the entrance were also nervous at the appearance of the noble people, who were so high in rank. They, who did not show their faces on the first day, came to Theon the second day because the main event was concentrated on that day.
The magic duels caught the most attention. The Duel event, which selects the first to third places by grade, was a key attraction in the magic festival every year and teachers will also participate this year.
It was a situation where more people were paying attention because the news were spread widely. Contrary to great expectations, only the teachers in charge of the first and second grades participated, but that alone was enough.
The title “Teacher of Theon” was never light even for the first-year teachers. As if to prove it, the stands where the event will be held soon were already full of people.
“Did you hear the news? Teachers are participating in the duel this time.”
“The lineup wasn’t great, was it?”
“Honestly, I wanted to see teachers in the 4th grade or higher, but that’s inevitable.”
“It’s because it was a surprise event. Do you think they’ll do it again next year if the response is good this year?”
The aristocrats who had just entered Theon today had already taken a good seat and waited for the upcoming special event with anticipating eyes.
There were not only aristocrats in the stands. On one side of the VIP seats, wizards from the Tower caught people’s attention at a glance.
“Look at that. It’s the Old Tower and the New Tower wizards.”
“They really came.”
As if they didn’t want to get involved with each other, the two groups of wizards split their seats in half and sat separately.
As if they were worth their name, there were many old wizards in the Old Tower, and on the other hand, there were many young wizards in the New Tower.
“I’m sure the Tower is here to recruit talented people in advance, right?”
“Maybe they are. In addition, about three years ago, the two towers were eager to compete with each other, and they were very fierce in recruiting talents.”
“That’s right. Besides, it’s not just the Tower that recruits talented wizards, is it?”
The Imperial Magic Society, the Empire’s Magical Troops and schools of nationally recognized associations were interested in Theon’s geniuses.
“I want to get business cards from people like that.”
“Wake up. That’s only possible when you’re in the top 10% of Theon.”
“The top will pick the place they want, right?”
“Of course but you don’t have to worry too much because we’ll go to a good place when we graduate. Graduation is work.”
Being chosen by them is a privilege that only a few students can enjoy, so most students had no choice but to give up their vain delusions in regret.
“More than that, when does the duel start? To be honest, I can’t wait any longer because I’m so excited. I’ve never seen a teachers duel before.”
“It was a surprise event before the students duel so I’m sure it’ll start soon.”
“Oh! Look over there. The president is here.”
Just in time, Theon’s president, Elisa Willow, appeared at the top of the stadium. As it was a public occasion, Elisa, dressed in more colorful clothes than usual, smiled and waved at the people in the audience.
As Elisa appeared, people who were looking for an opportunity approached her immediately.
“President Elisa, how are you? You’re still beautiful.”
“Long time no see, Miss President. How have you been? Do you remember me?”
“Hello. This is Mitra from the Journal of Magic. Can I have an interview?”
Theon’s president always draws people’s attention. The new president, Elisa, was famous for being the sixth-ranked Archmage at a young age.
In some ways, it was a natural reaction for her people to try and build connections with her because she was also a beauty.
“I’m sorry, but I’m busy right now, so I can’t afford to talk to anyone.”
Elisa smiled. At the same time, her golden eyes shone magically, and 90% of those who tried to approach Elisa fell off.
With only a word and a smile most of the flies had their will broken. People who were watching the situation from a distance were amazed.
“Is that the famous magic eye? She caught everyone with her eyes.”
“I can’t even approach her with my poor skills.”
Those who tried to approach at the opportunity had no choice but to give up and take a step back.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Elisa made a light bow and headed to her seat. Among the VIP seats, only the highest-ranking people can sit. When she got there, there were already people who came first.
“Oh, there are precious people here.”
“President Elisa! Haha, it’s been a long time.”
An old man holding a cane in both hands greeted Elisa. It was an old man with bright gray hair and a long beard. Luxurious clothes that looked expensive at a glance and a unique soft atmosphere. The ring on the finger was engraved with the image of a mountain goat.
“Nice to meet you, Duke Heibaek.”
Heibaek Kadushan. He was the oldest of the three great dukes of the Exilion Empire, but he was also the lightest man in words and actions.
“I have been frustrated because there was no one I could communicate with. This boring friend doesn’t answer me properly no matter what I say, right?”
“Who’s your friend?”
It was a man with dark blue hair who spoke in an irritated voice. He had a heavy voice and a sharp look. The eagle’s seal on the cloak he wrapped around his shoulder shone silver in the sunlight.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Duke Caiden? Are you here to see your daughter?”
“Humph.”
Caiden Lumos, the current Duke Lumos and the father of Flora Lumos, responded with a snort to Elisa’s question. In response, Heibaek shook his head and clapped his tongue.
“Oh, my friend. You don’t care that your daughter goes here? Are you really her father?”
“Don’t pay attention to other people’s families.”
Caiden was a thin-lined handsome man in his mid-30s, but his actual age was much higher. That’s why he was able to talk recklessly against Heibaek, who looked old.
“Haha. Look at this. President Elisa. How boring must it be to have a guy like this sitting next to me?”
“You two are on good terms.”
“That old man is making friendly enemies as he pleases. Trying to get acquainted with the slick Kadushan it’s something I wouldn’t do unless I was crazy.”
“But isn’t it better than the hard Lumos?”
“What?”
Elisa intervened because she thought they would fight again if she left it as it is.
“So where did the other person go? I thought all three great dukes were here today.”
“Oh, you mean David? I don’t think it’s here yet. I thought he’d be the first one to come.”
Contrary to the expectation that all three great dukes would gather, David Ulburg, the leader of the Ulburg family, did not come to the stadium.
“The pillars supporting the empire are gathered here. It’s amazing.”
Hugo Burtag approached them. The president only glared at Hugo, who rubbed his hands with disapproval, but did not restrain him.
It was undeniable that Hugo also had a place in Theon. Hugo’s shoulders were so high like they had never been before.
“I’m sure the upcoming teacher duel will meet your expectations. I put some effort into it this time.”
“Oh, was that your suggestion?”
“…….”
Heibaek responded lightly to Hugo, who claimed that the upcoming duel was his idea, and Caiden continued to ignore him.
Hugo did not forget to look around while nodding his head as if he was sorry. Then, seeing Elisa’s appearance, he had a glow of jealousy in his eyes.
She, the president, was full of people trying to approach her just by sitting still. Some people chattered and tried to get close, but Elisa had no choice but to raise her chin once because people were embarrassed.
For Hugo, the effort the president put into getting to that position was not considered at all but there was no one here who had the same thoughts as Hugo.
“Tsk. What’s so great about that foxy woman?”
Altego Dantes, the elder of the old tower, did not hide his annoyance at the crowd gathered around Elisa. Seeing Elisa respected by others made his stomach muscles twist.
Altego’s surrounding aides were worried that he might take it out on them but soon Altego turned away from Elisa and looked at the stadium. Elisa didn’t matter now.
‘Is that bastard participating in the duel this time?’
Altego, who has ears to listen to, heard an interesting news this time. The inside story of how the upcoming magic duel of teachers will work.
On the outside, it was a show to show the audience the status of Theon, but inside it was a fight between the aristocracy and the common people. And Rudger Chelici will participate in the competition.
‘No matter how handsome he is, can he really keep his neck stiff even here?’
The disgrace he experienced at the banquet hall that day still lingered in Altego Dantes’ mind and was burning like a flame. Even now, when he closed his eyes, he vividly remembered the humiliation he suffered from Rudger at the banquet hall that day.
‘How dare you treat me, an elder of the Tower, like that?’
Therefore, Altego was looking forward to this match. According to the information he heard in advance, there was a saying that Rudger Chelici had no choice but to lose.
As he wanted to see him ruined quickly, someone shouted with a loudspeaker.
[Everyone! You’ve been waiting for a long time!]
The noisy people closed their mouths and stared at the sound. There, they saw a female student holding an artifact that amplified her voice.
[The festival’s special event, Magic Duel, will begin soon! I’m Jesse Luna, a senior commentator who’s hosting your game today! And this is fourth grade magic battle instructor, Carter Lower!]
Next to a fourth-grade student called Jesse Luna, there was a man in his early 40s with dark circles under his eyes and a somewhat loose impression. Those two were the commentators and hosts of the event.
[Let’s start the Magic Duel!]
The match table was already set, so the game proceeded quickly without a long delay.
[This time, Theon’s teachers will participate in the duel! Today’s long-awaited first game! Oh! This is unusual from the start! The new teacher who has recently become famous in Theon! The creator of the new magic source code! Rudger Chelici–!!!]
A shout of excitement rang out throughout the stadium and everyone stared at the stadium with expectant eyes.
“It’s Mr. Rudger.”
“Wow. Oh, my God. Mr. Rudger from the first duel.”
“Today it’s a great day.”
The students responded with a mixture of admiration and longing.
Rudger, dressed in a black frock coat, stood there like a model.
“Flora, look over there. It’s Dr. Rudger. He’s dressed up nicely again this time.”
“What? I’m not that interested.”
Unlike Cheryl, who shouted excitedly, Flora had a sour reaction. But it was a superficial appearance, as Flora had strong expectations inside.
Standing in the center of the stadium, Rudger glanced around with a calm gaze.
‘There are a lot of people here to watch.’
He couldn’t believe so many people came to see the duel. Just when their eyes met, the president said with her mouth to be strong, and waved her hand.
‘Even the expectations are high.’
He didn’t expect that the president would cheer for him. It was not a welcomed sight for Rudger who just wanted to go through the motions.
[And the other star of today! Matthew Summert, who is in charge of Theon’s first year!!]
The person who came out as his opponent was of course an aristocratic teacher from Hugo Burtag faction.
‘No. Few aristocratic teachers are not in Hugo’s faction.’
The opponent was already glaring at him with a serious gaze. This must be the first time they’ve met, but he was treating Rudger like an enemy.
‘I’m hated by the people over there.’
Rudger held the magic wand in his hand, thinking comfortably. The opponent also took out a cane and held it.
[Then! The duel will start right away. Oh my god!]
With the host’s cry, his opponent, Matthew Summert, pointed his cane at Rudger.
Rudger watched the scene in a relaxed manner and Matthew stared at Rudger with trembling eyes but didn’t shoot his magic. He couldn’t move recklessly unless he knew what to expect from his opponent but over time, he will definitely use magic.
‘Yes, come on.’
Rudger wanted Matthew Summert to quickly launch an attack magic at him. He was going to lose by pretending that he couldn’t block the attack properly.
‘Come on.’
Matthew Summert flinched as Rudger stared at him with a longing gaze. Having been aiming at his cane for a while, he did not think of using his magic and the tip of his cane was trembling.
‘Hurry up and shoot! If you shoot, I’ll lose.’
Rudger urged Matthew Summert, in his head but Matthew continued to stay there without moving.
When such a strange confrontation lasted five minutes Rudger felt something strange.
‘……Why isn’t he shooting?’
