I remembered the time when the Demons invades Ainzlark Academy.
Edward and Jerry wanted to accompany me on my mission to save the Girls' Dormitory.
They were earnest, and they were both more powerful and dependable than anyone around.
However...
"You'll only slow me down."
... I refused their aid.
It wasn't pride or overconfidence. It was the truth.
Although I needed help, having those two with me would only hamper my movements and risk putting my task in jeopardy.
As a result, I left them behind and went on my own.
***************
"You're dead weight, Jared."
Those words wounded my heart. It was the first time Kuzon was this close to me, and I felt the difference in our height.
Still, there was no way I could accept his words—especially in terms of power.
"Why don't we test that out." I gave an annoyed smirk at the condescending boy.
"I have nothing to prove. Just give me my information, and I'll leave."
"If you want your information, you'll listen to what I have to say."
It was a dishonorable thing to do, and in retrospect, I was bound to regret my decision. However, at the moment, I was too desperate and annoyed to care less.
'Is this what they call a man's pride? I don't like it, but..'
"I understand your ego has been bruised. But, isn't that just shameless of you to withhold my rightfully earned information?" Kuzon's words didn't make things any better.
"He has a point, you know?" Neron decided to add more salt to my injury.
"Yeah, just give him what he wants so he can be on his way." Serah sighed.
The expression of everyone else also told me that they were taking Kuzon's side.
'Can't anyone see what he's trying to do? Also...'
"Are you cool with that too, Ana?" I asked the only person who gave an uncertain expression.
Apparently, she had already recovered from the kiss she shared with Kuzon.
"I don't particularly care." Her voice sounded tired.
"Well, that's a bit hurtful, Ana," Kuzon spoke with a broader smile.
"Well, you called me a burden, didn't you? Plus, that kiss wasn't genuine. Just a greeting? Urgh, so typical..."
Kuzon's smile vanished and he suddenly gave me a slightly irritated look.
'What's up with that? What did I do?'
"This is pointless. Fine, let's play your game." The golden-haired boy shrugged, finally creating some distance between me and him.
"Perfect!"
I had no idea why Kuzon decided to accept. If he refused, I would still have no choice but to tell him what he wanted to know.
'He should know that, yet...' I glanced at Ana and noticed her pouting.
Was it because of Ana's influence? Did Kuzon actually have feelings for her?
'I guess I'll find out after he joins us.'
"Why don't we restart the match we never got to finish at the Inter Class Exchange? Me versus you." I declared with a broad grin.
"I see. So that's it? Alright, what are the stakes?"
'I know Kuzon has grown very powerful, and I don't want to underestimate him. But... he doesn't realize how powerful I've gotten as well.'
"If I win, you'll join our team. That way, I would have proven that we won't be a burden to you."
"And if you lose?"
"You can have whatever you want. I don't care, since you won't be winning anyway." I smiled at the cocky Midas.
"After the match, no matter the outcome, I'll tell you the location of their headquarters."
Upon adding this, I glanced at Neron and he gave me a thumbs up. I didn't know if it was out of goodwill or something else, but he didn't say any more.
"Since I want this fight to be over and done with, let's not restrict our abilities. No limits, anything goes... right?" Kuzon gave a brazen smile.
'This guy... if I use Original Magic and Anti-Magic, in addition to Spellcraft, this match is as good as mine.'
I wasn't one to underestimate my opponents, but no matter how powerful Kuzon was, he remained below the level of Neron.
Since he acknowledged Serah, that meant he wasn't as strong as she was—or maybe they were on the same level.
'I have more Miasma than I did in the past, so I should be able to nullify most of his attacks. Spellcraft will grant me the environmental advantage, and I'll have the chance to adapt his techniques through my Original Magic.'
This was an opportunity, and I wasn't planning on missing out on it.
"If you're done grinning, can we get started?" Kuzon interrupted my thoughts, his hands in his pockets.
The breeze gently blew his golden hair as he maintained a cool gaze.
"Sure. Neron, would you please help us erect a barrier?"
As part of my countermeasures, I decided not to show my hand.
'If he sees I'm very good at defense, he might switch his strategy. It's better if my opponent has no idea what I'm capable of, especially since it's Kuzon.'
Misdirection was a strategy that was too risky when I had no concrete plan or long-term goal.
'I'll be playing things by ear... but I'll make sure I win.'
So far, there were three major factors about Kuzon I couldn't ignore.
One was his Original Magic—the annoying strings that he controlled. I had no idea how much they had evolved, but if I could see them, then it would be fine to maintain my distance and figure out a solution.
'I could also disable it with Anti-Magic...'
The second factor was his vast amount of Mana, and his wide array of Magic.
This could also be resolved using Anti-Magic. Plus, I had quite the arsenal of Magic myself, not to mention Spellcraft.
Finally, his combat skills.
Kuzon was superior to me in Martial Arts the last time we fought, and even I had to admit that he was too strong.
Unfortunately for him, I had the Arcanas at my beck and call.
Using my Great Sage's Memoir to coordinate my attacks and movements, not even someone as skilled as Kuzon could keep up.
'I still have no idea what his Familiar is, but it should be fine...'
I had thousands at my command, so I still had the upper hand in that department.
'His Familiar should be Mana-Based. If I overwhelm it with Miasma, it should be my win.'
After analyzing the situation properly, it was nigh impossible for me to win.
Of course, I would keep my guard up against any uncertainty, but so far... I wasn't going to lose confidence in my victory.
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[A/N]
Remember, everyone! Privilege Chapters will be 90 Percent Off from next month! Make sure to take advantage of this limited chance. There'll also be a Mass Release then, so look forward to it.
Also...
Fight! Fight!! Fight!!!
