The attack came too fast for Felix to dodge. A streak of silver cut through the air, and before he could twist away, it slammed into his chest with a hollow thud . The force sent a shockwave rippling through the arena, kicking up dust.
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Spectators leaned forward, eyes wide. That strike had felled knights twice Felix's size—yet he hadn't even staggered.
But Felix didn't crumple. He didn't bleed. He stood there, arms loose at his sides, as if the blow had been nothing more than a summer breeze. A few strands of his hair drifted lazily in the settling dust.
"Impossible…" someone whispered.
Nox's smirk faltered. His fingers twitched around his sword hilt.
Guild Master Darian let out a booming laugh. "I knew it! My new friend's strong enough to withstand a kingdom-level threat!"
Felix flicked invisible dirt off his sleeve. "Just a powerless deflection. Nothing more."
Meanwhile, Sylra and Nox were still locked in their duel, blades clashing with reckless abandon. Their laughter was edged with madness, their movements a blur of steel and sparks. Not listening to Darian's calls .
Darian's patience snapped. He barked an order, and a maid rushed forward, offering him a spear. The weapon hummed in his grip, its runes flickering like angry embers. Without warning, he hurled it into the arena.
The impact was thunderous. The spear embedded itself between the fighters, cracking the stone floor. A shockwave of silence followed. Even the torches seemed to hold their breath.
Sylra froze mid-swing. "M-Master! You're back!"
Nox, however, didn't lower his blade. His chest heaved, his knuckles white around his sword.
Darian's voice was ice. "You could've injured my guest. Control yourselves."
Sylra bowed instantly. "Sorry, Master."
Nox scoffed. "He should've moved."
Felix's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Arrogant prick," he muttered.
Darian's spear trembled, as if sensing his rage. "Apologize. Now."
Sylra nudged Nox. "Just do it."
Nox spat to the side. "I won't apologize to a man who can't dodge a simple strike."
The crowd tensed. Darian's grip on his spear tightened.
"Then duel him," Nox sneered. "If he wins, I'll apologize. If he loses, he bows to me."
Felix rolled his shoulders. "Another arrogant prick," he said, louder this time.
Darian opened his mouth to refuse, but Felix cut in. "I accept."
Nox's grin turned feral. "You'll regret this."
The crowd roared as the two men faced off. The sun blazed overhead, casting long shadows across the bloodstained sand.
Nox drew his sword first. Its edge gleamed, honed to perfection. Felix, in contrast, unsheathed a simple blade—its surface so polished it mirrored the sky.
Nox sneered. "Is that for culinary purposes?"
Felix flipped a coin. It spun, glinting gold in the light. "Yes, it is." He caught it. Heads. "I don't need a real blade to beat you." smirks
Nox's eye twitched. "Delusional." what's funny ?
Felix's smirk widened. "I'll make this funny for everyone."
Darian's voice boomed. "Begin!"
Nox lunged. His first swing missed Felix by a hair's breadth. The crowd gasped. His second strike was blocked, steel ringing like a bell. The third? Felix sidestepped, letting the blade slice through empty air.
A bead of sweat rolled down Nox's temple.
"Oh, dangerous!" Felix taunted, dancing back. "Almost had me."
Nox snarled. "Stop running!"
Felix's defense was effortless—parrying, weaving, always a breath ahead.
Nox panted
"Aren't you a mage?" "Where's your magic?" Felix said blocked another strike.
Nox. "Won't waste it on you."
The sun climbed higher, heat shimmering off the sand. With a final clash, both fighters staggered back.
Nox wiped his brow. "Getting tired?"
Felix grinned. "Just warming up."
Near the stands, Sylra leaned toward Darian. "Who is this guy?"
Darian crossed his arms. "No idea. But he's magnificent."
Felix's movements shifted—faster, sharper. He'd found Nox's rhythm.
"Thanks for the fight," Felix said suddenly.
Nox blinked. "Ready to lose?"
Felix's blade angled—just so—catching the sunlight.
A flash of blinding light.
Nox recoiled, swearing. "You—!"
Felix struck. His hilt slammed into Nox's wrist, sending his sword clattering to the ground. A final shove, and Nox landed hard on his backside, his hair ruffling like a disgruntled bird's nest.
Felix loomed over him. "The 'best in the kingdom' is still a small fish."
Nox's face purpled. "You cheated!"
Felix tapped his blade against Nox's throat. "Want me to cheat harder?"
Nox's scream was cut short as Darian intervened.
"Enough," Darian said. "He outsmarted you. Fair and square."
Nox's jaw worked. Finally, he spat, "Fine. I apologize." A pause. "Consider it a privilege."
Felix sheathed his sword. "How generous."
A shimmer of energy crackled from Felix's blade—an enchantment Nox hadn't noticed."Then—Nox's hair began to fall.
Clumps of it drifted to the ground, leaving him patchy, half-bald. The crowd howled with laughter.
Darian clapped Felix on the back. "You're a menace."
Felix shrugged. "He'll grow it back."
Nox's screech echoed across the arena. "MY HAIR!"
Darian grinned. "Now—how about a duel with me ?"
Felix met his gaze. "Sure."
The crowd erupted. The real fight was just beginning...