Chapter 3 – The Duel That Shouldn't Have Happened
The rumors spread faster than wildfire.
By morning, every servant, guard, and noble in the estate knew the truth — Luke Valcrest had no mana.
Luke could hear the whispers as he walked through the courtyard.
"He's finished."
"Even peasants have more magic than that."
"A noble without mana is just a dressed-up beggar."
He ignored them. His mind was already on the Agust prototype in his pocket.
It had worked last night. If it could work in real combat…
"Hey, failure!"
Luke turned. A boy his age stood a few paces away, flanked by two others. His hair was slicked back, his robes trimmed with the crest of the Ardam family — one of Valcrest's rivals.
It was Cayden Ardam, known for his arrogance and mediocre magic — a dangerous combination.
"I hear you can't even light a candle," Cayden sneered. "How about we test that? Duel me."
Luke tilted his head. "Why?"
"Because I want everyone to see what happens when a Valcrest pretends to be a mage." Cayden smirked. "Or are you too scared?"
The nearby students and servants perked up, forming a loose circle. Duels were allowed among nobles — as long as they stopped short of killing.
Luke slipped the Agust ring onto his hand, hiding it under his sleeve. "Fine."
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The Duel Ground – Moments Later
Cayden stepped into the arena circle, conjuring a fireball in his palm. "I'll go easy on you. Wouldn't want to burn a failure too badly."
Luke didn't move. "You talk a lot. Do you actually fight?"
The fireball shot toward him. Gasps filled the air.
Luke raised his hand — the Agust ring flared, its runes glowing faintly — and a thin, blue barrier shimmered to life just in time. The fireball splashed against it harmlessly.
"What—?!" Cayden stumbled back. "You… you have no mana! How—?"
Luke stepped forward. "I told you. I don't need mana."
The ring pulsed again. Luke triggered the next function — a compressed burst of kinetic force. It slammed into Cayden's chest like an invisible hammer, knocking him flat on his back.
The crowd erupted in shouts and whispers.
Luke knelt beside him, his voice calm but cold. "Remember this, Cayden. I don't use magic… I make it."
He stood, walking away as the whispers turned into something else entirely — curiosity.
Somewhere in the crowd, the Head Mage watched with narrowed eyes.
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