Jake Whiteheart Pov
' Damn it! Damn it!! '
Hurriedly making way through the corridors I entered my sister's office without knocking.
" Isabella... "
However, before I could say anything I was interrupted by Isabella who already knew my reason for coming here
" I know, in fact the whole academy knows so calm yourself down for now"
Hearing her I took a deep breath as I sat in the chair in front of her desk.
" Is there really no way? "
At my question Isabella sat in silence for a bit before standing up and moving towards me resting her hands on my shoulders
" Jake, I know you wish to be of help however the nobles duel is a rule made by the founder it is immutable even the current emperor cannot stop it if it is set in motion "
As the harsh reality hit me, I closed my eyes as thoughts of how to help circled in my mind but all I got was a blank sheet that was until I remembered a fact about the nobles' duels bringing me some hope
" Then I will fight in his stead "
" What!!? "
" Commoners can be sent as representatives for nobles in these duels, due to the academy's rules and Nicholos's special case such a thing occurred so why can't I do the same "
" No wait you shouldn't... "
" You were thinking of doing the same weren't you? " I said interrupting her this time with grin on my face " the only thing that was holding you back was the fact that it was against the academy's rules for a professor to interfere in noble matters "
Struck speechless by my words Isabella stayed silent for another moment before releasing a sigh
" The risk is high "
" I know "
" Losing means disgracing our family as well "
" I never planned on losing I don't need to be C rank to beat one up "
Perhaps realizing I wasn't going to change my mind she shook her head before asking one last question
" How did you know I was thinking of fighting in his stead? "
" Ah that, well I guess I just thought about what I would if do my lover was in such a situation "
" Ah I see... What did you just say " Seemingly convinced she nodded at my words before suddenly stopping however we sadly didn't have time to continue this conversation
Standing up I moved towards the doors aiming to go and find Nicholos but before I could leave the office Isabella grabbed my wrist
" I am coming with you and don't even think of running away after this whole thing is done I want to hear everything " She said shooting me a glare
Seeing her like that only one thought crossed my mind
' I'm fucked '
.....
The time and place of the duel was already decided as such we were able to quickly find Nicholos who was currently in the changing room of the arena still wearing his black suit maintaining his decorum as always but for some reason something felt wrong
The incongruity of the situation and Nicholos's different vibe didn't seem to go unnoticed by Isabella either as a look of confusion appeared on her face but still undeterred by our reactions, he looked towards us as a smile graced his face as always
" Jake, lady Isabella what a pleasant surprise I didn't expect company before the duel "
Faced with his calm tone of voice with no hint of tension despite the situation caused any words that were about to leave my mouth to stop as I stared at him
" I am thankful for your offer; however, I will have to refuse you need not to interfere "
His words as if already having known of our plan only heightened the oddity of it all as he walked towards us making the atmosphere of the room feel heavier even though no signs of mana being used was seen
" Do not worry about what is coming instead I have another request for the both of you "
Leaning towards us he said causing for Isabella to reply though in a rather clumsy way
" Ah yes if you need anything just say so "
Faced with her reply his smile deepened further
" From now on till this is over I am The Head of Arcane, so for all that you are about to witness I hope you don't come to despise me later on "
With those final words he walked past us his usual smile vanishing as if it had never existed and all that was left was his endlessly dark eyes as if mirrors to the abyss. Even as his footsteps faded, I continued to stay frozen in place unable to forget what I just saw.
.....
Having regained my senses, I made my way towards Elizebath who had reserved a seat for me and Isabella just in case beforehand waving towards us we passed through the stands and sat beside her.
Looking around I could see the arena's stand full of students and professors from all three years wearing faces full of excitement for the unprecedented event that is going to happen but even with all the noise I could barely focus still remembering the look on Nicholos's face.
" Hey sis "
" What? "
" Nicholos, he you know... "
" Yeah, but all we could do now is trust him even if he was a bit different" she said " also we are in public so call him correctly "
Nodding slightly, I stared at the arena as the time for the duel was about to start with both representatives coming out, I swallowed loudly feeling Elizebath's hand gripping mine tightly however a string of murmurs suddenly rippled across the stands.
Looking below Nicholos was not there instead an old man with white hair and a kind smile stood at the arena, Garfield who was standing before him also wore a confused look in his face but before he could say anything lord Merlin appeared standing between both of them.
With his appearance all the previous murmurs disappeared in an instant, having successfully silenced everyone he turned slightly his eyes looking at a private room where distinguished guests who visit the academy are usually seated.
And the person who sat there at the moment was Nicholos who still wore the same look he had when they met him in the changing room, seeing him murmurs started to erupt but it was all drowned by Lord Merlin's following words.
" The duel shall hereby commence as the terms had already been agreed upon forfeiting is no longer allowed the end of the duel will only be done with the death or knock out of one of the two representatives "
The announcement of the terms and the sudden appearance of the unknown old man quickly caused a rise in the tension of the arena which Garfield seemed to be feeling rather well perhaps realizing something had gone wrong.
But that didn't stop what was coming as with a burst of light in the air lord merlin had officially started the duel.
For a moment everything seemed to stand still as Garfield stood in his place warry of his opponent with everyone watching with bated breath, that stillness didn't last long though as it was broken by not the sound of fighting but a command.
" Albert break his leg "
As Nicholos who was sitting at the top said this a scream sounded from the arena as Garfield was sprawled on the floor writhing in agony however as if indifferent to his screams Nicholos suddenly took out an hourglass and placed it on the edge for all to see as the old man whose name turned out to be albert used shadow manipulation to shut Garfield's mouth.
" These days it seems our households name does not bear much weight as it previously did, don't you think so? " He asked to no one in particular before flipping the hourglass
" I don't blame you it has been a while seen we have been in the spotlight as such today I am going to put a little show for you all so that you can remember what the Arcane name means
Ah don't misunderstand I am not planning on killing him "
He said staring at the entirety of the academy a smile appearing on his face however this time it brought nothing else but a sense of dread. Signalling to albert the bindings came undone making us hear his screams again.
At this point everyone believed that it was over that he was going to be knocked out and this whole thing would be done but as if finding our thoughts funny Nicholos called out again.
" Albert from now on till the hourglass is finished you are to break each of his fingers, pull out each of his nails and you are finished break his arms before going on do the same for his legs but most importantly make sure he doesn't faint "
His words heard by all caused a chill to spread freezing everyone in place as we watched as Garfield started begging with snot and tears running down his face but all we can do is watch him as he was tortured right in front of us.
Elizebath had long since closed her eyes trembling as she hid her face in my shoulder, the truth was that everyone wished to leave yet no one did, all for the same reason, because of him who watched this all with a smile on his face.
' Nicho....No
The Head of Arcane '