The morning sun glinted off the polished stones of the Ardentis estate's private dueling grounds. A small crowd of nobles and servants had gathered, murmuring excitedly. Word of the boy who drew lightning had spread, and curiosity—and perhaps envy—brought them out.
I stood at one end of the grounds, Richa at my side. Across from me was the same Silver-tier noble from yesterday, his aura blazing faintly in the air. He had chosen a duel to "test" me, though the smirk on his face told me he expected an easy victory.
[System Notification: Duel Initiated – Target: Silver-tier Descendant]Recommended: Utilize Bolt Manifestation creatively.Caution: Significant danger to Rust/Bronze body.
My heart thumped, adrenaline flooding my veins. "Brother… I'll be fine," I said.
Richa placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Focus. Let the system guide you."
The Silver-tier descendant raised his blade, sparks of his own minor divine energy dancing along its edge. "Show me what your little lightning can do," he sneered.
I gritted my teeth and extended my hand. A thin crackle of lightning snaked across my fingers. The system hummed, warning me of the risks.
[Bolt Manifestation – 70% Control]Skill efficiency reduced against Silver-tier opponents.
The duel began. The Silver-tier noble charged, blade glowing. I sidestepped, releasing a controlled bolt at his midsection. It hit—but he blocked it with ease, his minor aura dispersing the electricity.
"Predictable," he mocked, swinging again.
I realized then: raw power wouldn't win this duel. Strategy mattered. I drew upon the environment, bouncing lightning along stone walls, creating arcs that crisscrossed the ground. He had to dodge—or be struck.
[System Update: Environmental Manipulation Detected – Bolt Manifestation +10% Efficiency]
Sweat dripped from my brow, sparks dancing at my fingertips. Step by step, I pressured him, testing his reactions, forcing openings.
Finally, a brief lapse—a misstep on the uneven stones. I seized the moment, sending a bolt directly at his chest. He couldn't deflect it completely.
[Target Hit – Critical Strike: 25% Damage]
He staggered back, eyes wide with disbelief. The crowd gasped.
I took a deep breath, lightning still coiling along my arms. "This… is just the beginning," I said quietly, more to myself than anyone else.
Richa's hand clenched mine in silent pride. The Silver-tier noble wiped sweat from his brow, his smirk gone, replaced with a flicker of respect—or perhaps fear.
[Rank Progress – Bronze: 50%][Experience +150]
The duel ended without death, but I had learned something invaluable: raw sparks weren't enough. Control, creativity, and understanding my own abilities mattered even more.
And with each step, each duel, I was climbing the ladder toward Silver—and beyond.
Rust → Bronze → Silver… the storm grows.