Lucas had just stepped away from the path when a sharp voice suddenly called out from behind him.
"Wait."
Lucas frowned slightly and slowly turned his head.
Now who is it disturbing my peaceful day…
And then he paused.
A woman stood there.
She looked around twenty-five, maybe a little older than him, and slightly taller as well. But the first thing anyone would notice wasn't her height.
It was her hair.
Long crimson hair tied into a high ponytail flowed behind her like blazing flames. The strands shimmered under the sunlight like burning embers dancing in the wind. Her eyes matched perfectly—deep red, sharp and intense, like fire that refused to be extinguished.
She wore elegant white and gold knight armor that hugged her mature body perfectly, the polished plates reflecting the light around her. A white cloak rested on her shoulders and fluttered gently in the breeze, while a polished silver sword rested calmly at her waist.
Lucas blinked.
Crimson hair… red eyes… mature body… ridiculously beautiful with that confident look…
Yep.
It's definitely her.
The woman crossed her arms and looked straight at him.
"So you are the brave hero who saved my cavalry from the monster attack earlier?"
Lucas nodded politely and answered in a calm tone.
"Yes, that would be me. Though I would hardly call myself a hero. And may I know who you might be?"
The woman straightened slightly and placed a hand over her chest.
"Pardon my rudeness for not introducing myself sooner. I am the captain of the cavalry unit that you saved from the monsters earlier. My name is Olivia Emberwing, the captain of the Phoenix Cavalry."
Lucas stared at her for a moment.
Inside his mind his expression turned blank.
…Here goes the usual noble-style conversation again.
He immediately put on a polite smile and dropped to one knee.
"My apologies for my rude behavior earlier, Miss Olivia. It was disrespectful of me to speak so casually to the captain of such a distinguished cavalry unit."
Olivia looked startled.
"No, no! Please stand up, hero. You really don't need to bow in front of me like that. After all, you are the one who saved us. If anything, I should be the one bowing and thanking you for what you did."
She stepped forward and grabbed his arms, lifting him up with ease.
Lucas felt his body rise like he weighed nothing.
His eye twitched slightly.
What the hell…
She's way too strong.
Lucas cleared his throat.
"Yes, I understand. I will stop bowing then. But if possible, could you also stop calling me hero? I would much prefer if you addressed me by my name instead. My name is Lucas."
Olivia blinked once before nodding.
"Alright… that's fine with me, he—"
She paused awkwardly.
"I mean… Lucas."
Lucas clapped his hands lightly.
"Great, then everything is settled. I accept your thanks, Captain. Now if you will excuse me, I should be on my way."
He waved casually and began walking away.
I secured the admission ticket anyway.
I have no reason left to deal with her now.
Mission accomplished.
But suddenly—
A firm hand grabbed his shoulder.
Lucas stopped mid-step.
He slowly turned his head.
Olivia stood behind him.
"Hero, wait a moment."
Lucas winced slightly.
Too strong…
Does she even realize how strong her grip is?
With a strained smile he asked, "May I know the reason why the captain stopped me? If there is something you need, I would appreciate knowing it quickly."
Please don't tell me this is going to be something annoying.
Olivia folded her arms.
"I know that even if I offer you any reward for saving my cavalry, you will most likely refuse it. I had originally planned to offer you money or any reward you wanted personally as a sign of gratitude."
Lucas blinked.
"But Lady Arcelia told me I should not do that. She said that you would definitely reject the reward, and insisting too much would only cause you unnecessary trouble."
Lucas's face froze.
WHAT?!
WHY YOU AGAIN?!
MY REWARD—
Sob… sob…
She really is the villain.
Olivia continued calmly.
"That is why I will not disturb you with offers of money or rewards. However, there is one request I must ask of you before you leave."
Lucas hesitated slightly.
"And may I know what that request might be?"
I have a really bad feeling about this.
This is definitely going to end badly.
Olivia suddenly smiled.
"Let's duel."
Lucas's brain stopped.
"…Hmm."
"…Mmm."
"…WHAT?"
Olivia nodded enthusiastically.
"I heard from my cavalry and from my lady herself that you are quite strong. To be honest, I truly enjoy fighting strong opponents, and opportunities like this don't come often. So Sir Lucas, please allow me the honor of crossing swords with you."
She grabbed his hand excitedly.
Lucas stared at her.
DAMN YOU ARCELIA!
YOU VILLAINESS!
He cleared his throat.
"I don't think I am worthy of standing before someone as skilled and honourable as you, Captain. I'm afraid I might disappoint you."
Olivia smiled confidently.
"Don't worry. You are more than worthy to stand in front of me. After all, Lady Arcelia herself said you are quite talented with the sword."
Lucas's face twitched.
That woman is trying to kill me.
He opened his mouth.
"I can—"
DING.
A blue screen suddenly appeared before his eyes.
---
Task — Accept the challenge and withstand for at least 180 seconds
Progress — 0 / 180 seconds
---
Lucas stared at the screen.
Here goes this shitty system again with his ways to kill me.
Three minutes…
He laughed awkwardly.
Three minutes?
It will be a miracle if I last three seconds.
He clenched his fists.
I will die either way.
So I might as well choose the less painful death.
He looked up at Olivia.
"Very well then, Captain. If this is your request, I will accept your duel."
---
The training ground behind the mansion was quiet.
Lucas stood on one side holding a sword, while Olivia stood opposite him.
Her crimson ponytail swayed behind her like living flames.
She raised her sword slightly.
"Do not think I will go easy on you just because you saved my cavalry. Give me everything you have, Lucas. I will not hold back, so you should not hold back either."
Lucas forced a smile.
Inside his mind—
I am definitely going to die.
Olivia leaned forward.
"Here I go."
The ground cracked beneath her step.
And in the next instant—
She vanished.
A blur shot forward with terrifying speed.
Lucas barely registered movement before—
BANG.
Something slammed violently into him.
Pain exploded through his body as blood burst from his mouth and he was thrown backward across the ground.
His vision spun.
Inside his mind—
Yep.
I'm dead.