The cave’s reflective light filters in through my pavilion’s garden. I sit down, basking in the light’s warmth as I calm my mind and prepare for the battle with Jade Dawner. I’ve already reviewed the missives, watched the recordings of her past battles, and have come up with creative ways to implement Croff’s fighting stances to get an edge against her. This is the first true challenge I’ve faced since being accepted into The School, and I know that being in wartime with the Devil’s Incursion means it’s only a matter of time before I’m sent out for life-and-death missions. I need to be stronger, and I’m willing to use anyone not important to me as stepping stones to seize that power. I forcefully calm the flow of mana through my body and re-center my mind—letting the manual flow of mana be my only focus until I hear Dross open the pavilion door… it’s time.
I open my eyes and see him laying out the requested spirit herbs for a new blend of tea I’ve thought of specifically for this battle. After doing research over the last few weeks and confirming my suspicions with ChaLong, I’ve narrowed down a potent battle-blend that will increase my dexterity and focus, which should be sufficient for most low-tier battles. The biggest challenge was trading for enough stalks of the herbs in anticipation of the battle. Thankfully, the herbs growing in ChaCha’s garden are highly desirable, and he was able to grow just enough that I could trade for a few stalks of SpearGrass and SutraStem for one pot of tea. We didn’t really plan ahead, so I wasn’t able to use my monthly allocation to grab these herbs, but next month I will use my first double allocation to start growing them in the garden for future needs.
The SpearGrass increases dexterity when wielding longarm weapons, and SutraStem is notorious for helping with battlefield focus and epiphanies. Both of these should be useful in getting close to Jade in the battle and taking advantage of any openings, since her proficiency with the whip isn’t too high. The first sip of the brewed tea warms my throat, and I feel small pulses of energy latch onto my mana. Besides a small increase in clarity, nothing feels too different, but I know this combination will shine in the upcoming battle. A small nod from Dross is all it takes to know that it’s time for the battle, and I follow him through the winding streets of the sect. Word of a core disciple’s duel has spread throughout The School, and disciples are in the streets en masse to see if I live up to their standards. The closer we get to the dueling square, the more stands and booths I see selling food and alcohol. I see a few groups in the shadows exchanging merit points in what I can only assume are gambling rings.
As we enter the square, I make eye contact with a few random disciples and get some small encouraging smiles, but the crowds chanting Jade’s name make it known that the newcomer is not the crowd favorite. I stand just outside the dueling array as Sagaryn walks to the center of the platform and addresses the crowds surrounding the square.
His voice booms as some skill augments his natural capabilities. “Today we will all watch the introductory battle of our newest core disciple, Camden Darjean. He will showcase whether he has the talent and determination to be worthy of our sect’s resources, or if they would be better utilized by his opponent, Jade Dawner. In just a few short months, Camden has risen from Low Tier One to High Tier One quickly, but as we all know here, a fast foundation is not always the best. The winner of today’s duel carries this sect’s expectations as we prepare for the growing conflict of the Devil’s Incursion. Will both combatants please join me on the platform?”
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I start walking forward, and the eyes of the crowd follow me as I scale the steps leading to the dueling platform. Not much fanfare follows, and only a few scattered claps show any support for me. As I gaze across the crowd, I’m surprised that one of the individuals clapping for me with a small smile on her face is none other than Virelle, the girl who ran the meat skewer stand so many months ago. I remember her support as I walked into Sagaryn’s office for the first time following the battle with the minotaur, and I flash her a smile back, thankful for at least one friend in the crowd rooting for me.
My lackluster ascent is completely dwarfed by the cheers and applause as Jade makes her way through the crowd of onlookers. The missives I read on Jade talk about how popular she is throughout the sect. She is known for helping newcomers with particularly dangerous missions and has sown many seeds of benevolent karma that are showing themselves today. The sea of people parts for her as each person pats her on the shoulder, and cries of well-wishes echo throughout the square as she ascends the platform’s stairs.
A predatory smile paints her face as we make eye contact. We both know this very well could be her last attempt to challenge for a core disciple position before she is forever locked in as an inner disciple. She still receives great benefits, and I can only imagine that her popularity will help her remain a pillar in the sect, but the look in her eyes tells me that she feels she was robbed of her rightful inheritance. This is going to be a tough duel. Even though I recently broke through to High Tier One, the missives have estimated her to be at least Peak Tier One, if not Low Tier Two, putting me at an overall power disadvantage. The main advantage I have coming into this battle is that she slacked off when she was a core disciple and missed out on the weapon training and unlimited array uses back then; however, I don’t know how much help that will be—since she’s been demoted, she’s maxed out her array usage every week and has sought out tutors to better utilize her weapons.
Sagaryn’s voice breaks me from my analyzing thoughts. “This is a friendly duel of the sect. No lethal attacks will land—this will be ensured by myself and other elders of the sect. This array will also limit the damage of any attacks, so please do not hold back on behalf of the other’s safety. The battle will go until the array has determined a winner. Since this is a friendly duel of the sect, you will adhere to certain respects for your opponent. No cheating, no underhand tactics, and you will provide them respect at the beginning and the end of the duel. Any questions?”
Both Jade and I shake our heads, and Sagaryn nods as he walks down the platform’s steps. The array around us starts to hum to life, and Sagaryn calls out once more. “Bow to each other, and the duel will start on my ‘go.’”
I lower my head. Though defeat is not an option, the research into my opponent has developed a respect for what she’s gone through and the power she wields. I lift myself from the bow and feel my heart slow as our eyes meet.
I can feel the SutraStem start to take effect. The world loses its color just slightly, and the noise of the crowd gradually fades away. The only things that exist in this world are this platform and this battle. My hands reach to my back and pull ChaLong into a ready position. My body feels lighter with him in my hands, and I feel ready for the duel to come.
A muffled ‘go’ cuts through my combat focus, and the world goes white as a blinding light erupts before me.
