Chapter 31: The Invitation

Chapter 31: The Invitation

The next morning, the academy buzzed with the news of the previous day’s confrontation. Whispers followed Aetrial wherever she went, though no one dared approach her directly. As always, the Ranolf name and her cold demeanor kept most people at bay.

But Aetrial could feel the stares, the tension in the air. She sighed, adjusting the strap of her bag as she made her way to the lecture hall. Is it always going to be like this now?

She was halfway to her seat when a folded piece of parchment landed on her desk.

“What’s this?” she muttered, picking it up.

The seal on the back bore the insignia of the academy’s prestigious Duel Club—a golden sword crossed with a wand.

“An invitation?”

Before she could open it, Lilliana appeared at her side, practically bouncing with excitement.

“Did you get one too?” Lilliana chirped, holding up a similar parchment.

Aetrial raised an eyebrow. “One what?”

“It’s for the club’s annual demonstration match! They’re inviting us to watch this year’s participants,” Lilliana explained. “It’s supposed to be a huge honor to get a personal invite!”

Aetrial unfolded the parchment and scanned the contents. Sure enough, it was an invitation to the Duel Club’s showcase event, held later that evening in the academy’s grand arena.

“Sounds like a waste of time,” she said, stuffing the letter into her bag.

Lilliana gasped. “Aetrial! You can’t mean that! The Duel Club is the most prestigious group in the academy. You’ll see the best students show off their skills!”

“I’ve already seen enough posturing for a lifetime,” Aetrial replied, leaning back in her chair.

Lilliana frowned, but before she could argue further, the professor entered the room, and the day’s lecture began.

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The Grand Arena

Despite her earlier reluctance, Aetrial found herself walking toward the arena as the sun dipped below the horizon. The building loomed ahead, its towering spires illuminated by glowing runes.

“Why am I even doing this?” she muttered, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.

The truth was, she couldn’t shake the feeling that attending might reveal something useful. After all, if the Duel Club was as influential as Lilliana claimed, it could be a chance to learn more about her peers—and her potential enemies.

The arena was already packed when she arrived. Students filled the stands, their chatter creating a low hum that echoed through the massive space. Aetrial slipped into a seat near the back, hoping to avoid attention.

The event began with a dazzling display of magic and swordsmanship. Participants dueled in pairs, their spells and strikes choreographed to perfection. The crowd roared with excitement as each match concluded, the winners basking in the applause.

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An Uninvited Guest

As the final match ended, the arena lights dimmed, and the head of the Duel Club stepped forward to address the audience.

“Thank you all for attending this year’s showcase,” he said, his voice amplified by magic. “But before we conclude, we have a special guest who wishes to challenge one of our participants.”

A murmur ran through the crowd as a figure stepped onto the arena floor.

Aetrial’s heart skipped a beat when she saw him.

Cain.

He was dressed simply, but his presence commanded attention. His crimson eyes scanned the audience before settling on the Duel Club’s leader.

“I’ve heard much about the skill of your members,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I’d like to test it for myself.”

The leader hesitated, clearly taken aback. “W-We don’t usually allow outside challengers…”

“Are you afraid?” Cain asked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

The crowd erupted into whispers.

“Who is that?” Lilliana whispered to Aetrial, leaning closer. “Do you know him?”

Aetrial tensed but kept her expression neutral. “We’ve crossed paths.”

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The Duel

The Duel Club leader reluctantly agreed, and a student stepped forward to face Cain. The match began with a flurry of spells and strikes, but it quickly became clear that Cain was toying with his opponent.

His movements were precise, almost effortless, as he dodged attacks and countered with devastating accuracy. Within minutes, the duel was over, and his opponent lay on the ground, defeated.

The crowd was silent, stunned by the display.

Cain turned to the audience, his gaze sweeping across the stands until it landed on Aetrial.

“I’d like to challenge one more person,” he said, pointing directly at her.

The crowd gasped, all eyes turning to Aetrial.

She froze, her mind racing. Why me?

“Aetrial Ranolf,” Cain continued, his smirk widening. “Will you accept?”

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A Dangerous Game

Aetrial stood, her expression calm despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She descended the steps to the arena floor, her cloak billowing behind her.

“I don’t usually entertain impulsive requests,” she said, stopping a few feet from Cain. “But I’ll make an exception.”

Cain’s smirk deepened. “Good. Let’s see what you’re capable of.”

As the crowd erupted into cheers, Aetrial squared her shoulders, preparing for the battle ahead. Whatever he’s planning, I won’t let him win.

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End of Chapter 31