114 3.26 Start of the chaos

"Unknown doesn't scare me," Markus said as he charged towards me.

This move could be considered both brave and foolish. It was a good thing that he was not scared, but that doesn't mean he should charge in without analyzing his opponent's movement.

I was planning to make the match last a bit longer, but since he was getting all excited, I might have to end it sooner before he gets hurt. I could have just turned off the Dark flames and fought him at close range, but if I do that now, it might look like I am holding back.

'Time to go on a little rampage.'

When I was at the range of his sword, he attacked me from below. But this time, I pressed the ground and jumped backward right when the sword was about to touch my legs.

Now that there was some distance between us, it was time to put on a little display. I unleashed a Dark-flame slash at Markus but aimed it a little off so that it would just pass from his right.

Naturally, he moved towards his left and avoided the attack. But since I had used more mana than last time, the attack ended up creating a wall of ice on his right.

Following that attack, I attacked him with another slash. This time I aimed it a little left so that I could trap him between the wall of ice. Markus looked confused, and I used this confusion to charged forward.

The distance between us was around 5 meters so he had no time to prepare a counter. He brought his sword forward to defend himself, but that was obviously not the right move. My dark flames could easily freeze anything they touch, even his sword.

However, it was advantageous for me since all I wanted to do was make him drop his sword. When I reached closer, instead of going for his body, I went for his sword.

When our swords clashed, my dark flames slowly started freezing his sword. He was still holding onto it but when the flames reached the grip and froze some of his fingers, he threw the sword and jumped backward.

"Stop! Nara wins."

After that announcement from Garo, I turned my dark flames off and walked to Markus. He was holding his right hand tightly with his left. Fortunately, at this point, I knew how to melt the magic ice.

"Captain, your sword," I said as I handed Garo his sword back. I then turned back to Markus. "I can melt that ice for you, please bring your hand forward."

Markus did as I said and brought his hands forward. I then combined holy magic with fire magic and created green flames.

When the flames touched his frozen fingers, it melted the magic ice around it turning his hand back to normal. Following that, I use the same flames to melt the walls of ice on our left and right.

"Goodness me, I have never seen anyone with your magical caliber in my life. And your techniques, they are unique and effective," Marcus said as he saw me melt the walls of ice.

"I think we should get back now. Looks like everyone up there is waiting," I replied when I saw the eyes of all those people in the balconies still focused on us.

The three of us then walked back towards the hall. But as we were doing that, Flare contacted me telepathically.

[Master, there is a problem. The western part of the city is on fire, and I sense demons."

[What! But that's the residential district.]

It was somewhat of a shock, but since it was coming from Flare, things must actually be serious. I wasn't sure how to react with all those nobles here, but the right move would probably be to notify the duke.

"Markus, I just talked with my familiar who informed me that there is a demon attack on the western part of the city."

"What!"

Both of them looked surprised to hear the news. That was expected since I myself was in a similar situation.

"Is the source of this information reliable?" Markus asked after composing himself.

"Yes, I will take full responsibility if it turns out to be a falls call. But for now, how do we handle this?"

"Hmm… There is no way that they would be able to get into the city, unless… they were summoned inside."

That was somewhat obvious, but right now the attack was on the residential district which was close to the Knight's district. The knights there must already be acting on their own and attempting to resolve the situation. If something wasn't done in haste, the situation may escalate further.

"I think we should hurry. This is a matter concerning thousands of lives," I said when I saw Markus still lost in thought.

This situation wasn't as easy for him as it was for me. If all the nobles above hear this, the situation may become worse. But considering how so many lives were at danger, we needed to come up with a rescue plan immediately.

"This is somewhat problematic, but I think we should do what needs to be done in this situation. We can care about the nobles later." Markus turned towards Garo. "Garo, go to the knight headquarter and tell them to focus on the rescue. For now, avoid direct confrontation with the demons and gather all the people inside the academy grounds."

That was a wise move, but we still had to find a way to deal with the demons.

After giving orders to Garo, the two of us hastily rushed towards the hall. The people there were still talking about our battle, and as soon as I walked in a crowd gathered around me.

"Oh my, that was quite a show wasn't it?"

"Those skills of yours are remarkable."

"Indeed, it's quite a shame that you are not noble. Though there is a way to fix that."

While I was being distracted by the nobles, Markus walked to the duke and informed him of the situation.

"Everyone, the gathering is over. We have an emergency at our hand, so please calmly leave the hall and do as my butler instructs. Earl and viscounts, please remain here. We will need your support to resolve this situation."

Everyone panicked when they heard the announcement, but the butlers and maids came in and helped everyone leave the hall calmly.

In the end, only eight people including me were left in the hall.

: When fools gathe