Chapter 224 Duel 4



Silence descended upon the arena, broken only by the crackling of dying embers and the heavy breathing of the spectators. The air was thick with a mix of awe, disbelief, and a newfound respect for the enigmatic victor who had extinguished the formidable Arden Valorheart with an overwhelming display of power.

The audience, once filled with disdain and animosity towards Callius, now stood in stunned silence, their faces etched with a blend of fear and admiration in response to his skills. The truth of his strength had been unveiled, shattering the illusions and preconceived notions that had clouded their judgment.

Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, a murmuring cascade of awe and intrigue. "What a strong magic….." The once-dismissed young man in the black robe had proven himself to be more than a mere rumor or source of speculation. His enigmatic aura and commanding presence left an indelible mark on the minds of those who had witnessed the duel.

Seraphina and Rowan, the heads of the Knight and Magic faculty, exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. They had anticipated a captivating confrontation, but the outcome had far exceeded their expectations. Something about Callius' triumph hinted at a deeper power, a force that resonated beyond the boundaries of this single duel.

Callius stood at the center of the arena, his gaze sweeping over the onlookers with a sense of detached superiority. He looked down upon them, his crimson eyes glinting with a calculated mix of confidence and disdain. 'Ahh…. How good it is to see the fear in your eyes…. You will feel it more; you shall not worry.' He thought as the aura of his trait [Tyrant's Aura] intensified. 

The spectators, caught between their lingering animosity and undeniable respect for Callius' prowess, found themselves torn. They couldn't deny the power he possessed, the relentless determination that had led him to victory. Yet, the knowledge they had of his past actions still remained, casting a shadow of doubt over their hearts.

/CLAP/ /CLAP/

As the echoes of the battle slowly dissipated, hesitant applause of clapping sounded from a young girl watching the fight. Gathered the attention of the crowd on herself with gazes saying, what are you doing? However, she just shrugged in response as she continued to clap.

/CLAP/ /CLAP/ /CLAP/

And following the leading of her clap, an applause of hesitance and fear began to rise from the crowd. It was not a thunderous ovation filled with forgiveness and acceptance but rather a tentative acknowledgment of the raw talent and power that Callius wielded. It was an applause laced with a subtle undercurrent of fear and a grudging respect.

Callius, standing amidst the scattered remnants of flames, absorbed the mixed reception of the crowd with an air of self-assured superiority. He relished in their trepidation, knowing that his skills had left an indelible impression upon their minds. To him, their wavering emotions were inconsequential. He had transcended their limited understanding, and he would continue to do so.

<Passive Skill [Axiom Arc] activated. Host's ma->

'System, close the notifications for now. You are ruining my moment.' Hearing the annoying words of the system, Callius commanded as he was enjoying the feeling of superiority.

With a subtle smirk curling at the corner of his lips, Callius locked eyes with those who still harbored doubt and resentment. He saw the fear flickering in their gazes, the unease that accompanied their reluctant admiration. It was a sight that fueled his ambition, his desire to rise above the judgments of others and forge his own path, no matter the cost. 

He looked over at a young girl standing at the corner of the arena. She had yellow hair and green eyes, and he could sense a black aura around her that only he could see. "My dear Alicia, I hope you appreciate the gift I have prepared for you," he spoke silently, not voicing his words, knowing she could understand him with her eyes alone.

"I am impressed. But, this is not the end." Was what he was able to infer from the mouth movements of the young girl before she had turned her back towards him. 

"Send me however amount you want. I will crush every bit of them, don't worry." Callius mumbled to himself as he looked at the back of the young girl leaving slowly, followed by a young man with blonde hair who threw a look of insecurity at him. 'Oh, how amusing it is to witness the fragility of our so-called protagonist. Show me your next move, little one. Let's see if you can rise above your pitiful insecurities.' He thought as he looked at the back of the young man leaving. 'The girls you slept with won't be able to save you if the sleeping is all you have done.' As these thoughts filled his head, Callius felt a gaze of intensity coming from somewhere in the crowd.

'Was I able to get your attention?' He thought, turning his head to the source of the gaze. There stood a woman with an orange robe who had an aura of commanding surrounding herself. Callius smirked, his eyes locked with hers as he acknowledged the commanding presence she exuded. Her fiery red hair and blazing orange eyes held an undeniable allure, captivating the onlookers who couldn't resist being drawn to her aura. 

Drifting closer, Callius' gaze swept over her ornate orange robe, adorned with intricate engravings that emanated an air of profound wisdom and knowledge. The symbol emblazoned upon it spoke volumes of her prestigious standing. "Red Tower Master... Maisy Humphrey," he whispered, his thoughts filled with a hint of satisfaction. 'I trust my performance was to your liking, a show worthy of your attention.'

"Student Callius." A voice sounded, interrupting Callius' thoughts. 

It was the vice-headmaster of the academy, and the head of the magic faculty, Seraphina Riftwind. "Come with me." At the same time, gesturing for the young man to come.

"Understood." As Callius said that, he approached Seraphina, only to disappear from his location after he reached a close distance from her.

-----------------A/N-------------

Tomorrow, I have my French Exam. Hope I do well...