The academy courtyard buzzed with tension. Students gathered quickly, drawn by the familiar sight of Tori Reglard and Issac Reevire standing face to face. Issac's expression was sharp, his voice calm but condescending.
"Apologize for your mistake, commoner," he said. "And I'll consider it settled—a simple misstep."
Tori didn't respond immediately. He didn't like Issac. Their rivalry had stretched over their academy years, and this wasn't the first time they'd clashed. Tori's mind shifted into a memory from about 3 months ago his most recent defeat.
"Another win for Issac Reevire!" echoed across the training field.
Issac stood tall, looking down at Tori, whose face was buried in the dirt. "That makes it 234 to 0. Just give up already. You've been chasing this for two years."
Tori hated being weak. He hated that he hadn't awakened an Authority at age ten like most others. Late bloomers were common, but it still felt unfair—at least to him. Tori looked up at Issac with a smug expression on his face.
"No," Tori said, his voice steady. "I won't be doing anything. In fact, why don't you lick the dirt off your own boots?"
He brushed his shoe against Issac's foot and turned away. For once, he chose not to escalate the situation—though his remark had already provoked a reaction.
Issac's mana flared violently, radiating raw, oppressive energy. The force of it struck Tori like a wave.
"You've tested my patience," Issac growled. "I, Issac Reevire, challenge you,"dirt" to another duel. And once again, you will lose."
Tori smirked. "If I'm dirt, then you're garbage. Fine. Let's duel. I'll defeat you—this time."
Golden mana surged around him, illuminating the hallway. Students nearby watched in stunned silence. Despite lacking an Authority, Tori's mana reserves were exceptional for his age.
"Tomorrow. After school. 3:40," Issac declared before storming off.
Tori exhaled and headed to class. Issac seemed more irritable than usual, though Tori knew he hadn't exactly been diplomatic either.
The announcement spread rapidly. Posters and flyers appeared throughout the academy. Sunless scolded Tori for his impulsiveness.
"You're an idiot," he said. "Are you seriously picking fights right before we leave? Then again… this might be a good chance to show off your training. Just don't embarrass yourself like always."
"I won't," Tori replied. "This time, I intend to win. Maybe I'll even awaken my Authority."
He trained relentlessly that day, focusing on Issac's Authority of Atmospheric Pressure. It wasn't merely pressure—it was the manipulation of air within the surrounding atmosphere. The range varied, but Tori had grown accustomed to its effects after countless defeats.
Issac's strength wasn't limited to his Authority. His attributes and swordsmanship were formidable. He possessed a rare attribute that allowed all his stats to grow evenly—Balanced Stats. Tori had the same trait, but his stats were slightly higher: 120 compared to Issac's 108.
Still, attributes alone wouldn't secure victory.
Tori devoted the remaining week to intense training. Sunless assisted, though his sword skills were lacking. Tori's father, Eric, was a more suitable sparring partner.
Eric tied back his long black hair, his dark blue eyes gleaming faintly. "Take your stance," he instructed.
Tori assumed the Reglard Flame Sword Style.
"Why is it called 'Flame' if no one in our family has a flame-based Authority?" he asked.
Eric looked sheepish. "I thought it sounded cool back in the day."
Tori chuckled and dashed forward, striking Eric's face with his wooden sword. "You shouldn't have dropped your guard."
"Playing dirty, are we?" Eric muttered, then blurred forward and struck Tori in the head, sending him flying.
Tori rose, breathing heavily. Suddenly, a wave of pressure descended upon him.
"What—?" he gasped.
Sunless sat nearby, his eyes glowing dark blue. His Authority was active.
"If you're going to fight Issac seriously, you need to get used to his style," Sunless said, deactivating the pressure.
Tori nodded. He knew Issac's approach well—Authority and sword in tandem. He had to adapt.
A glint appeared in Tori's golden eyes. He lunged at Eric again. Their wooden blades collided with a sharp thwack. Eric smiled.
Sunless began launching spheres of air pressure to simulate Issac's attacks. Tori dodged and maneuvered while sparring with his father. The training lasted ten grueling minutes.
Eventually, Tori collapsed, bruised and drenched in sweat.
"How did I do?" he asked.
Eric wiped his forehead. "Great, son."
Sunless, drained from overusing his mana, gave a weak nod. "Yeah… good job."
They showered and rested. Eric reminded them that recovery was the most important part of training.
It was Thursday. The duel was scheduled for tomorrow.
Tori felt prepared, but Issac still seemed determined to humiliate him once more.
"Hey, Tori. Let's talk," Issac said, approaching him in the hallway.
"Alright," Tori replied, cautious.
They stepped into the alley behind the school yard.
"Let's call this off," Issac said seriously. "These duels… they're pointless."
Tori frowned. "Why? You've never backed out before. Why now?"
"We're graduating," Issac said. "We're moving forward. Why keep doing this? This is one of our pettiest fights."
He seemed different—less arrogant, more reflective.
"Sorry," Tori said. "It's not about the reason anymore. It's about pride. After losing to you 234 times, I think I'm ready to win at least once. You're my rival."
Issac gave him a disappointed look. "Suit yourself."
He turned to leave, then paused.
"I'm not going easy on you," he said. "You want to be an adventurer, right? If you don't want your dreams crushed, don't show up tomorrow… my rival."
Tori watched him walk away, uncertain whether it was bravado—or something more.