NOVEL NEXT Chapter 102: Duel Partner
Hayden then pressed his face against the viewport, watching as the world expanded beneath them—hills, winding rivers, and the distant glint of towns below them.
Then, without warning, Dex flipped a switch.
Just like that, the ship tilted for a bit before accelerating forward with a burst of mana.
Several students yelped, gripping whatever they could hold as the change of momentum surprised them a bit. However, it wasn't really that dangerous with all the trained people here.
"Apologies for the turbulence," Dorian called over his shoulder, not sounding sorry at all. "We're catching a high-altitude current. Saves fuel."
Hayden grinned as he decided to leave the bridge.
***
As the flight stabilized, everyone got used to the airship and the scenery outside.
After a few hours, they received some snacks and drinks.
Since the journey wouldn't be very long, everyone enjoyed this experience. However, there wasn't even anyone who had approached Hayden for a little conversation as if they were all avoiding him.
Nonetheless, it didn't really matter to him…
After some time, as he thought of just meditating to practice his Breathing Technique, Headmaster Mensa called Hayden over.
"You've been quiet," Mensa observed. "Normally, you'd be pestering me with questions about your possible opponents."
Hayden hesitated. "I was thinking about the Arcane Transport Guild. If magicians can build this, what else are they capable of?"
Mensa found this topic interesting. However, he still believed that Hayden was too young to discuss this matter.
"More than you'd like to know. The guild's influence grows every year. Soon, they'll rival the nobility in power." He leaned closer. "Which is why you'll not mention your little alleyway encounter to anyone. A fugitive magician is the last thing we need to be tied to Dawnspire."
Hayden stiffened. "You knew?"
He deliberately did not mention that matter to the Headmaster. He only mentioned how he obtained the Artifacts he had that came from Silas.
"I have my ways, Hayden," Mensa said softly. "Even the things you think are hidden."
'Ah? Is he talking about the Beast Core of the Five-Horned Magic Beast?' Hayden thought as he probably failed to hide it well.
Before Hayden could respond, Dex's voice rang out.
"Prepare for descent! The Great Lirandel Grounds await!"
This event wasn't a kingdom-wide competition, and only the Knight Academies in Lirandel Region could participate.
In total, there were 24 acknowledged Knight Academies in this region that could participate in this competition.
Now that they had gotten near the Lirandel Grounds, Hayden realized that this was actually a huge town in a large valley. Indeed, the town was surrounded by hills, making the place really protected.
Soon, the Aetherwind descended just outside the town…
During this time, they confirmed that in the middle of the town, there was actually a massive coliseum!
There was no doubt that the competition would be held in that place.
Soon, as the ship docked, Hayden spotted banners from rival academies fluttering in the wind—Solaris's golden sun, Black Sword's crossed blades, even the crest of House Kaelthorne since they have their own Academy.
Before alighting from the ship, Mensa looked at his Academy's best students before stopping at Ulysses, their strongest student at the moment.
He could tell that Ulysses had improved a lot by practicing Hayden's version of Dawn Swordsmanship and he didn't mind it at all.
"Everyone… You will have a couple of days of rest or time to look around, so don't get too excited. Make sure to stay in shape before the competition. Remember why you're here. Fight with honor. Fight with skill. And above all—fight to win. It is time to show the world what Dawnspire's students can do."
With that said, the students cheered up as they really wanted to win this competition. Despite not placing great in every other competition, they still couldn't help but wish to succeed this time.
***
On the balcony of the largest inn of the town, Claire Solstice—the rising star of Solaris Academy—watched with narrowed eyes as the Dawnspire's transport airship descended.
"I wonder what he looks like…" She muttered.
Her master, Grandmaster Fern, stood beside her silently.
Seeing the Airship and sensing a familiar aura, his arms crossed over his broad chest and he nodded.
"That's them," He muttered. "Just find the strongest among them. That's the one who defeated Laxus…"
Claire nodded as her grip tightened around the hilt of her rapier…
She had heard about how a prodigy from the Dawnspire appeared and humiliated one of the most promising Knight-Candidates in the region.
"I'll beat him." She said filled with confidence.
"Good… Before the official matches, I arranged for you to fight him. We'll prove Solaris's superiority here."
Fern nodded as he liked his disciple's confidence. "You're confident. I like that. Just don't lose."
Then, as the Dawnspire group disembarked, Claire scanned them, searching for the famed Hayden Gray.
But then—
A pulse of Aura hit her senses fiercely.
Her gaze moved toward its source—a tall student with an unshakable Aura around him.
Furthermore, his Aura wasn't just strong—it was refined like a blade tempered countless times!
This must be him.
Claire didn't doubt her senses at all. He could easily tell the strongest Aura User with a glance and she couldn't be mistaken!
Without hesitation, Kaelara moved forward while still wearing her Solaris uniform…
Seeing her presence, the Dawnspire students tensed as she approached them aggressively…
Nonetheless, she ignored their gazes and words as she stopped directly in front of the strongest Aura User.
"You," she declared, pointing her rapier at his chest. "Hayden Gray. I challenge you to a duel. Tonight. No audience aside from the referee and our master, or at least one teacher."
Then, there was silence.
Just like that, a few Dawnspire students burst into laughter.
The student in front of her then sighed as he rubbed his temple. "I'm flattered, but you've got the wrong man."
Claire blinked. "What?"
One of the Dawnspire snickered. "That's Ulysses, our top-ranked student… Hayden's a short one. Can't you see how tall he is?"
"Ah..."