The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

The hidden chamber beneath the academy was colder than Hayden remembered.

At this time, Headmaster Mensa stood before him, holding a small vial filled with a thick, crimson liquid… It wasn't a simple liquid as it swirled around as if it was alive.

It was definitely a magical potion or tonic similar to what Mensa gave to him before.

"Drink this an hour before the duel tomorrow… This is to help you ensure your win." Mensa said promptly, leaving no room for argument.

He couldn't help but frown and look at the Headmaster in disbelief. He felt that something was wrong.

Hayden then took the vial hesitantly. The liquid inside was also warm to the touch but it was emitting a faint, metallic scent—like blood and burnt iron.

He used his Ocularis Lens and confirmed that it was different from the tonic or potion he consumed before.

This time, he felt something off and decided not to drink it immediately and questioned the Headmaster.

"What is it?" Hayden asked, though he already suspected the answer.

Mensa then looked at Hayden's eyes before he spoke.

"It's just a Knight's Heart Elixir... A single drop can amplify an Aura Initiate's power tenfold for about a couple of hours. A full vial?" He smirked. "You'll hit the level of the peak Knight-Candidate or even the First Level Aura Knight."

Hayden's fingers tightened around the glass and shook his head after hearing this. "This is… illegal in a duel... I learned it in the class."

He replied softly.

"Only in sanctioned duels," Mensa corrected sharply. "This isn't a duel, Hayden. This is a show of force. Laxus Stormcrest isn't coming to test you—he's coming to break you. And if he succeeds, every noble house in the kingdom will see Dawnspire as weak."

Hayden swallowed hard. "So you want me to cheat?"

"I want you to win," Mensa replied with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice... He didn't like how Hayden decided to question him instead of trusting him.

"Laxus has been training since he could walk. He's killed men twice his size. And he won't hold back just because you're nine. I believe this duel wasn't just a simple request… You need to win."

Mensa's tone changed as he said this. It seemed that he wanted Hayden to understand his point.

Furthermore, Mensa didn't want to force his disciple as much as possible. He wanted to be understood.

Hayden stared at the vial with a frown.

At this point, the implications were clear—drink it, and his victory was assured. But at what cost?

"What happens after?" Hayden asked quietly. "If I use this… won't people suspect?"

Mensa grinned slightly… "They'll suspect. But they won't prove a thing. The elixir leaves no trace unless they bring a Magician to inspect you… Even if they did, all the traces will be erased by then… All they'll see is a boy who fought beyond his limits."

Hayden didn't like this method at all. This was wrong.

But Mensa's gaze was firm. He didn't mind cheating as long as they could win.

After some thought, Hayden tucked the vial into his pocket. "I'll take it."

Mensa nodded, satisfied. "Good. Laxus arrives tomorrow and will challenge you after your class. Be ready."

Mensa then gestured for him to leave.

But as Hayden left the chamber, his mind was already made up.

'I won't use it.'

He would face Laxus with his own strength—no shortcuts, no tricks.

***

The next morning, Hayden realized that the academy was filled with life.

"Laxus Stormcrest is already here…" Phoebe whispered, pulling Hayden aside before class. "He arrived early. And he's not alone—he brought his master, Captain Rygar."

Hayden gently nodded.

He knew that the two didn't just arrive here to visit him. They had other matters to attend, so he just need to focus on his class for now…

'Rygar Stormcrest—the man whose nose Mensa had broken… I wonder what he's like…' He mused.

"Where are they now?" Hayden asked.

"Not sure… Probably to the Headmaster's office." Phoebe replied nonchalantly. She didn't really care about the two…

***

In the meantime, Hayden just listened silently in his Etiquette Class with Lady Seraphine.

Unfortunately, the Lady planned to do some activities, so Hayden couldn't just doze off in his class and allow his Lens to record everything.

"Everyone… a diplomat's greatest weapon is the half-truth," Lady Seraphine started. "For example: 'Your daughter is lovely.' It is a compliment—unless you omit the fact that she was seen sneaking out with a stable boy last night."

She paired the students off and gave them some activities.

"Now… I need you all to know how to choose your words correctly."

She then called out students one by one to ask them how they would respond…

"Phoebe you had to politely refuse a marriage proposal without offending the father of the suitor."

Phoebe froze for a moment as she considered her words for a moment before giving a reply.

"My lord, I am… unworthy of your son's hand," she said with a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

Lady Seraphine sighed. "Too self-deprecating. He will see through that. Try again—this time, imply he is the one being generous."

Phoebe took a breath. "Your son deserves a bride who can match his illustrious standing. Surely, you would not settle for less?"

Lady Seraphine's lips curled. "Good. Now he must either admit his son isn't illustrious—or drop the matter. Nice…

"Now… Hayden. You are a strong Knight and you have to convince a hostile lord to lend troops without promising anything in return."

Hayden was stunned for a moment as he couldn't help but have mixed feelings in this class.

Certainly, this would be very useful once he started dealing with the nobles or those in higher positions, so he could only appreciate what the professor did to teach them.

"Hostile Lord," Hayden said slowly as he considered what to say. "Your warriors are the finest in the land. It would be an honor to fight beside them."

"Flattery is a good start," Lady Seraphine interrupted, "But he will demand more. What do you offer without actually offering it?"