The Frugal Mage

Seoryun helplessly looked at the young attendant assigned by the Clan Leader before looking at the others.

"We will train her—" The attendant wanted to assure Seoryun, but he immediately cut her off.

"It's fine… I'm sure she learned her mistakes."

After that, Seoryun snatched the document and tucked it away. She decided to read it later after resting for a bit.

Rayven, who was watching from afar, tilted his head curiously.

'Hmm? Is he not happy with that win? I guess he's disappointed that it took him that long.' Rayven thought to himself as he considered Seoryun a perfectionist. Perhaps, he wasn't satisfied with how the battle ended.

Nonetheless, Rayven leaned back in his seat as he continued to watch the other duels.

Each participant carried their own background and training, and though many fell quickly, Rayven couldn't help but admire the variety of techniques on display.

Some used refined sword arts, others relied on sheer brute force, and a few mixed unusual weapon choices in their combat style…

'This is a good reference…'

Although it wasn't a lot, Rayven was learning, and it was important for his upcoming duel against Cedric.

When Nara's turn came, Rayven focused.

He finally witnessed the true combat style of her Sword School.

"Nice flow…" Rayven muttered to himself after seeing how she fought. There was almost no pause as she swung her sword without fail.

Unlike Seoryun's style to use the momentum of the opponent to win, Nara's sword technique allowed her to attack continuously, almost without a pause…

It seemed too aggressive, but Rayven could tell that it was all thanks to the smooth sword movement.

Her opponent didn't last long under her blade, and since there weren't a lot of female participants, the crowd cheered loudly after seeing her win.

As for Miki, her duel had already ended a while ago, and it only lasted for about 20 seconds because the opponent that was matched against was completely countered by her sword technique.

While another match began, Thyruz got closer to Rayven and whispered, "Rayven, about the Enchanted Sleeping Dart I made for you… Do you need to practice its use again? It's not something you should mishandle."

Rayven tapped the pouch at his side, feeling the seven darts within.

He gave a small nod. "I already practiced yesterday. The enchantment works perfectly, and I'm confident I can handle it. Cedric won't stand a chance tomorrow." Rayven said. It wasn't just a baseless argument, as he really practiced for a bit using his Telekinesis.

Thyruz smiled faintly… "Good. Then, if there's a betting stand, I can use all my savings to bet on you, right?"

Rayven paused as he felt that it was indeed a good idea. He might even bet on himself if that were possible!

"Well, I'll also bet on myself… Don't worry." Rayven replied.

***

Not long after, Miki and Seoryun were called to the stage.

The two bowed to one another before the fight began.

In this battle, Rayven knew that Miki had a chance to win… However, that would not be easy if she allowed Seoryun to analyze her sword technique. She must try to win it with her speed in the first 30 seconds.

As expected, Miki fought valiantly, her strikes were clean, and her footwork was really good, but Seoryun suddenly changed his combat style and decided to use some brute force and pressured Miki.

That unusual sword style had quickly turned the tide.

'Did he feel that his win against Harvey didn't show his true skills, and so, he showed this new style?' Rayven thought to himself.

Seoryun sword style had suddenly become fierce yet controlled…

In the end, Seoryun disarmed her and landed the decisive blow.

Just like that, the referee declared his victory.

Rayven let out a soft sigh as the crowd applauded.

Though Miki smiled to hide her disappointment, Rayven knew her well enough to see through it.

Rayven then stood from his seat and made his way down to where the participants were gathered.

He found Miki sitting on a bench with a towel draped over her shoulders.

"Rayven…" She muttered after seeing her employer and friend.

She tried to act casual, but her eyes betrayed the sting of defeat. Rayven could see it…

Well, if Miki wasn't matched against Seoryun this early, he was sure that she'd get a higher ranking.

For now, Rayven could only try to comfort her. He approached her and offered a gentle smile. "You did well out there. Seoryun's tough, and you held your ground longer than most would expect."

Miki looked up at him before she exhaled and chuckled softly. "Still, I lost."

"You learned," Rayven corrected, sitting beside her. "And that's more important than a single win. You'll be stronger next time."

Her shoulders eased a little at his words, and though she didn't say anything more, and just smiled faintly.

Just like that, Rayven found himself staring at her… at the sweat along her jawline and at the spark in her eyes despite her loss.

If he hadn't been trapped in this fourteen-year-old body… if he were the man he used to be… she would have been exactly his type.

But the gap was impossible. Miki was twenty-five, a grown woman with her own burdens, while to her, he was only a boy.

No matter what he said, no matter how much sincerity he showed, she would never take him seriously in that way.

So Rayven swallowed the thought and showed a gentle smile.

"You don't have to hide it, you know. Losing hurts… but that's what makes winning so much sweeter next time."

Miki felt his sincerity as she laughed lightly… "You sound way too mature for your age sometimes, Rayven."

Rayven chuckled softly and didn't say anything more.

At this time, Nara finally arrived as she had just finished her round. Seeing that Rayven was there for her senior sister, she couldn't help but feel relieved as she knew Miki really well. She was surely disappointed about her loss.

But then, Nara's eyes widened as she thought of something and looked at the two with a knowing gaze…