The crowd roared like a hungry animal. Flags bearing the insignias of Vyrith's Arcane Academy fluttered above the Duel Grounds as students filled the stands. Cameras floated in the air, capturing every moment, while betting panels flickered with odds across the academy's broadcast network. Antigonus Casino's server nearly crashed under the volume of bets pouring in. Whispers of Clayton's challenge and Charles's reputation rippled like wildfire through the crowd.
Students leaned in, murmuring to one another. "He's only ranked 52." "But did you see his entrance?" "That guy took on Cynthia and lived." "No debuffs? Charles is playing noble now?"
The Duel Grounds' air shimmered under the magic dome forming above the platform. Faculty members watched from the elevated stands. Dozens of merchants and nobles in enchanted seats whispered into comm-orbs, transmitting their commentary live to arcane networks across the continent. Excitement hummed in the air, amplified by the scent of charged mana and the occasional flicker of stray spell static.
Clayton stood at his designated platform. Across the barrier stood Charles Edwards, Dragondale's golden boy—broad-shouldered, sharp-jawed, and dressed in high-grade combat robes infused with reinforcement glyphs. Charles cracked his knuckles and offered a cocky smile.
"Are you sure about this, Antigonus? Your money won't buy you a win," Charles called, his voice echoing over the crowd.
Clayton returned a calm smirk. "I don't need my money to beat you, because if I do, you will go cry to Mama, and I don't want to give you a reason for your excuses after you lose."
It hits the mark. Charles's mother is a sore spot for him, as there were rumors of her being in the pleasure business before marrying his father, and it was later confirmed true in the novel. Low blow, I know, but this is what it takes to win sometimes
Charles boiled up with rage. "How dare you, Antigonus? I will make you pay."
Clayton put on a grin and replied, "Like your mother used to maker clients pay."
"You!" Charles shouted. All of their conversation was being streamed live, and everyone was shocked. Even though things about Charles's mother were an open secret, no one could say them out loud because they were not confirmed, and who the hell would dare to offend a prince?
The audience got divided into two sections; one section hated Clayton for saying such things, and the other was just happy to hear some juicy gossip of upper society and started shouting, "Antigonus got balls."
Just as I expected, Charles got totally furious and lost all his composure. I am damn sure he already wrote a story about how a cruel, profit-seeking merchant heir would go to any lengths to win, and an honorable Drgondale prince defeated him and ended his tyranny. And as expected, spectators disappointed him with their actions. Human nature, I guess
The Duel System activated, a translucent dome encasing the arena with a low hum. Duel terms appeared in the air:
Victory Conditions:
Clayton must land 1 hit. Charles must land 3 hits.
Debuffs: BANNED
Starting AP: 13
Both duelists drew their opening five cards. Clayton's hand:
Arcane Bolt Reflex Surge Spectral Barrage Ethereal Shield Twin Crescent Axes of Flux
He concealed his thoughts behind a blank face. Not bad.
"BEGIN."
Turn 1
Clayton: 13 AP
Charles: 13 AP
Charles moved first. He played Blazing Jaw (2 AP). A fire punch headed towards Clayton
Clayton responded immediately with Ethereal Shield (2 AP), nullifying the hit.
The crowd gasped. "Clean block," someone whispered.
Both passed. They each drew 1 card.
Clayton drew: Wind Blade
Charles drew: [unknown]
Turn 2
Clayton: 12 AP
Charles: 12 AP
Clayton played Arcane Bolt (2 AP), an energy ball materialized heading towards
Charles responded by playing Iron Ward (2 AP), having hit dealt 0.5
He intentionally let himself get hit. He must have drawn Dragon's Oath.
End of Turn 2.
Clayton drew the Monocle of Insight. Best timing—lady luck is supporting me
Charles drew: [unknown]
Turn 3
Clayton: 11 AP
Charles: 11 AP
Charles then followed up with Dragon 's Oath. A fierce aura suddenly surrounded him, making the audience frightened. "Honor demands resilience."
Does he really need to speak this out loud? So corny. Clayton thought
Clayton activated Monocle of Insight (3 AP), revealing Charles's current hand
Flame burst, Arcane Flash, Counter Trap, Arcane Backlash, Arcane Focus
End of Turn 3
Clayton drew Disruptive Pulse.
Charles drew: [unknown]
Turn 4
Clayton: 9 AP
Charles: 9 AP (additional AP from Dragon's Oath)
Clayton played Wind Blade, a gust of wind sharp as a blade headed towards Charles; he protected himself with Counter Trap, negating Wind Blade's effect.
Clayton finally relaxed a bit as he completed his goal of making Charles waste Counter trap which probably was only card he had which could counter his item card
End of turn 4
Clayton drew: Arcane flash
Charles drew: [unknown]
Turn 5
Clayton: 8 AP
Charles: 8 AP
Charles played Flame Burst; a fire tornado suddenly surrounded the field
Clayton tried to save himself by playing Reflex Surge, but it couldn't dodge an AOE attack.
Clayton finally took a hit and due to Charles's buff it counted as 2
Clayton drew: Iron Ward
Charles drew: [unknown]
Turn 6
Clayton: 7 AP
Charles: 6 AP
Clayton played Twin Crescent Axes of Flux; suddenly two sleek, heavy Axes appeared in front of Clayton both headed toward Charles.
Charles knew he was backed into a corner; at times, dealing damage is really rare. He didn't know Clayton had one. He still played Arcane Backlash which reduced his damage to only 0.5 damage and also dealt 0.5 to Clayton
Charle Hit : 2.5
Clayton Hit: 1
Finally a grin appeared on Clayton's face as he won the match
VICTORY CONDITION MET: Clayton Landed a Hit
WINNER: CLAYTON ANTIGONUS
The arena erupted. Cheers drowned the sky. Students screamed. Faculty blinked in surprise. Whispers turned to cheers.
Charles approached and extended a hand.
"Well played."
Clayton shook it. "You owe me a stone."
"And an apology. You'll get both."
The dome faded as hashtags lit up the network:
#OneHitWonder #ClaytonClutch #DuelKing
Clayton walked off the stage, shoulders squared, as all of Vyrith whispered his name.