CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55: THE DUEL(2)

Adam just met his gaze calmly and said. "If it’s by your command your Majesty, then I have no objections."

Lucien who saw the whole thing transpiring could only sigh softly, he knew what Cedric was planning but he just gave a faint smirk.

"Well things are about to get very interesting."

The king nodded to Adam’s response. "Hm, very well. A short duel it is then. No killing blows are allowed. The royal arena is free, let’s see what the first year freshmen apex can do."

All the servants bowed and moved swiftly preparing extensively for the duel. And soon enough everyone was now gathered inside the royal training arena.

It was. Vast marble hall that has golden runes that were circling the floor and it there was a viewing platform from above, this was where the royal family now sat.

Cedric just leaned back having a smug grin as his knight stepped forward with absolute confidence.

"My knight, Sir Regan Voss," he said proudly, his grin widening even further. "He is a peak C rank, one of the elite of my personal guard. Show those in attendance the difference between a seasoned warriors and a mere student."

Regan just made a salute and drew his greatsword from it’s sheathe. "By your command, my prince."

Adam also stepped into the ring, he was wearing a calm, a also a faint reassuring smile.

Duke and Selena were also confident, knowing that Adam has already stepped into the realm of C rank.

And in the academy his physical strength was known to rival those that were a single realm above him.

The king then raised his hand, the wind swaying his red robe slightly.

"Begin."

BOOM!

Ragan charged forward immediately, he raised his blade as he cut through the air sending out a silver arc.

Adam just sidestepped the attack smoothly, making it seem like he barely dodged in by a mere fraction.

However the Knight didn’t pause and readied himself for another strike, this one can even faster, creating an overhead slash that was infused with mana.

Adam just twisted his body, ducking and effortlessly dodged the blow, his eyes were focused but he wore a bored expression.

’The assassins were better than this’ He thought to himself.

"He’s fast." Lucien murmured, he was watching the duel intently.

"Hmph fast?" Cedric merely scoffed. "He’s just lucky."

Then a third attack came, Regan roared as he unleashed a flurry of mana. He aimed a horizontal slash which was followed by a thrust that was aimed directly at Adam’s chest.

The whole hall glowed with energy from the strike for a moment, dust began to rise and the sound sound of the strike was still reverberating.

But when the light faded, Adam was still standing uninjured.

He hasn’t even moved from his spot.

"Are you done?" Adam said with a bored expression as he casually cracked his neck loosening it a bit and he started to move.

Regan blinked, he couldn’t believe what he just saw. ’He’s uninjured? How!?’ the arm that held his sword was trembling.

The blade was stopped by Adam’s arm, he held it firmly with his fingers and it didn’t budge no matter how much strength Regan exerted.

That’s when Adam’s eye glowed intently. "I gave you three moves." He said in a low tone, it was calm but dangerous. "Now it’s my turn."

Before he could even react, Adam had already stepped forward and thrust his fist forward.

BOOM!

It wasn’t a flashy attack or anything of that manner, it was just a single punch straight to the chest.

The sound that followed cracked like thunder, his ribs were broken and the first left cracks on his chest plate.

Regan was sent flying backwards like a broken ragdoll, his pupils went to the back on his head and he coughed up blood.

He crashed into the barrier wall as the impact echoed across the hall.

The barrier ripped due to the impact, but it stabilized. But Regan couldn’t get up, his limbs were twitching, his armor was cracked and his weapon the greatsword was still firmly held on Adam’s fingertips.

There was silence that followed and it was deafening.

Lucien’s eyes were widening slightly in surprise. The king’s express through was just pure satisfaction.

Cedric was clenching his jaw, his smugness vanished instantly.

Adam just lowered his extended hand and threw away the greatsword towards the opponent, he then looked towards the royal families section and made a bow.

"I believe... this is enough to show my strength, your Majesty."

The King just rose slightly from his seat, his voice was deep carrying a lot of authority.

"Indeed... that’s more than enough."

He then turned his gaze towards Cedric. "I think we all seen his strength clearly. His already an C-rank and his mana far surpasses that."

Gasps and also murmurs began to erupt amongst the onlookers.

Adam just simply made a respectful bow, his tone was calm and also composed. "Thank you for this opportunity, Your Majesty."

The king just nodded slowly, and he had a proud gleam showing in his eyes. "You really exceeded my expectations, Adam. Your truly remarkable."

Cedric was clenching his fists beneath the table, the tightened until it felt like blood would start dripping from them.

Rage was beginning to smolder beneath his polite smile. ’How dare he embarrass me like this, this isn’t over Adam!’ he muttered to himself already formulating another plan.

Adam could feel Cedric’s gaze, hatred was boiling behind his composed express.

But Adam just said nothing. ’I knew this was gonna happen, I guess I’ll clash with the second prince a lot of times." He just met his gaze, calm and also unshaken.

Everyone in the royal training hall started to slowly move away after Adam’s victory.

The King was smiling proudly thinking of using Adam’s power for the kingdom’s future.

Katie, Duke and Selena were rushing towards his side, their expressions showing nothing but pride and happiness.

"That was incredible Adam." Katie said, she has a grin tugging at her lips. "You’ve really grown stronger than what I’ve expected and your already at C rank."

Duke laughed a bit, his excitement evident. "Bro! You’ve beat Cedric’s proud knight I one move! One move man! I knew you weren’t going to disappoint!"

Selena added on it softly, "Yeah that was a clean strike. You didn’t even use your full strength, did you?"

Adam just gave her a modest shrug. "Well I just used enough to end the duel swiftly."

The King then called all of them to a private lounge that was behind the throne room, as the guards closed the doors only leaving the royal family and Adam inside.

Katie then leaned forward her expression being a bit more serious. "There’s more that’s happening behind our borders. My sources received information that the Outer God’s influence is starting to resurface and their approaching our borders."

Duke frowned and said. "So that’s why you’ve been sent on that mission sis?"

"Yeah, we wanted to repel and also confirm the rumors l." Katie replied in a calm tone. "There were strange rituals, too many citizens disappearing in their villages. And we assume they’ll move again, and that will happen soon."

Selena’s gaze turned serious. "If things are like this then even the academy isn’t safe from their threats."

"Yeah, that’s the most likely case." Adam said. "I’m pretty sure people might have already infiltrated the academy, and there might be some helping them out as well."

Katie nodded in affirmation. "Yeah you guys should get stronger so you can be prepared. You should keep your guards up and if anything feels slightly off, report it. Don’t risk it by trying to confirm your suspicions."

Adam just met her gaze and nodded slightly.

"Yeah we’ll do that."

After the serious conversation ended they all went out the private room and sat outside near the garden catching up and also eating some snacks.

Meanwhile something was happening deep beneath the palace’s lowe walls.

There Cedric was standing in silence, fury was shimmering beneath his calm smile.

That’s when he summoned one of his shadow operatives.

"Katie returned from the border alive and that boy humiliated me. I want him gone, and I want him gone quietly."

The man covered in a hood bowed. "So make it look like an accident then?"

Cedric’s eyes then gleamed with intent. "Exactly. Tracks his movements and see where he goes, and when the opportunity arrives act upon it. Make it look like he was targeted by cultists. I don’t care how you do it, just make sure nothing comes back to me."

That’s when the operative vanished, already knowing his mission and acted on it quickly.

Cedric just turned to face the window, the reflection that shown was cold and sharp with a dark energy coming off slightly.

"Enjoy this sort victory Adam." He muttered to himself. "This will be your last one."