Chapter 9 — The Duel Invitation
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The morning sun was sharp today.
Thin beams cut through the tall glass towers like blades of light, painting shifting patterns along the marble walkways.
The academy was alive.
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Sparks of elemental training flashed in open arenas.
Groups of students gathered near floating platforms where instructors demonstrated multiversal combat formations.
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And yet, amidst this lively energy — Cyrus walked in silence.
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His mind still lingered on yesterday's encounter.
The stranger — Adrien.
> Reader... transgression...
Impossible, yet undeniable.
Another unknown added to an already complex game.
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Cyrus wasn't unsettled.
Not exactly.
Instead, his mind worked like it always did — dissecting, storing, preparing.
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> The world is opening faster than I predicted.
I must gather information steadily… no haste.
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He crossed one of the skybridges, the academy's cityscape sprawling beneath him.
Far below, floating gardens spun in slow circular motion.
Tiny hovercrafts carried supplies between towers.
Even distant elemental beasts roamed under containment fields — part of the academy's unique training grounds.
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For a brief moment, he stopped at the edge.
The wind brushed softly against his coat.
The sunlight warmed his skin.
He closed his eyes.
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> This world may be brutal.
But… it is beautiful.
And I must live to see it all.
Every detail. Every breath.
He inhaled deeply.
> This... too... is part of survival.
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Suddenly, a faint voice called behind him.
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"Cyrus Aurelius?"
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He opened his eyes slowly and turned.
A girl stood there, dressed in official academy uniform.
Short dark hair.
Sharp green eyes.
Holding a small floating crystal tablet that pulsed softly.
She was an administrative assistant — one of the academy's messenger aides.
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Cyrus nodded.
"Yes."
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She offered a short bow.
"You've received an official challenge."
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The floating tablet hovered towards him.
With a small motion, Cyrus tapped the glowing surface.
Text unfolded in elegant golden script.
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> Official Duel Invitation
Issuer: Alric Dorne (First Bloodline, House of Dorne — Lesser House affiliated to House Valerius)
Reason for Challenge:
"To test personal skill and resolve against a rumored cold-blooded strategist."
Location:
Spiral Duel Arena — Sector 3B
Time:
Tomorrow, second bell.
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Cyrus's eyes calmly traced every word.
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The girl continued in an official tone:
"As per academy law, refusal is permitted only under faculty-approved circumstances. Otherwise, participation is mandatory."
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Cyrus closed the tablet gently.
"Acknowledged.
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The girl bowed again and walked away, disappearing into the stream of students.
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> A minor house trying to climb status.
They wish to test me publicly.
Or perhaps… bait me into exposure.
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He turned and resumed walking, his steps deliberate.
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> I've avoided open combat so far.
But they grow curious.
And curiosity... must be handled carefully.
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As he approached one of the floating platforms leading to the private dormitory levels, faint conversations reached his ears:
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"That's the Aurelius boy, isn't it?"
"The one who stays quiet all the time."
"Rumor says he has no magic…"
"No magic? Then why is he even here?"
"Some say his mind is his weapon."
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Cyrus heard it all.
He always did.
But he gave no reaction.
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> Let them talk.
Words cannot cut me.
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As the sun began its descent, casting long golden shadows across the academy spires, Cyrus stood at the balcony of his dormitory suite.
From here, the Spiral Duel Arena was visible in the distance — a circular colosseum floating atop massive spiraling platforms, glowing softly as the light dimmed.
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Tomorrow, he would enter its ring.
Not for glory.
Not for pride.
But to observe.
To adapt.
To learn.
> The game has begun its first public move.
Let them witness... what it means to face someone who was built to survive.
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The wind whispered around him.
He closed his eyes again, standing there quietly as night claimed the sky.
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End of Chapter 9