The halls of the Royal Academy buzzed with excitement.
A mysterious masked duelist had emerged, challenging and defeating top-ranking students from all houses, yet never revealing their identity. Rumors spread like wildfire:
"They use techniques from multiple sects…""I swear that aura felt divine!""Is it a rogue prince? Or an old monster in disguise?"
Priyanshu, in his usual composed demeanor, watched the chaos from the shadows of the Black Whisper Pavilion's underground chamber. He knew the truth—he was the masked duelist.
[Disguise Skill Progression: 60% Mastered][Reputation as 'Unknown Threat' increased.]
But the duels weren't just for reputation. Behind each fight, he made secret bets with various nobles, betting treasures, techniques, and favors. No one suspected they were betting against the very person arranging it all.
Tonight, he would challenge a student from the Golden Phoenix House—a direct descendant of the imperial line and a known genius.
Before the duel, Raiya confronted him in private.
"You've been acting strange," she said, her arms crossed. "People are disappearing from the other houses, and your room is filled with ancient scrolls you don't even try to hide anymore."
He smirked. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing here, Raiya."
She didn't flinch. "And so is trust."
A small pause.
"…Do you want to join something greater?" he asked.
She blinked. "What?"
"Nothing," he said with a smile, vanishing before she could ask more.
The arena was packed. Betting stalls had opened. Even instructors watched from the upper stands.
The masked duelist—cloaked in black and silver—stepped into the ring.
His opponent, Zeyan, was known as the "Flame Child," possessing the Azure Sun Flame, an ancient imperial fire technique.
"You will kneel," Zeyan said arrogantly. "No masked coward walks over me."
The duel began.
Zeyan unleashed his flames, shaping them into birds, spears, and rings. Students gasped. The air scorched. But Priyanshu didn't flinch.
He used King's Mirror—mimicking Zeyan's flames instantly.
Then he added Divine Ego—suppressing Zeyan's confidence with sheer mental pressure.
Zeyan stumbled.
In a final act, Priyanshu formed a new spell: Flame of Silence, devouring Zeyan's flames entirely.
BOOM!
Zeyan was thrown back, unconscious.
[Victory Achieved. Karma Points +300. Masked Duelist Reputation Increased.][New Skill Derived: Flame of Silence – Consume and nullify enemy elemental attacks temporarily.]
The crowd erupted in shock.
The masked duelist simply bowed, then vanished in smoke.
Back in the shadows, Priyanshu smiled.
While others played checkers, he played three-dimensional chess.
And slowly, every piece was moving toward checkmate.