6 more mages other than Vaan stepped up. Vaan named them 'Real Simps'. They were the simps who weren't just a simp just for the sake of it, they actually meant it.
They were serious about simping.
Seraphina had many simps, some of them simply backed away after the rumors started circulating, some actually directed their anger at him but didn't dare to challenge him because they were scared of the repercussions and the rest were these 6 real ones.
The ones who actually stood on their goddess's side and came here to deliver their spell directories to him.
Now these were the people who can actually be used, they were the ones who were born to be taken advantage of, and that was what Vaan was going to do.
He will fulfill the goal of their life.
"Just so you know, since you came here, it means you have decided to challenge me, the conditions of the challenge have already been set, so even if you do give up now,
Your Spell Directories are mine."
Vaan spoke as he glanced at the 6 Real Simps standing in front of him, making sure that none of them feel disappointed.
"That is if you do defeat us. Don't forget about the 50 Elemental Stones and the Public Apology once you are defeated."
One of the 6 men spoke up as he glared at Vaan.
Vaan, however, completely ignored the man and glanced at the Host, signaling him to start the first battle. The Host understood and then after nodding at Vaan, he turned towards the crowd and,
"Since all the Participants are here, we will be starting with the first round. The order of the Duel will be the Order in which the Challengers have registered for the Challenge,
So the first challenger, Elric Throneheart, from the Throneheart Family, please stay on the Stage with Young Master Vaan, as for the rest of the mages, please be on the side and patiently wait for your turn."
Elric stepped forward as he glared at Vaan with a confident look on his face. He was the same man who had spoken up just now and with how he was looking at Vaan's face, it felt like he was saying,
'You can't ignore me now, can you?'
Then, with a smirk on his face, Elric glanced at the announcer and,
"What happens after I defeat Young Master Vaan? I mean, there are 5 other challengers after me, what about them? I am sure they would want to rewards as well and I feel it is unfair that they wouldn't get those rewards because Young Master was injured in his Duel with me.
Would Heal be used? If yes, then would I have to be careful enough to not hurt Young Master Vaan so much that even with Heal, he might need more than a day to be back in his full health? Although it would be difficult, I would try to cooperate and hold back."
"Ehh…"
The Host glanced at Vaan with a confused look on his face, he didn't know how he was supposed to answer this.
The people in the crowd, on the other hand, had smiles on their faces, who here didn't wish to see the arrogant Young Master of the famed Vesta Family getting thrashed by others? Even though he was the weakest and was often called waste, Vaan was still a member of the Vesta Family, his defeat would definitely be a sight to see. Many were especially curious about what expression Astra would make when her son loses.
"Don't worry, if you managed to hurt me enough that even Heal can't instantly heal me, then I'll add 20 more Elemental Stones" Vaan spoke up.
"Really?" Elric's eyes shined in greed. "You won't go back on your words, will you?" He questioned, making sure Vaan won't have any way out.
Then suddenly, a wide smile appeared on Vaan's face and, "That is, if you agree to remove the surrender rule."
"The Surrender Rule? As in-"
"Yes, as in the Duel would continue, not until one side passes out or surrenders, but until the winning side wants it to be.
Are you up for it? For extra 20 Elemental Stones."
Elric glanced at the seat where his family members were sitting, wanting to get their opinions, but,
"We don't have all day, Coconut-Face. Accept right now or it will automatically be rejected."
"I accept, I have no reason to reject those extra 20 Elemental Stones." Elric accepted.
Vaan smiled.
Seeing this as his clue, the Host jumped in,
"Now, the two Mages, please shake your hands before the Duel."
Vaan and Elric did as they were told.
"You should have kept your hands away from Lady Seraphina," Elric smirked.
"What element did you have an affinity with again?" Vaan questioned.
"Why would you think I'll tell you that?"
"What? You think it would be that big of a strategic reveal? Alright then, I will tell you, my Element is Fire. Take it as me giving you a little handicap. I like to help the weak, you see."
"My element is Earth." Not wanting to let Vaan feel any better, Elric replied.
Vaan chuckled, "Earth huh…"
"Not the most useful one right now, but I am sure I will be using your directory in the Future."
Vaan wasn't a fool, after Splashy, he had a rough idea in his mind. There were 4 Basic Elements and 4 Circles at the Basic Level, he predicted that he would be getting one Spirit with every Circle he unlocks, eventually getting 4 with different elements.
So even though it was useless right now, he could use a Directory of an Earth Mage in the future.
Of course, he could be wrong and Splashy's appearance might be just a coincidence and the Directory might be completely useless for him, but so what?
At least he got to kick some ass, didn't he?
It was a win-win.
"Now the two mages, please stand on your spots." The Host instructed.
Vaan and Elric stood 100 meters apart from each other. This was the distance that was globally recognized to be the best distance between two Basic Mages before they start an official Duel. Since it was not close, it gave enough time for the two mages to prepare their spells and since it was not far, the spells the mages fired do not die out before hitting their opponent.
All in all, it was a perfect distance to test the two mages.
With the two of them standing in their spots, the announcer raised his voice,
"The First Magic Duel of today's challenge starts,
Now!"
As soon as the announcer announced, Vaan and Elric started absorbing the surrounding Mana and started circulating it throughout their Mana Veins, once they were done with Initiation, the two mages glanced at each other and then,
Elric's eyes widened in fright.
"W-W-What the hell is that!?"
His eyes fell on the two Advanced Circles Vaan had formed.
"What is that circle…?"
"Is that real…?"
"How is he doing that…?"
"Wait… isn't this the 'Advance Circle' Vaan published a few days ago?"
"That thing was real!?"
"I ignored it thinking it was just him joking around."
"But how is this possible…? A Circle like that shouldn't exist!"
Elric wasn't alone, the entire crowd widened their eyes in surprise when those Circles were revealed.
"These were the Magic Circles you were talking about?" Orion whispered into Astra's ears. A small smile appeared on Astra's face as she nodded.
"Their reaction would be priceless."
A smirk appeared on Orion's face as well.
The Husband and Wife glanced at the Stage again, waiting for their son's first victory,
"Why does your face look like a bitch who was thrown into ice-cold water?
Do you need me to warm you up?
Well, why not? I am actually quite good at this."
Saying those words, Vaan formed a 2-meter-long Flame Spear, then,
"Let's start the Duel, shall we!?"
He shouted with an excited look on his face and the Fire Spear shot towards Elric.
Because of the 'Speed' Inner Spell, the Spear's speed surprised Elric, who had stopped casting because of his surprise. Seeing the Giant Spear coming towards him at a high speed, Elric quickly formed an Earth Wall in front of him.
*BOOOM*
An Explosion was heard as the Spear collided with the Earth Wall, Elric's body was pushed back because of the explosion. The Fire Spear was much stronger than a normal Fire Spear and how could it not be?
It was supported y 4 extra Inner Spells that worked just on improving its strength.
Eldric started thinking about what other Inner Spells Vaan must have used but then,
"What are you doing!? The Duel isn't over!"
Eldric heard his father's shout and noticed Vaan preparing another Fire Spear while the other was already coming at him.
Eldric tried to run away, trying to dodge this one instead of blocking it, while at the same time absorbing Mana to defend against the next one,
But then,
The Fire Spear changed its Direction in mid-air.
'I-It has D-Direction Manipulation as well!'
Eldric's nightmare had begun.
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