Battle Race in the Fantasy World

Battle Race in the Fantasy World – 21

EP.21 The Storm Strikes Twice, The Storm Strikes Twice

“The duel is one of the prestigious histories of the Academy.”

When Kyle first heard that, he thought it was nonsense.

The prestigious histories were filled with all sorts of stories.

He couldn’t understand why the word “duel” was included there.

It wasn’t until later that he understood why such words were spoken.

It wasn’t about life and death, but merely about establishing honor and justification for one side by exchanging blows.

Such duels were not prohibited, in fact, they continued for a reason.

To prevent conflicts from escalating into grudges between noble families.

The Academy is the empire’s top educational institution. It’s a must for nobles, naturally.

With nobles from various families gathering, conflicts often arise.

It’s okay if the ranks are clearly divided, but with representatives from various noble families, it’s often difficult to determine the hierarchy.

So, when there’s a dispute among them, it’s coolly settled with a duel between the parties involved.

It’s better than noble families fighting each other and ending up in disgrace.

“It seems there’s some commotion.”

Elga says, turning her head to look at the first floor.

Kyle follows her gaze and observes the suddenly noisy banquet hall.

The reason for the uproar starting from one corner of the banquet hall.

It was because of the suggestion to have a duel at this enjoyable party.

Moreover, it was between a noble and a commoner.

Noble students usually don’t challenge commoner students to duels.

Because it would tarnish their image severely.

This, too, can be considered an implicit rule regarding duels.

‘But why on earth did that guy receive a challenge to a duel?’

Ian is a commoner. Despite boasting a sharper tongue than the nobles, he’s still a commoner, regardless.

The student currently pestering him about a duel in front of him can’t possibly be unaware of that fact.

Moreover, it’s not clear what impact challenging a commoner to a duel would have on his reputation.

Yet, that noble student stubbornly challenged Ian to a duel.

If he persists, there must be a reason, which Ian may come to understand later.

‘Reject it! Don’t accept it!’

Commoners have no reason to risk their lives for honor like nobles.

So, rejecting a duel holds no consequence or harm for them.

In fact, it’s explicitly stated that noble students are not allowed to harass commoner students.

“As you wish.”

Of course, Kyle wondered if Ian would actually comply with his wishes.

Amidst the murmurs, the two men head somewhere, attracting a crowd of students as if they were a spectacle.

‘Damn it.’

Kyle mutters, watching the scene unfold with a grim expression.

By the way, Ian always seemed to break his opponent’s arm whenever he engaged in a duel.

Thanks to that, he even earned a nickname similar to a mad scientist.

‘The arm collector, Ian the Arm collector.’

====

***

====

Elga briefly glances at Kyle’s face.

It’s definitely not a good expression, no matter how you look at it.

Apparently, this guy named Ian also received a recommendation letter from Margrave Byun-kyung.

If that’s the case, then he came to this academy together with Kyle.

Typically, those who enter the same place or in the same manner are usually grouped together for evaluation.

It’s like to ‘Don’t embarrass the region, or worse, the family,’ if you will.

“…Lady Elga, I’m sorry, but I need to go.”

When Kyle said that, Elga nodded.

If that student Ian were to cause any trouble, it would be quite awkward for Kyle.

There were incidents involving the previous Jonathan and today’s desk accident event.

If even someone who received the same recommendation letter acts like that, it’s as good as saying everything.

Having a recommendation letter doesn’t make one invincible.

If it’s deemed insufficient, even the palace might intervene.

“Let’s go together, Kyle.”

“Yes?”

“You’re trying to stop the duel, right? Then I can help.”

Of course, mediation is also an option.

Someone higher up could come and say, “Everyone, stop and get along!” Although the Academy is said to be slightly more equal than the outside world, it’s still part of society.

Moreover, they won’t spend eternity in the Academy, and even if it’s long, four years is the limit.

After that, they’ll have to face others in society again.

Can they afford to mess up their social lives? Obviously not.

‘…If Elga steps in, they might listen. Because she’s from the Littorio Family.’

But Kyle shook his head.

“What? You don’t need my help?”

“Probably not.”

Ian’s provocation must have been strong.

I’m sure unless the emperor intervenes, the opponent will definitely duel.

With those thoughts, Kyle turned and descended to the first floor.

“…Ha!”

It was astounding. It was unbelievable. To be pushed away like this again.

Whatever reward she wanted, whatever deal she proposed, it was definitely not that.

She had just extended her hand once, and Kyle immediately rejected it.

This level of annoyance should be beyond irritation and into discomfort.

Nevertheless, Elga felt her curiosity growing stronger about the man who was moving away.

No, in fact, it wasn’t just curiosity but also ‘liking’. She was actively denying that, though.

‘…I haven’t even had a few drinks yet, so I can’t be drunk already.’

She sighed and plopped down into her chair.

It’s all because of Leto. Yeah, it’s because of that guy that she’s feeling dizzy like this.

With those thoughts, Elga picked up the glass in front of her, along with foolish thoughts like ‘What if Kyle was my childhood friend?’

====

***

====

“Tisha!”

“Kyle!”

Students rushed out to the front garden of the banquet hall.

Amidst them, the two figures, unexpectedly intertwined, managed to hold each other’s hands.

“What’s going on all of a sudden? What’s the situation?!”

“I, I don’t know either. I went over there, and it was like that!”

“Maybe, have you tried intervening with Ian?”

Ian might ignore his own words, but not Tisha’s. If she voices her opinion, that guy will definitely listen.

“I tried, but I got swept away by other students and couldn’t even talk to him. I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need for you to apologize. It’s a bigger problem than that. Dueling at a party like this of all places.”

“That’s right! Dueling in such a setting goes against etiquette!”

The noble student who requested the duel was either reckless or Ian provoked him heavily. Frankly, the latter seemed more plausible.

‘It’s too late to question the situation now. Let’s just stop it. If we apologize properly, they’ll let it go.’

Normally, dueling at another time wouldn’t bother them much.

But dueling at a freshman welcome party? What could be more attention-grabbing than that? What Kyle wanted now was for things related to him to quiet down so he could take some action.

“Ian!”

Kyle managed to push through the students and grabbed Ian’s shoulder. Honestly, he wanted to grab him by the collar, but that could wait for later.

“You came.”

“I did. But seriously, what’s with this talk about a duel?”

“Just what you heard.”

“What did you say exactly? Why would he suggest a duel on a day like this?”

“He kept boasting about his swordsmanship. I just said a word to him.”

“And what exactly did you say? Was it really necessary to be so blunt?”

Your skills are crap. Kyle hoped it wasn’t such a direct insult.

Please, he hoped it was a provocation that could be resolved through dialogue.

But the next words he heard were enough to shatter Kyle’s hopes.

“If you clapped that much at that level, doesn’t it mean your parent doesn’t know much about swordsmanship?”

“…Did you really say that?”

“Yeah. I really said it.”

There are things you absolutely shouldn’t say, regardless of the circumstances.

Like sarcasm. Belittling your family, especially your parents, is one of them.

Even if you’re the most filial son, people will turn their backs on you in an instant.

It’s understandable why the noble got angry and challenged him to a duel after hearing such words.

Any other noble would have reacted the same. They might have even threatened to kill him.

If your swordsmanship sucks, it sucks. But why bring your parents into it?

‘If I apologize, they might not accept it.’

And Kyle’s prediction was spot on.

“Apologize? Ha! Apologies should come from the person themselves! Sending a substitute to apologize, saying sorry, let’s forget about the duel? You were just mocking my swordsmanship earlier, and now you’re afraid of losing face? Sorry, but the duel will definitely happen!”

The noble freshman who heard Ian’s sarcasm erupted in anger. Kyle’s suggestion of letting it slide even once was naturally ignored and brushed aside.

“Why do you keep trying to stop the duel? If you’re worried about that guy, why don’t you duel in his place? Wouldn’t that solve everything?”

“Yes? Well….”

“You can’t do it? Ha! Then why are you asking to stop the duel? You guys talk big, but in the end, it’s just a bunch of cowards and weaklings pretending to be something they’re not!”

At that moment, something in Kyle’s mind snapped.

The coward must refer to Ian, and the weakling must be referring to himself.

Weak? Weak? Is he seriously saying that?

And to include Ian-like guys in the same category? Saying I’m like that guy?

Wow. That’s crossing a line even if there wasn’t a line.

“Alright.”

“What did you say?”

“Duel. I said I’ll do it instead. Let’s have a match.”

“What! Now what’s this! Well, if you insist! Come on, give me your name!”

“Kyle. Kyle of Baron Jonathan.”

“Alright. Kyle of Baron Jonathan. I challenge you to a duel in place of that guy earlier!”

Immediately after, the bustling hall fell silent for a moment.