Chapter 18: Naïve, Isn't It?

Chapter 18: Naïve, Isn't It?

Jonny pulled out a crystal-clear gem emitting a faint crimson glow from his mage robe, as if one could faintly see the fiery essence swirling within it, and said:

"So, how about we use this Fire Element Gemstone as the stake for our duel?"

William glanced at the gem in Jonny's hand and then back at him, calmly saying:

"Since you want to give me a gift, I naturally won't refuse."

"Great!" Jonny exclaimed excitedly as William finally agreed. "Then let's go to the training ground."

"No need, let's just do it here. After all, it'll be over quickly," William casually waved his hand, indicating that they could proceed right there.

Jonny didn't mind, so he agreed.

Passersby noticed that a duel seemed about to take place here and started gathering around. Most of them were academy mage students, confident that they wouldn't be affected by the battle's aftermath. They formed a circle, leaving the center for the two duelists.

"You're so stubborn. Just hand over the qualification and be done with it," Jonny said confidently, taking his staff from a friend nearby, as he didn't have precious equipment like a storage ring.

"Haha." William was in a good mood, even laughing as he performed the mage duel gesture towards Jonny.

"Just wait, you won't be laughing soon!" Jonny controlled his mana, proficiently chanting the spell, and the fire element began to gather in front of him. It seemed he was about to cast the second-tier spell, Blaze Torrent.

However, much to the surprise of the onlookers, William didn't make any casting movements. Instead, he stood still, waiting for Jonny to finish casting the spell.

A torrent of blazing flames surged towards William, but he remained unmoved.

Just as the flames were about to engulf William, a figure suddenly flashed, and the flames were extinguished. The dispersed heat dissipated into the air.

It was clear to everyone that it was William's bodyguard, Welf, who had stood in front of William. The residual heat on his armor indicated that he had extinguished Jonny's spell.

Although the bystanders didn't recognize Welf, his actions and the golden badge on his chest indicated his identity.

A Golden Warrior!

Jonny realized that the person who had been following William from the beginning was his bodyguard. It was only now that he realized that this person was already a top-tier warrior in the warrior profession.

Although not standing at the peak of the continent like legendary warriors, it was effortless for him to deal with a junior mage like himself.

Jonny quickly took a few steps back, nervously looking at Welf. He then turned slightly to William and shouted:

"William, what do you mean? Why did your bodyguard interfere in the duel? Are you trying to cheat?"

"Of course not. I'm a law-abiding citizen who keeps his promises," William shook his head, looking at Jonny with amusement.

"But you may have, perhaps, seemingly, forgotten my identity."

"Your identity?!" Jonny seemed to have realized something, his face suddenly stiffening, unable to say anything.

But at this moment, the spectators around them had already explained the reason: "Isn't William a court viscount? I remember that the royal family has regulations stating that, unless otherwise restricted in advance, individuals with noble titles can have their bodyguards participate in duels!"

"Yes, it's recorded in the kingdom's laws, so I haven't violated any rules, right?" William smiled at Jonny, but in Jonny's eyes, William's smile seemed like that of a demon, mocking his ignorance.

In fact, this rule was a special loophole reserved for nobles. After all, even noble enthusiasts who were keen on honor duels rarely wanted to personally risk their lives in battle. In most cases, they would have their family-trained bodyguards fight on their behalf.

Jonny regretted deeply. He was inclined to admit defeat, but the thought of losing the Fire Element Gemstone made his heart ache unbearably. After all, this gem was borrowed from his big brother, Camus, just to facilitate this duel. Did he have to watch William take it away from him?

But he couldn't see even the slightest possibility of defeating Welf!

"William, you coward, can you only let your bodyguard fight for you? Do you dare to face me alone?" Jonny attempted to provoke William with his words, hoping to get a chance for a one-on-one fight.

William didn't even bother to respond. Although he could easily defeat Jonny himself, why should he bother when Welf was already handling it?

As for the insults, William just regarded them as the futile rage of a loser. Compared to the offensive remarks of internet trolls in his previous life, these were nothing but kindergarten-level insults. He didn't even have the energy to retaliate, feeling it beneath him.

"Welf, deal with him and get the stake back," William ordered.

"Yes, young master." Welf, feeling somewhat speechless, couldn't understand what these people were thinking. His young master was such a outstanding genius; how could they dare to challenge him?

Welf, having forgotten about his recent act of eavesdropping, acted promptly. With a swift movement, he appeared in front of Jonny and delivered a kick.

"Ugh!"

Jonny collapsed to the ground, clutching his stomach in agony.

Welf retrieved the Fire Element Gemstone from Jonny's chest, casually delivering a heavy slap to Jonny's face as he did so.

As soon as Welf returned to William's side, Jonny's companions dared to approach and check on him.

"Treating moderate injuries!"

Suddenly, a person wearing a black mage robe stepped forward from the crowd. A healing spell was cast on Jonny, and his complexion improved slightly. Turning to William, he said:

"Viscount Cain, aren't you going too far? Why did you resort to such violence?"

"Oh? And who are you?" William tilted his head, examining the person in front of him. This person didn't come with Jonny to confront him. He appeared somewhat handsome, with a smile on his face, but there was a hint of darkness in his eyes.

"I am Camus. Viscount Cain, do you not intend to give me an explanation?" Camus answered. This Camus was the leader of Jonny's group, considered outstanding within the entire academy, and admired by many instructors.

"What are you, and why should I explain to you?" William looked at Camus without any courtesy.

"This is the Royal Academy of Magic. By letting your bodyguard intervene so violently, are you trying to kill your classmates?"

"What's wrong? Are you accusing me now?" William retorted firmly.

"Firstly, this is a duel, and I haven't violated any rules. Secondly, injuries are unavoidable in a duel. This is just a lesson. Do you think a Golden Warrior can't control the force of his attacks and might kill someone accidentally? Thirdly!" William squinted at Camus, staring directly at him. "You hid to the side at the start of the duel, only to come out and pontificate when your own man lost. Do you think I didn't notice? Are you looking for trouble?"