CHAPTER 21: IT’S HERE FOR YOU

The crowd began to disperse, but the air was thick with tension from the events of the duel.

Servants began sweeping and cleaning up the sand on the ground. But, all eyes kept glaring towards Jack.

Everyone was shocked that a boy who had barely been awake for a month, could best a gifted elf in single combat.

What was even more shocking was how he did it. Jack made it look like it was easy. Even though Rhys resorted to magic to try and win the duel, Jack showed everyone he could control lightning.

Alaric walled up to Jack and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "You’re going to be all anyone talks about for a while my boy." His voice was low.

Jack gave his father a half smile. Unsure if it was praise or concern.

The Kaiser’s and the Sunblades walked to the marble archway that was covered with tiger lilies. This was the pathway that led toward the gardens.

Servants directed the crowds of nobles back to the main hall and the gardens to continue their party.

When they arrived back at the spot where Jack had introduced himself, he heard a chime in his head.

[Title: Young Master of Sorne]

[Description: your duel against Rhys Luciel had been etched into everyone’s memory. Your name will be talked about for days to come.]

[Effect: +15% Reputation Points gained.]

[Skill: Noble Aura | Your charisma has increased. When talking with any citizen or nobility associated with Sorne, you will have an advantage.]

Holy crap. That’s an awesome buff. I just hit the jackpot.

[Utility Skill available for purchase.]

Before Jack could look at the system notification, something caught his attention.

The harps that had returned to playing halted. Conversations stopped as everyone turned in unison to Lady Claudia.

She approached Alaric. Her facial expression was like a porcelain mask. Hard to read, but her quick pace gave away her emotions.

"Lord Kaiser..." Her voice was polite, but she glanced at Jack before continuing.

"While my son concedes the match, I must remark on the outcome of this duel. Wind magic being countered with some strange purple magic. This is unheard of!"

’That would be lightning magic Lady Claudia.’ Jack interrupted her before she could continue.

"Well, the lack of refinement hardly befits a...:

’A winner you mean?!’

She squinted her eyes. "A noble duel is a measure of discipline, not parlor tricks."

Jack smirked and tilted his head. ’Discipline or not. The winner is determined by the person standing. Not the loser.’

A ripple of murmurs started through the guests.

Anabelle cemented Jack’s arm. "If my brother’s performance in the duel is not up to your liking Lady Claudia. Maybe you should teach your child how to properly defend himself."

Celeste chirped in next. "If you like, I can rearrange a rematch so you can watch the humiliation again Lady."

"Enough. All of you." Alaric butted in. "The match is over. Your son has angered me enough by trying to strike an opponent after it was settled. That’s far from disciplined. Next time, discipline your son before coming after mine." Alaric said in a commanding, cold tone.

"Jack walked with me." Alaric said as he grabbed his arm and walked towards a fountain in the garden.

The soft splashing of water and the sound of music gave off a lovely, pleasant tone. Unlike Lady Claudia’s attitude.

"Jack, you’ve made multiple enemies tonight. Are you prepared for what’s to come?" Aladic said with his head raised high.

Jack shrugged his shoulders, ’enemies are just rivals who don’t see your value.’

Alaric smiled wide. "Good. Confidence is the right mindset to have. But, overconfidence is a blade that cuts both ways. Remember that."

’I heard a wise man once say, "appear weak when you are strong. And appear strong, when you are weak." ’

"Who told you this?"

’A wise man father.’ Jack said with a smile.

Lady Genevieve, Octavia, Celeste, and Anabelle came to see Jack. "That was quite the show Jack. My dear boy, you are stronger than anyone thought. And you didn’t even need a tutor for magic."

Across the garden Rhys sat on a marble bench. He was using a cloth to dab the blood from his mouth.

His mother’s hand rested on his shoulder lightly. They were both glaring at Jack.

Octavia whispered to Jack. "Rhys isn’t the type to just let things go. He’ll try again. He has too much pride. As all elves do."

’That’s okay. I will keep his pride in check.’ Jack said confidently.

"That attitude... is going to make life very entertaining." Octavia said as she chuckled.

Cassius was with a group of nobles in the gardens. "Cheers to Jack Kaiser! My son in law! For wiping the floor with Rhys!" His voice boomed as he toasted and cheered.

As Jack went to join Cassius and his family, a loud shriek could be heard through the town.

What is that system?

[...]

System, what is that noise?

Everyone had stopped to look at each other. This screech was a cry from a monster.

A defining shriek rang through the city of Sorne.

"Alaric!" Cassius shouted.

"Yes I know dear friend, we have uninvited guests coming." Alaric said grimly.

Cassius whistled loudly and a large wyvern soared to the sky. After a few minutes the wyvern returned to Cassius.

Roar!!!

The wyvern roared as it bowed its head to Cassius. He grabbed the wyverns head and touched his forehead to the wyvern.

"Everyone evacuate to the west!"

Everyone was in a panic. Nobles dropped their wine glasses. Servants scurried away.

"What is it?" Alaric asked.

The wyvern kept its head down low as Casious looked up. "It’s an army of wyverns, led by a water dragon!"

"Why is a water dragon here! It’s too early for this. We should have more time!" Alaric yelled as the ground around him cracked.

The wind began to pick up.

The sky grew darker.

Rain drops slowly started to come down at the Kaiser mansion.

System, why is a dragon here.

[Calculating...]

[It’s here for you Jack.]