Tyron couldn’t respond to Ghislain’s suggestion right away.

When was the last time I fought without using mana?

It had to have been over twenty years ago. No one who could wield mana would willingly refrain from using it.

For someone who had mastered mana, abandoning it in a fight felt deeply unsettling. It was like shedding the armor that protected their life.

And yet, the challenge proposed by Ghislain required just that.

This duel wouldn’t rely on overwhelming skill or strength—it demanded courage. Courage strong enough to face death itself without flinching.

All eyes were on Tyron. His subordinates stared at him, waiting to see if he would accept.

“Damn it…”

Tyron felt like he was being cornered again.

What would happen if he refused? It would look like he was afraid. His pride and authority would take a devastating hit.

As much as he wanted to reject the offer, Tyron had no choice. His pride wouldn’t let him back down.

“Fine. We’ll do it your way,” he growled, grinding his teeth.

Despite his anger, he couldn’t shake the belief that he held the upper hand.

Julien was smaller than him and leaner, with none of Tyron’s bulky, powerful frame. There was no way Julien could overpower him in a contest of strength.

The key factors would be Julien’s skill and nerve, neither of which Tyron expected to surpass his own.

He can’t be feeling confident about this either, Tyron thought. Julien might’ve suggested the duel, but Tyron could tell from his expression that he was slightly nervous.

As Tyron reluctantly accepted, Julien nodded and began preparing. He wrapped bandages around his hands and arms while Deneb approached, helping him secure the bindings.@@novelbin@@

Deneb whispered, her tone filled with worry.

“Are you sure about this?”

“I’m fine,” Julien replied calmly.

“Why are you fighting this way? It’s so reckless.”

She looked deeply concerned. Ghislain had explained this plan earlier, but she still couldn’t understand why Julien had to fight under such dangerous conditions.

Julien gave her a small, reassuring smile.

“Who knows? But if Ghislain thought it was necessary, there must be a good reason.”

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