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A voice interrupted our conversation, cutting through the buzz of activity around us. I turned to see a tall figure striding toward us with an air of arrogance and self-importance.

The figure was broad-shouldered, with dark hair slicked back, and his robes were embroidered with silver thread, marking him as someone of high status. He wore a confident smirk that only added to the aura of superiority emanating from him. A small group followed in his wake, their eyes trained on us with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

"You must be the new kids," he said, looking us up and down like we were some kind of curiosity. "Welcome to Merlin Academy, though I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were you. This place tends to chew up the weak."

His words dripped with arrogance, and I could already feel the challenge beneath the surface. I kept my expression neutral, but inside, the system's warning echoed louder than ever. Was this one of the rivals I was meant to face?

[Ding! Minor villain detected.]

[Identifying the target...]

[Name: Lucian Graves]

[Title: Minor Villain, Lecherous Noble]

[Affiliation: Shadow Circle]

[Power Level: Peak Third-Circle Mage]

[Affinity: Shadow, Fire]

[Threat Level: Low]

[Personality: Arrogant, ruthless, and Lustful. Known for targeting newcomers to assert his dominance and forcing girls into submission under the guise of power. He's notorious for his underhanded tactics and doesn't hesitate to sabotage or blackmail those who cross his path.]

Lucian's smirk deepened as he noticed my silence. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" he taunted, his gaze flickering to Eveline and Lily, lingering a little too long for my liking. "Or maybe you're just here to stand around and look pretty. Though I doubt you'll last long like that."

"None of your business!" Raven spotted while glaring with barely contained anger in her eyes.

"Yes, stupid go bark somewhere else," Liliana held her head high looking at Lucian with disdain dripping from her voice. The atmosphere around us shifted, tension thickening as Lucian took a step closer, undeterred by our defiance.

He laughed, a deep, mocking sound that reverberated through the crowd. "Feisty, I see. But don't mistake bravado for strength. This academy doesn't take kindly to those who think they can walk in and make waves." He gestured to his entourage, who chuckled along, reinforcing his dominance.

I could feel Liliana's anger simmering beside me, her fists clenched at her sides. Raven stood firm, eyes blazing, ready to protect her friends. I knew I had to step in before this escalated further.

"Lucian Graves, right?" I said, my voice calm yet firm, cutting through the tension. "We are just exploring, so please keep your arrogance to yourself."

Lucian turned to me, his smirk faltering momentarily before he regained his composure. "And what makes you think you can talk to me like that, newcomer? You really think you can challenge me here?"

"I don't need to challenge you to see your true colours," I replied, standing my ground. "It's pretty clear that your only tactic is intimidation. But let me assure you, that won't work on us."

The murmurs in the crowd intensified as they watched the confrontation unfold, some leaning in closer, eager for the drama. Eveline stood beside me, her posture radiating confidence, while Liliana and Raven exchanged glances, silently supporting me.

Lucian's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I could see the flicker of uncertainty beneath his bravado. His eyes flickered to my sword, his arrogance returned with a vengeance. "You think your little display of bravado impresses anyone? I could burn you to ashes before you even draw that sword."

"You sure?" I whispered as I took a step forward, drawing on the confidence the system instilled in me. "Because from where I stand, it looks like you're the one playing a dangerous game. You threaten us without knowing what we're capable of."

Lucian's smirk faltered again, just a fraction of a second, but I caught it. He wasn't used to being challenged. "What makes you think you can hold your ground against me? You might have some friends around you, but that won't protect you from my power."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of the situation. "Power doesn't come from flaunting it over others, Lucian. It comes from knowing when to use it—and from having the strength to stand up for your beliefs."

"Touché," he said, although the words felt hollow. The bravado in his tone was beginning to crack, revealing a glimpse of uncertainty. He glanced at the growing crowd, their eyes wide with anticipation, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind.

"If you think a few words can intimidate me, you're mistaken," he continued, though there was a tinge of desperation in his voice. "If you are so confident in your so-called power, why do you follow me to the duelling arena and fight me? Surely you wouldn't waste your time on a pathetic insect like me, would you?"

"Pathetic insects tend to get stepped on," I replied, matching his intensity. "And I'd rather not waste time fighting someone who gets his kicks from bullying others. If you really want a challenge, I suggest you take a look in the mirror and confront your own weaknesses first."

The crowd's murmur shifted to a low buzz of surprise and approval, as if they were waiting for the inevitable fallout. Lucian's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl that twisted his features. He shifted his stance, clearly rattled but unwilling to show it.

"That's it! You and me right here right now!" he shouted, his voice booming above the murmurs of the crowd. The challenge was clear, a clash of egos boiling over in front of an eager audience.

I glanced at my friends, who stood by me, their expressions a mix of ridicule and disdain. A smirk made its way to my face, realizing that I had successfully rattled Lucian.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, lightning arcs danced around my figure as I placed my right hand on the hilt of my sword. The energy thrummed in response, fueling my confidence. "Because my hand might slip."

The crowd around us fell silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air. Lucian's eyes glinted with a mix of anger and determination as he sized me up. "You think you can intimidate me with flashy magic and bravado?" he spat, clenching his fists. "I'll show you what real power looks like!"

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"Fire Magic: Crimson Tornado!"

The air crackled with tension as Lucian unleashed his spell. A swirling vortex of flames erupted from his outstretched hands, a crimson tornado roaring to life and spiralling toward me with destructive force. The heat radiated outward, and I could feel the oppressive weight of his magic pressing against me.

"Eveline, Did you capture it?" I said to Eveline who was holding a small crystal facing the Lucian and fire tornado recording the evidence.

"Yup! All clear and high definition. You can make on 'defend' yourself, Fufufufu~" Eveline flashes a thumbs up, a playful grin on her face as she focused on the magic swirling before us.

With Lucian's attack barreling down on me, I steeled my resolve. "Time to show him what real strength looks like."

With a swift motion, the sword unsheathed and charged with lightning to the brim—

"Lightning Magic: Thunder Dragon!"

I released the spell with a downward slash as a bolt of energy burst forth from my sword, taking the form of a massive dragon. The creature roared to life, crackling with electricity and speed as it surged toward Lucian's fiery tornado.

The two spells collided and fire got snuffed out like a candle in a storm. The thunder dragon tore through the crimson vortex, lightning crackling wildly as it consumed the flames in its path. The ground shook under the force of the impact, sending shockwaves through the surrounding crowd, who watched in awe and fear.

Lucian's eyes widened in disbelief as his attack dissipated, replaced by a blinding flash of light. "What the—" he stammered, his voice drowned out by the roar of my spell.

The thunder dragon barreled toward him, its fierce form glowing with an intense energy. I could see the moment the realization hit him—this wasn't a mere show of power; I meant every word. He tried to conjure another spell, panic flickering across his features, but it was too late.

The thunder dragon was already in front of him, in despair he pissed his pants. As I cancelled the spell before it could reach him, I stood at the ready, smirking at the panicked look on Lucian's face. The thunder dragon dissipated into a flurry of sparks, crackling with residual energy, leaving behind a moment of stunned silence in the crowd.

Lucian, shaken and wide-eyed, took a step back, his bravado shattered like glass. The group behind him shifted uncomfortably, their earlier confidence evaporating in the face of my display. The murmurs among the crowd grew louder, a mixture of awe and disbelief at what they had just witnessed.

"Guess you underestimated me," I said, my voice steady but tinged with a playful arrogance of my own. "Maybe next time, you should think twice before picking a fight."

"Y-You… You're just lucky," Lucian stammered, desperately trying to regain some semblance of his earlier composure. "This isn't over! You'll pay for this embarrassment!"

"Oh, I'm counting on it," I replied, a smile creeping onto my face as I took a step back to join my friends. Eveline gave me a triumphant grin, clearly enjoying the turn of events.

"Great job, Samael!" Raven exclaimed, her voice full of excitement. "You really showed him!"

"Yeah! I didn't think you'd go all out like that," Liliana added, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Lucian's just a pathetic bully," I said, shrugging off the praise. "He's not worth the energy, but he needed a reminder that there are consequences to his arrogance."

As the crowd began to disperse, their chatter echoing around us, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. I had asserted myself not just for my sake but for my friends, and I wouldn't allow anyone to undermine our strength or our place here.

Just as we turned to leave, I caught Lucian's eye one last time. He was seething, the rage evident in his clenched fists and clenched teeth. Despite his earlier bravado, he was clearly shaken and unwilling to back down.

"This isn't over, Samael," he spat, his voice low and venomous. "You've made an enemy today."

"Good," I shot back. "Enemies make life interesting."

"You are Samael Ashwood, I presume." A new voice sounded from behind as a middle-aged man walked with hands behind his back.

"Yes, that would be me," I said with a hint of curiosity, turning to face the newcomer.

The man wore a simple, yet elegant set of robes that suggested a position of authority within the academy. His hair was neatly combed, and his sharp gaze held an intensity that demanded respect. He appeared unbothered by the commotion around us, as if this were just another day at Merlin Academy.

"I am Professor Elias, You are to report to the council administration right now."

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

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Stone Me!, I can take it.

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