Chapter 138: Chapter No.138 True Protagonist Vs Villains (6/?)
The moment the blonde boy's words reached my ears, my entire demeanor shifted. He was tall, with a lean, muscular build, and a smirk that radiated arrogance. His uniform—marked with the emblem of a third-year student—gleamed in the dim light of the library, signaling both his seniority and, no doubt, a dangerous level of skill. He clearly wasn't here by accident.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes at him, her expression turning icy. "What do you want, Allen?" she asked, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.
"Oh~ Am I disturbing something, my dear fiancée?"
My eyes narrowed at Allen, the boy with the sharp tongue and sharper gaze. He had a knack for getting under my skin, and today was no exception. His presence here, in our moment of discussion, felt like an unwelcome storm brewing on the horizon.
"Fiancée?" I echoed incredulously, raising an eyebrow at Seraphina. She looked just as taken aback as I was, her expression a mix of annoyance and disbelief.
"Enough with the theatrics, Allen," Seraphina retorted, her voice steady but laced with irritation. "This is neither the time nor the place for your games."
Allen stepped closer, his confident stride invading our space. "Oh, but you see, I can't help myself. It's not every day I find you with a boy, when you are spoken for by someone else. It's quite the scandal, don't you think?"
I just watched with nonchalance, as this has nothin—
[Ding! A new mission!]
[Name: Troubling Fiance]
Description: Confront Allen and resolve the conflict that threatens to disrupt your newly formed alliance with Seraphina. Maintain your composure while navigating the tricky dynamics of academy politics.]
[Objective: Defeat Allen Verbally or Physically.]
[Reward: 1000 Destiny Points]
'So less,'
My eyes focused on rewards which were pitifully low, but what can we say when the opponent is pitifully weak too.
I leaned against a nearby bookshelf, crossing my arms as I regarded Allen with an air of indifference. "Allen, your dramatics are tiresome. If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I suggest you leave us to our conversation."
His smirk faltered for a brief moment, surprised by my unflappable demeanor. "You're bold, aren't you? But don't you think you should show a bit more respect? After all, I am your senior, and Seraphina is—"
"Not your property," I interjected, my voice firm. "This isn't about your status or your so-called claim over her. She can choose who she associates with, and right now, she's chosen to be here with me."
The tension in the air grew thick, and I could see Allen's eyes narrow, calculating his next move. I'd hit a nerve, but I wasn't about to back down. My gaze flickered to Seraphina, who stood beside me, her expression a mix of annoyance and uncertainty. I could feel her tension radiating, and I knew I had to handle this delicately while asserting my ground.
"You think you can just sweep in and take what you want, don't you?" Allen's tone turned mocking. "But trust me, you won't win this battle. Not here, not in front of everyone."
I straightened up, meeting his gaze head-on. "You seem to misunderstand me, Allen. This isn't a battle I care to win in front of anyone. This is about standing up for what's right. If you're going to keep disrespecting Seraphina, then you'll have to face me."
His laughter echoed through the library, a sound devoid of genuine amusement. "Is that a threat? How adorable. But you should know that stepping up to me might have… consequences."
"You think I'm afraid of your threats? You may hold some power here, but that doesn't mean you can dictate who she associates with," I replied, my tone unwavering.
Seraphina's hand brushed against mine, a subtle gesture of support that filled me with confidence. I glanced at her, and she nodded slightly, a signal that she believed in my stance.
Allen stepped closer, the space between us narrowing. "You're delusional if you think you can protect her from me. There are repercussions to defying me, Samael. I can make your life very difficult."
I couldn't help but scoff at his arrogance. "You think I care about your threats? You're a third-year—what are you going to do? Report me to the teachers? I'm more than capable of dealing with whatever consequences you throw my way."
"Is that so?" His tone shifted, a hint of malice creeping in. "Then let's settle this here. If you think you're so tough, how about we take this outside? A duel—just you and me. It'll be a proper way to resolve this little misunderstanding."
I paused, weighing my options. Engaging in a duel might escalate things, but the reward for resolving this conflict was too tempting to ignore. Besides, I knew I could handle him. Allen might have the advantage of experience, but I had my own advantages—my skills, my determination, and my allies at my side.
"Fine," I said, my voice steady and confident. "But I don't need a crowd to validate my strength. If you want to make a spectacle of it, then fine. Let's go outside."
Allen's smirk returned, this time with an air of triumph. "Good choice. Let's see if you can back up that bravado."
We headed out of the library, the air thick with anticipation as a few curious students began to follow, sensing the brewing confrontation. I shot Seraphina a reassuring glance, silently promising that I wouldn't let her down.
As we stepped outside into the courtyard, the fading sunlight cast long shadows across the cobblestones. A small crowd began to gather, whispers of excitement fluttering among the onlookers.
"You ready to learn a lesson?" Allen taunted, rolling his shoulders back as he prepared himself.
"Ready to learn humility?" I shot back, my eyes narrowing as I focused on him.
"Samael, His affinities are Poison and Smoke. You have to be careful," Seraphina warned quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. I could see the concern etched on her face, and it only fueled my determination.
"Poison and Smoke? Is that all you've got?" I called out to Allen, my tone dripping with confidence. "I've dealt with worse."
He chuckled, adjusting his stance as if preparing for an unseen opponent. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. Just because you think you're hot stuff doesn't mean you can handle me."
The crowd swelled around us, eager to witness the showdown. I could feel the energy crackling in the air, a mixture of anticipation and tension. I took a deep breath, grounding myself.
"Let's make this simple," I said, stepping forward. "No tricks, no hiding behind cheap tactics. Just a fair fight. If you want to prove something, then show me what you've got."
Allen's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a glimmer of seriousness. "You really think you can talk your way out of this? Fine. I'll play along with your little rules." He raised his hands, fingers curling as if conjuring something from the air.
The students surrounding us hushed, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them. I could feel the weight of their expectations, but I pushed it aside. Focus.
With a flick of his wrist, Allen summoned a thin, swirling mist that began to coalesce into the shape of a serpent. Poisonous smoke slithered around him, a reminder of the danger he posed.
"Poison Magic: Basilisk's Breath"
I watched as the serpent formed from the swirling smoke, its eyes gleaming with a predatory intelligence. Allen's ability to manipulate poison in such a way was formidable, and the dark mist coiling around him was a warning of the danger I faced. I couldn't let the crowd intimidate me, but I also had to remain strategic.
"Nice trick," I said, feigning nonchalance. "But I'm not impressed. You think that can scare me?"
"Let's see how brave you are when you're gasping for breath!" Allen shouted, his confidence surging as he directed the serpent toward me. The creature lunged forward, its fangs glistening with venom.
I quickly summoned my magic, calling upon the affinity I had honed during my training. "Lightning Strike!" I shouted, thrusting my hand out toward the incoming serpent.
A crackle of electricity surged from my fingertips, forming a bolt that shot forward, colliding with the beast just as it was about to reach me. The resulting explosion of light and sound sent shockwaves through the courtyard, momentarily illuminating the shocked faces of the students watching us.
The lightning struck true, the bolt hitting the serpent and causing it to writhe in agony. The electrical energy coursed through it, and I could see the mist dissipating as it struggled against the shock. But Allen wasn't done yet.
"Not bad, but you'll have to do better!" he shouted, summoning more poison to weave another serpent from the smoke. The air grew thick with a toxic haze, and I could feel the pressure in my chest rising as the poisonous mist began to infiltrate the area around us.
Seraphina's worried gaze met mine, and I could sense her concern. "Samael, be careful!" she called out, her voice piercing through the thickening fog.
"Lightning Magic: Electric Field!"
A ribs like structure formed around my figure as it kept the poisonous mist at bay and charged the area with a static energy. The barrier hummed with power, creating an electric shield that would repel any incoming projectiles or toxins. I could see the look of surprise flash across Allen's face as he realized I was more than just bravado.
"Nice try, but that won't save you!" he yelled, lashing out with his second serpent. The creature lunged at me, fangs bared, but the electric field crackled, causing the beast to convulse and recoil, halting its advance.
"Was this supposed to be a duel? cus all I see is you throwing a single spell here and there." I said, a smirk playing on my lips as I reveled in Allen's frustration. "Is that the best you can do?"
His eyes narrowed in irritation, the confidence he wore starting to wane. "You won't get so lucky next time!" he shot back, but I could sense the panic beginning to bubble beneath his bravado.
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..
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[To Be Continued]
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Stone Me!, I can take it.
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