I knew that defeating Klang was impossible, but the rules of the duel allowed for a win if I could just graze him.
I thought of a strategy, focusing on challenging conventional wisdom.
Magicians typically maintain distance, a tactic that had worked against my previous opponents.
Even a 7-circle mage would be caught off guard if I could close the distance quickly.
I activated my magic, "Total Incineration," and my body was enveloped in a golden aura.
I didn't activate my full potential, keeping a secondary plan in reserve.
"Still, your energy is impressive. It's no wonder they call it the dream attribute."
"You must do your best. I don't want to hear excuses later."
"Ha! A beast uses its full strength even when catching a rabbit."
"Let's begin."
Klang chuckled and said, "Huh!"
I pushed off the ground, rapidly closing the distance.
Klang didn't react, and I thought my strategy had succeeded.
"Got it!"
Just as I thought I had reached him, my fist was blocked by a mana barrier.
A heavy sensation ran through my arm, and I quickly retreated.
-Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
A series of wind blades assaulted the spot where I had just been.
Klang shrugged and smiled.
"You have good reflexes. If you'd hesitated for a moment, you'd have been pierced."
I felt a chill run down my spine.
It seemed Klang was truly intent on using his full strength.
The wind blades had been so swift that I hadn't even seen them coming.
"Is that all you've got? Trying to confuse an old man?"
Klang's words were laced with mockery.
I realized that this might be my last chance.
I carefully observed Klang, waiting for an opening.
Just then, he yawned, stretching in a deliberate provocation.
I restrained myself, not wanting to fall for his bait.
"You can't even get angry? Don't you have any guts?"
I clenched my fists, determined to win.
"I will definitely defeat you and wipe that smug look off your face."
I activated my trait, "The Challenger of Tenacity (S)," which temporarily boosted all my stats by +10.
My magic power increased significantly, and I could use additional spells like "Total Incineration" and "Lightning Strike."
With my enhanced speed, I rushed behind Klang.
"This time, it will work!"
But just as I thought I had succeeded, I found myself caught.
The sensation was strange, like being wrapped in a light, airy fabric.
It was then that Klang's laughter echoed everywhere.
"Ha! You fool. You focused only on your strategy without considering mine."
The "old man" turned out to be a decoy, dissipating into dust.
A complex magical circle appeared beneath my feet, and the air around me filled with wind energy.
The circle was used to create a binding spell.
"Ha! A beast crouches before it hunts."
I was trapped, unable to move or see.
My body was wrapped in chains that seemed to suffocate me.
"Admit defeat. I'll release you if you do."
Klang's voice was distant, but I heard the word "defeat" clearly.
Defeat was a word I wasn't used to.
Reflection
I realized the vast difference in power between Klang and me.
In this world of swords and magic, I was weak compared to my former life as a champion.
A 7-circle mage was already formidable; Geneadin and the emperor must be even stronger.
The gap felt insurmountable.
"Give up your stubbornness. If you persist, you'll die."
I closed my eyes, accepting my situation.
But then I remembered my true nature.
I was a challenger, someone who risked everything to reach the top.
In this world, I could live as a challenger forever.
I decided to use my last ounce of strength.
I activated my trait again, boosting my stats.
With newfound determination, I controlled my mana mentally, creating a refined mana sphere.
I shattered it, and a miracle happened.
I cast "Lightning Strike" on myself, feeling the pain and hearing the sound.
The target wasn't Klang but myself.
I repeated the spell multiple times.
-Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The chains binding me began to loosen.
With renewed hope, I broke free from the magical restraints.
"I'll make you my mentor," I declared, determined.
"What? Mentor?"
Klang was taken aback by my resolve.
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