Silence.
That is all that happens for a solid ten seconds.
The only sound is the ringing echo of the Emperor's challenge. A duel? The Oriventh Emperor is known to be one of the strongest earth mages to exist. Even with my advanced dark magic, this is not going to be an easy fight. I squeeze my fork and take a sip of water before answering him. The whole room stays silent as I stand up from my chair, making a slight noise as I straighten my clothes.
I look up at the Emperor and analyze his expression.
He is smiling, though there is a serious, enthusiastic glint in his eyes. It shows he is eager to see my magic and the extent to which it can fight against him. This is a moment to prove to him that I am more than he thinks I am. I glance to the side for a moment. Quillen and Zephyr are exchanging glances.
Matteo looks at me and grins. He is excited for the duel.
I look back at the Emperor, grinning to myself with as much confidence as I can muster.
