Autumn 24, X008

  Daelan was so excited about the mock battle that he went all out, even renting an arena in the nearby town.

  The arena came fully equipped with specialized battle accessories: protective gear that absorbs damage until it reaches its limit, at which point it shatters. These things aren’t cheap—renting the arena alone costs a small fortune, paid in those hefty gold coins that make your wallet weep. And, of course, the accessories only work within the arena’s boundaries. Take a step outside, and they’re just overpriced trinkets. But hey, at least they look cool.

  Daelan also stocked up on a generous supply of stamina recovery potions. With a proud grin, he announced that he’d spent every last coin he had, leaving him unable to afford any healing potions. The moment the words left his mouth, I heard Marge, standing beside me, muttering under her breath, “Yeah, right. I can’t believe he has the nerve to say that, grinning like an idiot, after begging me on his knees for money.”

  I pretended not to hear her and kept my expression neutral.

  “But Haley’s with us,” Daelan added, his confidence unshaken. “She’ll handle the healing.” Haley, ever composed, simply nodded in agreement.

  As I mentioned yesterday, each of us would face Daelan in a one-on-one match. The lineup was set: I’d go first, followed by Haley, then Hank, and finally Marge.

  It was a complete and utter defeat—though, to be honest, I never really planned to win in the first place. When we both took our positions, I tried to talk my way out of it. My voice wavered as I stammered, "A-are you sure you want to do this? I mean, you're way faster and stronger than me..."

  Daelan just grinned, his mischievous smile widening. "Relax, Delios. It’s just for fun. I’ll go easy on you... probably."

  With no way out, I had no choice but to fight. The moment Haley rang the bell, I flung a handful of daggers at him, hoping to catch him off guard. But Daelan parried each one with ease, his movements smooth and precise. I could see him adjusting his stance, ready to close the distance and strike. Panic surged through me, and before the blade could reach me, I raised both hands and shouted, "I surrender!"

  Daelan froze, his blade just inches from landing the finishing blow. His expression shifted from focused determination to mild surprise. After a brief pause, he lowered his sword and nodded, accepting the victory. But there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, like he’d been hoping for more of a challenge.

  I still can’t believe Haley managed to pull off a win like that. When they took their positions and I rang the bell, Daelan charged straight at her. I could see the panic on Haley’s face, but she quickly cast a protective barrier around herself just in time. Daelan didn’t let up, though. He kept hammering at the shield, strike after strike, until it finally began to crack.

  As the barrier shattered, Haley, seemingly without thinking, closed her eyes. Then, almost instinctively, she swung her staff with precision, landing a solid hit right on Daelan’s face. He staggered back, dazed, before collapsing to the ground, knocked out cold.

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  The shock on everyone’s faces was palpable—even Haley, who had just opened her eyes, seemed stunned by what she’d done. It was clear she hadn’t fully processed what had just happened.

  We waited for Daelan to regain consciousness before we could continue.

  I can’t say I expected something like this to happen, but it did—and, honestly, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in having seen it coming. Daelan and Hank, who’ve trained together from the very beginning, have witnessed each other’s skills up close, even hunting monsters side by side. So, it wasn’t entirely surprising when they decided to settle things with their fists—no weapons, no distance, just raw, unfiltered combat. They stripped off their gear and accessories, leaving nothing but their determination and strength to decide the outcome.

  The moment I rang the bell, they lunged at each other without hesitation. There was no holding back, no dodging—just brutal, bone-rattling punches that landed with heavy thuds. Strangely, they laughed with every strike that connected, their faces lighting up with a mix of pain and exhilaration. It was as if they were savoring every moment of the fight.

  At first, I thought Hank’s stronger build would give him the upper hand, but Daelan’s precision and speed turned the tide. He landed more hits than Hank could handle, balancing the scales and leaving them evenly matched.

  As the fight dragged on, their faces became canvases of bruises and blood, each blow bringing them closer to collapse. It was only a matter of time before one of them fell. But in a twist of fate, they both landed a punch simultaneously, their fists connecting in perfect unison. The impact sent them crashing to the ground, unconscious, resulting in a hard-fought draw.

  Haley was the first to react, sprinting toward them with her healing magic at the ready. She worked quickly, tending to their wounds.

  Once Daelan fully recovered, it was Marge's turn.

  This next fight feels like it’s going to be an easy win for Daelan, especially if he closes the distance while Marge is preoccupied with chanting her spells. I don’t know much about her abilities, but I’m certain her magic requires time and focus to prepare—just like during the wolf incident in the forest. If Daelan can disrupt her rhythm, the match will be over before it even begins.

  What I had just witnessed sent a shiver down my spine, even though it only lasted for a split second.

  Daelan, probably thinking the same thing I was, held back for a moment. He gave Marge the chance to finish chanting one of her spells before charging at her. It was almost like he wanted to make it fair—like he wanted her to have a fighting chance. As he closed the distance, Marge summoned an earth wall, the ground erupting between them. Instead of being stopped, Daelan used it to his advantage. He stepped onto the wall, launching himself high into the air to avoid the obstacle. It was clear he’d seen through her plan: she was stalling, buying time to chant a more powerful spell. Mid-air, he flipped gracefully, positioning himself to land behind her and deliver what he must have thought would be the winning blow.

  But then it happened.

  In that split second, as Daelan hung in the air, Marge’s eyes locked onto his. Their faces were inches apart, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. A slow, sinister smile spread across her lips. Before Daelan could even land, she unleashed a surge of electricity. The crackling energy lit up the air, and Daelan’s body went rigid before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Just like that, it was over.

  In that moment, it hit me—Marge had anticipated everything. She hadn’t just outsmarted Daelan; she’d revealed her ability to dual chant, something I hadn’t even known she could do. She’d turned the entire match in her favor.

  I’m pretty sure I was the only one who noticed it—that smile of hers. It sent a chill down my spine, stirring up memories I’d rather forget.

  Haley rushed to Daelan’s side, ensuring he was okay.

  That’s how the day unfolded. Despite everything that had happened, it turned out to be an enjoyable day, and I can confidently say everyone had a good time. I think everyone had fun, even Daelan, though he was still out cold by the end of it.

  End of the day.