Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 57

Chapter 57: A Duel for the Special Ones Chapter 57: A Duel for the Special Ones The sun had barely risen, but the tension in the air was palpable.

It was our second day at the Solara Magic Academy, and though yesterday had ended on a high note, today seemed to bring its own storm.

I never expected things to escalate so quickly, yet here I was, standing on the precipice of a duel that would test not just my strength but my resolve.

It all started during the morning assembly in the courtyard.

Lyra, Freya, Luna, Amelia, Marius, Kael and I were enjoying a moment of quiet, soaking in the crisp morning air.

Sander and Windy had just greeted us when a familiar, sneering voice cut through the air.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the knights from Braveheart.

Or should I say, the ‘rusty swords’ from the Braveheart Kingdom?” Turning around, I spotted him-a tall, smug-looking student named Arden.

From what I’d overheard yesterday, he was something of a genius in the academy, known for his rare ability to control three elements: fire, water, and earth.

His talent was undeniable, but his attitude left much to be desired.

Before I could respond, Arden’s eyes flicked to Lyra and Freya.

His smirk deepened.

“What are two lovely ladies like you doing in the company of someone so…

average?” Lyra’s eyes narrowed, and Freya’s lips pressed into a thin line.

I could feel the heat rising in my chest, a mix of anger and protectiveness that threatened to boil over.

Freya opened her mouth to retort, but I stepped forward, my voice steady but sharp.

“Watch your mouth genius.” Arden raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“Oh?

Did I strike a nerve?

Are you her knight in shining armor?” He laughed, a cruel sound that made my blood simmer.

Sander stepped in, his calm demeanor trying to diffuse the situation.

“Arden, that’s enough.

There’s no need to stir up trouble.” Windy chimed in, her voice gentle but firm.

“Apologize and let it go.

There’s no honor in provoking a fight.” Arden scoffed, ignoring their pleas.

“Honor?

Don’t lecture me about honor.

I’m simply stating the obvious.

These so-called knights are out of their depth here.

Especially him,” he said, pointing at me.

Lyra grabbed my arm, her grip tight.

“Naoki, don’t.

He’s just trying to get under your skin.” Freya joined her, stepping closer.

“He’s not worth it.

Let’s go.” Her voice was calm, but her cheeks were tinged with red, a mix of embarrassment and something else I couldn’t quite place.

But I couldn’t let it slide.

Seeing Arden’s smug expression and the way he belittled Lyra and Freya, people who meant so much to me, made my blood boil.

I gently shook off their hands and stepped forward.

“Arden, I challenge you to a duel.” My voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.

The courtyard fell silent.

Even Arden seemed momentarily taken aback before his smirk returned.

“A duel?

Against me?

Are you serious?” “I’m serious,” I replied, meeting his gaze.

Freya and Lyra exchanged worried glances.

“Naoki, you don’t have to do this,” Lyra said softly, her voice filled with concern.

“He’s not worth it,” Freya added, her grip on my arm tightening.

I turned to them, my resolve clear.

“I can’t stand by and let someone insult you two.

Because you two special to me.” Their eyes widened, and for a moment, a deep blush colored both their faces.

Lyra looked away, and Freya stammered something I couldn’t quite catch.

But there was no turning back now.

Professor Lowen arrived moments later, drawn by the commotion.

She sighed, her expression a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

“A duel, is it?

Fine.

If you insist on this nonsense, I’ll be the judge.

Let’s move to the arena.” The crowd buzzed with excitement as we made our way to the duel arena.

The Grimoires above shimmered faintly, as if sensing the charged atmosphere.

Arden stood confidently on one side, his wand in hand.

I took my place opposite him, my katana gleaming in the sunlight.

“Begin!” Professor Lowen’s voice rang out, and the duel was underway.

Arden wasted no time, launching a barrage of fireballs that roared toward me.

I dodged and deflected with my katana, the blade slicing through the flames.

But he was relentless, switching seamlessly to water magic.

He released [Water magic: Water lance] jets of water shot toward me, forcing me to move quickly to avoid being drenched.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Arden taunted, summoning [Earth magic: Earth spikes].

I barely managed to evade them, the sharp edges grazing my side.

I gritted my teeth, focusing my battle.

With [Kasoseki] i double my speed and closed the distance between us, swinging my katana and released [Kazekiri].

Arden blocked with a shield of earth wall.

“Impressive,” he admitted, though his tone was still mocking.

“But you’ll need more than that to beat me.” In an instant, I increased the pressure of my mana and unleashed a powerful spell: [High Fire Magic: Flame of Ouroboros].

This high-level fire magic took the shape of a massive circle that suddenly appeared beneath my feet and exploded with immense force.

Arden laughed, thinking I had been scorched.

But to his surprise, I stood unharmed, not even a scorch mark on me.

This was because I had used the [Resonance] skill to absorb his fire magic.

Without thinking twice, I immediately returned his spell, making it twice as strong, using [Resonance: Karyuu no Issen].

In an instant, I unleashed a fiery dragon-shaped slash towards him, catching him off guard.

I thought my attack would defeat him, but he quickly cast [Water Magic: Water Cube], a water spell in the form of a cube that shielded him.

The clash of our magic filled the arena with steam.

“How did you reflect my magic?!” Arden said, his voice full of emotion.

“You’re a genius, right?

Try figuring it out yourself!” I said as I slid towards him, preparing my skill [Blackmore Katana Style: Tsurugi no Mai].

“Heh, it must be because of your sword, right?

I’ll just destroy that!” Arden said confidently.

As I got closer, he cast [High Water Magic: Tsunami!], attempting to trap me in water to prevent my movement.

“You can’t escape, Nao!” Envi shouted in my mind.

“That’s true.

In that case, I’ll use resonance with another element!” I wasn’t sure if I could transfer resonance to another element, but I thought it might work if I used the [Power of Incarnation] skill to assist.

I shut my eyes, allowing the torrent of water to wash over me.

I was submerged.

I managed to activate [Power of Incarnation].

Once my strength had gathered, I opened my eyes underwater and tried to absorb the water mana.

I activated [Resonance], and in an instant, light surged from my body, absorbing Arden’s water magic.

Arden stared in disbelief as I stood there, drenched but unharmed, having nullified his attack.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Arden shouted, confusion and anger mixing in his voice.

“Just see it for yourself with your eyes and mind!” I said, preparing to unleash my new attack.

A notification appeared in front of me: [Successfully learned a new skill!] [Resonance Skill: Suiryuu no Issen] Without hesitation, I activated the skill.

I dashed toward Arden, activating [Resonance: Suiryuu no Issen], a water dragon-shaped slash that devoured the enemy.

The crowd gasped at the sight of my attack.

Arden panicked and dodged my strike, using earth magic to lift himself high into the air.

I only managed to cut through his earth magic and make him fall.

But Arden landed smoothly thanks to his water magic.

He laughed and said, “I didn’t expect to use this.

Be impressed by my trump card!” I didn’t give him a chance to gloat.

I charged forward and used [Blackmore Katana Style: Inazuma].

But Arden grinned and said, “[Corrosion Magic: Decay’s Embrace].” Hearing that, Envi immediately shouted at me to stop attacking.

I halted, but my katana was already in front of him.

In an instant, a blackish-brown corrosive magic, resembling dust, surrounded him, forcing me to retreat.

But I noticed my katana had been affected by the magic, causing it to begin to disintegrate.

The metal corroded before my eyes.

With a final crack, the katana shattered, leaving me defenseless.

“Looks like your weapon couldn’t handle the heat,” Arden sneered, advancing toward me.

Sander shouted, “Are you trying to kill him, Arden?!

Using magic that combines three elements is unfair!” Arden scowled and retorted, “Shut up, Sander!

This is my duel!” I was taken aback by how serious he was.

If he was going to fight like this, I had to do the same.

For now, without my katana, I would once again try to use [Power of Incarnation] to create a new skill.

“You’re insane, Nao!

That’ll exhaust you quickly!” Envi realized my intent, but I reassured him.

I closed my eyes and focused my battle aura, drawing from the depths of my training.

I recalled a technique I had once seen in anime and manga back on Earth-one that didn’t require a katana or sword.

I activated [Power of Incarnation], even though it would strain my body.

I suddenly felt like there was a power calling me, it was like a huge mana that caught my attention.

I briefly guessed where it came from above this arena.

But I couldn’t be sure so I stayed focused by activating [Power of Incarnation].

A notification appeared: [Congratulations, you have created a new skill!] Without wasting time, I took a stance, my hands forming the shape of a sword.

Arden laughed when he saw me, saying, “What kind of pose is that?

You’re going to attack me with your hands?

From this far away?” “[Blackmore Katana Style: Kuroi Tsubame],” I whispered, my voice steady.

Arden’s confident expression faltered as I dashed forward, my bare hand glowing with a horizontal arc of dark purple aura.

The strike flashed like a black swallow in flight, cutting through his corrosive energy and slamming into him with incredible force.

The crowd gasped as Arden was thrown backward, his magic dissipating.

He landed hard on the ground, his wand clattering to the side.

For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the crackle of residual lightning.

Before Arden fainted, he said, “Who… who are you?!” I said loudly, “I am Naoki von Blackmore, the future Hero of the Braveheart Kingdom, from the Blackmore family.

Make sure you remember that well!” “You’re stronger than I thought,” Arden mumbled, passing out.

Professor Lowen stepped forward, her expression unreadable.

“The winner is Naoki.” The students of Braveheart Knight Academy cheered for my victory, while the students from Solara Magic Academy stood silent.

Sander and Windy approached, their expressions a mix of relief and admiration.

“That was incredible, Naoki,” Sander said, clapping me on the shoulder.

Windy smiled warmly.

“You proved your strength and character today.

Well done.” Lyra and Freya rushed to my side, their faces still flushed.

“Are you okay?” Lyra asked, her voice filled with worry.

Freya crossed her arms, trying to hide her concern.

“That was reckless, but…

I guess you did well.” I chuckled, feeling the weight of the duel lift from my shoulders.

“I’m fine.

And I’d do it again if it meant standing up for you two, my special.” I said while patting both of their heads gently.

Their blushes deepened, and they looked away, muttering something about me being impossible.

But despite their protests, I could see the gratitude in their eyes.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS NAVIRUNAVIII Creation is hard, cheer me up!

Your gift is the motivation for my creation.

Give me more motivation!