The black-haired boy was looking forward to it -after all, he did show off just a tiny little bit before so this time around whenever his opponent would end up being, they should go at him with full power from the start.

And that was exactly what Zoemi wanted – the most powerful and creative spells that his opponent could muster would come right at him and he would eat them all up, gaining all the more power~!

Wasn’t that just the most perfect scenario for the…

”And for the final duel of today – lord Zoemi Benevi Banemor representing the Victureo family will face sir Tervos Mafiri representing the Mafiri family!”

”…huh…?”

One of the judges announced, causing Zoemi to flinch and look at the opposite end of the arena where a green-haired boy his age was already stepping up with a serious expression.

This one was actually someone that Zoemi recognized – it wasn’t like they talked that much, but the green-haired boy was amongst the group of students who trained together with him back in the Aspakeony Academy.

And if Zoemi’s memory was correct – and it definitely was – he was one of the most passionate – if not the most passionate person that did their best to get stronger.

|Why would he show up here…?|

The black-haired boy wondered more than just slightly confused.

”Lord Zoemi, it’s good to see you again.”

”(Lord Zoemi – I know it’s sudden but I have a favor to ask of you – I need to lose this fight but I cannot surrender. Lia was abducted on her way back to the academy, and the kidnapper had been sending instructions to our families. Whoever they are, they knew that the two of us will face each other in this tournament. I don’t know what’s their end goal is but they threatened to hurt Lia if I will not fight you seriously.)”

”…!”

The green-haired boy nodded his head as a greeting and immediately after he used a message spell and muttered under his breath, completely confusing the black-haired boy with his words.

”|Lia…? Wait – you mean Nilianna?! Your fiance!?|”

Zoemi gasped in disbelief and contacted him back using his modified message spell.

”(Yes. I am ashamed to bend down to the kidnapper’s demands, but I cannot allow her to be hurt…! Please – I don’t know why I and her were chosen, but whoever kidnapped her demanded that I will betray your trust. Is… is it possible to make it seem like you are unhinged over seeing me here? We weren’t that close but, please…!)”

”|I understand. I will defeat you in the most spectacular way possible while acting as if I’m losing it.|”

Zoemi agreed before Tervos finished asking for his help.

”(Thank you…!)”

The green-haired boy trembled and had to bite his lips to not show how relieved he was.

|I was expecting Ghosts to have a go at me, but never expected it to be in that way…|

Zoemi thought to himself in annoyance.

How are you so sure it’s their doing?

Ludier’s shadow asked from inside the boy’s mind.

|Only a complete deviant and pervert could come up with something so ridiculous as this. But, that is also a good thing – it means that they are watching – and if they are watching, they have to be connected to somewhere around here. And in turn, that means that they can be tracked back.|

That’s a lot of assumptions… but… I kind of see your point this time… Still – what if you are wrong though, and that kid just wants you to make a fool of yourself?

The black-haired boy explained but the unique shadow of the ice magician was still doubtful.

|I don’t see anything wrong with his shadow, and I think that the Ghosts picked him because he was the most honorable person from the group that trained together with me, so his sudden betrayal would affect me the most… I guess…?|

Again, only assumptions…

Zoemi furrowed his brows a little, causing Ludier’s shadow to sigh.

|Hey – I can turn it in my favor if I will show how much I care about honor, right?|

The black-haired boy pointed out.

…go for it I guess…?

Ludier’s shadow sighed and gave up, returning to being dormant.

”|Is it okay to rage at your family, or is it off limit?|”

Satisfied, Zoemi ended up messaging Tervos one last time.

”(There is no limit – as long as it will help keep Lia safe, you can even drag my family name into the ground.)”

The green-haired boy declared with an unbreakable resolve, making the black-haired boy smile internally.

And so, the show was about to begin…

”…Tervos…. didn’t you say that you were the only heir to your family? Who are you representing…?”

”…”

Zoemi asked loudly, causing the green-haired boy’s face to get serious as he clenched his teeth.

”It’s just as it was announced, lord Zoemi. I represent my own family. I am participating in the tournament for the opportunity to marry the young lady Victureo.”

Tervos responded straightening his back and declaring while clenching his fists as if he was holding himself back.

”But you are engaged to Nilianna Kir Orenta, aren’t you…? You were always giving your best because you wanted to prove to everyone that you are worthy of her and that the arranged engagement wasn’t a mistake… What THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE TOURNAMENT TO MARRY EHMI?! YOU, OF ALL PEOPLE?! WAS YOUR DEDICATION A LIE?!”

”…!”

The black-haired boy asked, but when he saw the green-haired boy looking away at the mention of the name of a pale-gold-haired girl that he was often seen around back in the Academy, Zoemi acted as if something inside if him snapped and he roared, taking a step forward – causing Tervos to flinch but not back off.

”Tervos… Your actions and words do not match… And you were the one who said that a value of a man is only represented by keeping his word… Where is your value now, then…?”

Zoemi breathed out and asked, seething with a fury of a thousand wild beasts, giving everyone watching chills despite not being the direct object of it.