Lady Seraphine stood with unwavering pride, her presence radiating authority as she made it abundantly clear to all just how highly she regarded Aldric. She was unafraid to challenge the Ironclad Order, standing resolute even if it meant making them her enemies.
She knew that the Ironclad Order would not dare to disturb the balance openly, even if Lord Calder had been humiliated. The Order, despite its strength, understood that outright war was not an option. Though Celestine Academy was comparatively weaker in sheer force, its external alliances made it a formidable force to reckon with.
Many of Celestine Academy's disciples had connections beyond its walls, and though the Academy was not an overwhelming power on its own, its network of supporters ensured it was far from defenseless. Lady Seraphine had no doubts—should conflict arise, their allies would tip the scales in their favor.
Lord Calder, though aware of the consequences, could not suppress his fury. He had been struck before countless witnesses, and his pride demanded retribution. He sneered, attempting to shift the narrative:
"Lady Seraphine, you dared to strike me. That was not a simple act—it was a declaration of war! If your precious Aldric was truly innocent, why do you shield him? He attacked my disciples, and worse, he dares accuse us of stealing the Dragon Blood Divine Pill! Does he think we cannot afford it ourselves?"
Though he seethed with humiliation, Calder was not foolish. He knew the Ironclad Order would not risk a direct battle, but forcing Aldric into a duel would achieve the same result.
Lady Seraphine's gaze sharpened, her voice laced with cold certainty.
"I will say it again—Aldric does not strike without reason. Your disciples attempted to seize what was not theirs. Oh, I know you can afford such a pill, but would you waste such a treasure on incompetents? If you insist on blaming Aldric, do not expect me to stand down!"
The air around her grew heavy with power, her aura swelling with each passing moment. A storm brewed in her eyes, unrelenting and fierce.
Aldric, standing beside her, could feel the weight of the gazes upon him. In the world of martial arts, a man who stood behind a woman was often ridiculed as weak—a burden unworthy of respect. But Aldric was no weakling. He would prove himself, not just for his own honor but for Lady Seraphine's unwavering belief in him.
"I will fight. I will represent Celestine Academy."His voice rang out, steady and sure.
The crowd fell silent. Many had doubted him, but here he stood, unflinching. He was not a coward, nor would he let Seraphine shoulder this burden alone. Even if he faced death, he would do so with pride.
As soon as he spoke, a familiar sensation coursed through him—a notification from the system.
『Quest: Defeat the Ironclad Order's challengers and lead Celestine Academy to victory!』『Reward: 10,000 exp, 100 gold, Divine Armor (Common)!』
Aldric's heart surged with determination. A quest! The rewards were enticing, particularly the experience points. The armor, however, was of a lower tier, but it was still a step forward.
Lord Calder's lips curled into a smirk.
"Well, well… Finally some courage. Since it was his choice, let it be known that this will be a life-and-death duel. The arena will decide his fate."
Lady Seraphine hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice unwavering.
"Very well, I accept."
Calder sneered.
"Then it's settled. Half a month from now, we will meet in the arena."
Aldric stepped forward, his voice sharp as steel.
"No matter what happens, leave Celestine Academy out of this. This is my fight."
Calder chuckled darkly.
"Oh, don't worry. It will be your grave."With that, he turned and motioned for Ferran to follow.
Ferran hesitated, glancing at Aldric with an unreadable expression. Though he was furious, there was a flicker of hesitation—he knew this battle would not be as simple as Calder made it seem.
As the Ironclad Order's members departed, murmurs erupted throughout Celestine Academy. Doubt filled the air. Aldric's cultivation was not strong enough; his lack of vitality was evident. A prolonged battle would spell his loss before it even began.
"Disperse," Lady Seraphine commanded."Yes, Palace Lord."
The disciples slowly retreated, their lingering gazes filled with disappointment. This battle would determine the Academy's standing, and they feared Aldric's chances.
When only the two remained, Lady Seraphine turned to him with uncharacteristic softness.
"Do not force yourself. If you must lose, ensure you live. As long as you survive, there will always be another chance."
Aldric met her gaze, his own filled with unshakable resolve.
"Do you believe in me, my lady?"
She did not hesitate.
"I do."But after a moment, her expression softened further."However, one must also know their limits. Your body—"Her voice faltered, her eyes glistening with restrained sorrow. She knew well how weak his blood qi had been. Without constant treatment, he might not have even survived this long.
"I will win."His words were quiet but firm as he gently grasped her hand."Even if I stand at death's door, I refuse to kneel. I won't let anyone look down on you, and I won't allow you to suffer for my sake."
"Foolish child…"Her voice wavered as tears threatened to spill.
Aldric chuckled lightly.
"You say that, but you're barely older than me. I could just as easily call you my little sister."
She swatted his arm, but her eyes were full of warmth.
Aldric returned to his chambers, taking a deep breath. He had reassured Seraphine, but now it was time to prepare. He turned his attention back to the system. Amidst the looming battle, he had much to learn.