Rising of the Weakest Mage

Vol 9/Ch 87 - From Rival to Ally

"So, do you think Nathaniel will try to pull the same or different tactics as last time?," Allen asked, as he considered what may happen.

"Knowing him, I would say both," Charles answered, a hand on his chin in thought. "We are talking about my brother here, after all"

"Talking about what he may or may not do isn't really going to help," Allen said, with a sigh.

"But, it may help you, if at least a little bit!," Charles pointed out. "We need you to be at your best, if you are to defeat my brother, my rival!"

Shortly after the confrontation with Nathaniel Rivertide in the hallway, Allen explained the situation to the other members of their "small resistance". They all agreed that Allen's sudden upcoming duel against Nathaniel Rivertide, whom he has faced and lost against before, will pose no simple threat.

Thomas and Cecily were the most worried about Allen, as they somewhat felt it was their fault that Allen got mixed up with Nathaniel in the first place. Allen did his best to assure them that he originally chose to duel Nathaniel of his own will. This upcoming duel is due to Ellen Marion's involvement alone, and not anyone else's fault.

Regardless, Allen knew deep down that he probably would have had to go against Nathaniel in the duel eventually, assuming he continued past his required four duel conditions. Nathaniel is no easy opponent, and could easily climb the ranks if he tried. Either way, that time is now, and Allen wants to be prepared as possible if he wants to defeat Nathaniel this time.

Allen made sure to introduce Charles to Ms. Florence and Mr. Garet, as they of course ran their small resistance. They both agreed that they could use Charles' help, as he would be the best source on how to defeat his own brother.

However, some of the other training members, including Thomas and Cecily, weren't sure how to feel about him being a part of their group. No one outright hated him, but were rather indifferent towards him due to how Charles has been in the past. In the end, Allen managed to convince them that he will be of great help, and would be a way for him to make up with everyone.

Now, with everything cleared, Charles was busy assisting Allen with his training as best as he could, while the other small resistance members were busy with their own training, with the third set of duels coming up.

"As you are aware, Nathaniel will of course try to humiliate you as best as he can. That will be what you need to be worried about the most," Charles advised him, while Allen was in the middle of swinging around his sword.

"I know, I know," Allen sighed, with a frustrated tone.

Charles gave him a look of understanding before continuing. "The problem is, we don't know what he will try to pull until your duel starts. He does it differently with each student he duels, drawing out their weaknesses. It really comes down to what riles you up, and preventing you from losing your cool"

Allen grit his teeth before speaking. "Just thinking about the whole thing frustrates me. With everything that happened in our first duel, and now with Ellen Marion pulling this now. Just how am I supposed to deal with all of it?"

Allen knew deep down it wasn't just Nathaniel that frustrated him. He still couldn't get over how the Triumvirate stepped in and removed his former mentor and head director, William Windblade, and replaced him with the problematic Ellen Marion. He had been doing his best to hold in his anger this entire time, but it probably set him off when Nathaniel finally stepped in.

"Maybe take a step back and rethink everything that happened with your first duel, Allen?," Charles surprisingly suggested.

"I-"