Rising of the Weakest Mage

Vol 10/Ch 92 - A Thorned Rose

"I heard about the changes to Cecily's duel," Nathaniel's words echoed through Allen's head. "I understand you may not want to hear this, but I truly wish her luck"
It was very difficult to believe that Nathaniel out of anyone could have such a sudden change to his whole character, especially after just one loss to Allen. Did he truly mean what he said, or was he saying what he thought Allen wanted to hear?

"Allen, are you alright?," A familiar voice asked next to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Allen answered, as he looked over at the familiar face. Stephen eyed him curiously before turning his attention back to the conversation.

Allen was with the rest of the "small resistance" members, within Mr. Garet's office. There, they were to discuss further about Cecily's upcoming duel against Rose Marion, who remains in the clutches of her mother and current head director, Ellen Marion.

"Just how will we get Rose back over to our side?," Thomas asked. "I'm getting more concerned for her the longer she's with her mother"

"Thomas does bring up a good point," August brought up. "We all agree that Rose would be a good ally, but first and foremost an important friend. Regardless, the longer her mother has control over her, I fear it will be harder to get her back over to us"

"Rosy, why do you let her control you so much?," Stephen said out loud, through gritted teeth, to no one in particular.

Allen had yet to tell anyone about his conversation with Nathaniel, as they had more important matters to settle. And yet, despite his concerns for his dear friend Rose, he couldn't help but think back to what Nathaniel told him.

"One. One small favor. You can cash it in at any time, no matter what I might be up to. As long as it's within my capabilities, I will provide you with one favor," Nathaniel's words once again echoed through Allen's mind.

Just why would Nathaniel decide to owe him a favor?, Allen thought to himself. And what could Allen use that favor for, anyway?

"It will definitely prove difficult to get Rose back to our side," Cecily agreed with August. "All of us know that while I am capable, Rose is much more proficient in a duel"

No, better to forget about Nathaniel for now, Allen thought to himself as he shook his head. I need to focus on helping Lily.

"True," August agreed with her. "Not only does she have more experience using magic than you, she also excels in close combat, something many mages cannot counter"

All of the former training club members in the room began to have uneasy expressions on their faces, as they came to the unfortunate realization - Cecily would more than likely lose against Rose, and that's exactly what Ellen Marion wanted.

"Regardless," Cecily was the first to speak up. "I don't plan on going down without fighting. I will still do my best to claim victory against Rose, and get her back to our side"

Everyone nodded in agreement. While uncertainties still filled the air, they all agreed they needed to have more optimistic views on it. They do not want to satisfy Ellen by giving up on their resistance against her.

"Very well, it seems we have come to a plan, after our several discussions so far," Mr. Garet cleared his throat before speaking. "Cecily Rivertide. You will do your utmost best to win against Rose Marion, our Student Council President, in your upcoming third duel. Due to the difficulties presented, your main goal will be getting Rose back to us, not a victory. If a victory is possible, I fully expect you to grab onto it as hard as you can. Is this satisfactory for you, Cecily?"

"Yes, Mr. Garet," Cecily nodded, determination in her eyes. "I will do my best not to let any of you down, and do my best to get Rose back over to us!"