Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 112: The Onslaught of Challenges

In a world where the exceptional often attract trouble, those who stand out-whether through talent or strength-seem to draw envy, slander, and unwarranted challenges. Yet, Darin had not anticipated the sheer volume of challenges he would face, so frequent that barely two minutes after concluding one battle, another challenge loomed before him.

"I am Zach. May I spar with you? As a student of Grand Mage Ambrol, the esteemed fourth-tier mage, I am eager to experience the prowess of a dual-trained genius. Therefore, I implore you to accept my challenge!"

What the-?! How can there be so many shameless individuals in this world? Claiming that my martial skills are seventh-tier makes a challenge from a seventh-tier mage reasonable? This guy must be out of his mind!

Yet, Darin had no choice but to accept the relentless second challenge. Just as he was about to concoct an excuse to decline, an unexpected voice interjected, leading King Frederick of Bailins to accept the challenge on Darin's behalf.

The speaker was a young girl, strikingly beautiful and charming. However, as Darin gazed at the girl who had just emerged from a group of noblewomen to stand beside King Frederick, he felt not a hint of her beauty or charm, but rather a profound sense of astonishment and mounting frustration.

Wait, is that Elena? How did she end up sitting next to the king? Who is she?!

Staring blankly at the girl who had just approached the king, Darin felt a momentary lapse in his thoughts, a sense of mental fog. But in the next instant, when he heard her voice and saw the mischievous smile on Elena's face, his heart sank.

What does it mean to be the most valued student of a saint-tier mage? What does it mean to be Ambrol's most prized genius? By what right do you claim that I can defeat a seventh-tier mage without using martial skills, relying solely on magic?

Fuming, Darin glared at the girl in the distance, his face flushed with anger. Yet, he felt utterly powerless against Elena, and even as he imagined ways to retaliate against her, King Frederick's words abruptly dashed those thoughts.

"Since my precious princess has spoken, I must satisfy a father's curiosity. Hm, Sir Darin, you wouldn't refuse to indulge me, would you?"

What!? Elena is a princess?! What the hell! Why should I risk my life for her father's curiosity?!

"Of course, I am at your service, Your Majesty!" Darin replied respectfully, stepping forward...

Taking a deep breath, he glanced at the seventh-tier mage opposite him, already shimmering with various magical auras and securely shielded by protective spells. A bitter smile crept onto Darin's face.

How am I supposed to defeat this guy!? Staring blankly at his opponent, who was preparing and subtly gathering magical elements in both hands, Darin felt a sense of helplessness.

"Sir Darin, are you ready?" the seventh-tier mage Zach inquired, exuding grace and politeness.

Damn it! What do you expect me to prepare for? Recalling the limited protective spells he knew, Darin seethed inwardly.

"I request magical protection! Priest, grant me a shield of divine words!" After a moment's thought, Darin turned and shouted.

Pfft―― A mouthful of red wine spewed forth as Om's eyes widened. Wait, didn't my cousin just refuse that? Why is he asking for it now?!

A flash of white light enveloped both Darin and Zach, as identical shields of divine words were cast upon them.

"Ah! Truly, as a disciple of a saint-tier mage, you understand the nuances of mage combat. Well then, shall we say that whoever's shield breaks first loses?" the seventh-tier mage suggested, maintaining his courteous demeanor.