Chapter 70 Sudden Duel
At once, the atmosphere turned awkward and silent. Things had taken a drastic turn so suddenly that Count Hannes didn't even have time to interfere.
He knew that Emory was not in a good state of mind ever since his son disappeared, but he didn't expect the man to display such behavior towards children.
Not to mention, these kids represented the Clover Academy. Wasn't disrespecting them the same as disrespecting the academy?
The Count looked at Adam who was coldly staring at Emory. Then, he looked at Lisa, who had an indifferent expression on her face. It seemed that she didn't intend to interfere. And finally, the Count's gaze landed on Edward who was showing clear hostility.
Damn it! Did things really have to turn out like this?! He screamed inwardly. When he was about to step forward to diffuse the situation, he saw Emory walk toward Adam.
Emory towered over the youth and glared at him angrily. "Brat, what the hell did you just say to me?"
"Hah?" Adam mocked the man while making a face. "Are you deaf? I said, is that a way to talk to a girl? How dare you treat my team leader disrespectfully! Were you able to hear me now? Or do you want me to repeat myself?"
Emory was so furious that his body started trembling as he had to stop himself from doing something unsightly to the kid.
Seeing this, Adam's lips curled up into a smirk. "What? Cat got your tongue?"
"You son of a—" Emory spat through gritted teeth and took another step toward Adam. But the youth instantly interrupted him.
"My team leader has been nothing but respectful toward you and everyone here. But despite that, you continued to question us and even went so far as to scream at my team leader." Adam began as his eyes swept over the three Magi.
Count Hannes and Karl didn't know how to reply after being called out. It was indeed as Adam had said. They had disrespected the kids who had traveled so far to help them.
"And you." Adam looked back at Emory and scoffed. "What gave you the right to scream at my team leader? What gave you the right to look down on us? Do you think you're better than us?"
"You!!" The more Emory heard the youth, the more angered he was. He had to admit, the youth had a great talent for getting on someone's nerves.
Seeing Emory at his wit's end, Adam smirked mischievously. "If you really think you're so much better than us, how about having a duel with me?"
"Huh?" Emory was stunned. And so were Count Hannes and Karl. None of them had expected things to take such a turn. Now, the Count had no other option but to step in. But once again, he didn't have the chance to.
"Hahahaha!" Emory burst into laughter, however, his laughter was filled with ridicule and anger. He wanted to teach this brat a lesson but didn't want to come across as bullying the young. This was just perfect for him.
"Kids these days really don't know how to respect their elders. But remember, brat, it was you who initiated the duel. So don't back down, and definitely don't complain when I give you a thorough beating," Emory spoke coldly.
"Ah, whatever," Adam replied with a bored expression. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed and he coldly added, "When you lose, you better sincerely apologize to my team leader."
"Heh." Emory scoffed. "And what about when you lose?"
"I'll do whatever you say." Adam waved his hand nonchalantly.
Hearing this, Emory grinned maliciously. Good, I'll take out all my pent-up frustration on you and show you your place, you little shit!
The duo then walked toward the open clearing in the garden right in front of the manor. Seeing them about to begin the duel, Count Hannes panicked. He looked at Lisa and hurriedly said, "Things need not escalate so far, Miss Clare."
However, Lisa shook her head. "I don't mind being disrespected by that man. But things have already reached this point, and if Adam doesn't see this through, I'm afraid we'll never be taken seriously by you."
Listening to her, both Count Hannes and Karl were taken aback. It was indeed as she had said. Suddenly, they saw Lisa look at them and brightly smile.
"Don't worry. I won't let Adam hurt Magus Emory."
…
Adam and Emory walked toward the center of the garden and then finally took their positions. There was a distance of about ten yards between them.
"I'll let you cast the first spell," Emory stated. His anger from earlier had mostly subsided by now. He knew the importance of having a clear mind while fighting an opponent.
Adam raised his chin and spoke with sheer arrogance, "Let me cast the first spell? Hah, you think too highly of yourself. I don't even need a spell to beat the likes of you."
"Bastard!" Emory gnashed his teeth in boundless rage. This brat really had a knack for getting on people's nerves. Moreover, seeing the cocky smile on Adam made him even more furious.
He took a few deep breaths and calmed himself down. "Very well."
Emory's eyes turned solemn as he slipped his left hand inside his satchel to take out the material components for his spell. At the same time, he started weaving complex hand gestures with his right hand.
He was about to cast the basic Rank 1 Spell: Magic Missile.
This was an attack-type spell that required all three magic components. Emory quickly retrieved five small stones, the size of his finger, from the satchel. And then, he flicked them into the air above him.
At the same time, he hadn't stopped completing the physical component with his other hand. In his mind, five Magic Missiles were more than enough to deal with the impudent brat.
However, just as he was about to finish weaving his hand signs, much to his disbelief, he saw Adam, who was standing in the distance, suddenly disappear from his spot!
Emory blinked his eyes in shock. When he opened his eyes again, Adam had already appeared in front of him and viciously grabbed his right palm which was on the verge of completing the physical component of the spell.
The man didn't even have enough time to speak, much less counterattack when all of a sudden Adam swiftly extended his other arm and placed the tips of his fingers against his chest.
Following that, a large amount of mana gathered on Adam's palm as he prepared for his attack. His lips parted and he coldly muttered,
"Hand of Doom…"
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