Ashes of a Fallen Legacy-Chapter 61: The Beginning of the Duel [2]

Zane was inside the preparation room, waiting for the Herald to call him out.

- Sigh.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous. He was used to being the center of attention before, but he still couldn't help feeling pressured and overwhelmed.

That was simply Zane's nature—it couldn't be helped. But there was nothing wrong with that. All he needed to do was face it and overcome it.

"And now, I welcome you all—the first contestant, Arlo Thaleward!"

The crowd erupted in excitement. Most of the cheers were for Arlo.

"Arlo, teach that damn bastard a lesson!"

"Someone has to smack the hell outta that guy! He thinks he can even try to fight Arlo?"

Zane sat inside the preparation room, hearing all the insults hurled at him.

Despite the harsh words, his expression didn't change. He remained serious and determined. After all, he wasn't new to this kind of treatment.

If anything, he felt more motivated. A part of him wanted to remain hidden, like a shadow. But another part longed to prove everyone wrong—not for attention or praise, but to be treated like a human being. To be treated with respect.

Zane wore the same kind of outfit he used back when he roamed the Dreadwood Forest—battle-ready attire.

Soon after, his name was called.

"And now, the person everyone has been waiting for... Zane Thaleward!"

This time, the crowd didn't cheer. Instead, curiosity filled the air. How did he look? Just how weak was he? Was the title of "Weakest Thaleward" truly accurate?

Zane stepped out from the preparation room and slowly made his way to the battleground.

"Is that him?"

"Yeah, that's him. The youngest child of Vern Thaleward."

"His name's Zane, right?"

"Are you deaf?!"

"Huh... He looks a lot different than I imagined. He's kinda handsome."

"You can't be serious—he's our cousin!"

"So what? It helps sustain the pure bloodline, you know."

"So he's not just weak, huh? He's also stupid! I mean, who the hell would fight someone way stronger than them?!"

"I bet not even Zane knows the answer."

Voices rang out across the stadium—some mocking, some curious. Some came from knights and mages who served the Thaleward clan, while others were from Thalewards themselves.

Some faces were familiar. Others were strangers.

But amidst the crowd, seven figures stood out—people whom many feared and admired.

The Seven Pillars of the Thaleward clan.

Each one of them carried an overwhelming aura.

Among them was Eris. However, this time, her presence wasn't the sole focus. Instead, all eyes were drawn to the full lineup of the Seven Pillars.

"No way... They really came to watch the match today?"

"I guess everyone's curious to see who this Zane Thaleward really is."

The atmosphere in the arena was mixed. Many found it amusing that the so-called Weakest Thaleward—who took four years just to pass a D-ranked potentialist trial—was now dueling someone like Arlo.

Others were more serious. Confused. Curious. Wondering just how well Zane would do.

With the size of the audience, it almost felt like an official duel. But of course, it wasn't.

Even Lyra and the other maids and butlers had gathered to watch, their curiosity piqued.

"Strange, though. Why is Zane acting like some kind of doll?"

"Right? I didn't notice it at first, but... he really walks like he doesn't have a soul."

From the moment he left the preparation room, Zane hadn't blinked once. His face remained completely expressionless.

When Zane finally stood face-to-face with Arlo, the older boy couldn't help but grin—a wide, predatory grin.

His brow furrowed as he leaned in.

"What, Zane? About to piss yourself?"

Despite the provocation, Zane didn't respond. His face didn't even twitch. His expression was cold, unreadable—like a lifeless statue.

It was starting to piss Arlo off.

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.

"Why's he acting like that?"

"He's like a puppet..."

Even Eris furrowed her brow.

"Zane, what the hell are you doing?"

Beside her stood a boy with blue hair and glasses. He chuckled.

"Haha, don't worry too much, Eris. You said this was his first duel, right? He's probably just nervous."

Eris's tense expression softened slightly. She sighed.

"...Probably."

But Arlo's face was contorting again—this time into something ugly. Almost terrifying.

And still, Zane didn't react.

In one corner of the arena, Lyra watched, her expression tight with worry.

"Zane..."

The Herald's voice suddenly echoed through the arena, bringing silence.

"Alright! Both contestants are now here!"

For a brief moment, no one spoke.

Then, the crowd erupted.

Arlo's face relaxed again, his wide grin returning.

"Alright—the match shall begin!"

As soon as those words were spoken, Zane drew his wand and launched a barrage of ice shards.

Arlo, still grinning, didn't move.

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Not even an inch.

Seeing the icy projectiles approaching, he casually drew his own wand and summoned a barrier in front of him—a semi-transparent, diamond-shaped shield. One of the most basic defensive spells used by the Thaleward clan.

Aegis Citadel.

He blocked every one of Zane's attacks with ease.

Then, in a mocking tone, he said, "What the hell? You seriously think you can win against me with that?"

Zane still didn't reply.

He just stared at Arlo—cold and empty.

"What the hell was that? Did he seriously just cast Ice Shard on Arlo?"

"He really lives up to his title, huh."

"Is this some kind of comedy match?"

The crowd laughed and jeered.

Eris, meanwhile, sat with a stoic expression.

"Strange... Why is Zane acting like this?"

From the moment he stepped out of the preparation room, he hadn't been himself.

"Zane... what the hell are you doing?"

As Zane froze for a moment, he began casting the same spell again—another wave of Ice Shards, all aimed at Arlo.

Arlo still didn't move from his spot. He stood tall, his stance relaxed, almost mocking. It was as if he was telling Zane, 'I don't even need to move to beat someone like you.'

Pride. Arrogance.

But truthfully, Arlo was beginning to get irritated. Zane kept repeating the same basic spell over and over again.

"Seriously? You think this match is some kind of joke, Zane?" Arlo snapped, his tone filled with frustration.

Yet, Zane remained silent. His expression unchanged, still void of any emotion.

The crowd was growing restless, murmurs of disappointment spreading like wildfire.

Zane stood still again—just like a lifeless doll, like waiting for its master's command.

Arlo narrowed his eyes, studying him, waiting for some kind of reaction.

"Ah, I get it now," he said with a sneer. "When someone's consumed by fear... they forget how to speak, huh?"

Finally, Arlo's grin faded. His tone sharpened. He was starting to take this seriously. He raised his wand—it was his turn now.

"Just end it already, Arlo!"

"This is getting boring..."