[ Duel Victory ]

[ Fight against an opponent and win together with your wielder. ​​

Only someone considered capable by the Guide can be called as an opponent.

You are prohibited to use Take Over during the duel.

Reward: 20 SP ]

'A duel, huh.'

Reiji suddenly glanced at Diether's direction, he was still not confident that the little guy can win even against someone who was in the same age.

Although he had little information about this world, he was sure that this kid started training a bit too late.

'Sigh~ there was even that rule to determine who can be considered as an opponent.'

It was a bit vague but Reiji was sure that this was the guide's way to avoid exploiting the rule where he would find any random weak opponent to duel against with.

'His money would last him for a barely a couple more weeks but he was always getting injured and requires medication... Tsk...'

As Reiji was thinking about it, he suddenly had a thought about the other mission which was to teach a technique. It may not be being accepted as a "learned technique" if he hasn't tried it to a real opponent.

'That's right... His technique was already acceptable in his age. He should have learned the aggressive strike using the Fire Stance already...'

"Very well, this can be two birds in one stone... But where should we find some opponents?"

Thinking about the dangerous hunters a while ago, they look more trained and powerful than those assassins he eliminated before.

"It's better to find someone who looks a bit weaker..."

It was for the sake of the kid as well. After all, he can't use the Take Over for the mission.

"Wait... If it's really a bit too difficult, I can just use Take Over and handle it for him. Then we'll just find another opponent."

Reiji was satisfied with his plans as he floated and slowly went to Diether's hiding place. The blood on the ground had also disappeared and would no longer attract any unwanted beasts.

On the other hand, Diether just firmly believed that his master truly requires blood for some reason.

'But it seems that he only likes the blood of strong individuals... I should be safe...'

"Hurry up... We need to return."

Reiji quickly instructed. The kid didn't waste more time as he also wanted to leave the place.

He was honestly a bit nervous as he imagined another evil beast arriving at the scene. Maybe it has a wife or something that might want to take revenge for the phantom wolf's death.

He runs quickly and as soon as he was near the village, he heaved a sigh of relief as he went to his expensive inn he was staying at.

***

On the next day, Diether was about to continue his morning routine but Reiji said something alarming.

"I need to fight against someone? Who?"

"I don't know yet... We have to look for someone..."

"Really? Uhmmm... Should I go to the village square and announce I'm looking for an opponent?"

"That's not a bad idea..."

"No.. no... Master. I'm just kidding. I'll be dead if I do that..."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"Do I really have to fight someone now?"

"Yes... You should have some battle experience so you wouldn't be like this, scaredy-cat..."

"Urgh... I'll try to find an opponent. This isn't a large village anyway. I can just walk around and find someone suitable... Is that alright?"

"Hmm... Then go ahead."

Reiji let the kid wander around the village, it was morning and a lot of people were outside their houses. Beside the village square was a mini market where hunters sold their loots found at the forest and some merchants build their stall to sell their product.

Diether went to this place to try his luck. He might found someone he can grade as 'not-so-difficult-opponent' and challenge them.

"Oh! So there was an Arcanist Association here...'"

The building wasn't located in an open place and it even seems like they were hiding it.

There were three organizations dealing with evil beasts.

The first was the Arcanist Association where any person who has completed the Arcana Bestowal Ceremony could join in and accept missions beings given by the higher ups in exchange with money.

This association also deals a little with creating Magic Weapons. This was a lucrative profession. After all, not all Arcanist can become Magic Weapon creators. The creators also spent a huge sum of money to learn the technique.

The second organization was the Hunter Association where Non-Arcanist can join to strengthen themselves. It was previously called Mercenary Guild but was changed several decades ago after a new leader took over the organization.

In this association, members that passed their tests would have access to the Magic Weapons they possess. Not only that, but there were also a number of benefits when a person joined the organization.

The last was the country or the kingdom's military. Any military personnel was allowed to deal with any evil beast they encounter. Their organization was also stronger not just because anyone can join, Arcanist or not, but also because of their superb discipline in combat.

They couldn't be compared to the other two organizations in terms of coordination and discipline during battles.

"Should I try it here?"

Diether waited for Reiji's approval.

"I don't think it's a good idea, kid..."

"Is it? Fine! Then I'll just fight the daughter of the owner..."

"The daughter?" Reiji asked in confusion.

"Yes! She is the young girl serving the food to us...."

"Oh... She seems to be around 14 or 15 years old. Will you be fine?"

"I should be..."

"Really? Then, hurry! Look for her at the inn..."

This kid probably realized that the owner's daughter was an Arcanist after more than a week of staying at the inn.

"Do your best to make her agree about your duel..."

"I will, Master!"

At this point, Reiji can only hope that everything will be fine.