Summary:
After revealing his past to Elyna and Selene, Leo makes a bold decision — he will publicly declare his intent to live peacefully. But not everyone believes him.
A noble student, suspicious of Leo's origins, challenges him to a duel using enchanted wooden swords — a test of honor among young nobles.
Though Leo refuses to fight, Elyna takes his place and wins with her explosive magic, proving that Leo doesn't need strength to be different.
Meanwhile, the school administration begins investigating the recent incidents, and Grimwald warns that it won't be long before they start asking the wrong questions.
It was the kind of morning that made you feel like something big was about to happen.
The sun rose over Saint Regulus Academy, casting golden light across the marble courtyards and tall towers. Birds chirped. Students in crisp uniforms walked the halls. Everything seemed peaceful.
Except for me.
Because today, I had decided to make my declaration.
I sat on a small cushion in the main hall, surrounded by students who had gathered after hearing rumors of my "strange behavior."
Elyna stood beside me, arms crossed, grinning like she was watching a fireworks show.
Selene leaned against the wall, arms folded, expression unreadable.
Tessia hovered nearby, pretending to be a maid, but her hand never strayed far from her sword hilt.
And then there was **Lord Aldric Valen**, a third-year noble student known for his arrogance and obsession with "purity of bloodlines."
He stepped forward, eyes sharp.
"So, it's true," he said. "You're not just some commoner pretending to be noble. You're hiding something."
I stared up at him.
Then, slowly, I raised my tiny hand and pointed at myself.
"I am… Kaiser von Zerath."
Silence fell over the hall like a dropped anvil.
Gasps. Whispers. Someone even dropped their teacup.
Aldric narrowed his eyes.
"You expect us to believe that? The Dark Lord reincarnated as a baby? That's absurd."
I nodded.
Then I added, in my best baby voice:
"But I don't want to be a villain anymore."
That earned me more whispers.
Some confused. Some skeptical. A few even scared.
Aldric scoffed.
"If you really are who you say you are, prove it."
I blinked.
Then shook my head.
"No."
His eyes widened.
"What?"
"I said no," I repeated, clearly. "I'm done with war. Done with power. Done with being feared."
Aldric laughed bitterly.
"So you run away from your past? You disgrace the name of warriors!"
I looked at him.
Then I did something unexpected.
I smiled.
"You can call me whatever you want. But I've already chosen my path."
Aldric's face darkened.
Then, suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table.
"A duel," he declared. "A formal challenge. We'll settle this the old-fashioned way."
I sighed.
> Of course he would go there.
Before I could respond, Elyna stepped forward.
"Sorry," she said with a grin. "But Leo here doesn't do violence. Not anymore."
She cracked her knuckles.
"But I do."
Duel of Words and Fire
The duel took place in the training yard later that afternoon.
No real weapons were allowed — only enchanted wooden swords designed to simulate magical combat without serious injury.
Elyna wasn't exactly thrilled.
"This is so boring," she muttered, holding the wooden blade like it was a joke. "I wanted to use real fire."
Aldric smirked. "Afraid of hurting a baby?"
Elyna gave him a sweet smile.
"Oh nooo~ I just didn't want to break your toy."
They bowed.
The match began.
Aldric charged, swinging fast and precise. He was trained well.
Elyna danced around his attacks, barely lifting her weapon.
Then, finally, she got bored.
With a flick of her wrist, she whispered:
**"Ignis Flare."**
A small explosion erupted beneath Aldric's feet, sending him flying backward onto the grass.
The crowd gasped.
Elyna dusted off her hands.
"Match over."