The classroom fell silent as Professor Raii entered with a booming "Ahmm!"
"Listen up," Raii announced. "Meet your new classmate—Prince Keal Dravon. He'll be with 2-A from today."
Keal scanned the room, his eyes locking onto Horobi with a smug smile. So this is the loudmouth from 2-A. I'll deal with him soon enough.
Horobi chatted casually with Mio. Keal's smirk vanished—How dare this nobody ignore me?
Keal took his seat, seething.
Duel Demand Denied
Class ended. Keal marched to Raii.
"Raii sir, a word?"
"Yes, Keal? What is it?"
"I want a duel with Horobi. Arrange it."
Raii raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to organize a fight just because you demand it? Why should I?"
"Exactly!" Keal insisted.
Raii laughed coldly. "This isn't your palace, prince. Go do your work—or I'll bury you in homework for a month."
The class erupted in laughter. Keal's face burned as he stormed off. This Raii will pay. He rushed to a senior teacher for backup.
Raii's Trap Springs
In Raii's office, the professor sat fuming over letters when—
"Raii sir, may I come in?"
"Speak, Keal."
"About that fight..."
Raii sighed. "Fine. I'll arrange it. But don't complain later."
"I'm ready!"
"Not so fast. One condition—you announce it publicly."
"What's the condition?"
"Loser serves the winner completely."
Keal grinned ear-to-ear. Perfect. Horobi becomes my servant. Raii hid a knowing smile.
Ground Showdown Hype
On the academy grounds, Raii gathered the crowd.
"You two will duel to test your levels. Keal has a condition to announce."
Students buzzed: "Royalty vs royalty! This'll be epic!"
Others mocked Keal: "Linksan and Tua couldn't beat Horobi. Good luck, prince!"
Keal stepped forward. "Today I prove true royalty! Condition: loser serves winner as contract servant!"
The ground exploded. Students poured in from everywhere.
Linksan laughed. "Keal's lost it! Can't wait to see royalty scrubbing floors!"
Liora shoved through with snacks for Mio. "Horobi—you get 10 seconds. Clear?"
Horobi smiled. "Perfect."
3-Second Destruction
Prince Keal strode in, royal dragon armor gleaming, sword drawn.
"Today, Enma learns his place beneath true royalty!"
Horobi wore his simple academy uniform. No weapons.
Whispers rippled: "Prince looks unstoppable!" "Horobi brought nothing?"
Raii raised his hand. "Duel starts on my mark. No killing blows."
START!
Keal charged—Dragon Flame Slash roared forth!
Horobi sidestepped effortlessly. One mana pulse.
BOOM! Keal's armor cracked like glass.
"What?!" Keal panicked.
Royal Thunder Lance speared next.
Horobi lifted one hand. Hellflame coiled around Keal's arms.
CLANG! Sword dropped. Armor shattered.
Total time: 3 seconds.
"Match over! Horobi wins!" Raii declared.
Servant Prince Born
Keal collapsed to his knees, armor in ruins. "You... how?!"
Horobi calm as ever: "You wanted to serve. Start now."
Raii grinned wide. "Prince Keal Dravon—your service to Young Master Horobi begins today."
"Horobi! Horobi! Horobi!" The chant shook the grounds.
Mio and Liora cackled: "Our servant prince!"
The magical contract glowed on Keal's hand—no escape.
Horobi glanced at Keal. "My princesses' hands got dirty from snakes. Fetch tissue paper. Now."
Keal's face turned crimson with rage, but he obeyed. Laughter roared as the prince scurried off.
Suspicious Departure
Evening. Horobi approached Mio and Liora.
"I Got some work. Heading out."
Mio smirked. "Why not admit you're going to Orakshade?"
Liora joined in: "Meeting her again, huh?"
"No way! Just watching Keal—he might do something stupid in anger."
Mio narrowed her eyes. "Fine. But if you're lying... you'll regret it badly."
"I'll be careful!" Horobi sighed inwardly. Dodged that one.
A short distance from the academy, Horobi summoned Abyss. Mounting the dragon, he rocketed toward Orakshade—arriving in 10 minutes.
Promise Kept
By the lake, Mahi waited daily, heart heavy. Did Horobi forget? Maybe my fate's cursed. I love him but know nothing... I hope he comes today.
"Heyy... Mahi... I'm here."
Mahi spun—smile breaking through tears. She ran to him.
"You're back! I thought you'd never come!"
"Promised, didn't I? Sorry—I got busy."
"You came. That's everything to me."
They sat together. Horobi shared the duel.
"Wow, you're incredible! He serves you now?"
"Sir's rule. I'd never force it."
Mahi smiled softly. "So kind... but careful—he's a prince. Don't want trouble later."
"Raii sir's got it covered."
Mahi reached shyly for his hand. They touched—Horobi pulled back.
"Ahh! Sorry—accident!"
Horobi smiled. "No worries."
"Getting late. Should head back."
"What?! Stay—Forest dangerous at night!"
"I'll manage."
Mahi grabbed him. "No! You're staying. I won't let you go this late."
Horobi muttered, "Abyss makes it 10 minutes..."
"What?"
"Nothing! Fine, staying."
Nighttime Confession
Mahi's house. Dinner, then the guest room prepared.
Night. Horobi slept. Mahi slipped in, sat beside him, gazing.
"My prince... thought you'd never come."
"Roh waited every day, hoping. Sometimes I thought you'd lied and left forever."
"But today... I realized my fate isn't that bad. Because I have you."
"Mark my words—one day I'll abandon everything for you."
"Just take me from here. One day, I'll confess my heart fully."
"Horobi..."
Tears fell. Mahi curled beside him, asleep.
Morning After,
Horobi woke up confused. When did she...? Gently shook her. "When'd you come?"
"Sorry! Just talking... fell asleep."
"No issue. Time to go."
Breakfast done, Horobi left—promising to return.
A little distance out, Abyss summoned again. Someone spotted the massive dragon!
Village panic spread: "Huge dangerous dragon toward South Forest! Stay away!"
Mahi realized: Forgot to ask his academy, where he lives... next time for sure.
Then—dragon rumors. "South Forest?! Horobi went that way! Hope he's safe..."
She worried only for him. Nothing else she could do.
Elder Paul returned, locking Mahi home again.