Stakes

Venica wanted to say something, but she didnt dare to open her mouth. She could already tell that Richard was determined to act, but she worried for his safety. After all, the Archerons werent like the Mensas. There wasnt a single saint on the island save for Fuschia, while the Mensa island had at least one level 20 overseer.

Richard didnt seem enraged, nor did he shout. All this while, he had been extremely calm. Yet, for some reason, the fiery girl felt extremely scared of him right now. It was an indescribable feeling, one she could not explain.

The next time something like this happens, Richard suddenly spoke up, dont shoulder it on your own. Remember to tell me.

She bit her lip and hesitated, But

I know, he smiled. Youre an Archeron, you want to work alone. Thats fine, but wait until youve really grown up.

Gangdor and Richard had built a powerful bond over their time in Faust. When the brute appeared, he even had an enchanted box on his back with some unknown items inside. Fuschia, on the other hand, seemed completely bewildered.

When they walked out of the teleportation formation, Richard suddenly remembered something and asked Venica, By the way, how old is Young Mensa, and how strong is he?

She thought it over for a bit, He should be 21 this year, a level 14 mage.

Richard nodded, Not half bad. This should be a little interesting!

A short while later, they were at the top floor of the inn next to the duelling arena. Young Mensa had already booked out the entire floor, his friends and followers everywhere. It wasnt just Mensas here; Richard recognised Foster, Lunors student, amongst the faces, and there was also the young Micah from the Schumpeter Family.

He scanned through the area, stroking his short moustache as he smiled, Everyone who has a beef with me is here, huh.

Nobody noticed Gangdors eyes flashing. He had followed Richard for a long time, and knew the meaning behind all of his masters subconscious movements. Touching the moustache was an indication of killing intent.

Richards own gaze landed on Wennington. His brothers body was covered with blood as he lay fainted on the ground, a youth with an icy expression having a foot on his head. He didnt need a detection spell to know that this was Duke Mensas youngest son; the brand new injury to his nose was enough.

He moved forward until he was five metres away before crossing his arms, Enough. Im here now, so retract that leg. Theres already a fair number of people here and none of them are fools; youre only stepping on old Mensas face.

Young Mensas expression immediately steeled. Richards reaction was completely out of his expectations, leaving him at a loss. He eventually retracted his leg and smirked, Who knew your mouth was even more amazing than your runes. If you want to end up in a better state than he did, youd best learn to curb your tongue.

Im actually best at killing, Richard laughed, Ill let you try yourself later!

Young Mensas eyes immediately brimmed with bloodlust.

Basically every great family in Faust had a representative in this inn. It seemed like the Mensas were determined to make a huge fuss over this. However, not everyone here was planning to watch the drama; there were also many on Richards side, like Nyris and Agamemnon.

However, Nyris looked terrible, glaring at a youth opposite him, Third Brother, why are you here?

The young man in ordinary clothing was his older brother, the Emperors third son. He flashed a cold smile in Nyris direction, If you can come, why cant I?

Nyris looked around and turned even paler, Did you incite all of this?

The Third Prince rolled his shoulders, Dont say that, I cant take on such a heavy responsibility. This is a conflict between the Mensa youth and that little Archeron. I was just passing by, so I came here to take a look. See, Second Brother is here as well.

Nyris eyes narrowed as he looked at where the Third Prince had pointed. Just as he had said, a fair and plump youth who looked rather ordinary was in the corner, seeming completely harmless as he seated himself on a chair from who-knew-where. Seeing Nyris gaze fall upon him, the corners of his mouth drew back into a dazzling smile. This youth had no presence at all, causing practically everyone to subconsciously overlook him. Only when the Third Prince pointed him out did Nyris notice that there was someone sitting in the corner.

However, this plump youth caused even Agamemnon to grow serious. This was Neil, Emperor Philips second son and the prince with an absolute lead in the race for the throne. The Second Prince was the one was most similar to the Emperor, not only in appearance but also in temperament. If someone felt he would be easy to bully, that person would be left not far from death. Nobody had seen Neil act in the past year, but one year ago a saint who hadnt known his identity had clashed with him in a tavern over a woman. That saint had been left gravely injured. The only conclusion one could draw was that being a saint was far from enough to adequately describe Neils strength.

With three princes present, things grew extremely complicated. With Flowsand, Noelene, and Jacqueline here as well, the two great powers of the royal family and the Church of the Eternal Dragon were both present. At least on the surface, things would have to follow Fausts rules.

Young Mensa crossed his arms and kicked Wennington towards Richard, stating arrogantly, I can give this fellow to you first, deal with the aftermath. However, he humiliated me and must agree to my request for a duel. Im not going to cancel it, be prepared to receive a corpse.

Richard started the Mensa youth in the eyes and suddenly smiled, Why go through all this trouble? You want me, no? Then just get to the point. Ill duel you.

A chilly glint appeared in Young Mensas eyes, revealing a bit of delight which he immediately suppressed, These are your words.

A tall youth behind him sneered, Even if you want a duel, itll have to wait till this one is over.

Richard looked at the fellow as though he was an idiot, not caring for any courtesy as he directly cast a detection spell on him. This was so rude the tall youth grew furious, wanting to say something, but Richard interrupted him, So, a level 12 mage. Fine, tell me your relationship with old Mensa; if youre close enough, I can consider duelling you for warmup. If you arent, then just bloody scram! Whats worthless scum like you doing here, making all this noise?

Richards words grew more scathing the more he spoke, causing the youth to take half a step backwards involuntarily. He immediately realised what had happened, turning purple, but with so many nobles around he had to maintain a minimal amount of poise. Still, his voice held an unconcealable tremor within it, I am Duke Mensas grandnephew, son of Viscount Redpine. I am a titled knight, is that enough?

Richard immediately nodded, Of course! As long as you have Mensa blood in you, thats good enough. Lets duel in a bit.

The young man froze. He hadnt expected to fight Richard; with both being level 12, it was hard to tell who would win. The Archerons and Mensas had a blood feud between them, but that was with Gaton and the Duke. The other Mensas didnt have enough of a bad relationship with Alice, Sauron, and the rest that the were willing to initiate a war. This youth didnt want to die for Young Mensa; after all, he still had a great future as a potential grand mage.

Richard took in the hesitance of the young man and immediately burst into laughter, saying loudly, Seems like the so-called honour and courage of the Mensas means only having the guts to duel people of a lower level!

A dozen Mensa youths instantly paled, the Dukes sons eyes looking to spit fire. Richards statement was a resounding slap to all their faces; if they did not retaliate, even the Duke would not be able to raise his head from the shame.

Frodo, agree to it! Young Mensa shouted sternly.

The young man called Frodo looked just as terrible as the rest. He had only wanted to show off a bit to get further in life; who knew that Richard would drag him down so easily. He wasnt stupid and knew that Richard would use him to establish his prowess.

Richards gaze finally landed on Young Mensa and he smiled slightly, Next is what happens between us. If you wish for a duel with me, its not enough to just let Wennington go.

Young Mensas gaze grew cold, What other requirements do you have? He had realised a battle of words would be pointless, so he decided to get straight to the point. Frodo was likely not a match for Richard, but at least he would reveal Richards strength and use up a part of his mana.

Richards gaze went past him to land on an exceptionally beautiful young lady in the crowd. She had a lavish arrogance to her temperament, but still was as cold as ice. Her beauty would shine through even in a horde of pretty girls, an aspect in which she even exceeded Flowsand slightly. Of course, that did not mean she could compare to Flowsands aura.

The young ladys ivory-like skin and idol-like features were famed in Faust, and Richard had heard of them before. He gave her a slight bow and smiled, This must be the beautiful Lady Rosie, yes?

Very well! his gaze landed on Young Mensa, If you want a battle to the death with me, its quite simple. Add her to the stakes; if I win, Rosie must strip for me.