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Chapter 22
Palton Everon, a mage of the Myunghwan Hall and adopted son of Pigeon Kaphtalen.
He was the one set as Ruin’s opponent for the duel.
Although not directly blood-related, their names in the family register made them distant cousins. Seeing his younger relative, Ruin, Palton’s head grew slightly complicated.
“What’s with this brat? Acting so arrogant for just a child?”
It could have been dismissed as the childish pride of some clueless country kid, or as a puppy that didn’t know the fear of a tiger.
“What, are you saying the backing of both the Laingrime and Kaphtalen families is your shield?”
Either way, Ruin’s bloodline was not something one could easily ignore.
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t the boy in front of him who was intimidating—it was the two people standing behind him.
“Tch, they don’t even look like they fit together. What’s so good about him that they cling like that…?”
After giving a negative judgment on Kabel and Daisy, Palton shifted his gaze to their son, Ruin.
“He himself asked me not to hold back. So even if he gets hurt, it’s not my fault, is it?”
With that light self-justification, Palton’s eyes sank.
“As long as I don’t injure him too badly, it should be fine. Controlling my power is just… a little annoying.”
Compared to a child who had probably never fought or seen real battle, he was a seasoned mage who had survived countless real-life combat situations and brushes with death.
If he truly fought seriously, the boy wouldn’t last more than a few seconds.
“Still… crushing his hope entirely would be a bit cruel, wouldn’t it?”
With that thought, Palton decided to show Ruin a touch of mercy.
“Fine. Show me everything you’ve got. I’ll take it all, then end it lightly.”
So he told Ruin he would let him make the first move.
But the return for that mercy and consideration was…
“Hah, you think you can handle me?”
Crack.
He knew with his head that it was provocation, but his heart didn’t catch up.
“Fine then. If that’s how you want it, I’ll end this right away.”
Palton changed his mind—he would strike back the moment Ruin attacked, and finish it instantly.
“Come then, Ruin.”
And then—
Tak!
Ruin drew the black sword on his back and took a stance.
Palton quickly chanted a spell.
“Shield.”
It was the most basic defense spell, a mana barrier against physical strikes.
Buzz.
An ivory-colored shield appeared in front of him. Palton immediately thought of his follow-up.
“Shock Wave.”
A destructive 3rd-circle spell, famous for its overwhelming power.
Palton’s plan was simple—overpower Ruin instantly with it.
He waited for Ruin’s charge.
But then—
“…Huh?”
Ruin didn’t rush him as expected.
“What the hell is he doing?”
He just stood where he was, sword raised… in a sloppy stance with his butt sticking out.
“Don’t tell me he really thinks he can fight me like that?”
Grinding his teeth, Palton glared.
“There’s a limit to mockery. Even if he’s young, this is crossing the line!”
If his opponent’s skill was that poor, then even fighting him was humiliating.
Winning meant nothing. Losing was impossible. It was the worst possible situation.
“Haa.”
He sighed, shaking his head.
Step.
Finally, Ruin moved.
“I’m comi—whoa?!”
He stumbled as he stepped forward, flailing his black sword clumsily.
And then—
Clang! Crash!
“…?!”
His ivory shield shattered as the blade struck it.
At the same time—
“Whoa, whoa, don’t fall!”
Ruin staggered again, flailing to balance, his sword swinging straight at Palton.
“Damn it—!”
Caught off guard, Palton retreated, hurriedly casting his spell.
“Shock Wave!”
The ground where Ruin had been standing shook violently as the energy gathered.
But—
“Ahhh, crap!”
Thud!
Ruin fell flat on his face.
Boom!
Palton’s Shock Wave exploded in an empty spot.
And—
“Whoa! What was that? I almost died there!”
Ruin shouted from the ground, staring at the explosion.
“….”
Palton was stunned, unable to comprehend this absurd turn.
The spectators were equally baffled.
“Huh, he fell?”
“Yeah, but somehow dodged the spell.”
“Was that luck… or skill?”
“Heheheh.”
Some reacted with amusement. Pigeon, who had proposed the duel, couldn’t stop laughing.
At that moment—
“Eh, screw it.”
Tap—whoosh!
Ruin suddenly leapt up and dashed at Palton with frightening speed.
Swish!
His black sword cut through the air, far faster than before.
“Palton! Snap out of it!”
Pigeon’s shout rang out.
Palton, dazed, tried to move—
“Huh?”
He froze. A sticky, crushing aura pressed on him.
“Killing… intent?”
It was suffocating—so sharp and heavy that it made his hairs stand on end.
It felt like facing a natural predator, an inescapable death.
“How could a child… emit this?”
His heart screamed he’d be killed the moment he let his guard down.
Staring at the blade flying at him—
“It’s over. I can’t stop this.”
Palton closed his eyes, resigning himself to death.
But then—
“What are you doing? You’re really not going to block?”
Ruin’s voice pierced his ears.
“What?! Damn it!”
Snapping back to his senses, Palton swore and unleashed his strongest barrier.
“Barrier!”
Ziiing! Clang!
A golden shield enveloped him just in time to block the black sword.
But—
“Duel over! Use of 3rd-circle magic or above. Palton, disqualified!”
Pigeon’s cold voice declared the result.
“Ruin!”
“Thank goodness, oh thank goodness!”
Kabel and Daisy rushed together, crying with relief.
“…He really won?”
The others, like Master Preon, just stared blankly at the shocking outcome.
“Did you see? He broke the spell.”
“How is that possible? Was it just coincidence?”
“No, unless he has aura, magic can’t be broken like that!”
“Did anyone see something strange around that sword?”
Only aura, wielded by masters, could cut magic. So the Kaphtalen mages muttered in disbelief.
But—
“Hahaha! What a lucky match.”
Pigeon burst out laughing, then looked at Ruin.
“Hey, nephew. That sword’s enchanted with Dispel magic, right?”
“Huh? Uh… maybe?”
“Of course. Heh.”
Smiling knowingly, Pigeon turned to his foster son.
“You fool. How many times have I told you? Never underestimate your opponent. Analyze them, find their weaknesses. Anyone could tell that sword wasn’t ordinary. Idiot.”
He shook his head and barked at the other mages.
“You lot too! Why even have eyes if you don’t use them? Maybe pluck one out if you don’t need both!”
The mages wilted under his scolding.
Some muttered—
“Palton, are you insane? Losing to a kid?”
“Bad luck. He tripped, dodged, and had an enchanted sword. What could Palton do?”
“Luck is part of skill. On a battlefield, bad luck still means death.”
“Yeah, true.”
They still didn’t understand why Palton used 5th-circle magic at the end.
Meanwhile, Ruin gave a sly smile.
“Thanks for misunderstanding.”
The truth was simple.
“I reversed his formula.”
Through Heavenly Flawlessness, he saw Palton’s magic structure instantly, twisted it in reverse, and struck.
No spell could withstand such a direct dismantling.
“It’s basically the same as Dispel, so… fine.”
He had planned to attribute it to the sword anyway, so Pigeon’s explanation was perfect cover.
On the other hand—
[“W-what?! Dispel enchantment? That damned brat! What nonsense are you spouting?!”]
“Why not? Sounds cool, doesn’t it?”
[“C-cool?! You dare call me some cheap enchanted sword?! Ughhh!”]
The sword spirit foamed at the mouth and fainted.
“Everyone, eat slowly. There’s plenty prepared.”
Daisy bustled around serving dishes.
“Today’s special, so I’ll bring out the good wine I’d been saving!”
Kabel, excited, uncorked expensive liquor.
“Brother-in-law, you’re the best!”
“Young master, amazing!”
After the duel, they all strangely bonded and enjoyed a meal.
More accurately—it was because Pigeon had shouted:
“Enough! The duel’s done! Let’s all eat together!”
Since Ruin had won, Pigeon kept his word and didn’t summon them again to the Kaphtalen house. Daisy, seeing that, relented and offered hospitality herself.
And so the chaotic dinner began.
Only minutes ago they were at each other’s throats; now they laughed over good food.
Meanwhile—
“…What’s going on?”
Ruin sat at the table, confused.
The sword spirit grumbled:
[“Why are you squirming like a rat with its tail on fire?”]
“Isn’t it strange?”
[“What is?”]
“No one’s suspicious. I beat a genius like Palton, yet nobody questions it.”
[“And? Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?”]
“Well, yeah, but still…”
[“You yourself said it was an enchanted sword!”]
“I didn’t say that—Pigeon did.”
[“Same thing, you brat!”]
The sword spirit seemed to hate being called “enchanted” with a passion.
Ruin just shrugged inwardly.
“Still, shouldn’t someone at least wonder? I defeated an older, stronger battle mage. And no one doubts it?”
He smirked.
“I beat someone they called a genius. Shouldn’t that make me a once-in-a-century prodigy too?”
[“Shut up! If I could, I’d deep-fry you in boiling oil right now!”]
Ruin chuckled, scratching his head.
“Heh, I was half-expecting it.”
[“Nonsense!”]
The sword spirit fumed while Ruin let it drop. He hadn’t done it for attention anyway—just to tease the sword spirit.
Though someone else didn’t share his nonchalance.
Palton Everon sat blank, dazed.
“….”
Eyes vacant, unable to accept his humiliating defeat to a much younger boy.
Everyone else left him alone; they knew that at times like this, empty consolation only hurt more. Better to let him overcome it himself.
So while Palton sat motionless, untouched food before him—
“What a fool. Sitting with delicious food untouched.” the sword spirit clicked its tongue.
“You think he can eat like this? It’s the right reaction.” Ruin answered.
[“Bah, ignore him. Eat that meat! Look how juicy it is—”]
But Ruin ignored him.
Dragging his chair back, he stood.
[“Huh? Where are you going? Don’t you dare—”]
He walked straight to Palton.
Then, with an innocent smile, said:
“Palton-hyung, did you know a picture’s sticking out of your waist pouch?”
