Chapter 10 – The Duel
Word spread quickly.
"Arjun cleared the dungeon twice."
"His rank evaluation changed."
"He's at least C-Rank now!"
Kabir refused to believe it.
So he did what pride demanded.
Public challenge.
The arena filled instantly.
Instructor Mehra announced:
"Friendly duel. First to surrender loses."
Kabir's flames roared brightly.
"You got lucky once."
Arjun stepped forward calmly.
"Begin!"
Kabir attacked first.
A blazing punch aimed at Arjun's chest.
Arjun vanished.
Gasps filled the arena.
He reappeared behind Kabir.
Shadow Step.
Kabir turned, launching a fire wave.
Arjun activated Minor Shadow Domain.
The arena floor darkened.
Flames weakened inside the darkness.
Kabir's confidence faltered.
Then—
Arjun summoned three shadows at once.
The crowd stood up.
"Three summons?!"
Kabir fought desperately.
But he was overwhelmed.
Pinned.
Disarmed.
A shadow blade stopped inches from his throat.
Silence.
Instructor Mehra declared—
"Winner… Arjun Verma."
Shock.
Fear.
Respect.
Kabir stared up at him, disbelief in his eyes.
Arjun leaned closer and whispered—
"Know your place."
And far away…
Deep beneath the academy…
Something ancient smiled.
[The Heir Grows Stronger]