Chapter 127: Ch:127 A duel

Daniel turned to face the man, eyes narrowing. Instantly, he activated his ability.

“Status,” he whispered, barely audible.

——————

Name: Zero Dane

Age: 42

HP: 9000/9000

Mana: 7500/7500

Description: A hardworking, calm man who wanted a simple life, yet was blinded by revenge. One day, he returned home to find his wife and children reduced to ashes. From that moment onward, the pursuit of answers consumed him, driving him into a path from which there was no turning back.

——————

“Who are you?” Daniel asked,with a confused expression, even though he had read the description.

Zero leaned forward, his palm rested calmly on the table. “I’m the one who saved you in that dungeon. Remember?”

Daniel’s eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn’t expected someone cloaked in a black hood, who had hidden their identity so carefully, to reveal themselves so casually.

“Here’s your meal, sir,” the waiter said, placing it in front of Daniel.

Daniel turned and gave a soft nod, then let his gaze drift back to Zero. His mind raced with questions, yet his body remained calm as he picked up the bread and tore it.

*Nom*

“So, what do you want from me?” Daniel asked.

Zero shifted, straightening his back, his eyes cold and still, like calm water. “I’m here to tell you that you’re in great danger.”

Daniel lowered his gaze. “What do you mean?”

…

*Thud*

“Commander, I’ve made my decision. I’ll kill that person, but—” Zero’s tone shifted from calm to serious. “Only if he doesn’t join the EXIL.”

The commander smiled beneath his mask. “And why do you want to save him? Is he your friend?”

“It’s personal, commander,” said Zero.

The commander rose from his throne and stepped forward. “You know, Zero, when I first saw you, I saw a burning desire in your eyes, a hunger for the truth, and a face… that never flinches in the presence of death.

If you truly believe that, that person is suited for the EXIL, I will not question your judgment. But remember… if things don’t go as you plan, the consequences will be severe, and I mean very severe.”

Zero nodded respectfully before turning to leave. “Yes, Commander. I’ll not disappoint you.”

…

After a few minutes of listening while finishing his meal, he came to a conclusion

“Thanks but no thanks, I’m not interested in joining you,” he said steadily, standing up from the chair.

“I’m afraid it’s not your choice,” Zero said, his tone serious.

Daniel froze in place, his hands curling into fists. ’Why is this man forcing me to join his guild? Does he think I can’t handle it on my own?’

“Why do you think I can’t handle the danger you’re talking about?” Daniel asked, his tone serious.

“No, It’s because, I am… the danger,” Zero said, his tone calm but deadly, as if every word carried a warning.

Silence settled between them for a moment. Daniel walked to the counter, paid the coins, and returned to his seat.

His gaze lingered on Zero, hands clenched on the table. “Then duel me, Mr. Zero,” he said, his tone serious.

Zero chuckled softly. “You sure talk big. Fine, I know a place where we can fight, follow me.”

…

From the bakery, they moved straight to the Arcana Gate, then headed south — directly opposite the training ground.

A narrow path led them to a small, open clearing in the middle of the jungle. A flicker of nervousness and excitement stirred in his mind, as if he already knew he was fighting a losing battle.

’There is no way I’ll win against him, but I refuse to accept it… without even testing just how strong he is,’ Daniel thought as he walked behind him.

As they walked in silence, he took the opportunity to invest his essence points, pouring them all into intelligence to increase his magical damage.

Intelligence: 30 ~> 40 [+]

…

Daniel stood opposite him in a battle stance, knees slightly bent, shoulders squared, and eyes fixed on Zero. Meanwhile, Zero stood calmly, waiting for him to make the first move.

“What’s wrong? Come on,” Daniel said, trying to provoke him.

Zero shrugged. “Okay… as you wish.”

Instantly, he charged toward Daniel, closing the distance in a flash. Sparks crackled in Daniel’s palm as he began channeling, and he unleashed a lightning bolt straight at Zero.

*Bzz! Zap!*

Zero dodged it effortlessly, without even flinching, and went straight for a punch aimed at Daniel’s face. To his surprise, Daniel swiftly evaded the blow and stepped back, creating some distance between them.

’So quick, his reflexes are sharper than before,’ Zero thought, his eyes narrowing as he studied Daniel.

*Bzz! Zzap!*

Daniel unleashed another lightning bolt that nearly struck Zero’s foot. Bolt after bolt followed, but none of them hit.

At the same time, Zero kept closing the distance, trying to engage him physically, while Daniel evaded and created space to launch another bolt.

“You can’t run forever, you know,” Zero said, bolting toward him.

Daniel clenched his jaw. “It’s called tactics.”

*Bzz~ Zzap!*

For ten minutes, none of Daniel’s lightning bolts hit Zero, and none of Zero’s punches landed on him.

With each passing minute, the duel grew more tense. But one thing was clear — Daniel had used a lot of mana, while Zero hadn’t used a single bit of his.

Daniel’s lightning bolts weren’t missing because they lacked speed or power, it was because their pattern was too predictable for Zero to avoid.

*BZzzap!*

*Whoosh*

*BAM!*

In the midst of the chaos, Zero swiftly dodged his attack and landed a hard punch straight to Daniel’s face, sending him tumbling to the ground, face down.

“Agh…” Daniel groaned as pain exploded across his face.

While he recovered from the punch, Zero rushed toward him for a finishing blow. “It’s over, Daniel.”

*Whoosh*

*Thap!*

To his surprise, Daniel blocked it with his palm, as if he had been waiting for that very moment. His hand tightened around Zero’s fist, refusing to let it go.

“How about this!” Daniel shouted before unleashing another thunderbolt.

*ZZzaap!*

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