The misunderstood genius

Back at the academy, Darian Velmont was furious.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE JOINED A SECRET ORGANIZATION?!"

His informants had told him everything—Joe Hoeyol was personally invited by The Veil.

Darian clenched his fists. "I won't let him surpass me. I'll challenge him to another duel—this time, in front of the entire academy."

And so, the challenge was made.

The entire school gathered in the Grand Arena. Even the King's Royal Mage attended. This was no ordinary duel—this was now a spectacle.

But Joe? He had no idea.

He had just returned from his "meeting" and was sleep-deprived, stressed, and completely out of the loop.

Celestia found him just minutes before the duel. "Joe, you should prepare. Darian has trained relentlessly for this battle."

Joe blinked. "Wait… what battle?"

Celestia: "…The one you agreed to."

Joe: "I DID WHAT?!"

And so, completely unprepared, Joe Hoeyol walked into the most important duel of his life.