To invoke a duel was not a casual act.
It was a formal declaration. Once issued, the challenge could not be ignored, especially among dragons.
Draconic laws placed imnse weight on honor.
Reputation was not rely social standing, it was identity. To refuse a properly invoked duel without just cause was to stain one's na and diminish one's standing within the clan. For beings who lived for millennia, such a mark could linger for a long ti.
When a duel was declared under recognized custom, the recipient was bound by honor to respond. Acceptance was expected. Conditions of the duel could be negotiated, but outright refusal was extrely rare and carried
consequences.
Among dragons, strength commanded respect. But honor sustained it.
Thus, when a duel was invoked, it was more than just a challenge. It was a test of pride, standing, and legitimacy. And once spoken... it could not simply be dismissed.
So when Endi and the rest of the dragons heard Adam's challenge, they were taken aback.
Endi couldn't help but frown as he asked, "You know of our laws?"
The formal tradition of dueling was actually a Paladin custom. It was an old code designed to resolve disputes through strength, skill, and honor rather than politics or bloodshed.
Yet dragons respected it.
It was also part of their draconic laws, and the practice aligned closely with their values. Dragons placed imnse emphasis on honor, pride, and personal strength.
A properly declared duel stripped away sches and forced both sides to stand openly behind their convictions. For that reason, dragons acknowledged and upheld the custom.
To refuse a formal duel without just cause was not rely a weakness.
It was dishonor.
Adam heaved a shaky breath and t Endi's gaze.
"I understand that you wish to take Valerian back to your clan. And I respect that," he said. "But you cannot force to go with you."
He paused for a mont as he steadied his breath. His lips subconsciously curled into a wicked smile as he said:
"So I invoke a formal duel against one of you. If I lose, I will go with you. But if I win... you will respect my decision and leave to my path."
Endi had trouble understanding whether Adam was foolish or just... plain stupid.
"You do understand that duels are ant to be fought between two opponents of comparable strength?" Zagho couldn't help but ask incredulously.
"You leave no damn choice." Adam laughed. "You think you can push around just because I'm a human? Just because I'm weaker than you?"
His gaze hardened. "I have responsibilities too! I have honor too! And you must respect it!"
He then turned to Valerian, his expression softening.
"I'm sorry, Val. I know how much you wish to see your family. But I cannot leave Tron! And these people... they won't take you alone. They'll take too, and once I'm there... they'll look for ways to sever our familiar bond."
Adam turned to Endi and continued, "Am I wrong?"
Endi Somnia's gaze turned cold.
It was exactly as Adam had said.
For a Mind Dragon of the Somnia Clan to form a familiar bond with a lesser being was considered disgraceful and unthinkable.
Naturally, the Clan would do its best to sever the bond between Valerian and Adam. Of course, they'd do so in a way that didn't harm either of them.
And after the familiar bond was nullified, Valerian would be formally taken back
by the clan, where he would grow to his full potential.
As for Adam... the Somnia Clan didn't care what happened to him afterward.
Valerian's eyes teared up as he turned to Endi. "Is it true?"
Endi did not answer.
Adam sneered. He turned to his little brother and solemnly said, "Valerian, I promise you that one day I will return you to your clan. It might not be today. It might not be tomorrow. But one day I will. I swear that I will. Until then, I need you to trust like you always have. Please..."
Tears trickled down Valerian's furry face.
Yes, it was true that he longed to reunite with his family.
But it was also true that Adam was the only family he had ever known. He was his parent, his sibling, his friend, his everything.
So when the mont ca to make a choice, he only hesitated briefly. Valerian hurried over and hid behind Adam's leg, peeking cautiously. "Myu..."
Witnessing this, Endi could only helplessly sigh.
He gazed at Adam and said in a low voice, "You've raised the prince with love
and care. On behalf of the Somnia Clan, I thank you."
"But." His expression turned solemn. "Now that you've invoked a duel, you must honor it. When you lose, you shall co with us."
Adam laughed. "If I lose."
"However, Zagho raises a valid point, Endi added. "Duels take place between
two people of similar strength."
"Then send your weakest to fight ," Adam declared.
"Our weakest is equivalent to a Mana Seed Magus." Endi's eyes narrowed.
He couldn't understand why Adam would go this far, especially considering that the outco of the duel seed obvious.
A human at the Mana Core Rank could never hope to contend with a dragon at the Mana Seed Rank. Even if they were at the sa arcane level, a dragon's superior physiology and innate advantages made the comparison uneven. To Endi, what Adam was attempting was nothing short of arrogance and
foolishness.
"No mana. No spiritual energy. No weapons. No artifacts. Just a pure physical contest," Adam said. "If a contestant is knocked down, he will be given ten
seconds before declaring the other the winner."
"Even so, you will not win." Endi shook his head.
"I may not win," Adam murmured. "But I won't lose either. I have too much
riding on my shoulders. I have co too far to fail."
Endi intently studied the raven-haired youth. In all his life, the dragon had never co across a human who carried such conviction.
"Very well. Endi offered a slight nod and turned around. "Zagho."
"...Yes." Zagho Somnia stepped forward, complicated emotions bubbling in his
heart.
Adam turned to his little brother and said with a gentle smile, "Val, go stand
with Lord Endi."
"But..."
"It's okay." Adam crouched and gently patted the little guy's head. "He's a man
of honor. I'm sure he won't attempt any underhanded tactics"
He said the last part out loud, causing the corner of Endi's lips to twitch.
"Myu." Valerian nodded and then slowly strode toward the Regent. He paused,
then turned around and said. "Brother..."
"Don't worry." Adam grinned. "I won't lose."
A few monts later, Adam and Zagho stood at the center of the hall, facing
one another.
Endi stepped forward, Valerian perched on his shoulder. He then said in a steady and formal voice:
"I shall preside over this formal duel between Zagho Somnia and Adam
Constantine."
His gaze swept over the two participants, then at the rest of the dragons.
"I will serve as both judge and witness to this match. Let the terms be honored,
and let the outco be respected by all present."
Endi glanced at Zagho, then at Adam. "Ready."
He raised a hand, then brought it down in a swift motion.
"Begin!"
Zagho vanished.
He reappeared before Adam in less than the blink of an eye. His fist drove
forward without hesitation, slamming into the human's stomach with crushing
force.
Adam didn't even have ti to react.
The punch landed cleanly. His body folded from the blow.
His eyes rolled back, and...
He collapsed to the ground.
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