“Now, will the royals of both nations please step forward.”

In the middle of the vast Basil Plains, several dozen people stood. They belonged to neither the Bartom Kingdom nor the Edwards Kingdom. They had been gathered from other nations to oversee the duel between the representatives of these two countries.

Sara and the kings stepped forward. Likewise, from the opposing camp, individuals dressed in attire befitting high status moved to the center.

“Now, we shall commence the duel between the representatives of the Bartom Kingdom and the Edwards Kingdom! First, the losing nation shall become a vassal state of the victorious nation. Second, the fate of the defeated nation’s royalty shall be determined by the victorious nation. Third, all other regulations regarding the defeated nation’s citizens shall follow the terms mutually agreed upon beforehand. King Sarael Bartom of the Bartom Kingdom, do you swear to these terms?”

“I swear!”

The royals of the opposing nation smirked, despite the duel not having begun. They must have been confident in their victory based on prior intelligence.

“King Edva Edwards of the Edwards Kingdom, do you swear to these terms?”

“…I swear.”

“Then, please wear these.”

The facilitators from the neutral nation handed each royal a metallic bracelet. This was a special magical artifact used in duels between nations. Once the duel was decided, those wearing this bracelet from the losing side would become absolutely obedient to the victor’s representative. Even a command to take their own life would be impossible to resist.

If not for this magical tool, I could have just taken Sara and escaped the moment things turned dire. But this device ensured that no one could flee or obscure the outcome of the battle.

“I hereby declare the duel between the representatives of the Bartom Kingdom and the Edwards Kingdom to begin! Representatives, step forward!”

The duel was finally starting. I had already been briefed on the rules. In a one-on-one fight, anything was allowed—whether weapons or magic tools. The duel would continue until one of the representatives either died or surrendered.

Since the entire fate of a nation was at stake, most representatives fought to the death. And even if one intended to surrender, their opponent would usually kill them before they could utter the words. This was no leisurely battle where one could wait for the other’s surrender.

“I’m off!”

“Masayoshi-dono, we entrust our nation to you!”

“Masayoshi-sama, please stay safe!”

With the king and Sara watching over me, I stepped forward. At the same time, a man emerged from the Bartom Kingdom’s side.

Even from a distance, I could see he was small in stature, draped in a black robe. As he approached, his full appearance became clear.

He was more than 20 centimeters shorter than me, his facial features youthful, resembling a middle schooler at best. Like Sara, he had long, pointed ears. His golden hair was stunning, and his eyes—burning crimson like raging flames—were a sight I had never seen in this world before.

Elves existed in this world. They were characterized by their pointed ears, blue eyes, superior magic abilities compared to humans, and lifespans twice as long. As a half-elf, Sara was also said to possess a longer lifespan than ordinary humans.

Among these special elves, an even rarer kind existed—the High Elf. Unlike ordinary elves with blue eyes, High Elves possessed eyes as red as blazing fire.

They wielded magic even more skillfully than regular elves. While elves lived twice as long as humans, High Elves lived twice as long as elves. Records spoke of High Elves who had lived for over 400 years. Their physical growth also ceased early, leaving them with the youthful appearance of a child—just like the one standing before me now.

The rumored successor to the Grand Mage—an ancient warrior of many battles—was in truth, a High Elf who had lived for centuries. The reports I had received from Boris and the information I gathered from Pajia had confirmed this.

Seeing him with my own eyes, his body was truly small. Yet, the aura he exuded surpassed that of even Gildart and Lilith, whom I had trained with just yesterday.

“…So you’re the one who inherited the title of Grand Mage?”

“………………”

He gave no response to my question, only staring at me with those burning crimson eyes, as if assessing my worth.

“Now, let the duel between the representatives of the Bartom Kingdom and the Edwards Kingdom begin! Start!!!”

The facilitators from the neutral nation had already withdrawn. Sara and the others had also moved far back, with Fūsuke perched on her shoulder, and the knights standing in formation before her. Now, I could fight without worrying about the rear!

“Holy Chain! Paraliga!”

Victory goes to the swift! Sara and the others’ lives were on the line—I had no time for restraint!

Holy Chain, an advanced binding spell capable of immobilizing even dragons, unleashed radiant chains that wrapped tightly around my opponent. Simultaneously, Paraliga, an advanced paralysis spell, froze his body, rendering him unable to move.

“Lightning Caliber!”

Lightning Caliber, an advanced lightning spell, summoned a massive sword of thunder high above the bound enemy.