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About a quarter of us died that night. Some areas hurt more than others but roughly one out of every four people died on that battlefield. There's probably going to have to be a massive influx of draft candidates and possible even some rearranging to compensate. In that regard the battle was a failure. Because I did not react fast enough, see things as they were clearly enough one fourth of our number died. But all of the big shots called that battle a victory. For even if we lost a quarter, they lost over half, most of whom died by the hands of the targeting spell. But that's little consolation for those that have died. It seems they had targets of priority. This battle was meant to weaken us, so the ones that had been here the longest were attacked first, using paralysis to incapacitate before killing.

But I had changed the rules. As soon as that orb flew up in the sky it no longer was a matter of eliminating our forces, in crippling us as far as they could but became a matter of survival. Of trying to deal with a spell they had no counter to and no way to prepare for that spell even making an appearance. I had written it that day. A brand-new spell that changed the game in regards to large scale battle. Or perhaps not so new. The level of devastation that I wrought probably was on a similar scale as what caused that site to be as it was, only with less power being poured into it. Imagine the result of several thousand soldiers pouring all of their magic into a single orb. Such a spell is too powerful to be used lightly. I understand this. But I also know I just made myself an even larger target than before. Not only was I able to turn the tide of battle, but I wasn't even the one to cast the spell that did so. Meaning not only am I a threat, I have the capacity to make anyone a threat and that would make me very dangerous for them if their intentions are not genuine. Invasion is impossible so long as I remain.

And so, when he came over, I was not surprised. We were given a full day of recuperation and mourning. The mural wall made into a memorial wall for all those in our own facility that died that day. Everyone gave me a wide berth. I'm sure some might be thankful for what I had done, I imagine some might blame me for their friends' death. For I was one of the ones in charge of coordinating everyone. And if I had used that spell earlier, less would have died. There were talks about trying to get a hold of my spell so as to create copies of it but I am reluctant to do so. Yes, the spell certainly did work. But it is a spell on the level that shouldn't be used regularly. It's a spell so horrific that it should only be used as a last resort. And if there are multiple copies of it lying around then that increases the chances of their side getting access to that same spell. I told them I'd think on it for a while. It's a one of a kind spell as far as I know. Definitely not one most would think to make since it doesn't help the one casting it and requires as large a force as possible to use effectively. And in this particular situation they have to accept my statement. There is only one copy of that spell and it is in my possession and I'm the only person that knows what's on it. Jack did read it but I doubt he could recreate it. If forced I can simply destroy the scroll and then there'd be nothing they can do against me.

The next day our visitor arrived. Clad in a golden suit of armor and escorted by several armed soldiers he makes his way through our complex, Gabriel having chosen himself as the one in charge of making sure they don't stray too far. They step in to interrupt our combat training, deciding that it's best to keep moving and working on improving ourselves rather than simply sit and wallow over our losses. There is a knock at the door and Gabriel steps forward first before allowing the rest to step in. Everyone stops and stares at these intruders. The soldiers are plain enough, wearing the same armor and weapons as had escorted me, but with a bit more flourish and a bit more grave an expression. Probably very experienced soldiers, possible even personal guard. And then there he is in that golden armor. It's definitely not a fashion statement but a statement of rank. Their fashion is to seem like they're wearing nothing. In front of me is a nine-foot-tall dark green dragon wearing gold armor and a sheathed sword. Not knowing what else to do I bow at them in greeting.

"So, this is the fabled Rose, eh?" The dragon looks down at me, sizing me up and I do my best to do the same. "Doesn't seem like much. But it's not your body that has drawn so much attention."

"I've only just done what felt like the best course of action. I don't think that I've really done much to warrant that much attention," I reply, trying to be humble.

The dragon doesn't seem to be at all phased, if he even heard me. "So, what do you call that little trick you did back there?"

"I don't know," I admit. The creation of the spell never required me to give it a name. There wasn't any spell that actually used the name of the spell in the casting. Spell names were only as a means of reference and not even knowing if it would work right I never even put a single thought into what name I should give it. "The book didn't have a name for it and I never put any thought into the matter of names."

"Well of course it isn't. That kind of spell isn't in any book. Nor should it be. That's something that should be locked up in a vault and never used except in times of emergency."

"On that I would agree," I add.

"On our side they're calling it Wrath of the Heavens. I was hoping you had a better name for it that was quite so dramatic."

"I'm sorry that my imagination wasn't up to the task of naming the spell."

"Imagination indeed. Anyway, I'm not here for small chat. I, Prince Arell of the Northern Kingdom do hereby challenge Rose of Earth to a duel of single combat."

My mouth drops open, not entirely sure what to make of this. I knew I was going to be a target but I did not think they would go so far as to send royalty to challenge me to a fight.

"I'm sorry, but I do not think I would make that good of a sparring partner for you. I haven't had enough combat training to be able to compete with someone of your stature."

"You'll do well enough. I'll be wearing the restrictor gauntlets for our battle. And this is not a request. This is me informing you that we will be holding a duel between us tomorrow in the arena. Refusal is not allowed. But relax, it's only going to be a friendly match between us. No harm will come towards you, I can assure you. I merely want to see for myself what you're made of," he states before turning around and heading back towards the exit as if nothing at all had happened.

Gabriel follows them out, likely to lead them back to the portal. I stand there staring at the door, my mind half shut down from what just happened. I never expected to have to deal with something on this scale.

"So how bad is it?" I ask, hoping that they know the answer to the question.

"Really bad. Restrictor gauntlets limit their abilities down to a B rank. At best your body is only ranked up to a C rank when released. Duels do happen and as he said, you are not allowed to back down from them. It is considered an offense like you wouldn't believe to not attend. But ordinarily a duel is between an entire team of five against someone with a restrictor gauntlet and even then, more often than not their champion still ends up winning."

"Right, so they're gunning for me and I'm pretty much screwed," I sigh. "If you'll excuse me, I need to be alone for the moment."

I leave the room and not a single one of them make any move to stop me. But then not surprised. If that dragon is telling the truth then I'll only get humiliated in that arena and then left alone to go lick my wounds. If not, and they want me dead then I've essentially been just given a death sentence. I'm sure either would potentially work to their favor. But humiliated would only make it easier to go after me later. Dead would eliminate me as a threat now and forever. I don't want to be seen just cowering in my room after a thing. Instead I go over to the memorial wall and stare at it for a moment. I close my eyes and sit down and just let my mind wander. There is only one way for this to go. Only one path I can take if I ever want to have even the chance of making it out of this alive. And to do that I need to put complete and total faith in myself and my abilities. Even if it ends up screwing me over in the end in ever hoping to retain my humanity I will need to use everything at my disposal and without any hesitation. In a battle of that level any hesitation, however slight, would probably be my downfall.