Chapter 128 - Artists Duel (Part One) (1/2)
In a world where martial might reigned supreme, a duel would often be associated with a bout between two individuals based on their martial prowess either to death or defeat. However, on the artistic stage, a duel held a completely different essence. On this stage, the goal was for the competitors to triumph over each other through their artistic skills alone - having superior strength held no meaning here.
Yet, one must know that losing the duel based on art often ended with the loser's entire career ending in jeopardy. That is, a budding artist would lose all credibility even before their career had a chance to take off while an established one would have their entire lives overturned in a single day. This is because the artists place the thing most valuable on the line when taking on the challenge: their reputation. Unlike with martial duels, where the loser either died or became disabled, a losing artist was wholly intact but had to live in a state of disgraced limbo. Their life would reach such a low point that they would wish they had just died that day.
The duel between artists has, and always will be, a sacred rite without room for negotiation. Unlike physical duels, this one must occur in a public setting with multiple artists - without conflicts of interest with the competitors - present and willing to judge to ensure the sanctity of the outcome.
Needless to say, because of the rigidity of this process, as well as the severe ramifications of suffering a defeat, an artist's duel was a rare occurrence. This was why everyone present in the Artists' Guild appeared so emotionally charged and excited for what may only occur once in their lifetimes.
”Who the heck is Jo Way?”
”He's a 1-star Teacher from Radiant Academy.”
”Hmm... I can't recollect this person... Anyways, why is he duelling against Artist Norris, who is a 3-star Artist? Is he also a 3-star Artist?”
”HA! No, he's not even licensed to practise!”
”Such guts?!”
”I know right! This guy is asking for trouble, I tell ya! Asking to have his face dragged through the mud. Humph!”
”Did he challenge Artist Norris?”
”No, it was the other way around?”
”Umm, isn't Artist Norris just bullying the weak like this?”
”You don't know the full story! It all makes sense if you hear it...”
And then, the crowd member expounded on the events that led up to this incredulous competition between two individuals who were, on paper, at two different skill levels.
Apparently, Artist Norris was hired as a tutor for the second son of the Lionel Clan's Third Young Master. The boy was considered an artistic prodigy and the clan had to jump through a tonne of hoops to score this opportunity. On the day of the exhibition, Artist Norris was accompanying the boy around the hall, exposing him to the paintings when Teacher Way came around and openly criticised Arist Norris' opinions. No one could pinpoint for sure what events led to this happening. Different variations placed either of the parties in a better light. Ultimately, one thing led to another, and Artist Norris who had publicly lost face urged Teacher Way to compete against him in a duel, which the Teacher readily agreed to.
However, after that, it appeared as though the Teacher didn't even know what an artist's duel was. In fact, he didn't even seem to know much about the nuances of painting and the techniques involved when someone asked him offhandedly.
”*Tsk* Young people are so arrogant,” Keegan commented. ”Where is that man, Teacher Way?”
The crowd member who had provided the earlier exposition volunteered, ”He excused himself to the guild's library. Needed some inspiration, he said.”
”You said that he didn't even have a practitioner's license? What farce is this?!” Keegan blurted out. ”Let's go back!”
Right as Keegan said those words, someone in the crowd exclaimed, ”That's Artist Keegan Lang!”
”The 6-star artist? What's he doing here?”
”Idiot! Don't you know that his latest work is hanging in the exhibition?”
”It is? Why isn't it the main event?”
Keegan coughed to interrupt the line of questioning. He didn't want to relive that embarrassment again. Yet now that his attendance was made public, a person from the centre of the crowd walked forward and greeted him with a respectful bow, ”Artist Lang. It is an honour to meet you.”
The man was Artist Norris, one of the participants of the duel. Keegan lightly nodded his head in acknowledgement.
”I humbly request that you act as one of the judges for this duel,” Artist Norris continued.
”Why?”