24 Augustus Tarin 1 (1/2)

The next day, while Edward and Tarin were discussing matters for the inception of a new special forces, Caine appeared with Tiffany.

”Introductions are in order, Augustus Tarin, special adviser to Prince Aureus Astrea. Former First Tribune of the Triem army.”

”Caine Smith, golem mage apprentice of the golem artificing branch of MagiTech Institute. ”

Both Caine and Tiffany's brows rose towards their hair as they heard Tarin's former rank.

”Isn't Triem army that army of Astrea Empire's first general? ”

Caine nodded towards Tiffany.

”I will be direct. Tarin has various concerns regarding your appointment to the Direwolf company. With regards to the issue of personal strength, Caine has requested a one on one duel with Tarin to resolve it.”

”If both participants are in agreement, we will hold the hold outside in short order.”

”May I know what are the other concerns adviser Tarin have other than my personal strength?” Caine looked Tarin straight in the eye without wavering.

”Some fire then, more than that is needed to survive on the battlefield though, lad.” Caine did not break eye contact.

”I heard people say that the magi of the Coalition are bigoted in their view of people with low Aether ratings. I never imagined that it is the same for the Empire.” Tiffany glared at Tarin after speaking.

Edward had a calm expression on his face as he glanced toward Tarin.

Tarin smiled, ”Provocation on this level will not work, lass. My concerns are simple.”

Tarin did not raise his voice but a commanding aura emanated from him as looked at Caine.

”The lives of one hundred men lies on your abilities as a mage. ”

”Do you have what it takes to keep them alive?

””Can you cut down your foes where they stand?”

”Young mage, this is not a game.”

”If you do not have the resolve nor the ability, it is far better to give up now.”

Tiffany had a slightly mollified expression on her face but she refused to budge a single inch. Her entire body language was primed as though ready for a confrontation.

Caine raised a placating hand towards Tiffany and gestured with soothing motions.

”I understand your concerns. I cannot change the fact that I possess a low Aether rating but if any Reich Dynasty forces were to stand between my goal and I. I would cut them down without hesitation,” Caine said. ”I understand that words are easy. I am ready for the duel.”

—

As the group stepped towards the fields where the duel would be conducted, Caine noticed that the stands were filled with bodies and loud cheers. A man with piercing blue eyes headed up to the group.

”Johan Hans, first centurion of Astrea Empire and Prince Aureus's aide.” Edward introduced.

”You are the golem mage Edward tried so hard to recruit? Mmm, I am looking forward to your duel with Tarin. It has been a long time his old bones had a good workout. It could use a good pounding. ”

”Young Johan, don't instigate others to do your dirty work. We could exchange pointers later. ”

Johan raised his arms in an instant. ”No, if I win, there is no glory. If I lose, there will not be any good times for me for a long time. Who would take such a deal? ”

Snorting sounds accompanied Tarin as he walked towards his position in the field.

The mage in charge cast a magic-body barrier on Tarin as he reached his position.

”Caine, good luck,” Edward wished in a low voice.

Tiffany nodded her head animatedly.

As Caine neared his position, he felt the mage casting the barrier on him too.

”Whoever breaks the barrier of his opponent wins the match!” The mage at the side said in a voice that echoed across the field.

Caine took a deep breath and summoned his golems.

9 golems of steel surrounded Caine. As they got into formation, many in the stands were struck by the martial bearing of the golems.

”Those golems… they do not appear to be normal golems?” Johan was looking at the golems carefully.

”They have been upgraded extensively by Johan. They are upper steel tier on average,” Tiffany said.

9” steel-tier combatants? That is not enough,” Johan said as he shook his head.

”We traveled from the Coalition's holdings to the Empire's. Did you think we could have survived the journey just by relying on those golems? ”

Johan nodded and made no further comments.

”It appears I was not too late after all. I heard there would be an interesting duel here today.” A dignified voice floated over the group.

”Highness!” Johan and Edward began bowing towards him but Aureus raised his hand.

”Ah, the Flame Empress candidate. I heard your name was Tiffany. A pleasure to meet you. I am Aureus Astrea. I am glad I am able to meet two of my new retainers today. ”

Tiffany appeared dumbstruck for a moment before bowing towards Aureus.

”Highness, Tiffany Anglovich of the Magi Order, at your service. ”