Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

"So, tell me why did Adrian challenge Kevin to a duel?"

I asked Evelyn who was standing to my right.

She turned to me her brow furrowed as she gathered her thoughts, after the moment she replied.

"As you already know it's been six days since the crew incident and the problem isn't solved, Tony is not trying to do anything but he is sure using his followers to do his bidding."

"Well, I know that much," I said to her.

"And Kevin is one of the followers Tony, and he must have some information about Tony, so that is why Adrian challenges him so he can get that information."

"I see." that's all I said as we fell into silence.

"It's begun," Sunny said.

I turned to the screen in the area, and yes the match had begun.

the virtual duel began, the holographic forms of Kevin and Adrian emerged on the field, visible to the audience.

However, since the battle was taking place within the virtual reality world, the audience was not able to hear their voices.

Nonetheless, there was a microphone present in each of the capsules, allowing Kevin and Adrian to communicate with each other as they battled.

"So, you are ready to be defeated by me?" Adrian asked with an air of confidence.

Kevin's face twisted with annoyance as he responded, "We'll see about that."

With a gentle smile, Adrian drew his sword from its scabbard and replied, "Let's get started, then."

Kevin clicked his tongue in irritation and unsheathed his sword.

Their swords glinted in the light as both of them unsheathed their weapons and began running towards each other.

As they collided, the sound of clashing metal echoed through the virtual field. The audience held their breath, watching as the two opponents exchanged blows with fierce intensity.

"You are good," Adrian praised Kevin.

"Talk less, and swing your sword more," Kevin retorted, his focus solely on the battle.

Despite his irritation, Kevin secretly acknowledged Adrian's impressive swordsmanship.

"Okay," Adrian took the feedback to heart and increased his speed and offensive tactics, while Kevin relied on blocking Adrian's attacks.

Kevin, at an F+ rank, knew he was at a disadvantage against Adrian, who was on the cusp of reaching D-. The difference in their strength was significant.

As Lucas had mentioned before, it was difficult to overcome the barrier of rank as one grew stronger. The challenge of surpassing one's current level became increasingly arduous.

The virtual battle continued with Adrian pushing the offensive, while Kevin focused on his defensive skills. The crowd watched in anticipation as the two clashed, their movements swift and calculated.

Adrian's blade was a blur of motion as he unleashed a flurry of attacks, while Kevin expertly blocked and parried, his defence unyielding.

The audience couldn't hear their words, but they could sense the tension and determination emanating from both fighters.

And amid the intense battle, Adrian decided to strike up a conversation with Kevin.

"Is it necessary to bring these kinds of talks while fighting?" Kevin asked, clearly irritated by the interruption.

Adrian remained calm and collected, even as he continued to attack. "Yeah, it's important to talk."

"What do you know about Tony" Adrian asked calmly, despite the chaos of the fight around him.

Kevin's face contorted with anger as he parried one of Adrian's strikes. "I will not tell you anything unless you beat me or are you having doubts about yourself" he sneered.

Kevin's fury turned into a burning rage as he strengthened his body with mana. His sword strikes became more powerful, and Adrian had to take a step back to regain his balance.

Adrian continued, dodging Kevin's.

Kevin's attacks were wild and uncontrolled, crashing down like berserk waves that threatened to destroy everything in their path. However, Adrian's movements were fluid and graceful.

He deflected each of Kevin's attacks with ease, leaving the audience in awe of his skill. Every time Kevin thought he had an opening, Adrian would respond with a quick and subtle movement, neutralizing his attack effortlessly.

It was clear that Adrian's swordsmanship was on a completely different level compared to Kevin's brute strength.

Kevin was taken aback by how easily Adrian was able to block all of his moves. "How are you doing that?" he asked incredulously.

Adrian just smiled and said, "I suppose I'm just Strong."

The audience looked on in surprise at Adrian's seemingly effortless defence.

"Do you think what Tony doing is right?, I can see he is using Rank and his background as an advantage."

Adrian asked Kevin as their sword clashed.

"It's just the way the world works," Kevin replied in a grim voice.

"But do you have to follow the rules of the world?" Adrian asked seriously.

Kevin was fatigued and struggling to catch his breath. "Huff...hah...hah... If Tony doesn't do it, someone else will. There are plenty of people like that out there. Those weak people will just get crushed. How long are you going to keep protecting them?" he asked, his voice strained.

"I'm not saying you shouldn't fight," Adrian responded calmly. "But there's a line that shouldn't be crossed."

As soon as he finished speaking, Adrian's sword began to glow with a bright blue light, causing many onlookers to gasp in surprise.

Even some of the professors in attendance were taken aback by the sudden display of power.

Kevin stood frozen, his gaze fixed on Adrian as the latter spoke. "I know all too well how the weak are crushed," Adrian said, his grip on his sword tightening as he prepared to strike.

In the virtual arena, The battle between Adrian and Kevin reached a crescendo. The clash of their swords sent sparks flying, and the intensity of their fight was palpable. The audience watched with bated breath as the two young warriors gave it their all.

Adrian knew that Kevin's brute sword art was powerful and unpredictable, but he had a plan. He had been waiting for the right moment to unleash his ultimate technique, the Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata.

As Kevin swung his massive sword in a wide arc, aiming to cleave Adrian in two, Adrian's eyes gleamed with determination. He blocked Kevin's strike with his blade, and for a moment, they were locked in a fierce struggle, their muscles straining against each other's strength.

Then, in an instant, Adrian made his move. He released his grip on his sword, allowing it to float in the air before him. The audience gasped in surprise as they witnessed the ethereal display of his mana control.

With a swift motion of his hand, Adrian summoned his mana, causing the virtual arena to transform. The once sunny battlefield was now bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Adrian's sword, suspended in mid-air, began to move of its own accord as if guided by an invisible hand. It danced gracefully, tracing intricate patterns in the air. This was the Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata, a technique that combined the beauty of swordsmanship with the power of mana manipulation.

Kevin, taken aback by the sudden change in the battlefield, momentarily faltered in his attack. It was the opening Adrian had been waiting for. With a surge of mana, Adrian's sword transformed into a radiant crescent blade, shimmering with moonlight.

In a fluid motion, Adrian launched his counterattack. The crescent blade sliced through the air with unparalleled grace and precision, aimed directly at Kevin. The audience held their breath as they witnessed the mesmerizing display of Adrian's skill.

Kevin tried to block the attack with his brute strength, but the Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata was not so easily thwarted. Adrian's blade moved with a fluidity that defied logic, weaving around Kevin's defences with ease.

The crescent blade struck true, and a shockwave rippled through the virtual arena. Kevin's brute sword art was overwhelmed by the sheer elegance and power of Adrian's technique. He was sent flying backwards, crashing to the ground in defeat.

As the virtual moonlight faded, the audience erupted into cheers and applause. They had just witnessed a breathtaking display of skill and power. Adrian stood victorious, his sword returning to his hand as he sheathed it with a graceful flourish.

The battle was over, and Adrian had emerged as the victor, proving that true strength could be found in the harmony of mind, body, and mana.

The crowd was in a state of awe and astonishment after witnessing Adrian's incredible display of power with the Moonlight Serenade - The Great Sonata. As the virtual moonlight faded, the onlookers couldn't contain their excitement and admiration for the young hero.

"He's amazing!" one student exclaimed, unable to take their eyes off Adrian.

"I've never seen anything like it," another student added, still trying to process what they had just witnessed.

"Adrian's strength is on a whole different level," a third student remarked in wonder.

Even some of the professors in attendance were nodding in approval, recognizing the exceptional skill and mastery Adrian had displayed during the duel.

Nearby, Emma, who had been watching the battle with bated breath, couldn't help but smile proudly. "That's the Adrian," she whispered to herself, a sense of pride filling her heart.

Meanwhile, Aric stood silently, his eyes fixed on Adrian.

As for Adrian, he remained composed, his gaze shifting to Kevin, who was slowly getting up from the ground.