Extra's Ascent-Chapter 98: Show Me, Aldaman?!

"Is it really necessary to come here just to watch a duel between two underclassmen?"

Mary's voice carried a hint of exasperation as she pushed forward, struggling alongside Callum to squeeze through the densely packed rows of spectators.

The audience, a sea of Eldora Institute students clad in their formal uniforms, filled every available space. Among them, there was hardly a soul who wouldn't recognize the two of them if they were to reveal their faces. That was precisely why they kept their hoods pulled low, anonymity was their goal.

And they weren't just avoiding unwanted attention; they were ensuring that no one knew they were here. Speculation, rumours, unnecessary whispers, none of it was welcome.

"A duel proposed by a LORD's candidate. Doesn't that strike you as odd?" Callum countered, his sharp eyes spotting two vacant seats up ahead, perfect for an unobtrusive view of the match.

Mary exhaled in mild frustration, keeping pace with him. "A duel proposed by a LORD's candidate because one of the duelists is directly tied to him. Don't twist this into something it's not, Callum."

She could already tell he was overanalyzing, finding intrigue where there was none. To her, this was nothing more than an ordinary duel, one not worthy of the suspicion he was trying to attach to it.

Settling into their seats, they both turned their attention to the stage. Around them, the murmurs of the crowd swirled like a restless tide, filled with speculation about the duel's outcome.

"Who's stupid enough to go up against Kyle Dandada?" someone scoffed.

Unlike Aldrich, Kyle Dandada was a well-known figure at Eldora Institute. His name carried honour, and prestige. His reputation preceded him, and his prowess as a mystic was second to none, so much so that only the best would dare to challenge him.

Aldrich? He was no best. Barely fitting in as an S class, he had nothing to his name to suggest a worthy show up against Kyle.

"Hey, let's make a bet," a voice piped up from the crowd.

One student nudged his friend. "How can we bet when the contestants haven't even appeared yet?"

"Why wait? We already know who's fighting. Kyle Dandada versus… Aldrich Aldaman, I think."

His friend scoffed. "Right, so you want to bet on Kyle, while I'm stuck with this Aldrich guy? You think I wouldn't notice the scam?" His tone dripped with sarcasm, unimpressed by the obvious attempt to set him up for a losing wager.

"Come on, the guy's an Aldaman. Same family as Dwayne Aldaman, the youngest LORD's candidate. Maybe he's just as troublesome."

There was a brief pause before his friend shot back, "If you really think that, then why don't you bet on him?"

"Are you crazy? Why would I do that?"

"See? You wouldn't either. So don't expect me to."

It was a sentiment echoed throughout the crowd. No one was willing to stake anything on a virtual nobody. The only reason they had gathered was to see Kyle Dandada in action. Though, in truth, they expected the match to be over before it even began. After all, Kyle was involved.

Callum smirked, resting his chin on his clasped hands as he listened to the crowd's dismissive remarks. "What do you think, Mary? Do you also think this Aldaman kid is a nobody?"

Mary sighed, her gaze fixed on the stage. "I don't know, Callum. What do you want me to say? That this Aldrich kid is going to be a problem for Kyle? You and I both know that's not happening."

It wasn't about underestimating Aldrich; it was about acknowledging reality. As one of the Bravehearts, Mary understood Kyle's capabilities better than most. She didn't believe in miracles.

Callum leaned back slightly. "I did some digging. The kid's got nothing special aside from some skill with a bow and his family name. But interestingly enough, he's also awakened the Aldaman clan's unique bloodline Art, the Clover Eyes."

Mary's posture stiffened. "He has the Clover Eyes?"

The revelation unsettled her. The Clover Eyes were infamous. Thanks to Dwayne Aldaman, they were considered the most formidable bloodline Art in existence. Some credited Dwayne's success to his own genius, while others believed the true key to his power lay in those deadly ocular abilities the eyes possess.

Callum nodded. "Not all of them. Unlike Dwayne, he's only awakened a single clover, and it's relatively weaker. But still… it'll be fun to see it in action, don't you think?"

There weren't many Aldamans left, and the few who remained could be counted on one hand. Seeing one in battle was an opportunity Callum wouldn't pass up.

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Of course, that wasn't the only reason he was here.

Dwayne Aldaman, LORD's candidate and the youngest of them even, had offered a favour in exchange for Callum's assistance in handling this situation. Instead of a confrontation, Dwayne had chosen this route: a first-year, unknown opponent facing off against a second-year who had already cemented his position at Eldora.

Why?

Callum wanted to find out.

His musings were interrupted as the stage doors positioned on opposite ends creaked open, signalling the entrance of the duelists.

From the right, Kyle Dandada strode out, a sheathed sword strapped behind him. The moment he appeared, the crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs of excitement. He was the star of the show, after all.

Then, from the left amidst the lingering cheers, Aldrich Aldaman the unknown stepped onto the stage. A fully stacked quiver rested against his back, and a curved bow sat firmly in his grip. His every movement betrayed his nervousness, his steps hesitant under the moment. The cheers faded slightly as the crowd took in his demeanour.

Kyle Dandada stood waiting, composed, unreadable.

Callum's gaze locked onto Aldrich, his fingers steepled as his intrigue deepened.

Was Mary right? Was he overthinking this? Or did Dwayne Aldaman have a deeper reason for getting involved?

He was eager to know, to find out.

"Show me, Aldaman…" Callum murmured, eyes narrowing.

Which is it?