Magic's Return: I Can See The Spirits

"Speak."

Vaan spoke as he turned back to Declan. A big smile then appeared on Declan's face and,

"The mansion you live in, I like that place quite a lot." He commented.

"Hu-" Vaan wanted to say something, Declan, however, wasn't planning on giving away the momentum he finally had,

"And the new Vesta House as well, even though it isn't very suitable for my tastes, I believe it would be a great servant quarter. You see, it has that vibe in it, you know, considering the sort of people who have lived there."

Vaan didn't say anything. His silence was like a drug for Declan, whose smile couldn't be any wider as he continued,

"I wanted both of them for a long time, of course, I am not a heartless bastard, I won't just make you give them to me without having a chance to defend them.

So how about we make a bet?

A one-on-one match, no tricks or gimmicks involved, a simple, fair, one-on-one match with no Instant Spells or Artifacts allowed, how about it?

If you lose, the Vesta House and your Mansion will belong to me."

Declan offered with a big smile on his face. of course, this is no different than simply taking the buildings away from Vaan, this bet could easily be considered a farce, because, after all,

In the end, Vaan was only a Mage.

A one-on-one duel against a Swordsman like Declan was simply too much for him, not to mention that Declan was a 4 Star Swordsman, a level above Vaan, it was an unfair battle no matter how one saw it, and Vaan, who could clearly see what the swordsman in front of him was trying to do, narrowed his eyes. He only had one question in his mind.

"And if I win?"

Declan momentarily blinked. Unable to believe what he just heard, soon however, he recalled who he was standing in front of and couldn't help but laugh out loud,

"Right, you are the mystery Mage who doesn't hesitate in a one-on-one duel."

Then, Declan looked right into Vaan's eyes and,

"However, don't forget that you are the one who came here for a request. It was never supposed to be a fair deal to begin with.

You don't get anything even if you win.

Though I highly doubt that would happen."

"That's quite some confidence you have. It is as if you think that defeating me is not a big deal." Vaan chuckled and Declan just looked at him with a disdainful look on his face.

Vaan chuckled,

"Though when I am confident about my victory, I don't hesitate to offer fair bets, heck, I'd even do it if it is disadvantageous for me,

After all, when I am confident, I know there is absolutely no way I will lose.

But I understand where you are coming from,

I wouldn't want to make a fair bet with myself either."

"You didn't think that would work, did you?"

Declan questioned with a smirk on his face.

"You have a way with your words, Vesta. At least in that regard, you are much better than that useless brother of yours. That guy's control over his emotions is honestly pathetic."

"Hmm, seeing that it is coming from someone like you who has lost control over his emotions several times throughout this interaction, this is a concerning situation."

Vaan nodded to himself before he turned towards Declan and,

"Thank you for pointing that out, I will work on it."

He spoke with an absolutely serious look on his face.

The expression on his face made the entire situation even funnier.

Declan's mouth twitched in annoyance, soon, however, he shook his head and,

"Anyways, do you agree with the terms or not?"

"So in exchange for agreeing to vote for me, you want me to make a bet where we will be facing each other in a one-on-one battle and if you win, you get the new Vesta House and my Mansion and if I win, I get nothing, correct?"

"That is correct." Declan nodded with a smirk.

"Alright, it doesn't seem that bad." Vaan nodded. Vaan's smirk widened as he then pointed at his secretory, the woman stood up in a hurry and brought a document, placing it on the table.

"Sign it then."

Declan spoke.

"You seem prepared," Vaan spoke as he read the content of the document, it was a contract, a contract with exactly the same terms as mentioned before.

"I figured you would be rushing to me to beg for help anytime soon, so I made some preparations." Declan laughed, waiting for Vaan to sign the paper.

"At the very least, your brain wouldn't be the reason for the fall of the Dawncrest family." Vaan chuckled.

"Oh you don't have to worry, nothing is going to happen."

"We will see about that, Declan Dawncrest."

Vaan spoke as he finally signed the contract, passing it back to Declan, who had signed it before he had even come here.

"With this, it is official. Thank you for gifting me the two buildings, Vesta. It would make a fine addition to my collection."

Then, Declan laughed and, "I sometimes feel that I have a knack for taking away everything a Vesta owns. This is already the second time."

He then looked into Vaan's eyes and,

"I wonder what is going to happen when all of us leave the Academy, who knows, the Vesta City might be renamed in the future.

How does the Shallow Slums sound? Since I plan to change to entire thing to this big slum area where people working under me can live in. Of course, don't worry, I'll make sure you get to stay right in the middle, after all, you would be the one who would give me access to the entire city.

I ought to return the favor in some way or another, no? Honestly, if you do a good job, I might even take you in as a Dawncrest soldier, but don't expect to rise over the position of a soldier, all right? Even if I am considerate, there are still limits to what I can do to help, no?

Though if it is your father… I might make him my bodyguard.

Your mother isn't bad either… since, well, she could be used as more than a bodyguar-"

"You dream quite well, Declan.

Is this how you got rid of your virginity?"

Declan narrowed his eyes, Vaan, however, continued with a simple smile,

"But be careful of what you dream about, Dawncrest. Declan narrowed his eyes, Vaan, however, continued with a Sometimes, dreams turn into nightmares.

Nightmares you try your best to wake up from but can never do and only then do you finally realize,

That it was never a nightmare to begin with,

But a reality."

Vaan spoke, his golden eyes shining intensely as he looked into Declan's eyes.

Seeing the look on his face, Declan's body trembled, he however, was quick to get back into his senses as he then looked into Vaan's eyes and smiled,

"Then I will wait for you to turn my dream into a nightmare, Vesta."

"You wouldn't have to wait for long." Vaan nodded.

There was still a smile on his face, however, more than amusing, that smile looked… terrifying.

Declan did notice that something was wrong with Vaan's smile, he, however, to keep a strong front, picked up the contract with a calm look on his face and,

"You can leave, Vesta.

And once you return,

I will see you in the Elite Showdown."

"The Elite Showdown huh…" Vaan muttered as she heard the familiar name.

Declan smiled as well,

"The biggest tournament in the Agresia Academy. Quite a grand stage, don't you think?

Do you want to know a fun fact?

Your brother lost the Vesta House in the Elite Showdown as well.

You are doing nothing but repeating the history, Vesta."

"Is that so…"

Vaan just nodded.

Declan then walked towards Vaan as he then placed the contract on Vaan's chest and,

"You shouldn't have given into my provocations, Vaan Vesta.

Now you are going to embarrass your Family, once again.

And this time, I will make sure the news won't remain suppressed inside the Academy grounds either, I will make sure your Family learns about it before you can inform them."

"You are going to announce the result to the rest of the world, huh?" Vaan questioned.

"That is exactly what I am going to do," Declan answered with a big smile on his face.

"Be sure to do that,"

Saying those words, Vaan slapped away Declan's hand as he placed his hand on his shoulder,

"I wish you luck, kid.

Though since I am the one you are up again, I doubt even luck can help you.

After all, there is a limit to how much mere luck can save you."

"I really where you get your confidence from, Vesta."

"Oh, you will know it soon enough.

You will get the first-hand experience of it."