Strongest Warlock - Wizard World Irregular

"Are you ready?" Nicole asked in a teasing tone.

"Do I have a choice?" Ethan asked back.

"No."

"Right?"

With a mischievous smile still plastered on her beautiful face, Nicole knocked on the door of the Headmaster\'s Office to announce their arrival.

"Come in."

After hearing Professor Rinehart\'s reply, the two of them went inside the Headmaster\'s Office and saw three people inside it.

Professor Rinehart was seated in his usual seat, while two other men sat in the two chairs in front of his office table.

The two men mentioned were none other than Professor Barret and the Grand Archmage of the Kingdom, Edmond Bourbon.

"It has been a while since we last met, Nicole Asta," Edmond said with a slight nod of his head.

"It is an honor to see you again, Lord Edmond," Nicole replied, pressing her closed fist over her chest and giving the older man a slight bow.

The Grand Archmage then shifted his attention to Ethan and narrowed his eyes.

"Ethan Gremory, I\'ve heard many things about you," Edmond stated. "All of them sound like an exaggeration, but after seeing the recording crystal that Otto brought with him, I\'m inclined to believe that the other stories I\'ve heard of you were true.

"Of course, my two friends here have also mentioned the other accomplishments that you have made during the time you were here at Brynhildr Academy. If I have to make an honest opinion of it, your story sounds just like those in a book of Fairy Tales."

Edmond paused and snapped his fingers.

A moment later, two comfortable-looking chairs materialized a meter away from him. He then made a gesture for the two teenagers to sit so that they could have a more comfortable discussion.

Once Ethan and Nicole were properly seated, Edmond once again locked his gaze on Ethan\'s face.

"You entered Brynhildr Academy as a Dud," Edmond stated. "Then suddenly, you accepted the challenge of Langston Kerr to protect your cousin, Chloe Gremory. To everyone\'s surprise, you won against him using one of the most legendary spells in existence, and that was none other than a Resonance."

"Partial Resonance." Professor Rinehart corrected from where he sat.

"It\'s still a Resonance." Edmond smirked. "Even I, who is someone referred to as the Grand Archmage of this Kingdom, can also only use a Partial Resonance. Unlike my highly acclaimed Title, your Headmaster beats me hands down in terms of Magic prowess.

"But it doesn\'t matter because I beat him in popularity. I don\'t want to brag, but if you put us side by side and ask people to name who they think is the most popular one, everyone will say that it\'s me."

Professor Rinehart clicked his tongue. "You said that you didn\'t want to brag, but you\'re already bragging."

"Oh, sorry. It\'s not my fault that I am more popular and more influential than you."

"Tsk!"

Seeing the two older men\'s banter, the atmosphere inside the office became lively.

"Well then, since I don\'t want to waste each of your time, let\'s get down to business," Edmond said. "First and foremost, on behalf of the King and the Kingdom, I would like to thank both of you for your assistance in helping to defend Otto City.

"It is one of the only three Dungeon Cities in our Kingdom, so it holds great significance to His Majesty. In order to honor your services, you are hereby invited to participate in the Party that will be held in the Palace a week from now.

"There, His Majesty will award both of you with the Medal of Honorary Knights. Of course, since these are Honorary Titles, you will not be given any lands or fief to govern over. It\'s just a kingly way of recognizing your efforts—giving you a flashy title that makes your names look good on paper."

The corner of Professor Barret\'s lips curled up after hearing his friend\'s words. Edmond was straightforward and honest, and he often frankly said whatever was on his mind.

"Even so, an Honorary Knight is still a Knight recognized by His Majesty," Edmond added. "For better or worse, it means that you are now regarded as one of the Pillars of the Kingdoms, who will ensure that peace and prosperity will continue to reign over its lands.

"But frankly, aside from Nicole, you, Ethan, might become the source of trouble to Eastshire. I\'m sure you have no idea what I\'m talking about, but within the Palace\'s walls, your name is spoken behind closed doors."

Edmond then glanced at Professor Rinehart and Professor Barret, who were pretending that they didn\'t hear what he had just said.

These were the two individuals who caused the problems in the first place, which placed the handsome teenage boy in front of him in the crosshairs of the Royal Family.

Of course, Ethan had no clue about any of this. And by the time he finally realized how deep in trouble he was, it would already be too late.

Edmond had no intention of telling him anything and would simply push the problem onto the two troublemakers who instigated it.

"I know that this might sound abrupt, but I\'d like to have a spar with you right now," Edmond said as he looked at Ethan with a serious expression on his face. "And, I want you to fight using your full powers.

"I am willing to take full responsibility for this duel, and I will compensate you adequately. I hope that you accept my selfish request and fight me with everything you have."

Ethan wanted to reject, but Sebastian and his Other Half stopped him midway.

\'This is the perfect opportunity for you to fight a strong opponent who specializes in magic,\' Sebastian stated. \'So far, the only person you have fought who defeated you one-sidedly is Lily\'s brother, Conall. He is mostly a Physical Type Fighter, but Edmond is a Wizard through and through."

"That\'s right," Ethan\'s Other Half commented. "He might even help you bring out your fullest potential. You should take this opportunity to fight him seriously, using everything you have."

"I will also lend you my full power," Sebastian said. "No need to hold back. Go all out!"

Ethan didn\'t know why his two supporters were so hyped up for him to fight against Edmond. But since he also felt that this was a good opportunity to gauge how strong the Grand Archmage was, he decided to nod his head and accept his challenge.

He wasn\'t aware that this action had given Edmond a more favorable impression of him, which would in turn help the young man in the not-so-distant future.