The anticipation in the Forum was palpable.
The students, abuzz with excitement, whispered among themselves, eagerly awaiting the end of the day's lessons.
The instructor, oblivious to the brewing conflict, began his lecture on advanced Sea Arts, unaware that every Mer in the room was more interested in the fight that was to take place after class.
Nereus sat in the front row, his expression calm and collected, the battle with Dante was only part of his concerns; the toll from feeding his Sea Wraith last night still weighed on him, making him slightly more vulnerable than usual.
Beside him, Johnny and Triton exchanged nervous glances, sensing the tension that filled the air.
Ruth and Rave, seated a few seats down to their right watched with thinly veiled anticipation.
Their scheme was unfolding perfectly.
They had orchestrated the duel between Nereus and Dante, confident that Dante would defeat Nereus and claim his Inner Core Token.
What Nereus didn't know was that this was just the beginning; they had a far more devious plan in store.
The instructor's voice droned on, detailing the intricacies of manipulating water to form complex shapes and constructs.
The students listened dutifully, though their minds were elsewhere.
Nereus, too, found it difficult to concentrate. His thoughts were consumed by the impending duel and a subtle sense of unease that gnawed at him.
Finally, the lesson came to an end.
The instructor dismissed the class, still blissfully unaware of the altercation that was about to take place.
The students then hurried out of the Forum, their excitement barely contained as they made their way to the designated dueling grounds.
The dueling grounds were a large, open space on the outskirts of the sect, surrounded by towering kelp trees and rugged oceanic terrain.
It was officially supposed to be used for battle training and sparring matches however it was also the perfect place for a confrontation, away from the prying eyes of the instructors.
The students gathered in a circle, eager to witness the spectacle that was about to unfold.
Nereus and Dante floated at the center of the circle, their expressions steeled and determined. Ruth and Rave swam forward to officiate the duel, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"The rules are simple," Ruth announced, her voice carrying a hint of malicious glee. "No lethal force, and the duel ends when one opponent yields or is incapacitated."
Nereus nodded, his gaze never leaving Dante. "Let's get this over with."
Dante sneered, his hands already glowing with a fierce blue light as he summoned his Sea Arts. "You won't stand a chance, Argent."
The waters seemed to crackle with energy as the duel began.
Dante wasted no time, launching a barrage of rapidly solidified water spears at Nereus.
Nereus reacted swiftly, summoning a barrier of pressurized water to deflect the attack. The clash of their energies sent shockwaves through the water, causing the onlookers to gasp in awe.
Dante intensified his assault, his movements fueled by arrogance and determination.
But Nereus was calm and focused, countering each attack with precision and skill. Despite the toll from feeding his Sea Wraith, he moved with fluid grace, his mastery of dual affinities giving him an edge.
As the duel raged on, it became clear to the onlookers that Nereus was no longer the weak and unremarkable Mer they once knew.
His strength and speed were undeniable, and his ability to hold his own against Dante was proof that he had broken through to the Wave Ruler stage.
Dante's frustration grew with each failed attack.
Nereus smirked, a glint of determination in his eyes. "You underestimated me, Dante. That was your first mistake."
He indeed had underestimated Nereus, and now he was paying the price. "How are you so strong?" he spat, his voice tinged with desperation.
With a surge of energy, Nereus closed the distance between them, his fists and claws glowing with highly pressurized water.
He punched with precision, each blow landing with pinpoint accuracy as Dante struggled to defend himself, and soon enough his attacks began growing increasingly desperate and uncoordinated.
The crowd watched in stunned silence, unable to believe what they were witnessing.
Nereus's movements were a blur, each strike landing with devastating force.
Bit by bit, Dante's defenses crumbled under the relentless assault, and it wasn't long before he was backed into a corner, his body battered and bruised.
"Yield," Nereus commanded, his voice filled with authority. "You have no chance of winning."
Dante's eyes flickered with defiance, but he knew he was outmatched.
With a final, begrudging sigh, he lowered his head in submission. "I yield."
Ruth and Rave exchanged shocked glances, their confidence shattered by the unexpected outcome. Ruth swam forward, her voice strained. "The w-winner is.. Argent."
A chorus of gasps and murmurs erupted from the crowd of Mer students.
Nereus's victory was undeniable, his strength and skill leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
But as the students began to disperse, a sinister smile spread across Ruth's face.
"Congratulations, Argent," she said, her tone dripping with false sincerity. "But your victory is far from complete."
Before Nereus could react, a group of Mer students with ill intent, armed and ready, emerged from the shadows of the stands, surrounding him. Ruth's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight.
"You see," she continued, "this duel was just a distraction"
Nereus's eyes narrowed, his body tense as he prepared for the imminent attack.
He could feel the fatigue from the duel and the toll from feeding his Sea Wraith weighing on him, but he steeled himself for the battle ahead.
The ambush had been perfectly orchestrated. The enemy students closed in, their intentions clear. They were after his Inner Core Token, and they wouldn't stop until they had it.
"I hope you're ready Argent," Rave taunted, his voice filled with malice.
Nereus's heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the faces of his attackers. He knew he was outnumbered and outmatched, but he refused to back down.
With a fierce determination, he readied himself for yet another fight of his new life.
The water around them seemed to thrum with anticipation as the battle began. Nereus faced his opponents with unwavering resolve, ready to prove once and for all that he was a force to be reckoned with.
As the first of the attackers lunged at him, Nereus braced himself, his mind racing with strategies and counterattacks.
He was a king reborn, and he would not be defeated so easily.