Mordo's Resolve

Kaecilius suppressed his shock. Seeing Mordo's embarrassed expression, he went on, "A mentor who loses to an apprentice should step down and relearn magic alongside the students at the Training Ground."

"N-no." Mordo refused outright.

He kept shaking his head, but Kaecilius was ruthless and full of schemes. He had no intention of accepting a refusal.

Kaecilius pressed his advantage. "A mentor like you will only hold back Kamar-Taj's students—and Kamar-Taj's future."

"No, I won't!" Mordo shouted. Cold sweat covered his face as he defended himself. "Ryan is too talented!"

"So that's your excuse for losing to a novice Sorcerer?" Kaecilius smiled. "How many more years have you spent practicing magic than he has? Did all that practice go to waste?"

"There are no dogs at Kamar-Taj." After saying that, Mordo felt as though all the strength had drained from his body.

That was exactly what Kaecilius wanted. He finally revealed his aim. "Mordo."

"I... I'm here."

"You need to face Ryan again to restore the glory of Sorcerers."

"I... I can't beat him."

"And you can say that with a straight face?"

"..."

When Mordo fell silent, Kaecilius continued, "I'll put up a prize. The winner can choose a Magic Artifact."

"A Magic Artifact?"

Mordo's eyes lit up. He had long since grown dissatisfied with the Jumping Shoes on his feet and wanted a new Magic Artifact.

With Kaecilius making an offer like that, he could accept.

After all, Mordo had always believed Ryan had only beaten him by catching him off guard. If they fought again, there was no way he would lose.

Mordo promptly agreed to Kaecilius's demand. Then he heard Kaecilius's next words: "Your Jumping Shoes are part of the prize too."

"No! I have athlete's foot. Leave my shoes alone."

"Tch."

Seeing Kaecilius's displeasure, Mordo