“It is my honor and pleasure to announce, the first student duel of this semester and this year. The winner is the challenged team! Let us offer our applause and congratulations to them - Ms. Caroline Baker, Ms. Aimee Chaver, Mr. Jie Lin and Mr. Thomas Chaver!” Professor Barnes seemed genuinely proud and happy for the results: “Thank you everyone for coming to witness this, dare I say, historical event!”

“Now, let’s continue with the final stage of our duel!” Professor Barnes continued: “Though never specified, it is still the convention of student duels for the losing party to offer spoils to the winner party upon defeat. But, since this was not agreed upon by either party, the school administration offered to provide the spoils on behalf of all three houses. As the Headmaster of Hellbruck House, I am offering full access to all training facilities and two training methods for everyone of the challenged party. I sincerely hope, that they would be able to make good use of what we have to offer and get plenty out of it.”

“As the Headmaster of the Anderson House, I am offering full access to our libraries and labs, just like Professor Barnes did. And I am also offering one private course from our House to each individual of the winning party. May you take full advantage of the knowledge. As knowledge is the only thing of great and unparalleled value that you can always carry with you.” Professor Randall Collins laughed and peeked at Professor Dorothea Clarkson with a cunning smile and said.

Dorothea Clarkson knew this was some kind of a trap the moment Professor Barnes said about facilities and courses, but this trap was not something she could get out of. So after a short hesitation, she said: “Since two headmasters offered their facilities and private courses, it will be redundant of me to offer the same thing. But it does not matter - I am offering each of the winning party one second tier artifact of their own choosing from the Martin House’s collections. You have till the end of this year to claim it. May you choose wisely and may it help you on your path to wisdom and greatness.”

Some from the crowd cheered while others booed, as Professor Dorothea Clarkson and Professor Randal Collins turned and walked away while waving their hands at the audience. The challenger team rushed away from the duel ring, following the lead of Taylor Jensen.

“Hold on! Hold on for a second.” before Aimee and Thomas were about to leave with Caroline and Jason, Professor Barnes called out to them.

“Professor Barnes, can we help you?” Jason asked.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your wonderful performance during this duel.” Professor Barnes laughed and said: “And I would like to remind you, though the spoils offered by the three houses are binding, you should still choose wisely and seek advice if you are unsure. Especially the artifacts offered by the Martin House, don’t get tricked. Even though they’re gonna be artifacts of the second tier, if you just choose randomly without careful consideration you might still end up with a useless piece of garbage.”

“Understood, thank you.” Caroline nodded, while thinking in her head that she may need to do a video chat with Jianmen in order to make the right choice.

“And just to remind you. I meant what I said, about offering you training.” Professor Barnes turned to Thomas and Aimee: “You two are indeed talented, and I would love to help you become better warriors and fighters. I heard that you used to be police officers, which is quite a coincidence, since I also came from a family of law enforcement. I read your thesis on the identity of the serial murderer, the detective work is truly awesome.”

“Thank you very much professor.” Aimee nodded and said: “We really appreciate it.”

“And you. Mr. Lin and Ms. Baker.” Professor Barnes turned to Jason and Caroline: “I’d like to offer you the same thing - but I could tell that you already have a trainer who spent time crafting and tailoring your training, so I would not presume it appropriate of me in offering such the same thing. But I’d assure you, if you two want sparring partners, you can always find them in our house.”

“Thank you very much.” Caroline and Jason said at the same time.

“And Ms. Baker, please answer me this - let me preface by saying, that if you don’t feel comfortable answering, just let me know and I won’t pry.” Professor Barnes’ facial expression was slightly serious when he asked.

“It’s… okay, but we might not be able to give you a definite answer.” Caroline exchanged looks with Jason, then said.

“I understand, I definitely understand.” Professor Barnes took some time to organize his thoughts and question: “Ms. Baker, can you tell me, if you happen to be training with the guidance of a Paladin tome?”

“Paladin tome? What … what is that?” Caroline was a bit confused.

“You don’t know about Paladin tomes?” Professor Barnes scratched his jaw.

“No...”Caroline and Jason exchanged looks again, both confused.

“No matter, no matter. I am just curious, because your shield stance and axe skills kinda remind me of some of the old lore and legends… It just looked very similar.” Professor Barnes nodded, then patted on Caroline and Jason’s shoulders: “Thank you very much for your honest answer. And uh, please be careful not to mention anything about Paladin tomes to other people lightly.”

“No problem. Thanks again, professor.” Caroline and Jason both nodded and said.

Just this moment, Glenda Grimes walked up to Aimee and Thomas and stepped up to Professor Barnes: “Professor Barnes, anything else we can help you with?”

“Glenda, it’s been a while.” Professor Barnes appeared embarrassed: “It’s okay, I just have a few questions. Now that I have my answers, you are free to go. Just don’t forget to claim your spoils.”

“Surely we will.” Glenda Grimes appeared cold and distant when talking to Professor Barnes: “We’ll see you around, Professor Barnes.”