“Because if I see a truck barreling down the street, I do not cross the street,” I said loud enough for Roma to hear as I looked around Monty. She deliberately ignored me. “A mage would be gauging what would happen if they unleashed several orbs at the right moment to deflect the truck from crushing them. That is the difference.”
“Your logic makes for fascinating study, truly,” Monty said. “Now let me explain what will happen next, here in reality. Not in Simonworld.”
“Explain away,” I said, squinting my eyes and giving him my best Clint glint. “I’m listening.”
“Do you need a restroom? Because we hardly have that kind of time.”
“Oh, ha, ha,” I said, waving him on. “Explain the duel.”
“The six mages around us will create an impenetrable alternate temporal plane,” Monty said. “Hence their positioning. Roma and I will engage in the duel, while discussing theorems.”
“Excuse me? You’re dueling and taking a quiz at the same time?”
“That’s an oversimplification, but, yes, that is an apt description,” Monty said. “It’s part of the process.”
“What are we doing?” I asked, motioning to Peaches and myself. “Dodging orbs? Is this like a tag-team type of duel? You tag me in when you get tired?”
“Absolutely not,” Monty said, pointing behind me to one of the mages. “You will be standing over there, next to that mage. This is not a duel to the death. I have to neutralize her ability to cast before she does the same to me.”
“While answering questions?”
“Yes, while answering questions,” Monty repeated. “Have you lost the basic comprehension of language?”
“Just being clear. How are you going to negate her abilities? You’re not a negomancer,” I said, then paused. “Wait, are you a negomancer now? Did the schism upgrade your abilities to your final form?”
“Final form? No, I have not acquired the ability to use negomancy,” Monty snapped. “Focus—I said neutralize, not negate. I have to create a situation where she cannot cast, before she can do the same thing to me.”
“Why does that sound dangerous?”
“Because, it potentially it is,” Monty said. “I have to predict and outthink what she will do, while preventing her from doing the same to me.”
“While answering questions,” I repeated. “Am I the only one that sees this as insane? Just call the Auer and make an appointment.”
“Yes, you are the only one. This is how it’s done and has always been done,” Monty said, pulling on a sleeve. “Think of it as mage chess.”
“Do you get to ask her questions?”
“Why would I need to ask her questions?” Monty said with a sigh. “I’m the one needing a formal audience, not her.”
“What kind of questions is she asking?”
“Anything and everything related to being a mage and my studies.”
“Well, I just thought it would be fair if you got to ask your own questions.”
“Are you still under the impression that life is fair?”
“Touché. Why not just play regular, non-lethal chess?” I asked. “The chances of death by explosion are close to zero; although you’re mages so there’s always a possibility. Besides, the last time I checked you don’t have to answer questions while playing chess, unlike this duel of yours.”
“I don’t create the rules here, I just follow them.”
“Since when?”
“Since we need to see the Auer and she would be displeased if I didn’t.”
“Oh, let’s not piss off the mind-melting Auer,” I said. “Good plan. Can you take Roma?”
“The last time we did this, she trounced me soundly,” Monty said, glancing over his shoulder at Roma. “She’s an exceptional strategist, and I was still studying in the Golden Circle at the time. I have improved somewhat since then.”
“I hope so. She doesn’t look like a slouch in the kick-ass mage department,” I said. “Are you sure it’s only going to be brain-melting mage questions? If I shoot her, I can even things out a bit. She can’t ask too many questions if she’s wounded. I can wing her. It’ll be just a flesh wound.”
Monty stared at me.
“If you shoot her, the six mages around us will consider it an unprovoked attack,” he said, turning to walk back to Roma. “They, in turn, will immediately attempt to blast us into submission or death, whichever comes first.”
“That would be bad.”
“Quite,” Monty said as he walked away. “Stay back, don’t draw your weapons or unleash your creature, and we should be fine.”
I took a few steps forward.
“Does she know about your schism?” I asked, keeping my voice low. “Maybe you should let her know you’re a bit fragile right now.”
“Fragile?” Monty shot back, keeping his voice just as low. “I am not fragile. Now, step back. Duels tend to be somewhat chaotic.”
“Are you ready?” Roma asked, as Monty approached her. “Do I need to reacquaint you with the rules?”
“They are still fresh in my mind from last time, thank you,” Monty said. “I’m ready.”
“I haven’t had a duel in quite some time,” Roma said. “I’m going to enjoy this. Do you acknowledge that you enter into this duel of your own free will and without any coercion?”
“I do.”
“Do you understand and agree that once the duel has begun, every question posed must be met with a satisfactory answer?”
“I am aware, yes, and agree.”
“Do you understand that any damage or pain suffered as a result of our duel is with the full knowledge of the risks involved? Do you accept?”
“I do,” Monty said. “I will abide by the rules of this duel and accept the outcome, whatever it may be.”
“Sounds like that fine print that needs to be examined in every contract,” I said, then raised a hand in surrender at Monty’s expression. “Just pointing it out. Don’t want to be surprised by any hidden clauses.”
“Over there,” Monty said, pointing at the mage behind me. “Do not interfere.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I said. “If she pulps you, I’m not the one telling Roxanne, just FYI.”
“I’m ready,” Monty said, scowling at me before turning back to Roma.
“Excellent,” Roma replied, looking at one of the mages surrounding us. “Begin.”
Each of the mages
