The movements of the Monte Carlo apprentices were watched at every hour in Moldo, and word of the clash just now spread quickly as witnesses departed and repeated what they had seen.
"Are you sure it was James? That James who looks so old?"
The rookies might not have known James well, but that did not mean everyone else was the same. Apprentices who had once worked in Adam's laboratory were stunned when they heard the news; they could not reconcile the kindly old softie who had always guided them through the Psychokinesis Meditation Method with the bold challenger who had started a duel.
For some time now, Elliot had been living with his tail tucked between his legs. Unless something truly important came up, he never set foot outside his laboratory for fear of running into his Monte Carlo "old friends." Today he had made a rare outing to relax, and when he heard the news he could not help spraying a mouthful of liquor all over the place.
He did not bother wiping his mouth. He dropped his cup and rushed out of the apprentice bar, flying toward the duel grounds. He knew Francis; he knew how strong he was. Although James's strength had improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, Elliot knew even better that the aged body could not sustain a long fight.
