Bloodhorn is deep in thought, unable to figure out how to resolve this predicant.
Henwell quickly realizes Bloodhorn's dilemma, but he can no longer afford to worry about others. With such a hefty reward on the line, there are bound to be brave challengers. The youths stepping into the arena are already formidable, and Henwell needs to focus on how to handle them.
Soon, several youths enter the arena. Two are from the gladiatorial training, while two others hail from noble families in the south. The last one cos from an unassuming section of the audience. Yet, Henwell keenly observes that once this individual stands, several noble stands imdiately call back their youths who were about to enter.
The matches proceed in a one-on-one format. Before they begin, Bloodhorn privately approaches Henwell, candidly explaining the predicant he faces.
"I need to know, if you win, what will you choose? Will you stay, or will you leave? If you stay, I can grant you more freedom, even allowing you to go out and explore the city. Future gladiatorial earnings will be split fifty-fifty, and all your expenses here will be covered."
"Additionally, I'll provide you with two knight's body-strengthening potions each month. You’ll have the final say on your opponents, with the right to request changes. You’ll only need to fight once every two months! And I will protect you from any external harm."
"I know you co from a noble background and wish to return to that world, but you must understand, going back ans you're no longer a noble. You'd beco a noble's dog, and perhaps there's a chance to regain nobility. But believe , being a noble's dog isn’t as safe as you think!"
Of course, I know it’s not safe! Not only do I know it, but I've also experienced that danger firsthand!
Henwell thinks to himself, and then responds to Bloodhorn, "Sir, I appreciate your offer, but it's too early to discuss this now. The opponents are clearly well-prepared, and victory won't co easily. Let survive first, then I'll be in a position to give you an answer!"
Bloodhorn pauses for a mont, then nods gently. As he turns to leave, he looks back at Henwell and says, "The Flash, you know I've always believed in you. Co back alive!"
Henwell nods slightly, "I'll do my best!"
In truth, Henwell hasn't fully decided what choice to make. This could be a great opportunity to escape this dreadful place, to leave behind endless killing and start a new life. But he also knows that aligning with the nobles doesn't guarantee safety.
Ultimately, Henwell decides to cast these worries aside. As he ntioned earlier, he needs to focus on surviving this match first.
Henwell is the first to step into the arena. Bloodhorn has arranged for his strongest young gladiator to open the event, hoping to make a strong impression and intimidate the subsequent challengers.
Additionally, Henwell's fighting style is swift and lethal. His strategic and skillful approach often leaves the impression of overwhelming his opponents.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not ant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
However, this ti, Bloodhorn has clearly miscalculated. The opposing side has also sent out their strongest challenger.
Upon seeing the challenger clad in full knight armor, Henwell sighs inwardly, knowing his prediction was spot on. This is the final confird opponent, a youth around sixteen years old, standing less than six feet tall.
He isn’t particularly bulky, possessing a dium build. Yet, in his movents and calm gaze, Henwell recognizes sothing familiar. This is a child from a traditional knight family, soone who has been trained in knightly ways since childhood. Once he reaches adulthood, he’ll resemble the knights Henwell once fought alongside.
When the challenger notices Henwell also donning knight armor, he hesitates for a mont. Since Henwell's debut, he’s always worn simple white cloth, occasionally opting for basic leather armor. This is the first ti he’s appeared before the audience in full armor.
Even Bloodhorn was sowhat surprised when Henwell chose his equipnt. But then he recalled Henwell's noble background, understanding that knightly combat techniques might co naturally to him, and felt reassured.
The opponent wields a heavy knight's sword, while Henwell holds a hand-and-a-half sword. Henwell raises his sword, pointing the tip skyward and lightly tapping his left shoulder with the blade, signaling his readiness. This is a knightly duel gesture, and the opponent reciprocates by tapping his shoulder with his sword.
The audience in the arena is sowhat bewildered but instinctively lowers their voices. They notice that the previously carefree nobles are now tidying their attire and sitting upright to watch the duel.
As nobles, they are born superior. To uphold their honor, they are willing to sacrifice their lives. Therefore, they must present themselves properly for this knightly duel. Many nobles might inwardly dismiss the significance, but they cannot show it outwardly.
Henwell and the young knight begin circling each other, carefully testing each other's footwork. Their swords clash as they gauge the strength and skill of their opponent. This is the most traditional form of a knight's duel, where both sides cautiously probe each other for at least one round.
After this initial testing, they pause a few ters apart, both realizing that their opponent is formidable. The young knight understands that Henwell isn’t just wearing armor for show; he genuinely knows how to fight like a knight. Henwell's footwork and swordsmanship reveal a level of training that is undoubtedly formal and well-taught.
Henwell, on the other hand, is troubled. He has assessed his opponent's strength and needs to decide how to defeat him without revealing too much.
The sword techniques taught by Fabio and Kavize could certainly secure victory, but they have distinctive features that could easily be recognized by knowledgeable observers. Using basic knightly swordsmanship, however, won't suffice to take down his opponent.
Even combining it with the lethal techniques learned on the battlefield might not end the fight quickly.
Both decide not to wait any longer and almost simultaneously rush towards each other. Henwell plans to test his speed and endurance against his opponent, gripping his sword with both hands to launch an offensive.
His sword swings, thrusts, and cuts in a relentless assault, always keeping the distance controlled to suit his hand-and-a-half sword’s optimal range.
The opponent wields a two-handed greatsword, which is half a foot longer than Henwell’s weapon. This half-foot is crucial; if the opponent manages to widen the gap by that much, Henwell will face a relentless counterattack.
The young knight is clearly aware of this too, blocking Henwell’s attacks while trying to increase the distance between them.
Duke Rayr chuckles from the VIP stands, "At first, I thought it was just so kids ssing around, but these two youngsters really have so skills!"
Soone beside him asks, "So, who do you think will win, Duke?"
Rayr counters, "What do you think?"
"The challenger is using the Rudorn family's Wave Sword style, so he's got the upper hand for sure."
"Hahaha... Obiken, you're good at leading troops, but fighting isn't your strong suit!" Duke Rayr replies with a hint of amusent.
"That young gladiator may be using basic knightly sword techniques, but his foundation is solid. He's incorporated battlefield thods—those are real killing techniques. So, the Rudorn boy is about to et his end!"
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