The knights and the GrandMaster were taken aback by Damien's bold proposition. The room fell into silence, with everyone contemplating the consequences of such a duel. Barnie, the young knight, clenched his fists, his face contorted with anger.
The GrandMaster leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Are you certain about this, Damien? A duel with such high stakes?"
Damien nodded firmly. "Yes, GrandMaster. If he truly believes I am insulting you and questioning his abilities, then let our swords decide who is right. I am confident in my skills."
Arcoss, the head knight, stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Young master, I understand your frustration, but challenging a knight of the Grand Magical Judiciary is a serious matter. It could have grave consequences."
Damien smirked, his confidence undeterred. "I am well aware of the consequences, Arcoss. But sometimes, one must take risks to defend their honor and prove a point. I have faith in my abilities, and I believe it's time to show Barnie here that words have consequences."
The tension in the room was palpable as the knights and the GrandMaster exchanged glances. After a moment of deliberation, the GrandMaster nodded slowly. "Very well, Damien. If Barnie accepts your challenge, then we shall proceed. But let it be known that I will not interfere in the outcome of the duel. Fairness and honor must prevail."
Barnie stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination. "I accept your challenge, Damien Von Zadkiel. Prepare yourself for a lesson in humility."
A mischievous smile played on Damien's lips. "Oh, don't worry, Barnie. I have a feeling this will be a lesson for both of us."
Arcoss sent the third knight to make the necessary preparation. Barnie left the room with Arcoss for his preparation while Damien just held his sword and felt the familiar weight.
His left hand was now fully healed to be able to feel and grip the hilt. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to concentrate on his breathing. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, he began to move his body to prepare for the duel.
"Damien," said the GrandMaster, "what are your plays, boy?"
"My play?" He chuckled. "Is to defend my honor."
"That is all?"
"What else is there, Grandmaster?" he said, swinging the sword.
"A man's worth is proven when his honor is defended. So they say..." He let the words linger in the air.
"You started this play, Grandmaster. Let me finish it for you."
...
The whole Magic Judiciary was instantly aware of the duel between the Judicial Knight, Barnes 'Barnie' Brown, and the young master from the Spring Kingdom, Damien Von Zadkiel.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the halls of the Grand Magical Judiciary. Wizards, apprentices, and courtiers gathered, eager to witness the highly anticipated duel between Barnie and Damien. The dueling arena buzzed with excitement as the spectators filled the stands, their eyes fixated on the center stage.
Damien stood at one end of the arena, his crimson eyes shining with determination. He wore a confident smile, ready to prove his worth. On the opposite end, Barnie tightened the straps of his armor, his expression a mix of anger and determination.
The GrandMaster, flanked by Arcoss, took his place as the referee, his voice resonating through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, wizards and knights, today we witness a duel of honor and pride. Let it be known that this duel is between Barnus Brown, the Judicial Knight, and Damien Von Zadkiel, a noble of the Spring Kingdom. May their blades be swift and their hearts true."
Barnie tightened his grip on his sword, his knuckles turning white. "You will regret challenging me, Damien Von Zadkiel," he growled through gritted teeth. "I'll make sure you pay for your insolence."
Damien's expression remained calm, his gaze locked onto Barnie. "We shall see, Barnie. But remember, this duel was your choice."
The GrandMaster, serving as the referee, raised his hand high. "Begin!"
Without wasting a moment, Barnie lunged forward, his sword swinging with unbridled fury. His attacks were fierce and relentless, fueled by his anger and the desire to prove himself superior. But Damien's training and quick reflexes allowed him to dodge the strikes with ease, gracefully sidestepping and parrying Barnie's attacks.
As the duel intensified, Damien's movements became more fluid and calculated. He relied on his agility and speed, using Barnie's anger against him. With precise footwork and well-timed strikes, Damien gradually gained the upper hand, pushing Barnie onto the defensive.
The crowd watched in astonishment as Damien's skill and finesse shone through. He countered Barnie's aggressive strikes with graceful counters and strategic maneuvers. Each parry and riposte showcased Damien's mastery of swordplay and his ability to outmaneuver his opponent.
Despite his waning confidence, Barnie refused to give up. He fought with tenacity, fueled by his wounded pride. But the frustration only seemed to cloud his judgment, making his attacks more predictable and leaving him vulnerable to Damien's calculated responses.
Finally, with a swift and decisive strike, Damien disarmed Barnie, sending his sword clattering to the ground. The crowd erupted into applause and gasps of amazement. Damien's victory was clear, and the anger that once burned in Barnie's eyes was now replaced with a mix of frustration and begrudging admiration.
For the Grandmaster, it was just a play to see why his master favored this boy enough to even deliver his sword directly.
He smiled at the outcome. "The winner of the match, Damien Von Zadkiel." He announced.
Barnie was escorted from the ring by some healers, but Damien still stood in the center.
He hushed the audience, gesturing his hand to slow it down and the crowd heard him.
"Barnie was a kid," he said loud enough for everyone to hear. "I don't think he, the ex-knight, amount to anything. Or is he your level? The level of all the Judicial knights and mages?"
His proclamation was met with loud boos from the crowd, as people started to trash him.
"Well, well, well some people seemed to be on fire. If you're that burning then accept this open challenge." He opened his arms. "Come here and fight. The strongest of you. Win and rebuild your honor or accept the fact that a little noble who doesn't even have any formal training is better than you all."
The crowd roared louder, as they were ready to see another duel.
Everyone was eager to take him on but there was someone else, whose voice was loud and stood out from the rest of the crazy audience.
"Me, take me, you shithead!"
Her voice was venomous just like her. Dangerous and beautiful.
He smiled at seeing Viper frantically leaning on the rail and shouting.
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