Duel(1)

"I... I-" Lord Leonidas began, his voice filled with a mix of regret as he raised his axes, planning to start his rampage in this place.

~Swosshh

Before he could utter another word, Arthur's massive air slash from his trident cut through the air, and also cutting through the tension in the battlefield, silencing Leonidas.

Arthur held up his hand, his gaze unwavering. He understood the pride and honor that coursed through the veins of the Beast Race, their unwavering spirit refusing to yield without a fight would never change even after hundreds or even thousands of years in his previous life.

If they were to fight, Arthur was confident that he would have a 100% Victory Rate against them, but the casualties on his side wouldn't be small either. His goal was to get the First-Time reward and the Perfect-Completion reward in this mission, so he had to put all of his effort on the line to get them.

In that moment, Arthur decided the way that would both honor their traditions and bring resolution to their conflict.

"Verily, my stance hath been altered.... In lieu thereof, I proffer a challenge to engage in a lord duel," Arthur said firmly with the words of royalty, his voice carrying the weight of his resolve. "Thou and I, in singular combat, face to face."

Leonidas stood, stunned by the unexpected proposal. His spirit flickered back to life, his eyes narrowing as he regained his composure.

`Call of Duel!` A duel that one must be prepared to lose one's life!

His voice laced with anger, Leonidas asked, "Have you lost your mind, Lord of Naga Race? Are you treating me as a joke now?!"

"I understand the pride and honor of the Beast Race really well," Arthur said, his voice filled with serenity. "In your eyes, surrender is not an option. So, let us settle this in a way that honors your pride and mine."

Leonidas, stunned by Arthur's action, stared at him with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. He could sense a shift in the atmosphere. He possessed an innate instinct that could gauge the strength of his opponent, and in that moment, as he inspected Arthur's strength, he perceived that his own strength surpassed Arthur's.

"You've really lost your mind," Leonidas scoffed, a trace of arrogance lacing his voice. "Do you not see the difference in our strength? I could defeat you easily."

[Name: Leonidas]

[Race: Beast-Lion Clan]

[Elite-Class: Berserker Warlord]

[Strength: Blue-High Tier]

Arthur realized about the two small realm gaps between him and the Lord of Beast Race, Leonidas, however...

A smile danced upon Arthur's lips, his eyes shining with an inner confidence that belied his seemingly inferior position. "The winner has not been decided," he calmly replied. "Do not be too full of yourself. Winner is not solely determined by strength."

Leonidas's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. He had encountered Nagas with a variety of fighting styles and still emerged victorious, but there was something different about Arthur, a quiet confidence that spoke of hidden depths.

"Are you truly willing to face me in single combat?" Leonidas asked, his voice laced with a mix of skepticism and newfound respect.

Arthur nodded, his gaze unyielding. "I am. If you are willing to accept the challenge, then let this duel decide the outcome of our conflict."

Leonidas hesitated for a moment, his mind whirling with conflicting emotions. Finally, with a firm nod, he accepted the challenge. "Very well. I shall face you in single combat. May the best warrior emerge victorious."

With those words, the tension on the battlefield grew palpable. The warriors, both Beast Race and Naga Race, watched with bated breath, their gazes fixed upon the two leaders who were about to engage in a battle that would shape the future.

But before the clash of the lords could commence, a moment of anticipation hung in the air. The echoes of their clamor reverberated through the battlefield.

Soon, the stage was set, the duel awaited, and the destiny of their people hung in the balance. The clash between Arthur and Leonidas would be more than a test of physical prowess—it would be a battle of hearts and minds, a testament to their unwavering resolve and the strength of their convictions.

Although for Arthur all of this was just a simulation to complete his mission, the emotions and tension he was feeling right now were real! So, in order to overcome it, he had to bring out everything he had. This world is a reality for the people living in this Simulation Plane. And right now, their lives depended on this duel.

~zing

Somehow, it remembered him about one of the trials to ascend to the God Realm, about the `Search for the Meaning of Life` which he failed. However, at this time, he seemed to have started to understand it bit by bit the meaning of it.

...

Soon, Arthur and Leonidas positioned themselves, ready to engage in a duel that would determine the course of their future. The surrounding soldiers held their breath, their eyes flickering between the two leaders, their previous battle was momentarily forgotten.

"Come!" Arthur shouted.

~Boom!