Duel(3)

In his previous life, Arthur had encountered various Races with their own Innate Abilities. He recalled the powerful concept of Innate Abilities, unique to specific Races, each with their distinct characteristics and strengths.

The Angel Race, with their [Seraphim Transformation], possessed the ability to tap into their celestial powers, transforming into powerful celestial beings with awe-inspiring abilities.

The Titan Race stood out with their [Gigantification]. With this ability, they could grow to colossal sizes, becoming formidable giants on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies.

The Dragon Race, on the other hand, their genes passed down [Ancient Spells] from generation to generation, and as long as they could grow stronger, they would be able to use those Ancient Spells naturally.

The Beast Race's [Berserk] Innate Ability, as he witnessed firsthand, granted an immense surge in strength, allowing them to tap into their primal instincts and unleash primal energy in the heat of battle. It was a fearsome ability, but one that came at a cost – the loss of mental clarity and control.

However, Arthur also knew some of the Races who didn't have Innate Abilities but extremely powerful. Those Races, like the Spirit Race, relied on their deep connection with the spiritual realm, harnessing ethereal energies and wielding powerful spiritual abilities. The Primordial Race, masters of ancient knowledge and wisdom. And the Elemental Race, attuned to the elements, commanded the forces of nature to their advantage.

These Races without Innate Abilities proved that power and strength could be achieved through other means. They were masters of their respective domains, utilizing their skills, intelligence, and adaptability to carve their paths to greatness.

As Arthur continued his battle with Leonidas, Leonidas activated his innate ability, [Berserk], and the battlefield was immediately engulfed in an aura of his primal power.

~ROAR

The once-fierce lord of the Beast Race surged with newfound strength, his muscles bulging with an intense yellow glow. With a mighty roar, he charged at Arthur, his axes gleaming with a destructive energy. Leonidas' strength was now on par with someone with a Low-Yellow Grade Strength.

~Boom! Boom!

~Clank!

With the surge in his strength, Leonidas's attacks became faster and more ferocious, leaving Arthur on the defensive. Each swing of his axes was like a wild tempest, tearing through the air with devastating force. The ground trembled with each impact as Leonidas relentlessly pressed his assault.

As Leonidas's berserk power coursed through him, the downside of the Beast Race's innate ability became apparent. The surge of strength came with a price – the loss of mental clarity. The berserkers, while incredibly powerful, struggled to control their emotions and impulses, making them susceptible to recklessness and impulsive decisions.

However, amidst the chaos of his berserker rage, Leonidas displayed an unusual level of control. His eyes, though clouded with fury, still held a hint of lucidity. He channeled his rage into focused aggression, honing his attacks with precision and skill.

The battlefield was a whirlwind of destruction as Leonidas relentlessly pursued Arthur, his axes striking with immense force. Arthur's defensive maneuvers became increasingly desperate as he struggled to keep pace with the berserker's onslaught.

~Clank! Clank!

However, with each move of his Axes, Leonidas began to lose his mind as his fighting style became more vicious and absurd, but his movements and strength were increasing by leaps and bounds. Arthur's mind raced as he analyzed each strike, trying to anticipate the next move. However, despite his incredible speed and agility, he struggled to find an opening to counter-attack.

In the midst of the heated battle, Arthur took a deep breath, his expression remaining calm and focused, as he waited for the perfect opportunity. Of course, before long, Leonidas' movements became slower and slower as his stamina started to run out due to overuse of his [Berserk] ability. Until...

`Finally... an opening!` Arthur's mind soared.

~BOOM!

A glimmer of an opening appeared in Leonidas's attack pattern. Without hesitation, Arthur seized the moment and channeled a sudden burst of energy throughout his body. The tip of his trident glowed with a dense ethereal energy, enhancing its cutting edge.

With lightning speed, Arthur launched a decisive strike towards Leonidas's heart. The trident sliced through the air like a bolt of lightning, its tip gleaming with a deadly aura. Leonidas, caught off guard by the sudden surge of power, struggled to react in time.

~Crack!

The trident found its mark, piercing through Leonidas's defenses and striking directly at his heart. The impact was intense, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as both combatants froze in shock.

In that fateful moment, the Lord of the Beast Race, Leonidas felt a surge of clarity as the [Berserk] state abruptly came to a halt. His eyes widened in shock as he realized the gravity of his defeat and the inevitable end that awaited him.

Gasping for breath, Leonidas struggled to maintain his footing. His hands trembled, no longer fueled by the uncontrollable rage of [Berserk]. He looked at Arthur, his chest heaving with exertion, and then down at the trident that was lodged in his heart. The pain was unbearable, but it brought him back to his senses.

"Ah... I lost..."

As the life began to leave him, Leonidas glanced around at the battlefield, the chaos of the ongoing duel contrasting sharply with the stillness of his own impending demise. Soon, his loyal general, with tears streaming down his face, appeared at his side, ready to offer his last honor to the fallen lord.

With great effort, Leonidas turned to face Arthur, his voice weak but resolute. He forced himself to kneel, a sign of surrender and acknowledgement of his defeat. With every ounce of remaining strength, he managed to speak, "We... Beast Race Village... surrender... and acknowledge Arthur, Lord of Naga Race Village... as our new lord."

The battlefield fell silent as those words echoed through the air, and the realization of what had transpired settled in the hearts of all present.

Arthur's eyes softened with a mixture of respect and sorrow as he observed the defeated lord before him. He did not revel in the victory, nor did he gloat in triumph. Instead, he understood the weight of the moment and the sacrifice made by both sides.

"Leonidas," Arthur spoke with genuine compassion, "you fought with great strength and courage. Your people looked up to you, and your legacy will be remembered. I accept your surrender,"

As he spoke, Arthur withdrew the trident from Leonidas's chest, letting it fall to the ground with a solemn clang. He extended his hand to the fallen lord, offering him a final gesture of respect. "Rest now," he said softly, "your struggles are over."

~ding

[Congratulations, you have successfully completed the Lord Mission!]

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