23 Territorial War - 3

The next morning...

Adrian slowly opened his eyes, gradually regaining consciousness. He found himself beneath an unfamiliar ceiling, prompting confusion as he surveyed his surroundings.

"Huh? Where am I?" Adrian muttered, perplexed by the unfamiliarity of the place.

"This is the Count's residence. You were brought here after you lost consciousness," Demios' voice resonated in Adrian's mind.

"Oh..." Adrian realized the situation before inquiring, "How much time has elapsed since I passed out, and what transpired with the war?"

"A day has passed, and the war ceased after the Count received a letter from the Enemy," Demios recounted.

"So, what was written in the letter?" Adrian inquired, curious about the contents of the letter.

"You'll have to ask the count to know that" Demios replied.

2 hours before Adrian had woken up ---

A serious discussion was taking place in the meeting room. It was also regarding the contents of the letter, but this meeting was taking place to decide how to respond to it.

A noble stood up from his seat and questioned in a loud voice "What is there to think about?" 

"We should obviously accept their request. How long can we defend against them? I don't think we can defeat them before their soldiers recover and once they recover our defeat will be imminent" he suggested

"I, too, am in favor of accepting their request. This is a precious opportunity bestowed upon us by the heavens; we shouldn't waste it," another noble added.

While most attendees supported accepting the duel request, some astute individuals couldn't shake the feeling that the situation was suspicious.

One of these discerning nobles stood up to voice his opinion, "If victory is so assured for them, why issue this request? Count Philip must have a hidden motive in sending this letter. I find this request peculiar given their overwhelming advantage in defeating us as originally planned."

"Then, Do you propose that we deny their proposal?" Count Nadino inquired with a serious expression.

"No," the noble shook his head before continuing, "I suggest we thoroughly investigate and uncover the motive behind this request."

"Sorry, but I can't do that. That rascal Philip asked for a reply by tonight; otherwise, he will interpret our delay as a rejection and attack us tomorrow as usual," Count replied.

"But," as the noble was about to speak, the count raised his hand to stop him before stating, "I understand you find his behavior suspicious, and I share that sentiment. However, from his perspective, it seems reasonable. He would need time to prepare for the duel, so asking for a swift response is also logical."

The noble nodded as he sat down with an understanding look.

"Does anyone oppose the approval of this request?" the count questioned, receiving silence as a response.

"Very well. I shall dispatch a letter with a positive response to this request," Count announced.

Following the announcement, the meeting concluded, and all the nobles left the hall, except for the Count and Tauras.

"But, sir, who will represent us in this duel?" Tauras questioned, his face marked with concern. Uncertain about the adversary they would face, he awaited the Count's decision.

Aware that the enemy captain was a formidable 5-star Knight, Tauras knew that only Count Nadino matched that rank in the entire Nadino County. However, the Count's recent injuries from the troll encounter left doubts about his ability to win the duel.

"I attempted to hire both rankers and regular mercenaries, but all declined afraid of offending the nobles and federation backing that Philip" the Count replied, clenching his teeth in frustration. "But we have him, don't we? If he can kill that troll in a single strike, he should be able to defeat their 5-star captain," a hint of satisfaction crossed his face.

"Yes, sir. He is our best chance, but will he agree to fight for us? He did faint during the battle yesterday," Tauras inquired with a somber expression.

"Don't worry about him; he will agree," the Count assured before heading towards the room where Adrian rested.

In the present---

"NO!!!" Adrian vehemently rejected the Count's proposal. He had no intention of revealing his true power to everyone, especially when he had a main quest to complete.

Moreover, if word got out that a 15-year-old could defeat a 5-star knight, it would attract unwanted attention and potentially put him on the hit list of geniuses. Other empires would do their best in eliminating him. Why would he agree to such a thing?

"But why?" Count Nadino inquired, taken aback by the swift refusal. He wanted to understand the reason behind it and, if possible, persuade Adrian to reconsider.

"Sir, I am just a child. I don't believe I can bear the weight of such a significant responsibility. While I am close to reaching the 4-star level, I am currently only a 3-star knight. Most likely, my opponent will be a 5-star, and I doubt I can defeat such a formidable adversary," Adrian responded with a serious expression. He just said what came to his mind to get this count to go away.

But he had no Idea that Count Nadino had anticipated such a response as he informed "Well, that's not an issue at all. You see, I am currently injured, and no other fighter is willing to represent us. Tauras is likely to lose if he fights, and you are my only option. So it will not be a problem even if you lost. I just want you to give it your all."

"But..." Adrian attempted to offer another excuse, but the count interrupted him, threateningly reminding him, "We had a deal, remember? You have to help me in this war, and if you refuse to keep your word, I will disclose everything to your Mom about your past actions and also how you are failing to honor your end of the deal."

The count had observed after speaking to Adrian's mother that she was unaware that he was a knight or any other things he had done. He also noted that Adrian didn't care about anything except his mother. He loved her immensely so if he threatened him with his mother then Adrian wouldn't be able to refuse his request.

"Alright, I will do it, but don't inform my mother about anything. She worries too much," Adrian reluctantly agreed, as expected by the count.

"Oh, great!" the count exclaimed excitedly, clapping his hands together. "The match will take place three days from today. So, be prepared by then," he informed before exiting the room.

"Hey, hey! What do you think you're doing by agreeing to that request? If you reveal your power in front of everyone, the main quest will fail, and you will die," Demios shouted in panic.

"What do you suggest I should have done then? He threatened me with my mother. I couldn't take the risk," Adrian retorted.

"What now then? Do you have a plan to win without exposing your abilities?" Demios questioned.

"I initially thought of wearing a mask, but that wouldn't work in an official duel as masks aren't allowed. I considered using disguising magic, but I can't use magic right now. Then there is only that way" Adrian replied, a smile appearing on his face.

"What way? tell me!" Demios shouted with curiosity.

"Have patience. You will find out on the day of the duel," Adrian replied.

"For now, I have to focus on breaking through to the 4-star level in these three days," Adrian muttered before sitting in a lotus position to begin gathering mana to his core.