Driving away one challenger would only invite others to take their place. Hence, this would only create an unending cycle. Dustin disliked pointless duels and chose to yield rather than be pulled into endless fights. He was willing to forgo the glory of defeating Marco if it meant avoiding continuous conflict.Aldric's demeanor soured. "Do you take me for a beggar?" His tone chilled. "For me to win, it must be an honest victory, with you admitting defeat unequivocally. There can be no room for uncertainty!"His pursuit of fame spurred him on and fueled his determination to achieve victory solely through merit. As a swordsman, he took great pride in this endeavor."What if I decline the duel?" Dustin asked.Aldric's face contorted into a menacing expression. "If you don't make a move, then I'll kill everyone around you. Let's test your resolve then!"Dustin furrowed his brow at the threat. He thought, "This man knows no bounds. Seems there's no escaping this confrontation today
Aldric grunted and staggered. The force of the impact almost caused him to lose hold of his blade.He looked down at his shoulder and saw a bloody hole, feeling the warmth of blood seeping through his raincoat. The rain mixed with the blood as it trickled down, creating a chilling sight.A water droplet turned into a sword that effortlessly breached his defenses, showcasing Dustin's unexpected strength. It was more than Aldric had bargained for."Nice shot!" Miles cheered after seeing Aldric wounded. He felt his pride was redeemed after the previous humiliation."Hmph! You're tough, but one strike from Dustin, and you're reeling. Looks like the so-called tough disciples of the Bloodfiery Legion aren't living up to their reputation." Ruby scoffed, her tone laced with mockery."Ruby, don't underestimate those Bloodfiery Legion members," Dalen cautioned, his gaze steady.He continued, "Once they're in the thick of battle, they only get tougher, especially when wounded. They'll push
"Bloodfiery Rampage technique—Fourth stance: the Godslayer!" "Bloodfiery Rampage technique—Ultimate stance: the Skyfire!"Aldric's voice boomed, echoing through the area as he declared his stances one by one. With every swing of his blade, he showcased the culmination of his lifelong training.He understood that Dustin posed the greatest challenge he had ever faced. To have any hope of victory, Aldric resolved not to hold back. Each strike he delivered was imbued with a fierce intensity that sent waves of destructive force toward Dustin. The spectators, gripped by fear, could feel the sheer force emanating from Aldric's attacks, even from afar.His strength was undeniable as each swing carried an unstoppable momentum that seemed to shake the ground. It was evident to all watching that only a genius like Dustin could match him.Despite the fierce onslaught, Dustin remained composed. "Your technique shows promise but lacks finesse," he remarked with a faint smile. He pointed his
Aldric's gaze flickered from his blade, embedded in the sodden earth, to Dustin's calm form. Suddenly, a wave of defeat washed over him. He had nurtured lofty ambitions of shining brightly, of making a mark at the Sacred Wrym Summit Combat Tournament. And now, it struck him hard that he had overestimated his abilities.He understood that many others surpassed him in skill in this vast world. Despite his earnest endeavors, his modest talents and inflated ego proved futile.The current outcome embodied this harsh truth. Despite pouring his heart into it, he couldn't land a single strike on Dustin, who effortlessly outmatched him.This sobering realization left him struggling for composure, lost in the whirlpool of his emotions.After a brief silence, Aldric relented, "Okay, you win. I admit defeat." He struggled to speak, the weight of his admission evident in his voice.Dustin responded calmly, "Your skills are impressive. Among your peers, you're certainly exceptional."Aldric
As Aldric wandered the streets, lost in contemplation, his mind was consumed by memories of his earlier duel with Dustin. Each replay brought a stark realization—the gap in their abilities was insurmountable.Despite his relentless efforts, victory over Dustin seemed an elusive dream. No matter how many times he envisioned it, the outcome of their duel remained a bitter defeat.As Aldric wandered through the winding streets, lost in his thoughts, the steady beat of his footsteps danced with the gentle splashes of water in the puddles. Amidst his contemplation, a feeling of unease crept over him.Suddenly, he stopped and spotted a dark figure emerging at the far end of the road. Dressed in dark attire and carrying a long sword, the mysterious figure exuded an air of foreboding. Even the rain seemed to avoid touching it, veering away as if repelled by an unseen force, leaving its attire miraculously dry.Aldric's concern deepened as he confronted the mysterious figure, his brow fur
The following morning, Dustin was deep in meditation and practice. Suddenly, a sharp knock broke his concentration. He opened the door to find Dalen, Miles, Crystal, and Ruby standing outside."Dustin, something happened last night!" Miles exclaimed urgently, barely waiting for the door to open fully.Perplexed, Dustin asked, "What's going on?" He found it unusual to see them all assembled at his doorstep at such an early hour with troubled expressions."Aldric's dead! He was beheaded last night!" Miles burst out, revealing the shocking news. "Aldric?" Dustin was stunned. "The swordsman who dueled me just yesterday?""Yeah, that's the one!" Miles nodded vigorously. "They found his body this morning, headless. It seems like he was taken out with just one clean strike!""One strike?" Dustin raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "But Aldric was no amateur with a sword. Who could have had the skill to kill him so effortlessly?""Well…" Miles hesitated, uncertain how to continue.Dalen int
"If the Bloodfiery Legion wants to talk, sure, I'm open to it. But even if they don't, I'm not backing off," Dustin remarked nonchalantly.He was consistent in his demeanor, whether facing the Bloodfiery Legion, the Sword Union, or the Celestial Alliance. He was indifferent about potentially offending any of them."Dustin, I know you're strong, but remember, there's always someone stronger. You can't just go charging ahead without thinking!" Dalen cautioned, his tone sincere. He continued, "Did you know Kendricks is Aldric's brother? He's ranked eighth on the Legendary List and already at Sacred Wrym Summit. When he learns about his brother's death, he'll definitely seek revenge!"The Legendary List featured individuals of remarkable prowess. Each one was capable of dominating any situation. While Dustin was impressive, Kendricks, ranked eighth on the list, surpassed him. If Kendricks sought vengeance, Dustin's chances of success seem bleak."Yeah, Dustin!" It's better to live
Dustin and a few others exited the tavern after making the decision. They headed straight to the site of the murder. The location where Aldric met his demise lay just a short mile from the tavern. With Dustin and his companions setting a brisk pace, they swiftly arrived at the scene. Surrounding the area, a sizable crowd of onlookers had gathered alongside a group of Bloodfiery Legion disciples working to clear the space. At their helm stood a man dressed in green, his complexion pale and his gaze sharp. Despite appearing around 30 years old, he bore a broken blade on his back with an icy presence. This man was Kendricks, ranked eighth on the Legendary List. He was examining Aldric's body. His expression was inscrutable, yet his eyes revealed a simmering anger. Despite their usual lack of conversation, their bond as siblings from the same guild ran deep. With Aldric's beheading, Kendricks, as the older brother, harbored a profound sense of resentment."Who's responsible for