Chapter 52: Each Side’s Mobilization
Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Each Side’s Mobilization
Seven days flew by, and the day of the duel soon arrived.
This morning, after finishing his breakfast, Duane was helped into his armor and equipment by Owington and Jasmine.
Today, he did not wear his Light Armor. Instead, he had changed into a suit of exquisite Armor.
This Armor was a coming-of-age gift prepared for Duane by Carter. It was heavier than Light Armor but lighter than Plate Armor, making it more suitable for an ordinary person like its original owner.
"My Lord, you look so handsome today!" Owington couldn’t help but praise.
Jasmine blushed slightly. She had known the Baron for many days, but he looked his most dashing and impressive today.
Duane stood before the dressing mirror, sizing himself up.
He was now clad in Armor, with a Longsword hanging from his waist, sturdy War Boots on his feet, and an exquisite Helmet on his head. Only his sky-blue eyes were visible, and they held a cold glint that was accentuated by the frigid metal of his Armor.
He had completely transformed into a fully armed Warrior, exuding a much more commanding aura than usual.
’Not bad at all!’ Duane couldn’t help but praise himself internally. "Bring me my Shield."
Owington immediately brought it over. "Here it is!"
Duane took the Shield; it was quite heavy in his hand.
He stretched his limbs, and the floorboards creaked under his weight.
With his predecessor’s physique, he might have been able to manage wearing just the Armor without the Sword and Shield. But with both added, it probably would have been too much.
However, the current Duane could easily bear the weight of his weapons and equipment. He even felt that the Longsword at his waist, forged from Refined Iron, was a bit too light.
In the future, when his strength improved further, he would be able to use the Storm Greatsword and Profound Iron Shield that Carter had left behind.
"Let’s go!"
Duane slung the Shield onto his back and came down from upstairs.
By now, Kaelon and Raymond had already assembled all the Guards. Jack and John were there as well.
Duane looked at the thirty-four fully armed men before him, an unavoidable surge of excitement rising in his heart.
His gaze swept over the men.
This time, every man stood with his chest puffed out, looking at him, their Lord. It was a completely different sight from when he had first taken command of these soldiers from Lloyd.
Come to think of it, Duane had hardly given them any inspiring speeches. He had rarely even gathered these Guards for a lecture or address.
In all this time, the only thing he had done was bestow Fire Source Beast Bone Soup upon men like Michele, Evans, and Willie, helping them break through to become Basic-level Warriors, and giving everyone the chance to drink thirty bowls of the soup.
It was this opportunity that showed them their Lord was different, cementing his importance in their hearts. At the same time, it ensured they would follow him to the death.
"Very good. You’re all full of Spirit!"
Duane declared loudly, "It seems victory will be ours today!"
Kaelon drew his Longsword and roared, "Victory!"
The others immediately responded, everyone drawing their Longswords in unison. The cold sound of steel being unsheathed filled the air with a deadly chill.
"Victory!"
"Victory!"
"Victory!"
Duane’s heart surged once more. He waved his hand forward. "Move out!"
The group marched toward the duel site.
Meanwhile, Larvin, Julian, and the others bowed in the courtyard, loudly wishing their Lord a triumphant return.
Although they weren’t going to the site, everyone knew what was at stake in this duel.
Their future, whether they would have a say on the island or even how well they would live, was all tied to today’s duel.
Monbodt felt the momentum and the crowd’s morale, and his heart was stirred for a long time.
’This Baron is different from the Pioneer Lords who came before,’ he thought. ’Completely different.’
’Previous Lords would have long since begun inspecting their Territory, and some might have even ventured into the mountains to test their might against Demon Beasts.’
’But Duane Brian, this young Lord, hasn’t strayed far from this courtyard since his arrival, aside from the day he went to negotiate. Let alone inspect his Territory.’
’Furthermore, the men under the Baron are not only exceptionally loyal, but also full of fighting spirit.’
’This is another marked difference from the previous Lords.’
Monbodt now had a feeling that even if the Holy Hand Association and the Broken Wave Gang joined forces for a frontal assault, they weren’t guaranteed to win.
’If even a direct confrontation might fail, then using underhanded means would be even more impossible.’
’Because the only people who have daily contact with the Baron and his food are outsiders—his own followers.’
’Anyone from Black Forest Island who wants to enter this courtyard, or even get within a few hundred meters of it, will be monitored and questioned.’
’This Baron is almost excessively cautious.’
"Our Lord has gone to fight; we can’t be idle either!"
Julian watched Duane leave, then said aloud, "Monbodt, let’s continue what we didn’t finish yesterday."
"Oh... all right!"
Monbodt snapped back to his senses, a smile appearing on his face. "Come, let’s continue with the inventory!"
Their task was to create more detailed records of the various industries and even the population structure.
Haien also got busy with his men.
The few hundred acres of land reclaimed from Monbodt were now under their care.
As Duane’s party set out, so too did the people from the Broken Wave Gang and the Holy Hand Association.
"Simone, you must use your full strength in today’s battle!"
Daniels, beneath his white robes, urged him on. "How much the Holy Hand Association stands to gain depends entirely on you!"
Simone, a world-weary and silent Warrior, was dressed in Chain Armor and War Boots today, but wore no Helmet.
"Rest assured, Daniels. Unless I die, I will definitely win this duel for you!"
Daniels laughed heartily. "I don’t want you to die. I’m sure Little Vera wants you to die even less."
Simone’s hand, resting on his sword hilt, suddenly tightened.
Vera was his daughter. She was only three years old.
Thinking of her, Simone took a deep breath. "Yes, you’re right. I will win this duel and live!"
"The Illuminati will protect you!"
As Daniels spoke, he raised his hand. A brilliant beam of light fell upon Simone, as if he were bathing in Holy Light.
On the other side, in the Broken Wave Gang’s Forest Village, Bard had already set out with his men.
Clad in Heavy Armor, his tall and burly frame made him look exceptionally fearsome, like a ferocious beast radiating a powerful aura.
He was to face Kaelon today. As the leader of the Broken Wave Gang, he would not allow himself to fail!
Beside him was Vice Leader Gaius, and behind them were some of the gang’s powerful members. Their presence, and that of the crowd behind them, was to prevent any unexpected incidents.
"Iron Hammer!" Bard called out in a low voice.
"Boss!"
A young man in Chain Armor from the back urged his horse forward. He was Duane’s opponent for the day.
"Your task today is not just to defeat that Little Baron, but to severely wound him!"
Bard commanded coldly, "If you can’t do it, don’t blame me for what happens next!"
Iron Hammer trembled all over; he was terrified of his leader’s gaze.
For the past seven days, his meals had been on par with the leader’s, and his sparring partner had been Vice Leader Gaius. He had made tremendous progress.
Coupled with the fact that he was already at the peak of the Basic Stage, everyone believed that no one short of a Middle Level Warrior could defeat him.
"Don’t worry, Boss! I’ll make sure that Little Baron is bedridden for weeks!" Iron Hammer said with great confidence.
"Excellent!"
Bard nodded in satisfaction. "As long as you perform well, I’ll reward you with all of those women!"
Iron Hammer was instantly thrilled. "Thank you, Boss!"