Chapter 56: No Victory
Chapter 56: Chapter 56: No Victory
While in combat, the Skill Levels of his three Skills grew rapidly.
However, as Duane adapted to the rhythm of the fight and began to completely overwhelm his opponent, the rate at which he gained Skill Level slowed. Whether it was because he had mentally relaxed or for some other reason, it had returned to the same pace as a sparring match.
Sometimes, several exchanges would pass, and he would only gain one or two points.
Seeing that he couldn’t squeeze much more out of Iron Hammer, Duane began to attack in earnest.
His Skilled Shield Techniques deflected the impact as his sword swung in an arc, striking his opponent’s Chain Armor.
CLANG! The strike left a clear white mark.
Though it left no wound and drew no blood, the tremendous force of the blow sent Iron Hammer staggering to the ground.
Duane pressed the tip of his sword to the man’s throat and stated coolly, "You’ve lost."
Iron Hammer’s eyes went wide, his mind a complete blank.
’I lost?’
’I actually lost?’
’What punishment will I face for losing?’
Whether from indignation at his defeat or terror at the consequences, something within Iron Hammer seemed to shatter its chains. A surge of Fighting Qi burst forth from the Fighting Qi Seed near his heart.
He let out a low roar as Fighting Qi erupted from his body, forming a violent gust of wind that knocked Duane’s sword aside.
Seizing the opportunity, Iron Hammer kicked off the ground, carving a trench several meters long as he scrambled back to his feet.
He stared in disbelief at the Fighting Qi cloaking his body. "I... I broke through?"
Duane was stunned as well. He hadn’t expected his opponent to achieve a breakthrough mid-fight.
’What is this, some kind of rebirth from the ashes? A breakthrough born from desperation?’
"Hahaha!"
Gaius burst out laughing. "Way to go, Iron Hammer!"
Bard, fighting through his own pain, shouted, "Baron, a breakthrough in the middle of the match isn’t against the rules, is it?"
Daniels laughed as well. "I don’t believe it is."
Kaelon, Raymond, and the others objected, shouting that even if it wasn’t a foul warranting an immediate loss, the duel couldn’t continue as it was.
If it were to continue, they argued, he should at least face a different Basic-level Warrior.
Duane looked up, sizing up his opponent. After a moment’s thought, he overruled the protests. "Of course it isn’t!"
He glanced back at Kaelon and his men, silently telling them not to worry.
He then pointed his sword at Iron Hammer. "Come on! Let’s see if you can give me a surprise now that you’re a Middle Level Warrior!"
’A newly advanced Middle Level Warrior... his stamina, Strength, and speed have probably seen a slight boost, and he has Fighting Qi, but knowing how to use it is another matter entirely.’
’He doesn’t know any Combat Techniques.’
"The Baron has guts!"
Bard said smugly, "Iron Hammer, don’t disappoint the Baron!"
Iron Hammer gripped his sword anew. "DIE!"
His speed had indeed increased. With a downward slash, he even released a shockwave of Fighting Qi.
’I’ll call it a "Fighting Qi Wave" for now, but its power isn’t very great,’ Duane thought. He could block it with his Shield and disperse some of the force.
’Just the Fighting Qi Wave alone has a decent impact. Extraordinary Power is a bit more impressive than I thought.’
Duane wasn’t flustered in the slightest. In fact, he was pleasantly surprised.
His Skill Level had just increased by another three points, and the gains were coming quickly once more.
’If the attribute panel operates by a set of rules, then it must be able to distinguish between a real battle and a mere spar, awarding experience based on the level of danger I face.’
’If this is all you’ve got, you still can’t beat me.’
As he parried the blows, Duane called out, "Come on! Show me your full strength!"
Iron Hammer was getting riled up now, constantly erupting with Fighting Qi as he blocked with his shield and swept with his longsword, attacking his opponent like a man possessed.
Duane defended with his Shield and Basic Swordsmanship, weaving in attacks with his Spirit Swordsmanship.
The two were once again locked in a fierce exchange of blows.
This scene seemed all too familiar to the crowd.
And so, Kaelon and his men began to relax again, while the faces of Bard and his companions grew cold once more.
"Unleashing his Fighting Qi so recklessly will only drain his stamina faster," Simone pointed out bluntly.
Sure enough, after only two or three minutes, Iron Hammer’s Strength had clearly diminished.
And with that, Duane stopped gaining Skill Level as well.
BAM!
Duane bashed his opponent with his Shield, sending Iron Hammer’s own shield flying. It smashed into the ground, gouging out a deep crater.
At the same time, as his opponent staggered back, Duane pressed his Longsword to the man’s neck.
"You’ve lost again!"
Duane said, "However, you did your best in this fight."
By now, the Skill Levels of his three Skills had increased significantly.
Basic Swordsmanship (Mastery 79/400);
Basic Shield Skill (Skilled 143/300);
Spirit Swordsmanship (Mastery 43/400);
They had increased by 73, 109, and 42 points, respectively.
Feeling the cold steel against his throat, Iron Hammer’s heart filled with despair. "I... I..."
He couldn’t bring himself to admit it.
Duane couldn’t help but glance at Bard. "You didn’t demand he win or die, did you?"
Bard snorted coldly. "Get back here!"
He wasn’t in a position to berate him, since he, the leader, had already been defeated.
’If I curse out Iron Hammer, wouldn’t that be the same as cursing myself?’
Duane sheathed his Longsword. Looking utterly dejected, Iron Hammer turned and walked back toward his group, not daring to meet the gaze of his leader or Vice Leader.
"Bard, I hope you treat your subordinates well."
Duane said with a smile, "It’s not that he wasn’t strong enough. It’s that I was stronger."
This made Bard even angrier, but he didn’t retort.
Duane’s skill with Swordsmanship, Shield Skill, and Body Skill was remarkably high. Even among the Nobility, someone of his age with such talent was exceptional.
’No wonder they say his father is a Celestial Tier Warrior,’ Bard thought.
Duane shifted his gaze to Simone, who stood beside Daniels. "Now then, let the third match begin. If you lose, it will be a clean sweep!"
Daniels’s face darkened. "Simone, you have to win!"
Simone grunted in acknowledgment, his mood no longer as light as it had been.
Duane returned to his men.
Raymond said, "My Lord, rest assured. I will win this duel!"
Of the three duels, Kaelon and the Lord had both won; he didn’t want to be the one to lose face.
Duane handed his Shield and Longsword to Jack and John to put away.
"No, Raymond."
He shook his head. "Remember, I want you to find an opportunity during this fight to intentionally surrender."
"Huh?" Raymond was confused.
"My Lord, did you misspeak? Surrender?"
It wasn’t just Raymond; even Kaelon and the others stared at the Baron in astonishment.
’In a duel between Warriors, who wouldn’t want to win?’
’Surrendering on purpose made no sense.’
"I did not misspeak. I’m telling you to surrender intentionally."
Duane added, "Of course, I don’t mean for you to surrender the moment you step into the ring."
Raymond had always carried out Duane’s orders, but this time he was thoroughly confused and asked why.
Duane smiled. "I’ll explain it to you when we get back. For now, just do as I say. And remember, don’t fight to the death like Kaelon. We need our experts in one piece!"
Raymond froze for a moment, then nodded gravely. "Yes, I understand!"