Chapter 194: Bloody Duel

Chapter 194: Bloody Duel



Although the beautiful woman didn't know the source of the confidence her 'little man' exuded, she glanced at Rain and nodded.

"Alright, then I'll gather all the family's liquid assets for the bet."

"And, let's also put the three thousand gold coins I lent you on the line." Rain added.

Initially, Rain had wanted to explain his situation, but he realized it would be challenging to convey everything in just a few words.

After a moment's thought, Rain decided not to elaborate further. Instead, he placed a pair of Frost Iron Shoulder Guards on a sturdy log, replicating the test he had just conducted.

After all, actions speak louder than words.

Demonstrating his strength would be the best way to reassure the beautiful woman.

"Bang!"

After the dull sound, Rain lifted the shattered Frost Iron Shoulder Guards to reveal the log beneath, now reduced to splinters. The beautiful woman's eyes widened, and her cherry lips parted in surprise, as if she could swallow a whole peach.

"My dear, have you reached the rank of Great Knight?" the woman asked in disbelief.

Although she wasn't well-versed in martial prowess, she had a keen eye.

She had never witnessed such destructive power from the family's knights, not even from the late Baron Crowley. The sheer force displayed by Rain was simply astonishing.

She couldn't fathom any other reason for Rain's enhanced strength besides his advancement to the rank of Great Knight.

The last day.

Rain's new mansion.

As Rain had already attained mastery in both Bear Swordsmanship and Tokkar Hammer Technique, he wanted to fully understand their power, and the blacksmith shop was not an ideal environment.

So, he spent the entire day in the indoor training hall of his new mansion.

This was one of the perks of becoming a baron; he now had a private training hall spanning hundreds of square meters, something he could only admire in Claire's training hall half a year ago.

Unbeknownst to him, he would soon possess his own.

Rain stood there, holding a pitch-black pig-headed mace, relentlessly striking a dummy clad in two layers of plate armor.

The reason for the double layer of armor was the excessive damage caused by Multi-Shockwave; without it, the dummy would be reduced to rubble with a single strike.

After some testing, Rain confirmed that with all his might, he could unleash Triple Shock Damage.

And with the secret techniques...

Rain focused on the Extraordinary Knight Panel, looking at the two icons above 'Tokkar Hammer Technique,' depicting a man wielding a hammer with different actions.

In one icon, the man twisted his body, swinging a two-handed mace from below, his body surging upwards. In the other, he held a two-handed mace high, slamming it down onto the ground, creating a fan-shaped crack, an incredibly powerful strike!

These were the two secret techniques of Tokkar Hammer Technique: 'Ascending Dragon Hammer' and 'Earthsplitting Hammer.'

Rain read the small text below the icons:

Ascending Dragon Hammer lv3 (Secret Technique) Effect: Employ a unique force exertion method, swinging the mace upwards from below, delivering a strike with rotating and Multi-Shock Damage.

Earthsplitting Hammer lv3 (Secret Technique) Effect: Employ a unique force exertion method, swinging the mace downwards from above, striking the ground with Multi-Shock Damage.

Both hammer secret techniques were successfully upgraded to lv3, and the accompanying force evolved from Shockwave to Multi-Shock, significantly increasing their power.

After Rain's practical test, he discovered that when in the 'Three-Tiered State,' he could unleash Quadruple Damage with these techniques!

Ascending Dragon Hammer combined Rotational Force with Multi-Shock Damage, while Earthsplitting Hammer, the most ferocious, unleashed Quadruple Shock Damage!

Recalling the transformed strength of the Beast Knight Giovanni, Rain knew that his superior physical attributes would grant him a significant advantage in speed and agility over ordinary knights.

Rain decided to stick to his original plan, forgoing the heavy Knight Plate Armor and entering the bloody duel with just a weapon.

By shedding two hundred pounds, Rain could match his opponent's speed.

Additionally, under the influence of his Lv3 Hammer Proficiency, Rain's most powerful weapon remained the two-handed mace, rather than the greatsword. Thus, Rain chose the mace for the duel!

With the effect of 'Light as a Feather,' Rain believed his mace could keep up with his opponent's strikes.

The day of the duel.

The beautiful woman, Jennifer, and Jenny accompanied Rain in a carriage, heading towards the duel arena.

Soon, they arrived at the circular arena in the central area of the county town.

The high outer walls of the arena were constructed from grayish-white stones, making it a prominent sight.

This was understandable, as it was just the county town's duel arena.

Due to the bloody duel between two nobles and the extensive promotion by the major guilds, the crowd was much larger than usual beast fights.

After all, the feuds and grudges among nobles were a popular topic of conversation among the common folk.

Many civilians had scrimped and saved to witness this juicy spectacle.

Such an event was a rare occurrence in Mystria County, happening only once every few years.

Even before Rain's carriage reached the entrance, a small team came to greet them. A squad led Rain's carriage into a private area within the arena.

After a brief separation, Rain stepped out of the car and walked towards the duel passage, while the beautiful woman and Jenny, after staring at Rain's departing figure for a while, also walked towards the noble-exclusive passage from the side, heading to the front row of the noble viewing area.

At this moment, there were already quite a few nobles in the noble viewing area, including Archbishop Rudolph from the Church of the Goddess of Gale and Sea.

Five minutes later.

With the arrival of the Governor of Mystria County, Lord Habbs, dressed in a black suit, the atmosphere in the duel arena immediately became even more intense.

When Rain, carrying the power of Unbreakable Force, and Norman, holding a sword and shield, emerged from the two passageways on either side, the thousands of spectators in the audience suddenly became more excited.

Soon after, Viscount Hamadi, dressed in exquisite noble attire, stepped into the center of the arena.

Upon seeing this, the entire arena fell silent.

Viscount Hamadi opened his mouth to inquire:

"Baron Norman, Baron Rain, both of you are invaluable talents of the Empire. Here, I ask one last time, is there truly an irreconcilable conflict between you two that requires a bloody duel?"

This is a necessary step in the formal process of a bloody duel.

Its purpose is to avoid unnecessary internal strife, and now, it is more of a formality.

After all, if reconciliation is truly possible, it would have been completed before the bloody duel began, and would not have dragged on until now.

"Confirmed!" Baron Norman said without expression.

"Confirmed!" Rain also said.

"Then it's a pity! I announce, the duel begins!" Viscount Hamadi shook his head, expressing regret as he spoke.

Since both sides had agreed to a ground battle, there were no horses or other mounts present.

As the two stood in the center of the arena.

Baron Norman looked at the young man before him, revealing a slight smile, and said:

"Young man, although this is our first formal meeting, as my opponent, I feel it necessary to inform you of a piece of news."

"Of course, perhaps, this news for you, is likely an unfortunate piece of news."

"Please tell me." Rain also smiled and said.

"Two days ago, I successfully entered the rank of Great Knight. So, you're doomed to lose!" Baron Norman stared into Rain's eyes, speaking with emphasis.

The purpose of informing Rain of this news before the duel was naturally to shake his opponent's belief, allowing him to more easily achieve victory.

However, he found that his words did not cause any change in Rain's facial expression, not even a twitch of his eyebrows.

This made Baron Norman feel a bit displeased!

Not very cooperative, huh!

However, the spectators in the viewing area were very cooperative, and upon hearing the words 'Great Knight', they immediately erupted in excitement!

Because many had heard that Rain was one of the rare commoners, and they had bet on Rain's victory. But now, they heard what!

Norman Baron, standing before Rain, had already entered the rank of Great Knight.

Even a fool would know that a Great Knight is undoubtedly stronger than a Knight!

Rain was doomed to lose!

Therefore, many of them began to exclaim in shock, and some who had bet heavily even started pounding their chests in frustration.

In the viewing area.

Upon seeing this, Baron Alonso couldn't help but laugh.

And Dennis was even more unable to control himself. If it weren't for the fact that those sitting next to him were all nobles or noble heirs of Mystria County, and he needed to maintain his image, he would have been unable to contain himself at this moment. But even now, his lips were curled up in a smile.

"This is so unfair to Rain!" Agatha exclaimed angrily beside Jenny.

"Beautiful Miss Agatha, this is a bloody duel, and there is no fairness to speak of." Dennis heard this and his expression brightened, turning to smile and say.

After speaking, he specifically glanced at Baroness Crowley and Jenny, wanting to see their shocked expressions.

But Dennis was disappointed!

He did not see any particular sadness or astonishment on the two women's faces, which made him a little puzzled.

However, he shook his head slightly, and said disdainfully in his heart:

"Women are good at acting, pretending to be calm. Hmph, you'll have to come begging me later."

"Mother is voluptuous and beautiful, and Jenny is also quite cute and lovely, not bad at all."

At this moment, in a corner of the viewing area, several knights were guarding a black-robed, hooded woman with a graceful figure, looking for a seat.

If Rain were here, he would immediately recognize her as the woman who had suddenly appeared behind the carriage when he killed Giovanni the other day.

"Miss Naya, you shouldn't be here. Your condition requires rest and quiet." The knight named Lawrence, seemed quite displeased with the noisy environment of the duel arena, and he frowned after just a glance around.

"Knight Lawrence, I need to be here."

"Lord Hamilton mentioned the other day, that young man who might be able to help me. If he loses this bloody duel, don't you think I should come and see for myself?"

The girl's voice was very pleasant.

"This... alright, then please be sure to take care, and if you feel unwell, we'll leave immediately." Lawrence reluctantly agreed.

"Eh?" Miss Naya covered her mouth in surprise.

"Knight Lawrence, isn't this the young man we met on the road the other day?" Naya pointed at Rain in the arena.

That day, she had also asked the knight beside her, Lawrence, whether this young man was formidable.

"Eh! Really, I didn't expect it to be the same person." Knight Lawrence also nodded in surprise.

This made the girl even more curious about Rain, never expecting that the person she was looking for, and the one she had met by chance, would be the same person.

In the center of the arena.

At this moment.

Rain spoke:

"Well, the result won't change, will it?"

Upon hearing Rain's words, Baron Norman was clearly taken aback, but soon nodded and said:

"Indeed, the result won't change. In a bloody duel, only one person can walk out alive. It's too late for you to beg for mercy now!"

"By the way, I heard you've been forging armor recently?

"Why aren't you wearing it today?" Baron Norman glanced at Rain, who was dressed in leather armor, with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Before Rain could respond, the other man continued, "Never mind, it doesn't matter!"

"Pity, you're so young, yet you have to leave this wonderful world so early."

"Let's begin!"

As soon as he spoke, Baron Norman, holding his sword and shield, tapped his toes and left a fleeting shadow where he stood. He then rushed at Rain at incredible speed!

In terms of speed, Norman, who had reached the rank of Great Knight, was now completely on par with Giovanni in his transformed state.

At the same time, a faint glow emanated from the surface of Baron Norman's armor, as if some special power was protecting him.

Rain knew that this was not magic or an extraordinary trait, but rather Baron Norman's own Primordial Force Defense, a special ability of Great Knights.

In other words, Baron Norman's current defense, besides the armor itself, also included Primordial Force Defense.

Facing the charging Baron Norman, Rain showed no fear. Instead, he calmly took out the black, Unbreakable Force from behind and gripped it firmly in his hand.

"Clang!!!"

When Baron Norman swung his sword at Rain, Rain steadily held his hammer to block the attack.

"Huh?"

A flicker of surprise flashed across Norman's eyes! How could someone wielding such a heavy hammer have such quick reaction speed?

In the next second, Rain swiftly swung his hammer downward, executing the skill Furious Strike!

Since Norman's attack as a Great Knight had been ineffective, he naturally chose not to retreat or dodge when faced with Rain's attack. Instead, he raised his shield with his left hand to block.

"Bang!"

The moment the dark pig's head hammer struck the shield, Baron Norman's previously calm expression changed dramatically, his eyes clearly showing shock.

"Such power, could it be—"

Before Norman could finish his thought, Rain smiled slightly and murmured in his mind, "Limit Break!"

"Gigantic Force lv3!"

Suddenly, Rain's height increased by a foot, and his muscles bulged. He then unleashed a series of rapid, powerful hammer strikes at Norman, one after another.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Each time Norman blocked, his face would change, and he would take a step back, his left hand holding the shield starting to tremble.

Thus, the audience in the stands witnessed a scene that left them stunned.

A young knight, Rain, was striking the so-called Great Knight, Baron Norman, with a heavy hammer, and not only holding his own but even gaining the upper hand. This was too shocking for them to believe!

Especially for those like Baron Alonso and Dennis, who had bet on Baron Norman's victory, the sight was too much to take in.

"This... This can't be possible, right?"

"Rain should have been seriously injured by my father's first move, shouldn't he?" Dennis muttered in a daze.

But what they were seeing was Rain, who was still a Knight, not only holding his own against his father, a Great knight, but actually gaining the upper hand. This was too unbelievable for him to comprehend.

Most of the people in the stands, upon hearing that Baron Norman had reached the rank of Great Knight, had not given Rain any hope of victory, except for Habus Earl and Archbishop Rudolph.

After all, what is a Great Knight? Simply put, it's a level above a Knight. If a Knight could defeat a Great Knight, what would be the point of having the Great Knight rank in the first place?

But right now, they were witnessing something that broke all their preconceptions.

The next second, as Rain silently chanted, “Power Surge!”

Instantly, a surge of heat rushed from Rain's heart, accelerating his blood flow, causing his veins to bulge. Rain's height increased again, and he looked like a giant of muscle.

With a heavy hammer, Rain delivered a powerful blow, the secret hammer technique 'Earthsplitting Hammer,' right at Norman.

Baron Norman's face twitched, and this time, he didn't want to maintain the dignity of a Great knight. Instead, he chose to retreat immediately!

"Boom!!"

Just as Baron Norman thought he had dodged the attack, Rain's hammer struck the ground a meter in front of him!

Instantly, a powerful shockwave, in a fan-like pattern, swept towards Baron Norman.

The audience in the stands felt the platform shake beneath their feet, and the ordinary spectators stumbled as if they were drunk.

Looking at the duel arena, the ground in front of Rain had been plowed by an unknown force, with small stones shattering and forming a large, sunken, fan-shaped area.

This kind of power left the audience in shock.

Is this a Knight?

Heaven! It's more like a Great Knight than a Great Knight!

Even with Primordial Force Defense, the shockwave still caused Baron Norman to stagger slightly.

"Damn it!" Norman cursed inwardly.

But this brief pause gave Rain the opportunity.

Rain's second 'Earthsplitting Hammer' was already on its way!

"Ah!!! Secret Technique 'Iron Wall Defense'!"

Baron Norman roared, his muscles bulging and a faint glow emanating from his body, a sign of his full Primordial Force activation. He raised his shield high, intending to block Rain's attack!

"Bang!!!"

At the moment the hammer and shield collided, even with the Primordial Force enhancement, the shield still cracked!

Then!

The first shockwave was blocked by the Primordial Force Defense on Norman's body.

The second shockwave was weakened by the thick plate armor made from special ore.

But the third shockwave had to be resisted by Norman's own powerful physical strength.

The key was...

Rain's full burst of power meant the 'Earthsplitting Hammer' had four shockwaves!

Thus, the fourth shockwave penetrated Norman's body, causing damage to his relatively weaker internal organs.

"Spit!"

Baron Norman staggered back over ten steps and then spat out a mouthful of blood!

At that moment, he felt a burning pain in his internal organs.

The audience in the stands, witnessing this, all wore expressions of shock.

Wasn't Baron Norman already a Great Knight?

How could he be beaten like this?

Especially for those like Baron Alonso and Dennis, who had bet on Baron Norman's victory, they couldn't believe their eyes.

In an unexpected turn of events, a Great Knight is struggling against a mere Knight. The battle rages on in the center of the arena. Rain swiftly charges towards Baron Norman, delivering a powerful Ascending Dragon Hammer strike.

Norman's internal organs are severely damaged, greatly reducing his mobility, and his shield is shattered, leaving him to rely solely on his Knight's Longsword for defense.

But it's not enough!

The hammer strike, after being slightly blocked by the longsword, still crushes Norman's abdomen. The impact folds Norman's body in half, and a strange lump protrudes from his back as his body launches into the air like a rocket.

After a few seconds, he crashes heavily onto the ground.

Rain refrains from pursuing and stands in place, gripping his two-handed war hammer.

Norman, coughing up blood, manages to stand with great effort, his eyes fixed on Rain as he asks, "Have you mastered the hammer technique?"

Rain doesn't respond, merely nodding slightly.

Norman nods reluctantly, muttering, "Unbelievable..."

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Multiple parts of Norman's body burst open, his armor shatters, blood splatters, and he collapses to his knees like a pile of mud, unable to rise again.

Rain's previous strike has pulverized Norman's vital organs beyond salvation.

A newly promoted Imperial Baron and Great Knight meets his end!

"This can't be! This can't be!" Dennis slumps in his seat, his eyes vacant as he witnesses the scene, his face pale with shock.

Baron Alonso's face turns ashen, his previous betting decision resulting in a substantial loss.

Jenny and Agatha, the two beautiful young ladies, cover their mouths in shock as they watch Rain's victory.

Even the elegant Lady Jennifer feels a surge of excitement within.

Although she had witnessed Rain's deadly technique before and had full confidence in him, seeing him win fills her with intense emotion.

After all, Rain's opponent was a Great Knight!

Defeating a Great Knight is no easy feat, but Rain accomplished it! Lady Jennifer feels immense pride in her 'little man'.

Furthermore, the thought of the tens of thousands of gold coins in return for her bet makes her even more excited, causing her beautiful, fair complexion to flush with anticipation.

Rudolph, observing from the stands, is also astonished. He had suspected that Rain had something up his sleeve when he refused Bishop Sean's mediation offer.

However, he now realizes he had underestimated Rain.

While others may not understand why Rain won, he is well aware that it's the mastery of hammer technique, a level that ordinary knights might never reach in their lifetime, yet this young man has achieved it.

Such talent is truly terrifying!

Rudolph suddenly remembers something, feeling an urge to beat his chest in regret.

If only he had known, he would have done everything to recruit Rain for the church! Why did he care about face and ask Rain to consider it? He should have dragged him away then and there! A missed genius!

Habus Earl seems to be the only one in the audience who remains relatively calm. He smiles and nods at Rain, seemingly pleased, but his acknowledgment is subtle as the defeated Norman was also his subordinate, requiring him to maintain political neutrality as a ruling official.

Most of the commoners in the audience cheer loudly.

Initially, many of them had assumed their bets on Rain were lost, but the unexpected turn of events in the duel brings them immense joy.

Rain knows that with this battle, his reputation in Meyster County will soar. If the noble circles in the county town hadn't known him well before, this bloody duel has certainly put him on the radar of major families.

According to his knowledge, there are only a handful of Great Knights in the entire Meyster County.

Even the town marshal, Viscount Hamadi, is merely a veteran knight.

But Rain now boasts a record of defeating a Great Knight!

"I declare the winner of this bloody duel to be Baron Rain!" Viscount Hamadi announces, his eyes fixed intently on Rain.

As the crowd disperses, Dennis in the stands feels a deep gloom. He knows it's all over, and many nobles around him glare at him with resentment, blaming him for their losses due to his father's defeat.

Habus Earl maintains his neutrality and doesn't approach Rain, considering the death of another baron. Similarly, Rudolph exchanges a glance with Rain and departs with a smile, also mindful of political implications.

Once they are in the carriage, Lady Jennifer can't contain her excitement. "Baron Rain, we've won thirty-six thousand imperial gold coins!"

"What!" Jenny, unaware of her mother's and Rain's substantial bet, is shocked upon hearing this.

Thirty-six thousand imperial gold coins? That's more than the combined value of all Crowley's subordinate shops, caravans, and assets.

As the lower half.

Rain's single duel has earned back twice the Crowley family's wealth!

Jenny's head spins as they ride back to the manor.

Upon their return, a male servant promptly informs them, "Baron Rain, a visitor has arrived. Here is the heraldry presented by the knight."

Rain had anticipated this, knowing that his victory would lead to numerous social obligations. He plans to decline as many as possible, delegating the rest to Jennifer.

Therefore, Rain isn't concerned. He casually glances at the heraldry, his eyes lingering on the intricate design.

Hmm?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end