Chapter 17 Testing
After understanding the whole situation, Gavin took the initiative to say to Edmond:
"My Lord, I can participate in the group competition for you, and I am confident in my strength. I want to win this competition to repay your help over the years."
Hearing this, Edmond still had an anxious look on his face and firmly disagreed:
"Gavin, no. The group competition is too dangerous. I cannot let you take such risks."
Coach Ryan, standing nearby, also stepped in to comfort Gavin:
"Gavin, I know your strength well, but you are still young and lack experience. Group competitions are extremely dangerous and often cause countless injuries and deaths every year. I've already hired three gladiators from Essos to compete. I believe they will perform well."
Gavin saluted Edmond and Ryan solemnly and said seriously:
"Sir, I am confident in my abilities. Please allow me to compete with these three gladiators. If I can defeat them, let me represent you in the competition."
Edmond frowned, his face full of hesitation:
"Gavin, this is not a joke."
Coach Ryan also tried to dissuade him:
"Gavin, gladiators are not easy opponents. Unlike soldiers, they are trained specifically for combat competitions."
Gavin smiled and looked directly into Edmond's eyes:
"Sir, please trust me. You will see for yourself after the trial."
Edmond sighed bitterly and, after a moment of thought, said:
"Very well. Ryan, bring those three men here."
Soon, three gladiators arrived outside the tent. Two of them were burly and muscular, resembling iron towers, with thick arms that seemed capable of breaking steel. Their faces were cold, and their eyes fierce and fearless.
The third gladiator was leaner but exuded agility and speed. His well-defined muscles spoke of strength without bulk, and his sharp eyes darted around like a predator sizing up its prey.
Hearing Ryan's explanation, the burly gladiator, who appeared to be their leader, sneered in disdain:
"I thought there was something important. You called me here to fight a kid? Fine. You're paying us; we'll do as you say."
Turning to the other two, he added with a mocking tone:
"What do you think? Fancy bullying a kid?"
Before the two could respond, Gavin stepped forward and spoke calmly:
"I suggest all three of you attack together. If you fight me one by one, you might not last two moves."
His words were confident, and his eyes gleamed with determination.
The lead gladiator laughed grimly:
"Well, it seems the kid has guts! Alright, let's see what you've got."
Gavin smiled lightly and said:
"Feel free to make the first move."
Infuriated by his confidence, the agile gladiator instantly drew the scimitar at his waist and charged at Gavin like a whirlwind. Gavin sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the strike with ease.
The gladiator quickly recovered and swung his sword again. Gavin, still calm, parried the attack with a gentle movement, knocking the scimitar out of his opponent's grasp.
Seeing this, one of the burly gladiators raised a heavy axe and swung it at Gavin with tremendous force. The air whistled as the axe descended, but Gavin leapt back, avoiding the blow. He then darted forward like lightning, aiming a precise thrust with his sword. The burly man blocked with his axe, but the force of Gavin's strike left his arm numb.
The last gladiator joined the fray, wielding a spear. He thrust it toward Gavin, but Gavin moved swiftly to avoid the sharp tip. Circling behind him with astonishing speed, Gavin delivered a kick to the gladiator's rear, causing him to stumble forward.
Seizing the moment, Gavin's sword danced through the air in graceful arcs. In mere seconds, all three gladiators were disarmed and sprawled on the ground, their weapons scattered around them.
Calmly, Gavin sheathed his sword as if the entire fight had been a routine exercise.
The soldiers watching in the camp erupted into cheers, amazed by Gavin's skill. Even Edmond and Ryan, who had been observing the fight, were stunned.
Coach Ryan smiled bitterly and said:
"Gavin, it seems you were holding back when sparring with me before."
Edmond, still processing Gavin's unexpected strength, suddenly looked serious and asked:
"Gavin, how skilled are you with a lance?"
Gavin saluted respectfully and replied:
"Sir, my lance skills are slightly inferior to my swordsmanship. Do you wish for me to compete in the lance competition? As far as I know, I cannot sign up for it."
Edmond laughed and patted Gavin on the shoulder:
"These are minor matters. Normally, only knights and noble children can participate in lance competitions. But if you represent the nobility and are sent by a lord, you're exempt from this restriction."
This news delighted Gavin. His eyes lit up with excitement as he exclaimed:
"Sir, please allow me to participate in the lance competition as well."
Edmond laughed heartily and agreed without hesitation. He then turned to the crowd and announced:
"Prepare a banquet! Let us celebrate the return of my nephew Gavin from the citadel."
This declaration stunned everyone. It was the first time Edmond had publicly acknowledged Gavin as his nephew.
That evening, a grand banquet was held in the Cotoin family's camp tent. Edmond embraced Gavin with pride, while several nobles who were close to Edmond joined the festivities.
During the celebration, the guard at the entrance announced loudly:
"Lord Willas Tyrell of the Tyrell family has arrived!"
Willas Tyrell, pushed in a wheelchair, entered the tent. Edmond hurried to greet him warmly, saying:
"My dear friend, the future Duke of Highgarden! The eldest son of the Duke of Mace Tyrell himself."
Despite his disability, Willas exuded a noble and dignified aura. He smiled gently and nodded at those present. Edmond introduced him to Gavin with affection, bringing the two together in a gesture of camaraderie.