Undefeated King III

"Let's start," Lucas declared after a brief conversation, drawing his sword. A golden aura enveloped the blade as he brandished it, readying himself for action.

Ash nodded and brought out his own sword, a blue aura forming around its blade—Sword Energy.

Which he gained after achieving the great Swordsman title.

Observing Lucas's movements, Ash anticipated his swift swordsmanship. As Lucas initiated a downward slash, Ash reacted by jumping back, using his sword as a shield. However, Lucas's attack seamlessly transitioned into a horizontal slash. Recognizing Lucas's agility, Ash activated Haste, Bulk Up, and Slippery simultaneously, entering a buffed state for the next 5 minutes. "I have to end it in the next 5 minutes," Ash resolved.

Using Blink, Ash swiftly closed the distance between them and unleashed the 50,000 Army Pushing Sword—a move that unconditionally knock back his opponent. Despite Lucas's attempt to defend, the unexpected mysterious force sent him flying. As he crashed to the ground, he caught sight of Ash reappearing before him. Reacting quickly, Lucas utilized Swift Strike on the ground to change his trajectory and land safely.

However, before he could fully regain his bearings, he felt a tingling sensation at the back of his neck. Suddenly, he found himself injured and stiffened, unable to move. Before he could react further, he witnessed a cross slash followed by a horizontal slash attacking him relentlessly until he succumbed to defeat.

[You have defeated 2nd red Knight Lucas]

Ash panted heavily as his stamina reached its minimum, but he emerged victorious after employing both Massacre and Mortality Sword techniques. Mortality Sword was a skill within the 100,000 Army Swordsmanship, known for its locking effect—performing dual slashes in a cross pattern. Its unique ability locked onto the target, making evasion impossible, while each slash dealt a staggering 6,000% damage.

"Interesting," Mercedes mused as she observed the duel. Approaching the stage, she addressed Ash, "You won."

Looking at Ash intently, she continued, "Would you like to join us?"

As Mercedes extended the offer, Ash received a quest to join the Empire's Red Knights. However, he hesitated, mindful of the potential risks associated with being perceived as a disposable pawn of the Empress.

"Thank you for the offer, but I am a free spirit who enjoys traveling and challenging anyone strong," Ash replied, politely declining Mercedes's offer.

Mercedes smiled at his response and then asked, "So, will you challenge me too?"

A grin formed on Ash's face as he responded, "Can I?"

"Of course, you have earned it," Mercedes chuckled in response.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Ash then asked Mercedes, "What can I do to earn your heart too?"

His question caused a hushed silence to fall over the surroundings. Mercedes narrowed her eyes slightly as she regarded Ash, then declared, "You have one hour to rest before our match," before departing.

Approaching him, Lucas offered some advice, "I know she is beautiful, but she is like a rose. Before reaching her soft petals, you have to traverse a thorny path."

Lorex joined them and added, "She may have many admirers, but as a man, you shouldn't worry about anything."

"hahahah, you got this, just leave a impression on her during the duel and it's good start for you" a newcomer appeared and said to Ash.

"you are?" Ash asked looking at him.

"my name is Dia, 5th ranked red Knight" Dia a handsome man like Lucas said.

'Is all genes of Empire this beautiful?' Looking at Dia and others Ash couldn't help but thought.

"who is 4th then?" Ash asked.

"he is Gyuratan, he usually does the paperwork but he might come seeing your duel with Mercedes" Dia said and then they led Ash to guest room, where he can rest.

"A tip, Mercedes admires strong man" Lorex smiled and gave him you know look as he left.

Ash chuckled and nodded, he is interested in Mercedes both romantically and for her Super named npc status, making her a powerful Npc with endless growth potential, he wants her.

***

"hmm, In one hour all my skills cooldown will end" Ash mumbled and then reviewed his fight with Lorex and Lucas.

after some time he opened his eyes and contacted Gwen and Peter and asked them about Mercedes, but sadly they didn't know much aside from the fact, Mercedes can see anyone's weakness.

Ash nodded seeing this as while he was talking to Lucas, unusual notification flashed and the source was Mercedes.

[Master of Keen Insight is observing you]

[Some of your status will be forcefully revealed to her]

[Your weakness id detected]

[you will suffer +100% damage]

[You have resisted half of the effects]

'Even with my Perfect resistance, I was only able to block half fo the effects, it seems I can't use Madra swordsmanship against her' He was able to use Madra swordsmanship against Lucas by camouflaging it in dust cloud, but he is not sure if he should use it against her.

-Finally she is out of sight.

Madra said, 

"what happened?" Ash asked.

-her eyes are unusual, they can see through anything, I won't be able to help you for this one

Madra said in defeat and Ash nodded, after all it is only a small will of Madra left in Old Sheath, it's bound to be weak.

"Don't worry I am thinking of using Magic against her" Ash said and Madra nodded.

-Win this one and I will make you my Successor.

-Thought, you are already qualified, I might make you mine successor even if you lose against her.

Madra said and Ash nodded and then started playing out battle against her in his mind.

After an hour, Lorex and Lucas entered Ash room and said to Ash who was meditating.

"its time" 

Ash nodded and went back to stage, and saw Mercedes walking with a middle aged man in tow, the middle aged man has black hair and a warm smile on his face but the moment Ash looked at him several notifiactions flashed

[Magic Sensitivity is responding to corrupt mana]

[Monarch sight unveils the veil hiding a Demon][Emergency Quest : Kill the Demon

Isabelle despises Demon more than anything, Kill the demon before you

Quest Clear Condition : Kill Disguised Demon

Quest Clear reward : +30 affinity with Isabelle, A legendary Spell

Quest falure : -10 affinity with Isabelle]

Seeing this Ash nodded and mentally asked Madra, 'there is a Demon, can I use your strength to kill him?'

he asked as this strength can only be used against Empire , not for any other source, like leveling up and such.

-you can, Demons are enemy to all Mankind, kill him

Madra nodded and then Ash waited.

"You are here" Mercedes reaching him said.

"my name is Gyuratan, it's pleasure to meet a talented man like you" Gyuratan said with same smile on his face while Ash looked at Mercedes ignoring him and asked "Say, why is a Demon among Red Knights?"

Another kind of silence hung on the arena as Ash asked this, and then..

"he dares to sully our name"

"Sir Gyuratan is respected Knight of Empire"

"how Dare he!!"

Even Lorex and Lucas frowned but Mercedes looked at Ash and saw he isn't lying and asked " do you have any proof?"