Chapter 69: The Champion Duel (Part Two)

Ryan painfully blocked Brig's relentless strikes, reciting the names of all the gods he knew in desperation.

The kingdom knight remained calm, his mind racing to find a way to turn the tide of the duel.

The cold air filled his lungs as he parried Brig's blows. Should he draw his sword? No, it wasn't the right time, and against a barbarian, a single-handed sword wouldn't be as effective as the war hammer.

Retreat? Impossible. The sanctity of the champion duel required a conclusive result. Retreating would stain his honor and diminish his reputation. Even if he successfully withdrew, the morale of his troops would plummet, and the city's inhabitants would lose their last bit of courage to resist the barbarians.

What should I do? Father? In silent frustration, he felt unfairly treated.

Brig's heavy attacks forced Ryan back repeatedly. As the battle wore on, Brig struck seven or eight times for every one of Ryan's counterattacks. Seeing this, all onlookers could not help but cry out in despair. Sensing victory, the barbarian soldiers began to cheer, eager to witness their chieftain's triumph.

I've given so much, yet I've received nothing.

To defeat the Doom Bull, I was severely injured, almost losing my life, and all I got was a cheap vial of holy oil and a short historical mention.

I helped my father secure the ancient relics, and he took all the ancient knowledge and power, leaving nothing for me!

I've always been alone, living and fighting on my own, enduring bone-chilling loneliness.

But who understands me?

Ryan felt an indescribable rage sweeping through him, a desire to tear everything apart. The furious emotion surged within him, manifesting in his actions. Unknown strength filled his arms, allowing the White Wolf Knight to barely fend off Brig's attacks. The barbarian chieftain, after a series of attacks, reached a critical point of exhaustion, his onslaught easing slightly, giving Ryan a moment to catch his breath.

No, this isn't what I want. Ryan quickly realized his earlier emotions were out of control. As the son of the Emperor, he had no right to self-pity. He came to this world to prevent the apocalypse. Had he accomplished anything to warrant such grievances?

His father's words echoed in his mind.

"I have given you a world of freedom, my son, Ryan."

Indeed, pain and suffering are necessary paths to growth. Only by experiencing them can he become stronger. In this dark era, in this dark world, he couldn't rely on anyone. He could only depend on himself.

With this realization, Ryan felt a new strength rising from within—a rage born of justice. The White Wolf Knight regained his composure, the Emperor's genetic legacy resonating within him. He rebuilt his indomitable confidence and unwavering will.

I will not lose! Humanity will not perish!

At that moment, time seemed to slow. Everything froze. He could feel the air solidifying, the barbarian chieftain before him fading away, as if everything around him had vanished.

Before him appeared a beautiful lakeside scene, autumn leaves covering the ground, dense fog spreading over the lake, holy unicorns roaming the woods, and forest spirits singing joyfully.

The scent of the soil, the enticing fragrance of flowers, the soft sunlight, and the clear lake water.

So beautiful! Ryan couldn't help but admire the scenery. But when he saw the figure standing by the lake, the beauty of the scene no longer held his attention.

A beautiful woman stood by the lake. Her stunning visage, golden hair, perfect face, and captivating blue eyes outshone all creation. She wore a simple white Greek-style dress, her figure accentuated by golden jewelry and chains. Her flawless bare feet hovered above the lakeside sand. She faced Ryan, smiling gently. "You have proven your excellence to me, traveler from beyond the stars."

"My lady!" Ryan placed his right hand on his chest, kneeling on one knee to pay homage to the goddess who had fought tirelessly against Chaos since his arrival in this world.

"I am pleased you call me that, but I would prefer to hear 'my lady,'" the Lady of the Lake said, holding a chalice as she floated slowly toward Ryan.

Ryan's expression changed slightly. He thought of Ulric's indifference and the goddess's attention to him.

In an instant, the White Wolf Knight made a decision. "I am willing to serve you, my lady!"

The Lady of the Lake's eyes gleamed with cunning and satisfaction. She floated toward Ryan, extending a slender, delicate hand. "I accept your allegiance, Ryan. I have been watching your battles. You are brave, decisive, and wise. Most importantly, the precious knightly virtues shine brightly in you. Continue to fight, brave knight. Drive evil from this land. I will always watch over you. May the mighty virtues of knighthood light your path…"

With that, the Lady of the Lake smiled, and all creation lost its color. "If your tricks in the duel were not so underhanded, I might appreciate you even more. But go now, eliminate the evil. I will grant you power!"

The goddess's jade-like fingers reached out to Ryan. He instinctively raised his right hand to meet hers.

In a brilliant flash of light and shadow, their fingertips touched.

The Lady of the Lake and the beautiful scenery faded away, and Ryan's mind returned to the battlefield of clashing steel. It seemed only a moment had passed. The fierce barbarian chieftain still stood before him, his mighty axe descending.

Was it an illusion?

No... it wasn't. A burning pain flared in his chest. The Lady of the Lake's holy symbol, inscribed by her divine power, glowed brightly on his chest.

The goddess's blessing arrived, the burning emblem releasing unprecedented energy into Ryan's body. The pain vanished, replaced by renewed strength and unmatched resolve.

A pillar of white light pierced the sky, so powerful that Brig had to step back. "What is this?"

"He advanced! He advanced during the battle?!" Emilia exclaimed from the wall. "The last person to advance during battle was in the Great Holy War 150 years ago…"

She realized she had said too much and immediately fell silent.

But Theresa didn't notice, her silver eyes filled with joy and pride.

"Why do I fear no demonic creations? Because they cannot harm me." Covered in white flames and radiant light, Ryan emerged from the pillar, standing once more before Brig. "Evil scum, meet your end."

"Do you think your tricks can defeat me?!" Brig roared, his blood god's power fueling his foul body. The chieftain attacked again.

"I was born in darkness." Ryan's war hammer burned with white flames, its heat making Brig uneasy.

"I came into the world in light." The hammer's massive force staggered Brig, who realized he no longer held the upper hand in strength.

"Rambling nonsense, you lowly southern human. I'll smash your mouth to pieces!" Brig felt the knight's white light burning his soul, enraging him. He attacked wildly, but Ryan's defense held firm.

On the contrary, Ryan's powerful hammer shattered Brig's shield. The wooden round shield splintered under the hammer's force, forcing Brig back several steps. Ryan seized the opportunity and extended his right hand toward the chieftain.

Psychic Storm!

White lightning tore through reality, destroying Brig both physically and spiritually. His body charred, his soul burned by Ryan's holy power. The chieftain retreated in agony, Ryan advancing swiftly, his hammer crushing Brig's ribs with a resounding crack.

More importantly, Brig wavered.

A sliver of fear rose within him. He no longer had absolute confidence in victory. He felt his body tiring, his limbs weakening, his waist stiffening, the wound in his leg burning, and his chest pain making it hard to breathe. He suddenly considered retreating.

This hesitation ended the epic duel.

The war hammer, ablaze with platinum flames, struck Brig's wrist. His massive axe flew into the air. The barbarian soldiers watched in horror and disbelief as their chieftain staggered back.

The hammer struck again, Ryan's fist, wrapped in blue flames, smashed into Brig's face, deforming it under the unstoppable force. Yellowed teeth flew from his mouth, his mind reduced to mush.

The golden hammer struck Brig's forehead with a thunderous crash.

The towering chieftain fell, blood flowing from his head. Life rapidly drained from him. He raised a hand but let it fall, his fading eyes telling the story. He watched his blood pool around him, feeling his prideful strength ebb away as darkness engulfed him.

Ryan held Brig's head, the chieftain's face frozen in shock. The surrounding barbarian soldiers went from disbelief to shock to terror, then fled like an avalanche. The dark mass of the barbarian army scattered, and Ryan stood coldly, leaning on his hammer, watching them retreat until their formation collapsed entirely.

"The chieftain is dead! The chieftain is dead!" The first barbarian raider dropped his weapon and fled.

"Chieftain Brig is defeated!"

"Run! The southerners are too strong!"

"The war is lost!"

The barbarian ranks crumbled. The Nord army's cheers of victory rang out as they stood tall, their morale soaring. The barbarians lost all courage and will to fight.

"Chieftain Brig is dead! He lost the duel! What now?" Barbarian champion Krolin couldn't stop the soldiers' mass flight. They scattered like headless flies, completely defeated. Even the champions couldn't stem the tide of retreat.

"Withdraw. Our mission is complete. Retreat." The barbarian champions surrounded a mysterious figure in a black robe. The mysterious figure shook his head. "Although it's unfortunate we couldn't advance further, rules are rules. The champion duel is our only sacred law. Retreat, retreat. We cannot take this port today."

Thus, the remaining barbarian forces also withdrew. The Nord soldiers were too exhausted to pursue. Their hero, still standing with his hammer, watched the retreating barbarians until they vanished from sight. Only then did Ryan collapse, his strength utterly spent.

Before he could hit the ground, a sturdy figure caught him. It was Alfred, the paladin, tears in his eyes. He held Ryan tightly. "My friend! You won!"

"You won the champion duel! You killed the Chaos Champion, Bear Crusher Brig! You saved everyone in this city!" Alfred exclaimed, shaking Ryan's arm in excitement. "You are the best!"

"Is that so?" Ryan weakly looked back.

He saw the citizens and refugees pouring out from within the city, singing his name. The count, leading his guards, knelt on one knee to thank him for saving the city. The paladins gave him the highest honors, grateful for the lives he had saved from the flames of war and annihilation.

I really did it.

From this day forward, Ryan's name spread across the continent. His glory, sung by bards and heralded by the churches, became known to all. His deeds drew the attention of the gods.

Now, he was a hero of Nord.

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