Chapter 118: The Clash of Knights (rewrite)

The Clash of Knights

Bedivere was catching his breath, preparing for his next battle. Just as he was about to resume, the referee approached to announce his upcoming opponent.

"Knight Bedivere's opponent in the next battle is—"

Before the announcement could be completed, Tristan stepped forward.

"It's changed temporarily. Knight Bedivere's opponent is now me," Tristan declared, addressing both the referee and Bedivere.

The referee, adhering to protocol, made no objections.

Bedivere's expression shifted as he saw Tristan approach. Tristan spoke to him with a hint of respect, "Come, let's fight. Show me your strength."

Tristan understood that Queen Morgan's decision had a purpose, though he admired Bedivere's skills. Despite his respect, Tristan was bound to follow the queen's orders.

Bedivere nodded. "Very well."

He raised his long sword, preparing for battle. He waited for Tristan to arm himself.

However, Tristan did not draw a sword. Instead, he picked up a harp.

Bedivere was puzzled. "What's going on? Is he going to play music before we fight?"

He decided to wait, trying to understand Tristan's approach.

The two stood silently, neither making a move. Minutes ticked by, and half an hour passed with no action.

Lott, observing the scene, commented, "Are they engaging in a battle of wits? This waiting game seems more like a special skill from China. But I can't think of another explanation."

Morgan glanced at Lott, unfamiliar with this "special skill" but intrigued.

The referee, growing impatient, prompted, "Knight Tristan, Knight Bedivere, why aren't you starting the fight?"

Tristan and Bedivere responded in unison, "I'm waiting for him to attack me," and "I'm waiting for him to draw a weapon," respectively.

The situation became awkward as they stared at each other.

"You're waiting for me?" they both asked, surprised.

Bedivere questioned Tristan, "Aren't you going to use a sword?"

Tristan gestured to his harp. "This is my weapon."

Bedivere frowned. "You use a harp as a weapon?"

"Yes, come and attack," Tristan urged.

"Alright."

Bedivere advanced, attacking with his long sword. Tristan, wielding his harp, skillfully defended himself. Despite Bedivere's efforts, Tristan dodged every attack and countered with precision.

Tristan's skills, honed from numerous battles, even against renowned knights like Lancelot, proved formidable. Bedivere, though skilled, struggled to land a blow.

He tried to use traps and feints, but Tristan anticipated and countered them effectively. Bedivere found himself increasingly overwhelmed.

Tristan's attacks grew more forceful, and Bedivere, wielding only one hand, struggled to keep up. After a series of fierce exchanges, Bedivere was forced back by a powerful blow from Tristan.

"You should admit defeat," Tristan suggested as he saw Bedivere gasping for breath.

Bedivere, determined, responded, "I haven't reached my limit yet!"

Tristan, eager to end the fight, readied himself for a more aggressive attack. He prepared to launch a decisive blow.

As Tristan moved in for the attack, Bedivere heard a shout, "Catch this!" A black object flew toward him.

Instinctively, Bedivere caught the object, which turned out to be a spear. Upon grasping it, he felt a surge of strength.

With renewed vigour, Bedivere faced Tristan's assault. Using the spear, he managed to deflect Tristan's attacks, demonstrating his prowess with the new weapon.

Tristan's eyes widened in surprise. "How is this possible?" he exclaimed, astonished that Bedivere was resisting his all-out attack.

Bedivere seized the opportunity, using the spear to counterattack.

Morgan, observing from the sidelines, felt satisfied. She had anticipated that Bedivere's true strength lay not in his swordsmanship but in his versatility.

Despite his skill with the long sword, Bedivere's spear skills proved to be his greatest asset. The long sword, though effective, was not as versatile as the spear. Morgan's confidence in Bedivere was affirmed by his impressive use of the spear, a weapon he had not initially chosen for the competition.

The battle continued, and Tristan, now facing a formidable adversary, had to adapt his strategy. Bedivere's performance was proving to be a testament to his adaptability and strength, showcasing why he was a valuable knight.