Chapter 37

As the duel progressed, Harwin intensified his attacks. His colossal frame propelled him forward. Aerion dodged, his agile form evading the blade. He retaliated with a swift strike, targeting Harwin's exposed flank. But Harwin deflected the blow, his strength pushing Aerion back.

The duel escalated. Harwin's attacks were relentless, each swing a testament to his years of experience. But Aerion was no novice. He moved fluidly, his actions unpredictable.

He ducked, weaved, and spun, always staying one step ahead. His blade met Harwin's with precision, the clash of steel reverberating through the yard.

Sweat trickled down Aerion's brow. His muscles ached slightly, but he refused to yield or resort to magic. Aerion of he wished could have used his magic to enchant himself temporarily enhancing his overself.

But he wanted to test his strength without enchanting his weapon or himself and feel this pressure which was very helpful his awakening of Vitality seed. Aerion while deciding to make use of this opportunity didn't forget that as the newly appointed Commander of the City Watch, he couldn't afford defeat. The men watching expected nothing less.

Harwin's face twisted with effort. He swung again, aiming for Aerion's head. But Aerion reacted swiftly, sidestepping and grazing Harwin's arm with his blade. Despite the blade being blunt, the sheer force caused blood to well up from the wound, staining the ground. The crowd gasped. Harwin's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening.

"You fight well, prince, better than I ever could have imagined," Harwin grunted. "But I won't go down so easily."

Aerion's lips curved into a half-smile. "I expected that much, Ser Harwin." He said as his blood boiled, his breathing following a special rhythm unconsciously.

He lunged, his blade a blur. Harwin blocked, but Aerion twisted, sweeping his leg low. The kick hit a weak point, causing Harwin to stumble off balance. Aerion seized the opportunity, driving his sword toward Harwin's chest.

"You los..!" before Aerion could finish his words.

Harwin recovered, his massive hand closing around Aerion's wrist. Their eyes locked—one determined, the other defiant. Harwin's grip tightened, threatening to crush bone.

"Enough," he growled. "You've proven your strength, prince. But no one has ever escaped from my hold." Harwin said as he pulled himself from the ground, using a special method that maximized his superior strength.

"After all they don't call me bone breaker nothing." Harwin added.

Aerion's heart raced. He knew he couldn't win—not against this titan of a man. But he had held his ground and earned the respect of his peers.

Harwin was about to release him, stepping back to congratulate him on his fine performance, and show his acceptance of Aerion as a commander.

But before he could, Aerion, who was struggling under Harwin's hold, stiffened for a second, and the next moment something inside him awakened.

"tic!"

A new energy, one completely different from the chaotic magic, one smooth and warm flushed through his body.

Aerion broke free from Harwin's hold as if it was nothing. His body started to heat up as he moved forward. Before Harwin could react, Aerion caught his arms, pressing specific Marma points on both hands, followed by a powerful kick to his chest.

"Boom!"

Ser Harwin was blown backwards, carrying up dust and gravel along with him as he crashed into the surrounding men who fell along with him.

Aerion stood there, an invisible aura rising from his body. Earlier, when Aerion was still struggling under Harwin's strong hold, he resisted the use of magic to enhance himself and break free.

But at that moment, when he was exerting his physical strength and along with this blood boiling duel, his Asgardian blood reacted and he mind unconsciously ran the Vitality breath art.

The pressure caused him to have a physical breakthrough, allowing Aerion to activate his vitality seed within him, leading to his current explosive state.

He will continue to be in such a semi-conscious and immersed state until he completes the vitality seed awakening, and he will subconsciously attack anyone who tries to approach him.

It took a few seconds for everyone to react. One second Ser Harwin was winning, but the next second they saw Ser Harwin kicked away. The duel had ended, but the atmosphere was eerily quiet.

"Cough!"

"Cough!"

Ser Harwin coughed hard, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He removed his dented armor, fear evident in his eyes.

If not for his armor, he was sure that kick would have crippled him. His eyes looked at the still-standing Aerion and the caved-in armor he had just removed with some horror.

As the crowd whispered in shock and amazement, Aerion's transformation and display of power left a lasting impression. The young prince had not only held his own against a seasoned warrior but had also shown an unexpected and formidable strength.

The crowd's whispers grew louder, a mixture of awe, fear, and curiosity swirling in the air. Aerion stood at the center, an invisible aura surrounding his body, his eyes unfocused as he remained in an immersed state of mind.

By the time Ser Harwin struggled to his feet, wincing at the pain in his chest, Aerion came to his senses.

Harwin walked up to Aerion, his eyes never leaving Aerion as he spoke, his voice strained but clear. "Prince Aerion..." He quickly corrected himself, "Commander, you have shown us your strength. You are indeed worthy to lead the City Watch and I apologise for my earlier disrespect," He bowed slightly, acknowledging Aerion's victory.

The men around Harwin nodded in agreement, their previous doubts replaced by a sense of solidarity and respect. One of the older guards, a grizzled veteran named Edric, stepped forward. "Lord Commander!"

Soon, all the men of the City Watch stepped forward, bowing to Aerion. They didn't know how capable Aerion would be as a commander, but the fact that he was able to defeat Ser Harwin, who was known to be one of the strongest in the kingdom at this young age, earned their respect.

Aerion, feeling the surge of his newfound strength, he wanted to return and familiarize himself with his capabilities. "Everyone disperse and continue with your duties. Ser Harwin, you stay behind," Aerion ordered, his voice commanding and firm.

The men of the City Watch quickly obeyed, dispersing and returning to their posts, murmuring among themselves about the remarkable display of power they had just witnessed.

With the departure of the men of Citywatch rumours of Aerion's duel with ser Harwin also spread throughout the city and reached the ears of various spies within the city which in turn let all the hidden and open forces know about it as well.