Note: Don't Forget to join my Patreon.com/flokixy to get access to +10 Advance Chapters I have to stop if there is no support
This victory, I shall gratefully accept!
The handsome middle-aged knight mused silently in his heart.
However, even if his enemy was such a tender young girl, that was no reason for him to lower his sword.
What's more, the young girl held in her hand a blade that was clearly far superior to his own.
Paul brought his beloved sword horizontally before him, then applied a slight pressure.
At this moment, the holy sword in Liliana's hand was already within arm's reach!
The next instant, with a screeching sound of grating steel, the platinum-gold holy sword and the bright silver longsword clashed.
That piercing screech, the sound of the very air being torn apart, resonated throughout the spacious hall.
It's over!
So Paul thought, then grit his teeth slightly.
He used all his strength, aiming to flick away the longsword in Liliana's hand.
Regardless, compared to himself, who held an absolute advantage in age and training, Liliana's wrist strength, even if she were a standout among her peers, was definitively inferior.
This was no longer a deficiency in 'tactics' or 'experience.'
This was a crushing superiority in absolute strength.
However, the situation was far different from what Paul had imagined.
Even when he exerted his full strength, he could not dislodge the holy sword gripped tightly in Liliana's delicate white hands.
On the contrary, his own longsword was instead flung aside by Liliana's utterly unreasonable, monstrous strength.
The holy sword grazed past Paul.
And at this moment, a few drops of cold sweat appeared on the forehead of Italy's most exemplary knight.
It was not fear from the near-grievous blow, but because he had underestimated his enemy.
After all, he had suffered countless injuries, so even being pierced by a longsword was nothing extraordinary for him.
However, what terrified him was something else.
This young girl's strength was even greater than his own; one could say it was approaching that of Italy's King of Swords!
One must know, even that fellow named Doni, who held the title of King of Swords, though his mind was a bit simple, when it came to the way of the sword, few could surpass him.
In swordsmanship, be it wrist strength or arm strength, both were crucial components. And the young girl's immense power, approaching that of a Godslayer, was naturally incredibly shocking in Paul's eyes.
Could this be the so-called 'King's Protection'?
A trace of bitterness appeared on Paul's face. A realm he himself had failed to reach for so long, this young girl had attained so easily, merely by pledging her loyalty to that King.
Such unfairness made this man, who lived by the knight's code, feel a slight pang of jealousy.
However, at this moment, the duel was paramount.
And absolute power, even if it meant a great deal, by no means decided the outcome of a battle.
The enemies Paul had slain who were stronger than himself were by no means just one or two.
In his heart, Liliana was destined to be the next enemy to fall by his hand!
And at this moment, their longswords crossed, each streaking past the other's body.
Compared to Paul's unscathed state, Liliana's condition was somewhat dire.
In her effort to exert more force, her body had shifted slightly to the left, which resulted in Paul's longsword leaving an incredibly savage, bloody gash on her skin, like flawless white jade, upon her exquisitely delicate left arm.
Seeing that this exchange had not decided a victor, neither was in a hurry to continue the duel; instead, they each leaped backward.
After all, Liliana was injured on her left arm, while her right arm was completely unharmed; it could be said that her combat capability was not diminished in the slightest.
And Paul was willing to display the virtue of a knight, waiting patiently for Liliana to tend to her wound.
But, the next moment, he could no longer contain his inner turmoil.
"What… what is happening!"
He murmured, as if he had witnessed something utterly unbelievable.
Liliana had merely brushed her wound lightly, and that savage gash, fully several centimeters long, vanished completely.
"How is this possible!"
A look of utter shock once again dominated Paul's face.
Just now, he had not seen this young girl use any restorative magic, nor had she employed any precious Mystic Code.⁴
Within his incredibly keen senses, not a single ripple of magical power had appeared.
That is to say, the young girl's injury had healed completely due to her own regenerative abilities.
Not only was there not a trace of a scar, but her skin showed no difference at all.
If not for the lingering bloodstains, it was as if she had never been injured.
If Liliana's immense strength could be attributed to a Godslayer's Authority,⁵ then where did such an ability come from?
Paul did not know, nor did he have the time to learn the truth.
On the platinum-gold holy sword, a soul-stirring sharpness glinted; its edge was aimed directly at him.
"Well then, let us continue!"
The young girl declared with such resolve, her tone carrying an absolute, undeniable certainty.
Hearing these words, Paul couldn't help but set aside the doubts in his heart.
He was in a duel, yes, a duel.
A duel he absolutely could not lose.
Whether the opponent was an ordinary young girl, a human prodigy, or a unique treasure in this world.
No matter what, it could not stop his blade from piercing her chest.
No matter what, it could not stop him from reaping a victory filled with honor!
Paul once again raised his beloved sword horizontally, holding his breath and focusing his gaze on this young girl whom he had initially underestimated.
At this moment, he had acknowledged that this girl was an enemy he had encountered who absolutely deserved his full attention!
Gilgamesh watched the duel between these two knights—simple and unadorned, yet fully revealing its edge—and a faint curve played on his lips.
Indeed, be it Paul or Liliana.
To the supreme King of Heroes, they were barely worthy of his gaze.
Their incredibly fierce, yet fleeting duel, was indeed exceedingly rare in Gilgamesh's eyes.
Even among the heroes of the Age of Gods,⁶ there might be many who could reach this stage.
However, to be able to maintain a humble heart after achieving such strength, to still hold the conviction to treat all enemies with due respect.
Such individuals could be said to be virtually nonexistent.
The King of Heroes lightly tapped the armrest of the throne forged from gold. Within his crimson, serpent-like eyes, which held an intimidating glint, that trace of disdain receded.
Heroes deserved to be treated as heroes. He was the King of Heroes, the king among heroes; such outstanding personages were worthy of being treated by him as equals.
The King leaned back leisurely on his throne, a faint, almost imperceptible smile gracing his arrogant expression.
Well then, to what extent can you go? Will you be able to amuse this King, O heroes!