Dale donned the Grasp of Death on his left hand.
Fortunately, the relic glove was highly elastic so it fit over the gauntlet without any issues.
Dale flexed and unflexed his left hand repeatedly. There was no discomfort in the movent.
He then asked Erielle.
I want to test it out. How do I use it?
Just touch the target with your hand and then command it to activate in your mind. Or imagine sothing exploding.
Dale rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a dagger. It was a reasonably strong blade dagger that was made entirely of iron from the blade to the handle.
Dale held the dagger in his left hand and issued a ntal command.
Explode.
Boom!
A powerful shockwave emanated from his palm. Since he was clenching his fist, the shock was transmitted directly to both the dagger and his fist.
The dagger crumpled instantly. The problem was that it wasnt just the dagger that had crumpled.
Sir Dale, your fist seems to have crumpled as well?
I guess I shouldnt use it with my fists clenched.
It appears youre not satisfied until youve learned things the hard way.
Since the shockwave originates from the palm, clenching the fist causes the impact to be absorbed by the hand.
If theres a need to break sothing sturdy, clenching the fist should do the trick.
Dale awkwardly forced his crumpled left hand open with his right. The dagger which had already lost its shape fell down.
At any rate, he acknowledged the overwhelming potency of the force.
However, it does consu quite a bit of life force.
Everything has its equivalent exchange.
Just as a powerful spell requires a vast amount of magical power, using this relic demanded a considerable amount of vitality.
Dale felt a slight thirst due to the depletion of life force and spoke to Erielle.
Anyway, Ill make good use of it.
He didnt offer any words of thanks.
It was an item he was entitled to receive in exchange for a fair deal after all.
Erielle nodded her head in response.
I hope that relic leads you to victory, Sir Dale.
Since their business here was finished, the two went back into the prayer room. After closing the door of the prayer room and reopening it, the corridor outside remained unchanged.
Erielle asked him as she walked out into the corridor.
Are you going to offer a prayer before we leave?
Yes.
Since he already ca here, there was no reason not to pray
Erielle went outside and closed the door to the prayer room.
After leaving his cursed sword outside, Dale removed his helt and knelt on one knee.
I have arrived.
Smoke rose from the candles on the silver candlesticks and soon ford a shape.
Dale bowed his head.
A vision of beautiful white feet and cascading black hair ca into view.
[Welco, Dale, my son. I have been waiting.]
The voice of the Goddess of Night was calr than usual. She too knew the battle Dale was about to face.
[You face a difficult battle.]
Yes.
[Arent you afraid? You know, my son, how strong your opponent is.]
It was clear that Kristen was several levels above Dale.
This was a fact known to Dale himself and to the Goddess as well.
Yet Dale shook his head.
Im not afraid. Im not built to feel such things.
[Dale, wouldnt it be better to flee now?]
Its too late to run away now. Doing so would not only bring disgrace upon but would tarnish the honor of our entire temple. We would be branded as cowards by the disbelievers.
Hearing Dales explanation, the Goddess of Night shook her head and then spoke decisively.
[It doesnt matter. To the goddess, nothing is more precious than the life of her son. Being mocked as a coward is insignificant compared to your life. So]
The goddess stopped trying to persuade him further.
From his unwavering gaze, she realized Dale would not change his decision.
[So, you have already made up your mind.]
Yes.
This battle was not for soone else. It was solely to prove to himself.
Therefore, Dale had not the slightest intention of backing down here.
[If that is the case, I have no choice but to trust you. Will you offer a sacrifice?]
Dale nodded his head in agreent, and the souls he had collected so far began to leave his body.
These were the souls he had acquired from the slave soldiers controlled by mage and Bordan.
As always, three options ca to mind.
Increase Strength
Enhance Armor
Strengthen Soul
Under normal circumstances, he would have deliberated at length.
But this ti, there was no room for hesitation.
Ill invest everything in strength.
Durability was aningless against an opponent who was clearly more powerful.
No matter how sturdy his armor was, it would only delay an inevitable defeat.
He needed greater strength to even slightly improve his chances,
Following Dales choice, the goddess bestowed upon him her power.
The power that seeped into Dales body soon made his muscles firr.
Dale checked his status.
[Dale]
Grade: 3
Class: Dark Knight
Strength: 62
Defense: 34
Magical Power: 10
Stamina:
Spiritual Power: 10
[List of Skills]
Life Force Absorption
Black Mist
[Traits]
Half-human, Half-undead
Unholy Senses
Blessing of the Goddess of Night
[Title]
Demon Servant Slayer
The stats were exceptionally high for his rank. The numbers listed here were what Dale could truly rely on at this mont.
After carefully taking in his status, Dale nodded his head.
I should be on my way.
When Dale stood up from his kneeling position, the form of the goddess dispersed like mist. He then stepped out of the prayer room.
The goddesss voice echoed in the empty room.
[Make sure you win. You must win.]
***
Unlike Dale who was busy running around Kristen was completely at ease.
He stood in front of a mirror and practiced the gestures he would make upon victory.
I have won! Hmm. Thats not quite right. Begone, wicked heathen, back to the dust! Hmm. That might be too grandiose.
While looking at Kristens deanor, a mage from the Magic Tower frowned.
Sir, after researching, it seems your opponent might be described as rather strong, or perhaps unique. In any case, this is soone you should not let down your guard against. I wonder if it is okay to pass your ti like this
Kristen burst out laughing.
Haha. Dont worry. Even if he is strong, a dark knight is but an undead. The fighting style of those who rely half on instinct is quite exciting, but on the other hand, it is far too simplistic. My body shall never be touched by his sword. Rather, let us deliberate together. How might we stage the duel to make it appear more dramatic?
The mages frown deepened even more.
Stage you say. Thats a term more suited for theatre, isnt it?
Youve seen right through . I intend to provide the utmost enjoynt for those watching. It would be quite dull if I were to sever his head with a single strike, wouldnt it?
Unable to hold back any longer, the mage exclaid.
Good heavens! Sir, this duel is of great importance! The Magic Tower did not offer you a substantial sum for you to joke around!
Realizing his outburst, the mage felt a mont of regret.
Kristens expression turned cold.
Joke around? It seems the mage has overstepped his bounds and is now taking kindness for weakness.
..
A deadly aura emanated from Kristen causing the mage to freeze in place.
Knights are the natural enemies of mages.
No matter how powerful a mage might be, they stand little chance against a sword swung up close.
The many tales of knights vanquishing evil mages in ancient stories exist for good reason.
The mage trembled with fear until Kristen finally relaxed his expression and spoke.
Do not worry too much. My victory is almost certain. You sought out for this task while believing in my success, isnt that right?
Th-thats right.
Its rely a bit of entertainnt, nothing more. Prepare yourselves to applaud. I expect a robust applause befitting my show of strength. Ah, and perhaps so magical fireworks to celebrate would be fitting.
. I will see about that.
Mhmm!
Kristen nodded in satisfaction and murmured to himself.
Now, how shall I deal with that creature Ah! Didnt I hear that this undead guy dares to mimic humans? In that case
A brilliant idea struck him. Kristen began to carefully craft his plan.
***
The duel between two knights that would determine the fate of a princess.
Such event beca a sensational topic not just in the outer districts but also in the upper districts and even in the slums outside the city walls.
Speculation was rife about who would erge victorious.
Gossip about the Magic Tower framing an innocent princess had faded into the background and people were no longer interested in that.
It all played into the Magic Towers hands perfectly.
Kristens family also actively promoted the duel.
A battle against a heretic knight was the kind of renown every young knight dread of.
It was said that the rumors of the duel had spread so far and wide that even the busy Emperor showed interest.
Amidst the growing clamor, the day of the duel finally arrived.
The square of District 7.
A huge crowd gathered at this place chosen as the duel location. The crow easily numbered over ten thousand.
rchants looking to profit from the special occasion scattered about the area selling food, while others who were into gambling placed bets on the outco of the duel.
The odds were set at 20 to 1.
The majority were confident in Kristens victory.
That just went to show how heavy the weight of the na Imperial Knights was.
Harkin swallowed hard as he took in the numbers before him.
Then he extended his purse with a determined resolve.
Everything on Sir Dale to win.
Ah, a brave soul indeed.
Hmph. I believe in Sir Dale.
Harkin who spoke confidently glanced around briefly before asking cautiously.
Is it, perhaps, possible to cancel? On second thought, it seems unwise to wager my entire fortune.
Hahaha. No, thats not possible.
Harkins shoulders slumped down but then he straightened up and quickly walked towards where Dale was.
Dale was sitting quietly as he polished his sword while Kayla, Esther, and Harty nearby were all wearing expressions of concern.
Only Dale remained calm as if the matter concerned soone else entirely.
Harkin approached Dale and spoke.
Sir Dale! You must win! I, Harkin, have dedicated my life to serving you. I have my full faith in you.
Stop making a fuss.
Mhmm. Understood.
Harkin was cald by Dales composed deanor. This knight possessed the power to influence the atmosphere around him.
A short while later, Eirek, Fraud, and Elena approached.
Eirek spoke with a stern face.
Im sorry. Its because of us.
Its not particularly because of you. I decided to prove it to myself of my own volition.
Prove it?
Eireks attempt to inquire further was interrupted by Fraud.
Show us the best fight! Flatten that unfortunate knights nose!
Dale completely ignored Frauds words.
And then, Elena hesitantly stepped forward from the back.
Her face was a tapestry of emotions.
Fear. Tension. And guilt.
There was a sense that she might be wondering if, in so way, this situation was her fault even though she was an unequivocal victim.
Dale looked at Elena and thought to himself.
Right. I had also made that promise to Karl.
Dale got up from his seat and spoke to Elena who was trembling with fear.
Do not worry.
Elenas eyes widened. She opened her mouth as if to say sothing.
But just then, the appointed ti arrived.
Kristen entered the square.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Waaah!
Kristen! Kristen!
Good luck!
The reaction was heated. The handso knight waved to the crowd with a smile.
Dale too advanced to the center of the square. However, the crowds reaction was starkly different.
There goes that
Hmm.
Despite the nurous rumors about Dale, he remained the dark knight.
A sinister and fearso heretic knight.
People cast wary glances his way.
This alone made it clear who the protagonist of this event was and who the villain was.
The people hoped for Kristens victory.
Of course, Dale had no reason to et such expectations.
Regardless of what others wanted from Dale or what they expected of him.
Dale was just there to do his job.
Finally, the two knights faced each other in the middle of the square.
Kristen smirked. He brushed his shimring blonde hair with one hand while putting on an air of arrogance.
I personally owe you a debt of gratitude for giving the opportunity to spread my fa like this. I never dread Id see the day when Id be thankful to an undead in my life.
Dale wasnt fond of trash talk before a fight. He knew that battles werent won with words.
Yet he couldnt let certain comnts slide.
I am not undead.
At that, Kristens lips curled into a mocking sneer.
Right. Ive heard you like to mimic humans. A truly despicable act. But lets see how long you can keep up that charade, shall we?
As Dale observed Kristen making these remarks, he thought to himself how much he wanted to crack open his skull. Not taphorically, but literally.
His sword sharpened to a fine edge, had been ticulously polished for just such an occasion.
And soon, things would unfold just as Dale had envisioned.
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