LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 82
Chapter 82: The Nest of Intrigue (6)
“Are you really serious about this, big brother?”
“Would I joke about something like this at an event like this?”
“No, but still…”
“I don’t mind.”
Martin spoke up, answering in Claudia’s stead. He understood her concerns.
This banquet was not only meant to celebrate Claudia’s birthday, but it also had another purpose: to publicly announce the alliance between her and Martin.
If he showed weakness against Richard in front of everyone, it wouldn’t only damage his reputation—it would drag Claudia’s down with him.
Avoiding the duel would indeed be the safer option.
However, Martin had a simple reason for accepting.
Just as he was hailed as the most talented figure since the founder of the Adalbert family, Richard was also recognized as one of the most exceptional members of the Altaria royal family in its history. Martin wanted to see for himself the extent of Richard’s skill and talent.
Of course, he was aware that this would reveal information about his own abilities and fighting style. That’s why he had refused when Elder Heinz Schwarzenbeck suggested a duel earlier.
‘But this is different.’
He knew a clash with Heinz was inevitable. To reveal his abilities to an opponent he would soon fight would have been foolish. On the other hand, there was no immediate conflict with Richard or his faction.
‘Though he acts as if he moves on whims, Richard is incredibly cautious as the leader of a faction. He won’t act unless he’s certain of an opportunity or feels his position is at risk.’
Either way, it would take time before they clashed. By then, both of their abilities would likely have evolved.
A light exchange now wouldn’t cause any problems.
“However, I do have a suggestion.”
“Go on.”
“The purpose of this duel is to liven up the mood, correct?”
“Indeed.”
“Then let’s keep it light. No serious injuries.”
“I agree. I don’t want anyone getting hurt on such a joyous occasion either. I’ll abide by your request.”
With that, Richard started walking toward the garden behind the palace.
Jurgen Ferdinand sighed before following him.
The members of the 1st Prince’s faction, their faces brimming with confidence, also moved to follow.
Claudia, looking worried, turned to Martin.
“Are you sure this is okay, young lord? I know how strong you are, and your genius even surpasses my brother’s. But my big brother reached the 7th Circle years ago. He could reach the 8th Circle at any moment.”
“You know as well as I do, Your Highness, that a battle isn’t determined solely by the level of one’s abilities.”
“I know, but still…”
“Don’t worry. What you fear won’t happen.”
“Haa. You really are impossible.”
“Well, now that we’re allied, that’s something you’ll have to get used to.”
Martin gave her a small smile, but Claudia’s expression didn’t relax.
The nobles who followed the 1st Princess also appeared uneasy.
Martin, however, paid them no mind.
‘Let’s make sure the 2nd Prince’s side takes a hit too.’
His eyes turned toward Theodore and the nobles around him.
While Theodore looked grim, the others were openly sneering.
‘I wonder if they’ll still have that expression later.’
With that thought, Martin headed toward the garden.
—
Martin and Richard stood facing each other, maintaining a certain distance.
They had agreed to keep it light, but that didn’t mean Martin could let his guard down.
Richard Altaria was a powerhouse who had reached the 7th Circle.
Additionally, there was his innate ability, Attraction Domination, which was unique to the direct descendants of the Altaria royal family.
It was a gravity-based power, and its potential danger was comparable to Martin’s own Spatial Domination.
Woom.
Martin opened his subspace and drew forth the Holy Sword Karadyl, gripping its hilt firmly.
‘I’d like to test my Rothar Martial Art, but…’
The Altaria royal family had always excelled in martial arts. Martin was curious to see how effective his martial arts would be against them, but he held back.
This wasn’t the time to satisfy his curiosity.
However, he wasn’t disappointed.
Before his regression, he had never fought Richard. Now, he finally had the chance.
That alone was satisfying.
Flash!
A golden aura blade enveloped Karadyl’s blade.
Not one to be outdone, Richard also activated his mana, and a deep green aura blade covered his arms.
With both fighters ready, Nicholas von Royce stepped forward.
Given that the duel was between the factions of the 1st Prince and 1st Princess, it was only fitting that someone neutral presided over it.
Nicholas, being from the 2nd Prince’s faction and a 7th Circle powerhouse, was the perfect candidate.
Only someone of his caliber could manage a clash between two 7th Circle warriors.
“If either of you sustains serious injuries or if your opponent’s weapon reaches a vital point, the match will end. Under no circumstances should you threaten your opponent’s life. Please keep this in mind.”
“Understood.”
“I’ll comply.”
Richard and Martin both responded.
Nicholas lightly tapped his right foot on the ground.
Whoosh!
A white light rose, forming a massive barrier that surrounded the garden.
No matter how intense the fight became, the barrier would prevent any stray energy from affecting the spectators.
“You may begin.”
At Nicholas’ declaration, Richard was the first to move, kicking off the ground.
Though he could have immediately used his innate ability, he chose not to.
He was curious to see the pure swordsmanship of Martin, the man hailed as a genius.
Martin immediately caught on to his intent.
‘He’s really living an easy life.’
It was enviable, in a way, to be able to act on impulse like that.
Martin made up his mind.
He would play along—for now.
“Hah!”
Just as Martin came to that decision, Richard had already closed the distance.
His right fist shot forward, a green aura blade flaring like flames around it.
Boom!
The sound of the air tearing apart echoed as Richard’s fist came within inches of Martin’s face.
If Martin had taken a direct hit from that punch, it was certain that he would have been severely injured.
‘But, of course, that’s not going to happen.’
Richard expected as much, and his prediction turned out to be correct.
Martin swiftly drew a circle with the Holy Sword Karadyl, intercepting Richard’s punch head-on.
BOOOOM!
A deafening explosion reverberated through the air, loud enough to rupture eardrums.
The shockwave that followed rippled outward, shaking the barrier that Nicholas had formed.
Richard, however, wasn’t deterred. He immediately ducked and followed up with a powerful uppercut from his left fist, aiming straight for Martin’s chin.
In response, Martin brought the Holy Sword Karadyl down in a chopping motion, blocking Richard’s attack.
BOOM!
Another loud crash erupted as the ground beneath them cratered under the force of their clash.
Whoosh!
Pivoting on his left foot, Martin swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for Richard’s side. But Richard was not idle. He lifted his knee, enveloped in a green aura blade, to block the strike head-on.
Martin clicked his tongue in admiration.
‘His fighting style is nothing like his appearance suggests.’
Richard looked every bit the classic noble prince. Martin had expected him to fight in a more elaborate, graceful manner. But in reality, his combat style was simple and direct.
While predictable, Richard’s speed and raw power made his attacks difficult to counter.
BANG!
Richard, while blocking the attack, immediately followed up with a right punch.
Martin deftly drew another circle with his sword, deflecting the punch, and then leaped backward to create some distance between them.
“I suppose we’re warmed up now?”
“I’d say so.”
Martin’s question was met with a nod from Richard.
That could only mean one thing—they were now free to use their innate abilities.
Once again, Richard made the first move, extending his left hand toward Martin.
Whiiirrr!
Green energy surged from Richard, wrapping around Martin’s body and pulling him toward him at high speed.
‘So this is the power of Attraction,’ Martin thought with a slight frown.
The green energy gripped him tightly, and though it wasn’t a pleasant sensation, Martin could tell the pressure was immense. Most people would find it nearly impossible to escape.
‘But I’m not most people.’
Martin fixed his gaze on Richard.
He noticed Richard tightening his right fist, ready to strike the moment Martin got close enough.
However, Martin effortlessly foiled Richard’s plan.
Wooooom.
Using Spatial Movement, Martin teleported away to a different spot.
‘So it’s true that he’s overcome the Dragon’s Curse to some extent,’ Richard observed, his eyes narrowing as he carefully watched Martin.
In less than two seconds, Martin had perfectly executed Spatial Movement. It was clear the Dragon’s Curse, which caused debilitating pain during such abilities, was no longer an issue for him.
In that brief moment, Martin reappeared behind Richard, swiftly bringing down the Holy Sword Karadyl, enhanced by Spatial Slash.
BOOOM!
Richard, who had anticipated the move, spun around and raised his right fist to meet the attack.
The sword and fist collided with a powerful explosion, sending shockwaves throughout the area.
“Ugh!”
“Argh!”
Cries of pain erupted from the spectators.
Though Nicholas’ barrier had absorbed the brunt of the physical damage, the residual shockwaves still reached the onlookers, shaking them to the core.
“Powerful gravity interferes even with space… I suppose that’s why facing Attraction Domination is such a nuisance,” Martin remarked.
“It’s no wonder the founder of the Adalbert family lost to the first Emperor,” Richard replied.
Whooooom!
Richard’s aura surged even more intensely.
His right fist, slowly but surely, began to push back against Martin’s sword.
“You know this as well as I do, young lord. Spatial Domination excels in versatility, but Attraction Domination is superior in raw power. The force of gravity makes it so.”
Crack.
As Richard finished speaking, cracks began to form in the golden aura blade surrounding Karadyl.
Though the cracks were small, it was clear that Richard’s aura had a higher degree of mastery.
But Martin, unfazed, simply smiled.
“Come now, Your Highness, we both know that at our level, there’s no such thing as a true advantage with innate abilities.”
Shiiiiing!
The golden aura surrounding Karadyl shone brilliantly, instantly mending the cracks.
“In the end, it’s all about who wins. That’s all that matters.”
Martin grinned.
Richard was nearing the pinnacle of the 7th Circle, ready to break through to the 8th Circle at any moment.
In fact, in the timeline before Martin’s regression, Richard had succeeded in reaching the 8th Circle just two years from now.
However, even when Martin had reached the 8th Circle, he was already recognized as the Sword Saint, able to rival those who had reached even higher levels of mastery.
Richard, on the other hand, had never achieved such a feat.
It was time to show the difference.
Chills.
The moment Martin’s aura blade blazed with radiant light, Richard felt a cold shiver run through his entire body.
It was as if the man before him had transformed into a living sword.
‘So this is where the real fight begins.’
Richard’s smile widened in genuine excitement.
TL Note: Rate us on NOVEL UPDATES