Chapter 310: First Duel (1/2)

”Wha—” Moby mumbled under his breath.

Artorias's duel request seemingly came out of nowhere. He had just saved him from those two and now here he was challenging him to a fight.

Part of him thought that this was a perfect opportunity to see where he would stack up. There was no one watching them so he might be able to use more techniques and he would not have much of a loss in reputation when he loses.

But, at the same time, what was the point in all of that? If he fought him now, he might not have the chance to find time to contact his friends back on earth. He was more than certain that with his current power, even if he used his spirit mode, he would not even be able to bait out his ability. He would need to use sin mode to force it out of him, and for a simple spar, would it even be worth it to expose such a thing? It might cause some problems.

No, even if he used his sin mode, by looking at the man in front of him he seemed completely calm. Sin mode's emotion-sucking might not be so effective, even if he did sense hints of oddity coming from him.

”So… Kane… What will it be? I am patiently awaiting your response!” Artorias smiled brightly, asking his question once more.

”*sigh* I'm sorry Artorias, but you think too highly of me. I've only got 1 year of experience with my ability and I know for a fact I am no match for you. Besides, I had other things planned for today… I'm sorry,”

”Oh! Come on! It's just a simple spar! It will not take too long!”

”...”

The air stood still, Artorias's expression turning more serious.

”I see… So, you are the kind of person who only fights knowing they will win… Or, when you know you'll get something out of it…”

”Well… Yeah… What's wrong with that?”

”Fine… I'll play your little game… 10 seconds… If you survive for 60 seconds then I concede. I'll even use my ability, and we will both use standard weapons from the military. But, no spirit mode. You said you're low on time, and your reward will be that you get to see my ability.  As an added bonus, if you win I'll tell you exactly who I am and what my true mission is. You must go all out! If you lose it will simply be your loss. Fair trade right?”

Moby thought about it slightly before he made up his mind and smiled.

”Sounds good! Those conditions are lovely.”

Already, Moby had failure in his mind. He had no intentions of using his sin-mode for a simple spar as even then victory was not guaranteed. He was going to get the simple reward of seeing his ability and that was it. He could not allow himself to be reckless, recklessness was what led to his agony.

”Very well! Then Prepare yourself!” An odd aura of light overcame Artorias's entire body, a light forming and flowing around his palms until it came into the form of what could only be described as a bastard sword with the intensity of something devine, like it was Excalibur itself.

”So… This must be your ability… Impressive…” Moby grinned, pulling out a standard military katana from thin air, transforming into his blackened spirit mode once more, eyes of sin fully active.

*Ding*

Suddenly, a sound came from Moby's watch, making him look down only to see exactly what he expected. A duel request with all the conditions stated, which Moby quickly read.”

”Accept it so we could start. After you do, there will be a count down until we begin.”

”I see… Well, let's get this over with…” Moby's remark incited a certain look from Artorias, which he didn't notice due to looking down at his watch.

[ Accept ]

[ 3 ]

[ 2 ]

[ 1 ]

[ START ]

Immediately, Moby went for the defensive approach, doing exactly what he did with Lisvern by creating clones to buy time and distract his opponent.