31 Survived (1/2)

I was freed from my bindings and an area was promptly cleared for our duel, they stripped me of all my armor and clothing except for my pants and boots. I guess they wanted to make this was as ”fair” as possible. It didn't matter to me, I was confident enough in my unarmed combat Lvl, but even still I was worried.

An assortment of beastmen, wolf-men, and others of the demon ranks encircled us. There were wagers made and bets were placed, It seemed that the bettings were not in my favor, I have no idea why. I think I make for a pretty good underdog, I would bet at least 1 gold on me, these beastmen are too biased.

Rett walked back and forth hyping up the onlookers, I paid no heed to him, instead I prepared myself for the approaching fight. There were a few things that I had to be wary of, first is the fact that he's not only a wolf-man but also a member of the most powerful beastman clan, the Moon Claws. The second fact is that he's the head of the Moon Claw clan, how is this important?

Well, to be the head of the clan you have to be part of the royal lineage, but the chieftain can be challenged at any point by any of the members of the clan and if you are defeated in battle, then the royal family is replaced by the family of the victor and the previous chieftain and their family has to serve the other faithfully.

The importance lies in the fact that he still is the head of the Moon Claw's clan, he's led the clan after his father's death and has remained the head by his own strength. I don't know whos challenged him or how many people have challenged him, but he is strong enough to remain in the position he's been given. I need to be careful, I cannot risk underestimating him, and If I do then I've already relinquished my life.

I review all of my options, I can't use magic, I don't have any weapons, they took my armor, and I'll be fighting him on his terms at the type of combat he's best at. A great challenge to be sure, It's not like I haven't faced worse threats before, like at Valdora. But I was only able to defeat that archdemon because it was a bad matchup for him. He was used to killing weak foes from afar with magic, it was a miracle that he was too arrogant to back down from my provocation. If he would have decided to start casting spells, then I don't think I would last a minute.

I'm matched against an experienced close-ranged fighter that has already marked me for death, I don't know what I'll do, but I have to win. I have no other option, I'm backed up in a corner and all my tools have been ripped away. I have nowhere to run and nothing to do but fight, but can I succeed with only my skill and experience left to aid me? Can I succeed when everyone else has abandoned me and I have nothing to support myself except my own hands and my desire to live? I don't know, I may die here, but I will die fighting for my dreams. For Sir Richard, Aliece, my squad, and....

I looked at Lili, she was restrained by two wolf-men flanking either side of her, she felt my gaze and tried to meet it with a word of apology formed on the edge of her lips. I never saw it, I turned away, the gash of betrayal burning deeply in my chest, keeping me from baring to look at her. I wouldn't do this for Lili, to me, I died to her when she allowed me to be dragged away in chains.

I steeled myself and approached the center of the dirt circle and waited for Rett to quit communing with his men. I wish he would talk me a little more seriously, it's like he has no doubt in his mind that he'll beat me, the bets aren't even if I'll win, it's how long I'll last. So far most people are saying a minute, I wish I could bet on myself so I would be the only one to win anything. I smiled to myself thinking, ”I'll need a lot more than confidence to win this fight.”

Rett finally noticed my presence, although he didn't seem to publicly acknowledge me, he only approached the circle and said. ”Let's hurry and finish this, I have 10 gold on you not lasting past a minute.” I grinned spitefully at him and announced to the broker managing the bets and said. ”I got my purse of gold and set of armor on me, to win.” Rett looked away indifferently, but I saw the muscles in his jaw tensed.

One of Rett's lackeys approached us and explained the rules since this is officially a duel. He said. ”This will be an unarmed brawl to the death, there are no rules besides only harm each other. If you injure a bystander, then you will immediately be killed. This is a fight to the death, do both of you understand?” I nodded seriously and Rett nodded with a grin saying. ”Let's see how long you last Christian, but just know I'm going to enjoy riping that sharp tongue from your throat.”

The lackey raised his hand and said, ”Ready,” He waited a moment, then backed away saying ”Fight!” The years of training and time of fighting on the front line instantly sharpened my senses, tensing my muscles for a sudden burst of movement. But even with my heightened senses, I was barely able to raise my arms to block Rett's attack. He quickly closed the gap throwing powerful jabs at me, testing my defenses.

The force of each punch reverberated through my bones, making them start to feel numb. I retreated several steps, but Rett didn't relent, he threw a plethora of blows at me, testing my defenses and reactions. But his face was stuck in a sadistic smile, taking pleasure in every wince of pain I made, he was enjoying this.

I avoided a punch aimed at my throat and raised my arm to deliver a blow before he recovered from overextending himself. He raised his hands to deflect it, I smiled. Quickly I brought my leg up, kicking at his exposed head. He reacted quickly, catching my leg with one hand, pulling me closer, he brought his fist swiftly into my stomach.

I was launched several feet and the breath was completely knocked from me, I tried to get up quickly, but fell to my knee unable to stand. My legs felt weak and buckled under my own weight, Rett jumped up and down around my punching the air in mock combat saying. ”Get up Christian, you still have 23 seconds to do something. I'll beat you before a minute is up, but I can't let it be that short. Honestly, I thought you would have at least some skill to match that arrogance.” He taunted. Fury burned within me, but I fought it back. I can't lose my head, not here.

I buckled to the ground holding my stomach, discretely grabbing a handful of dirt, making it look like I used my hand to brace myself on the ground to keep from collapsing. Rett drew closer raising his foot to crush before I could recover, I smiled at the ground and threw the dirt at the apex of his kick.