125 Duel (1/2)

Of all the idiotic things to say to me—who cared about some macho-man drivel like that when I was trying to save my friends?

I narrowed my eyes at the muscle-bound idiot in front of me, determined not to let him push me around. I'd had enough of that, really.

\”I'd like you to hear me out, sir,\” I said, feigning calm despite the simmering annoyance I felt inside. \”My unit needs—\”

\”—I don't care what your unit needs… You're an eyesore. Go away now, boy,\” he replied in a tone that said this conversation had just ended.

I'd faced off against great generals before. Darah, in particular trained me on almost nightly basis when I was still living under her roof, a routine she'd passed on to Azuma who had a fighting spirit to match hers, so I wasn't the least bit afraid by this half-elf who was disrespecting me out of spite for his relations.

\”Will you please listen to me!\” I said, raising my voice.

It got the reaction I'd hoped for.

Garm narrowed his eyes at me, the kind of narrowing that would have once caused me to take steps back. Behind him, his soldiers had suddenly shifted formation, stepping closer toward us with their training weapons at the ready.

In hindsight, I might have gotten more than I'd bargained for, but there was no use backing down now. I'd faced men like Garm before. Strength could only respect strength, not that I had much of that.

I stood my ground and didn't flinch as he glared back at me.

\”Well?\” Garm asked after a minute of glaring had passed. \”You asked to speak, now speak.\”

I breathed in a sigh of relief before saying, \”I would like your permission to allow the Foolhardies to cross past your blockade and into the Westersand Desert so—\”

\”—Denied,\” he interrupted again.

I expected this type of pushback once I'd mentioned the desert so I was at least prepared to bargain, but not even getting to that point was frustrating beyond reason.

\”You haven't heard my reasons—\”

\”—I don't need to hear your silly reasons for wanting to break the fragile peace we've manage to create in this region by crossing over into enemy territory and getting yourself killed,\” he explained. \”What would my poor niece say if let her pet die?\”

\”I'm not going to die!\” I fired back.

\”Oh, really?\” There was a spark of interest in Garm's eyes now, the kind a lion has when its prey tries to fight back. \”How about we test this vaunted strength I've been hearing a lot about recently.\”

Garm hefted his broadsword over his shoulder. Then he turned around and walked away from me, stopping only after he'd made ten long strides. Then he turned me face me again.

\”You're surrounded by warriors,\” he said, glancing once more to my companions, ending with Azuma. \”Surely they follow you because of this strength of yours?\”

\”I've definitely gotten stronger since I first came to the Fayne,\” I said, admitting something out loud that I'd only been considering in my head for so long.

All my near-death fights with all those opponents who'd tried to take my life had certainly helped to make me feel more confident in my abilities.

\”A test of strength then…\” Garm said, grinning. \”If you survive my attack, then I may consider listening further to your request.\”

\”Dean—\”

\”Dean—\”

Both Edo and Luca called for me, but I raised my hand for quiet. It wouldn't do to show hesitation now.

\”Just to be clear… you're going to attack me and if I successfully block or endure it then you'll seriously consider my request?\” I clarified.

Garm nodded. \”I am a fairy my word.\”

\”Alright, Great General Garm,\” I said, reaching down for my falchion. \”Let the bullying commence.\”

I pulled my falchion from its sheath, and the shadowblade sprang forth, emanating its unique blue glow.

Garm raised an eyebrow at my sword.

\”Interesting weapon you have there, boy.\” Garm raised his greatsword forward with a single hand, showing off a strength that could rival Edo's, maybe even Darah. \”I think I'll keep it after I cut off your arm.\”

\”Yeah-yeah,\” I said, before glancing back at my friends. \”You guys step back. This might get a little dangerous.\”

Azuma, being the teacher he was, spared me a verbal lesson before he joined the others in stepping back.

\”I fear not the man who has practiced ten thousand kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick ten thousand times,\” he quoted.