Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 78: The Glory of a Warrior

Hah-done! So what if your martial skills are superior? So what if your energy is stronger? Without the experience of life-and-death battles, without the unwavering spirit of a warrior, without the resolve to face death, you will be beaten like a drowned rat!

Casting a glance at the thoroughly unconscious guard knight, Darn lifted his head, his icy gaze locking onto the astonished Prince Kexley, then sweeping over the 'peacocks' beside him. Faced with Darn's unabashed, disdainful glare, the once boisterous nobles quickly averted their eyes.

"Hmph, a shameless wretch who can only boast!" Darn spat, his voice low yet clear enough for all to hear. Amidst the gazes of students, teachers, servants, soldiers, and the prince alongside several noble youths, Darn descended from the training ground.

"Your Highness, I apologize; your guard knight's skills are formidable, and I truly could not hold back. My sincerest apologies." With insincerity dripping from his words, Darn bowed to Prince Kexley. "Now, may I take my leave?"

"...No! That display was simply too spectacular! I would very much like to see such a performance again, so, Sir Darn, please spar with another one of my guard knights!" Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Prince Kexley's expression shifted for a moment before he uttered words that astonished everyone, sparking a flurry of discussion.

Without a word or action, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around him, Darn simply stared at Prince Kexley, his eyes gleaming with intensity. Under Darn's unwavering gaze, the prince inexplicably felt a surge of agitation.

"What is it? Do you have a problem?" Prince Kexley inquired, his tone unconsciously softening.

"I do!" Darn's voice was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable undercurrent of anger.

"Mm!?" Prince Kexley was taken aback.

"I am a knight, humble, honorable, sacrificial, brave, compassionate, honest, spirited, and just. Regardless of how others perceive me, I shall uphold these virtues for my country, for my people, for my family, and for my soul..."

What does he mean? What is he implying? The prince and the noble youths suddenly wore grim expressions.

"Yet a knight requires more than just these virtues; as a warrior, I possess my own pride, dignity, and perseverance!"

"I followed the banner, alongside General Mattheus, and gazed upon the snow-capped peaks of the Asus Mountains from afar. Though many perished along the way, we remained proud and unyielding, for we are warriors of the Wild Lion Legion, and we did all that we could!"

"What does it matter if we were defeated? We charged into the vast Naglan Prairie, rushing toward the orc's sacred ground. General Mattheus and every member of the Wild Lion Legion knew it was a perilous endeavor, yet we pressed on without hesitation!"

"What does it matter if the legion is reduced to a mere handful of warriors? As long as the banner remains, as long as the courageous heart endures, the Wild Lion Legion, which once trampled countless orc tribes and forced them to fight with all their might, shall rise again!"

"What does it matter if General Mattheus has lost his energy and become a shell of his former self? If the orcs invade once more, I firmly believe the general will not cower but will don his armor again and charge into battle, even without his energy and martial prowess!"

Darn spoke slowly, his voice steady, yet every word resonated clearly with those around him. Though he spoke without haste, each listener absorbed his words deeply. As Darn's solemn yet resolute declaration unfolded, an unexpected radiance seemed to emanate from the sixteen-year-old youth, a brilliance so striking that it stirred feelings of inadequacy within the hearts of those present, making them feel unworthy to meet his gaze.