Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 111: Pride, the Awakening of a Warrior

With disdain and contempt, Darin coldly fixed his gaze on Sarius. Though he uttered not a word, everyone could sense the simmering anger within the young man.

While it had never been explicitly stated, nor was there any formal regulation, all warriors who had previously participated in the competition had engaged in combat within a twenty-meter radius at the center of the Summer Palace. To ensure that spectators were not disturbed, all seating had to be set back an additional three meters, allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacle without concern.

However, now one of the competitors, Sarius, had retreated beyond the designated combat area, crossing into the buffer zone that separated the arena from the banquet area, and had moved directly in front of a group of noblewomen. This prompted a collective frown from the onlookers.

Regardless of the circumstances, brandishing weapons in front of ladies was an egregious breach of decorum, let alone the potential danger it posed to them. Even though everyone believed that the two combatants would not harm the lovely girls, and despite the presence of royal guards, mages, and priests who were prepared to protect the noble maidens, the situation still elicited discontent among the crowd.

What was wrong with Sarius? Even if he could not defeat a boy with lesser martial skills, surely he could maintain control over his direction! It would be better to concede defeat outright than to appear so foolish!

This was the prevailing sentiment among the spectators, all of whom were astonished by the unfolding scene, except for one person-Sarius himself.

With a long, deep breath, the pressure in Sarius's chest finally eased a bit. As his fighting spirit began to coalesce, the knight from the Maryland province fixed a cold stare on Darin.

"Draw your sword! Let us continue!" Sarius shouted, stepping forward to re-enter the area sanctioned for combat by the nobles.

Draw my sword!? Hmph, do you think you deserve it? With a cold smile, Darin turned his back and slowly walked toward his seat, the sound of his sword, Hargney, sliding back into its sheath echoing in the air.

"Don't walk away! Fight me! We have yet to determine a victor!" Sarius exclaimed, momentarily stunned, as the knight, having regained his composure, was determined to exact revenge on the boy who had humiliated him. Yet, Darin's silent retreat was something Sarius could not accept.

Only victory could allow the nobles to forget how he had gained a moment's respite. Only by making his opponent suffer greater humiliation could he restore his own reputation! With this thought, Sarius's shouts grew louder.

"Are you afraid? Do you not wish to prove your knightly honor and bravery? Or do you admit that you are a coward?"

The challenge echoed throughout the Summer Palace, but no matter how much Sarius yelled, Darin did not falter. The young man simply held his head high, step by step making his way to his seat. Those who beheld his youthful yet resolute face saw not only deep pride but also disdain for his adversary.

This pride and disdain were so profound that even those nobles facing Darin could perceive it. Even those seated across the hall, who could only see his back and profile, gradually sensed the stark contrast of emotions. Sarius, who continued to shout, also became aware of the young man's pride and contempt.

That damned bastard! How dare he! How dare he! I cannot allow him to simply walk away!

An uncontrollable fury ignited within Sarius, a conflagration of resentment, jealousy, and bitterness, mingled with the basest of human emotions. In this tumultuous state, Sarius suddenly let out a roar, raising his sword and lunging at Darin's back.