Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Unexpected Duel



"Haha, looks like someone needs a lesson," Elora declared, eyeing Jett, who remained expressionless. "When do we start?" she asked, reaching for one of the swords strapped to her back.

"Right now. But if you're aiming to win, you better go all out," Jett replied, nodding towards the second sword she carried.

Elora's irritation flared at his words, and she turned to Finn. "Blame your friend for what's about to happen to you."

Finn felt a chill run down his spine and quickly pulled Jett aside. "What are you doing? Why are you trying to provoke her? And dragging me into it?"

"Relax and trust yourself. Trust that weapon you obtained earlier," Jett whispered back. "Believe me."

"But can I even win? Her skills are unmatched, even compared to yours," Finn pondered.

"You dense fool... did you bother to read the weapon's description?" Jett sighed, disappointed. "Just read it and stop fretting."

[Midas Spear]

[One of the fourteen great weapons forged by the Gods themselves, each imbued with their blessings and will. Crafted by the Blacksmith God and blessed by Midas to bestow infinite wealth and protection upon its wielder.]

- +70 All round stat boost

- 20% increase in Exp gained

- 50% increased drop rate.

- 20% Probability of getting a better item grade.

- Gold skin with 50% additional defence.

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Special Trait

- Return

- Pocket Save

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[You are have been BOUND to this weapon and therefore no one else can wield it.]

[This weapon shall continue to grow as it accompanies you.]

[Special Quest: Find the Lost Blacksmith God]

[Unique Quest: Find the ancient Midas Temple]

Finn was utterly shocked, "What the he—" he began, but Jett swiftly silenced him with a glare.

"Keep your voice down, you fool," Jett hissed.

Finn couldn't help but ponder the advantage his spear afforded him, caught between a mix of relief and uncertainty.

Ray refocused the attention, outlining the rules. "The first to forfeit or leave the arena is deemed the loser. Disarming also counts as defeat. Magic and skills are prohibited. I'll use a special artifact to simulate damage. If your artifact breaks, you lose.

Understood?"

"Yes," they both chorused in unison.

"Then you may begin," Ray declared, stepping out of their view as the duel officially commenced.

Elora stood her ground, beckoning Finn to make the first move. He wasted no time, launching into an offensive assault.

Due to his weapon's blessing, Elora would have found herself outmatched, with the duel nearly ending within moments. But Jett had different intentions.

With his own motives in mind, Jett had urged Finn to prolong the battle, to showcase Elora's capabilities to the onlookers.

Finn, understanding the plan, held back, dragging out the fight for a reason.

Despite Finn's advantage in weapon length, Elora skillfully parried his thrusts, closing in on him with determination.

As their weapons clashed with resounding force, it became evident to all that these children possessed remarkable skill for their age.

"You're better than I expected. I'll give you that," Elora admitted, a smile playing on her lips. "But don't think for a second I'll let you win."

"I never claimed otherwise!" Finn retorted, discomfort evident in his tone. While Finn appreciated being in the spotlight, this level of scrutiny made him uneasy.

Spectators watched in awe as the young combatants engaged in a fierce exchange. "Are they truly only six years old? Remarkable."

But what truly surprised the onlookers was Finn's ability to hold his own against Elora, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by their group.

Spotting an opening, Finn seized the opportunity, ready to turn the tide of the battle in his favor.

As Jett had orchestrated, he skillfully maneuvered himself to fall backward, narrowly evading a fatal strike.

In the same motion, he positioned his leg against Elora's, causing her to stumble and fall as he rose to his feet.

Before she could regain her footing, Finn had his spear pointed at her, leaving her no choice but to concede defeat.

"Huh? I know he used a trick, but still, Elora lost?" Ray and the spectators watched in astonishment.

"I can't believe this." Aiden was more surprised than anyone, "Sis lost?"

"You little cheat. I put too much money on this so just lose." Evelina yelled at Finn.

"Quite it, he didn't cheat, plus they just started" Asher, not wanting to look away, kept a calm composure as he observed Finn, "Something feels different about him."

"Don't get too excited after resorting to a cheap trick like that. The next round won't be the same," Elora remarked to Finn, her surprise evident despite her words of admonishment.

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Who do you think will win though?

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