manynovel Chapter 160 The New Champion
Chapter 160 The New Champion
Chapter 160 The New Champion
Insole Island is a continental island in the western part of the kingdom, named for its shape resembling an insole.
This island has excellent geographical conditions; it is located northwest of the Blois peninsula, directly north of the southern community of the permafrost continent.
It is located at the entrance to the Weeping Gorge and is also the starting point of the three northern routes from the Sea of Despair to the New World.
Therefore, maritime trade flourished, and the island's specialty salted cheese was already a well-known product, favored by many nobles.
Its military value is equally significant.
Especially after the navigators discovered the New World, if they wanted to send a fleet westward, this continental island would undoubtedly be the first choice for their rear base.
Achilles tendon port is the largest and wealthiest port on Insole Island.
It is also the center of the entire island. Duke Collins is the master of all the subjects of this port, and the Collins family has been the lord of Insole Island since the founding of the Kingdom of Great Classic.
Dick has been on the island with Earl Hubert for half a month.
His biggest impression was that cheese was added to all the food here.
Although he found the food novel at first, Dick got tired of it if he ate it every day.
But a knight cannot complain all the time, so Dick always just ate quietly without making any comments.
Dick felt that the Earl was not very used to the local food either, since the loyal dog was eating at a rate more than half as slowly as it had when they were in the castle in the port.
Just like today, it took the loyal dog a full half hour to finish all the food on its plate.
Then, he led Dick to the guest room upstairs.
Logically speaking, when Earl Hubert visits the territory of another noble in the kingdom, even without a formal reception, the lord of that place should at least prepare a comfortable and spacious guest room for his loyal dog in his castle.
No matter how you look at it, it was really impolite to let the adults rent a hotel outside the castle on their own.
However, these are special times, and Dick understands that the Duke of Collins had no other choice.
Now that all sorts of important figures have gathered in Achilles tendon harbor, Duke Collins probably has no time to care about the feelings of his loyal dog—this middle-class nobleman from the outskirts of the harbor.
But Earl Hubert accepted the arrangement without complaint or objection.
Back in his room, Count Hubert stood by the window and looked out.
The weather on Shoe Pad Island has been great lately, with clear skies and a few grey and white seabirds gliding across the azure sea.
Earl Hubert may have been admiring the view, but Dick was staring at the back of the loyal dog.
The loyal dog was wearing that olive-colored armor, one hand resting on the windowsill, the other hanging straight down.
Dick remembered that ever since the day the loyal dog asked him to help him put on his armor, he had never worn ordinary clothes again.
It's like being ready for battle at any time.
At the same time, the loyal dog communicates with the outside world more frequently and spends more time training.
Moreover, they not only practice sword swinging, but also connect moves and even martial arts techniques.
Occasionally, he would have Dick spar with him.
Di Ke had been looking forward to this for a long time, so he gladly drew his sword and went all out.
It wasn't until then that Dick realized just how powerful a loyal dog truly is.
No matter what methods he tried to use to attack the loyal dog, he never succeeded.
However, if the loyal dog attacks him on its own initiative, he is always caught off guard.
The knights will not be discouraged by temporary setbacks. Dick will treat these as experiences and keep them in mind so that he can do better next time.
Although Dick wanted to grow through sparring with the loyal dog.
But he also understood that the purpose of a loyal dog was not to train him.
Although he didn't know the specific reason, Dick still guessed something.
The person who could make the loyal dog go to such lengths, even to the point of going all out, was none other than the infamous pirate and villainous navigator.
It was that man who made the loyal dog put on his armor again, get him back on the longship, and sail to the present-day Insole Island.
The loyal dog was naturally there to deal with the navigator, and the fact that he made so many preparations to deal with that pirate shows that even the loyal dog wasn't confident he could take down the navigator.
Dick couldn't help but wonder what kind of pirate the navigator was, and what kind of grudge existed between him and Earl Hubert.
Count Hubert suddenly withdrew his hand, left the window, and sat down on a cushioned square chair.
Although it was just a hotel, its furnishings and decor were better than any hotel Dick had ever seen.
Therefore, he suspected that the Duke of Collins had not simply dismissed any nobles; he had personally arranged rooms in all the hotels.
So that visitors can sleep comfortably.
Arranging for Lord Hubert to stay outside the castle was probably just a helpless measure taken because there weren't enough rooms inside the castle.
The count closed his eyes to rest for half a minute in his chair. When he opened them, he stared intently at Dick and asked:
"Did you have a full lunch?"
Dick nodded: "Yes, sir."
"But you can't eat too much either," Hubert said. "You should eat in moderation, otherwise you'll easily get a stomachache. After all, you still have a fight to fight later, and your condition is very important."
"I didn't eat too much, and I should be able to digest it before the competition."
The "battle" mentioned by the loyal dog and the "competition" mentioned by Dick both refer to the same thing—the martial arts tournament being held at Achilles tendon port.
Because many people had not yet arrived and it might take a long time, the Duke of Collins funded this tournament to give the soldiers and nobles some time to pass the time.
However, the response was quite positive.
The intense, blood-soaked battles fascinate and captivate almost every man.
Dick was no exception; he had heard countless tales and legends about the arena and couldn't help but wish for a page dedicated to praising himself.
But he is a loyal servant, and he should serve his master. A proper rider should always keep his attention focused on his master.
Instead of pursuing empty titles and reputations that are all show and no substance.
However, the loyal dog took the initiative to suggest that Dick participate in the tournament.
The fact that the loyal dog never went to watch the fight suggests that he wasn't interested in seeing Dick's fighting skills.
Moreover, the loyal dog had already witnessed this when the two first met.
Could it be to train Dick? While that makes sense, Dick thought it was unlikely.
After all, based on Dick's understanding of Hubert, the loyal dog should also believe that training is a personal matter and it's impossible for him to be specially trained by Dick.
So even now, Dick is still unsure of the loyal dog's purpose in making this arrangement.
Hubert nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Dick, then asked as if casually:
"If I remember correctly, today is the last day, right?"
"Yes," Dick nodded, "the top four in the individual competition have been determined, and the champion will be decided in just three matches."
"Really? —" The loyal dog paused for a moment, "Do your best, and I'll be watching the game today."
Dick was understandably angry upon hearing this, but it took him a moment to react. He immediately stood up straight and quickly replied:
"yes!"
"But do you understand your opponents?"
"I've seen a few of their fights," Dick replied. "There are some formidable fighters among them."
"That's natural. After all, the port is now filled with people from all over the world, and there must be some formidable individuals among them."
The loyal dog suddenly narrowed its eyes.
"But what I want to ask is, besides that, what else have you learned?"
Dick Eyebrows: "Besides?"
"I told you, Buchanan, intelligence is a powerful yet easily overlooked force," the Count replied. "If you want to win, you must increase your chances of success as much as possible. Gathering intelligence from outside the arena is an effective way to do that."
Although the loyal dog is Dick's servant's master, and the servant is required to obey the master's orders, he should not blindly believe in the master's ideas.
He argued, "Victory is not my only goal; the experience gained in battle is also invaluable."
Besides, this is a fair and square duel, a battle between knights, and should not be tainted by trickery.
"Hmph!" Loyal Dog Shan chuckled. "I'll tentatively agree with the first half of your statement. But there's no such thing as a fair fight; that's not a knight's fight, and you're certainly not a knight. As for gathering intelligence, there's no question of deception."
"Nevertheless, I still believe I did nothing wrong."
After he finished speaking, Dick felt Earl Hubert's deep gaze, which made him a little uneasy.
After an unknown amount of time, the loyal dog finally spoke:
"Only the victor deserves to define justice, Buchanan. Remember this: victory is the foundation of everything."
"My lord, I understand, but—this is my first martial arts tournament. I hope to be the last one standing, but I also hope that I win by my own strength."
After another pause, the loyal dog said:
"A naive idea. However, being naive once in a while is harmless. But Buchanan, you must abandon naivety as soon as possible, or you will surely be harmed by it."
"Yes, sir," Dick bowed to the loyal dog.
"But regardless of whether you want a 'just' battle, the other side may not adhere to fairness. If you want to embrace naivety..."
There should be limits; don't expect the other person to be a gentleman, and be prepared for them to cheat.
Dick was certainly not that naive, but there was no need to argue about it either. He nodded and said:
"I understand, sir."
The loyal dog then asked, "How far have you progressed in your study of the things in that book?"
Hubert was asking about the book Annie had given Dick, "How to Train Your Dragon: The Fitness Manual".
Dick had lent this book to the Earl, but a few days later, the lord returned it to Dick.
Count Hubert seemed unable to master the moves in the book, but why did Dick learn them so easily after just a few tries?
The loyal dog said that perhaps everyone's talents and suitable abilities are different.
Although he was also interested in the power of books, he was not obsessed with it. He felt that his family's martial arts style was enough to rival any extraordinary warrior, and he did not have much desire for other abilities.
But he also told Dick that the power in this book was extraordinary, and since Dick had the talent to learn it, he should not waste his talent and should make studying this book the focus of his self-training.
Dick rarely heard advice from his loyal dog, but every time, it was undoubtedly heartfelt.
He believed the adults wouldn't lie to him, so he followed the count's advice and began to study and work on the book more diligently.
Besides, even if the loyal dog didn't say anything, he would definitely finish reading the book.
This was an effort he had to make in order to marry Anne.
Dick nodded: "I've become much more proficient than before, and I've learned a few new moves, but it's still a long way from completely mastering that book."
"Don't rush. Cultivation is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Progress proves that you haven't been slacking off."
The loyal dog nodded.
"Moreover, even though you only possess a portion of the power, I believe it will be enough for you to win the upcoming tournament—even if you are too honest and your opponents resort to some tricks."
Dick was taken aback: "Sir, you mean you want me to use the power from the book in the competition?"
"If the other party is capable of making you resort to these methods."
“But this power is too great,” Dick frowned. “From what I’ve observed, they might not be able to handle it if I use it.”
"Don't be so arrogant, Buchanan. You have your trump cards, but don't you think the other side has them too?"
The loyal dog sternly rebuked,
"Besides, since that's a skill you've mastered, why can't you use it? If you conceal your abilities, even if the opponent wins, it might not be glorious. What honor would Wen have to speak of?"
"This is disrespectful to your opponent. When have I ever instructed you? Is the Cavalier such an arrogant and disdainful person?"
Do you remember the virtues of a knight?
Hearing this reprimand, Dick belatedly realized his mistake and lowered his head deeply.
"Humility, honesty, compassion, courage, justice, sacrifice, honor, and soul. Sir, I know I was wrong. I will respect my opponent, give it my all, and strive for victory."
The loyal dog simply responded expressionlessly, and Dick couldn't discern its true feelings.
Dick also realized how difficult it was to maintain a patriotic heart at all times.
If one relaxes even slightly, one may unknowingly commit acts that violate the rules of riding a horse.
Dick realized that his training was far from sufficient, and the loyal dog indeed did not let him go.
The loyal dog would remind and correct him if he did anything wrong.
He finally understood the way to train a loyal dog. He was like a gardener, letting the potted plant grow freely, only intervening when necessary to prevent the branches from growing crooked.
However, Dick was also curious about something else: the loyal dog never asked Dick to do anything, especially anything outside of his duties as a servant.
Right now, he seems to really want Dick to win the final victory.
So he asked, "Sir, why do you want me to win?"
The loyal dog glanced at Dick and asked, "Is it not allowed?"
“No—it’s just that this doesn’t seem like something you would do,” Dick said. “I guess you have a special reason.”
After thinking for a moment, the loyal dog replied, "I just feel that participating in a tournament is a necessary experience for a knight's squire, and it will help you improve."
"So, you also participated in martial arts tournaments during your time as a servant, sir?"
However, the loyal dog shook his head and said, "I told you, after I became a squire, I went to the East, and such battles are rarely held on the Far East continent. When I returned to the Montero Hills, my father passed away in less than two months."
"I must return to the port to inherit the title and marry Lord Pena's sister, thus ending my career as a servant."
Dick nodded, his lips moving as if he wanted to reply, but Earl Hubert added:
"However, I did participate in martial arts tournaments."
"Oh?" Dick was very interested in this.
"The tournament was held below the Lyons Plateau," said Earl Hubert. "The allied forces had just assembled, and the tournament was held to boost morale."
"At that time I was over thirty years old, but I was far from being as famous as I am now. Or rather, it was that battle that made my name start to spread."
"For what reason?"
"I fought bravely," Hubert said. "Looking back, it was a very dangerous battle."
Hubert suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the room.
This was, after all, just a hotel; there was no carpet on the floor, and Hubert's boots made a dull "thump-thump" sound as they stepped on the wooden floor.
He lowered his head slightly, not staring at anything, or rather, not gazing directly at what was in front of him:
"After the Allied forces reached the plateau, they soon encountered difficulties. The air on the plateau was thin, and our troops almost completely lost their combat effectiveness due to altitude sickness."
Fortunately, the highland lord at the time, Duke Jasper Lines, was a steady man, and his brother-in-law, Bob Capello, acted as our inside man, so they did not launch a counterattack immediately.
"Otherwise, the native soldiers would be annihilated, and the nobles would be captured alive. The allied forces were forced to set up defensive formations within the enemy's territory and rest for several months before they could launch their attack."
"During this period, I led soldiers less affected by altitude sickness to launch surprise attacks and capture several cities. However, this already accounted for two-thirds of our army's initial gains."
"The Allied offensive quickly stalled. The battle on the plateau was far more complex and difficult than people outside the plateau imagined, and it became difficult to capture another city afterward."
"We have no way to advance the war, but the war is burning through gold every moment, and many nobles are having second thoughts."
"But if they retreat, they will gain nothing, and all their previous losses will be for nothing, leaving them in a dilemma."
But Dick knew history: "But in the end, the allied forces won."
"Yes, we won," the loyal dog said solemnly, recounting his victory, "but it was an inglorious one. Jasper Lines may not be a great fighter, but he is a true man and a rare leader."
"Under his rule, the people of the plateau were united and all bowed down at his feet. It can be assumed that this man must have possessed a very unique human charm."
"Moreover, his strategic vision was also very unique, and his defensive strategies were meticulous and detailed. Our army could not find any breakthroughs, so as long as he was there, the Allied forces had no chance of winning."
"At that time, the morale of the Allied forces was already crumbling, and even among the nobles, there were rumors that losing to Jasper was not a disgrace."
"Just then, the royal family persuaded someone to join the battle, and it was because of that force's involvement that the situation on the plateau was instantly reversed."
Dick quickly pressed, "Who is it?"
Hubert replied, "She is a duchess."
Duchess?
If I remember correctly, there is only one Duchess in the world:
Could it be...?
"Yes, that's her," the count nodded. "She's a very masculine lady, taciturn yet decisive."
"Upon hearing the news, she simply nodded, then left the tent and hurried to the front lines. Not long afterward..."
The defenses on the plateau suddenly encountered a problem, and we will soon be able to take the city.
"Then, she followed the front line to the next city, and so on, one after another. We painstakingly carved out a path through the blockade line on the plateau."
"Until the army reached the walls of Goringburg, of course, without Bob Capello's secret help, our army still would not have been able to reach Goringburg."
"Gorlinburg also suffered the same fate as the previous cities. With Bob's help from the inside, we quickly took over the plateau. When we stormed into Gorelinburg and broke into Jasper's bedroom, he was on the verge of death. Several doctors, wizards, and sorcerers were trying to prolong his life. The floor was also littered with glass bottles that were originally used to hold alchemical potions."
Hearing this, Dick understood a little:
"Could all of this have been the work of that lady?"
The loyal dog nodded: "I think so too."
"You think?" Dick seized on the word.
"No one knows what that lady did, and she never discussed it with anyone, simply locking herself in her tent all day. So, the war ended just like that?"
"Yes," Earl Hubert nodded, "and it was then that I understood what it meant to be outmatched."
"It's a pity about Duke Jasper," Dick couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly. "The Duchess was truly amazing too."
"No one was not saddened by the death of Duke Jasper, even we were his enemies, but Duchess Hubert suddenly frowned."
"Even now, looking back, she really seems incomprehensible."
Dick didn't quite understand: "You mean, unbelievable?"
"No," Hubert shook his head gently, "it's not that I can't understand her, it's just that I can't understand her."
"As I told you, before she arrived, I had won half of the Allied Forces' victories. Therefore, even though I was of low status at the time, I was still able to participate in the decision-making discussions, which shows that my strength was recognized by those high-ranking nobles."
"Therefore, I was able to join the discussions at the post-war victory conference."
Everyone was praising, admiring, and flattering the Duchess, but the Duchess ignored everyone and looked solemn, as if she didn't care about it at all.
"I was even a little depressed. And I still can't forget what I heard that lady muttering to herself that day."
"What did she say?" Dick asked.
The loyal dog stopped, facing the window, and gazed into the distance.
Dick looked over and saw all sorts of longboats sailing into the harbor, filling the dock to capacity.
There were also ships leaving the port, but Dick wondered if those ships really knew why they came and why they were leaving.
She spoke very softly, so softly that I could barely hear her.
The count suddenly spoke, and Dick immediately turned to face him.
"It's all the same, I'm just a part of it too."
Dick was completely confused: "What do you mean 'all the same'? What do you mean 'part'?"
Hubert shook his head slightly: "I don't know either. Like I said, I could barely hear anything, and I only heard parts of it."
But it's probably not a good thing for her.
"At that time, her brows were slightly furrowed, and her expression was melancholy. I could feel the sadness in her emotions—"
What a strange duchess, Dick thought.
Then she asked, "So, is this where the reputation of 'loyal dog' started to spread?"
"This is the first time I've truly become famous, after all..."
Hubert looked away and walked toward the chair.
"A woman can consider it an honor to have many men fall for her, but a man's honor can only come from his achievements in his career."
"But Buchanan, do you know why I was able to achieve such success on the high-altitude battlefield?"
Dick pondered for a moment: "Effort, faith, courage."
"You forgot to mention one thing," the loyal dog reminded him, "opportunity."
"opportunity?"
"Even the most talented person needs opportunity to showcase their abilities," Hubert said, looking directly at Dick. "Buchanan..."
Tell me, where was the opportunity in that battle?
Dick couldn't think of it, but he still forced out a seemingly possible answer:
"Because of altitude sickness. My lord, it was precisely because of the allied forces' decline that the enemy became careless, which allowed you to lead your troops in a successful surprise attack."
"Don't draw conclusions based on wild guesses," Hubert's gaze sharpened like canine fangs. "I haven't given you any details of my battle. How can you judge that the enemy was careless? And the answer, I told you from the beginning..."
At the beginning? Dick wondered. What was the Earl talking to me about at the beginning? Right: "A tournament?"
"That's right!" Loyal Dog nodded. "I won the individual duel championship, and it was through this opportunity that my name entered the ears of the Allied Forces' high command. So when they needed to execute a strategy, they thought of sending me."
"I see-"
The Count added, "Therefore, Buchanan, what's valuable in the tournament isn't the cheers and prize money, but the title of 'Champion.' It gives you the opportunity to shine in a battle, provided, of course, that you're prepared and capable of accepting it."
At this point, Dick suddenly realized:
"Sir, do you mean you're having me participate in the martial arts tournament so I can win the championship?"
"It's a bit slow, but at least you can figure it out," the loyal dog sneered. "That means you're just slow-witted, not stupid."
No wonder the loyal dog kept emphasizing victory; it turns out he really wanted Dick to be the champion.
But having figured this out, Dick became even more confused:
"But, sir, why?"
"Um?"
"Why do you need me to be the champion?"
"I've already given you the answer: opportunity."
"But what exactly is this opportunity?"
"You'll see," said Earl Hubert. "Nobody listens to an unknown person, but if you're a champion, at least your words won't be ignored."
Even though he still didn't understand the loyal dog's words, he no longer had time to ask.
The melodious chimes penetrated the walls, entered the windows, and echoed in Dick's ears.
He said, "Sir, the competition has begun."
The loyal dog stood up: "Let's go!"
They set off together and arrived at the arena.
Perhaps because it was the final, the number of spectators today was three times that of yesterday's match.
The loyal dog parted ways with Dick at the entrance, and he saw the loyal dog walk into the stands with a sunshade.
The weather wasn't too hot yet, and Dick thought it was quite comfortable to bask in the sun in this climate.
However, sunlight can also obstruct the view, which is probably the original intention behind the ceiling design.
The loyal dog went inside and found an empty seat to sit down.
The seats there quickly filled up, leading Dick to conclude that even the various lords gathered on Insole Island were very concerned about who would win the championship.
Although there was no time to find out the loyal dog's ultimate purpose, the servant would serve his master as long as he needed him.
Therefore, Dick is determined to win this individual competition.
The first match was the semi-final of the individual duel tournament, and Dick was the first to appear.
In the first match of the duel, it was Dick's turn to take the stage.
Players can choose the unsharpened weapon they are good at, but if they don't have a suitable one, they can use their own weapon.
However, it needs to be wrapped with hard leather strips or soft padding to avoid accidentally injuring the opponent during combat.
The sword Dick brought from the Desert Knight Academy was broken by the giant axe.
The sword he's wearing now was a gift from Count Hubert.
Although it's just an ordinary dueling sword, it's still a new sword.
Dick felt a pang of heartache that the hard leather strips would damage the blade.
The knight loved his sword dearly, so he chose to use a communal sword.
The opponent also wielded a sword, but used his personal weapon.
The bell rang, and the competition began.
According to the introduction, the other party is a rider who was recently awarded the title and is under thirty years old.
This is considered quite young for his age, but Dick won't turn twenty until next month.
Although Dick had only recently become a knight's squire, his strength was already comparable to that of a knight.
During the period when he became a servant in the same period, although he remained at the school, Dean Matt specially designed a training plan for him.
Therefore, Dick's foundation was more solid than that of an average knight apprentice, and in terms of combat skills, he was no less than many experienced old knights.
In his recent sparring sessions with Count Hubert, he has mastered many new combat techniques.
Therefore, Dick's confidence was not blind; he did indeed possess considerable strength.
Although he is far from reaching the top level, judging from the fact that he was completely suppressed in the battle with the loyal dog,
This is just one example of what Jal can do.
The opponent stood with his feet staggered, bent into a bow stance, and raised his sword high above his head, the tip pointing upwards and backwards.
Dick immediately recognized that this person's "starting stance" was a high-level stance.
This indicates that the person's swordsmanship is aggressive, and they are good at using fierce attacks to suppress their opponents.
Sure enough, this person approached Dick with heavy steps.
Since that's the case...—
Dick also raised his sword above his head, but took half a step back, with the tip of the sword pointing forward.
This is the upper sword stance, characterized by its ability to lure the enemy and launch a counterattack.
But this doesn't showcase Dick's true swordsmanship, because he's mastered every style.
Since his opponent was also using an academic-style opening move, Dick felt even more confident.
Who could be more familiar with him than the things at school, this older student who stayed on campus?
As the opponent swung downwards, Dick deftly parried with his sword, causing the opponent's sword to immediately deflect.
Dick seized the opportunity to step forward, and his blunt sword slid precisely toward the opponent's neck.
However, since the opponent was wearing a neck guard, even if the sword was sharpened, it probably wouldn't be able to kill him.
Then, Dick noticed a strange glint in the man's eyes.
His expression immediately turned serious, preparing to take the battle with Dick even more seriously.
But if that's all the strength he has, he can't defeat Dick no matter how hard he tries.
Sure enough, after less than ten more exchanges, the knight was taken down by Dick.
While Dick was searching for gaps in the man's armor, the man chose to surrender by slapping the ground.
It was a wise move; otherwise, it would have been a waste of both sides' energy and the audience's time. The difference in their strength was too great, and a gasp of amazement rose from the crowd. After all, Dick had won too quickly, without even having time to use his martial arts or other supernatural abilities.
Dick bet these spectators hadn't watched the previous two days' matches; half of his victories were easier than this one.
fast.
His victory was announced by the herald, and he walked off the field to the astonishment of the crowd.
Next, we'll move on to the second group.
Just as he expected, the tall, thin man who used the short sword had the last laugh.
He also understood that dealing with this person would not be easy.
But he had already learned his lesson from the loyal dog, and he had no intention of showing any mercy.
Other matches will be held before the final to ensure that both players can recover their strength.
All the skill competitions have concluded in the past two days, and today, only the team finals remain to be held.
Team competitions are not just about the individual strength of the two teams, because it's three against three, tactics and the level of teamwork among the players are also crucial.
Both can significantly influence the course of the battle.
Physical fitness planning is also important to ensure that each team member is always in the best fighting condition.
If a team member overexerts their energy, the other two team members will cover for them and buy them time to rest.
This is why team competitions often take more than five times the average time of individual competitions.
By the time the team winner was determined, Dick had already fully recovered, since he hadn't really contributed much.
The bell rang again, and Dick entered the stage.
According to the herald officer, the opponent in front of him seemed to have won the championship title in at least two martial arts tournaments.
Of course, the prize money for the martial arts tournament varies, and the skill level of the participating warriors also differs, so this cannot fully prove the opponent's strength.
But Dick had already watched several of his opponent's fights and could tell that, at least for now, this person's skill level was not too bad.
The opponent held a short spear with both hands, the spearhead of which was covered, and a small round shield was tied to his left hand.
The legs are slightly apart, with the spearhead pointing diagonally forward.
The rise of the fence is another example of an academic approach.
This starting stance is considered the introductory move for most apprentices learning swordsmanship. This stance combines offense and defense, effectively minimizing the user's weaknesses, but also failing to showcase the user's strengths.
Once an apprentice has mastered a fighting method that suits them better, they generally won't use such moves anymore.
However, this technique has another characteristic: it is flexible and can be changed very easily and quickly.
Therefore, if someone has mastered enough skills, they will often prefer this kind of beginner move.
Just like Dick, for someone who had mastered almost everything academic, there was no better way for him to rise to prominence.
Seeing this, Dick pulled his sword back to the right and simultaneously leaned forward with his left shoulder.
This is the Hidden Sword Stance.
Since he possessed both offensive and defensive capabilities, Dick concealed his intention to attack.
Of course, this is also a trend where risks and rewards coexist.
If used well, it can often defeat the enemy in one move.
However, if it fails, because this move exposes one shoulder, it could result in serious injury.
As the battle bells rang in their ears, they simultaneously took tentative steps toward each other.
As soon as Dick entered the range of the short spear, the opponent immediately thrust the long spear at Dick.
But Dick did not parry with his sword; instead, he tried his best to dodge.
Even with the spearhead fully exposed, such an attack would not be enough to pierce the armor.
Dick knew that his opponent knew that the effect of the first move of the Hidden Sword Stance would have a decisive impact on the battle.
His probing attack was meant to force Dick to defend with his sword, and Dick naturally wouldn't fall for it easily.
Seemingly realizing that Dick was not easy to deal with, he suddenly stepped forward and thrust forward with all his might.
Dick was waiting for this moment, and while dodging, he swung his longsword.
Dick had noticed long ago that the man's left hand was always taut, precisely to use the round shield to defend against any attack Dick might launch at any moment.
However, Dick turned and swung his sword to the other side as he swung it:
Martial Skill: Spinning Slash!
The extraordinary power within his body was transmitted through his flesh to the sword, and his longsword precisely sliced through the air.
His body was also rotating in a posture where he could barely exert any force.
It was as if he wasn't wielding the sword, but rather the sword was dragging him along.
Academic methods are often unpretentious, but simple and effective.
The armor concealed the man's expression, but Dick could sense his panic, for the hand gripping the spear trembled violently.
Dick's sword continued its advance towards his opponent's body, just as it was about to strike:
"when!"
A sound rang out as Dick's sword was blocked by the opponent's small round shield.
Dick Eyebrows, even though he had already circled around to the right side of the opponent, was now facing Dick with his left side.
Dick instantly recognized what it was—a martial art called "Refined Shield Lift"!
As expected, he's no pushover... Dick narrowed his eyes.
Then Dick instantly changed his sword stance, switching to a thrusting stance, holding the sword with both hands in front of his chest, with the tip of the sword pointing straight forward.
Martial Arts - Flash Thrust!
But his attack was blocked again, but the opponent's left hand did not stop, but continued to swing outwards.
Dick's hand, which was holding the sword, also opened outwards uncontrollably.
His eyes widened. This was a martial arts technique: parry!
Dick suddenly realized that the previous matches hadn't been able to get the samurai in front of him to use his full strength.
That spear was just a decoy; his main weapon was that small round shield!
At the same time, his opponent's short spear also thrust towards Dick.
In this situation, Dick was unable to withdraw his sword, nor did he have time to dodge left or right.
He had only one choice: to lie back.
When his back touched the grass and the clear sky came into view, he couldn't help but recall the scene of being surrounded by bandits in the inn.
Dick was also forced to lie down at that time.
However, the opponent was using a giant axe back then, while the person in front of him was using a short spear, which could not possibly destroy Dick's sword.
Even if Dick didn't defend, it would be difficult to pierce Dick's armor because it covered the spearhead.
Just as he was thinking this, sunlight was reflected into his eyes by something smooth.
He immediately recognized it as nothing other than a sharp spearhead exposed to the air!
Dick didn't have time to think about where Round Head had gone. Even as he withdrew his sword, he opened it up as he was being stabbed and hurriedly got up.
However, just as he stood up straight, the enemy attacked again, but fortunately Dick managed to parry with both hands pushing his sword.
However, Dick was pushed backward by the other party and could not stop himself.
He realized that this was a martial art called Shield Charge.
This move ensures that the target cannot be easily stopped before it is pushed onto an obstacle.
The rule of the duel is that the duel participants cannot leave the arena.
If this continues, he is bound to lose!
Seeing that the situation was not good, Dick quickly released his hands and abandoned his longsword, thus escaping from the influence of the opponent's martial arts.
The man immediately stopped and launched another pursuit on Dick.
Having lost his weapon, Dick could only dodge continuously.
During this time, Dick accidentally discovered the rounded head of the cushion that had fallen to the ground.
He saw that the opening at the rounded end looked as if it had been cut by some kind of sharp blade, which made it easier to detach.
But Dick was certain that it was definitely not his fault, which meant—
This person cheated!
Earl Hubert was right after all; being too naive is no good. But Dick had already anticipated this, and his emotions were hardly affected at this moment.
At the same time, he also decided to listen to another piece of advice from the adults.
The person in front of him must surely think that Dick, who has lost his weapon, is completely defenseless.
Dick took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, followed by a hand seal with his left hand, gathering his strength.
Frost Dragon Claw!
Earth Dragon Arm!
The next instant, power surged into his right palm and wrist.
Dick unleashes the power described in "The Fitness Manual of Uriel, the Dragon Master".
The enemy abandoned his shield and thrust his sharp short spear at Dick with all his might.
Dick remained calm and nimbly dodged, seizing the opportunity to grab the spear shaft with his right hand.
As the hand fell, the spear shaft broke into several pieces in mid-air.
The man held the remaining piece of the stick up to the gap in the helmet, and Dick could imagine the look of surprise on his face when he saw the broken end.
But Dick felt that giving the other person time to be surprised was also a waste of his own life.
Such a despicable enemy, devoid of any virtue, is not worth wasting his precious time on.
Dick clenched his right fist, charged at his opponent, and then threw a straight punch.
The opponent raised his shield to block—
However, how could a small wooden shield possibly withstand the strength of the earth dragon?
The shield shattered and exploded instantly, and the opponent, along with his entire body, flew backward dozens of feet before coming to a stop.
The man lay on the ground for a long time before finally struggling to sit up.
He raised his left hand, but it trembled uncontrollably, and Dick thought he'd better see a doctor as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the man was rational and chose to surrender and leave the arena.
Then, the audience fell completely silent, utterly still.
Even the heralds officer forgot to announce the battle situation.
It wasn't until Dick looked at him that he snapped out of his daze and announced to everyone:
"The duel is over, and the champion of this tournament has been decided: Dick Buchanan!"
In an instant, cheers and applause erupted, like a mountain roaring and a tsunami crashing, deafeningly loud.
But true riders are not blinded by empty fame and flattery.
Dick remained expressionless, as if he were deaf, ignoring the sounds.
He looked toward the nobles' stands and tried to spot Lord Hubert.
Soon, he found the loyal dog.
The loyal dog remained expressionless, as if everything was within his expectations.
But in the instant their eyes met, the loyal dog still nodded slightly toward Dick.
Then, the loyal dog was swallowed up by the cheering crowd.
A true knight should always remain alert and serious.
But at this moment, a smile appeared on Dick's face.
Then, a cacophony of sounds, like a flood bursting its banks, poured into his ears—
"champion!"
"Fighter!"
"Dick!"
"Dick Buchanan!"
"New Champion"