MTLNOVEL Chapter 16: Trial of the Warlord
Chapter 16: Trial of the Warlord
Kael stepped forward, his body still aching from his battle with Selene, but his resolve was unshaken. He had come too far to let exhaustion dictate his actions now. Before him stood Darius, the warlord of the Hollow Bastion, a towering figure of muscle and scars, a man who had seen countless battles and survived.
"You seek warriors, yet you stand here alone," Darius said, his deep voice echoing through the fortress walls. "Strength is all that matters here, and words mean nothing without proof."
Kael met his gaze without hesitation. "Then let me prove it."
A murmur spread among the gathered warriors, a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Selene, standing behind Kael, crossed her arms, watching the scene unfold with calculating eyes.
Darius smirked. "Very well. If you wish to stand among us, then you will fight. But not just against me." He gestured to the warriors behind him. "You will face five of my best men in succession. If you survive, I will acknowledge your strength. If you fall, your body will be fed to the crows."
Kael tightened his fists, his knuckles cracking. "I accept."
Varian chuckled beside him. "This will be entertaining."
The warriors around them began forming a circle, creating an arena of dirt and stone. The first challenger stepped forward—a hulking brute wielding a massive spiked club. His armor was dented and battle-worn, a sign of the many foes he had crushed before.
Kael exhaled, steadying himself. His body screamed for rest, but he silenced the pain. This was the path he had chosen—the path of no return.
"Begin!" Darius roared.
The brute charged without hesitation, his club swinging in a deadly arc. Kael barely managed to sidestep, feeling the wind of the attack graze his face. He countered with a quick slash, but his opponent's armor absorbed most of the impact.
The brute grinned. "You'll have to do better than that, outsider!"
Kael didn't reply. He adjusted his stance, focusing on the brute's movements. His opponent was strong, but slow. Taking advantage of that, Kael darted forward, slashing at the gaps in his armor. The brute roared in frustration, swinging wildly, but Kael weaved through the attacks, his blade finding flesh with each precise strike.
With a final dodge, Kael drove his sword into the brute's exposed side. The warrior staggered, coughing blood before collapsing.
The crowd fell silent for a moment before erupting into cheers.
Darius nodded in approval. "Not bad."
Before Kael could catch his breath, the second warrior stepped forward, dual blades flashing under the torchlight.
"You may have beaten him, but I won't be so easy," the warrior sneered.
Kael tightened his grip on his sword. Four more opponents stood between him and victory.
And he would defeat them all.
To be continued-