MTLNOVEL Chapter 18: Trial by Spear
Chapter 18: Trial by Spear
Kael steadied his breath, his muscles screaming in protest as the spear-wielding warrior stepped into the ring. The previous battles had drained him, and the dull throbbing of his wounds reminded him that he was pushing his limits.
The woman twirled her spear with practiced ease, her sharp eyes analyzing every movement Kael made. She was tall, lean, and carried an air of deadly precision. Unlike the brute or the dual-bladed fighter before her, she wasn't in a rush. She was patient—waiting.
Kael gripped his sword tightly. He had fought many different styles, but spear users were always dangerous. They held the advantage in reach, forcing their opponents to close the gap while maintaining control of the battlefield.
The woman smirked. "You're tired. I can see it in your stance. How much longer can you last?"
Kael didn't answer. He knew she was right. If he rushed in recklessly, he'd be skewered before he could get close.
She made the first move.
With a single step forward, she thrust the spear toward his chest. Kael dodged to the side, but she adjusted instantly, twisting the shaft and swinging at his ribs. He barely managed to block, but the force sent him stumbling back.
"She's strong… and precise."
She followed up with a rapid series of thrusts, each strike aimed at his vital points. Kael moved as fast as he could, weaving between the deadly strikes, but his body was slowing down.
A sharp pain erupted in his shoulder as the tip of her spear grazed him, drawing blood.
She clicked her tongue. "You're slipping."
Kael grit his teeth. If he kept playing defensively, she would pick him apart. He had to turn the fight in his favor.
As she launched another thrust, Kael didn't dodge. Instead, he stepped into the attack. The spear tip cut into his side, but before she could pull back, he grabbed the wooden shaft with his free hand.
Her eyes widened in shock.
Kael yanked the spear forward, dragging her off balance. She stumbled, and in that brief moment of weakness, he struck. His sword flashed through the air, the flat of the blade slamming into her ribs with enough force to send her crashing to the ground.
The arena fell silent.
She coughed, clutching her side. "Bastard… that was reckless."
Kael exhaled, barely keeping himself upright. "But it worked."
She looked up at him, then let out a breathless chuckle. "Yeah… I suppose it did."
Darius stepped forward, his eyes sharp. "Three victories. You've proven your strength, Kael. But strength alone isn't enough."
Kael forced himself to stand tall, ignoring the pain. "Then what is?"
Darius smirked. "Follow me, and I'll show you."
Kael glanced back at Selene and Varian before stepping forward. He had won the fights, but the true trial was just beginning.
To be continued—