Chapter 57

Leord finished all his work and headed towards Benaard, who had been persistently inviting him to a duel.

Benaard seemed to be killing time, practicing his sword swings. He was drenched in sweat, and puddles had formed at his feet. Leord wondered how many hours he had been swinging his sword, but he didn't voice his thoughts.

"Benaard Captain. Regarding the matter from earlier—"

Before Leord could finish, Benaard, sensing what he was about to say, interrupted with shining eyes.

"You've decided to do it!!!"

As the overly enthusiastic Benaard moved closer, Leord pushed him back with his hand and replied.

"Yes, if I'm good enough."

"It doesn't matter! Come on, let's fight!"

"First, there are conditions."

"Huh? What is it?"

"If I can land a hit on Captain Benaard using magic, I win. If I become unconscious or unable to continue the fight, it ends at that point."

"Alright! That's fine with me!"

"Then, let's move to a place where we can fight more comfortably."

"Sure!"

The eager Benaard followed Leord. Leord called out to Barbarot and Gilbert to act as referees. The two were surprised to learn that Benaard and Leord were going to fight, but they didn't try to stop them. Gilbert, who Leord thought might try to stop them, didn't because it was Leord's decision.

The four left Zeato and arrived at a place Leord had repaired with magic. The area, with its charred and broken trees, had become a suitable open space. It seemed like a good place for Leord and Benaard to fight, but it would depend on their control.

"Then, we'll start according to the rules I explained earlier."

"Alright! Whenever you're ready!"

"Then, let's begin!"

As the referee, Gilbert stood between Leord and Benaard and signaled the start by lowering his hand.

"Roar!"

The moment Gilbert's hand came down, Leord charged at Benaard. Benaard, who had been waiting, smiled as Leord charged with a battle cry. He was excited to see what kind of attack Leord would show.

Benaard, who was ready to counter, suddenly took a step back. A bolt of lightning struck the spot where Benaard had been standing. It was Leord's most skilled lightning magic, cast without incantation, which reduced its power. However, even a single hit would mean defeat for Benaard.

"Wow! Lightning, huh!

And without an incantation!

Hahaha! This is getting fun!"

Leord's face twitched as he saw Benaard laugh heartily. Leord had used his most skilled lightning magic, cast without incantation, and pretended to charge to catch Benaard off guard, but Benaard easily avoided it. It was no wonder Leord's face twitched.

(No way, man...

I thought he was strong, but to avoid that...

What kind of reflexes does he have...?)

Leord, who had expected to win with the lightning, lost confidence when Benaard avoided it.

(Sigh, calm down. Benaard Captain may be a bit eccentric, but his strength is undeniable. I can't win with my current skills.

But there's a chance I can land a hit. It's extremely difficult, but...)

Leord began to formulate his next strategy. Benaard noticed that Leord was thinking of his next move but didn't interfere, as he was looking forward to seeing what Leord would do. He had promised to hold back, so it was only natural.

"Aqua Spear!"

Leord cast Aqua Spear, a water magic he had trained extensively after lightning. He made it float behind him and then charged at Benaard.

As Leord closed the distance, Benaard stood still, sword at the ready.

"Come at me from any direction!"

In response to Benaard's words, Leord swung his sword with a powerful step, but Benaard easily deflected it. However, this was part of Leord's plan, and he immediately launched the Aqua Spear he had floating behind him at Benaard.

However, Benaard, who had anticipated that Leord would use magic, dodged the Aqua Spear.

"Scatter!"

But Leord had anticipated this and had a follow-up plan. He made the Aqua Spear explode behind Benaard, releasing a spray of water. Benaard was surprised but swung his sword at an incredible speed to deflect the water spray with the wind.

"What!"

"Hahaha! You were hoping that would be the deciding blow, weren't you?"

"Damn...!"

Leord's face contorted as his plan was seen through. He was frustrated because he had thought it was a good strategy. He realized anew that Benaard was one of the strongest in the kingdom.

This realization made Leord even more excited. He wanted to see how far his own strength could go. He wanted to know how far he could fight with his current skills. Leord needed to build his strength for the fate that awaited him. Therefore, he burned with the desire to fight Benaard to test his growth over the past few months.