Swordplay Competition

Years later, old Wells, with a crippled leg and a blind eye, would tell stories of Will to new adventurers at the Giant's Slumber Inn. Even then, his clouded eyes would gleam with a dazzling light, and the image of that bright youth would seem to stand not far away, grinning and saying to him:

"Uncle Wells! You're too slow!"

Everyone turned to look at the doorway, where a young man in simple swordsman attire stood, his expression serious, coolly looking at the group.

Wells, the leader of the Gale mercenary group, looked at Havent, whose expression was nonchalant, then turned to his subordinate Baki.

"Who is this kid?"

Captain Baki was also a bit bewildered. He turned to look at the others, only to find them all looking confused.

"Boss, I don't know. But he just asked if we were hiring, so he's probably here to apply,"

Wells sized up Havent from head to toe.

"Kid, what's your name? Are you here to apply?"

"Yes, my name is Will. Do you still need people here?"

Looking at Havent's slender build, although he had a sword at his waist, he didn't look like someone with combat power. Wells shook his head.

"Yes, but you don't seem suitable."

"Huh? You can tell that from looking?"

Havent, who had prepared a whole speech after being rejected, was stunned on the spot. I'm willing to endure hardship, I learn fast...

After rejecting Havent, Wells turned back, intending to discuss the details of the upcoming mission with his subordinates.

Whoosh! A sound of air being torn apart. Wells tilted his head and reached out, catching something thrown his way. Opening his palm, he saw a money pouch appear.

"Let's make a bet. If I win, you let me join. If I lose, this pouch of 30 Silver Grol is yours."

Wells squeezed the money pouch. The silver coins made a crisp sound as they rubbed together. He turned back to look at Havent at the doorway.

"Interesting little fellow, why do you insist on joining us? You know, the money in that pouch you threw is probably enough to cover your travel expenses to the Imperial Capital."

Havent, however, just smiled and didn't answer Wells' question. Instead, he asked:

"So, does that mean you agree? Then what should we bet on?"

Wells stood up, walked up to Havent, and tossed the money pouch back and forth in his hand, a somewhat unpleasant smile on his face.

"Since you've provided the stakes, I won't take advantage of you. You tell me, what do you want to bet on? It's just us few, you can choose anything."

Havent looked up at Wells' impressive height, a look of envy on his face.

"How about a sword duel? It's quite popular in the North Territory, you guys should be able to do that, right?"

Upon hearing Havent's choice, Wells burst into hearty laughter.

"Sure, kid. It seems you don't like taking advantage. Come on, who do you want to fight among us? You choose. Given your straightforward approach just now, I'll make sure to hold back and not let you get hurt."

Hearing Wells' words, Havent had already chosen a mercenary whose build was similar to his. But he felt like he was being underestimated and instantly changed his choice.

"I choose you, can I?"

Upon hearing Havent choose him, Wells' smile faded, and he scratched his messy, shoulder-length hair.

"Hey, kid, listen. While you're likable, choosing me isn't a very good option. Are you sure?"

Seeing Havent nod, Wells no longer tried to dissuade him. He turned to his subordinates and said:

"Baki! Go get two wooden swords. And get him a set of armor too. I don't want to see him crying later."

Baki nodded and headed towards the tent behind the inn to get the items. Wells, meanwhile, led Havent to an open space next to the inn's stable.

Before long, Baki returned with the items. They each took a practice sword made of hard pine. Baki also gave Havent a set of hard leather armor.

Havent didn't stand on ceremony. After putting on the armor, he walked to the center of the training area.

"Will Hill, please guide me." With that, he gave Wells a swordsman's salute.

Wells, wearing a sleeveless linen shirt, stood on the other side of the area with his sword in one hand, still smiling.

"Wells Hayacri. Kid, you've got guts. I'll go easy on you."

Havent looked at Wells, who was waiting for his attack, and smiled. He slowly raised his left hand and placed it on his cheek, looking at Wells through his fingers:

"Uncle! Carelessness leads to defeat, Scuyumi!"

In Wells' surprised gaze, Havent suddenly attacked, holding his sword backward. His lowered body tensed up like a coiled spring, and he charged directly at Wells.

Bang! A dull thud echoed.

Wells blocked Havent's thrust with his wooden sword held horizontally across his chest.

Feeling the force transmitted through the sword, Wells glanced at the close-up Havent with surprise and couldn't help but praise him.

"Tsk tsk, not bad, kid."

The surprise attack failed. Havent leaped back several steps to create distance. He looked at Wells, who remained standing in place without attacking, and revealed a bright smile.

"Uncle, you should be careful."

With that, Havent, having completed his charge-up, rushed at Wells again. He found an opening and thrust his sword towards Wells' chest.

Wells looked at Havent's figure, shook his head, and swung his wooden sword towards Havent's back.

"Kid, the same move won't work... Huh? Eh?"

The wooden sword, originally aimed at Wells' chest, changed from a thrust to a flick under Havent's control. In an instant, the sword tip swept towards Wells' neck.

Facing the surging sword strike, Wells leaned back, narrowly dodging Havent's tip. His own sword, swung at Havent, missed as his body lost its balance.

Before Wells could regain his stance, Havent's next wave of attacks began.

He lifted his right foot and delivered a high whip kick towards the hand holding Wells' sword. Under the opposing force, he twisted his body and swung the wooden sword in a horizontal slash towards Wells' head.

With no other choice, Wells continued to retreat, evading the assault. Havent, seizing the advantage and showing no mercy, held his sword with both hands, took two quick steps, and leaped high into the air.

He unleashed a 'Mountain Splitting Chop' directly at the off-balance Wells.

However, with years of adventuring experience, Wells was clearly no pushover. Facing Havent's descending wooden sword, he didn't panic at all and simply fell to the ground.

This move also bought Wells time to swing his sword.

After a dull thud, Havent was sent flying diagonally to the side. The onlookers from the Gale mercenary team were stunned.

"Hey! Where did this kid come from? He's too strong, actually suppressing the boss like this!"