Charlotte refused to be outdone. With Mountain Breaker in hand, he gave it a light flick, subtly shifted his footing, and prevented Ban Lamorak's charge from locking onto him.
Their second clash was another violent collision.
Charlotte still performed well, but not as well as in the first exchange. He failed to fully deflect the force with both hands, causing one foot to step into the river. But he immediately struck the surface of the River Severn with his Knight's Lance, borrowing the recoil from the water to leap into the air and force back Ban Lamorak, who had been preparing to press his attack.
The two raced across the river's surface, circling each other three times before launching charges again in perfect unspoken accord. Their two Knight's Lances were like dragons emerging from the sea, like flood dragons churning the tide.
In the blink of an eye, six or seven exchanges had passed. Charlotte's hands had begun to tremble slightly. He knew that with spear techniques alone, this was as far as he could go. If it continued, he would most likely be unable to hold on. Drawing in a breath, he shouted, "Count Lamorak's spear technique is the finest in the Old Continent. That is why I chose a Knight's Lance as well, to show my respect."
"I have now witnessed the spear technique of the Lanmalock Family. Please allow me to change to a weapon better suited to me."
Cheers erupted from the crowds on both banks. Charlotte's words greatly satisfied the vanity of the Ingrima People and even won the favor of some Briton residents.
Even Emperor Alfred Guillaume, watching from Briton Bridge, grinned and said, "Charlotte Mecklen is permitted to change to a weapon better suited to him."
The Emperor's decree was quickly conveyed to