Gold's sword was not only fast, but ruthless.
An instant after he drew it, its tip was already about to pierce Young Lissop's throat.
That sudden thrust caught everyone off guard.
Chief Hunter Leshid failed to react.
Young Lissop himself failed to react as well.
Because in their eyes, even if everyone else in South Town betrayed them, Gold never would.
He was a man who held himself strictly to the code of a knight!
And for a knight, honor mattered above all else!
Before the sword tip could touch Young Lissop's throat, a force field stopped it. The [Protective Copper Coin] had taken effect. Young Lissop quickly recovered from his shock, drew his sword, and counterattacked.
Clang!
Gold turned his sword sideways and blocked Young Lissop's longsword.
The next moment, both men stepped forward, straining against each other where their blades met.
Clack! Clack, clack!
The two longswords rang out with a succession of sharp clacks as they collided in small, rapid movements-
"A Mystic Art item?
What a pity!"
Gold looked at the lingering force-field shield around Young Lissop and spoke softly.
"Why?
Why, Gold?"
Young Lissop's face was filled with bewilderment, his voice demanding an answer.
"Why?"
A self-mocking smile appeared on Gold's face, and that endless stream of voices seemed to echo in his ears once again.
"Congratulations on winning the Einhaas Fief's Swordsmanship Tournament. Keep it up! You'll earn your knight's title soon!"
"Wipe out these bandits, and you'll earn your knight's title!"
"We're counting on you to deal with these murderous, thieving bounty hunters!"
"A knight's title isn't that easy to obtain!"
"Thank you for your efforts. I've already applied for your knight's title!"
"I'm sorry, but your honors aren't enough to qualify you as a knight!"
*"I'm sorry, but I can't wait until