Chapter 37: A Battle of Wills
The crowd gathered around the combat circle, eyes wide with anticipation. The Redstone leader, Thorne, stood across from Srabon, his massive broadsword gleaming in the dim light. The air was thick with tension, the sound of metal clanging and warriors shouting echoing throughout the square.
"You don't have to do this," Mira whispered, her eyes fixed on Thorne. "He's twice your size."
Srabon's gaze was steely. "If we don't earn their respect now, they'll never join us."
Thorne swung the broadsword in a wide arc, the sheer force of it causing a gust of wind to whip through the square. "Are you ready, little chief?"
Srabon raised his sword, feet planted firmly. "Let's get this over with."
[New Quest: Defeat Thorne in Combat. Reward: 9000 Gold, 6500 Elixir.]
The battle began with a deafening clash of metal against metal. Thorne swung his sword with brute force, each strike sending shockwaves through Srabon's arms. Srabon gritted his teeth, parrying blow after blow, searching for an opening.
Thorne laughed, eyes blazing. "This is your so-called strength? You're nothing but a child!"
Srabon ducked under a heavy swing, rolling to the side and slashing at Thorne's leg. The strike landed, drawing blood, but Thorne merely grunted, unfazed.
"Good hit," Thorne said, wiping the blood away. "But it'll take more than that to bring me down."
Srabon's mind raced. He couldn't match Thorne's raw power, but he could outmaneuver him. He tightened his grip on the sword and focused, his eyes tracking Thorne's every movement.
[New Skill Unlocked: Precision Strike - Target weak points for critical damage. Duration: 30 seconds.]
A surge of energy pulsed through Srabon's veins. He lunged forward, his blade moving like a blur. Thorne raised his sword to block, but Srabon ducked low, striking a nerve point in Thorne's wrist.
Thorne's sword slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. Before he could react, Srabon had his blade at Thorne's throat.
"Yield," Srabon said, breathing heavily.
Thorne stared at him, his eyes wide with shock. Then, a slow grin spread across his face. "Well, well. Maybe you're stronger than you look."
[Quest Complete: Defeat Thorne in Combat. Reward: 9000 Gold, 6500 Elixir.]
The crowd erupted into cheers as Thorne rose to his feet, clapping Srabon on the shoulder. "You've earned my respect, Clashhaven Chief. Redstone will stand with you."
Srabon sheathed his sword, feeling the weight of the victory settle on his shoulders. "Thank you. But this is just the beginning."