novelraw Chapter 73 : Knight's Duel (3)
Chapter 73 : Knight's Duel (3)
Knight's Duel (3)
A match excluding spells, relying solely on swordplay.
"Hmm, as if it wasn't hard enough to predict before—it just got even tougher."
Shin Hyerim frowned.
The viewers felt much the same as she did.
― Ah, this one's a bit much
― Godple is amazing, but is physicality enough for this?
― So hard! So hard!
― Come on, just say Godple will win! I bet my entire fortune on the main odds!
― If you're not sure, don't gamble. Didn't you learn that?
― Goni's stepping in? LOL
― Ah, the upset is looking sharp
― For real, I have no clue
― Trchoip, what are you doing! Hurry up and explain!
Genome took a deep breath, wearing a serious expression.
"Sss, this is tough. Really tough. But if I share what I know—physicality, for sure, Purple has the advantage."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. This is already proven by MasterDissection. Frankly, when it comes to physical alone, there's hardly anyone who surpasses Purple."
"So, Purple is going to win...?"
"No, that's not necessarily the case."
Genome cut off Shin Hyerim and added an explanation.
"Purple blitzed through the test with overwhelming physical strength. But Eclipse's method was different."
"The same test, but different?"
"Yes. Eclipse couldn't eliminate opponents as quickly as Purple did. But he survived against far larger numbers. That comes from experience—experience makes a huge difference here."
― So who actually has the upper hand!
― Hyung! Hurry up and reassure me!
― Godple is winning, right? Right?
― All you betters, are you thinking clearly?
― You just can't beat 12 years of experience, Lol
― Eclipse is a legend for a reason, that's what I'm saying
― Who's smiling now? Me—I didn't bet a thing!
― Ah, not betting actually makes this super fun
The chat window was in chaos.
It was because viewers, even more immersed thanks to point betting, were on edge.
"In this match, nobody can guarantee victory. You could say it's a contest of talent versus effort!"
"Talent versus effort?"
"Hard to explain which is superior, right? Same for me. In the end, all we can do is watch! Everyone, focus!"
Though the chat window remained hot with debate, the actual duelists were silent and calm.
Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse stood facing each other, swords raised.
"It's quieter than I expected."
"It might seem that way from the outside, but I'm sure there's a fierce mind game going on right now. Both know they can't pull back easily once it starts!"
"Ah, I see...! Who'll make the first move!?"
"Probably Eclipse."
"Huh?"
"The one with more experience will move first."
Genome's prediction was spot on.
The balance was broken on Eclipse's side.
In an instant, he closed the distance and swung his blade on a diagonal. Lee Gyeongbok tried to block it right away.
'What is this?'
But then, a chill swept through his entire body and he twisted out of the way. At the same moment, Eclipse suddenly redirected his sword's path from the diagonal descent.
A slicing sound cut the air right next to him. If his reactions had been even a bit slower, he would have been stabbed in the neck.
'I have to focus...!'
Even that one strike was enough to sharpen his awareness. His senses stood on edge, and he deployed his sixth sense.
Lee Gyeongbok thrust out his sword following instinct.
With a metallic sound, their swords clashed. Inside Eclipse's cross helmet, nothing was visible.
"This is delightful!"
The swords twisted.
But not of Lee Gyeongbok's will. It slid according to Eclipse's intent, as if drawn by a magnet.
At the same time, warnings surged through his mind. Lee Gyeongbok desperately sought an escape route and redirected his sword.
'Okay....'
But the feeling of escape lasted only an instant. A new threat immediately tingled in his sixth sense.
"Hmm!"
Eclipse seemed quite pleased with his reaction, letting out a sound of admiration. Yet he still had plenty more to show.
'Damn!'
Lee Gyeongbok realized:
Thought was a luxury in this situation. To handle the ever-changing scene and its escape routes, he had to stay focused on instinct.
"This is...this is truly amazing! The speed is incredible!"
"Yes! Both sides are moving at a speed that makes you wonder if they're human! No choreography could be this fast, even with prearrangement!"
The commentators couldn't hide their admiration as they watched. The chat window had already been in an uproar.
― What even is this!?
― Elden Soul turned into a martial arts movie all of a sudden omg
― Wow holy crap, this is cool as hell
― Is this a superhuman duel...?
― They're not using spells, right? Not fighting with buffs or anything?
― I know Eclipse has experience, but how's Purple keeping up!?
― How can a person move like this!?
Like a torrent, their swords clashed fiercely, sometimes locking in a contest of strength. And just when you thought they'd paused, the mind games over sword paths would resume, each trying to gain the upper hand.
It was a fight where splendor and gravitas coexisted, utterly unpredictable, making it impossible to look away from these sword matches. It was obvious why the viewers were going wild.
― Yeah, but still, he's falling a bit behind
― You can't beat the difference in experience, sigh
― Just holding out this long is crazy impressive
― At this level, I don't even regret risking my entire fortune
― Eclipse is amazing, but I think Godple's even more incredible
― For real, both of them are legendary, winner or loser!
However, the situation seemed unfavorable to Lee Gyeongbok. Was the gap in experience truly insurmountable?
"Ah...! Oh man... I thought it was over."
"Narrowly, no winner yet! Despite Eclipse's offense, he's not easily pushed back! His escaping skills are insane!"
Even so, no decision was made. Just when it seemed over, Lee Gyeongbok would find an escape route and erase the signs of defeat.
Genome's eyes flashed keenly as he assessed the situation.
"Did you notice just now?"
"Huh? Notice what?"
Shin Hyerim—and the chat—quickly filled with question marks.
"Purple seems to be 'adapting' in real time."
"Adapting? What do you mean!?"
― What are you talking about?
― Adapting to Eclipse's attacks?
― What's he saying; he already looks like he's barely holding on
― Hyung, you don't have to pressure yourself, being Trchoip and all!
― Anyone can see this duel is awesome, even without commentary LOL
The viewers sounded baffled. But Genome stuck to his opinion.
"Look closely! He might look like he's being pushed back, but it's nothing like the start. If Purple's offense-defense ratio was 1:9 at first, it's now up to about 3:7!"
He was right.
Unlike the beginning, when he was completely on the defensive, Lee Gyeongbok's counterattacks were increasing bit by bit.
― Huh??
― How is that possible?
― He's learning while fighting?!
― What is this, a shounen manga?
― But if it's Godple...?
― Why do I feel like this might work, weirdly enough
The viewers were skeptical but intrigued.
Meanwhile, Lee Gyeongbok himself wasn't paying any attention to their reactions. He was preoccupied with the novel sensation coursing through him.
'There are more and more...'
The more he exchanged blows with Eclipse, the more escape routes opened up, where once there had only been one or two. Unlike before, he even had leeway to think.
'So, that's it.'
Lee Gyeongbok smiled faintly.
Come to think of it, it was obvious. His sixth sense had always produced optimal results based on information gathered. In other words, the more information he obtained, the stronger that strength became.
Literally, "knowledge is strength."
'It's a virtuous cycle.'
Whenever Lee Gyeongbok carved out a path, Eclipse would unveil a new move in response. His sixth sense would then collect this new information and create new breakthroughs.
And so the cycle repeated.
With each exchange, Lee Gyeongbok became increasingly adept at reading sword paths, and as the virtuous cycle repeated, he gained the upper hand at an accelerating rate.
"Urgh...!"
Eclipse now let out a groan, not a sound of admiration. As time passed, he himself felt the mounting pressure from his opponent.
'What is this...!'
Eclipse sensed he was reaching his limit. The composure he'd had at the start was gone, and his hands and feet became hectic. His sword, once ready to strike anywhere, now felt like it was forcing its way through a narrow needle's eye.
And in the end—
"Argh!"
He had reached a dead end.
Force majeure.
Those four characters floated through Eclipse's mind.
With a metallic clang, his sword was knocked from his grip and clattered to the floor. Lee Gyeongbok's sword edge stopped right at his neck.
"Hoo."
Even after demonstrating a praiseworthy sword path during the fierce battle, Lee Gyeongbok only took a short breath.
He didn't feel any pride in his achievement nor any intoxication at his victory.
'Was it just that I did what I had to...?'
Eclipse sensed his honest intent.
Lee Gyeongbok had merely followed the path the sword should take in that moment. It must have been entirely natural.
"... I lost."
Just two short words from his lips.
But the effect of those words was anything but short-lived.
"Ahhhhh! Just now—the match has been decided!"
"Incredible! It was so fast, I couldn't even see it!"
"Amazing, truly amazing! Purple has defeated Eclipse—the former two-time Elden Kingdom duel tournament champion! History has been made—the best sword in Elden has changed hands!"
Genome shouted at the top of his lungs.
The tension that had sunk deep in the two swordsmen's duel now soared rapidly.
― Elden's best sword LOL what even
― Look at Trchoip's vocabulary, Lol
― Did this seriously just become a martial arts epic?
― From now on, elden Soul is traditional martial arts...!
― Trchoip! Trchoip! Trchoip! Trchoip!
― Breaking: Cheok Jun-gyeong renounces the Joseon's best swordsman title! "The name of the master who bestowed the sword on me is Purple."
― LMAO suddenly Cheok Jun-gyeong, what the heck LOL
-(PerStamp emote)(PerStamp emote)(PerStamp emote)(PerStamp emote)
― Upset bettors, are you awake now? Are you awake?
― My all-in succeeded!
― My memories are being duplicated! My memories are being duplicated!
The chat window exploded in response. Lee Gyeongbok finished sheathing his sword as he took in the flood of chats filling one corner of his vision.
"That was truly an excellent match."
People's attention returned to that one sentence.
Lee Gyeongbok extended a hand to Eclipse. Eclipse stared for a moment then gripped it firmly.
"It would be a lie to say I'm not dispirited."
"Pardon?"
"12 years—12 years of experience, overtaken in a single duel."
The commentators and viewers paused at those words. No one could really imagine what Eclipse must be feeling now.
However, contrary to those worries—
"I actually feel refreshed."
Eclipse was thoroughly enjoying a not-so-bad feeling.
"I say this on my honor—there was not a single mistake or moment of carelessness. I put everything into this duel and lost. That's all there is to it."
He had no regrets, having given his all. Eclipse gripped Lee Gyeongbok's hand tightly as he spoke.
"With every strike and parry, I felt your skill changing. Sir Purple..."
Eclipse released his hand and offered a salute. Though he no longer had a sword, his raised hand over his heart did not waver.
"You are a true genius."
After Genome, now Eclipse as well.
Lee Gyeongbok had received his second recognition as a genius.
― Damn! This is what you call romance!
― A clean concession, win or lose? That's true knighthood.
― Eclipse is the true knight here!
― Is this...chivalry?
― He keeps his cool to the end, Lol
― If Eclipse admits it, nobody can argue LOL
― A true classic duel
― Taking the day off today—no regrets LOL
― This is the big thing, I'm telling you
While viewers left their thoughts—
['PleaseSignHere' has donated 10,000 won.]
[All Elden fans...will now treat Godple as...a knight......]
['HomeboundWretch' has donated 50,000 won.]
[Can I...become a knight myself if I work at it?]
['JustFoundOut' has donated 500,000 won.]
[The reason I make money is to show respect!]
Suddenly, donation messages popped up.
During this lull after the duel, metaGamer had connected the system to display the messages.
"Ah, thank you for the donations!"
"Thank you! Retainers! This is all possible because of you!"
Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse gave their thanks.
― Is this the time for donations?
― Donations? Count me in!
― Ah LOL let's go!
― The credit-card knight makes a move!
-'Credit-card knight' what even is that LOL
Viewers, inspired, started pouring out donations. As Lee Gyeongbok finished expressing his gratitude, he turned to Eclipse and said,
"Thank you once again, sir Eclipse. This was the first time in any battle that I was ever truly worried about losing."
― Oh LOL
― He's never been worried about losing 'before'?
― Isn't that the highest praise?
― Is this the signature PerfectPlay compliment?
― Wow, even his praise is savage
― PerfectPlay's passive skill is condescension?
― I always thought it was his active skill, Lol
The viewers laughed at that statement. Eclipse also replied in a satisfied tone.
"Just being able to make you nervous—I consider that an achievement worth bragging about."
"Ahaha, I'm glad you didn't take it the wrong way."
― Ah LOL this is great
― Anyone who missed this live really lost out
― Now all the Elden fans will be wielding swords
― After this, who wouldn't want to pick up a sword?
― For real, people will at least want to try mimicking it
― Do we go back to the story after this?
― Surely this isn't end of stream, right? OMG
People predicted the event would soon end. Shin Hyerim, after glancing at the chat window, realized now was the perfect time.
"Everyone! It's not over yet!"
Everyone's eyes turned to her as she suddenly jumped in.
"There's a special guest among us!"
"A special guest?"
Genome, standing nearby, widened his eyes. He hadn't heard anything about a surprise visitor or the stealth function, either.
Shin Hyerim leaned in to whisper to Genome. His eyes nearly popped out of his head as she did so.
"This is for real!?"
"Yes, for real! Genome, please introduce our guest!"
― Huh?
― So it's not over?
― Seats, everyone! Elden fans and Purple's viewers, take your seats!
― What else is there!?
― This service is insane LOL
― There was an appetizer and a main dish, but more keeps coming out!
― If the main was this good, what else is left?
Now attention returned to Genome. He rolled his eyes rapidly, then began his announcement:
"Wow, I never imagined this guest would show up. Our special guest! Everything has a pulling force! In this noble place, such a humble guest has come!"
― Oh? Oh??
― LMAO what is this
-'In this noble place, such a humble guest' LOL
― Gravity? Is that it?
― No way...?
Even from just the introduction, viewers easily guessed who it was. Genome kept the buildup short as a result.
"The person who tasted defeat against Purple and even got personal coaching! NewtonLord has entered the arena!"
At those words, a new challenger landed in the dueling arena: NewtonLord, clad in black heavy armor with a helmet fully covering their face.
'... As I thought, very similar.'
6th sense picked up the bloodlust emanating from NewtonLord and swept through the inside of the armor. Seeing the body lines, Lee Gyeongbok was suddenly reminded of a member from an idol group in an advertisement.
'What was the name again? Nara?'
Lee Gyeongbok pondered for a moment, then opened a private message—one that wouldn't be broadcast.
The recipient was Choi Byeonghun.
[〉Hey, do you know a girl group called Sweeties?]
[〉Yeah, but why ask about a girl group all of a sudden?]
[〉Can you find out their latest schedule?]
[〉Schedule? Hang on, give me a sec.]
Meanwhile, the chat window went wild.
― LOLOLOLOLOL
― Truly? Is it truly NewtonLord?
― Ah, right, Eclipse did invite them
― LOL the duel was so insane I forgot
― Oh, didn't chicken out
― Came quickly because they didn't want to be labeled a coward, Lol
― Why not show up earlier, with the other stream snipers?
Shin Hyerim quickly explained for the audience.
"By the way, unlike the rude stream snipers, newtonLord requested permission from MetaGamer and expressed their desire to participate."
[NewtonLord 〉 Don't lump me together with those idiots. It's insulting.]
She too seemed displeased, displaying a message without speaking aloud—perhaps still hiding her identity.
While everyone's eyes were on her, Lee Gyeongbok received a reply from Choi Byeonghun.
[〉V-Cast was the last schedule, 10 minutes ago.]
[〉V-Cast?]
[〉It's a private broadcast just for celebs, Lol. This time, it was a mobile concert.]
[〉So, no more schedules now?]
[〉I guess so? Wait, but why with the girl group...]
[NewtonLord 〉 Purple, let's duel. I won't lose this time.]
A message from NewtonLord popped up above the private chat. Lee Gyeongbok—deciding to explain to his friend later—faced her directly.
"Did my coaching help at all?"
She flinched at the question.
[NewtonLord 〉 ... It did help.]
The viewers laughed at the reaction.
― Of course LOL do you know how much that coaching was worth
― To be honest, even ten million won is cheap today LOL
― A genius certified by Genome and Eclipse, giving personal lessons? That's nuts
― For real, ten million per hour is a bargain, Lol
― Price up for Purple's coaching?
― NewtonLord, smart investment, respect
― Totally value investing LOL
During that exchange, Eclipse addressed her.
"Sir Purple is not at his best after our duel. Isn't it dishonorable to target such an opponent?"
Viewers instantly agreed. NewtonLord, surprising everyone, nodded readily.
[NewtonLord 〉 I'm aware of that much. But I also came straight here after work. I'm not in top condition either. And I don't pull any shady tricks with duels.]
Her message made Lee Gyeongbok's eyes narrow.
'... Is she really an idol?'
Everything was just too coincidental.
But he decided not to think about it too much.
'Whatever.'
Whether the opponent was a girl group member or anyone else, a duel was a duel. Lee Gyeongbok grinned and typed his reply.
[PerfectPlay 〉 Just go]
NewtonLord jerked her head up at the message before her eyes.
A response with a feeling of déjà vu.
― LOL
― He actually did it like this?!
― What a personality!
― Breaking: Solomon revises Lemegeton! "Recently discovered a new 73rd demon."
― This is insane LOL make that the first demon, not the 73rd
― As expected, elden's best sword—already using 'mind-sword'!
-'Mind-sword' lmao
The viewers laughed openly.
[NewtonLord 〉 No more words are needed.]
NewtonLord clenched her fists and turned around. Eclipse looked back at Lee Gyeongbok.
Noticing the intent behind that gaze, Lee Gyeongbok smiled.
"It's all right."
"If you say so...very well."
As duels are strictly 1-on-1, Eclipse could not stay. As he vanished, two golden circles formed again on the Sword's Grave.
[NewtonLord 〉 I'm glad you won.]
Lee Gyeongbok, heading to his spot, got that message. As he turned in surprise, another popped up.
[NewtonLord 〉 Because it's my job to beat you.]
[NewtonLord 〉 If you think I'm the same as before, you'll regret it.]
Lee Gyeongbok beamed at her.
"I was just about to say the same thing."
He stepped onto the golden circle and said,
"I've changed, too."
Eclipse's swordsmanship was already embedded within him.
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