"I challenge you to a duel."

The words cut through the air like a blade.

Bismarck no longer cared that the mayor stood before him, nor did Axton.

Their gazes locked, tension rippling between them like a drawn bowstring.

This wasn't about politics or pride anymore.

It was personal.

"I accept," Axton said coldly, his tone sharp enough to wound.

The crowd that had gathered around stirred at his reply. Even Mayor Duncan was taken aback by this. He could sense the hostility between his two commanders boiling over like molten iron.

Bismarck's fists tightened at his sides. Ever since Axton had walked into the mayor's dining hall that day, things had changed.

The mayor's trust, his attention, his confidence — everything had begun shifting toward the newcomer. It was subtle at first, but Bismarck felt it deeply, like a knife twisting in his chest.

It wasn't just professional jealousy anymore.

It was resentment, shame, and the desperate urge to reclaim his pride.

Now, all that emotion had finally reached its boiling point.

Words could no longer contain it.

A duel was inevitable.

******

The arena had been prepared quickly.

It was a vast circular platform carved from stone and steel, solid enough to take any attacks they would throw at each other.

The citizens of Atlas City had gathered, murmuring and whispering as they surrounded the perimeter. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation.

This was no mere sparring match.

This was a test of dominance.

Mayor Duncan sat at the top of a marble balcony, overlooking the platform. His expression was unreadable, but inside, his mind was a storm.

He had feared this outcome.

Bismarck was powerful, too powerful for comfort. His growing influence among the guards and citizens had been a silent threat to Duncan's authority while Axton's arrival had been his countermeasure, a new balance to the city's power.

But now… his two pillars were about to destroy each other.

The irony was bitter.

He leaned forward slightly, hands clasped before him.

"Don't die, Khan," he muttered under his breath. "You're too useful to lose."

[Bismarck]

[Position: Commander]

[Class: Warrior]

[Subclass: Swordsman]

[Level: 40]

[Attack: 2230]

[Defense: 1650]

[Agility: 1800]

[HP: 3500 / 3500]

[Mana: 1550 / 1550]

[Skills: Lunar Slash, Quick Draw, Sword Shadow]

Bismarck's stats were no joke.

He was a veteran swordsman, forged through countless battles.

His technique was refined, his reflexes sharp, his instincts deadly.

On paper, he completely outclassed Axton and he knew it.

The commander's confidence was palpable.

He didn't just want to win; he wanted to humiliate the newcomer in front of everyone.

[Khan]

[Level: 20]

[Class: Warrior]

[Subclass: Demolisher]

[Attack: 1650]

[Defense: 1100]

[Agility: 1325]

[HP: 1600 / 1600]

[Mana: 700 / 700]

Axton's stats looked modest in comparison. He wasn't a pushover by any means, but standing against a level 40 swordsman was like facing a storm armed with nothing but a stick.

If this had been a purely numerical fight… if stats alone decided victory, Axton would already be dead.

But battles weren't fought on paper.

******

The two men stepped into the arena from opposite ends, the crowd's chatter growing louder with each passing second. The ring of steel echoed as they drew their weapons, Bismarck's gleaming longsword versus Axton's fists.

They stared at each other across the circular stage.

No referee.

No rules.

Just the mayor's silent gaze from above and the city's collective breath held in suspense.

Mayor Duncan exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves.

He wanted Axton to win, not just because he favored him, but because Bismarck's arrogance had become a thing of concern. Yet, even he knew this was a long shot. Axton's strength was still an unknown variable.

He prayed that variable would be enough.

Among the spectators, murmurs rippled like waves.

"Commander Bismarck will crush him easily," someone whispered.

"I heard the newcomer's tough, but not that tough."

"Still… I've got a feeling this won't be a normal fight."

Some placed bets, others simply crossed their arms and waited.

A few younger soldiers looked worried. Axton had earned their respect in the time he was in Atlas City,, and they didn't want to see him killed so soon.

******

Bismarck cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, loosening his joints. His armor glinted beneath the sun, polished and imposing. Then he planted his feet and raised his sword in a traditional stance.

"You should've stayed in your lane," he said mockingly.

"I'll make sure you regret stepping into my city."

Axton didn't reply.

His gaze was calm, his breathing controlled.

He analyzed everything — the stance, the posture, the distance.

'I have only one chance,' he thought. 'One mistake, and it's over. I need to hit him where it hurts most.'

He could almost feel the weight of Bismarck's confidence pressing against him like a physical force.

"Lunar Slash!"

The moment Bismarck's sword flashed, a blinding crescent of white energy ripped through the air, screaming toward Axton like a hunting beast.

The crowd gasped.

Axton's instincts screamed danger.

Without hesitation, he slammed his palm into the ground.

[Earth Wall]

A wall of solid stone burst from the ground before him.

Then another after that, and another.

Three in total.

He knew one wouldn't be enough.

The raw pressure radiating from Bismarck's attack was terrifying. The ground itself trembled under its momentum.

The white arc struck the first wall with a deafening explosion.

*Boom*

The stone shattered instantly, spraying debris in all directions.

The second wall held for less than a second before the arc tore through it as well, its light flaring brighter, hungrier.

By the time it hit the third wall, the entire arena shook violently.

The impact sent a shockwave through the stands. Dust and gravel filled the air, obscuring everything from view.

The crowd roared.

"Did you see that!?"

"Lunar Slash broke through all three!"

"Hahaha! The new commander's done for!"

Bismarck lowered his sword, smirking. "Pathetic. Those measly stones won't save you."

The mayor leaned forward, eyes narrowed, trying to pierce through the cloud of dust.

His heart pounded. "No… he couldn't have gone down that easily."

The smoke lingered for a moment longer, and then began to clear.

A figure slowly came into view through the haze.

Lying on the ground, motionless, covered in dust was Axton.

The arena fell into a hush.

For a moment, it looked like it was over.

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