In the heart of the dense forest , the guards and the assassins were spectating the fight which was about to happen.
" You know, you can't back out now." He chuckled
" If you surrender now, I will give you a nice and painless death" He said filled with arrogance.
" Stop barking and get on with the fight"
This grimaced the masked man.
" You will regret this"
" Sure I will" I smirked.
Why is he still confident? Is he hiding his power? No way in hell thought the masked man.
" I feel pity for you. Why not strike me first?"
Leonard could feel that the masked man was looking down on him. If anything, it brought him more chances of winning. 'Please look down on me more and lower your guard, then i could finish you off for good' Leo smirked
Leonard took his stance in fighting position. With determination Leonard went head on to strike the masked man. The masked man was initially taken aback by the attack but he parried off pretty easily.
" Is that all you have got?" he mocked
The clash of steel rang through the forest as both the masked man and Leonard fought relentlessly head to head. It was only a matter of time before Leonard would give in before that he should strike the masked man. Leonard's strikes were fierce but the masked man's years of experience and skills, gave him an upper hand in the fight.
For what seemed like an eternity, the fight ensued with both Leonard and the masked man unwilling to relent. Leonard was desperately trying to land a blow whereas the masked man effortlessly defended, always on the move. As minutes turned into what felt like hours, Leonard's initial burst of energy started to wane and his attacks grew less precise. In a brief moment of vulnerability the masked man seized the opportunity to strike back but with a newfound burst of strength, Leonard delivered a powerful blow to the masked man.
The masked man staggered back wounded and unmasked, his identity revealed in the daylight.
Leonard stood over him with his blade to his neck.
" It's over. Who sent you here?"
The man cowered and refused to answer. Meanwhile, the rest of the assassins tried to escape as their leader has been captured but the guards got hold of them.
" Detain them and keep an eye on them. We could finish the interrogation at the Maclean Territory."
With the masked man laying defeated on the floor. Leonard who was previously looked down upon, now stood as a saviour in the eyes of his guards.
_________________________
MISSION COMPLETE
REWARD :5000 points
YOU HAVE NOW UNLOCKED THE LUCKY
DRAW
___________________________
" Lucky Draw, is this good or bad?" I wondered
" Young master, are you alright?" Yutah ran over concerned. The other soldiers were also amazed at Leonard's courage.
" That was awesome"
" Young master, you were so amazing"
" You are truly great"
The praises kept on coming. Leonard was quite burdened with their praises.
" I only did what I had to do" He patted the soldiers. The soldiers were awestruck at his gentle and caring attitude towards them.
After that Leonard and his soldiers set out to Maclean Territory.
Meanwhile, Zack also had a change of heart because he witnessed the courage and braveness of Leonard. And resolved his mind of further doubts about him.
THE NEXT DAY
" Did you hear that an incurable disease is spreading around in the southern part"
" Yeah, I did. Better be indoors from now on"
" Did you also hear that the useless son of the Duke defeated the leader of the assassins"
" Yeah, but it seems fake . How could that arrogant man deal with the assassins?"
" Young master, should I cut their tongues off" Yutah rose up for his command.
" Come on now, they are just gossiping" said Leonard who was in disguise. Leonard and the soldiers have been staying in an inn for a break. He also wanted to collect information regarding the affairs of Maclean Territory. Never did he expect his name to come up.
" How did the rumour spread till here?" Leonard asked the soldiers who were seated near him. One among the newly appointed soldier came and apologized.
" I'm sorry young master, It slipped from my mouth while I was drunk. I didn't think it would spread so fast"
Haahhh ... Leonard sighed. " No there is no need to apologise. Make sure this doesn't happen again"
" Ofcourse Young master" I nodded at him. What was the incurable disease they were speaking about? I wondered. There was nothing mentioned about a disease outbreak in the novel. I will have to look into it.
Meanwhile at the Maclean Territory, the servants were bustling with the new spread of news.
" Did you hear the eldest son of Quoralian defeated the leader of the assassins?"
" Yeah!! Can't believe it, can we? Is he really the same young master we know " The maids were gushing about with each other.
" What are you guys doing slacking off instead of doing your duties"
" Sorry, Miss Cartia" The maids excused themselves of their behaviour and scurried off.
" What a joke!! Defeated the leader of assassins? As if!!" She mocked him in her mind.
" Let's see how much you have changed Leonard. I'm sure you will still be obsessing after me" She smirked to herself , looking forward to the day he arrives.