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Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: The Duel at the Coliseum

Scene 1: Arrival at the Colosseum

The Agarest Coliseum loomed ahead, its towering stone walls echoing the whispers of countless warriors who had come before. Alistair stepped forward, his heart pounding with anticipation. This arena was not just a battleground; it was a testament to the legacy of the Agarest family. Today, he would carve his own name into its history.

As the crowd began to fill the seats, a mix of nobles and soldiers, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Alistair's gaze drifted to the Duke, who sat in the front row, flanked by his wives and siblings. Duke Varen's expression was inscrutable, but Alistair could sense the weight of his father's authority surrounding him, a silent reminder of the family's legacy resting on his shoulders.

In the stands, whispers of Alistair's past echoed, with some doubting his ability while others expressed hopes for a thrilling confrontation. Alistair felt the pressure mount, yet he reveled in the anticipation, his resolve hardening. This was his moment to prove not only to his father but also to himself that he was worthy of the Agarest name.

Scene 2: The Opponent's Approach

Across the arena, the knight who had mocked Alistair, Sir Garrick, strutted forward, confidence radiating from him. "Ready to be humiliated, little lord? "He sneered, drawing his sword with a flourish. His arrogance was palpable, and Alistair could feel the disdain of the crowd, many of whom had witnessed the knight's bullying.

With every taunt, Garrick's bravado swelled, but Alistair remained unfazed. He clenched his fists, determination fueling his resolve. "You have no idea who you're dealing with," he replied, his voice steady, each word laced with conviction. The tension in the air thickened as Sir Garrick lunged forward, sword raised, ready to prove his point.

Alistair's heart raced, not from fear but from the thrill of battle. He had trained for this moment, visualizing it in his mind countless times. He could feel the gaze of the audience on him, a thousand eyes filled with anticipation and skepticism.

Scene 3: A Display of Power

As the duel commenced, Alistair moved with a fluid grace, sidestepping Garrick's initial strike. The crowd gasped as Alistair countered, his blade dancing in a seamless arc, showcasing his mastery. He was no longer the weak boy they once knew; he was a regressor with skills honed from past experiences and the wisdom of his lineage.

"Impressive," General Kael muttered, eyes wide with admiration. "He's mastered the footwork and precision that many knights struggle to achieve."

General Rowan nodded, equally astonished. "This kid is something special. He's not just fighting; he's orchestrating a dance."

Meanwhile, Duke Varen remained stoic, but inside, pride swelled within him. He watched his son, a mix of nostalgia and admiration flickering in his heart. As Alistair executed a series of swift, calculated moves, the Duke felt memories of his own youth resurface—moments of glory that he now saw reflected in his son. Despite his serious demeanor, he couldn't help but feel proud of Alistair's accomplishments.

Scene 4: The Climax of the Duel

As the fight escalated, Garrick, desperate to regain the upper hand, charged at Alistair with a ferocious yell. He swung his sword with reckless abandon, aiming to catch Alistair off guard. But Alistair was ready, fueled by a newfound purpose.

With a swift movement, he sidestepped and allowed Garrick's blade to pass dangerously close to his neck. The crowd gasped, a collective breath held in suspense. Then, in a decisive moment, Alistair struck, his sword piercing through Garrick's defenses.

"Let this be a lesson," Alistair growled, his voice low and fierce, reverberating throughout the arena. "Those who mock the Agarest family meet their end." The weight of his words hung in the air like a promise.

In one fluid motion, as Garrick stumbled, Alistair spun around and delivered a powerful thrust that caught Garrick completely off guard, plunging his blade into the knight's side. Before Garrick could react, Alistair's blade found its mark, silencing the knight's arrogance forever. The arena fell silent, shock and admiration echoing through the spectators.

As Alistair stood over his fallen opponent, the two generals exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and respect. "It's like watching the Duke when he was young," General Kael whispered, awe lacing his tone. The legacy of the Agarest was alive and well in this young lord, and the kingdom would soon remember his name.

In the stands, Duke Varen, though his expression remained serious, felt a swell of pride wash over him. His son had just demonstrated raw power and skill that would resonate across the continent. The whispers of the crowd shifted from doubt to admiration, a moment etched in history as Alistair emerged not just as a lord but as a warrior who would shape the future of the Agarest family.