Refuse... refuse?
Everyone in the Colosseum was stunned by Kevin's unexpected answer.
Even those who understood Kevin well, such as Connor and King Conchieber, couldn't hide their surprise.
In an era steeped in violence and glory through battle, a challenge in the Colosseum was a matter of pride. For a warrior to reject such a challenge, especially in front of a roaring crowd, was unthinkable. Yet Kevin remained indifferent to the weight of expectations.
He didn't care if his refusal disappointed the crowd or tarnished his reputation. In truth, Kevin would much prefer not being immortalized in bardic tales. The idea of future historians analyzing his every move made him deeply uncomfortable.
"Reject?" Cu Chulainn echoed incredulously. For a moment, even he was at a loss. He knew Kevin wasn't a coward, so the refusal made no sense. "Why?"
"Hm..." Kevin pretended to think deeply, and then said with absolute confidence, "I'm tired."
"Tired?" Cu Chulainn repeated, his brows furrowing.
"Yeah!" Kevin nodded emphatically, his tone deadly serious. "I'm tired! As the son of Luger, you surely wouldn't want to take advantage of me in my current state, would you?"
The corner of Cu Chulainn's eye twitched. He could feel the vein in his forehead threatening to burst.
You're tired? Did you even use any energy just now?!
"Son of Luger, huh?" Cu Chulainn muttered through gritted teeth. "You bastard! I don't care if you're tired—you're fighting me today, whether you want to or not!"
The tension in the Colosseum grew thick. Spectators whispered among themselves, unsure what to make of Kevin's refusal.
High above in the stands, King Conchieber frowned, his regal demeanor unshaken but tinged with curiosity. "What is Kevin doing?"
"Why did he refuse?" Kesba echoed, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
Connor chuckled softly, breaking the momentary tension. "Ah, that's just like Kevin. He's never been one to fight unless there's a reason for it. When he sparred with Cu Chulainn as a child, it wasn't out of love for battle but to measure his growth. Now that he knows he's caught up, he doesn't see the point."
Connor's explanation made the king and the druid pause. Thinking back, they realized Kevin's refusal wasn't entirely surprising. While Cu Chulainn thrived on combat and glory, Kevin had always been more pragmatic.
In the Colosseum, Kevin folded his arms and tilted his head, speaking calmly to Cu Chulainn, who looked like a volcano ready to erupt.
"If you insist on fighting me now, I'll make sure you don't have dinner tonight."
Cu Chulainn's fiery resolve faltered. "What?"
"And if you push it further," Kevin continued with a smirk, "I'll make sure you don't eat for a whole week!"
Cu Chulainn froze, his expression shifting between frustration and hesitation.
Back in the stands, King Conchieber, Kesba, and Connor exchanged amused glances.
"Well," Kesba said, laughing, "I almost forgot how easily Kevin can handle Cu Chulainn."
Connor leaned back with a grin. "It's true. For all Cu Chulainn's strength, it's Kevin who has the upper hand in moments like these."
However, the atmosphere shifted when King Conchieber stood up and addressed the crowd, his voice ringing out across the Colosseum.
"Kevin and Cu Chulainn," the king proclaimed, "shall fight here and now! Regardless of the outcome, this duel will count as a trial of warriors. Let it be a display of their strength and honor!"
The murmurs among the audience turned to cheers, and Kevin sighed inwardly. He had no choice now.
Looking at Cu Chulainn, who was visibly restraining his excitement, Kevin muttered, "So, if I fight you now, I skip a trial, right? Fine. Just wait while I get my weapon."
A few minutes later, Kevin returned to the arena carrying a pitch-black spear, a gift forged by Scathach herself. Cu Chulainn stood opposite him, gripping a king's sword, its blade gleaming with lethal promise.
The crowd roared in anticipation as the two warriors faced each other.
Kevin and Cu Chulainn exchanged knowing smiles, their mutual respect and rivalry clear in their eyes.
"Don't die," Kevin said, his tone light but sincere.
"You too," Cu Chulainn replied, his grin feral.
Neither wore armor—an unspoken agreement between the two since childhood. The rules were simple: the first to draw blood would be declared the winner.
But such simplicity also meant danger. Without armor, a miscalculation could lead to serious injury—or worse.
The two warriors stood still, their eyes locked, as the tension in the Colosseum reached its peak. Then, without warning, they moved.
Cu Chulainn struck first, his sword a blur as it arced toward Kevin. But Kevin was faster, dodging with practiced ease and countering with a sharp thrust of his spear.
The clash of their weapons echoed across the arena, each strike sending sparks flying. The audience watched in awe as the two danced across the Colosseum floor, their movements fluid yet fierce.
Kevin's spear weaved through Cu Chulainn's defenses, forcing the latter to retreat slightly.
"You've improved," Cu Chulainn admitted, his grin widening. "But you're still not faster than me!"
In a flash, Cu Chulainn closed the distance, his sword aiming for Kevin's exposed side. But Kevin anticipated the move, twisting his body and using the spear's shaft to block the strike.
"You're not bad yourself," Kevin shot back, his tone teasing.
Their exchange continued, neither giving an inch. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, their cheers growing louder with each clash.
Finally, Kevin saw an opening. Feinting a high attack, he forced Cu Chulainn to raise his guard. In the same instant, Kevin swept his spear low, knocking Cu Chulainn off balance.
Cu Chulainn stumbled but recovered quickly, his eyes blazing with determination.
"You almost got me," he said, his voice tinged with admiration.
"Almost?" Kevin quipped, smirking.
The fight continued, both warriors pushing themselves to the limit. Despite the intensity, there was no malice between them—only a shared desire to prove their strength.
After several more minutes of fierce combat, Kevin and Cu Chulainn finally stepped back, breathing heavily but smiling.
The crowd erupted into applause, their excitement palpable.
"Well?" Kevin asked, resting his spear on his shoulder.
Cu Chulainn laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. "You've definitely caught up. But don't think I'll let you surpass me."
Kevin smirked. "We'll see about that."
As the two left the arena, walking side by side, the cheers of the crowd followed them, a testament to their strength and camaraderie.
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