Chapter 17 - The Test

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After understanding the situation, Gavin proactively spoke to Edmond, saying, "My lord, I am still capable of participating in the Group battle. I have full confidence in my strength, and I wish to fight for your victory in the arena to repay you for all the help you've given me over the years."

Edmund, though listening, still wore an expression of urgency on his face and firmly disagreed. "Gavin, no, you can't. The team battle is far too dangerous. I can't let you take such a risk."

Instructor Ryan, standing nearby, also tried to comfort him. "Gavin, I know your strength well, but you are still too young and lack experience. The Group battle is extremely dangerous, and every year, many people are killed or wounded. I've already hired three gladiators from Essos, so it should be fine."

Gavin, with solemnity, bowed respectfully to Edmond and said, "My lord, I have full confidence in my abilities. I request that I be allowed to challenge these three gladiators in a contest. If I can defeat them, please allow me to participate in the battle."

Edmond furrowed his brow, his face full of hesitation. "Gavin, this is no trivial matter."

Instructor Ryan, still beside him, added, "Gavin, gladiators are not so easy to deal with. They are not like soldiers and are highly skilled in combat."

Gavin smiled confidently, meeting Edmund's gaze. "My lord, please trust me. You'll see for yourself."

Edmond gave a wry smile. "Alright, Ryan, go fetch those three men."

Soon, three men appeared at the tent's entrance. Two of them were large, their muscles bulging like two towering iron pillars.

Their massive arms seemed capable of breaking steel with ease. Their faces were stern, and their eyes revealed a ruthless, fearless nature.

The third man, slightly more nimble, had a lithe and agile build, with smooth yet powerful muscle lines. His sharp, keen eyes flickered with the alertness of a predator, as if ready to strike at any moment.

As they listened to Ryan's explanation, the largest gladiator among them sneered and bellowed, "I thought there was something important, but it turns out you just want me to fight a little brat. Well, you're the employer, so I'll do as you say." He turned to the other two and asked "What do you think, should we go and bully this kid?"

Before the other two could respond, Gavin spoke up from across the room. "I suggest the three of you come at me together. If it's a one-on-one, you might not even last two moves."

His words were filled with calm assurance, and his eyes shone with confidence.

The massive gladiator, hearing Gavin's words, sneered and grinned fiercely. "Looks like you're pretty confident, huh, kid?"

Gavin merely smiled, his expression still relaxed. "I recommend you three strikes first." As soon as the words left his mouth, the three gladiators instantly flew into a rage.

No one had ever dared to belittle them like this, and Gavin's words had clearly insulted them.

The most agile of the gladiators quickly drew a curved sword from his waist and rushed at Gavin like a gust of wind. Gavin's body flickered as he easily evaded the swift strike.

The gladiator missed and quickly spun around, swinging his blade once more. Gavin remained calm, sidestepping gracefully.

With a quick flick of his sword, he knocked the curved blade from the gladiator's hand, sending it crashing to the ground.

Seeing this, another burly gladiator swung a heavy axe towards Gavin, the wind howling from its force.

Gavin leaped backward, skillfully evading the blow, and then swiftly advanced, his sword flashing like lightning. The gladiator tried to block with his axe, but Gavin's strike shook his arm, leaving it numb.

The last gladiator entered the fray, wielding a spear, and charged at Gavin with ferocity. Gavin swiftly moved his feet, dodging the spear's sharp tip, then, with incredible speed, circled behind him.

He delivered a kick to the gladiator's backside, sending him stumbling forward.

Seizing the moment, Gavin's sword traced elegant arcs in the air. Amid the flashing swordplay, the three gladiators collapsed one after another, their weapons scattered across the ground. Gavin sheathed his sword calmly, as if the entire battle had been no more than a simple practice.

Most of the soldiers in the camp knew Gavin, and seeing his incredible strength, they cheered loudly in awe. Edmund and Ryan, watching from the sidelines, were equally stunned. They had never imagined Gavin could be this powerful.

Ryan let out a bitter laugh and said, "Gavin, when we sparred, it seems you were holding back."

Edmund, struck by the realization of Gavin's strength, suddenly seemed to recall something important. His expression tightened, and he interjected, "Gavin, how skilled are you with the lance?"

Gavin bowed respectfully and replied, "My lord, my skill with the lance is a bit lacking compared to my swordsmanship. Do you want me to participate in the lance competition?"

He then added, "However, as far as I know, I am not eligible to sign up for the lance competition."

Edmund burst into hearty laughter and clapped Gavin on the shoulder. "These are small matters. Generally, only knights and noble offspring can participate in the lance competition. However, if you represent a noble house, as part of their delegation, you can bypass these restrictions."

This news was a pleasant surprise for Gavin. His eyes sparkled with excitement. After all, he had long coveted the Golden Dragons prize, and many knights had been knighted after winning the lance competition.

His voice trembled with excitement as he quickly made his request: "My lord, please allow me to participate in the lance competition."

Edmund laughed heartily and agreed without hesitation. He then raised his voice and gave a loud command to those around him, "Someone, go and announce that I am holding a feast in the camp to celebrate my nephew Gavin's return from the Citadel."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was astonished, as this was clearly the first time Edmund publicly acknowledged Gavin as his nephew.

Inside the large tent of the Cotstayne family's camp, a small banquet was being held. Edmund, with a joyful smile on his face, had his arm around Gavin. Several nobles, close friends of Edmund, had gathered, chatting and laughing inside the tent.

At this moment, a guard at the door announced loudly, "Lord Willas Tyrell of the Tyrell family has arrived!" Willas Tyrell, seated in a wheelchair, was slowly wheeled into the tent.

Edmund quickly pulled Gavin to his feet, affectionately placing his arm around his shoulder. "Come, let me introduce you to my good friend, the future Lord of Highgarden. He is the eldest son of Lord Mace and the heir to the Tyrell family."

Although Willas Tyrell was disabled, his noble bearing remained unshaken. With a gentle smile, he nodded in greeting to everyone.

Edmund eagerly approached him, embracing him warmly, clearly delighted to reunite with his old friend. He then led Gavin to Willas and introduced them to each other.

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