Whoosh— CLANG!
Sharp axes sliced through the air, silver light dancing across the stage. Oslo's attacks were relentless, a flowing torrent of strikes slamming against Geloros's Crucible Hornshield. With every blow, the force increased; deep grooves from Geloros's boots began to mark the stone floor as he was pushed back.
Despite the pressure, Geloros remained eerily calm. His eyes never left Oslo, calculating the trajectory of every swing.
Swish—!
As Oslo pivoted to follow his momentum, a micro-second opening appeared in his dual-axe rhythm.
Ground Stomp!
Geloros's eyes sharpened. He slammed his foot down with explosive force.
BOOM!
Jagged earth spikes erupted from the floor, lunging toward Oslo's chest. Oslo reacted instantly, halting his advance and shifting his style. One axe slashed upward in a parry while the other cut downward.
CLANG!
Geloros used his shield to catch the upward strike, while Oslo's downward swing shattered the approaching earth spikes. Using the recoil, Oslo leapt backward to reset his stance.
Seeing this, Geloros stopped his advance. He realized that without going all-out or utilizing his Incantations, taking this man down would be a long, grueling affair. So...
THUD!
Oslo watched in surprise as Geloros lowered his massive shield and let it rest heavily on the stage.
"You pass, Oslo. You have earned the right to challenge the King."
Geloros's voice was steady as he gave his evaluation. The crowd erupted in cheers. After witnessing that display, no one doubted the strength of a Crucible Knight, which only made Oslo's performance all the more impressive.
Watching from the shadows, Pontiff Karo allowed a satisfied smile to touch his lips. The stronger these warriors were, the better it served his ultimate goal.
Oslo grinned, shouldered his axes, and hopped back down into the crowd.
The selections continued. One warrior after another ascended the stage; some were truly exceptional, while others were simply there to gauge the gap between themselves and the world's elite. By the end of the day, only about fifteen out of the massive crowd had met Geloros's standards. While the number seemed small, the ratio of such high-quality warriors among the recruits was actually staggering.
When the news reached Godfrey, his grin widened. The thought of clashing with so many masters of different styles made his blood boil with excitement.
"My King, after your battles are concluded, I humbly request time for us to bestow the Grace of the Erdtree upon these champions."
As Godfrey sat enjoying the anticipation, Karo appeared to make his request. Godfrey's smile faded into a mask of regal authority. A sharp glint flickered in his eyes before he nodded.
"Very well. However, the Erdtree Church will also be present. Bestowing Grace is their sacred duty as well."
Karo's expression faltered for a fraction of a second before his smile returned. "Of course. We thank you for your permission."
"Prince, tomorrow is the day the King duels the warriors. Do you intend to go?"
A man clad in dark-gold armor, layered over white padding, stood before Godwyn. He wore a closed helm topped with a golden halo, and a black-and-gold cloak draped magnificently from his shoulders. This was Kaisen, the Captain of Godwyn's personal guard.
"Mhm... My schedule is clear tomorrow. I'll head over to watch. Perhaps we can even find a few recruits for your unit, Kaisen. What do you think?"
"Your will is my command, Prince. I leave the decision to you," Kaisen replied, bowing his head slightly.
"Sometimes I wish you'd speak a bit more and share your own thoughts," Godwyn said with a laugh, shaking his head.
Kaisen rubbed his helmet awkwardly. "Strategy isn't my forte, sir. I apologize if I've disappointed you as your guard captain."
"No need for apologies. I simply hope to see you stand on your own two feet one day." Godwyn rose and reached for a massive golden greatsword. "Come. Lord Serosh is currently helping with the paperwork, so I finally have time to sharpen my own skills."
The day passed quickly, and the hour of the duel finally arrived.
"What do you think Lord Godfrey is really like?"
"Mhm... he must be a wise king, as well as a powerful one. How else could he have led the Dynasty to this height?"
"Makes sense... but I heard he was originally a chieftain from the Badlands."
"I heard that too! That means he's a true warrior at heart!"
As the crowd below the stage chattered, the selected warriors were in peak condition, their eyes burning with fighting spirit as they stared at the high platform.
"Come, Serosh. I'll need you to help me suppress the wildness in my heart for this one."
Godfrey rose slowly from his seat. Serosh crawled onto his back, and Godfrey gripped his battle-axe, his legs tensing like coiled springs.
BOOM!
Whoosh—!
A terrifying sonic boom echoed through the air. The crowd looked up as a massive shadow blotted out the sun.
CRASH!
As Godfrey landed on the stage, a horrific shockwave of wind blasted outward, forcing the front-row spectators back several steps.
THUD!
As the dust settled after the heavy sound of his axe hitting the floor, Godfrey's towering, majestic figure stood revealed.
"Champions from afar! Come! Show me the true splendor of your strength!!"
Godfrey raised his axe high and let out a thunderous roar. In that moment, an indescribable heat surged in the hearts of everyone present. Driven by the King's raw battle intent, the entire crowd let out a deafening, unified shout of defiance and excitement.
Standing in the crowd, Moke watched the scene, a strange light shining in his eyes.
"So this is the King of the Golden Dynasty... First Lord Godfrey..."
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My : https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (115 Chapters – Ongoing)
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