บท 343: Defeat with Honor

The arena held its breath as the attack connected. A blinding flash of light filled the air, followed by a deafening clang. Sir Cedric, fueled by adrenaline, felt a surge of hope.

But as the light faded, revealing a cold defiant expression on Akun's face, the hope turned to ash in his mouth.

The blade, miraculously intact, lay at the tip of Akun's black silver chestplate, smoke curling from the point of contact.

Akun remained unfazed as he said. "Five attacks remain, Knight Captain," he spoke in a cold, taunting voice. "How many more pointless displays do you intend to subject us to?"

As Akun spoke, his words broke something inside Sir Cedric. His pride, honed like his blade over years of training, was shattered at Akun's feet. Slowly, he pulled his sword back, the blue aura flickering like a dying ember.