Shinja''s gaze narrowed as he assessed the visitor, Eldric, who stood with a confident poise that showed that he was indeed a veteran...


    He could that this man had been to numerous battles just like him.


    ''No wonder he''s told to fight me…''


    Shinja thought as he looked at Eldric''s side.


    The Kris de was indeed a fine weapon, its craftsmanship unmistakable even from a distance.


    "Very well," Shinja agreed, his voice sounding confident and unworried.


    Well, just now, he saw Shane''s Drone going in the direction of the Spitter Zombies… It means that Shane knew of their presence as well. Because of that, he no longer had to worry about them. He was confident enough that Shane would deal with this problem.


    "Mhmm… If Master Shane wishes for me to test your spirit, then so be it."


    Eldric''s grip on the Kris de tightened, a silent acknowledgment of the challenge ahead. He could tell that Shinja was a strong warrior even if the butler hadn''t introduced him.


    Shinja then thought for a moment as he considered how to fight Eldric. Then, in a gesture of respect, he chose to mirror his opponent''s armament, selecting a single sword from the manor''s armory—a de less ornate than his usual choice, but no less deadly.


    His two swords were both poisonous. Using it in a test would not be beneficial at all. Just a single scratch on Eldric could cause death.


    There was no need to go that far.


    "If Shane sees potential in you, then our camp could benefit from your skills," Shinja stated, a hint of intrigue coloring his words.


    "I''ve note to join any ranks," Eldric replied, his tone firm yet devoid of hostility. "But I wee the opportunity to prove my worth."


    "Then let the recruitment begin," Shinja said, the corners of his mouth lifting in a rare smile.


    The two warriors faced each other in the open courtyard, the morning sun casting long shadows upon the ground.


    Some on the not-too-busy people gathered around. Theysilent audience to the impending duel.


    With a nod from Mr. Wadsworth, the battlemenced. Shinja advanced with slow but calcted pace, his sword held in a guard position. Eldric mirrored the approach, the Kris de reflecting the light of the sun in a dazzling disy.


    Shinja struck first, a swift thrust aimed at Eldric''s midsection. Eldric sidestepped, the de passing harmlessly by, and countered with a sh towards Shinja''s nk.


    The Warlord parried with ease, the sound of steel ringing through the air.


    Cling~


    They circled each other as they started to consider how to approach their opponent after seeing their speed.


    Shinja feinted left, then pivoted right, his de arcing towards Eldric''s shoulder.


    But Eldric was quick, ducking under the strike and attempting to sweep Shinja''s legs. The Warlord leaped, turning Eldric''s maneuver into an opportunity tounch a downward strike.


    Eldric rolled away, the grass staining his clothes as he narrowly avoided the de''s strike. He rose swiftly, the Kris de shing in a diagonal line aimed at Shinja''s chest. Shinja retreated, his back foot catching on a stone, but he recovered with the grace of a cat, using the momentum to spin and deliver a counterattack.


    The des met with a ng that echoed off the manor''s walls, sparks flying from the point of impact.


    ''That sword is a trouble…'' Shinja thought to himself after realizing that the Kris de in Eldric''s hands was a lot better than he thought.


    Although the sword that Shinja was using looked simple, it was still a sword that was made by their best cksmith and it had the same stats as Rare Items!


    It means that Eldric''s weapon was probably Exceptional or even a Master Grade!


    Nheless, Eldric pressed the attack, a series of rapid strikes that forced Shinja back step by step. Shinja started being careful as well realizing that his sword might break…


    Nheless, the Warlord''s defense was like iron, each attack was deflected.


    Of course, it was all because of one of his perfected skills.


    [ de Dancer Stance Lv10 ( Max): A fluid skill that allows the person to adopt a graceful and deadly stance,bining agility and precision to outmaneuver opponents inbat. It grants the following benefits:


    +40% evasion and mobility in de Dancer stance


    +40% chance to counter enemy attacks with swift de maneuvers


    +40% speed of transitioning between offensive and defensive stances ]


    Even if he wasn''t dual-wielding, this skill was still active as long as he maintained his stance!


    Shinja''s eyes gleamed with the thrill of the fight, his movements bing more fluid, more unpredictable.


    After reading Eldric''s battle style, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one a feint, each one a test of Eldric''s reaction.


    And then, with the speed of a striking viper, he lunged, his de aiming for a decisive blow.


    But Eldric was ready. With a twist of his wrist, he redirected Shinja''s sword, creating an opening. He thrust forward, the Kris de seeking victory.


    Yet, Shinja''s experience shone through; he sidestepped at thest moment, the de grazing his tunic but not his skin… Then, Eldric stepped back five times as he was actually kicked by Shinja!


    Furthermore, Eldric could tell that Shinja held back from that strike!


    The two warriors paused, their breathing heavy, their respect for each other''s skill evident in their stance.


    They had both proven their worth, their prowess undeniable.


    "This is enough…" Mr. Wadsworth dered, telling them to sheathe their swords.


    "Your skill is clear, Eldric. Whether you join us or not, you have my respect." Shinja said with a hint of smile on his face.


    Eldric nodded, acknowledging thepliment. "And you have mine, Warlord. Today''s battle will not be forgotten."


    ***


    In the meantime, from the manor''s highest balcony, Shane observed the duel with a keen eye.


    Eldric''s skill had not only impressed the seasoned Warlord Shinja but had also caught Shane''s strategic mind.


    "He''ll be invaluable in theing Zombie Wave," Shane mused to himself, a smile ying on his lips.


    The Zombie Wave was an inevitable tide, and warriors like Eldric were rare finds…


    ''He''ll be a useful tool—No, ally…''


    As thebatants sheathed their swords and the crowd dispersed, Shane shifted his attention to histest acquisition.


    The Reputation Store had been generous, offering an item that could very well change the course of the next battle.