Arthur and The First Knight's fight was scheduled for the current day. The day was an event organized by the King so he and the first knight would have a few hundred spectators watching the fight which made Arthur a bit nervous before he realized he was going to have way more people in his wake when the War started, that calmed down his nerves.

"You think you can beat him?" Luna asked from behind him.

"Yeah, but it'll be a tough fight if I try to only use 1 Gift," Arthur answered confidently.

"What makes you so confident? He's supposed to be the strongest swordsman in the Human continent." Luna continued curiously.

"Well nothing really, I suppose it's because of the fight against Michael and Scarlett." Arthur surprised himself with his answer.

"Don't underestimate him or you'll lose."

"Is that worry I hear?"

"No, but you are my companion so your losing would be embarrassing." Luna instantly countered

Arthur scowled. "I won't".

They continued in silence until they arrived at the courtyard, which was decorated with flowers all around and people standing just behind a red line that dictated how far they could go, further on behind the people were the Guards watching out for any ambush that may follow the duel. It awed Arthur that so many people came to see him fight someone, of course since that someone was the First Knight it didn't surprise him.

Luna quickly left him to go sit in a VIP seat, it was then that he finally saw the First Knight standing twenty meters away, a serious look on his face. The face finally made Arthur realize how big of an event this was, a long-lost prodigy vs the best knight in the kingdom.

"Everyone quiet down!" The announcer said with a slight pause before continuing, "The match will be starting soon, Arthur Gresly vs The First Knight!" a large amount of cheers went off at that which made the announcer pause again, "Please get ready to fight" he asked the participants, hurrying them up. Arthur and The First Knight both went and grabbed a solid wood sword imbued with a magic that gives it any weight the fighter would like it to be but before Arthur could go into position the Knight suddenly called out to him.

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"Hey Arthur, may the best swordsman win." The Knight told him

Arthur didn't answer and just nodded to him, before taking up a fighting stance which the Knight followed. Arthur and The First Knight faced each other in the bright sunlit courtyard. Their wooden swords clashed, echoing through the courtyard. Arthur's breath came in ragged gasps, sweat trickling down his forehead. The First Knight was relentless, his determination unwavering. "You fight well," Arthur grunted, parrying a swift blow.

The First Knight grinned, eyes glinting. "As do you, Arthur. But this ends here."

They circled, wooden blades meeting in a flurry of strikes. Arthur's arms trembled, but he pushed back with all his might. The First Knight stumbled, off balance. Arthur seized the opportunity, spinning and delivering a powerful blow to the First Knight's side.

The impact reverberated through the First Knight's body. He staggered, eyes wide, and then crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Arthur stood over him, chest heaving, wooden sword still in hand.

Arthur had emerged victorious, not through death, but by knocking his opponent out with a simple wooden sword. Loud cheers started ringing in his ears as he stood there stunned that he won, happy but stunned. He felt overjoyed at his victory, he looked into the VIP area to see the King and Luna both with smiles on their faces clapping their hands at his victory over the First Knight.

*** *** ***

"You're telling me Arthur and Luna killed Scarlett and Michael!" The Demon King bellowed at the messenger in front of him.

"Y-y-yes sir, we found Michael with a sword wound through his heart and Scarlett's body missing its head just outside the portal which they used to get back to Akippe."

"And why would you think Arthur and Luna killed them!?" The Demon King said still screaming at the poor demon.

"W-we found massive holes which looked like they were created with black holes, and the wound in Michaels's chest had Arthurs's dark mana on it, likely since he used his innate blade to kill him."

"Well, isn't that convenient? There's nothing to do about it, but that means our plans have likely been leaked to the Akippe forces and we should make haste, to capitalize on the confusion," he clicked his tongue "That damn human child, ruining all my plans like this." he whispered to himself. "Dismissed." The messenger quickly made his way out of the throne room.

"I told you we should have killed that girl before she got us into trouble," Lilith said from beside The Demon King.

"I thought I could contain her and use it before killing her. How should I have known she would team up with a human and kill our only two important messengers." The Demon King replied.

"Still a stupid decision." She said the spite in her voice obvious.

"Keep your tongue in check."

"My apologies, Your Highness." She said formally. "but we should stop bickering and start the preparation to march."

"I agree" The King walked toward the barracks and the Queen walked towards her forces. The King shouter for all his soldiers to gather around to make an announcement.

"Soldiers of the Great Demon Realm, prepare to move in a month!" A lot of shouting of affirmation followed. 'I'll kill that damn brat with my own two hands if it's the last thing I do. He cant get away with this' Thought the Demon King.