Chapter 6: Unexpected Events

As Jerry entered the room where the Feast was held, he was greeted by mutterings

“Is that him?”

“He ran like the coward he is.”

“Running because he knows he’s going to be crushed by the Hero”

“He knew this was coming. Can’t delay the inevitable.”

Jerry was confused at the remarks everyone was making. Running? Coward? Fight? What’s happening?

“You were to duel Larmen. See who’s stronger.” Emile said.

“Well, I wasn’t informed.” Jerry said.

“Of course. You’re not supposed to.” Emile said.

Emile led Jerry up the northern most staircase to a dressing room.

“Here’s where you well dress for the fight. It’s normally a dressing room for the Royal Family, but today is an exception. Put on what you want, take what you want, do your best.” Emile said, exiting the room.

Jerry looked around the room, in utter shock and awe. It wasn’t because of how good the armor there was, or how good the swords were. It was how bad they were. The armor being provided looks like it came out of an MMORPG. Usually, they’re big, and bulky, or over exposing. For real life, they would normally cover the entire body and were a little hard to move in. Nothing bulky, and heavy as seen here.

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‘Is this some kind of joke?’

Jerry looked at the weapons. The sword was large, and bulky as well. It almost weighed close to 10 pounds! Who made this? An idiot? He decided to put on the lightest armor he could find. Even then, it was fairly heavy. He looked for weapons and a helmet. He only put on a chest piece as he didn’t feel like putting on legs, and arms. He did find a padded coif luckily.

He eventually found something. It was something close to a sword he could use. It was thinner than all the other swords and was fairly light compared to the rest. Was still heavier than what he was used to, but it was usable. He found a small shield, resembling a buckler shield. Small, but was light. He would have to be more on the offense, than defense if he wanted this shield as he would have to play reactively. Because of this, he decided to fin a light helmet, that he can see a lot in. He had 3 choices that he could find. A kettle helm, that just covered the head, and was fairly angled. He had a nasal helm, which had a large point on the head, and was made to deflect blows, or a Helm, mask combo, hybrid thing.

He looked at his options and decided to choose a nasal helm. He put it on and got ready. The chest piece he had was a bit heavy. It was noticeable and it was pointed towards the center. He put on his coif, then the nasal helm. He put his sword in his right hand, and shield on his left.

Jerry opened the door, to find Emile.

“Oh you’re do-” Emile stopped mid-sentence as she saw Jerry.

“What the hell are you wearing?” Emile asked.

“Armor that you provided.” Jerry replied

“No no no no no no no. You’re not going to fight Larmen in… that”

“Why not? Everything else in there was trash.”

“I’m sorry? Do you not understand what’s in there? That was crafted by the Royal Smith!”

“Fire him”

“You look like trash! I sent you into an armory, not some poor armory in the circus!”

“There’s armor worse than this?”

Emile sighed as she looked at Jerry with defeat.

“What ever, follow me.” Emile said.

Jerry followed Emile outside of the Royal Palace. Just a short walk and the chest piece was already taking a toll on him. He felt like dropping the chest piece but decided not to. It’s the only thing protecting him, and his vital organs.

They both eventually made their way to a colosseum arena type building.

Jerry whistled as they approached the building.

“This is the Arena. You come here to duel people to settle quells, money, or for fun” Emile explained.

“Really? What’re the rules?” Jerry asked.

“Depends on the fight. The battle here is to get the other here to submit. So, no killing, and no putting the other one at risk of dying by inflicted wounds. No matter what.” Emile responded.

When they approached, the two guards at the gates went into attention and saluted Emile.

“Welcome, Your Highness” A guard said

“You’re expected in the battlements. Color Blue” The guard said, looking at Jerry.

“Thank you. As you were.” Emile said.

“Yes” The guards said.

As Jerry and Emile went into the arena, Jerry could hear a bit of laughter coming from the guards.

Emile led Jerry into a room with a blue flag above it. It was a bit cramped. With a table in the corner of the room along with a chair.

“Alright, here you are. Stand there, and wait until the gates rise. When they do, walk out, and give your best face out there.” Emile said as she left the room.

Jerry now left alone to his thoughts, checked his phone. It was midnight now, and he set his phone aside on the table. So, he decided to take a small nap.