"In that case, I have no choice but to escort you by force!"
Before Rostam's voice even faded, a powerful aura surged toward Nathan.
"So we're finally fighting, huh?"
Yet, even as that overwhelming pressure engulfed him, Nathan effortlessly dissolved it with a calm demeanor.
"This is the only option left. Please understand, Lord Nathan."
As expected of the Vice-Captain of the Knights of Favonius—even in this situation, Rostam maintained a controlled and measured approach.
"Alright, let's take this fight outside. My shop won't survive if we fight in here."
This was bound to be an intense battle. There was no way Nathan would let the fight take place inside his store.
In such an enclosed space, even if he held back, he might end up demolishing the entire shop.
Not to mention, Rosalyne was still upstairs. Her safety came first.
"Agreed. This is not the place for a battle. After you, Lord Nathan."
Rostam took a glance around and stepped out first.
This room, filled with Windwheel Asters, didn't deserve to be ruined by their duel.
"Nathan… don't go!"
Just as he was about to follow, Rosalyne's voice rang out from the second-floor railing.
Her worried expression filled the entire room with anxiety.
"Don't worry, Rosalyne. I'll be back soon."
Nathan turned back and gave her a reassuring glance.
"Nathan, you… you have to be careful!"
With his comfort, Rosalyne's emotions finally stabilized.
She clasped her hands together and began praying for him from the bottom of her heart.
Her deep emotions reached Nathan clearly.
If life were a game, he would have just received a "Rosalyne Buff" right now.
---
Outside the flower shop, in an open clearing.
The suspicious knight, Ed, along with the other Knights, had already disappeared.
"Come, Lord Nathan. Let me witness your true strength!"
Only Rostam remained, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, already poised for battle.
"I, Rostam the Wolf Pup, Vice-Captain of the Knights of Favonius, wield my own creation—the Knights of Favonius Sword Style!"
In a duel between knights, it was customary to announce one's name and sword style beforehand.
However, upon hearing this, Nathan frowned.
the Knights of Favonius Sword Style…
That swordsmanship had been passed down for generations—even Jean had inherited it five hundred years later.
And Rostam was the founder of that technique. That alone spoke volumes about his skill.
"My swordsmanship comes from Liyue—the Yunlai Sword Technique."
"Then… Lord Nathan, I shall allow you to strike first. I would love to witness the legendary sword style of Liyue!"
Both drew their swords, and the battle was set to begin.
In a fight, every moment mattered.
Since the opponent had given him the first move, Nathan saw no reason to decline.
With a burst of force from his feet, his figure vanished instantly.
"Good!"
A sword strike too fast to see came slashing down—Rostam internally praised it, parrying at the perfect moment.
"Clang—!"
Steel clashed against steel, ringing through the air.
"Lord Nathan, your swordplay is truly swift!"
Their blades locked in a power struggle.
Yet, Rostam showed no signs of panic. Instead, he continued praising Nathan.
"However, I regret to inform you—my Favonius Swordsmanship is also known for its speed, precision, and lethal force!"
His blade danced through the air, slicing raindrops in mid-fall.
The wind from his sword could cut through roses and snuff out torches.
At just over thirty years old, Rostam had already reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.
Until now, he had thought that only his closest friend, Arundolyn—the Lion of Light, could match him.
Yet here was Nathan, a Liyuean swordsman, fighting him on equal ground.
This feeling—finding a true opponent—was exhilarating.
Two swordmasters, both renowned for speed, colliding at full force.
"No… A man's strength shouldn't be described as 'fast'."
Nathan deflected Rostam's blade, refusing to be associated with such a term.
"Hah! Lord Nathan has a delicate flower at home—it makes sense that 'fast' isn't the right word for you!"
Even in the midst of battle, Rostam, as a fellow man, immediately caught the meaning behind Nathan's words.
"Let's move on. Your turn to attack."
Nathan had no interest in continuing this conversation with a middle-aged man.
Especially not someone who seemed very experienced in these matters.
He hadn't even succumbed to Ningguang and the other girls' advances yet!
"Very well! Lord Nathan, prepare yourself!"
Without further warning, Rostam unleashed his Rapid Sword Technique—a technique sharp enough to cut falling rain mid-air.
His attacks vanished from sight, too fast for the naked eye to follow.
Unfortunately for him—
Nathan had already mastered the Yunlai Sword Style.
"Clang! Clang!"
With flawless precision, he countered every strike.
His Sword Intent was fully unleashed, and he even closed his eyes, relying purely on instinct to parry each attack perfectly.
"Lord Nathan… it seems you are the superior swordsman after all."
Rostam was stunned by this display.
Nathan looked no older than twenty, yet his mastery of the sword felt decades ahead.
"You flatter me."
Even though Nathan had just shown off, he didn't feel entirely comfortable with the compliment.
Unlike others, his strength came from the system—not pure hard work.
It was proof that no amount of effort could ever beat someone with cheats. Way too real.
"Lord Nathan, I can tell you're holding back. Will you not show me your true strength?"
During their sword exchange, Rostam had sensed something deeper.
"Are you sure? You might not be able to withstand my next strike."
Nathan hesitated. After all, there was a fundamental difference between them.
"Please. Let me witness the true essence of Liyue's ancient swordsmanship!"
"...Fine, then."
Since Rostam had asked multiple times, it would be rude to refuse again.
Especially since he had maintained his chivalry the entire time.
"Shhhk—!"
As Nathan lowered his stance, lightning erupted around him.
Their fundamental difference was clear—Nathan wielded elemental power.
"Sky Street Rapid Pursuit!"
Electricity crackled along his sword as Nathan vanished into a blur of lightning and afterimages, executing a series of blinding rapid slashes—as fast as a thunderstorm in the sky.
a/n - Read 60+ Chapters ahead on my patreon
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