“Hey! Who the hell are you? Can you not mess around here? Get out of here!”
“That’s right! You don’t belong to a sect and yet you dare take on the challenge? What gave you the courage to do so?”
“And I thought it was someone exceptionally formidable, but turns out he’s just a nobody!”
Dustin’s declaration not only frustrated Quincy, it also invited the crowd’s insults.
They might have shown him respect if he were from a prestigious sect. However, Dustin was merely a wanderer without a name for himself.
A nobody like him had no right to issue a challenge.
Since this was the final battle and concerned the honor of the country, their defeat would be a disgrace to all martial artists in the nation. They would never place their hopes on an unknown martial artist.
“Young man, this battle is not a game. If you’re not fully confident, just give it up.” Quincy shook his head, appearing somewhat disappointed.
While having courage was admirable, it had to be accompanied by skill. With even a talent like Vincent falling to defeat, how could Dustin stand against Marco?
To put it bluntly, he would only be inviting humiliation.
“Elder Douglas, since I’ve asked for a challenge, naturally, I’m confident of winning. Please give me a chance,” Dustin spoke again.
His decision to step forward was not only to uphold the honor of the country but also fueled by a deep-seated resentment toward the people of Kimboku.
Of course, it was also because Quincy might not necessarily be a match for Marco. If Quincy were to lose today, it would be a great shame for all martial artists in Dragonmarsh.
As a fellow Dragonmarshian, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. Even though he was not a virtuous person, he couldn’t simply ignore the enmity between their nations.
“Hey! Are you done? You don’t really think you’re stronger than Vincent, do you? Know your limits, for god’s sake, and stop embarrassing yourself!” Ruby snapped.
How could Dustin act this way in the current situation? He should have known better.
“That’s enough. You’ll only embarrass yourself further if you continue like this,” Miles said darkly.
Even as a disciple of the Sword Union, he had been defeated by Marco. What were the chances that Dustin could win?
“Hey, you! Be sensible and back off. Quit trying to show off!”
“Exactly! This battle is crucial! You’re not qualified to represent us!”
“Hmph! Young people nowadays are so eager for fame that they throw all dignity out the window!”
The crowd started to chime in with disdainful remarks. Clearly, they didn’t trust Dustin’s skills.
“Hey! That’s enough!” At that moment, Dalen retorted, “No matter what, at least Dustin dares to step forward. What about the rest of you? Apart from all the yapping, what else are you good at?”
There was a momentary silence upon Dalen’s declaration before the crowd erupted into a frenzy once more.
“Who the hell are you? This is none of your business!”
“If he doesn’t have the skills, he shouldn’t step on stage. Otherwise, he’ll just become a joke!”
“Hmph! Do you call that courage? He’s just seeking attention!”
A few martial artists who were irritated clamored even louder.
“Silence!” Quincy shouted, instantly drowning out all the voices.
When the surroundings became quiet again, he turned to Dustin and said seriously, “Young man, I appreciate your courage in volunteering, but now is not the time to make a gamble. Dragonmarsh can’t afford to lose another duel.
“Elder Douglas, I haven’t even tried, how do you know I will lose?”
Dustin spoke calmly, “Today, I’m not only fighting for Dragonmarsh but also for my own dignity. I can’t bear being treated like a doormat by that brat.”
“Are you aware of your opponent’s realm?” Quincy countered.
Dustin nodded. “Since he defeated Vincent, I naturally have an understanding of his strength.”
“With that knowledge, you’re still asking for a challenge? Are you really that confident?” Quincy raised an eyebrow.
“Confidence comes from strength.” Dustin gave a faint smile, then flicked his finger. A silver needle shot out abruptly, flying past Quincy’s cheek with a speed not discernible by ordinary people.
Quincy narrowed his eyes. All he felt was a gust of cold wind, and the next thing he knew, a strand of his beard fell gently to the ground.
“What remarkable speed!”
