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Chapter 25: A spar and the birth of a legend.
🕑 Added 2024-07-23 01:48:03 +0000 UTCWalking towards the courtyard with the Kingsguard behind me, I prepared the insects that could assist me—ones transmitting vibrations, injecting me with a small dose of adrenaline, others with endorphins, and one widening my blood vessels. Each was difficult to create, requiring over 100 times the biomass of a normal insect due to their complexity. Thankfully, I only needed to focus on making one or two pairs of each insect to allow them to reproduce independently.
I reserved these insects for extreme situations, as an instant surge of these hormones could cause problems. Thus, I also created an insect to remove the excess and leave me with a normal level of these hormones. The idea for these insects stemmed from my knowledge of the "fight or flight" response I had read about in my past life on the internet. Unfortunately, I couldn't recall other enhancements I could create to increase my effectiveness in combat, but for now, these were more than sufficient.
I intended to go all out against the knight to ensure he returned to the capital extolling my potential. Rumors would grow as more people heard them, possibly helping me avoid future problems. There were also negatives to standing out so much, but I was confident my power could prevent any assassination attempt—even from the Faceless Men of the House of Black and White.
My power was so unique that it made me practically omniscient within its area. The only special ability those assassins possessed was changing their faces; they weren't inherently stronger than a normal human. And I was sure I could poison or kill them with my swarm before they could harm me or anyone I cared about.
"Give me a minute to prepare, Ser Oakheart," I said calmly as I headed towards the armory.
Inside, I located where the practice swords were kept—identical to real swords but lacking edges. They had the same weight, balance, and blades as those used in actual battles. Calling for a squire to assist me in donning my customary armor—mainly lightweight but durable steel with additional forged steel plates alloyed with other metals for enhanced durability without excessive weight.
After changing, I exited the armory and noticed the practice yard, which was empty when I entered, was now filled with people—from my parents watching proudly from above to my siblings shouting my name showing their support. Approaching the knight who would train with me, I nodded respectfully.
"We'll use practice swords, Ser. I hope that's not an issue?" I asked.
"Of course not, Lord Robb. I prefer it... I'd hate to accidentally injure you," the knight said, shaking his head.
"Don't underestimate me, Ser. I may be young, but that doesn't mean I'm a poor fighter," I responded seriously.
"I'll keep that in mind, Lord Robb. Are you ready?" the knight asked, raising his sword.
"Give me a moment to focus," I replied.
Taking a deep breath, I summoned my insects to inject me. Meanwhile, my sensory insects positioned themselves on Ser Oakheart's body—on all major muscle groups, arms, and thighs. Opening my eyes, I immediately noticed the difference. The world around me slowed, and every sound seemed amplified. I could distinctly feel my heart beating with immense force as if it wanted to escape my chest.
It was always challenging to concentrate at this moment—every sensation heightened, almost causing a panic attack. Yet, with the practice gained over the years, I could somewhat control myself.
Locking eyes with the knight, he easily noticed the difference, his grip tightening on the sword's hilt.
"I'm ready, Ser," I said, drawing my sword.
With my insects correctly positioned, I moved toward my opponent. Raising my sword, I made a lateral cut towards the knight's shoulder. I knew my strength was low due to my age, but over these years, I'd focused on improving my agility in fights— as I was unable to overpower older opponents with sheer strength, I had to find other ways.
As my sword approached, the knight raised his sword to block my attack. Anticipating his sword's position through my powers, I made minimal movement to alter my attack's direction, which eventually connected with the knight's shoulder.
Ser Oakheart took a step back, surprise in his eyes. He raised his hand and touched his slightly dented pauldron.
"Looks like I need to pay attention, Lord Robb," the knight said seriously.
His entire demeanor changed in an instant, and I felt the hair on my neck stand on end. Ser Oakheart wasn't the best fighter in Westeros, but he had years of experience and had fought in two different wars.
Blow after blow echoed through the yard—metal against metal being the predominant sound. Thanks to my advantages over others in this world, I could move as if I already knew what each person would do at any moment—dodging from the moment their muscles tensed, it seemed like I danced around my opponent.
Circling Ser Oakheart, I continued to attack swiftly. The only way to strike him directly was to change my attack trajectory before he blocked or dodged them. Therefore, I focused on rapid strikes rather than putting all my strength behind them.
Gradually, I approached my goal—the knight found himself at a disadvantage for the first time, but my attacks never ceased until I managed to strike him with the blade of my sword on his helmet. The sound of the impact resonated around, and the knight fell to the ground more from surprise than from the force.
The rest of the onlookers went wild at this sight—the heir to Winterfell knocking out a Kingsguard, even if only for a moment, was astonishing. The other guests, excluding Lady Elyse and Tyrion, who were resting, were unable to contain their awe.
After a moment on the ground, Ser Oakheart stood up, looking me in the eyes with a new feeling—respect.
"Well done, young lord," Ser Oakheart said after a moment of silence, a slight smile evident on his face. "It seems the North has a promising warrior among its ranks."
Breathing heavily after giving my all in this fight, I bowed my head respectfully.
"Thank you, Ser Oakheart. I still have much to learn from you and many others."
The knight nodded, removing his dented helmet and taking a few steps towards me, placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Luck is one of the most important qualities in a knight. Even the greatest warrior in the world can lose to someone weaker who has luck on their side. But today, you've shown you have skill as well. Keep training with that same passion, and you'll be a great leader for your people."
The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing not only my ability but also the humility and acknowledgment shown by Ser Oakheart.
Returning to his original position, the knight said, "Now, raise your sword. Let's start again."
Later that night, settling into my bed after three more spars with the Kingsguard, which he won, and other recruits, I mentally prepared to crash out. I had used the enhancements for quite some time, so it would take a while before I could do it again.
Changing my hormones and receptors on the spot was dangerous and I couldn't do it continuously, but with the help of different animals and bandits, I was able to find out which amount was safe to inject, how much time I could use it and find the best way to detoxify myself.
Truthfully, I was pleased with how the day had gone. I had formed new friendships and connections with a multitude of people, increased the respect Winterfell's inhabitants had for me, and my legend would grow when the delegation returned to the capital.
Taking a deep breath to prepare myself, I positioned myself correctly in my bed and injected myself with the hormone neutralizer. My final thought was about the repercussions of my actions in the future, but I was prepared to face them.
