The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 131: Leader Of The Iron Spiders

Kendrick could hardly keep the smug grin off his face as he surveyed the crowd of people gathered around them.

His teammates had done an excellent job in spreading the word; every single person on this expedition was present.

The anticipation in the air was palpable. He could practically taste it.

'It's all perfect…'

His eyes landed on Luke.

His adversary stood, cool as ice, in the center of the ring they had formed.

Kendrick was both surprised and mildly annoyed at the man's composure. Didn't he realize the magnitude of the spectacle he was about to partake in?

His gaze shifted to Drius and Benard. There was a tangible tension in their faces, a hint of worry lurking in their eyes.

Kendrick could tell they were worried about Luke, and he couldn't help but feel a burst of satisfaction at that.

Luke must have gotten his position by cozying up to the Lyma family, but Kendrick was about to prove to everyone that skills, not nepotism, were what truly mattered.

This wasn't just about asserting his dominance over Luke - this was also an opportunity to raise his reputation even further.

His status as the leader of the Iron Spider Party, the S Rank Party, and an adventurer rumored to be on par with the Guildmaster of Terance was already renowned.

But now, he had a chance to be known as the man who put Luke in his place.

With a determined nod, he mentally steeled himself.

He would not hold back. He would give this fight his all, make it a spectacle to remember.

As he and Luke took their positions in the center of the large circle, he promised himself that he would leave Luke so humiliated, the man would wish he'd never agreed to this duel.

'I'll thoroughly crush you!'

*******

[Moments Later…]

The world was a blur for Kendrick as he found himself gasping for breath.

"Haa… haa…"

His chest heaved with exertion, his entire body slick with sweat. His pulse was a wild drum in his ears, each beat a stark reminder of the intense battle he'd just fought.

His body felt heavy, drained, as if he'd used up every last ounce of his energy.

'H-how…?"

He was a skilled mage, renowned for his powerful and precise magic. Mages were rare in the Southern Kingdom, and he had managed to distinguish himself among the ranks of the few who existed.

'Yet… yet… why can't I reach him?'

He had let loose a barrage of his strongest spells, a spectacle of magic that should have left any opponent incapacitated. But, he hadn't been able to touch Luke, not even a scratch.

The realization sent a cold shiver running down his spine.

Fear began to creep into the edges of his mind, a gnawing sense of dread.

His eyes darted around the crowd, landing on the faces of the Adventurers and the militia.

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He had wanted to impress them, to show them that he was a leader deserving of their respect. But now, all he could see was disappointment etched on their faces, their admiration clearly directed towards Luke.

His stomach churned with the humiliation.

The members of his party, his closest comrades, looked equally shocked. Their wide eyes bore into him, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and concern.

The pity in their eyes was a painful blow.

'N-no… not you guys too…'

Drius and Benard were sighing, their expressions filled with something he hadn't expected to see - sympathy. The realization was like a punch to the gut.

He had been so sure they were worried for Luke, but all along, they had been concerned for him.

The truth hit Kendrick like a tidal wave, a chilling splash of cold reality.

He had made a grave mistake.

"I… I…"

Luke was stronger than him.

He had challenged a man he couldn't defeat, and in doing so, had displayed his own weaknesses for all to see.

The realization was bitter, leaving a vile taste in his mouth.

As he stood there, at his limit, he couldn't help but wonder what he could possibly do next.

"You…"

"Eeek!" Kendrick's heart hammered against his rib cage as Luke's voice echoed through the stillness, making his blood run cold.

His breath hitched, the words catching in his throat. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he watched Luke saunter closer, a predatory grin etched onto his face.

"Are you done warming up?" Luke's words rang out loud and clear, his voice dripping with amusement.

The words sent a shiver down Kendrick's spine. He gulped, the knot in his throat tightening.

"I-I'm done," Kendrick managed to stutter out, his voice barely audible. His knees felt like jelly, his hands clammy with nervous sweat.

He forced the words out, "I surrender. You're the winner."

Luke's grin widened at his words. "What are you talking about, Kendrick?" Luke's voice was a dangerous purr, sending a wave of fear coursing through Kendrick.

"We agreed to spar to loosen up, right? You've successfully loosened up, now isn't it my turn?"

The words struck Kendrick like a bolt of lightning. Panic swelled within him as Luke drew closer, his presence a terrifying pressure that had Kendrick trembling.

The laughter and jeers of the surrounding crowd sounded distant, as though he was underwater.

Fear choked him, his chest constricting as he finally crumbled under Luke's pressure. He fell to his knees, his heart pounding in his ears.

"I'm... I'm sorry," he gasped, barely able to get the words out. "For the disrespect... for my behavior... I apologize."

He looked up at Luke, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and regret.

"Leader," he called out, the word leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

But it was the truth. Luke was their leader, and Kendrick had grossly underestimated him.

A sigh escaped Luke, his figure looming above Kendrick. He stopped in his tracks, a casual smile playing on his lips as he shrugged.

"Haa…?" The ease of Luke's demeanor was a stark contrast to the raw fear coursing through Kendrick, leaving him feeling even more diminished.

But perhaps, this was a lesson he needed to learn the hard way.

In the face of his abject humiliation, Kendrick was met not with mockery, but with an unexpected gentleness.

"It's okay," Luke said simply, reaching out a hand to pull Kendrick back onto his feet. The gesture, small as it was, made something shift within Kendrick.

Luke turned to face the crowd, his voice echoing in the quiet night as he addressed the sea of faces looking back at them.

"We have a mission tomorrow, a mission that requires our unity," he began. "It isn't the time for discord among us. Our goal isn't to fight each other but to stand together, to protect each other."

His words resounded through the quiet night, a beacon of unity that silenced the murmurs of discontent. His voice was steady, unflinching, the conviction in his words palpable in the silence that followed.

Luke's speech held everyone captive, his words piercing through the tension that had been building, reminding them all of what truly mattered.

After the speech, Luke turned to look at Kendrick, his gaze softening.

"We have to work together to complete this mission, Kendrick," he said, his voice softer now. "For the glory of the Lyma Family, and for the safety of Terance. Can I trust you to stand by my side?"

The words were a balm to Kendrick's wounded pride, his ego momentarily forgotten in the wake of Luke's sincerity. He found himself nodding, a newfound respect for Luke warming him from the inside out.

"You can," he assured Luke, the bitterness of their previous altercation replaced by camaraderie.

Their smiles mirrored each other, a moment of understanding and unity passing between them, solidifying their newfound alliance.

Kendrick felt something akin to relief wash over him.

Tomorrow's mission didn't seem as daunting with Luke at the helm, his respect for the man deepening with each passing moment.

The Iron Spider Party's leader had found a leader of his own.

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[A/N]

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