The fighting area within the guild hall that Knuckles had chosen for the duel with Emil was an open-air courtyard, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The cobblestone ground was firm and even, offering a good footing for their upcoming battle. An array of tall, stone columns circled the spacious battleground, casting long, ominous shadows that danced and swayed with the flickering torches perched atop them. The atmosphere was charged, the gathering twilight seeming to echo the impending clash. The onlookers from the guild were scattered around the balustrades overlooking the courtyard, their murmured whispers adding a hushed undertone to the palpable silence. Despite its serene facade, the courtyard was no stranger to battles, the scorch marks and chipped stones bearing testament to numerous duels fought on its grounds.
Knuckles stood, his back leaning against a pillar of stone, fully decked out in battle regalia. His attire, a distinctive ensemble known as the Clown Clout Leather armor, bore the markings of an ancient Norse ritual, signifying the blessings it had received. The armor, polished to a gleaming finish, was rumored to amplify the strength of its wearer, a boon eagerly sought by warriors. Tucked under his arm, Knuckles carried his Clown Clout Helm, a white mask adorned with horns. This helm, much like his armor, had been through the same ceremonial blessing, promising to augment the might of its bearer. It was these blessed artifacts that Knuckles relied upon to bolster his strength, solidifying his status as the Clout Chaser.
Before the battle commenced, Knuckles retreated for a moment. Finding solace in the shadow of a stone pillar, he knelt and clasped his hands in prayer, his head bowed in reverence. His heart pounded a rhythm of anticipation and determination, a symphony that resonated with the silent whispers of the ancients. He prayed to Odin, the Allfather, ruler of Asgard, seeking his wisdom, courage, and protection. He asked for continued blessings, for him to be a vessel of Odin's might. He dedicated the impending battle to the god, promising to honor him through a fight he would pour every ounce of his strength into. The air around him seemed to stir, the wind whispering ancient eldritch runes as if Odin himself was accepting Knuckles' earnest vow.
As Knuckles' prayer concluded, he slowly opened his eyes, a serene calm washing over him. His gaze lifted to see Emil, a figure of considerable repute in the Guild, had arrived. A surge of excitement coursed through him, causing his warrior heart to quicken its rhythm. Knuckles had not previously encountered Emil, nor had he observed the man in the throes of battle. Yet, Emil's reputation was legendary within the Guild, his prowess was said to rival that of Lumikki and Brone, two formidable warriors who had previously bested Knuckles. This encounter, therefore, presented a crucial opportunity, a moment that could redefine his standing within the Guild of Paradise Dawn. Would he emerge as the fifth most powerful, or could he perhaps ascend to the fourth? The anticipation was palpable, a challenge that called to his warrior spirit.
Knuckles took in Emil's gear with a scrutinizing gaze, the edge of his mouth turning up in an appreciative smile. This man had the look of a worthy adversary indeed. His voice rang out, echoing across the silent arena,
"Are you ready, young Emil?" he inquired, his tone a blend of amusement, anticipation, and a tinge of respect. Slipping on his distinctive clown Helm, Knuckles' transformation was complete. He reached for his belt, drawing his mirror Mjolnir hammers from their resting place. Each hammer moved in a fluid arc, twirling once in his grasp before being steadied. He began to approach the young man; his every step deliberate, a predator closing in on its prey. Yet, he halted abruptly about 30 meters away. Knuckles stood still as a statue, his eyes locked on Emil. He would not strike without honor; he would wait until the boy was ready.
WC 673
- Gear/Stats:
Knuckles Shi wrote:Stats:- Strength:Base:121
- Speed:Base:61
- Constitution:Base:130
H
- Endurance:Base:128
- Intelligence:1[Base]
2350 Mana