On the "the great challenge"...
The fine weather left the calm sea without a single ripple, and the ship's hull remained perfectly still along with it.
But everyone's nerves were tightly strung, their breath held as their eyes remained fixed on the two figures standing proudly in the center of the deck; a magnificent duel was about to begin.
"Shring~"
Amidst the heavy atmosphere, Jaina sharply drew her sword and took the initiative to attack.
Her movements were incredibly swift, the blade reflecting a piercing light under the sun's rays. Everyone felt a blur before their eyes as the slender sword-wielding figure stabbed toward the Ponytailed Man in an instant.
"Ding~"
The Ponytailed Man, holding his longsword level, gave a gentle flick to his side. Though seemingly not fast, he parried that tricky angle with perfect timing.
Immediately following, Jaina's offensive was like a violent storm, the sharp sword in her hand constantly stabbing toward him. Her speed was so fast that it dazzled the onlookers, making it impossible to see her movements clearly.
As a continuous series of clashing iron and steel sounds rang out, the Ponytailed Man brandished his longsword so flawlessly that not a drop of water could seep through, blocking every bit of the swift offensive.
"Fast, too fast!"
The seemingly elegant Ponytailed Man was actually greatly shocked in his heart, because the speed at which the opponent swung the sword was simply too astonishing.
Furthermore, amidst the vibrations transmitted by the clashing blades, he detected a trace of unusual power.
Observing closely, there seemed to be a trace of azure light attached to Jaina's blade, constantly flowing around the edge like a stream of water.
"Who exactly is this kid?"
Exerting effort into a single swing to force Jaina to dodge backward, the Ponytailed Man suppressed the shock in his heart and gripped the hilt with both hands.
"Strength! The opponent's weakness is strength!"
After the exchange just now, he was certain that although this small individual named Daelin had superb swordsmanship, the physical difference meant there was still a gap between the opponent's strength and his own.
Although he hadn't figured out what that strange azure light attached to the blade was, at the very least, his strength definitely held an absolute advantage.
And... gripping the hilt tightly with both hands, the moment he concentrated all his power into a forceful swing, a highly confident smile appeared on the man's face.
"This sword of mine is Valyrian steel!"
"Slash!"
A heavy slash was unleashed, and a fierce Sword Intent swept across. Even Jaina's face showed a solemn expression, and she had to focus with twelve-tenths of her spirit to respond.
"This nameless fellow's swordsmanship is actually more than a cut above that first sword named Valentin!"
Not being particularly skilled in swordsmanship to begin with, Jaina instantly felt the pressure double when facing the full-force strike of a true master of the blade.
However... a hint of a smile flashed in her agile purple eyes as mana flowed through her hands.
"Although it's a bit of an unfair win, I never said I was a swordsman!"
As her slender fingers gestured, azure water currents instantly bound the Ponytailed Man's hands and feet, and the longsword that was about to strike actually stopped dead in mid-air!
"What's going on!"
With a look of shock and uncertainty in his eyes, the Ponytailed Man found that no matter how hard he tried, his body could not make any movement at all.
"Ding~"
Accompanied by a crisp sound, the sword in Jaina's hand accurately struck the blade of the longsword, and the incredibly resilient longsword instantly flew out of his hand.
After tumbling several times in the air, under the astonished gazes of the crowd, it plunged straight into the deck behind the Ponytailed Man, swaying continuously.
"I lost!"
Looking at his empty right hand in disbelief, bitter and unwilling emotions of all kinds flooded his heart.
He never expected that since the age of sixteen, having never met an opponent, he would actually lose so decisively to such a thin boy.
"Daelin Proudmoore."
Taking a deep breath, the Ponytailed Man quickly adjusted his mindset. The calm gaze with which he looked at Jaina was mixed with incredibly excited emotions.
Wasn't his constant sailing on the sea for the purpose of challenging the many masters of this world?
"Although I don't know what that mysterious power you used at the end was, but..."
"You win."
With a free and easy smile, the Ponytailed Man slowly turned around, paced over to the longsword stuck in the deck, and pulled it out with one hand:
"Sorry, old friend. Next time... I definitely won't let go of you again."
Muttering to himself, he sheathed the sword, sat down slowly leaning against the mast again, and took a light sip from the flask in his pocket.
On this side, Jaina, as the victor, also calmly sheathed her sword, a hint of admiration appearing in her eyes as she looked at the Ponytailed Man.
No matter which world it was, strong individuals were as numerous as schools of fish, but those who could gracefully admit defeat and constantly grow by learning from it were always in the minority.
"Hahaha~"
A hearty laugh rang out. Only after the great battle finally concluded did Barbossa, who had been watching from a high vantage point, walk over with a flask, limping as he went.
"What a splendid duel, brave boys!"
Slowly walking over to stand beside Jaina, this black-bearded old man, known as the strongest captain of the Narrow Sea, couldn't help but cast an admiring gaze at her.
He knew the Ponytailed Man's strength; even in his youth before his leg was broken, he might not have been the man's match.
But this small boy, who had been taken onto the ship only half a month ago, had actually won so decisively, truly making him see the lad in a new light.
"I don't think anyone will have the courage to challenge this powerful swordsman again, right!"
Scanning his crew and seeing the looks of wonder on their faces, Barbossa was very satisfied.
A duel of such high caliber had clearly exceeded the understanding of the sailors, who usually considered themselves very tough.
But this was good; only with a broader vision could these somewhat lazy fellows constantly improve themselves out of a sense of crisis.
After all, he didn't want to be constantly attending their funerals after he retired.
Seeing that no one dared to speak up, Barbossa extended his calloused right hand, grabbed Jaina's wrist, and raised it high:
"I, Blackbeard Barbossa, announce that today's winner is..."
Before he could finish his sentence, the ship suddenly began to shake violently. For a moment, most people were unable to steady themselves and fell straight onto the deck.
"fuck, did we hit a reef?"
"That's not right; we've sailed this route countless times and have never encountered a hidden reef."
Just as everyone was talking at once, a faint shout came from the secondary ship not far away:
"Captain Barbossa, it's 'the serene'!"
"What!"
Barbossa turned in shock to look at the secondary ship. Before he could react, a sharp arrow pierced the secondary captain's throat, and his body fell straight into the sea.
"Have they already boarded?"
Trying his best to steady himself, the limping Barbossa's pace was actually faster than that of the sailors with healthy limbs as he walked to the ship's bow railing and looked down.
He saw a slender ship with black sails actually keeping pace with "the great challenge", tightly pressed against it!
"fuck!"
Cursing angrily again, Barbossa slammed his right fist heavily onto the railing, feeling immense regret for his carelessness.
The reputation of the Braavos First Fleet was so great that no matter where pirates came from, they would flee at the first sight of the fleet.
A too-long period of peace had made them never consider that as they were about to approach the Braavos coastline, a great pirate fleet would actually come to plunder them!
"You damned bastards, what the hell are you still doing lying on the ground!"
Turning to step back onto the deck and seeing some sailors had not yet climbed up, Barbossa opened his mouth and roared:
"Pick up your weapons and prepare for boarding combat, motherfucker!"
"Everyone better get their act together, the opponent is the notorious 'Crows Eye'!"
"What, it's actually 'Crows Eye'!"
Hearing the captain's roar, the crew quickly scrambled up from the ground, frantically searching everywhere for their weapons.
The name of "Crows Eye" was far too famous; the captain of "the serene" was notoriously mad and cunning, often taking pleasure in breaking people's spirits.
According to rumors, he had once sailed "the serene" across the entirety of Essos, killing and plundering all the way, leaving no one alive.
Some even whispered that the fleet of "Crows Eye" had set foot in the fire-ravaged ruins of Valyria and brought out the dragon horn!
"Everyone stay calm, get your weapons and hold your positions. We must not let them board the ship!"
Looking at the chaotic crew, Barbossa's eye twitched. Since the idea of retirement had emerged, he had been neglecting their training. These fellows, who usually prided themselves as elites, appeared so panicked upon meeting a strong enemy!
"Don't let the name of 'Crows Eye' crush the courage in your hearts. Don't forget that your captain is the 'Invincible Blackbeard'!"
Just as the panicked crowd was beginning to settle down slightly, a cold voice came from behind Barbossa.
"'Invincible Blackbeard', is it?"
His eyes closed slightly and then slowly opened. Barbossa turned his head with feigned composure, only to see Euron Greyjoy, wearing a single eye patch, sitting broadly on the railing with a greatsword.
He was clad in a suit of black armor, with a long red cape swaying in the wind behind him. His legs dangled leisurely, as if he didn't care about the upcoming battle at all, one bright blue eye looking at him playfully.
"'Crows Eye'..."
Barbossa murmured, alertly drawing his sword to confront him.
Looking at Barbossa in his defensive stance, Euron's blue lips curled upward slightly into a disdainful angle.
"From Ib to Asshai, when men see my sails, they pray."
The hilt of the sword in his hand tapped rhythmically against the railing, yet it felt as if every strike was knocking on the hearts of everyone on the ship.
"So..."
"Pray, Barbossa."
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