The Western Expeditionary Force quickly occupied the beaches of Claw Island with almost no resistance.
The impact of explosives is far more terrifying than people imagine.
After a rough count, about seven hundred people had gathered on Claw Island, mostly elderly people and women and children. The young men had been sent by the chieftain to attack Twilight Town and never returned.
At first, the people of the Claw tribe thought the warriors were carrying away their spoils and would return soon, but the message that Lev risked his life to deliver in the Muxi Expedition brought them the worst possible outcome.
"That old fellow standing on the tribal altar is the chieftain of the Claw tribe—Krofts. I heard that his son is the leader who commanded the pirates to sail south."
Following Morgan's words, Todd led his troops to the square in front of the tribal mansion. He glanced at the Claw tribesmen wielding all sorts of weapons, turned to Crofts, and loudly proclaimed, "I, Todd Fischer, am the Grand Master of the Twilight Knights and the Guardian of Twilight Town!"
These words immediately drew gasps and whispers from the Claw tribe.
Todd paused, then continued, “I believe you are familiar with the name Muxi Town! Not long ago, your tribe and the barbarian alliance attacked my territory, burned my houses, and killed my people.”
Chief Crofts of the Claw Clan, his silver beard twitching, shoved aside the tribal warrior before him and shouted at Todd, "Guardian of Twilight Town, what do you desire? Revenge? The Claw Clan is ready to oblige!"
A chorus of voices, like waves, rose from the crowd. The old, the children, and the women raised their farm tools and sticks, venting their curses and insults at the soldiers of the Western Expeditionary Army.
Todd narrowed his eyes, glanced at the stone tablet at the entrance of the longhouse painted with various images of gods, and raised the cross to his chest: "My faith requires believers to treat one another kindly, and to always try their best to share a piece of bread or a glass of water with those who pass by. But what have you done? You thieves trespass on our land, steal all the valuables in front of you, and harm every unarmed person!"
The soldiers of the Muxi Expeditionary Force gripped their weapons and raised their swords at the Clawed Tribe members before them.
Crofts snorted dismissively, “Your gods are weak, and your people are nothing more than fish waiting to be caught to the North Islanders! We North Islanders have our own traditions and our own rules of conduct, which are the laws of the gods and the teachings of our ancestors!”
Todd let out a drawn-out "Oh" from deep in his throat, and suddenly said, "In that case, let's settle our score according to the tradition of the North Island people."
As the soldiers opposite them placed the planks on the ground, the Claw tribe members murmured in confusion. Crofts scratched his beard and frowned.
“I’ve heard that there’s a tradition in the North Island. If someone in a family is killed, the family that suffered the loss has the right to demand compensation or justice.” Todd pointed to the wooden plank on the ground and said quietly, “I’m now asking to follow the practices of the North Island’s ancestors to seek justice for my people. Is that too much to ask?”
No one among the Claws expressed dissatisfaction or opposition to Todd's words; in their view, what he said made perfect sense.
Crofts asked in a deep voice, "What do you want to do?"
Todd found a wooden chair and sat down: "I demand a duel of honor. Like the enemies of the North Island meeting at sea, each side will send an equal number of warriors to take turns fighting one-on-one on the diving board. Either kill them all, or die in battle and have your comrades avenge you."
Seeing Crofts' hesitation, Todd smiled and said, "The North Islanders have their own traditions and a set of rules for doing things. These are the rules of the gods and the teachings of our ancestors! You haven't forgotten what you said so quickly, have you? Or do you want to go against the will of the gods and your ancestors?!"
The old chieftain, seeing the gazes cast upon him by the Claw tribesmen, gritted his teeth: "The Claw tribe accepts honor duels, but the use of divine weapons is forbidden!"
Todd nodded and said, "You mean the explosion just now? Don't worry, I can promise you that the upcoming duel will only use weapons and armor, and will not use any Holy Spirit power."
Crofts turned his head, looking at the soldiers around Todd while discussing with the warriors of his tribe.
In contrast, the Grand Master of the Knights simply snapped his fingers at Huggins.
Soon, the teams that would duel were decided.
The Twilight Knights dispatched their "Inheritors" combat squad, while the Claw Tribe sent out a team of pirate warriors.
Huggins was the first to step forward, sword in his right hand and shield in his left, as he stepped onto the plank. Standing opposite him was a strong pirate, a full head taller than the knight, his muscles as solid and powerful as rock.
The Claw Clan erupted in thunderous cheers, chanting the names of their gods and the warriors' victories.
Morgan walked over to Todd and whispered a warning: "Be careful. This is a Jarl, the strongest warrior in the tribe. They are skilled fighters, fearless, and often lead the charge..."
Before Morgan could finish speaking, the battle ended with a scream.
In just 10 seconds, Huggins' longsword pierced the shield and went straight into the warrior's head through his chin.
The scene was deathly silent.
Morgan was so astonished he couldn't close his mouth: "My God! This power, and this speed! Even the son of the god of war in mythology is no match for this..."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com