"I'm afraid you will be disappointed in the end, my lord," William said with a humble smile, his tone gentle yet firm.
"Disappointed? Ha, I already know what I wanted to know," the Red Viper replied, his face full of mockery.
William shrugged indifferently. "In that case, Prince Oberyn, why not grant my small wish as well?"
"I heard Harrenhal strongly supported House Darry recently. It seems the House Whent's strength is recovering, and their ambitions are stirring again," A trace of sarcasm flickered across the Viper's lips. "I know what you want. That is not something I can agree to easily."
"Actually, I also know what it is that you want, my lord," William smiled mysteriously.
When it came to understanding the Red Viper, perhaps aside from his true love, Ellaria Sand, even his brother, Prince Doran, might not know as much as William. After all, William knew how the Red Viper would die in the future. In his opinion, while the Mountain was a possibility, Tywin Lannister basically had no chance of facing the trial the Red Viper desired—unless the Lannisters were utterly destroyed.
But if one could win with words, why fight to the death?
He watched the Red Viper's expression carefully. "I, too, was deeply saddened and angered by what happened to Princess Elia. I have always wanted to do something for her."
The smile gradually faded from the Red Viper's face. He narrowed his eyes and stared at William for a moment. "I admit you might have the advantage in a mounted duel. But we have the numbers. How about this: let everyone else withdraw, and we fight on foot. One on one. What do you say, William?"
'On foot? My advantage is even greater.'
William readily agreed. "As you wish, my lord."
After exchanging a few words with their respective companions, both men dismounted. Their guards withdrew proactively, taking the horses with them.
Up on the dais, Renly watched the scene with confusion. "Are they going to duel? Why would Prince Oberyn willingly give up his numerical advantage?"
Garlan piped up from the back row, "But William has a greater advantage in a mounted duel."
Barristan added, "It's true they are each giving up certain advantages. However, mounted combat carries a higher risk of injury. Perhaps this is for safety's sake."
This remark reminded Lord Paxter of Willas's leg and the troubles that followed, deepening his hatred for the Red Viper. Now he desperately wanted William to defeat Oberyn, both to vent his anger and to land that annoying young man in serious trouble.
Seeing the Red Viper remove his helmet, throw it to the ground, and shed some of his armor, revealing a dark red tunic underneath, Renly was baffled again. "What is Prince Oberyn doing now? Why is he taking off his armor?"
Deafening boos erupted around the lists, the crowd clearly interpreting the Red Viper's actions as highly insulting.
Barristan, however, nodded in approval. "The Prince's tactics are sound. Against William's strength, armor would be of little use. A single solid hit would end the fight. His only chance to win lies in speed and agility. The armor would only hinder him."
In the arena, the Red Viper began to circle William like a serpent, a dangerous aura emanating from him.
"You seem to know me quite well." The Viper's tone was also cold, unsettling.
"My lord, you are the focus of much attention. Naturally, interested parties will study and analyze you," William adopted a defensive posture, adjusting his footing and direction as the Red Viper moved. "I have heard many legends about you. I know your temperament and your capabilities. Why does the Mountain still live and breathe? It can only be because what you seek is not merely revenge, but also... justice."
The Red Viper faltered for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, William charged forward violently, his greatsword rising, reflecting a cold, sharp light.
Willas tutted in amazement. "I've only heard that the Prince of Dorne uses words to unsettle his opponents during duels. It seems today, William has managed to unsettle him instead."
Garlan laughed. "The Prince is a rare combination of martial and scholarly prowess, but William is certainly not lacking in comparison."
Willas couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, Garlan, I am already very satisfied with William. You don't need to seize every opportunity to sing his praises. I promise you, in this matter, I will stand with you."
The Knight of Flowers looked at them, puzzled. "What are you two talking about?"
Willas put an arm around his brother's shoulder. "I'll tell you in a few days."
William, capitalizing on his initiative, pressed his attack like a relentless, flowing river. The wind whistled around his sword in the arena, forcing the Red Viper into a desperate evasion.
Most people from the Reach disliked the Dornish. Before Aegon I unified the Seven Kingdoms, the Reach and Dorne were locked in constant, fierce conflict. Highgarden itself had even been captured by a Dornish army, breeding deep-seated hatred. While an uneasy peace, enforced by the Iron Throne, had largely held for three hundred years, allowing relations to thaw slightly, the incident involving Willas's broken leg had reignited old animosities.
Now, seeing William holding the upper hand, the crowd was naturally thrilled and cheered loudly.
Up on the dais, Baelor was excited again. "The Viper is completely suppressed! It looks like he'll be defeated soon!"
Ser Barristan shook his head. "It's too early to say. The Prince of Dorne's footwork hasn't faltered in the slightest. He retains the possibility of a counterattack at any moment. William cannot afford to be careless."
Renly's eyes darted. "With such a fierce assault, Ser William's stamina surely can't last long. Once his strength flags, wouldn't that give Prince Oberyn an opportunity to win?"
Barristan shook his head again. "William's attacks look ferocious, but his control is excellent. Even if the Prince seizes a chance to counter, William would likely only lose the initiative. Their skill levels are very close. The outcome is uncertain."
The nobles on the dais nodded one after another. Their gazes, fixed on the imposing figure of William in the arena, were complex, each harboring their own thoughts.
Seeing the faint mockery that had consistently hung on the Viper's stern face, William was also alarmed. He believed that after his enhancements, his strength, agility, and endurance should have reached the peak of human capability. Yet, Oberyn was clearly superior to him in speed. This meant either he himself hadn't reached the human limit, or the Red Viper also had some kind of... advantage.
'Am I really the protagonist? I thought having an advantage meant I could do whatever I wanted, but looking around, it seems like everyone has one. How disheartening.'
Just as William used "Restore" to replenish his stamina, causing his offensive to pause for an instant, the Red Viper's counterattack arrived right on schedule. The spear thrust out like lightning, akin to a viper striking a fatal blow.
Instead of dodging, William actively stepped forward.
'Crack!'
The spear, striking the armor on William's chest, snapped audibly.
"Haha, Prince Oberyn! This specially reinforced armor was prepared just for you. How does it feel?" William looked at the Red Viper holding the broken spear shaft, waved his sword slightly, and said triumphantly, "It's still not too late to yield."
"Yield? It's far too early for that," the Red Viper smiled disdainfully. "I've dealt with tin cans harder than your shell."
"Then let's see if your fist is harder, Prince, or my armor is stronger."
William charged and swept his sword horizontally. The Red Viper didn't hesitate, turning and running. The audience roared with taunts. "Coward, don't run!" "Kill him! Kill him!" echoed incessantly.
As he ran near the barriers, suddenly a spear flew from the crowd, arcing towards the Red Viper.
The Red Viper leaped into the air, caught the spear mid-flight, turned halfway, and thrust the spear directly at William's visor. The timing was perfect. William, caught somewhat off guard, had great confidence in his specially made breastplate but didn't dare let his face take a hit from the Red Viper. As he slightly dodged, the Red Viper seized the initiative. Using the spear's reach advantage, he launched thrust after fierce thrust aimed at William's visor.
William was experiencing, for the first time, the prowess of a top-tier warrior in Westeros. His every reaction seemed anticipated by the Red Viper. He couldn't dodge effectively, couldn't strike the spear with his sword. Powerless to fight back, he was forced to retreat continuously, soon being pushed from the edge of the arena back towards the center.
The audience, largely supporting William, watched the sudden reversal and William's perilous situation with dread. The entire arena fell quiet.
Lord Paxter's heart was conflicted as he watched the situation unfold, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Renly, however, was enthusiastic. "Wow, it seems Prince Oberyn will win soon!"
Barristan gave a light smile. "Not necessarily. Although William is suppressed, the Prince may not have the same abundant stamina. I suspect if this continues a while longer..."
Before he could finish, the situation in the arena changed abruptly. No one saw clearly what happened, but the Red Viper was suddenly sent flying backward. The other half of the spear flew into the air, its gleaming point tracing a path like a shooting star.
Though startled, the Red Viper didn't panic. After landing, he tumbled several times to dissipate the immense force and managed to rise to his feet, the broken spear shaft in his hand instinctively pointing forward. Then he saw the spearhead-half of the weapon *thud* into the ground right beside William's feet.
Deafening cheers erupted from outside the arena.
Deactivating "Wrath of Justice," William regained his cool. He was satisfied that even in his enraged state, he had controlled himself, only breaking the spear and throwing the Red Viper back without causing further injury.
He pushed up his visor and said with a grin, "Do you need to go fetch another spear, Prince Oberyn?"