In Bretonnia, there is an ancient legend. Shortly after the first Knight King, Arthur, succumbed to illness, a mysterious green knight appeared amidst the forests and hills of the land.
He is known for his silence, rarely speaking except under extraordinary circumstances. His strength is beyond human comprehension, making him the guardian of the Bretonnian Knight Kingdom and a legendary figure throughout the realm.
He roams through ancient trees, moves within clear lakes, and manifests in waterfalls, battling against evil that taints the sacred lands of the Lady of the Lake.
Unquestionably, the Green Knight's main adversaries are the Beastmen. Over the millennia, it is believed that the Green Knight has single-handedly slaughtered tens of thousands of Beastmen, earning him the title "Soul Reaper" among them.
He is the Lady of the Lake's chosen champion, a demigod walking among mortals, the only being in Bretonnia with power surpassing that of the Sanctuary.
As the green light bathed the dim forest floor, Calard swallowed hard. His heart swelled with an inner joy, quickly replaced by a sense of solemn dread.
He gripped his holy sword, Durandal, tightly, waiting for the Green Knight's response.
For questing knights, the appearance of the Green Knight signifies a critical milestone in their journey.
Calard's Grail Quest was about to face a significant test.
The Green Knight would challenge the questing knight, testing his martial prowess and devotion. This would be a true champion's duel, where the questing knight must summon all his skills. Failure in this battle could mean death.
Skeptics often questioned why the Green Knight, with his near-divine strength, would duel with legendary-level questing knights. The only plausible explanation is that the Green Knight never uses his full power, and weapons cannot harm him. Blades and arrows pass through his body as if slicing through mist. No matter how grievous the wounds, the Green Knight does not die. There are tales of knights decapitating him, only for him to calmly pick up his head and walk away.
The Green Knight's presence is ethereal. His glowing green eyes, hidden beneath his helmet, fixed on Calard. The Green Knight spoke: "Knight of the quest, accept my challenge."
"Please." Calard nodded calmly. The time for battle had come.
Mounted on a steed that seemed more spectral than alive, exhaling green mist, the Green Knight appeared almost ghostly. Calard even wondered if he truly existed outside the ethereal, apart from the tangible presence of his sword, the Blade of Pain.
A chill seeped into Calard's bones as he realized that just looking at such a mysterious being filled him with dread.
The Green Knight wasted no time. As soon as Calard mounted his horse, ready for combat, the Green Knight charged.
So fast! Incredibly fast! Calard barely refocused his attention before the Green Knight was upon him. His approach seemed like a mirage, effortlessly passing through all obstacles. Branches brushed against his armor as if passing through mist. In the blink of an eye, he was within striking distance.
"Come!" Calard invoked the sacred words of the Lady of the Lake, gripping his sword tightly. The blade burned with golden fire. Spurring his horse, Calard swung the sharp blade in a wide arc, his challenge echoing in a strange melody. Fury and determination enveloped his spirit as Durandal's deadly edge aimed for the Green Knight's head.
The Green Knight, without a word, met Calard's challenge head-on. His green sword, the Blade of Pain, swung down with immense force.
"Clang!" The fierce clash of swords sent sparks flying, almost blinding Calard. The Green Knight's blow was powerful enough to kill him multiple times over. Calard expertly parried the attack, their figures briefly crossing paths.
That was the first exchange.
"Again!" Calard narrowed his eyes, feeling the immense power of his opponent. Almost defiantly, he roared, "Show me all you've got, Green Knight!"
The Green Knight ignored Calard's provocation, merely turning his horse to face him again, initiating another charge.
The green figure shot forward like a meteor, ignoring any terrain constraints. He moved unimpeded by branches or muddy ground, his actions like a devastating phantom. Only the Blade of Pain in his hand exuded a menacing killing intent, devoid of any emotion.
Calard wondered if the Green Knight's lack of emotion was due to centuries of relentless war or if he was never human at all.
The questing knight didn't know. What he did know was that without utmost focus, he could be killed. The Green Knight showed no mercy to questing knights.
I won't lose! Fear intertwined with a burning will to fight. Calard tightened his grip on Durandal.
The sword had witnessed the glory and demise of Julius. Now, it would witness Calard's story.
Fight!!!
With a fierce cry, Calard felt the flames of anger ignite in his chest. The Lady's knight never yields! Never!
"Clang!" Durandal clashed again with the Blade of Pain. The Green Knight's sword whirled around, unleashing six ferocious attacks in quick succession. The blade's edge gleamed with a devouring cold light.
"Ugh! Ugh!" Calard frantically blocked the Green Knight's onslaught, flipping his sword as the flames on Durandal's blade forced the Green Knight to withdraw. Their horses passed each other, marking the end of the second exchange.
Turning his horse, Calard gripped his sword with both hands. "Come again!"
The Green Knight remained silent.
The battle resumed.
Within the Arden Forest, under the Green Knight's mystical mist, a grand duel between champions began.
Calard fought like a raging lion, proudly displaying his strength, challenging the Green Knight, the supreme ruler of the forest.
The Green Knight, like a lion ruling its pride, gracefully engaged in the duel, his movements flowing like an eternal waterfall. Each swing of his sword grew stronger with every clash.
The endless duel saw the collision of the Blade of Pain and Durandal. Calard's prowess exceeded that of an ordinary Grail Knight. As a pinnacle legendary warrior, he had honed his skills, blending his riding, swordsmanship, and spirit into one during his two years of trials. Empowered by the Lady's blessing and countless battles, he matched the Green Knight's increasing power.
A relentless tug-of-war began.
In the midst of the mist, the valiant questing knight and the legendary Green Knight engaged in an endless battle.
The clash of their divine weapons echoed through the forest. It felt like the early days of Bretonnia, when the twelve original Grail Knights fought tirelessly to protect the kingdom against endless enemies.
This was a duel destined to be beyond mortal comprehension.
Time lost its meaning. The sky lost its color. All that remained were the battling figures of Calard and the Green Knight.
The sun rose and set. Morning turned to noon, to evening, and then to night. Another dawn came, yet the duel continued.
Calard's horse could no longer endure. The questing knight chose to continue on foot. The Green Knight, seeking a fair fight, dismounted as well. They battled on foot, exchanging countless blows.
Fifty rounds…
A hundred rounds…
Two hundred rounds…
By the five hundredth round, two days and nights had passed.
Calard was covered in wounds. Even the runes on his dwarven-forged armor couldn't fully protect him from the Green Knight's relentless attacks. Despite being drenched in blood, Calard remained spirited, reciting the names of Julius and Annara. His battered body and tormented soul never yielded.
This was his vow to Julius' remains. He would honor it until he became a Grail Knight… or died trying.
Contrary to his expectations, the Green Knight stood before him, not raising the Blade of Pain. There was a fleeting sense of acknowledgment and regret in the Green Knight's eyes. Calard didn't understand why but readied himself for the next attack.
Durandal, sharp as ever after two days and nights of fierce battle, sliced toward the Green Knight. But the Green Knight dodged, and to Calard's surprise, he reached out and grabbed Calard by the throat, lifting him off the ground. The Green Knight's other hand smashed into Calard's chest.
Calard felt his ribs break. Enduring the excruciating pain, he drove Durandal into the Green Knight's shoulder.
The Green Knight seemed unhurt. He calmly tossed Calard away. As Calard hit the water's surface, he realized the battlefield had become a lake. Blessed by the Lady of the Lake, he stood on the crystal-clear water, his reflection staring back at him.
His strength was fading. Calard understood that he was merely a mortal. Facing the mighty Green Knight, he could not achieve victory. Despite the Lady's blessing, his indomitable will, and Julius' legacy, he could not fight forever.
What, then, was the purpose of this challenge? His strength already surpassed many Grail Knights! He shouldn't be the one to fail!
Something was amiss. Calard recalled Julius' teachings.
"Chivalry does not guide us to avoid danger."
"Some things are more precious than life itself."
"The Grail grants me strength and longevity, and I must fulfill my responsibilities."
After another round of clashes, Calard was pushed back again. The Green Knight seemed to have abandoned the Blade of Pain, standing calmly, as if waiting for something.
"Humility, honesty, compassion, valor, justice, sacrifice, honor, spirit." Calard recited the Lady's virtues. He looked at his holy sword, then at the Green Knight.
Wind stirred, the lake rippled
. Wind stilled, the lake calmed.
As the moonlight reflected off the lake, Calard finally understood.
With a splash, Calard set down Durandal. Tears filled his eyes as he knelt on one knee, surrendering his life to the Green Knight's judgment. "A knight's duty is to protect, not destroy. My strength, my spirit, and my will shall defend the lands blessed by the Lady. To rely on brute force alone only brings more bloodshed and hatred. My sword exists to guard, not to destroy."
Having spoken, Calard forfeited the duel.
The Green Knight nodded slowly, mist enveloping them.
A melodious song began to rise from the lake, an ancient elven melody. The pure sound resonated beneath the water, and the white moonlight bathed the entire lake.
In the divine glow, the Lady of the Lake emerged gracefully from the water. She wore a crown of golden flowers, her silky golden hair cascading to her ankles. Her emerald eyes sparkled, and her silk gown, adorned with countless ancient inscriptions and emerald gems, fluttered in the air. Her indescribable beauty radiated before the questing knight.
"My Lady!" Calard fell to both knees, wrapped in the bright golden light. The Lady of the Lake smiled gently at the knight kneeling before her, her voice like a mountain stream, soothing and pure. "Calard de Galamonte, you have proven your valor and virtue."
Calard's heart raced, his face flushed. He lowered his head, unable to look directly at the goddess's beauty. "My Lady… I…"
"The Grail is not a prize sought by knights." The Lady of the Lake continued to smile, her voice humbling the questing knight. "It is earned through their own efforts. You have proven yourself worthy beyond doubt."
"Now, here is your reward." The goddess presented the golden Grail, filled with a radiant, pure liquid. "Remember, you are a knight devoted to spreading the virtues of chivalry, justice, and honor. Therefore, I grant you the Grail."
"Thank you." As the gem-encrusted Grail approached Calard's parched lips, he bowed his head and took a sip.
His body was forever transformed.
As the Grail's water flowed through him, boundless power overwhelmed Calard's soul. His eyes glowed with a faint spiritual light. His wounds healed, and golden radiance coursed through his body.
He grew taller, his features younger. The weathered lines on his face and the wrinkles at his eyes vanished under the Grail's power. A formidable aura erupted from his chest.
The questing knight, scarred by hardship, having lost his mentor and loved ones, ascended to the Sanctuary.
"Return, Calard, to your land…" The Lady of the Lake's form began to sink into the lake, her golden hair gradually submerged. "Fulfill your duties, my Grail Knight."
"I will." The newly anointed Grail Knight knelt reverently.
The Green Knight vanished as well, leaving Calard alone by the tranquil lake.
The moon was full overhead.
"My Lady, thank you!"
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