Chapter 320.2. Emperor And Duke

-Emperor’s POV-
With a strong thud, Touya landed on the floor, and right at that moment, one of his subordinates, a Royal Guard, was sliced across the shoulder, falling to the ground, writhing in pain.
“It seems that the quality of the recent Royal Guards has deteriorated. Don’t you think so, Your Majesty?”
“No, I think you’re just too strong. Isn’t that right, Duke Kanna?”
Wiping the blood from his sword with a smirk, it was none other than Kanna Yamato, the rebel who had initiated the uprising. He was clad in a flawless, golden magical armor that covered his entire body, and he had enveloped his body in golden particles, activated by mana.
The armor, glistening with gold, appeared to be made of orichalcum, and one could immediately sense the power of mana it contained. Despite the armor looking thick, it didn’t hinder his movements, and Duke Kanna’s steps were smooth.
Before the fox-eyed, slender man, who appeared perfectly prepared, Tōya slowly pointed his sword.
“I never expected Duke Kanna himself to come. Is this your way of acting with full awareness of your strength?”
“It may be so. I’ve become too strong, haven’t I? To the point where I desire the position of an emperor.”
“Desiring power just because you’re strong is the mindset of a brash leader, Duke Kanna. It wouldn’t be surprising if you get despised.”
Touya’s sarcastic words didn’t seem to faze Duke Kanna; he simply shrugged, and his wry smile remained unchanged.
Touya had always thought he was an enigmatic man. He was skilled in strategy and had a keen understanding of manipulating people, but his personality had always been a mystery. 
Noble tastes varied widely, from those who loved martial arts to those who enjoyed books and even those with unconventional hobbies.
As an Emperor, understanding the preferences and hobbies of the nobility was beneficial. Touya had researched everyone, but Duke Kanna had always remained a puzzle. 
An enigmatic man – that was Duke Kanna.
Now, that same man stood before Touya, leading a rebellion.
“You’re quite confident in a one-on-one battle, aren’t you? Do you underestimate me?”
“Heh, no, I’m not underestimating you. We need to settle this soon; the situation is getting dire.”
Touya’s eyebrow twitched at his choice of words, and he grinned mischievously.
“Oh, are you trying to tell me that the Royal Army has come to my rescue?”
Duke Kanna checked to see if his luck had taken a turn for the better, but to his surprise, Duke Kanna shook his head and denied it.
“The Royal Army and the like aren’t worth bothering with. Their actions were unexpectedly swift. I didn’t anticipate falling behind in a game of wits, but it’s just a slight change in the plan.”
With a sharp exhale, Duke Kanna’s presence turned from mere hostility to physical pressure, pressing down on those around him.
“I shall have you die here, Your Majesty!”
“Well, I can’t just let you have my head!”
Sword drawn, they both exploded into action. Duke Kanna charged at the speed of a hurricane, and Emperor Touya met him with his sword.
Metal clanged, sparks flew, and they collided, locking eyes in a deadly standoff.
“Duke Kanna! You shall be sentenced to death for high treason!”
“Nidhogg, working with Takano County and I are causing turmoil in the country, you are the real traitor!”
Touya deflected the parry to the right and turned the sword to the left for a sweeping blow.
“Do you think people will believe that empty facade?
Touya matches swords to Duke Kanna’s sword, which shows a sharp sword strike, and parries and swings down at the side nagiri with a pause.
 “Whether they believe it or not is beside the point!”
“What do you mean?”
“Whether they believe or not is inconsequential for those who will exit this stage!”
The duel intensified, with Duke Kanna launching a barrage of attacks. They exchanged blows, both defending and attacking.
“Ugh!”
“Ugh!”
Their intense swordplay left them vulnerable, and Duke Kanna capitalized on it, landing a solid kick to Tōya’s abdomen, sending him tumbling across the floor.
Rolling and using the momentum to get back on his feet, Touya couldn’t help but smile wryly.
“I’ve been skipping training lately, haven’t I?”
But when he looked around the floor, his expression darkened.
“What’s this place? Is it completely empty? There are no walls or anything?”
Other than the outer wall, there were no walls inside. The floor had curled up, and it didn’t resemble a hotel at all.
Tōya grew wary, suspecting some sort of trap.
“This is our arena, where you and I shall battle. I’ve prepared it just for us, so enjoy yourself to the fullest.”
Duke Kanna seemed to be having fun, and pressed a button he had secretly held in his hand.
The floor exploded, and the ground shook like an earthquake.
“What is this?”
“I’ve destroyed the floors of 10 levels. Now you can fight to your heart’s content.”
As the floor crumbled and they descended to the next level, the new floor also broke apart, causing them to fall further.
“It seems he truly wants to see the full extent of your power!”
“Even if I unleash my full power, I’m aware I won’t be a match for you! You may as well prepare to die!”
They used the falling debris as footholds, soaring through the air, and the determination and power of the Emperor and the Duke clashed without giving in.
They continued their intense battle, unyielding, as the debris rained down around them.