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"The Strongest Warrior in the Kingdom Failed — Then a Barefoot Boy Touched the Sword and Changed Everything " / Chapter 10 / 15

Chapter 10 - The Reckoning of Malaphar

The courtyard fell into a stunned silence, broken only by the crackle of burning torches and the groans of defeated mercenaries. Lord Malaphar backed away slowly toward the keep stairs, his hands trembling as he drew a heavy broadsword from his hip.

"W-what are you?" Malaphar stammered, sweat beading on his forehead despite the freezing air. "You're just a beggar boy! Magic cannot save you from cold steel!"

Arthur walked toward him step by step, his boots crunching on the frost-covered stones. Caliburn hummed a low, victorious note. "I am the king you swore to serve," Arthur replied coldly. "You hoarded food while children starved. You ruled through fear and chains. Your judgment has come."

In a desperate act of cowardice, Malaphar lunged forward, swinging his broadsword in a wild, vicious arc aimed at Arthur’s neck.

Arthur didn't even bother to parry with effort. He simply raised Caliburn. When Malaphar’s blade struck the legendary sword, a blinding flash of light erupted. The impact shattered Malaphar’s weapon into a thousand glittering shards of metal.

Before the lord could recover, Arthur’s foot connected with his chest, sending the heavy man flying backward across the stone steps. Malaphar crashed hard against the base of his own throne, gasping for air as Caliburn’s glowing tip came to rest gently against his throat.

"Please," Malaphar whimpered, staring up into Arthur’s unyielding eyes. "Mercy... I have wealth, lands, armies—"

"You have nothing," Arthur interrupted. "Your lands belong to the crown now. Your wealth belongs to the people you starved. Sir Gawain, secure the prisoners and release the clan children."

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"At once, Sire!" Gawain barked, motioning for the guards to haul the trembling lord to his feet.

As the guards dragged Malaphar away, Lyra stepped forward, her eyes shining with unshed tears as children from the village ran out from the dungeons into the arms of their families. She looked at Arthur with profound reverence. "You kept your promise, King Arthur. The north is yours."

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Chapter 11 - Whispers from the Capital
Chapter 12 - The Shadow over the Southern Duchies
Chapter 13 - The Council of Vipers
Chapter 14 - The Queen’s Gambit
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