Mark of the Fool

Chapter 585: One Punch Golem

Artists and poets often waxed poetic when they captured the majesty of a grand battle.

Bards would spend night upon night by campfires, painting duels and deaths with colourful words, speaking of Heroes who rose and fell, proclaiming their victories for all to hear.

When it came time to tell tales of loss and defeat, storytellers would drop their voices low, speaking with the reverence of one giving a eulogy at a loved ones graveside.

Many words and rhymes were spent on these realm-shaking battles.

But sometimes, one could find poetry in a single punch.

A fantastic blow delivered by a grandmaster martial artist could carry the same majesty and beauty of a summer storm capped by a rainbow.

Claygons first punch in the super-heavyweight division of the duel by proxy had no such beauty.

It was not a beautiful punch, as poetsand warriorswould describe one.

There was no heavenly grace like that found in a strike by a sublime martial artist. There was no poise and no refinement in it. It was simply a powerful punch delivered by a titanic golem, with all his weight and strength behind it.

Driven directly into the face of Ozzie the bear-mammoth.

The stone fist collided with the giant beasts snout, sounding like a thunderclap splitting the sky, the noise was almost matched by Stans very loud and colourful cursing, and the shocked shrieks running through the crowd. Ozzie sailed through the air, hurtling across the arena like a limp sack of meat, spinning end over and crashing into the cage bars in front of her master.

The entire arena seemed to rattle.

There was a moment of silence as Ozzieeven with the stadiums magic protecting herlay splayed out against the bars as though shed just gone into hibernation.

Then the crowd exploded.

And so did the announcer. What a wild first blow! The champion Claygon comes in with a massive punch that would cave in a dragons skull! Devastating! Invigorating! And definitely a knockdown as far as the judges are concerned! How will Stan respond?

Alex watched, gaping at Claygon while Stan hopped around behind his biggest bear-mammoth.

Girl! Yalright? Mad Stan cried.

Ozzie gave a dazed moan.

Ysound like ygot your soul punched out! The hell with this! he raised his hands. We know when were beat, we give up! Were out!

Cheers boomed as Alex gawked, slowly turning to face his friends in the stands.

Everyone was back in their seats, cheering him and Claygon on. King Aksuma gaped, whispering to Khalik, who was grinning and nodding at his fathers words.

Well there you have it, gentlefolk! the announcer shouted. A stunning victory achieved with one punch! By way of surrender, Claygon and Alex Roth win the first round of the Duel by Proxy: Super-heavy Weight Division, defeating Mad Stan Ernesto and Ozzie! Can we get a cheer for our victors?

Clay-gon! Clay-gon! Clay-gon! the crowd chanted. Roth! Roth! Roth! Roth!

Fatherare they really chanting our names? Claygon asked, his head swivelling, taking in the entire stadium. Do they love us thatmuch?

Yeah, Claygon, Alex said, waving to the spectators. Right now? They do. It isnt so bad, having people cheer your name, is it?

Ilike ita little. Claygon turned and waved to the adoring fans. It feelsstrange, though.

Well, just enjoy the moment, buddy. Alex grinned. Its your moment, and Im glad you can finally experience it. Its too bad you missed out last year.

This yearwill be better than last year, then, Claygon said, making his way out of the cage.

You know it, buddy. Alex clapped the golem on the arm. Well make it that way. Now come on, we should clear the area before we get in the way.

As the crowd continued cheering, they made their way toward a tunnel that led beneath the stadium. Behind them, bright sunlight and endless applause faded to a dim glow and receding murmurs as they made their way deeper underground.

On the way there, they crossed paths with Stan and a still-dazed Ozzie, who was stumbling along beside her master.

Good match, eh? Stan said, offering Alex and Claygon a hand each.

Both shook his hands.

Sorryit ended so fast the golem apologised.

Look, sometimes real monsters enter the competition, and you just gotta accept defeat. This is one of them days, Stan admitted. Ozzie had fun, didnt you?

She groaned, shaking her head.

Ahhh, dont be spoiled! Ycant win all the time. The bear wrangler shrugged. Well, golem and lad, Ill see yboth on the tournament grounds. But dont come bear wrasslin, though. Itll be real bad for business.

Alex laughed, bidding Stan farewell as he and Claygon headed back to where competitors waited. Stan and Ozzie followed andwith final goodbyesheaded out the door and back to the bear wrestling enclosure. Competition hopefuls and their duelling companions filled the waiting area, quietly sizing one another up, or chatting in low tones.

The room went silent as Alex and Claygon entered.

Whispers started.

Tyris, taking up an entire corner of the chamber with Vesuvius, nodded at him.

That was fast. You lose already? she asked lightly, stretching against Vesuvius shell with her legs crossed.

You see Stan still here? Alexs tone was also light.

Guess that means you won, she said.

Yes.I finished Ozziein one punch. I am very proud of that.

Vesuvius let out a rumbling note of approval while Tyris clapped. Well, well, so, how does your first victory feel?

Goodvery good Claygon rumbled in return, his voice dropping low to mimic Vesuvius. Iwantmore.

And youll get more! Tyris grinned, her gold tooth shining in her smile. You need to make sure you dont get defeated before our rematch.

Oh, well work on it, Alex chuckled.

Youd better!

As they laughed, others around the room watched them.

Friends nervously whispered to each other, speaking softly about the two titans among them. Claygon and Vesuvius: after last year's match, a few competitors were salivating at the thought of taking them on, measuring their own mettle against the best.

Most everyone else appeared to dread, hoping that someone would eliminate the two giants before they had to face either of them.

But, one competitor wasnt engaging in the chatter.

A man sat alone, away from the rest with no familiar by his side. His cowl was pulled high and a dark mask covered his face. One might charitably call him suspicious looking, and he had not given the others his name.

Naturally, he wasn't the first competitor to enter a tournament shrouded in secrecy, and he wouldnt be the last.

But, he certainly drew lots of attention.

And, like others waiting their turn, he watched Alex and Claygon closely.

His eyes lingered as though he knew them.

##

The chimaera paced beside the cage bars, its sinewy body gliding over with every step. Leonine eyes flashed, a goats head thrashedcurving horns cut the airand its third head, the serpentine one, hissed at Claygon. The creature and its master, Quint, had been at the Games last year: Simbariel had faced Claygon and was soundly beaten by the golem.

And now they were

back for revenge! the announcer shouted. Will Alex and Claygon be able to achieve another definitive victory in this their second match? Or will their longing for victory turn to defeat in their teeth? Lets find out, gentlefolk!

Alex watched Simbariel closely.

Claygon lifted his war-spear.

The chimaera growled, ready tono wait.

Did he just flinch? Alex thought, looking at the beast closely.

Its stance was low, as though it was poised to pounce and maul its adversarybut now that he really lookedmaybe it was actually cringing?

Claygon, lift that spear up again, Alex thought.

The golem raised his war-spear. The crowd roared their appreciation. Quint scowled.

And Simbariel took a small step

backward.

Yeah, hes definitely scared, Alex thought. Is his master scared too?

Alex looked at the wizard who commanded the chimaera. The thin shouldered man was cracking his knuckles and frowning across the arena.

He drew his thumb across his throat in a Im gonna kill you gesture.

Nope, nope, definitely not sacred, the young wizard sighed. If anything, the beast is smarter than the man.

Alright, ready? Who will come out on top? Begin! the announcer roared.

The bell rang.

The match began.

In Alexs hand, the aeld staff gave off a wave of excitement as he channelled Flight and Haste magic on Claygon even before his opponent had finished the first few syllables of a rockskin spell.

He was nowhere near finished the spell when the golem sped across the arena.

The chimaeras jaws dropped.

Claygons fist cocked back.

The crowd rose in their seats.

And then came another terrible crash of stone against a magically protected face as Claygons massive hook spun the giant beast. Simbarieldespite weighing well over two tonslaunched across the arena like a sack of broken twigs, hitting the floor, bouncing like a rock skipping over the surface of a lake.

He came to an abrupt halt against the bars, all three heads limp, all three tongues lolling out.

Oooooo! the crowd screamed as one.

What a monstrous blow from Claygon! the announcer shouted. A devastating, bone-breaking, boulder-busting blow that would bring anything to their knees! This is what we like to see in the super-heavyweight division! How will Simbariel respond?

Get up! the chimaeras master shouted. Get up, you must get up!

Simbariel did not move.

Stop playing dead! Quint cried. I see you breathing and one of your eyes is open! The magic protected you! Get up! Youre fine! We can do this!

Simbariel kept playing dead.

His master sighed, head hanging low to his chest. Fine, if youre going to be like that. Im afraid we have no choice but to surrender. My companion cannot continue! He called, disappointment in his voice.

And another match finishes by way of submission with one single punch! Alex Roth and Claygon take their second match! the announcer bellowed. Two wins for the devastating duo!

Clay-gon! Clay-gon! Clay-gon! the crowd chanted. Roth! Roth! Roth! Roth!

Feet pounded. Hands clapped.

Alex could feel a wave of joy from his golem.

Father his voice came through their connection. I read aboutpit fighters duelling in competitions all over the wordIt said that lots of them did it for the thrill of the crowd chanting their name. I did not understand beforebut now I am starting to understandI like it.

Im glad you do, buddy, Alex thought. But dont get too comfortable. Im sure the next match will give us troublehuh.

What is itfather? Claygon asked mentally.

Oh its nothing, its just that Alex chuckled. I just realised I had a similar thought last year.

And did we have troublelast year?

N-not really. Only when we fought Tyris.

ThenI will look forward to facing Vesuvius this year. It will be a battle torememberand this timeI am going to remember it.

###

So Tyris raised an eyebrow as Alex and Claygon sat beside her and her familiar. Youre back fast. Real fast.

We won Claygon said proudly. I cant waituntil my next match.

Around them, potential opponents flinched.

The divisions competitors had decreased by half since Alex and Claygons previous match. Those still there had gone up for their matches, disappearing into the arena for great lengths of time as the crowd screamed with excitement.

Some had returned in defeat, some had returned with pride in their steps and smiles on their faces. But smiles quickly faded when they saw Alex and Claygon come back to sit beside Tyris and Vesuvius, victorious after only moments in the arena.

Some seemed to be calculating the odds of beating the metal clad stone golem, but it seemed their calculations were definitely not positive as they shifted in their seats, looking more and more nervous as the matches went on.

Look at them, Tyris whispered. Soooo many cowards. Theyre not folk that could give us a proper match.

Vesuvius growled in agreement.

Alex flinched, looking around. No one seemed to hear Tyris words, and he was glad: he had no desire to get into some confrontation with a bunch of irate competitors yelling at them for lousy sportsmanship.

You might want to cut that kind of talk, he warned, glancing around. Theyre not going to take kindly to it.

Youmighthurt their pride Claygon whispered, his voice that of a young boys.

Tyris scoffed. Whats going to hurt their pride? The truth? Look at all of them: they take one look at us and start shaking in their boots. Can you imagine any of them in Thameland? I bet you theyre the types thatd get themselves gutted trying to snatch dungeon cores for themselves, if they even had the spine to try. Imagine needing to rely on people like that when that invisible, petrifying Ravener-spawn attacked the castle?

Alex flinched. You might not be telling lies, but those are the kind of words that could make people start swinging. Whats got you so hard on them anyway?

She snorted. Maybe Im just comparing them to a better example. One that caught me off guard.

Tyris gave Alex a meaningful look. I mean your friend, Carey. Youd be surprised at how much spine shes gotten lately.

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