Asta's Adventure

As they ventured deeper and deeper into the dungeon, at a certain point they stumbled upon something resembling a gate. Next to it stood a plaque with something written on it.

— Let me read it, — said David, looking at the plaque.

*"If you seek to obtain treasure, remember that the path to it is treacherous and full of trials. Engage in battle with those who guard these secrets, for to acquire true wealth, you must possess not only courage but also wisdom. Only by winning a duel against the Three Swordsmen will you attain what you seek.

But know this: this duel is not just a battle. It tests your qualities. To pass this trial, you must possess three aspects: physical strength, sharpness of mind, and resilience of spirit. These qualities are not mere symbols, but the foundation without which it is impossible to overcome the trials that guard the treasure."*

Finishing the reading, David started to sweat. He knew he wasn't much of a swordsman, and the risk of injury, or even death, in a fight with these guardians was too high.

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard a strange sound. Turning around, David saw Asta, steam rising from his head. It was obvious that his brain had "overheated" from trying to understand the meaning of what was written.

— So, Asta, did you understand anything? — David asked in a mocking tone.

Asta shook his head. — Not really…

Smiling, David decided to simplify the explanation. — Basically, you need to defeat three swordsmen.

Upon hearing this, Asta's eyes lit up. — Really?! — he exclaimed, but then immediately furrowed his brow, and his face reflected sadness. — But I don't have a sword…

— Don't worry, take mine, — David said. — If you win, you can even keep it.

— Really?! — Asta could hardly believe it.

David nodded, adding: — And I'm giving you this chance so you can become the King of Mages. Don't let me down.

Asta thought for a moment and asked: — And you? Don't you want to fight the swordsmen too?

Hearing this, David quickly shook his head, trying to look convincing: — No, don't worry. I'll let you have this chance. You deserve it more, and honestly, the swordsmen are too much for me.

These words completely inspired Asta. — Wow! Thank you, David! I won't let you down!

Feeling motivated, he rushed to open the gate. Inside, there was bright lighting. The space was adorned with carvings, and in the distance, there stood another gate, guarded by a knight in armor. Noticing their approach, the knight straightened up and assumed a battle stance.

Asta's hat immediately flew off. David, patting Asta on the back, said: — Good luck! — and quickly stepped aside.

The hall froze in anticipation. Asta took an awkward stance, gripping the sword and watching the knight closely.

The knight, as the true guardian of the trial, silently drew his sword and swiftly charged at Asta. The first strike was powerful and fast, forcing Asta to instinctively raise his sword to block. Seconds later, the battle began.

Although Asta possessed incredible physical strength, he looked extremely clumsy. His movements were jerky, his strikes uncertain, and his blocks too hasty. The knight, on the other hand, moved with frightening precision. Every move of the puppet was carefully thought out, and each motion was perfectly calculated.

— Ugh, this is so hard! — Asta groaned as he dodged another strike. Despite his strength, he could hardly keep up with the knight's speed. The knight's sword constantly grazed his body, leaving small cuts and sometimes shallow wounds. Meanwhile, Asta's strikes, although powerful, kept missing the target.

Nevertheless, with each hit, Asta began to move with more confidence. Gradually, his defense became more reliable, and his attacks became slightly more precise. The knight, noticing the progress of his opponent, increased the pace, but this only spurred Asta to push even harder.

By the middle of the battle, the situation began to even out. Asta was no longer just defending but started to successfully attack. His blows, though still somewhat rough, began to land on the knight. The metallic clinking of weapons filled the hall as their blades collided again and again.

Now their strengths were equal. Each struck with the same frequency, and both only missed a few blows. Asta, thanks to his natural strength and relentless energy, continued to improve right before their eyes. Each step he took became more assured, and his strikes more precise.

The knight, though maintaining his mechanical movements, began to notice that Asta wasn't just holding his ground but was gradually starting to surpass him.

In the final stages of the fight, Asta took the initiative. His powerful attacks forced the knight to retreat more and more. The puppet tried to parry the strikes, but its reactions were no longer fast enough to keep up with Asta's rapid pace.

In the final strike, Asta delivered a crushing blow, knocking the knight's sword out of his hands and forcing him to kneel. The knight froze and then lowered his head in acknowledgment of defeat.

At that moment, a voice, seemingly coming from the armor itself, spoke: — You have proven the strength of your body. You are worthy to continue your journey.

The knight slowly disappeared, as if dissolving into the air, and the doors ahead began to slowly open, bathing the hall in warm light.