Chapter 95: The Shattered Illusion

The clash of steel rang through the town square as Padrino and his strike team surged forward. The element of surprise was their greatest ally, and they moved with a fluidity born of countless battles fought together. Halvard's guards, caught off-guard and disoriented, struggled to regroup.

Padrino's heart raced as he charged towards the Duke. He could see Halvard's surprise turn to fury as he realized the true threat was not in the town, but behind him.

"Hold the line!" Halvard bellowed, his voice booming over the chaos. He drew his sword, its blade glinting ominously in the fading light. "These are mere shadows! We will not be broken!"

Padrino lunged forward, aiming for Halvard's flank, but the Duke was quick. He met Padrino's attack with a powerful parry, their blades clashing with a force that sent shockwaves through Padrino's arm. The Duke was strong, more experienced than Padrino had anticipated.

Halvard's eyes narrowed, recognizing Padrino. "You! The puppet king of Rimuru. You think you can take me down here?"

With a fierce determination, Padrino replied, "You've ruled through fear and tyranny for too long. Today, that ends!"

Halvard laughed, a harsh, mirthless sound. "You're mistaken if you think you have any power here. This is my domain!"

Meanwhile, Aelin and Niko were fighting their way through the chaos, darting between the Duke's guards with agility and precision. Aelin's blades danced, finding the weak points in armor, while Niko's daggers struck from the shadows, taking out enemies before they even knew what hit them.

"Keep moving!" Niko shouted, his voice barely audible over the clash of battle. "We need to flank him!"

As they moved, Aelin spotted a group of Halvard's soldiers attempting to regroup near the edge of the square. "We can't let them rally! We need to keep the pressure on!"

Niko nodded, and they rushed towards the soldiers, cutting them down with ruthless efficiency. Their teamwork was seamless; Aelin's speed and Niko's stealth combined to create a whirlwind of destruction.

Back at the center of the fight, Padrino and Halvard were locked in a deadly duel. The Duke swung his sword with ferocity, forcing Padrino to retreat a few steps. Halvard was relentless, his strikes fueled by anger and desperation.

Padrino felt the weight of each blow, but he stood his ground, reminding himself of what was at stake. He thought of his friends, of Rimuru, and of the future he wanted to build. With each attack, he was driven by a purpose that transcended mere survival.

"Is this all you've got?" Halvard taunted, sweat dripping from his brow as he swung his sword again. "I expected more from the man who would challenge me!"

Padrino took a deep breath, channeling his focus. "You've underestimated me for too long. This ends today!"

In a sudden burst of determination, Padrino launched a series of swift attacks, his movements becoming a blur as he unleashed the techniques he had honed over years of training. Each strike pushed Halvard back, forcing him to defend rather than attack.

Just as it seemed Padrino might gain the upper hand, Halvard stumbled back and raised his hand, calling for a retreat. "Fall back!" he ordered his men, but it was too late. The chaos around them was already unraveling his forces.

Suddenly, the sound of horns blared through the square. Padrino's heart sank as he realized the signal was meant to rally Halvard's remaining troops. "They're regrouping!" he shouted to Aelin and Niko, who had just finished off a group of guards.

"Not for long!" Aelin replied, her eyes fierce. "Let's take advantage of the confusion!"

With renewed vigor, the trio pushed forward, fighting through the remnants of Halvard's guard. They needed to finish this before Halvard could recover.

As the battle raged, Padrino found himself face-to-face with Halvard once more. The Duke's expression had shifted; the arrogant bravado was gone, replaced by a cold fury that sent a shiver down Padrino's spine.

"You think you've won?" Halvard growled, lunging forward. "You're nothing but a nuisance!"

Padrino dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the Duke's blade. "I'm not just a nuisance. I'm the reckoning you've brought upon yourself!"

Summoning all his strength, Padrino executed a feint that drew Halvard in. With one swift motion, he countered, striking Halvard's sword from his grasp and sending it skittering across the cobblestones.

Halvard stumbled back, shock etched across his face. He had never imagined he could be disarmed by anyone, let alone the man he had underestimated. "You…you think this changes anything?" he spat, backing away. "I still have resources, allies—"

"Your time is over, Halvard," Padrino declared, closing the distance. "The people are rising, and you will not stand in their way any longer."

Halvard glanced around, seeing the chaos wrought by his own failure to control the situation. His remaining guards were either fleeing or overwhelmed by Padrino's team. It was clear the tide had turned.

In a last desperate act, Halvard turned to run, but Padrino was faster. He grabbed the Duke by the collar, spinning him around to face him. "It's over. You can't escape your past."

With a quick motion, Padrino drew his dagger, holding it to Halvard's throat. "This is for all the lives you've destroyed."

The Duke's bravado crumbled as he realized the gravity of his situation. "Wait! You don't have to do this!"

But Padrino's resolve hardened. "I do. For Rimuru, for everyone you've wronged."

In that moment, Padrino felt the weight of his decision. He could end Halvard's reign of terror right here, but a voice in his head reminded him of the principles he stood for. He had to be better than the man he was about to execute.

With a swift motion, he pushed Halvard aside, sending him sprawling to the ground. "You'll live, but you'll answer for your crimes. We'll bring you to justice."

Halvard glared up at Padrino, a mix of hatred and fear in his eyes. "You'll regret this, Penduko. You have no idea the power I still hold."

Padrino straightened, shaking his head. "Not anymore. Your time is up."

With Halvard subdued, the battle began to settle. Padrino turned to see his allies gathering around him, a mix of relief and triumph on their faces. The tide had truly turned, and Galdros would never be the same again.

As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, signaling a new day, Padrino realized this was just the beginning. The fall of Halvard was a crucial step, but the fight for a better future was far from over.