Chapter 25: The Silent Commander’s Duel

The mercenary leader's twisted grin returned as he stepped forward, his heavy boots crushing the debris beneath him. The flames from the shattered walls danced in the night, casting an eerie glow over the battlefield.

Dikun Silver held his ground, his crimson eyes unyielding. Behind him, the recruits formed a protective perimeter, driving back the remaining mercenaries with fierce determination. But the true challenge stood before him.

"Commander of the Straw Hats, huh?" the leader sneered. "Let's see if that title means anything."

He drew a massive greatsword from the sheath on his back, its jagged edges stained with the blood of countless victims. The weight of the weapon caused the air to shiver, but Dikun did not flinch.

"I don't fight for titles," Dikun replied, his voice cold. "I fight to protect what matters."

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The First Clash

With a roar, the mercenary leader charged. His greatsword cleaved through the air, the force alone sending dust and embers swirling. But Dikun was already in motion.

He sidestepped swiftly, the massive blade narrowly missing him. The air trembled from the sheer force of the swing. Before the leader could recover, Dikun retaliated.

His twin daggers flashed, striking with lightning speed. The polished steel gleamed under the firelit sky as the blades sought the gaps in the leader's armor. Sparks flew as Dikun's strikes met the hardened iron.

But the mercenary was not easily bested. With a growl, he swung his greatsword in a wide arc, forcing Dikun to retreat. The ground cracked beneath the force of the impact.

"You're quick," the leader spat. "But speed won't save you."

Dikun's gaze remained steady. "No. But strategy will."

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The Calculated Fight

Dikun circled the leader, studying every movement — every shift of his weight, every twitch of muscle. He knew brute strength alone would not win this battle. Precision and patience were his greatest weapons.

The mercenary leader lunged once more, his sword crashing down with devastating force. Dikun darted to the side, his daggers flashing. He struck at the leader's exposed flank, a shallow gash appearing beneath the battered armor.

The leader snarled, the sting of the wound fueling his rage. "You fight like a coward!"

"No," Dikun countered, his voice calm. "I fight to win."

Every attack from the leader grew more reckless. Dikun used the brute's anger against him, exploiting every missed strike. The mercenary's strength meant nothing if he could not land a decisive blow.

With each exchange, the Silent Commander wore him down.

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The Final Move

The leader's breathing grew ragged, his massive weapon dragging against the ground. Sweat glistened on his scarred face as he glared at Dikun, his fury boiling over.

"Enough of this!" he roared, raising his greatsword for one final, crushing blow.

But Dikun was ready.

In an instant, he surged forward, his daggers flashing. With a swift and calculated motion, he deflected the downward swing, the clash of steel echoing through the air. The force sent tremors through his arms, but Dikun held firm.

The mercenary's eyes widened in disbelief. He had underestimated his opponent.

Dikun twisted, driving his dagger into the leader's exposed side. The blade pierced through the weak point of the armor, and the mercenary stumbled, gasping.

With one final, powerful kick, Dikun sent him crashing to the ground. The greatsword fell from the leader's trembling hands.

The battlefield fell silent.

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The Silent Commander's Verdict

Dikun loomed over the defeated leader, his crimson eyes glowing with unrelenting resolve. The recruits stood behind him, their expressions a mix of awe and admiration.

"It's over," Dikun declared, his voice steady. "Your reign of terror ends here."

The leader coughed, clutching his bleeding side. "Finish it, then."

But Dikun did not strike. He sheathed his daggers, his gaze unwavering. "You're not worth it."

He turned to his recruits. "Secure the fortress. Free the prisoners. Make sure no one else suffers at their hands."

The recruits nodded, moving swiftly to carry out his orders. The Silent Commander had spoken — and his word was law.

As the mercenary leader was dragged away, Dikun stood tall, the flames of the ruined fortress reflecting in his crimson eyes.

The battle was won. But the war was far from over.

To Be Continued