This is the finals of first voting gauntlet. Voting gauntlets still exist in this fic, but not in form of tournament where heroes vote their chosen hero

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As I stood here, breathing, tensely, witnessing something incredible. The whole courtyard is in mess. These two fighters fought for their honor and glory, representing their respective kingdoms.

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Steel...

Is the only sound heard in this battle. Two figure standing, glaring at each other, menacingly. Ready to strike.

Bruises and marks are irrelevant only victory matters.

Once again they circled each other, waiting for the right moment to initiate...

"For Ylisse!"

"For Renais!"

Chrom lunges forward using the tip of his sword to strike. Ephraim parries and blocks Chrom's counter. Their weapon clashed, both parrying each other with no avail.

Chrom knew how disadvantaged he is. Fighting lance user with a sword is death sentence itself, but Chrom is no ordinary swordsman and Ephraim knew this.

Despite the range advantage he has and his speed, Chrom's defense is not what he accounted for. Ephraim has to keep his distance, for Chrom's close combat will the death of him.

Ephraim keeps backtracking while Chrom keeps moving forward.

"Hyaa!" Chrom cried as he breaks Ephraim's defense.

Ephraim eyes widened, but he has no time to be suprised. He has to counter Chrom's next swing, and he knew exactly how to do it.

The crowds then gasped in suprise as Ephraim grabs Chrom's collar and punches him right in the face sending the Exalt to the ground.

Chrom rises up albeit weakly. He spits blood.

Ephraim cleared his throat. "You're strong one, Exalt. But I'm not gonna lose,"

"Don't be ahead of yourself," Chrom countered.

"Ephraim, this is going nowhere. Stop this at once!" Eirika chided.

Ephraim turns his attention to Eirika, seeing his sister worried of him is something he doesn't like. But he has something to win, this is not just Renais' pride on the line, but dignity of man too.

"I can't," Ephraim began. "What can I say, I don't pick fights I can't win."

Every of the twins' allies from Magvel cheered. Even the haughty Innes screams at the top of his lungs. Eirika, who are shocked by the intensity starts to cheer as well even though she is clearly against any of this.

Chrom, hearing his opponent's bold statement and cheers he received then said, "I praise your boldness, King Ephraim. It seems I misjudged your confidence, as expected of legendary Restoration-King. I should expect of this, but remember this,"

"My bonds gives me strength!"

It's the Shepherds turn to cheer their Exalt. The crowds roars more as the tension of battle getting more heated.

As in cue, both lords removes their cape. Following Ephraim's example, Chrom discards his sword. Both men prepare to launch their strike.

"CHROM!"

"EPHRAIM!"

They ran towards each other, raising their fist. Their distance draw closer. Fist tight with a fury they launch their haymaker!

Both connects.

Time seemed slowing down as both men fell. The crowds gaped in disbelief, shocked with the results.

Chrom and Ephraim did not rise up.

"I see..." Chrom began, still lying down. "You are truly a formidable opponent, King Ephraim." Chrom weakly finished.

"You too, Exalt. You are worthy opponent indeed." Ephraim's voice is tired, but he muster all he can to speak. "I guess we can call this draw."

"Agreed."

Lissa then hastily approached Chrom, raising his staff to heal Chrom's minor wounds. Eirika follows next as she carries her brother and brought L'Arachel to heal him.

Both lords stay in infirmary for two weeks after this fight. Those who put their bets on either Chrom or Ephraim loses.

Only one person win the whole bet. Oh no, a smile crept on my face as I thought of it.