Shiraga: aaand as promised for the previous short chapter. A long chapter with lots of fighting!
Chapter 10: You're one real shitty brat
Gift Game Name: Duel of Creators
Participating Communities:
A total of twenty-four participants. Listed in the parchment.
Summary of the Game:
The preliminary round will be a battle amongst three opponents.
The last one standing will proceed to the next round.
Winning Conditions:
When your opponents have fallen outside the arena grounds.
When you have destroyed the opponent's Gifts.
When your opponents have not fulfilled the winning conditions, surrender included.
Losing Conditions:
When the participants have fallen outside the arena grounds.
When the Gifts possessed by the participant is destroyed.
When the participant has not fulfilled the winning conditions, surrender included.
Oath: respecting the above, based on our Flag and Glory, the Gift Game shall commence.
Salamandra seal.
The rays of the setting sun and the glows of the chandelier splashed across the arena.
Due to the Floor Master's Convention which is to be held soon after, it had led to an unprecedented increase in the turn out for the Duel of Creators that is hosted monthly, and it was much livelier than usual.
The three contestants stood at the three corners of the arena as they awaited the gong that signaled the start of the game.
Kudou Asuka stood at the western edge of the contestant field while surveying her opponents with a sour expression.
"Never did I think the day that I would confront Kasukabe-san in a Gift Game would come. She's already strong enough as is, and for the past two months she even received training from Burai-san. Aaah, I'm already having a bad premonition." Letting out a small sigh, she shifted her gaze to her other opponent.
"On the other hand, Willa the Ignis Fatuus, could it be…"
Those twin tails which were as smooth as the finest dessert highlighted her baby face, whereas her curvaceous body would cause others to cast their lustful gazes on her. That girl, no, the demon in the form of a little girl over there is the leader of Will o' Wisp.
Seeming to have noticed Asuka's gaze, Willa turned to look at her.
"…?"
She gave a delightfully sweet movement of titling her head aside, most probably not understanding the reason for being the focus of Asuka's gaze. Her every move was adorable and at the same time, ravishing.
But Asuka knows for a fact that, that girl over there is the demon who controls Jack o' Lantern, and also one of the few handful participants who represented the North.
As their gazes met, Willa suddenly pulled out a cross shaped hammer and,
Plonk.
"!?"
A sudden welling of a throbbing pain came from Asuka's forehead and struggling in the midst of all the stars that seem to hover in her sight. Hurriedly trying to assess the situation by looking around her, only to find a cross shaped hammer that was supposed to be in Willa's hand was here at this moment.
Incented by the initiated attack that started before the official start of the game, Asuka sprung up from her seat but Ayesha hurriedly stopped her.
"No! please wait and sorry about that, but that's just Willa Onee-san's bad habit…!"
"Throwing hammers at other people's head is a bad habit?!"
"Ye-yes! Throwing hammers at people who she has taken an interest in to see their reaction, that's her bad habit! I will give her a stern warning about it, but for now please overlook this matter for just this once!"
Ayesha scrambled to hold down Asuka by her shoulder. Although Asuka did not want to, she decided to swallow down her anger for now. After all, this is a Game Stage and any debts can be settled during the Game.
"That's just how I would want it! Don't think I'll let you get away after biting me like this, O strongest of the North!"
Asuka who received the surprise attack from earlier had now set her determination. She looked at the new Gifts and comrade resided in her Gift Card while feeling her anticipation bubbled with excitement.
"I'll be counting on you guys, Deen. And, Almathea."
Kasukabe Yo was quietly focusing her thoughts in the South corner.
She did not know why Asuka would want to join the game. But she did know that there's one more reason for her to win in this Game.
Giving a sidelong glance at Willa in the East corner, Yo recalled the conversation they had earlier.
"With this, I can complete the promise I've made with Koumei."
It is still uncertain whether that girl knows anything about her father, but judging from her tone it would seem she had known him. If that is the case, it doesn't matter who is her opponent, Yo must obtain victory.
Moreover, Kudou Asuka is her friend. She cannot allow herself to lose in a humiliating manner.
"Kuro Usagi and jack are also in the spectator stands, so that means Asuka has already received the new Gifts. So, I must make the result apparent in an instant before she could even use them."
Yo gave a smile as she felt her strong fighting spirit, confidence and expectation toward her comrade swelled in her chest. If Asuka could defend against the first strike, then that would prove she has overcome her weakness.
As a friend, that would give the feeling of joy, dependability, amusement and a little threatening.
Clenching her fists, Yo held onto her absolute confidence and strategies.
"I definitely will not lose!"
Just as she heightened her concentration to the highest, the gong signaling the start of the Game reverberated throughout the entire arena.
On the spectator stands where the voices of the audience were rising to a crescendo, the trio of Jack, Kuro Usagi and Laius awaited the start of the Game.
Currently, their conversation was about who would win this preliminary round.
Asuka whom just received new Gifts that could bring out the fullest potential of her own Gift.
Yo whom amongst the three contestants, possessed the highest combat capability.
Or Willa, the strongest of the North.
As their conversation started heating up, Burai walked in.
"Oh, you're already here, Rabbit Ojou-chan, Jack o' Lantern."
"Ah, Burai-san."
"Yahohoho! It's been a while, Burai-san."
"Ah, been a while indeed. But," as Burai turned to Laius, he instinctively flinched. He did nearly lose his head thanks to Burai.
"Why the hell are you here, snobby brat?"
"What? Does me being here needs your permission?" Laius hissed back.
"No, you can be anywhere you want, but you and me cannot be in the same room for I do not tolerate your presence."
Sparks were flying in the air and tension was rising. Trying to mediate between the two, Kuro Usagi stepped in.
"Ah, Burai-san. Laius-san is actually the leader of the third Community to join our Alliance."
It felt just like thunder just struck by his ears. His ears never lie, Burai knows that more than anyone else. Yet this time he wished that his ears were lying for just this once. He stared at Kuro Usagi, then to Jack while pointing at Laius.
They both nodded their heads to confirm his doubt.
"Now this is a headache. For now I'll just block any information on your presence and pretend that you're not here."
"OY!"
Laius shouted at Burai's words, but he quickly used the sleeve of his kimono to shield the image of Laius from entering his vision.
"Anyway, the match up for this preliminary round is rather interesting. If Ojou-chan is here, then I take it that she has received the new Gifts."
"YES! Up until now not many Gifts could cope up with Asuka-san's Authority, but with the new Gifts that could not only bring out her power to its fullest potential she has also overcome many of her weaknesses in the past!" Kuro Usagi excitedly filled Burai in on the details.
"Heh! If the Great Me had made a move then the products will undoubtedly be of the highest quality!" Laius puffed out his chest proudly, but Burai continued to ignore him.
"So, what is your current take on this match?"
"Yahohoho! With the new Gifts I can safely say that Asuka-chan shouldn't have any problem." Jack laughed while bobbling his pumpkin head.
"B-but, Yo-san's physical abilities are exactly the counter to Asuka-san. Once she falls out of the ring…this game might even have a victor emerging instantly."
"Impossible." Jack interjected Kuro Usagi's words sharply.
"I have seen the growth of her power in Underwood for myself. Yo-chan is indeed a powerful opponent but it is still possible for Asuka-chan to beat her. After all, she has yet to comprehend her true abilities. That's why we have prepared the most suitable equipment for her. Right now, I dare say she's on the level of Faceless." He said with much confidence and assurance in his voice.
"Hoh, on par with even the White Knight huh?"
"But as for little miss, in just two months she had advanced forward nonstop and overcame countless obstacles."
"The her right now, can even hold her ground against the lad."
"E-even against Izayoi-san?"
"Yahoho. So you have been giving her guidance, I take it."
"She's my best student after all." Upon seeing the surprised expression of Jack and Kuro Usagi, Burai flashed a wide grin. Laius who had been ignored until now then cut in with a cold voice.
"Boast about your comrades all you want. The champion can only be Willa." Although Burai still continued to ignore Laius, he still shifted his gaze toward the contestant in the east corner.
"Willa is the strongest of the North. Just a mere No Name can't even hope to hold a candle to her. But if the one in question possesses the 'Fortress' that I've created, then she might last up to five minutes." Laius outright denied the No Name's chance of winning while did not forget to also boast about his creation and talents.
"So that girl is your Leader?"
"Yahohoho! Correct! She's not only the Leader of Will o' Wisp but also mine and Ayesha's creator. The strongest and one of the few representative Players of the North, Willa the Ignis Fatuus."
As Jack finished the introduction on Willa, Kuro Usagi pointed at the centre of the arena.
"Ah! It's starting!"
As the sound of the gong signaling the start of the game reverberated through the air, the gazes of the spectators were all focused toward the circular field.
Then after another three strikes of the gong to signal the start of the event, the one who took on the role of the Judge – Ayesha the Ignis Fatuus appeared at the centre of the field with her twin tails swaying behind her.
"Round one of the Duel of Creators will now commence!
From No Name, Kudou Asuka!
From No Name, Kasukabe Yo!
And the idol of everyone! The most popular candidate for obtaining the overall victory!
From Will o' Wisp, Willa the Ignis Fatuus!"
Hearing the introduction for Willa, the entire stands erupted into wild and feverish cheering. Seeing the frenzy of the crowd, Ayesha had also nodded her head in satisfaction as she raised her hand to make the announcement.
"I hereby declare, the official start of Duel of Creators!"
In an instant,
Azure glowing wind was whipped up from the ground. Yo who had entered her battle state immediately assessed the phenomenon to be the wind released by Willa.
Her spirit name being Demon of the Azure Flames was partially due to her ability to call out flammable phosphorus gas from fossils. If it's only that then Yo just need to whip up a whirlwind to dodge it.
But to be dubbed the Strongest of the North, her ability shouldn't be at the level of natural phenomenon.
For now, Yo knew that her and Ayesha's ability is at least familiar. With that she can narrow down and read into the possibility of Willa's next moves and come up with her own counter.
"Summon, Ignis Fatuus."
"…?!"
A wave of heat was carried within the azure winds and the atmosphere was awash with a roasting sensation that was subtly hidden from the senses.
Although the color of the flames was different, Yo was very clear about the danger that that flames posed. For she could sense that this was the same feeling as when Jack released the intense flames during their time in Underwood.
The Flames of Purgatory that had been summoned from hell.
"What…what's wrong with her?! Is she trying to summon the Flames of Purgatory right in this arena?!" although Yo had narrowed down and read into the possibility of Willa's next moves, pulling such crazy stunt right off the bat was something she did not expect.
"Change of plan! If she is using the Flames of Purgatory then Asuka would also be in danger!"
Clutching her Genome Tree, Yo materialized the Pegasus boots and whipped up shimmering whirlwinds to charge at Willa. And just when she was about to land her kick, Willa's figure disappeared.
"This is bad!"
Instant teleportation. Only those who controlled over the portals between worlds would be able to open that Astral Gate.
This sort of teleportation would be fundamentally different from Jack.
Jack was able to move from flame to flame, a movement of point to point in a linear fashion. But Willa's own was one that was instantaneous and had no relation to any objects and obstacles in the path.
Although Burai had taught her the method to counter this kind of movement prior to the match, this was not the time to use it.
"Asuka! Quick! Get out of the arena!" Yo shouted at the top of her lungs at Asuka.
"Eh-?" Asuka's expression was one of surprise and shock for she has yet to completely understand the nature of those azure winds and the threat they carried.
In just merely two seconds after the start of the Game.
A giant azure pillar of flames had extended up to the veil of the sky of Little Garden.
Exceeding the Purgatory Flames summoned by Jack, these hungry flames lit up everything that existed in the natural world. The whole arena was alight with azure flames and reduced the stage to crisp.
The searing heat waves released at the peak were strong enough to scatter the sea of clouds in the sky.
The demon which existed in the cleft between life and death – Willa had shown a power that was able to devastate everything within the pillar, of which the spectators had gone silent at that performance.
"How…How can…" Kuro Usagi's hands shook as she moaned mournfully, for Willa's true strength had far exceeded her expectation.
"Hoh, Purgatory Flames. Now that brings back memories. I've somewhat understand why she's the Strongest." Burai whistled while staring at the flame pilla.
"Yahohoho! That girl, she still doesn't know how to hold back as usual." Jack bobbled his pumpkin head from side to side.
"Hah! Now have you No Name understand the caliber of the Strongest of the North?!" Laius shouted while laughing excitedly.
"H-How can everyone be so casual about this?! Because of her, Yo-san and…Asuka-san…" seeing how the other three were acting as if Willa's stunt was something ordinary, Kuro Usagi couldn't help but feel angered with her hair already transformed to its fiery peach color.
"What are you talking about? Little miss and Ojou-chan is still up and kicking."
"Eh?" hearing that, Kuro Usagi let out a cry.
Ding ling.
As the sound which signal the counter attack or might just have been a coincidence, the scorching azure pillar of flames shattered under the sound of melodious flute and chime of the bells.
And on the arena grounds where the Purgatory Flames raged on, there was a mysterious sphere that was without a scratch despite the continuous onslaught. A faint electrical flow could be seen dancing along the surface of the iron sphere and it gave off the feeling of being an impregnable defense.
The whole stadium fell silent and from the center of the arena, from the centre of the frozen winds, came the voice of Kudou Asuka.
"It's okay now, Alma. Release the protection."
"Understood, my master."
As the sphere gave a bounce, the icy cold steel cage exterior seemed to pulsate before transforming with a fizzle of lightning around it.
Long majestic horns, powerfully built four limbs and hooves, silvery fleece that continued to sparkle with electricity. A majestic looking mountain goat Divine Beast stood by the side of Asuka, guarding her.
Seeing how Asuka was unscathed after that attack and even managed to freeze the entire flame pillar, the entire spectator stand burst into cheer.
And while Kuro Usagi still have her jaw hanging, the voice of a familiar someone called out to her as her rabbit ears perked up.
"…Ah, Kuro Usagi! And Jack and Burai-san!"
"Jin-bocchan?! What are you doing there?!"
"Yaho? Even Sandra-sama is there as well?"
"I bought Jin around the city for a little walk. Nice to meet you, Highborn of Little Garden-san, it's been some time since we met."
Sandra was wearing a joker face smile while using a very mature tone to casually tell a lie. Having gotten used to the role of a Master, it might even be possible that she's unexpectedly good at acting.
Then there's Laius who upon seeing Sandra, quickly stood up to reveal a sincere smile and offer her a seat.
But when he looked toward Jin and the others who stood behind Sandra with displeasure, his gaze stopped on the white haired, golden irises boy.
"Oy, white haired brat over there."
"What?"
The boy calmly responded to his rude name caling.
Under normal circumstances, Laius would have been incensed by such an attitude. He who had high self-esteem would have never allowed just a teenage boy around the age of twelve to reply with that sort of tone.
But this was a different case.
"You…Have we met each other somewhere before?"
In the middle of the blizzard came the crisp sound of three azure blue gems shattering as they struck the ground. Those were the empty shells of the Gift falling out of Asuka's hands after freezing the Purgatory Flame.
As Asuka was reaffirming the situation of the battle zone, Yo dropped down beside her. Cloaked in her Fire Rat armor which was a combination of salamander and rat, she had escaped the raging storm of flames.
"Asuka, that was great! But how did you make that flame…"
"Hoho, that's a secret…is what I wanted to say, but our opponent doesn't seem to be one that I can simply joke around." Casting her sharp gaze at Willa, Asuka did not bother to hide her hostility and went straight to the main problem.
"It's my first time meeting you, Willa-san. Your name is also very famous in the East where I belong to."
"…"
"But I did not expect you to try and kill the potential candidate for your Alliance. I hereby demand and explanation, Leader of Will o' Wisp."
Asuka stood with her hands on her hips while using a threatening tone to question Willa.
Yo also had the same thoughts as the Duel of Creators hosted by the Master would surely prohibited killing. It was a well-known that needn't be written down in the [Geass Roll].
Having seen Willa's release of that fatal strike, it was almost safe to assume that she did not intend to play by the rules or even lacked basic common sense.
"Please give us your answer, and depend on it we might have to reconsider our Alliance agreements."
"…?"
Willa was stumped for word for a moment. Tilting her head aside, she revealed a slightly troubled look as she asked.
"What is so dangerous about that level of flame?"
There was the sound of something breaking.
The two of them stiffened their bodies as if bound by a curse. Needless to say that Willa's words had shattered their pride to bits.
Never did they expect that her unsealing the furnace of hell would be described as only 'that level'. For the tone already implied that she had been holding back.
As both Asuka and Yo were forcing a smile while trying to make a comeback to those words that shattered their pride to bits, Willa then added on.
"You guys, are strong."
"Eh?"
"My words are definitely not in sarcasm, for you guys have underestimated yourselves quite a bit. The Flames of Purgatory are not something you two have to fear about, because when up against the level of you two it is not even worth mentioning."
"…"
Asuka had unconsciously relaxed her tensed atmosphere, same for Yo.
The violent storm of Purgatory Flames was indeed very scary, or at least that was the case in their memories. But after experienced it first-hand, they came out unscathed.
Every time Yo escaped the stare of Death, she would become stronger.
Although Asuka was afraid of her own talent, she had finally obtained suitable Gifts.
Ever since the day they arrived in Little Garden, the two had been accumulating an ever-increasing amount of accomplishments and karma, causing their talents to bloom at an unexpectedly rapid pace. That was what Willa wanted to say.
"Especially Asuka. I've heard about your situation from Faceless."
"From…Faceless?"
"Yes. Hearing it from her, I'd then created your Gift, Almathea's Fortress."
Stretching out her index finger, Willa pointed at the Divine Beast standing next to Asuka.
"She was created by me, Jack and Laius working together, to create a masterpiece. The current you, can be on par with Faceless, so you should have more confidence."
"I do not like to do battle nor participate in Games. But for the both of you to realize your true potentials, I've decided to participate as the Strongest of the North and I'll put my best to make this a token of gratitude to you guys."
"Token of gratitude?"
"Jack and Ayesha had been rescued twice from the hand of Demon Lords by you guys. This token of gratitude is for that." And for the first time since they met, the Strongest of the North smiled.
Asuka and Yo then looked at each other while shrugging their shoulders, feeling a little bit troubled.
"…How do I say this, I think the ones who were being helped were us."
"Yup, and we've never really returned the favor."
Nodding their heads, the two of them took their battle stances to prepare for the battle. They had decided to enjoy the Duel of Creators to their fullest.
The Strongest of the North had spread her arms in acceptance of challenge, how can they suppress that feeling? The two problem children of the East had never felt this happy and excite before.
"Although it might be tough on you, Willa-san, but we will apologize in advance for doing it two-on-one."
"No problem. I will also use my full power. If you do not do it in a team battle, it would be dangerous."
Saying that, Willa released azure winds from her hands and although it was of a small scale, coming into contact with it would definitely cause fatal injury.
"Kasukabe-san, I've a plan…What's your take?"
"…What's the risk?"
"High profits come with high risks, do they not?" Asuka smiled mischievously. If Asuka had a plan, then there was already a possibility of pulling it off.
"Got it. Tell me that plan of yours."
Then in the instant that Asuka nodded, the situation suddenly took a turn for the worse.
There was the sound of thunder, the screaming of the other spectators, following by the sound of fighting and it did not come from the arena but rather the spectator stands.
Let's rewind time a little bit.
Upon sighting the white haired, golden irises boy, Laius narrowed his eyes with a tinge of nervousness creeping into his voice when he asked the question.
"You…Have we met each other somewhere before?" Laisu continued to stare with a puzzled and surprised look on his face.
And for just an instant, the boy had widened his eyes before breaking into a smile as he nodded his head.
"Well, maybe. Since my Community specialized in commerce, so we might have met during one of the large scale negotiation with Perseus."
Laius had knitted his eyebrows in deep as he was having an expression of seemingly remembering it yet failing to catch it tightly. Smiling bitterly, Jin decided to cut in to stand between Laius and the boy.
"Laius-san, and His Highness. Regarding that incident,"
"Ah…what?"
"The incident you referred to, was it the one time when you two were negotiating to buy Leticia-san?"
"!"
Because of the unexpected souring of the events, the white haired boy or His Highness like how Jin called him had an incredulous look on his face.
"DO NOT MOVE!" Kuro Usagi stood behind His Highness, the Spear of Indra was already held in her hand. And in front, Burai stood between him and Jin, acting as a shield.
"Sandra-sama! Please leave this place and summon the military police squad immediately!"
"Wh…Why…?" as Sandra was still confused as to how did the situation turn out like this, Burai spoke up to explain.
"Because this lad here is with the Demon Lord Alliance. Isn't that right, Ochibi?" Burai glanced over his shoulder at Jin, and in respond Jin nodded back.
Seeing how readily that nod was, Percher was thrown into further confusion for that would mean Jin managed to figure out His Highness's identity without her noticing.
And the one in question, His Highness, stared back at Jin with a smile of curiosity and amusement.
"Jin, as a subject that I can reference in the future, I would like to ask this. When?"
"From the start. Upon meeting you guys, Percher had greeted with 'It's been a while'. But, WHEN could it be that guys had met with each other?"
Sandra inhaled sharply as realization struck her. When she had met Jin earlier that day, Jin had also said that 'Percher had been together with him as a guard for the past two months'.
"That's right. In the two months that Percher had been contracted with me, she had been with me the whole time. That means there would be no way for you guys to be acquainted with each other without me knowing."
"And if you guys really did know each other, then there's only the possibility of when she had been called Black Death Demon Lord, when she was still part of the Demon Lord Alliance."
"I see. You saw through the whole farce right from the start. Looks like I've been blundered badly…"
"Then, you…and Rin…"
"Yes, that's right. Sorry for having lied to you all these while, Sandra."
It was only then that Sandra finally accepted the reality of His Highness being a member of the Demon Lords Alliance. However, in this sort of situation, Sandra wasn't so immature as to wallow in the sorrow of betrayal from whom she had thought as a friend.
"Highborn of Little Garden-sama, Burai-san. Please hold him there. I'll be right back."
"Got it."
"YES! Leave it to me!"
Noting that Sandra had left the arena ground, His Highness turned back his attention to Jin as he asked.
"May I ask you another question?"
"…What?"
"Not only this whole farce, but you've also figured out my true motive behind it, right?"
"Yes. At first glance it seemed like Sandra slipped out of the castle to solve the cases of 'Spirited away' that have been happening recently, while you and Rin were just tagging along. But it was actually the opposite. You were the instigator, and the recent cases of 'Spirited away' also have a close tie to your true motive."
"You intended to lure Sandra out of the castle, and kidnap her away by using the power of the perpetrator behind the 'Spirited away'." Jin gritted his teeth as he suppressed the rage and sorrow inside him.
"Brilliant. You're correct on all of those. You've really changed my opinion about you completely." His Highness's eyes glinted with light as he gave a raucous laugh. Then he turned his attention to Burai.
"And you. How did you figure out that I was the one behind the negotiation and the incident in Underwood?" he asked while maintaining his casual tone.
"The Community that wanted to buy Leticia from Perseus was one of national scale, and from outside of Little Garden's city. If you aren't an outlaw or a part of something like, a Demon Lord Alliance then you have no reason to be outside the city, away from the watchful gaze of the Floor Master."
"Then there's the incident in Underwood with the giant dragon. Assuming this was their goal when they intended to buy her, then everything started coming together."
"I see." His Highness gave a slight nod at Burai's explanation.
"But that's only half of it. You lot left the smell of your aura all over the place."
"Oh? The smell of aura?"
"In the throne room where Leticia was kept, there were four different auras. The black griffin, the long robed bastard with the harp, the girl who helped her escape, and you. Your aura has a very distinctive smell while at the same time is very similar to the lad."
"Hoh, interesting."
Figuring out from the smell of aura was unique to Burai alone, but what's most impressive was Jin's deduction. Jin had participated in battle before, but his usual performance had been mediocre at best and perhaps a little unreliable. Since then he had worked very hard to reach this point, to make up for his shortfalls.
In order to keep up with the rest of the problem children that had gathered under the No Name's wings recently, Jin Russell had given his all to accumulate his knowledge and polish his skills.
"Your Highness. I hope that you will surrender quietly because you should know that it is pointless to try to resist in this kind of situation."
"Hng~ surrender?" His Highness's lips curved into a small smile as he looked around him to confirm the identities of the people surrounding him.
Leader of Perseus, Laius.
Strategist of Will o' Wisp, Jack o' Lantern.
Highborn of Little Garden, Kuro Usagi.
Former Demon Lord currently under the Flag of No Name, Black Percher.
"Although that one seemed to be the most problematic here, it shouldn't be too much of a problem." Giving a sidelong glance at all of them which stopped at Burai, His Highness gave a teasing expression as he laughed.
"Oh well, let's do it this way. Let's have a trade."
"…a trade?" those were the words that Jin did not expect His Highness to utter considering the situation.
Brimming with smile as he just thought of something interesting, His Highness said-
"I will let you guys off with your lives intact, so come over to join my rank, Jin and Percher."
"What?!" beside His Highness and Burai, the rest was stumped for words.
It may seem unbelievable, but he did not seem to care about the situation that he is in. Even compared to the Spear of Indra pointing at him, he seemed more interested in Jin's answer.
Recognizing the ominous atmosphere shrouding the boy before her, Kuro Usagi started to break into cold sweat.
"Jin-bocchan, you needn't answer. This guy…is very dangerous!"
The calm golden irises gave a leisure glance at Kuro Usagi.
"There's nothing to fear. As long as Jin agree to it, I will let your Community off the hook. After all, it's just the Floor Master's Convention. It's fine by me to close an eye to this whole incident."
Just like a frog that caught sight of the snake staring at it, Kuro Usagi who ahd stiffened up instantly had-
"Prepare yourself!"
Following the loud roar of thunder, Kuro Usagi had released the seal of the divine Spear of Indra.
Raising the divine spear, Kuro Usagi silenced the turmoil of thoughts to focus her attention as she took a step forward.
"PIERCE IT! MOCK HISTORY OF POETRY – INDRA SPEAR!"
The explosive sound of thunder resounded. And the divine spear that carried the collective fate of victory shot toward the back of His Highness with an intense flare of lightning.
"What, what's happening?!"
"There' someone fighting in the spectator stands!"
The sudden flash of lightning caused the riled of spectators to shout and scream in surprise as they scrambled toward the exit to get away. Although fights breaking out wasn't a rare sight, this particular one seemed to be of different scale.
The divine spear was emitting a large amount of heat and the pressure from its presence had also caused the atmosphere to suddenly expand from the heating. It was normal for the spectators to be terrified.
However, Kuro Usagi was the most startled of them all.
The divine Spear of Indra wasn't able to pierce the back of that boy and simply bounced off.
"I guess it's the incompatibility of element. Against such weapons, I'm just naturally resistant against them."
A smile continued to hang on his face while the lightning continued to hammer away at him.
Even if the spear wasn't able to pierce him, just the mere excess of heat emission should have burnt him to crisp. Yet all those failed to even leave a wrinkle on his clothes.
His Highness spun around slightly to face Kuro Usagi.
"Today I'm only here to observe the situation. It's unfortunate that things have progressed to this point, O Goddess of the Moon."
"Jin-bocchan! Run now!" Kuro Usagi shouted at the top of her lungs.
Casually knocking away the Spear of Indra with a fist, His Highness jumped at Kuro Usagi's midriff to launch a strike. Kuro Usagi who was knocked off balance still managed to twist her body to narrowly dodge the incoming attack.
Making a full somersault in midair and utilizing the centrifugal force to rotate the spear, shw swung it downward. But once again, the boy simply knocked it away with the back of his fist. This time, Kuro Usage's attack go countered while still being airborne, leaving her without much option.
"You got the first move. Now, it's my turn." And taking this chance, the boy leapt into air and curled up his finger while aiming for her abdominal.
"Not good!" the spear was also knocked off her hands, leaving her with even fewer option. Kuro Usagi brought both hand in front of her, preparing herself both mentally and physically for the incoming attack.
"Naturally resistant, you say?" right when His Highness got into range and right before he could throw his punch, Burai appeared behind Kuro Usagi, with the Spear of Indra in his hand. But there was something else, a red liquid flowing out from his palm.
Blood.
The blood gushing out from a cut in his palm quickly covered the entire surface of the Spear of Indra, despite the violent thunder emitting from it. When blood made contact with high temperature, they will evaporate. But Burai's blood produced quite a peculiar chemical reaction, if it is still within the realm of common knowledge.
The blood when coming into contact with the thunder showed no sign of being boiled, let alone being vaporized. The blood instead slowly absorbed the thunder, and when it had completely covered the spear, the black mist then engulfed the entire thing like usual.
What appeared in his hand right now, was a black Spear of Indra. Even the raging thunder emitting from it also spotted an ominous black color with the same shade of glowing red.
"Then try to resist this!" with all his might, he threw the spear toward His Highness.
His current position was too close to even twist his body, and he could tell with a glance that the nature of that black Spear of Indra is very dangerous. Dodging was out of the question, so he got no choice but to block it.
Clapping his hands on the blunt side of the spear, His Highness was still dragged back down to the ground from the sheer force of the throw.
"Guuuh!" not only that, he was met with the relentless assault of the thunder emitted from it. Just now not even the strikes of thunder and the heat emission from the Spear of Indra could take away a strand of his hair. But this black thunder was clearly burning away the skin in his palm and his clothes. Even the Gift of unknown origin that protected him could only do so much.
He finally landed on the ground, but the spear still showed no sign of stopping. Holding out until it lost all its momentum doesn't seem like such a good plan, and if this black spear still retained the original ability of surely striking true to its intended target, then that would pose an even bigger problem.
No other way but to lose some blood.
Digging his feet into the ground, His Highness channeled all his strength to change the trajectory of the spear. He turned its tip to one side and at the same time that he let go of his hands, he quickly tilted his head to the opposite side.
The spear grazed by his cheek and took a piece of his ear, hit the wall behind him and after releasing another blast of thunder which burnt the wall to crisp, impaled onto the ground still emitting black thunder.
"The ability of surely striking true to its intended target seemed to have weakened, but its destructive capability is definitely of another level." Even after that, His Highness still calmly analyzed the situation while pressing on his ear.
He then turned around to face Burai who was being polite enough to not take him down while he was struggling with the spear.
"Where did all that big talk gone to? Cat got your tongue?"
"I'm impressed. Even if that spear is just a Mock Divinity, it still holds the Gift of the strongest class that only the God can use. Not only did you wield it, but also converted it into something entirely different yet at the same time not so different."
"Ah, not only Jin but you all are the talent that I really wanted on my side. If I extend the invitation to join my rank to you, will you also convince Jin and others-" just before His Highness could finish his word, Burai cut in abruptly.
"You know, you are one real shitty brat." Black mist was then emitted from his body and transformed into his black armor.
"And a shitty brat, needs a lot of whoop-ass!" as the armor was completed with the mask, Burai let out a loud roar and kicked the ground to charge at His Highness. The rubble from the partly destroyed spectator stand was sent flying and before the sound could even reach him, Burai appeared in front of His Highness, throwing his punch.
His Highness slightly moved aside to dodge the punch and restrained Burai by grabbing his wrist. He then aimed at the elbow and threw his knee upward, but Burai did not flinch even in the slightest. Instead, now that His Highness was still grabbing his wrist, he sped up and swung his arm into the wall, slamming the boy into it full speed.
"Kuh!" letting out only a small groan, His Highness also responded in kind with his own counterattack. He swept Burai's feet off the ground and this time it was his turn to throw him into the wall. Still grabbing him by the wrist and maintaining the centrifugal force, he them swung Burai over his shoulder and slammed him on the ground.
He continued his relentless assault by continuously pounding punches after punches on Burai's chest. The barrage of fists created a large depression on the arena's floor and after every attack it got bigger.
"Nice try. But too little!" even while being assaulted by a barrage of fists toward his chest, Burai still managed to raise his upper body and grabbed His Highness by his head and bashed him with his own.
The hit was direct and packed a punch for His Highness was nearly knocked out cold but he kept himself from losing conscious by sheer will power. Biting his lips to the point that they bled to make himself completely awake, he gave a strong kick at Burai's chin then another one in the abdominal to create some distance between them.
"Oy oy, shouldn't we be leaving this place quick? This place won't last long if those two keep this up." Laius advised from the spectator stands.
"I know that guy is a real monster, but I did not expect it to be to this extent." Percher voiced her thought while clenching onto Jin's robe. At that time, Kuro Usagi ran to the nearby sector to retrieve her Spear of Indra.
"The Divine Spear…How can it turn black like this?" she examined the black Spear of Indra which was still crackling with black thunder along its surface. But the moment the tip of her finger touched it, Kuro Usagi felt a strange feeling inside her body and was immediately assaulted with a strong headache.
"Uugh…W-what-…" then she lost conscious and collapsed on the ground. The Spear of Indra then returned to being a piece of paper, a black piece of paper.
"Kuro Usagi-dono!" seeing that, Jack quickly rushed over to her.
"Kuro Usagi-dono! What's wrong?! Stay with us!"
"Jack! What happened?!" Jin shouted.
"I haven't the slightest idea. Kuro Usagi-dono suddenly collapsed."
Looking at Kuro Usagi, it would seem that she won't be coming to for a while. It was unclear of the cause, but they can't really do much staying here.
"Anyway, we need to get her out of here. Jack, Laius-san, please take care of her."
"Understood."
"Haah? Why do I have to too?" Laius greatly protested.
"Shut up and do as your master say for once in a while!" Jack rebuked him and the two quickly left the arena. As the three were gone completely from his sight, Jin turned back to the ongoing battle of Burai and His Highness.
"You're not leaving, Jin?" asked Percher.
"Not yet. I still have something to discuss with His Highness. You can leave first if you're feeling uncomfortable."
"Stupid. I am bound by the contract, therefore I must always be by your side."
"Hehe, then thank you, Percher."
The tremors from the battle travelled to other sectors of the arena, and even the stage where the Duel of Creators took place was involved.
"Wh-what's going on?!" Asuka shouted when seeing the spectator stands started collapsing one by one.
Yo quickly heightened her senses to get a grasp on the situation. But it seemed that was unnecessary for when a large part of the arena wall collapsed, the first to appear was a white haired, golden irises boy. The next one to appear was Burai cladded in his armor, grabbing the boy by his neck.
Grabbing His Highness by his neck, Burai smashed him into the wall. As if that wasn't enough, he pulled the boy out and followed with another smash. The arena wall at this point had already took in too much damage and was about to collapse at any given time, came down like being made off sand after the second smash.
Breaking through the wall, Burai maintained his charge and they both stopped by slamming into the wall on the other side of the stage.
"Burai-san? Who is he fighting-" as the two were about to run over to him, Willa quickly shouted to stop them.
"Wait! Do not go over there right now!"
"Eh?"
"He's…very dangerous." Her cryptic words threw the two into confusion. They don't know who that white haired boy is, but right now he was being overwhelmed by Burai, so it wasn't him that Willa was referring to as 'very dangerous'. Then the other only option left…she was referring to Burai.
As the dust died down, the silhouette of His Highness appeared lying on a pile of rubble still having Burai's grip on his neck. Lifting the boy slightly higher than his eyes level, Burai started talking from behind the mask.
"The smell of your aura is very similar to the lad, but you're his polar opposite."
"Oh, how so?" even in this beaten up state, His Highness still managed to let out a chuckle.
"You act defiantly before your enemy, and you have great power to back that attitude of yours."
"Yet you treat them like mere addition to your presence."
"You think that is pride, but never did you know you have overstepped that line before long. What you have now is simply arrogance."
The atmosphere turned quiet all of the sudden after all that commotion. Even the wind was still, and the dust did not dare move. Then after that moment which felt like eternity, His Highness suddenly uttered.
"What took you all so long?"
In an instant, His Highness whose neck was still in Burai's grip just a second ago had disappeared without a trace. He did not sense any other living being approaching within the radius of 10 meters around him so the possibility of someone coming to take the boy away from him and leave was nil.
Then it could only be one thing. The one technique that was the perfect counter to his aura sensing. Instant teleportation.
Willa was still where Yo and Asuka were, so there must be another one capable of such ability.
"Called in the cavalry huh?" turning around and raising his head, what appeared before Burai were four figures overlooking the Kouen City which was dyed in the yellow hues of the evening.
A lovely looking girl whose hair flowed past her shoulders.
A completely black griffin with a single horn.
A witch cladded in strange looking long robe.
A man who stood out from the crowd with his dramatic dressing style.
And they all have gathered under the Flag with the Three Headed Dragon who bites its own tail – the Flag of the Ouroboros Alliance.
"Aura, what's the status of His Highness?" the little girl named Rin asked as she kneeled down next to His Highness.
"His Gift mitigated some of the damage to none of them are fatal, but he still has fractures all over his body."
"To force our Leader into this state, is that guy really just a mere No Name?" they all stared at Burai who stared back at them defiantly.
"…Rin," spitting out some blood, His Highness straightened his clothes and tried to stand up, but Aura quickly stopped him.
"Don't push yourself too hard!"
"I'm fine." He motioned his hand to tell Aura to stand back.
"Rin, was he the one who defeated the strongest race?"
"…"
"No, not him. Him."
"Okay, what the hell happened here?" thought Izayoi.
After separating with Asuka at Jack's workshop, he had gone to investigate the case of Spirited away with Mandra. Their investigation was cut short due to several tremors. After deducting that the epicenter was from the arena where the Duel of Creators took place, Izayoi had hurriedly over.
And when he arrived, it took him some times to grasp on the situation.
Sectors of the arena started collapsing one after another, but no one seemed to be injured. At first, he thought that a brawl amongst the audience had gotten out of control. Well, his deduction was right for the most part.
It was indeed a brawl, and it was amongst the audience. The thing is that, it was more than just a brawl gotten out of control.
When he heard a loud explosion and part of the arena inner wall came collapsing, Burai and a white haired, golden irises boy appeared in his vision.
What happened next was Burai lifting the boy by grabbing his neck, then the boy disappeared and the Ouroboros Alliance arrived at the scene.
Then he noticed that the little girl from the Ouroboros Alliance was pointing at him, and his gaze met with the white haired boy golden irises.
"Hahaha, what a coincidence. For the Genome Tree and the candidate of Origin to come from the same Community. Guess I won't be needing much effort since all the things I needed have gathered on their own."
"That's what they call the proof of your over bearing power that cause the Heaven's will to bow to you. So what's the plan? If you wish, we of the Alliance can-" before the man with dramatic dressing style could finish his sentence, several black spikes erupted from the ground below them. But just like when taking His Highness away, they all disappeared without a trace and reappeared somewhere else.
"Aren't you all getting too comfortable whispering amongst yourselves?" Burai stepped forward and raised his gaze at them. Even though he was on lower ground, they all felt like they were the ones being looked down on.
"Why the rush, O Black Demon? We've already got what we came here for, so now we will be retreating. Don't worry, we will come back when we have come up with a nice new plan." Still the casual attitude and the teasing tone. From the direction of the palace – Salamandra's Community ground, large fire dragons could be seen coming en masse.
The area was soon filled with the Salamandra's military police. And as the man in dramatic dressing style was about to teleport them all away, His Highness suddenly turned around.
"And one more thing."
As if intended to let everyone overhear their conversation, he raised his voice slightly and publicly announced.
"Tell Jin and Percher that it's been a pleasant day today with them. I will treasure the memories of this day! As for the previous offer – regarding the invitation to join the Demon Lord Alliance, just think it over okay?" a despicable fellow, he chose the worst time to play this card.
After that, even the four problem children were interrogated by Mandra. And in the process one table was destroyed.
As for Jin and Percher, at first they were to be thrown into the dungeon until further decisions are made.
"Oy, that brat also extended the invitation to me. So, go on. Take me to the dungeon, if you can."
But thanks to Burai standing up for them, along with many eyewitnesses confirming that he was dead set on taking down the Leader of the Demon Lord Alliance and not a spy, Jin and Percher were put under constant surveillance instead of being imprisoned in the dungeon cell.
The situation had somewhat calmed down for now. But, they still have one more problem.
"Kuro Usagi-dono, she…she's in quite a pinch."
The expression of the four were serious and nervous as they left Mandra's office. The Palace's doctor said that Kuro Usagi got a headache of unknown cause and lost conscious. It is exactly that 'unkown cause' part that got them worried.
Following Jack, the four traversed the corridor and quickly arrived at the ward where Kuro Usagi was brought to.
Literally kicking the door open, the four squeezed in at once.
"Oy! Kur-…" the word Kuro was never finished, let alone the word Usagi.
"E-everyone…!"
Their nervous and worried expressions were wiped clean off their face, and the serious atmosphere had evaporated and gone quiet all of the sudden. Cue the sound of tumble weed rolling.
Asuka and Yo were repeatedly opening and closing their mouths.
"Kuro…Kuro…"
"Wait, shouldn't this image be truer to your name?"
Sitting on the bed, Kuro Usagi frantically looked at herself in the mirror, then at the four, then at herself in the mirror, then at the four.
What Izayoi just said, there were some truth to it. Because…
"Uuuu…Kuro Usagi's hair…The blue hair that the Moon Rabbit takes much pride in…had gone completely black-!"
Shiraga: you were expecting something akin to canon, but it was I, fanon!
later folks