At the area where the Loki Familia's Home once resides, the news of what Aiz did at the Ganesha Familia's colosseum reached their ears as not one member is taking it well.
"you did what!?" Loki screams while pulling on the hair of her head. "you challenged that Zag-tan into a duel!? And you accepted?! Why, Aiz-tan?!"
"it's because I wanted to." Said Aiz with a serious face while handing the bag of money to Lefiya who surprisingly carried it. "I received the money to be used for whatever we want for this entire week. You can use it, Loki."
"that doesn't matter right now!" Loki screams as she grabs hold of Aiz's shoulders. "Aiz-tan! You need to surrender! You need to surrender in the duel! You won't win! You're going to get yourself killed!"
"I won't. I will win." Said Aiz all serious while hardening her gaze. "all to get stronger no matter what."
"Aiz-tan!" Loki cries in tears as she looks frustrated beyond words.
"leave her be, Loki!" Bete exclaimed as he went near while growling. "I know how Aiz feels! Those Kaisers are going to pay for what they did to us! If you're our goddess, then support us!"
"shut up, Bete!" Loki shouted angrily at the werewolf.
Loki started to blabber some stuff up to Aiz as she tries to convince her to surrender but she just denies her advices each time.
Meanwhile, Finn and Gareth are learning more about what had happened from Tione and Tiona who explained every detail of what Aiz did in the Ganesha Familia's colosseum.
"to think that Aiz had gone to this level…" Finn spoke as he looks nervous and scared. "we have to find a way to stop this duel."
"is it really going to be that bad at the end?" Tiona asked. "I mean, the Bloody Kaiser himself said that it won't be a duel to the death and.."
"it won't be a duel to the death." Gareth stated as he scratches his beard while having an exasperated expression on his face. "it will be a duel where one sides receives nothing but pure despair and humiliation."
"eh? What do you mean, Gareth?" Tione asked confused.
"in the past, dozens from within and outside of Orario tried to obtain power in Orario by battleing against the Kaiser Familia. all faced against Zagreus and…." Said Finn as he grimaced a bit in remember an old memory of himself and his Familia in the Ganesha Familia's colosseum to see the humiliating defeat of 40 high ranked and high levelled adventurers who have been beaten up to the point of near death by Zagreus who stands at the center of the field with no armor whatsoever. The Bloody Kaiser looks down at his opponent with an emotionless yet pitying expression on his face. "they were stripped of their pride and sole existence from him."
"basically speaking, Zagreus will ensure that this duel will end with Aiz losing nothing but her own self-esteem and pride." Said Gareth as he let out a soft sigh while looking worried. "there have been many strong warriors who receive utter humiliation when they challenge Zagreus in a duel. None of them has ever taken up their blades after such defeat from him."
"so this is what he was planning…" Tione crosses an arm under her chest while raising a hand to her face and biting the nail of her thumb. The Jormugand looking a bit pissed. "I knew that the term of Aiz's defeat was too lenient in a way.."
"what do we do then?" Tiona asks the pallum and the dwarf while taking a look at Loki who is trying her best to talk Aiz out of the duel but has no hope of succeeding. She looks back at her seniors. "Aiz won't listen and won't back out of the duel. What should we do?"
"maybe, Riveria?" Tione asks and Finn instantly frowns with Gareth.
"if it were only that easy…." Gareth whispers with a very sad and guilty looking frown.
The dwarf turns and looks at one place nearby with Finn and the others doing the same.
In one part of area for the Loki Familia's temporary residency, there is Alicia along with Aki who are looking worried for Riveria who is in a tent and is just crying to herself.
After the end of her conversation with Zagreus that ended in her just crying a river, she was brought back to the place and end up confining herself in solitary. The high elf looking unwell from how she hasn't eat nor drink anything for a week. All she did was cry to herself unyil dhr grll sdlrrp in rchsudyion
Currently, Riveria is lying on her sleeping bag as she is crying on her pillow that is very wet from how much it has soaked up the high elf's tears.
"Riveria-sama, please eat and drink something." Said Alicia in a very worried tone as she is beside the high elf and is trying to coax the high elf to nourish and replenish her strength that she has exhausted over the passing week. The Elleaf brought a tray of warm and refreshing meal and drink for the green haired elf princess. "Riveria-sama. I beg of you."
The high elf just replies by crying non stop as she doesn't seem to wish to stop after the conversation with Zagreus.
'Return to your Familia, Riveria. And forget our past together.'
Zagreus' voice echoes in the high elf's mind as she remembers how the half elf left her at the café.
"I-I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…" Riveria whimpers in tears as she grips hold of her pillow.
"Riveria-sama…" Alicia looks sad and worried to Riveria as she has no clue on why she was crying this badly after Zagreus left her.
Not seeing that she has a chance to get Riveria to eat or drink, she just left the meal beside her bed
Alicia left Riveria's tent as she just looks very worried for the high elf.
"how is she, Alicia?" Aki asked the Elleaf who just frowns sadly while shaking her head. The Alchat frowns in return and looks down sadly. "I see…she's still."
"I don't understand what had happened that time." Said Alicia while looking confused and worried. "she was talking to Zagreus Kaiser about something and she started to cry. I don't understand what is happening."
"maybe it has something to do with the two of them in the past?" Aki asked while raising a hand and wave it to the side. "I mean, I heard Zagreus Kaiser say something about how Riveria-sama broke his heart?"
"what? broke his heart?" Alicia spoke out all confused. "what does it mean? What does Zagreus Kaiser and Riveria-sama had in the past?"
"they were lovers." A voice replied as Aki and Alicia looks tense for a moment. The two look around before seeing Mirana appearing from out of nowhere. "both Zagreus and Riveria were lovers, or to be more precise; Ex-lovers now."
"y-you…who are you?" Aki asked all tensed up as she didn't sense the old half elf coming.
"I'm merely the owner of the café where the poor princess had her goodbyes with Zagreus." Said Mirana in introduction as she walks to the two with the help of a walking stick. "my name is Mirana, please to be of your acquaintances."
"please wait a moment." Said Alicia as she looks a bit confused and baffled. "you said that Riveria-sama and Zagreus Kaiser were once….lovers?"
"indeed, they were." Mirana nodded before letting out a sigh and looking at where Riveria is. "how pitiful she has become after her one decision to disregard my advice…."
"wait, can you explain to us on what is going on?" said Aki to Mirana. "I mean, if the two were lovers once and broken up. I can get why Riveria is crying but we still don't understand what is going on with them now."
"I supposed I should tell you about the two in the past…." Mirana whispers as she went and sat down by a large stone rubble that she use as a chair to rest her legs a bit. "it all started nearly 20 years ago. During the time when Zeus and Hera Familia were still the two pillars of power in Orario.."
Flashback
"in the past, Zagreus had become brokenhearted when his first lover. A female adventurer of the Hera Familia named Meteria had broken up with him after being unpleased of his overly protective nature of her surroundings. He was distraught and sad of his first lover leaving his side forever."
It was in the past time at Orario, Zagreus sat by a table in Mirana's café. The half elf just sitting in silence while looking a bit sad. The old half elf woman coming to his side and patted his back with a comforting smile before giving him a cup of tea.
"he was heartbroken for an entire year. Yet he soon regained new lights when he met Riveria Ljos Alf those years ago. Both first met in my café and on that day, a spark lit between the two."
Zagreus stays at Mirana's café again as he just stirs the small spoon in his cup of tea while trying to distract himself after his lover broke up with him. the Kaiser remains in silence before his attention was caught away by the sound of lively chatter coming to the café. He looks and becomes a bit in awe to see Loki along with Finn, Gareth, and Riveria coming. The half elf sees the high elf princess who sees him, and both just stares at each other from a distance while seemingly trapped in their own world together.
"in the one moment, both first laid eyes one another. They began to have feelings for each other and soon enough; they started to begin their relationship together. It was truly a miracle for the Kaiser to recover from his broken heart."
Zagreus is with Riveria at a park in Orario, both seeming very closed as they held each other's hand while smiling happily together. The Kaiser sat on a bench with the high elf and both leaned close while closing their eyes and are being spied by Loki, Finn, and Gareth who have teasing smiles.
"they had grown their relationship for almost 5 years and in those 5 years, Zagreus takes the decision to evolve their relationship and make it permanent…"
The Bloody Kaiser and the Nine Hells are at a restaurant together, both having a dinner date and are wearing fancy clothing while having happy smiles. Riveria smiles happily to Zagreus before she looks confused and become surprised when the Kaiser got off his seat and kneels to her while holding up an opened ring box that has a beautiful silver ring with an oval shaped jade gem encrusted in it.
Flashback
"n-no way! Riveria and that Zagreus Kaiser were going to get married!?" Aki asked with a gasping blush while Alicia looks baffled beyond words but also blushing as well. "are you for real!?"
"I am not joking." Said Mirana with a small smile that soon turns sad. "but sadly, fate was not merciful for the two."
"what? what do you mean?" Alicia asked all confused with Aki.
"it happened the day before their planned wedding." Said Mirana with a frown in remembering the past once again.
Flashback
"both Zagreus and Riveria had made the plans for their wedding. Their friends and family helped make it the best and possibly the happiest wedding that they could ever make. But on the day before their wedding would arrive; they received the terrible news."
Zagreus is in a tailor shop as he is wearing his ordered wedding tuxedo and is checking it out for its perfectness in size and everything until Thalia runs in. the Saint Kaiser went to the half elf and begins to tell him something that made his eyes go wide before his expression turned serious.
"the Kaisers and the entire Orario had learned of Zeus and Hera Familia's destruction by the Black Dragon. The utter news devastated the Kaisers who were very close friends with the two Familias. In result, they had to cancel the wedding for Zagreus along with the other Kaisers must leave the city to avenge their fallen friends and comrades while leaving the city's protection in your Familia's hands."
It was night, Zagreus along with the other Kaisers wore their armor and wielded their weapons. The Bloody Kaiser faces Riveria who looks very sad and in tears. The high elf has to bid goodbye to her fiancé just a day before their wedding. The armored half elf gets pushed on the back by his siblings who tell him to go to the high elf princess and he did. He speaks to the Nine Hells before he caresses her head and wipes her tears before giving her a necklace with a silver locket that has a jade gem in the shape of a fairy. He wore it around her neck and caresses her cheeks before giving her a kiss on the lips then turns to leave with his siblings.
"the Kaisers left Orario those years ago and only returned fifteen years later. After failing to slay the Black Dragon and failing to avenge their comrades. They returned to the city with anger and rage in their hearts after learning what both your Familia and Freyja Familia had done to the surviving members of Zeus and Hera Familia."
Mirana is in the crowd by the road as she sees Zagreus coming into the scene, the Kaiser walks at the center while having a very dark aura surrounding him.
Flashback
"then….the reason why Riveria-sama is in such a state is because?" Alicia asked Mirana who sighs and nods.
"they felt betrayed that our Familia and Freyja Familia banished the barely surviving Zeus and Hera Familia…" Aki spoke out while cupping her chin and having a frown. "that would explain why they hate our Familia so much, but…"
"why would Zagreus Kaiser cause Riveria-sama to cry?" Alicia asked. "I mean, it is understandable that he is angered after the banishment of Zeus and Hera Familias done by her and our Familia, but for him to make Riveria-sama cry and everything else….just why?"
"it is because he had learned the truth of what really happened those years ago." Mirana replied while holding her walking stick with her hand on the top. "Zagreus learned the reason why Meteria had first broken up with him.." she soon frowns very sadly. "it is truly a sad story for the love that is once shared between the two."
"What do you mean?" Aki asked.
"the reason why Meteria, Zagreus' first love had broken ties with him. it was to protect him and his child." Said Mirana as she closed her eyes for a moment and opens them to shed some tears. "on the day, on that very day when Meteria broke Zagreus' heart. She was pregnant with his child."
"w-what!?" said Alicia while gasping. "s-she was pregnant with the Kaiser's child!?"
"indeed." Mirana nodded. "she was pregnant with Bell Cranel at the time."
Flashback
Mirana is at her café and she is staying inside because it was raining heavily. The old half elf just sits while reading a book before she turns and looks surprised to see Meteria standing before her home while soaking wet in her white sun dress.
The old half elf started to scold and tell her to leave, seeming that she learned of how the white haired woman had broken up with Zagreus and everything. But that stops when Mirana sees Meteria holding her stomach and telling the old woman that she was pregnant with the Kaiser's child that made her surprised.
Soon enough, she brought Meteria in and dry the poor woman while learning more of the reason why she broke Zagreus' heart that caused intense guilt to take hold of her heart and made her cry in tears.
flashback
"t-then! the reason why she broke up was because she was pregnant!? That's not something that would make someone just want to break up! I mean!" Aki cried out as she is getting very confused.
"you young ones fail to understand the reason why she had done such actions against Zagreus." Mirana stated while gripping her walking stick a bit. "Meteria had broken up with Zagreus in order to protect him and their child. For a child of a Kaiser would be an existence targeted by many who wishes to overthrow the Kaiser Familia."
Aki and Alicia gasps a bit as they begin to understand.
"she's right….if word has it that a Kaiser has a child; any enemy Familia would do anything to get to them and.." Alicia whispers while holding a hand near her mouth, the elf frowning a bit. "it's just too despicable in thinking about what could've happened if such news was to be made public."
"if what she did was to protect Zagreus Kaiser…." Aki spoke out. "then how does it relate with how Zagreus Kaiser made Riveria cry?"
"Zagreus learns of the reason for Meteria's self-sacrifice to protect him and their child." Mirana stated while closing her eyes. "he had forgiven her one regretful and sinful action, but he had turned his anger towards your high elf princess and your Familia for what you had done in banishing his former love's Familia." she opens her eyes and looks a bit accusingly at Aki and Alicia. "Meteria was a very sick person as she could barely survived without the help of a Kaiser." She closed her eyes and turns her head to the side. "She would've lived longer if she had been able to stay in Orario and receive help, but she had passed away and her passing scarred Zagreus' heart who I have no doubt will avenge her." she opens her eyes and looks at Riveria who remains crying in her tent. "whatever reason she has to defend herself, Riveria Ljos Alf and your Familia deserve the punishments given by the Kaisers, this is your fate after causing nothing but harm to his first love."
Aki and Alicia looks at Mirana while staying silent and just frowning as they knew she was telling the truth. No one can deny the right that Zagreus and his Familia has on the people who betrayed their trust and cause nothing but harm to their friends and families who are gone from Orario. They were in the wrong and they are to be punished very severely.
"I have spoken all that I wish to speak." Said Mirana as she stands up from her seat and patted her bottom a few times to blow away the dust stuck on her skirt. The old half elf looks at Aki and Alicia. "try as you might to console her, but it is futile." She turns and looks at Riveria. "She knows that she is in the wrong for failing to keep her promise and trust with the Kaisers. she must now face the consequences of a broken heart caused by her now former lover."
Mirana began to walk away as she was not stopped by Aki and Alicia who just stayed and watches Riveria with very sad frowns. The high elf remains crying upon her pillow while constantly apologizing.
Meanwhile, at the Hearth Mansion.
News of the duel between Aiz and the Kaisers reached the Hestia Familia as they were surprised to hear such a thing.
"is it really true!?" Bell asked as she and his Familia looks at Takemikazuchi and Miach who had come to tell the news to the group. "my Dad and Aiz-san are going to duel!?"
"it's true." Said Miach while nodding as he waves a hand to the side. "nearly everyone in Orario learned about the duel that will take place in Ganesha Familia's Colosseum in a week."
"just how did this even happen?" Haruhime asked. "I mean, what started this duel?"
"the news isn't that clear on that part, but I heard that the Sword Princess tried to attack the Saint Kaiser." Takemikazuchi replied while having his arms crossed. "Ganesha himself along with 30-40 of his children at the colosseum saw it happen."
"Aiz-san tried to attack Aunt Thalia? Why!?" said Bell in shock.
"we don't have a clear clue on that part, Bell." Miach stated while shaking his head once. "we only know that this duel will take place in one week. I also heard that Loki and her Familia are trying to stop the Sword Princess from participating in the duel."
"why?" Hestia asked while blinking her eyes twice.
"it is possibly because they fear that the Sword Princess will completely and brutally beaten to submission." Said Lili while looking down with a rather sceptic look. "Lili has no doubt that this battle will end with the Sword Princess losing her life in the process."
"we have to stop this!" said Bell with a worried look. "I don't want this to happen! this duel!"
"hey, Bell!" Welf cried out to Bell who made his way out. "wait!"
"Bell-sama!" Haruhime watches Bell leaves the room as everyone tried to get to him.
Bell made his way to the front door but was stopped by the Hell Knights stationed in his Home by Zagreus. The two armored familiars positioned at the front door crosses their spears and raise their shields at the Rabbit Foot, halting him from taking another step forward.
"w-wha? What are you!?" Bell spoke out before he sees the front door swinging open for Melinoe to appear. "Aunt Melinoe!?"
"I advise that you don't stop this duel, Bell." said Melinoe as she leans against the door frame. "it will end very badly for both you, that blonde brat, and Zagreus."
"Aunt Melinoe! Please! This duel! Dad will win against Aiz-san! this duel is too unfair!" Bell cried out, the young boy feeling conflicted with the fact that his father will without a doubt; defeat his crush with his tremendous strength. "please!"
"there is nothing that I can do" Melinoe replied while shaking her head and crossing her arms under her chest. "they signed a contract with a Geass Scroll."
"a Geass Scroll, you say?!" Takemikazuchi's voice called out as Bell and Melinoe turns to see Hestia and the others coming by. "did you just say that they signed a contract with a Geass Scroll!?"
"Takemikazuchi-sama, this Geass Scroll is?" Haruhime asked all confused.
"known as the Life Bind Contract. It is a very powerful magic item that binds the souls of those who signed it." Miach explained it firstly as he looks a bit worried. "words has it that whatever is written with the Geass Scroll is binding and therefore cannot be overwritten by any force of the world. Even we gods don't dare to use such a magic item unless it is a last resort."
"not only that, if the agreement of the contract has been breached and the rules broken in any way. The ones who signed the contract will die instantly from the Binding Curse." Takemikazuchi stated before looking at Bell. "this duel must go on, Bell. if it doesn't, we might face the reality that your father or the Sword Princess dies in the process."
"w-what!?" Bell spoke out in surprise.
"That is why you cannot interfere with this duel, Bell." Melinoe stated as she leans away and faces her nephew with a hardened gaze. "and that is why I am here to keep an eye on you. To prevent you from doing anything stupid."
"Aunt Melinoe, this duel!" Bell exclaimed but his mouth gets zipped shut by Melinoe who pinches his lips with two fingers. "mmgh!?"
"do not retort nor complain." Said Melinoe in a stern tone while pulling away her hand from zipping up her nephew's lips. "you told your father that you would understand why we Kaisers are hostile to her, did you not?"
"y-yes, but.." Bell frowns. "this duel sounds so unfair and.."
"and nothing." Melinoe stated as she crosses her arms under her chest. "this duel is between the Kaiser Familia and the Loki Familia. there can be no outside interference that will go against this agreed battle." Her eye soon glows menacingly while her hair flairs in fire. "it won't matter if you are Zagreus' son, Bell.." the Blade Kaiser raises her right hand and the flames gather around to make a flaming claw upon the raised appendage. "i will personally stop you if you dare interfere in our matter."
"but…" Bell tried to retort but he tenses up in fear when the flames burning around his aunt's right hand forms the head of a dragon that roars at him. "A-Aunt Melinoe…"
Melinoe glares straight at Bell with her glowing eye that soon takes a quick glance to the side before back to the young man.
"if you really insist on stopping this duel, then I suggest that you just stop the brat from trying to do anything stupid when she loses." Said Melinoe as the flames around her dissipates, the Blade Kaiser waving her hand to the side and crosses it under her chest. "the duel will go as scheduled, it cannot be stopped. What only you can do is to prevent Zagreus from mercifully kill the blonde brat, understood?"
"but it's just…" Bell muttered out sadly but one stern look from Melinoe made him nod. "i-I understand…"
Melinoe nods slowly to Bell before she glances at Hestia and the others.
"you lot. Ensure that Bell doesn't leave this Home when there is no Kaiser present in the area." Said Melinoe as she points a finger at Hestia and her children. "if you wish to earn my trust, do as I command and I will reconsider my standing on you lot."
"y-yes…" Hestia replied nodding with Welf and the others.
Melinoe huffs a bit before she snaps her fingers and turns around to walk away. The front door was closed, and the Hell Knights guards it very strictly.
"Dad…." Bell muttered out as he looks down while frowning sadly. "why?"
Some time passes as the attention is now in the Kaiser Familia's Home. Makaria, Thalia, and Ploutos are found walking in a hallway as they walk straight for the gate of the Kronos Stasis.
"That Zagreus is just too damn evil.." Ploutos spoke out with a sigh as he had his arms crossed on his chest. "does he plan to bring utter humiliation and despair to the blonde girl or what?"
"do you say that like you care for such a brat?" Thalia stated to Ploutos with a rather disgusted tone. "what? you starting to like her? you lolicon."
"like hell I like that brat." Ploutos growls back at Thalia. "I just say it because whatever Zagreus does to that brat, it'll affect Bell, don't you know?"
"he should not even begin to care after not knowing how Hephaestus nearly got killed by that brat's actions." Thalia stated, referring to the moment when she blocked Aiz's attack after pulling Hephaestus back to safety. "her attack was meant to kill and had no hesitation. She fully intended to fight me even if it means hurting Hephaestus."
"to think that there was such a brat like her nowadays…" Ploutos let out a sigh before he punches a fist to an open palm. "I feel sorry for Bell, but that brat sent the invitation for us to kill her no matter what."
"as much you want to do it yourself, let this be done by Zagreus who agreed to use a fricking Geass Scroll to make such a contract." Makaria stated to Ploutos and Thalia, the three arrived at the large gate leading to the Kronos Stasis, that began to open when the Mage Kaiser snaps her fingers. "we have to make proper preparations for this duel to end with that brat just getting humiliated in front of hundreds."
"I always thought that the one who had such bad taste in fights would be Sister Melinoe and Brother Polemos, but for it to be from Zagreus himself…" Thalia spoke out before sighing. "how unlike of him to show his old traits once again."
"when you have a kid that you have to ensure live a perfectly safe life, that happens to you like Zagreus." Ploutos stated while raising his hand and shrugging his shoulders. The Iron God Kaiser walking into the gate with Makaria and Thalia. "I can understand his actions well than you."
"like hell you can." Makaria stated to Ploutos.
The three Kaisers went in as they entered the white chamber that has the stone colosseum arena where they see Zagreus just standing on the field with his face exposed and watching Shakti who is backflipping away from her doppelganger who is trying to take her out with heavy punches.
Zagreus stands and watches Shakti's training before he turns his head to the side when he sensed Makaria and the others coming near.
"the preparations?" Zagreus asked as Ploutos holds up his right hand that has a silver metal suitcase appearing in his grasp. the object thrown to the Bloody Kaiser who catches it. he opened the case and sees the content before closing it. "good."
"are you really sure that this is a good idea, Zagreus?" Ploutos asked while crossing his arms. "I heard from Melinoe that Bell wanted to stop this duel no matter what. if he learns what you really plan after agreeing to do the duel.."
"he must learn that the blonde brat is nothing more than a brat." Thalia stated while slamming the bottom of her Saint Cross to the ground. "Hephaestus nearly got stabbed behind the back by her and you want to forget about this because she's just a brat?"
"you think I want to do what you guys want to do?" said Ploutos while raising an eyebrow, the Iron God Kaiser looking at the Saint Kaiser with an accusing expression on his face. "I never want to do any bloodshed for the last century. I never wished for such a thing to happen when we first made this Kaiser Familia. you know that, Thalia."
Both Thalia and Ploutos got into an argument that was broke off by Makaria in mere seconds.
"you two can bicker all you want when you guys finish up preparing the colosseum for the duel." Makaria stated as she grabs hold of the Kaiser Blade's handle. "now is not the time and place to do so."
"fine.." Ploutos and Thalia spoke out in unison as the two shared a look once before both left the area.
Makaria watches them leave before she looks at Zagreus who was just focused on watching Shakti doing a close quarter combat against her doppelganger, both equal in match but the Ankusha is slowly gaining the upper hand.
"Zagreus, I have to ask you to confirm this question of mine." Makaria stated while raising a hand. "do you really wish for what is best for Bell? or do you wish for what is best for Orario and the world?"
"I do what is best for the sake of Meteria." Zagreus replied as he glances at Makaria before he looks back at Shakti while his eyes were glowing. "that is the reason for my actions."
Makaria looks at Zagreus for a moment before she sighs and turns around.
"I sure hope you know what you are doing, Zagreus." Said Makaria as she begins walking away and leave Zagreus to continue observing Shakti who guards powerful kicking strikes from her doppelganger before she counters with a swinging kick that hits her foe and takes her out.
"just a few more days and she'll be ready." Said Zagreus as he sees the aura surrounding Shakti had grown very strong. "just a few more days and that brat won't ever come near Bell ever again."
Time passes as the week went by to the day of the duel. The news of the duel of Aiz against the Kaiser Familia spread to the city as many anticipated that this duel would be a battle where the Sword Princess would die or not.
The battle takes place upon the Ganesha Familia's Colosseum where it has been remodeled to fit a battle that involves the Kaiser Familia. the sandy arena field is replaced with a wide scale dirt ground, metal gates guarded with Hell Knights, flag banners showing the Kaiser Familia's symbol along with the Loki Familia and the Ganesha Familia, and dozens of floating screens that shows the content of the arena to outside viewers.
It is night time and within the large architectural building, there were a few people who had come to spectate the battle, but some just came to see if Aiz can defeat a Kaiser or not. On another side, there is Bell and his Familia who had come with the rest of their comrades, the group are given special seats in a spectator box that is protected with tempered tinted glass and armed Hell Knights.
Bell looks at the arena field in worry as he didn't want this fight to happen at all.
"Bell-sama, please don't try anything dangerous." Lili told the young man while coming near him. the pallum frowning to him. "you have heard what Melinoe-sama had told you a week ago. This battle cannot be stopped whether we desire it or not."
"I just…I just…." Bell spoke out as he looks to have a complicated feelings swelling in his gut. "why…why does this have to happen?"
Bell gripped his fists tight as he doesn't want any battle that involves his father, aunts, and uncles against his love interest.
"Bell-sama…" Lili muttered out as she tried to reach and hold his right hand but was prevented when a Hell Knight came and blocked her attempt with its shield. "wha!?"
"Liliruca Arde, you are not allowed to enact any romantic gesture of any kind towards Bell Cranel as ordered by Zagreus Kaiser." The Hell Knight spoke in its robotic voice, the armored familiar wields its sword and held its blade near the pallum. "you have the count of 5 seconds to back away and be granted mercy. fail to comply and it will result in your immediate execution."
"wha!?" Lili looks shocked as she and the other female Hestia Familia members have been told to back off any romantic feelings from their favorite rabbit boy but to see how much was not allowed was just surprising. "but Bell-sama is!"
"5….4…..3…" the Hell Knight began to count as it readies its blade but was stopped by Bell who got in front of Lili.
"p-please stop! I will move away from Lili. So please!" Bell cried out to the Hell Knight who stopped counting while its eyes flash red. "please!"
The Hell Knight freezes in its place before it lowers its weapon down in complying to Bell's wishes.
Bell let out a relieved sigh at the Hell Knight before he frowns and looks at Lili.
"move away from me, Lili." Bell told the pallum girl who wanted to retort but the young man shakes his head in response to it. "please.."
Lili frowns to Bell before she nods a bit sadly and moved away.
After Lili was away from Bell, the Hell Knight moved away as it went and stands near another while deactivating.
Bell frowns as he feels guilty to all the changes that his father and family members had done under his nose. He was completely oblivious to what was occurring in Orario when he was staying at the Underworld Castle.
"Dad…why are you doing all of this?" Bell asked in a sad voice.
Meanwhile in a tunnel's hallway, there is Aiz who is wearing her adventurer's gear and looks very prepared for her upcoming fight. The Sword Princess heading out as she had steeled her nerves and everything, all to go against Zagreus himself.
Aiz walks in the tunnel before she is face to face with Finn, Gareth, Lefiya, Tione, and Tiona. Her familia members looking at her with worried expressions.
"Aiz, I beg of you to reconsider this." Finn spoke out a bit strictly at Aiz who just looks away.
This has been going on for the entire week before the final day as Loki along with Finn, Gareth, Lefiya, Tione, and Tiona have been trying their best to talk Aiz in surrendering the fight, they were just worried for her sake and her life that might be taken away in the duel.
"I won't stop." Aiz stated as she looks at the pallum with determined eyes. "don't stop me, Finn."
"is there really no way to ask of you to stop this foolishness?" Gareth asked as Aiz just shakes her head in response and that made him sigh with a frown.
"Aiz…please…we beg of you to reconsider," Tione told the blonde while trying to persuade her friend. "Captain is right! If you take this fight! You won't just lose! You'll be humiliated in front of thousands! You'll!"
"I don't care." Aiz stated with an uncaring voice as she begins to walk straight toward the group. "I have set my mind. I'm going to win and get stronger. No matter what."
"Aiz-san!" Lefiya cried out as she wanted to stop Aiz, but Tiona stopped her. the amazon holding the elf's mage by the shoulder and shakes her head with a frowning face. "Tiona-san…"
Aiz went pass her comrades as no one could now stop her.
She walks through the tunnel and into the arena where she is greeted with the sight of the crowd in the spectator's seat and the sound of their chattering.
By the crowd there is Loki who is with her Familia members, they had come to give support and cheer for Aiz while praying that she would somehow survive.
"w-will Aiz be alright?" Aki asked with a slightly nervous face. "she's challenged the Kaisers and they're…"
"I don't know if Aiz-san will win or not…" Raul muttered with a very worried face. "no one can win against the Kaiser Familia and yet.."
The group began to chatter and whisper as they just wish for the well-being of their blonde friend who just stands all alone at the arena and awaits for her opponent to arrive.
At another part of the crowd, there is Hephaestus and Demeter who sat together and are guarded by four Hell Knights who made a small safety perimeter.
"another challenger against the Kaiser Familia…" Demeter whispers with a sad voice as she frowns. "poor girl."
"Zagreus never stops disappointing me at this type of moment…" Hephaestus spoke out as she placed a hand to her chest and grasped her shirt. She frowns sadly while remembering the white haired half elf in the photo that is kept in the drawer of her office table. 'without you….he's become violent at certain moments, Helios.'
"Hephaestus, the Underworld Castle.." Demeter called out as the goddess of agriculture looks up with the goddess of smith doing the same.
The Underworld Castle came hovering above the Ganesha Familia's Colosseum as it ominously floats above everyone's head.
From the floating castle soon came out Melinoe, Polemos, Ploutos, Makaria, and Thalia who flew and descends to the colosseum where they sat down upon throne seats at a wide spectator seat. Each Kaiser sitting down and just observes the field.
Aiz looks at the Kaisers before she turns and sees Zagreus hovering down from his castle, the Bloody Kaiser's face is concealed under his helmet but his eyes were glowing menacingly under his visor.
'here he is..' Aiz tensed up her body as she watches the Bloody Kaiser now hovering just a few feet off the arena ground and is looking down at the Sword Princess.
The Underworld Castle moves away as it floats into the air and allowed moonlight to come and radiate the field to give better lighting.
At the spectator's seat, Finn and the others joined Loki and their Familia. the group seeing how both fighters have appeared upon the field.
"it's going to start, isn't it?" Tiona asked Tione who nods.
"Captain, Gareth-san, how much of a chance does Aiz-san have against Zagreus Kaiser?" Raul asked Finn and Gareth who sat down near the High Novice.
"0." Finn replied with a rather worried yet stern looking face. "dozens have challenged Zagreus in battle before and not one has ever land a hit nor even survive against him." he grips hold of his right hand's thumb as it was shaking and aching in pain. "that is why he is the most feared Kaiser of all. whose name is known far and wide while also a taboo to be made mockery with."
"Alicia and Elfy staying behind with Riveria, Aki?" Gareth asked the cat girl who nods with a frown.
"she won't come out no matter what." Aki replied with a frown.
Riveria remains in her tent as she didn't come out for another week, and this worries the entire Familia because she is becoming very unwell from how she is constantly crying herself to sleep and exhausting her body beyond the breaking point. It will be a matter of time before she becomes sick or worse, die.
"none of us are able to help her after what we had done to her…" Loki whispers with a sad frown on her face. "no one at all…"
The group soon focuses back to the arena field as Aiz stares at Zagreus who just looks down at her.
"seem that you prepared yourself well." Zagreus spoke out as he sees how more healthier Aiz is looking than last week. "have you resigned yourself to your fate?"
"I won't lose." Said Aiz as she grabs her Desperate's handle and draws the sword out. "not until I slayed that monster and get my Mother back."
"determined, huh?" Zagreus spoke out before he made a small scoff of a sound. "pity that you were fooled so easily."
"what?" Aiz spoke with a tense gaze at Zagreus who floats up and flew to where his siblings are. "where are you going!?"
"I am going to my seat." Zagreus replied with a voice that is echoed with magic, the Bloody Kaiser floats and soon descends to his throne seat that is in the middle and between Melinoe and Polemos. He sat down and leans against his seat while crossing his legs and resting his arms on the arm rest. "for you won't be dueling against me."
"what?" Aiz looks confused for a moment before she hears footsteps echoing from a tunnel entrance nearby. She turns and sensed someone coming.
"what? it isn't Zagreus Kaiser who is fighting?" Welf asked as he and the others in the spectator box are looking confused after seeing and hearing that Zagreus won't be the one fighting against Aiz.
"if not him, then who?" Mikoto spoke out as she looks at where the Kaisers are. "all of them are present there and not one is at the field with the Sword Princess."
"could it be…." Bell whispers as he remembers that the Kaisers have 8 members; one is deceased and the other is missing from Orario. "Aunt…Sotares?"
Everyone awaits for the person coming from the tunnel to come out as they anticipatedly awaits and see who it was as no one but the Kaisers knew who was coming.
Aiz looks at the tunnel with keen eyes that slowly widens in surprise and confusion when she sees someone familiar coming out of the tunnel's exit.
"Shakti?" Aiz whispers as there came out Shakti Varma who wears her usual outfit as the Ganesha Familia's Captain.
"hey! Why is Shakti there for!?" Bete exclaimed out loud, the werewolf getting up from his seat in the crowd after seeing that it was Shakti who appears out of the other tunnel. He then points a finger at where the Kaisers are and glared at them. "you guys said that you'll be fighting her, didn't you?! The fuck is Shakti doing there!?"
"when have we ever made that promise?" said Ploutos in a rather mocking tone that is echoed out, the Iron God Kaiser leaned back against his seat while having his arms folded behind his head, his face showing a non caring expression that is just too carefree. "the contract states that Aiz Wallenstein will be facing against a Kaiser of the Kaiser Familia in a duel, right?"
"did Zagreus ever specify which Kaiser would be doing so?" Melinoe added in while smirking towards Loki Familia. "your friend there was the one who agreed without thinking it through." She laughs a bit while raising her hands with a smirking smile. "I thought I met a purely stupid brat a century ago, but she takes that title as the new queen of fools! As expected of that stupid Loki to raise such a fool!"
"this wasn't part of the contract at all!" Lefiya cried out.
"you're saying that Shakti is one!?" said Tione in a rather surprised tone. "she's a Kaiser!?"
"Shakti was chosen by Zagreus as a new Kaiser and the contract states that it must be a Kaiser who will duel against your friend over there." Makaria stated as she snaps her fingers and made the contract appear. The paper was shown to ever crystal screens that is seen by everyone in Orario. "her being chosen means that she is appliable to be the Kaiser."
"but that's just!" Tiona cried out.
"what? unfair?" Polemos mocked with a smirk. "you young brats sure are to blind and deaf to not fully comprehend the rules of initiating a challenge, don't you?"
"you bastards! You're nothing but cowards! You!" Bete growls out before he stops when several Hell Knights appear around the Loki Familia and readied their weapons at the group. "ugh!?"
"there shall be no complaining coming from you and your Familia." Thalia stated as she raises and slams the bottom of her Saint Cross besides her throne that cause the colosseum to rumble for a moment. "Aiz Wallenstein has signed the contract and therefore must abide to the rules. Her opponent will be Shakti Varma; the newest member of the Kaiser Familia." her eyes began to glow under her blindfold. "any more mockery from your group will be seen as Aiz Wallenstein's action of breaching the rules and therefore resulting in her immediate death."
"but!" Lefiya cried out before shutting up when a nearby Hell Knight readied its spears towards her. "guh!"
"wait! Wait, please!" Loki cried out. "the contract says that it will just be a duel, right?! A normal duel, right?! It doesn't mean a duel tot the death, right?!"
"no, it is not." Zagreus stated. "this duel will only end if one side surrenders and admits defeat or is unable to continue the battle." He raises his head and his eyes glows menacing while he intertwin his fingers in front of his chest. "but attacks that may cripple a person's physique is allowed and advised to be done."
"your friend won't just lose her pride and everything when Shakti is done with her." Melinoe chuckles. "she'll lose everything."
"but the contract states that she won't receive nothing if she loses, right?! Her losing her everything is just too!" Loki cried out before gasping a bit. "y-you mean.."
"if Aiz Wallenstein loses, she will gain Nothing." Zagreus stated as his eyes glows menacing and darkly towards Loki. "literally speaking. It would mean that she will become nothing if she loses this duel."
Zagreus' words made many gasps in shock and horror as he literally means that if Aiz gets crippled or unable to continue being an adventurer, it would mean the end of her career.
"Zagreus….that's just too…." Demeter whispers with a very sad and worried frown. "even if it is to stop her from constantly interfering with your duties….you can't just…"
Hephaestus merely looks disappointed at Zagreus who just stays with his mocking glowing gaze directed at Loki Familia.
Bell and the others hear the Kaiser's words and could just feel utterly terrified from understanding the terms if Aiz loses.
"if Aiz loses…" Bell muttered out as he looks to where his father is. "Dad."
"to lose everything in the process…that's just too.." Mikoto spoke out in a whispering voice.
"how horrible…" Chigusa whispered while Ouka nods.
"but this is that Shakti, right?" Daphne called out to everyone. "I mean, she's the Captain of the Ganesha Familia. a peace officer who takes down bad people, right? Even if she becomes a Kaiser, it won't mean that she'll do something that bad to the Sword Princess….right?"
Everyone looks at Daphne who seems a bit unsure about the last part of her sentences.
"in any matter, we can only watch and hope for a good end to this battle." Said Miach as he and the others turns and watches the arena where Aiz and Shakti now stood facing each other. "for this battle may determine a possibility of a cruel future."
"Ibri Achaa, commence the duel." Melinoe called out as the MC of the duel is Ibrii Achaa of the Ganesha Familia; the Fire Inferno Flame who hurriedly went to the field with his magic mic in hand.
"G-Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen! As you all know, I am your host; Ibri Achaa, the Fire Inferno Flame!" Ibri exclaimed as he tries to be a bit energetic with his usual personality but because this is a battle hosted by the fearsome Kaiser Familia, he has some shivering fear in him. "It is now the time to commence the Duel between the Loki Familia's Sword Princess; Aiz Wallenstein and the representative of the Kaiser Familia, my Ganesha Familia's Captain; the Ankusha, Shakti Varma!"
No one cheered as it was a very tense atmosphere that lingers in the air of the arena.
"a-as stated by Makaria Kaiser of the Kaiser Familia and on what I was informed..the duel is simple!" said Ibri as he continues with the tough crowd. "both participants will duel each other! There is no time limit and no limitation to their equipment, skills, and magic! This fight will only end if one side surrender and admits defeat or is unable to continue the battle!" he then waves a hand to the two female adventurers who just silently stare at each other. "alrighty then! without a further ado! Let us begin this duel! Are both participants ready!?"
To his reply, both Aiz and Shakti got into a battle stance at each other. The Sword Princess wields her sword up and goes into a one handed sword stance while the Ankusha raises her fist and got into a fighting pose in return.
"well then! let this fight!" Ibrii exclaimed before he quickly runs to his commenting box where there is Ganesha. He takes a few deep breaths and shouts with his most loudest voice. "BEGIN!"
That's a wrap!
Bye bye