Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter.

(Start Melromarc Castle Evening)

A party was going on to celebrate the heroes' victory over the wave of catastrophe. There was music, food, mingling, dancing, and FOOD. Luckily since the heroes didn't have to dress up like the nobles they simply came in their normal wear. The King then began to speak as he looked to the people with a smile. "Thanks to our heroes the battle was splendidly won and tonight we celebrate enjoy yourself to the fullest!" The King called out the toast and everyone joined in save for Shiro who was in the far back by the window.

"What a pig." Tsubaki said glaring at the King in contempt.

"If there wasn't a reward involved you can guess we'd be out of here by now." Jun said glaring at the King and torts Motoyasu's group. "Then again if it was up to me I'd be as far away from that Bitch as I can." Jun said to which Tsubaki had to ask.

"Which one her or the old one?" Tsubaki asked causing Jun to glare at Tsubaki in contempt for that. "Ok sorry too soon." Tsubaki said knowing Jun had to work her ass off to change and be a better person.

"By the where is Taiyo?" Shiro asked to which Jun calmly pointed to the buffet table. "Oh... should someone get him?" Shiro asked to which Tsubaki smiled a bit as they saw Pete had joined him... speaking off.

"I'll be back." Tsubaki said as she was a heavy eater herself after all.

"I'll go keep an eye one him." Rino said to which Conan followed after them.

"Hey wait up!" Conan called out while chasing after Rino knowing he had to stay with a Human to avoid the brand.

"Jeez those two." Jun said as she knew how Tsubaki and Taiyo tended to act.

"Hey boss." Demonicon said as he walked over to Jun. "I've been doing some snooping around here and I think you might want to hear this." Demonicon said as he looked to Shiro with a look suggesting they needed less ears for this.

"Go... I got some things to sort out." Shiro said and thus Jun nodded and went with Demonicon to investigate. As Shiro looked over his main hub he growled a bit at what he found out from it. 'So I can teleport myself and my party to the location of the Wave when it hits what a loud of bull. That would have been useful to know sooner.' Shiro mentally ranted as he wondered why he had to be the last one to know about these sort of things.

"Shiro." Raphtalia was heard as she walked over to Shiro getting his attention. "The food here is really amazing." Raphtalia said as she smiled to Shiro who nodded to this.

"Yeah guess it is." Shiro said as he used to think it tasted good but now he was warry of it that it might be poisoned.

"Do you want something to eat?" Raphtalia offered as she was about to run over to the buffet table to grab some food.

"No thanks I'm good." Shiro said as he smiled to Raphtalia who then nodded and walked off.

Shiro sat there for a moment as he was calm about this. He knew his friends were trying to locate the Sun King or evidence that it's not on this world at all. He knew how powerful the Sun King was and knew if someone managed to become its pactmaker then it runs the risk of causing a large amount of damage possibly even more so then the Waves could at the moment. So far they hadn't found hide or hair of the missing Knight but it didn't hurt to be cautious about it. Still looking at the King... Shiro knew he wanted that guy nowhere near the Sun King be it as a Pactmaker or via an ally who is a Pactmaker.

Just then Raphtalia returned catching Shiro by surprise. "You sure you don't want some food." Raphtalia suddenly asked surprising the two as they turn to her as she held up a plate of cake with some on a fork already as she held it up to Shiro.

"I don't know..." Shiro began but Raphtalia cut him off.

The raccoon girl held the fork up close for Shiro to take a bite anyways as she said, "It's really good I promise."

Over by Motoyasu as he was having a good time with the girls around him, with suddenly Malty came up to him and started to whisper something with his happy look turn into confused before looking over at Shiro with Raphtalia who was feeding him cake as he took a bite before smiling.

With that, an angry look appeared on his face as he raise his hand and bite down on the finger part of his glove to pull it off, with Raphtalia giving Shiro another bite of cake, suddenly Motoyasu called out to, "Shiro!"

Shiro turn to him as suddenly he sees Motoyasu throw a glove at his feet as Shiro blink to that as the people and guest around gasp to this site, as if something happen as Shiro soon gets it as when someone throws a glove or smack someone with it, that mean they are issuing a duel as to confirm this, Motoyasu said to him, "Duel me."

Raphtalia gasp to this with Tsubaki and Rino who was dragging Taiyo away from the buffet table as he was stuffing his mouth with free food, as he eating a chicken leg as they suddenly heard this and were shock to hear this as well.

Jun didn't seem shock as she saw the shadow Malty was casting around herself, as it seemed bigger than normal, no doubt this is her doing for Motoyasu challenging Shiro to a duel with the shield Hero/white knight pactmaker looking at him weirdly as he said, "Can I ask…. Why? I mean this is out of the blue, even for you."

"I heard that Raphtalia is you slave," Motoyasu said as Shiro is surprise by this as how would he knew Raphtalia was his slave, he never really announce stuff like that, and look over to Malty with a quick glance, no doubt saw that smug look on her face as he try to play it cool and said, "Kind of a mean word for my party member don't you think?"

"Don't lie to me, is she your slave?!" Motoyasu said asking a bit aggressive as Shiro looked at him as he knew this would go on and he has to end it otherwise Motoyasu won't stop bugging him and try to keep challenging him to a duel as he said, "Not by choice for either of us."

"Why you…" Motoyasu said as he was getting angrier as Shiro soon went on saying, "Why are you getting upset about this anyways. She healthy, she happy, she doesn't sleep on a hard cold stone floor."

"You are just using her," Motoyasu said as Shiro looks at him with almost 'WTF?' look as he said, "That kind of how it works with party, sense my combat skills are limited, I need someone to gain EXP for me to get stronger, it's no different from your party of Girls and miss Bloody Mary."

Motoyasu wanted to say something but could not come up with an Shiro went on saying, "And besides it goes both ways as she help me, I help her as I feed her, cloth her, and get the best weapon for her to use in combat, so tell me what have you done for your party other than flirt with them?"

"Oh burn baby burn!" Taiyo was heard as he laughed at Motoyasu's suffering.

"Taiyo Shush." Rino scolded as she looked to Taiyo who shut his mouth after that.

"You guys made it clear you don't like me so I'm going to take my leave." Shiro said as he began to walk away. "Come on guys lets go we'll come for our reward later." Shiro said and thus his party gave chase to catch up to Shiro.

After Motoyasu regained himself he pointed his spear at Shiro stopping him. "Hold it!" Motoyasu called out as Shiro stopped in his tracks to this.

"That's enough." Jun said as she walked by getting everyone's attention. "I've read this kingdoms laws and bylaws." Jun began as she looked to the people here. "Nothing in them says Shiro can't own a slave, more than that this Kingdom actively supports the use of Demihuman Slaves." Jun said as she got everyone's attention even the Kings. "Nothing in your laws say a Hero can't own a Demihuman slave and if there is a decree should have been made posthaste." Jun said as the King saw Jun was playing by the book and breaking it at the same time. "Furthermore considering Shiro has no one willing to aid him in Melromarc due to the Rape accusations he was left with no other choice but to acquire a slave." Jun added as she knew woman held higher power in Melromarc than men which had benefitted Malty back then... time to turn the tables.

"Are you as a Cardinal Hero saying that it's illegal to own a Demihuman slave as well as a sin for the Three Heroes church to stamp down on as a crusade? If that is the case then by all logic any citizen of this country should be imprisoned and tried for the ownership of a Demihuman slave for you as the Cardinal Spear Hero said before all eyes and ears that it's a sin and a criminal act." Jun said as she looked to Motoyasu as the King grit his teeth to this.

Politically speaking Jun had put not only Motoyasu but Aultcray and the Three Heroes Church under the spotlight now. Motoyasu grit his teeth as even Myne was having trouble keeping her cool as she knew that Jun was in her head and probably knew what she would respond with next. When no one said anything Jun scoffed and began to take her leave of the area for the moment. As Jun left Motoyasu then grit his teeth and finally found his nerve. Or in this case Myne decided to speak out to get Motoyasu's gears running.

"How about you stop trying to act all high and mighty like you even follow the laws of our land you depressing bimbo! You're just a Mercenary breaking the law is what your sort do you're even paid for such actions!" Malty yelled as Jun stopped in her tracks as Pete and Demonicon heard this.

"She's right just because the people in this land are allowed to own slaves doesn't mean we should do it also." Motoyasu said as Jun was oddly quiet over this.

"Of course Sir Motoyasu but knowing her sort and those she chose to surround herself with... using them and then ruining them would be right up her skills, perhaps the Black Knight is best suited to you, Jun. The Woman with a heart as black and manipulative as her appearance." Myne said and thus Jun was reaching a breaking point while Myne was getting close to home.

"Says the girls who made a false rape allegation." Jun said as she looked to Myne with a bored look. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if had you thought your plan through you would have actually went to sleep with him and they cry rape. I mean I highly doubt you're a virgin." Jun said as Myne then glared at Jun.

"You lying whore! Why don't you just take your business and your lies and use it to get rid of people it's the only thing you're probably good." Myne said and thus Jun went wide eyed as she heard this.

(Flashback)

Jun sat in a jail cell as one of the guards glared at her as the girl sat alone in the cell. "I hope your happy kid." The man said as he began to open up her cell to let her out. "A pathological Liar like you may have gotten away with it. But no one in town will ever let you forget it." The man said as Jun looked at her hand in horror before looking to the man.

The scene then changed to Jun wearing sunglasses and a hoodie in the back seat of a car as she and her family drove away. Behind them was her burning home as students from her old school and former neighbors were seen in a mob form. They had signs and dolls on poles that screamed devil child or bitch. Needless to say Jun that day was given a huge and traumatizing reality check.

The scene changed again to Jun sitting behind a door with her knees to her chest and a school uniform with the shadow of her parents from the light arguing and yelling at each other. For Jun ever since the incident she had basically destroyed her family, their business, and worst of all their lives.

The final scene was a white flower and a letter on the table in an empty house with Jun's mother on the table crying over it.

(End Flashback)

Jun grit her teeth clenched her fists before she calmly spoke once more. "You shouldn't have said that." Jun said before turning around and charging at Myne. Malty was wide eyed in shock and horror when she saw this and be it by luck or actions Motoyasu acted and got in the way. Motoyasu ended up with a face full of just as Jun punched him clean in the face. She then stomped down on his spear before he can pull it up and kicked his face while he was down. She then grabbed the spear knowing it was attached to his body and threw him across the ground.

Everyone was shocked and surprised by this as Tsubaki, Rino, and Raphtalia jumped in to stop Jun. "Jun wow calm down!" Tsubaki called out as Jun wanted to slaughter Myne as Motoyasu was coughing from the blows Jun done to him.

"Sir Motoyasu!" Myne cried out in shock as she saw this and checked on Motoyasu.

"That is enough!" Aultrcray cried out as Jun calmed down some to glare at the King.

"I shall not deny that Ms. Kagemaru is correct about our lands bylaws." Aultcray said as he decided to take advantage of this scene. After all Shiro isn't the only one in his group who has one of these 'Knights,' in their possession. "But Ms. Kagemaru lashing out and striking Sir Motoyasu is reprehensible." Aultcray added as Jun then broke out of her friends grip.

"Tell it to someone who cares." Jun said but Aultcray wasn't done just yet.

"You don't see the gravity of what you did, you did more than strike him you trampled upon his sacred spear and acted as if it was a piece of tarnished metal." Aultcray said to which Jun remembered how she used Motoyasu's spear against him. "You struck his honor as a hero and this should not be left unchallenged." Aultcray said and thus went for the killer move. "I order that you partake in a duel so he may defend his honor." Aultcray said as Jun realized she made a bad move when she lashed out.

'Crap,' Jun mentally cursed knowing full well what was coming next. But she had to be careful about this as she knew if she didn't do this Shiro would be targeted. "And if I refuse? Right now you don't have any leverage against me." Jun asked as she looked to Aultcray. She was a woman and knew well enough she had some leeway in this country for it.

"If you refuse to accept the challenge then you will be imprisoned for assaulting a Cardinal Hero." Aultcray said knowing this was the best course of action. Furthermore it may yield a method to separate the Knight from its pactmaker and if what he understand is correct it might prove most beneficial to Sir Ren.

Jun knew he was gunning for her Knight and she knew it was also a blow against Shiro as well. "Fine." Jun growled knowing full well she was in check. Too bad for Motoyasu Jun doesn't play fair she does whatever it takes to win even if it included foul play. Shiro and the others were all shocked to hear that Jun was doing this as they knew this was going to be a doozy for all of them. Those who knew her were well aware that Jun always looks at the bigger picture and knew she would do whatever it takes to win from going below the belt to outright cheating. She wouldn't do that in any major game but in a life or death situation or the situation they were all in she'd do it without hesitating.

(Later with Jun)

The black knight pactmaker waited in a small room that was filled with weapon and shields, no doubt this was a gladiator set up, almost appropriate for duel if it was a fight to the death, as she can hear the announcer talking from the other side of the door down the hall she was in as he said, "The duel between the spear hero and the shield Hero's party member title the black knight will now begin!"

"As if it would be much of a match up anyways," Jun said as she has confident of winning, while Motoyasu would be held back by his morals, she will be held back by none as she knew where it would leave her as the announcer went on saying, "

The doors to the dueling arena suddenly open as she walk out with Motoyasu walking out as well from the other side, with both party walk out and near the center of the dueling arena as the announcer said, "This duel will take place in the presence of king Melromarc and the pope, and it is thus a legitimate and official."

Jun's eyes glare at the king without much moving her head and seeing the shadow rolling off of him, no doubt thinking something greedy if he has her knight or something, but that wasn't new, but what was is when she turn to the pope who sat on the other side of the dueling arena high above in his booth area, to her surprise to see a shadow hovering around that man and others around him and what she could tell from their shadows she thought, '…Corruption'.

Soon enough both her and Motoyasu stop near the arena, as Jun keep it cool and emotion in check as she hears Malty call while in the arena itself and not in the stand with the rest of everyone, as she said, "Good luck sir Motoyasu!"

It was weird for her to be there, no doubt she may have something plan to cheat or something, but then again the king may do the same of what she heard from Demonicon was correct, then no doubt the king would try a test run in this place.

If anything does happen, her friend would have her back and warn her of anything from the stands as they sat around the area, gauging different spots of the arena that the others may not able to see with her boys doing the same as well while watching their own back of any ambushes from the king and his so called "royal knights".

The two stood in the center of the arena as they stare down at each other, with Motoyasu said to Jun, "Jun-chan, please let us not fight. Just surrender and we can find a way to break the spell that was place on you by Shiro."

"Are you really that stupid?" Jun said to him as Motoyasu was surprise she said that to him as she went on saying, "Shiro doesn't control me, he doesn't command anyone as if you believe every word people in this world are saying when they don't know all the facts themselves… then you are just stupid guy with a spear."

"But why do you follow him? Surely you can see he cannot protect you in battle," Motoyasu said as Jun said, "Okay now I know you're are a Class A, Moron, I bet you gotten D's or C's in high school."

Motoyasu flinch at that as it seem it was true with Taiyo voice can he heard from the audience, "HA Burn Baby!"

*Wack!

"Ow," Taiyo said as Rino smack him upside the head before pulling him back to his seat as Jun went on saying, "All Shiro can do is protect people, it's a matter of who fights for him, and beside who wouldn't fight with their friends that been with them through the worst times?"

Shiro smile to this as Raphtalia smile as she hears that Shiro has done good things for her that Jun has appreciate those moments with him, Tsubaki, Taiyo, and their newly form party members that join with each of them including Demonicon and Pete, but soon enough that mood change as she said, "And beside if he tell me to do something I don't agree, then I'll kick his ass so much his grandkids will fill it, bashing his face in until it bleeds, then afterword's I'll shove my sword up so far up his ass until he taste the steal of my sword in his mouth before throwing him in a pit of a men only orgy."

With that everyone was shock, frighten, and sick by this, including the king as he was a bit afraid now, with the pope keep a neutral face, but sweat drop off his face a bit.

"And there she goes. The Jun we all know and love," Taiyo said as Rino seem a bit disturb by what Jun said as over by Shiro as Raphtalia was in a similar way as she said, "W-what? Why would she say that?!"

"Calm down Raphtalia, it's okay," Shiro said as Raphtalia turn to him and said, "But why? She said such thing?"

"Because it shows she is her own person, and to show that I'm not that kind of guy either, she can be a bit overkill with things but that how she does it," Shiro said while sweat dropping a bit and over by Tsubaki area, Conan was shaking a bit as he didn't want to imagen such horrors but they came to his thoughts anyways as Tsubaki said, "She really need to dial that down still."

Back with Jun with Motoyasu was shivering still to what Jun said, even that "men only orgy" part as Jun soon went on saying, "Anyways, I cannot just stop this duel, the last thing I want to be look at is a fool and not cause my friends any more trouble than their already is so you can "nut up or shut up", okay?"

Motoyasu understand as it seem there wasn't much choice as Motoyasu said to her, "Then let's settle this with bets."

"You want to 'Bet' before we fight… alright I'll humor you, what do you want?" Jun said as she waited or Motoyasu to say something as he remembers what Myne had ask of him before.

(Flashback)

"I can't fight her, Myne. She wasn't the one I wanted to fight," Motoyasu said as Myne put on a good girl act as she said to him, "I know, but you must, for the sake of this kingdom. Get to her give up and surrender the black knight so won't be a danger to anyone. Please Sir Motoyasu?"

He looked at Malty, falling for her act as he put on a strong look and said, "Alright I'll do it then."

(End flashback)

"What I want… is for you to surrender the black knight armor," Motoyasu said as Jun give a sigh as she said to herself, "Should have known."

Turning to look at the spear hero as she said to him, "I'm afraid that not possible, even if you torture me for it."

"B-but why? Are you really greedy for power that much?" Motoyasu said without knowing what he is saying as Jun said to him "No you dumbass, let me finish before you say anything else. I am bonded to the knight itself, I made a pact with it until death being one of its conditions, so it pretty much I'm stuck with it for life unless you kill me, the black knight will never answer to anyone but me."

The people were talking around as they heard such thing as this fact surprise the king, and it seem made the pope interested by this fact too as Jun hear the people around talking, she went on saying, "No doubt after what I said, people will come after me for my knight, so I hope your happy Motoyasu for making me the target."

Motoyasu was shock by this as he quickly try to think of another solution as one option came to him and said, "Then if I win, leave Shiro party and join mine, I'll make sure to protect you well."

Jun look at him as she thought, 'Okay easy enough, now I just need to make my move."

"Really you will protect me? You think I'm some damsel in directress, or I'm weak?" Jun said sounding up set by this as Motoyasu said, "N-no, no not really, I just wish to protect you from people that just want your knight is all."

"Find... but if you lose then I want something in return if I win thought," Jun said as Motoyasu asked her, "What do you want then?"

"Half of your reward money, if you can't beat me then I am better off using that money to get better gear and help that would do anything for money," Jun said not even hiding the fact she was wanting his money as Motoyasu nodded as he fell for Jun trick like a moron as he said, "Alright I understand, I agree with this."

Soon enough Motoyasu smile to this as the thought of Jun being in his party was going crazy as he can only imagine what Jun would say or do for him if he saves her and stuff.

Over by Jun she saw the dumb look on Motoyasu face having perverted thoughts about her no doubt, and she didn't need to look at his shadow for that as it was written all over his face as she said while drawing her sword and dagger, "Let's get this over with."

In response Motoyasu also got into battle position, changing his Legendary Spear into a different form, but Jun noticed something interesting about his stance. While it was fairly good defensive wise, it was pretty basic. In his presumably advanced level, he should have tweaked this stance to be more defensive and combat ready, not that she was an expert on pole arms. Still, this was a telling sign about his fighting style, which she would get to see within moments.

She also added it to her notes on Taiyo's own fighting style wondering if she can use Motoyasu as a means for Taiyo to improve. Right now though Jun had to focus on the here and now which was serving Motoyasu his own ass.

"BEGIN!"

With that approval Motoyasu wasted no time charging forward with a mighty battle cry. He leapt forward, raising his spear above his head and prepared to thrust it downward onto Jun, who stood completely still, and waited until the right moment to block and parry the spear. She blocked the pear by crossing her sword and dagger over each other in an X formation before pushing Motoyasu back and slicing at him with her dagger causing him to jump back a bit. In turn Motoyasu continued his assault, with several quick and precise thrusts of his spear, while Jun remained on the defensive, blocking away and evading each thrust.

Raising her sword up, she timed it just right for both weapons to collide once more, with the spear head pushing down on the Legendary Sword's blade above her head.

"Not bad! I guess you haven't been slacking off, huh?" Motoyasu smirked confidently as he saw this. "Cute girls like you don't like getting dirty, after all!" He added and thus Jun smirked to him.

"Just as I thought." Jun spoke out while clearly irritated as she was that Motoyasu had this "girls don't like to fight" mentality, she was still able to figure out his flaw.

"Huh?" Motoyasu asked confused by this.

"You don't know how to use your spear correctly, do you?" Jun asked with a piercing stare causing Motoyasu to go wide eyed.

"What?" Motoyasu asked shock to hear Jun say this.

"Sometimes, the question of whether or not the sword or spear is better comes up, and universally, the answer is always some variation of 'it depends'. In a fight between a sword and spear user, the one with the spear is usually one to keep his distance and react defensively toward the sword user's assault, while a sword user goes in for close strikes and keeps the momentum going. Sure, spears can hit harder and faster than swords and have a wider use due to their wide range, thus they can conceivably win, but that's if the spear user has the skill and experience to use their weapon." Jun explained as she then got ready for the next bit of this fight.

"W-What's your point?!" Motoyasu asked, just now noticing that Jun hasn't buckled an inch since the initial clash, while he was struggling to get past her defensive form as she held him in place. At this moment, he realized that he hadn't landed a single blow on her since the fight began.

"My point is your fighting style speaks of inexperience." Jun said almost taunting Motoyasu, who immediately deflected the spear up in the air, making Motoyasu lose his balance. She followed this by delivering a swift kick to Motoyasu's stomach, sending him flying backward. Once again, she didn't use full strength, as it was just enough to knock the wind out of him. He barely managed to his landing on his feet, but it didn't take long for him to buckle down on his knees from the pain in his stomach.

"Ever since I got to this world I've made it a point to study up on the bow, sword, and spear and even after a month of being here most spear users here have more experience than you do." Jun said glaring at Motoyasu as there were spear wielding mercenaries who roam the land after all. "You hardly stand a chance against me and that's without me summoning my Knight." Jun said as she glared down upon Motoyasu. "The fact is its clear, that aside from monsters and enemies you've beaten in whatever games you've played before and up to now, you've never fought a serious fight in your life." Jun said as she glared down upon Motoyasu.

Myne's jaw dropped. She assumed this Dark Bimbo had gotten was exaggerating or most her strength came from her Knight. How in the world was it possible for that little brat had such skill? No matter. All she had to do was wait for a perfect chance to strike, and then Motoyasu should be able to obtain victory with that one move she told him to use if he was on the ropes.

"A-A serious fight…?" Motoyasu wheezed as he staggered back to his feet. "This… is just another game, remember? All we need is our high levels and skills, and we can overcome any challenge! That's why our weapons are the best equipped for a fight!" Motoyasu said and thus Jun scoffed to the blond.

"Just relaying on your weapon to do fancy tricks isn't enough to win especially against an enemy who wishes you harm no... An enemy who clearly wants you to die very painfully." Jun said as her eyes began to glow red and her eyes became slits.

Motoyasu clicked his tongue in frustration. His stance readjusted, the Spear Hero ready his spear with a new stance. Drawing a glowing circle with his weapon, the Spear Hero lunged forward again, this time with a flurry of magic powered thrusts.

"Chaos Spear!" He yelled out as charged toward Jun, who was unimpressed with the lack of strategy as even her expression was a bored one despite the glowing red eyes with slits. He seemed to think that attacking over and over would enable him to win the fight. The only true way to win a fight was to utterly destroy your enemies take away what makes them strong humiliate them until all that is left is a weak lump of meat. Luckily for her, Motoyasu was quite predictable, and taking him down wouldn't prove difficult.

From her point of view, Motoyasu was simply moving in slow motion, making it easy to predict and dodge each strike. She didn't break a sweat as she evaded the thrusts from Motoyasu, who even increased his speed during the assault. This continued for several seconds until the final thrust. She jumped was perfect ease above the Legendary Spear. Motoyasu could have used this moment to evade her next attack, if he had not been distracted by Jun's body under her cloak after the jump she made. Using this moment of distraction, Jun sent the perverted Spear Hero flying with a speedy roundhouse kick to the face. He rolled and bounced across the arena until he was laid out on his back.

A few seconds later, as his eyes open and his vision snap back into focus, he saw Jun diving down straight toward him, ready to slam her sword down on him. He narrowly avoided getting stabbed by rolling over to the side, thus Jun jabbed her sword into the ground where Motoyasu laid. The Spear Hero took this chance to thrust his weapon at Jun but she was ready. She blocked the attack with her sword and moved it aside before slashing at his side with her dagger causing blood to spill from it. Motoyasu cried out in pain from the attack as he held his side that was stained in blood.

Jun glared down on him her face cold and aloof with her dagger dripping Motoyasu's blood. Jun didn't end it there as she charged in and kicked the side where she injured him causing the pain to get stronger and more blood to come out. "How does it feel Motoyasu-Sempai, to take damage like that?" Jun taunted as she walked around Motoyasu with her weapons at the ready to cause him even more harm. "It must really put into perspective the difference between a game and reality." Jun said as she glared down at Motoyasu taunting him. "I wonder just how much more pain can I cause you before you break." Jun said showing she was going to prolong this just to make Motoyasu see reality.

Motoyasu then roared and went for the attack only for Jun to smirk and dodged his spear and slice at his leg causing him more pain. Motoyasu then turned around only for Jun to attack him with his sword forcing him to try and block the attack. But it seems Jun meant what she said when she said she had taken time to practice and study what she can do.

Thinking fast Motoyasu roared and charged at Jun knocking her down to the ground. But it seems Jun saw this come as her dagger was replaced with something held in her hands. In response Motoyasu cried out in pain as Jun threw dirt into his eyes blinding him for a moment. "Gaugh what the hell? That was a dirty move!" Motoyasu yelled as Jun scoffed to him.

"I never said I'd play fair that is the fact of battle." Jun said as she glared at Motoyasu before she attacked him with her swords flat side sending him flying from it. "You do and use whatever you can to annihilate your enemy." Jun said as she glared down on the Spear Hero before attacking him further now adding actual cuts to her attacks. "Take away their strength their power and leave them as nothing more than mewling pieces of shit begging you for mercy." Jun said as it was clear she had no intention of going easy on Motoyasu.

The audience was shocked by how she was dominating this battle. What's worse she wasn't even fighting fair and she doesn't even deny that. She viewed the reality of battle for what it was the survival of the fittest. Her friends meanwhile were both amazed and worried about Jun with how she was acting with such brutality. For a moment they began to think she was really going to kill Motoyasu in cold blood.

(In the Stands)

"That's the boss for you, brutal and to the point." Demonicon said as he saw this with Pete nodding in response.

"But the way she's speaking... it's scary." Raphtalia said as she wondered just what kind of darkness laid within Jun.

"Yeah." Tsubaki said as she was worried for her friend.

"Guys be ready and keep an eye out just in case." Shiro said worried that Jun may take it too far.

Meanwhile, Itsuki watched Jun closely as well. Not many know this, but he had come from a world of EPsers, people who had special psychic abilities. His psychic power was a low-class ability called Accuracy, which allowed him to use long ranged weapons more efficiently than most. It had other uses too, like helping him keep up with Jun's fast movements when clearly, Motoyasu couldn't.

Ren was also observing and had to confess... Jun was frightening. She took control of the battle clearly having been practicing and training herself. Ren was almost afraid of having to face her in a fight. She dominated the battle and was hardly even trying at this point. She took advantage of facts about Motoyasu and used them to bend the Spear Hero to her intent. If it wasn't for the fact she was the Black Knights Pactmaker Ren wondered if the Cardinal Sword had chosen the wrong hero somehow.

The viewers in the stands were also making their comments about the one-sided fight between the Cardinal Hero and the Mercenary.

"At this rate, that Mercenary is going win."

"Yes. It seems the rumors about her skill and fighting prowess weren't an exaggeration."

"As impressive as it is, she's still fighting for the Shield Hero."

"I suppose her title as a Black Knight hold truth."

(Battle)

"Damn it…" Motoyasu muttered, as he was trying to stay on his feet. In his HUD, he could see his health bar dropping with each hit she dealt him. Even then, he could tell she was holding back, otherwise, he'd be seriously injured. He looked at Jun, who was calmly approaching him almost like she was a demoness.

His mind was reeling, struggling to comprehend how Jun was kicking his ass all over the place. He was currently over level 20 and nearing the 30s, while she was stated to not even reach level 20 yet. How could she be winning, and with only physical attacks at that, which wasn't what this game was about? It didn't make sense to him, was she cheating? No, this felt way too real to be a cheat.

"Is that really the extent of your strength?" Jun taunted further as she glared down on Motoyasu as if he was just an annoying bug to be swatted. "Pathetic." Jun said as she glared at Motoyasu.

"Y-You haven't won yet! You still haven't even used a skill!" Motoyasu stated as he stood up again only for Jun to kick him down once more.

"Obviously, because I don't even need to." Jun said as he glared at Motoyasu.

"You don't use dirt or physical attacks like that." Motoyasu said making Jun scoff at him again.

"Clearly you don't pay attention, this isn't a game Motoyasu this is battle." Jun said as she glared at Motoyasu who was once more trying to get back up. "Complain all you want, it doesn't change the fact that you haven't hit me once and that I'm beating you." Jun said as she taunted Motoyasu doing as she said she would, stripping him of his power. "You couldn't even hit me with that Chaos Spear move of yours. You might want to think about switching strategies." Jun said as she wasn't done. "I heard running is a good way to avoid being hurt." Jun added and thus Motoyasu got angry.

"Tch! Okay, then how do you feel about a long ranged attack!" Motoyasu switched his spear's form to a more pointed form. The spear glowed red before forming into a massive bolt of lightning, and he reared his arm back. With a might heave, he thrust his spear toward the

Black Knights pactmaker. "Lighting Spear!" He invoked and once more Jun was ready for the attack.

Jun in turn charged at the spear and side stepped to avoid it allowing it to pass through her cloak. While she was briefly distracted, Motoyasu quickly used this moment to lunge forward again. He would have used Chaos Spear again, had it not been for the damned cool down time after one use. So, he had to use this element of surprise to his advantage.

But then to Motoyasu's surprise Jun's swords were lit aflame. "Phoenix talons." Jun invoked and thus she sliced at Motoyasu with her dagger causing him a great deal of harm before she swung her sword sending to a wave of flames sending him flying back. Jun took this opportunity to leap forward and attack him with a punch to his chest and threw him down on the ground hard.

"Gah!" Motoyasu gasped in pain, saliva lurching out.

An audible gasp was heard from the crowd above. Some were impressed with the Mercenary... no the Black Knights skills, while other seemed annoyed that the Spear Hero was doing so poorly against her. Namely the King, who gave an order to one of his retainers.

Jun stood over the groaning Spear Hero, watching as he struggled to get back up to his feet. "Y-You said you didn't need to… use your skills…!" Motoyasu grunted as he was being beaten red, black, and blue.

"I never said I wouldn't use them." Jun smirked confidently, before frowning. "And that's another aspect of combat deceiving your enemy with false information to manipulate them to fight in your benefit." Jun said but she was far from done on this. "But seriously, this is a poor showing from you, Motoyasu-sempai. You're supposed to be a bunch of levels higher than me and you're losing." Jun said as she began to produce an aura similar to that of the girls who killed Motoyasu.

"I-I… haven't lost yet!" Motoyasu said trying to get back up despite the fact that his body ached all over from the thrashing he had taken.

"Clearly you have, and I'll tell you why. Not only did you neglect your defense, but also you don't even think before you act. You just wasted your skills trying to look flashy and expected to win. Case in point, you're losing because of your over reliance on your weapon. Besides the level grinding and strengthening your weapon, did you do any practical, physical training at all?" Jun scolded as it was clear she was more of a hero then him.

Motoyasu could barely utter a word. In his mind, developing ones defense was meaningless, so long as the weapon was strong enough to deal damage for him. Also, physical training? Since when did physical training become a thing in video games? The skills you develop and the strength of your weapon were more than sufficient to win a fight. At least, they should be…

"I'll take that as a no." Jun said with a sigh before she began to hear jeers from the audience, most of whom were nobles.

"What a mockery! To think that a Mercenary would endeavor to humiliate the Spear Hero in such a manner!"

"Have you no shame for defacing a sacred duel?!"

Jun scoffed them off and paid them no mind, seeing as these people were just doing it because the King was likely ordering them to make it look like she wasn't playing fair. The Truth of the matter was that Jun was not playing fair she was treating this for what it was a battle between two foes. Motoyasu fought a superior opponent and lost because first of all his opponent wasn't keen on fighting fair and second of all she was willing to do whatever it takes to win.

"Pathetic." Jun repeated her earlier insult as he glared down upon Motoyasu. "It's sad and embarrassing how much you're trying." Jun said as she was clearly humiliating Motoyasu for all to see. "In the end you're no hero you're just a little kid crying out for some form of validation just to make your pathetic life mean something." Jun said verballing breaking down Motoyasu who looked up and saw Jun but behind her he began to see something else making him go wide eyed.

"I wonder what effects would killing you a second time have on you." Jun said as it was clear she was contemplating actually killing Motoyasu in cold blood.

Motoyasu was wide eyed as he saw not only Jun but the two girls who killed him and the Black Knight standing over him. It was as if the Black Knight had arrived as his Undertaker to end his life and taunt him with these three girls. That was when he remembered the Black Knights Chant... Deliverer of Dark and Dread the Ruler of the Ancient. It was then that Motoyasu's own mind began to panic trying to find some way to live to not have a second death.

"Stay back!" Motoyasu cried out as he attacked Jun like a cornered animal against an alpha predator. Jun avoided the attack and saw Motoyasu looked ready to turn tail and run for it.

"What's wrong, did you finally realize that this isn't a game anymore? Or you are just too much of a coward?" Jun said as she follow after Motoyasu steady letting Motoyasu run a bit before realizing there is really no way to get out as all the doors were seal when the duel began and no one has open them yet sense no one was announce as the winner and the king cannot interfere of saving him… but he knew something that could help him even the odds as he whisper something in his guard's ear before he nodded and rushes off somewhere.

Myne was surprise to see Motoyasu acting as such a coward, as she thought, 'How could this be? A cardinal hero is losing to a lowly mercenary?'

Motoyasu was at the door banging on to get let out as he said, "Open this door! She's going to kill me! Open this door!"

"No one will save you spear hero," Jun said as she slowly came up to him as he turn around in fear as he saw her coming closer and closer with her weapon as she said, "I think it time to show this kingdom what their Spear Hero is really like, a rat with no chance of winning."

"Hold!" the king announce as Jun stop in her tracks as she looks up at him and said, "You cannot stop this duel, so don't try and save his worthless ass."

"I'm not going to," the king said with Motoyasu wide eye to this as everyone was surprise that the king would say that, as didn't he favor the other 3 cardinals heroes, mostly the spear hero?

The king soon went on saying, "But I believe there is a disturb balance in power here, as I believe whatever power the black knight has given you, make you stronger anyone should be, so to even up this fight, Spear Hero I give you the key to victory!"

Suddenly there was a magic circle and from it rise a giant suit of armor, with the gang surprise to see, even the bow and sword hero were surprise to see, a red knight (the red Silhouette Knights of "Knight's & Magic") has appeared in the dueling arena in a kneeling position, as Shiro started to say, "What in the… they made a knight?"

"IT can't be. IT must be a robot or something," Taiyo said as Tsubaki said to them, "In this age where technology is limited in this kingdom, it can be a robot, it must be a prototype Incorruptus Melromarc have been developing. Somehow someone in this kingdom has been studying our knights somehow or…"

"Someone was already in making one before we came here," Shiro said as to his and their fear is coming to realize that the sun king may have already been founded and they were trying to depilate a knight from it, with Tsubaki remember what Fitoria had said to her.

'I believe that something or someone from another party had interfered with the ritual.'

Was it true, was there a 3rd party that interfered with the summoning ritual so the knight would not be bounded to the cardinal weapons? If so, was it the sun king user himself or someone working under him?

Jun was not as surprise, or at least she try to look surprise, as she said, "You giving him a knight because he can beat me as he is?"

"I am doing this for the good of this world, this kingdom, and its people. Sir Motoyasu quickly get to the knight!" the king said as the Motoyasu nodded as he ran to the side pass Jun as he ran for the knight, while she looks at him and said, "Do you think I will let you!?"

She raise her weapons for another special attack, but before she could, a wave of air blasted at her, causing her to be blow off her feet and to the side, hitting the ground hard, as she look and saw it was Malty that cast that air spell at her while she give a smile to this while saying something to make her look like a good person, "Go Sir Motoyasu!"

Jun started to get back on her feet as she glare at the princess, swearing revenge on her, as she turn to try and attack Motoyasu, shew as too late as he already reach the knight getting into the cockpit in the chest which was thankfully kneeling down so he could reach it, and soon close the hatch behind him as he took a seat.

Inside as he saw some simple controls and levers which were label clear enough so he can operate it.

Moving his spear to a sheathed position he grabbed the controls and smiled when the Knight wasn't rejected by his Cardinal Weapon.

(Battle)

The Knight stood up and spun the spear in its hand and took a battle stance. "This is what I'm talking about!" Motoyasu was heard as Jun glared at the Knight before her. "Didn't want it to come to this but you really left me no choice Jun-Chan!" Motoyasu called out regaining his resolve to face Jun.

"All I see... is a coward in a fragile shell." Jun said glaring at the armor in contempt while sheathing her swords. She knew her swords would do nothing to that suit of armor except get lodged in the joints. The only way for her to stand a proper chance was to fight fire with fire Knight with Knight. "I'll enjoy cracking that egg." Jun said as she sheathed her weapons as she glared at Motoyasu in contempt.

"I won't let you!" He called out and thus the Fake Knight spun its spear and slammed it down upon Jun who avoided it with a dodge roll. Once she was out of the way everyone saw she already had the Black Knights Ark out. Jun then charged into the fray and held the Ark at the Ready.

"O Dinivas Deliverer of Dark and Dread, Ruler of the Ancient Shadows." Jun began as in response Motoyasu went for the frontal assault only for Jun to use her smaller size to avoid the attacks. Once the Spear was slammed down she jumped onto the weapon and climbed up the shaft. Motoyasu then tried to make the mech grab at Jun only for her to land on his arm and use the momentum to jump up. "Grant me your power!" Jun finished as she flipped in midair and came back down with her Ark held forward in her left hand and the handle in her right hand. "VERTO!" She invoked and thus drew the sword as the wings shot out when the crest flashed to life.

In a crimson flash of light Motoyasu was attacked by the Black Knights knees to his own Knights face causing it to stumble back. The Black Knights eyes flashed to life as it had its Rapier drawn at the ready to do battle against Motoyasu. "Come on let's see which knight is truly superior the fake Knight or the real deal." Jun said as her Black Knight glared upon Motoyasu's prototype. In turn the battle continued as rapier met spear as the two traded blows against each other.

Jun had to admit she was impressed with how well the fake Knights weapon was holding up against her own. Still in the end it was still a counterfeit as it was more machine then magic. The two massive Knights spun around each other trading blows to overpower the other. The two then met in a struggle when their weapons clashed as sparks formed between the two. Seeing this Jun spread her wings out and in turn Motoyasu saw this and looked ready to hold his ground or charge her. Neither came to be as Jun then kicked his Knights leg forcing it to its knees before slamming her Knights leg against its head. The Fake Knight rolled on the ground from this for a moment before it regained its bearings. Taking advantage of this Jun charged torts the Knight with her wings aiding in a dash attack. Motoyasu barely had enough time to use the Knight to block the attack.

The attacked cause his Knight to be pushed back before it hit the wall. The Black Knight in turn used its wings to jump back and once it landed glared at the fake Knight. "You idiot." Jun began as she glared at Motoyasu in contempt. "If you hoped to test this thing out then you should have taken the time to understand what it can do first." Jun said as she glared at Motoyasu. "I won't deny you seemed to figure it out fast no doubt simple instructions that even a monkey can do it was left in the cockpit." Jun said as she glared at her foe.

In response Motoyasu charged out and went for the Black Knights midsection with his Fake Knight. In turn the Black Knight after being pushed back clasps its hands together and slammed them down on the Fake Knight causing a dent in its armor and forcing it to stop. Using the momentum the Black Knight grabbed the Fake Knight and pinned him to the wall. "But in the end this is just some poor attempt to try and over power me." Jun said as she then stabbed the Black Knights rapier into the Fake's left shoulder and pinned it to the wall. With a roar Motoyasu slashed with his spear only for Jun to catch it. She then put her foot against the Knights body and forced the spear out of its hand taking the hand and parts of the arm with it. She then roared and stabbed the spear into the Knights right shoulder pinning it to the wall.

Motoyasu was now panicking again as the Black Knight cracked her fists. "Now allow me to show you the hatred you forced upon Shiro before." Jun said as she then reeled her fist back and slammed it into the Fake Knight leaving a sizable dent in it. Jun kept doing it as clearly Motoyasu was now helpless to stop her as she continued to punch him. Each fist, met its mark as she even went for his chest and mid-section a couple time for added measures making sure Motoyasu knew to stay put and hope the armor will protect him.

She then grabbed both Spear and Rapier and sliced them through the Knights shoulders severing the arms from her foe. Once she had done that she grabbed the Knight and slammed it down on its back. She then took the spear and stabbed it into the fake Knights head trashing it further before tearing the head off. She swung the spear to the side causing the head to fly off into the stands causing people to panic and get out of the way.

(Stands)

"What the Jun watch it!?" Tsubaki called out as she and everyone else got to safety but Taiyo saw something else.

"Wait something is wrong." Taiyo said realizing Jun wasn't acting like herself right now.

(Battle)

The Black Knight pinned the Fake Knight straddling it before stabbing it with her rapier held in a reverse grip in both hands. The Black Knight then sliced open the fake armor staying away from the Cockpit. She then proceeded to tear the Knights innards out as cogs, gears and magical based items were torn out in such a savage and brutal way. A glowing magical coolant splattered across the ground as the Back Knight did this even staining the Deliverer of Dark and Dread with it. Some parts even hit the stands as nobles ran for cover from it.

Whatever was going on with Jun she was not herself at the moment. Soon the Black Knight got to the cockpit as she then tore open the hatch which was the only thing still intact. Motoyasu was now afraid as he saw the Black Knight towering over him as his undertaker.

"You...you wouldn't kill me. You won't... you can't." Motoyasu said almost begging for his life.

"You know if you kept your nose clean and thought with your actual head... I wouldn't." Jun said as under the armor her eyes were glowing red with slits. "But now... not so much." Jun said but Motoyasu was shocked.

Itsuki was heard from he stands as even he was shocked by this. "You can't you'll become a murderer!" Itsuki called out but Jun scoffed at him.

"I don't care... there's already blood on my hands." Jun said and thus got ready to end it. "Now Motoyasu the one time spear hero... DIE!" Jun called out as Motoyasu then screamed in terror covering himself for what was to come.

Just then something happened that saved Motoyasu's life. "VERTO!" Came the voices of Shiro, Tsubaki, and Taiyo as the White Knight, Dragon Knight, and the Moon Maiden charged in and forced the Black Knight back.

"Jun stop he's had enough!" Shiro called out through the White Knight as he held the Black Knight back with Taiyo and Tsubaki's help.

"Get a grip you know what this power can do if you're not careful!" Tsubaki called out as she looked to the Black Knight through the Moon Maiden.

The Black Knight of course struggled trying to get free but the three Knights overpowered the one lone Knight to hold her back. In turn Jun began to calm down as the Black Knight began to stop its struggle. "Jun disengage the Black Knight and calm down." Taiyo said calmly and thus the Black Knight ended its struggle.

The three backed off and thus the Black Knight lowered itself to a knee and reverted to Jun. AS Jun reverted though an alert appeared that she failed to see.

REQUIREMENTS MET DOGMA SERIES HAS BEEN ACTIVATED

As the other three followed suit Jun held her head from a headache she was now experiencing. "What... what happened." Jun said to which she then went wide eyed at what had nearly happened. "Wait... I lost control didn't I?" Jun asked as she went wide eyed.

"Yeah I mean look at all of this." Taiyo said as he gestured to the battle around them which Jun took note of. If Jun was bothered by it she didn't show but one thing was for certain they knew the Knights weren't all good in terms of power. If they weren't careful they may lose themselves to it.

Meanwhile with Motoyasu he was curled up in a ball in what remained of the cockpit as his Spear began to give off an ominous glow. "Sir Motoyasu!" Malty cried out but saw the state he was left in. "You sow what did, you do to him?!" Malty demanded as she glared at Jun.

"I gave him a reality check." Jun said as she looked to Malty not even bothered that she may have mentally scared Motoyasu for life. "Want me to do it again to you?" Jun offered and thus Malty stepped away showing she did not want to be on the receiving end of that power. "I thought so." Jun said and thus turned began walking away to wait for the match to be called. As she turned around her cloak billowed showing that despite being Shiro's friend she was not like him.

"You Black Winged Devil!" Malty called out as Jun stopped allowing her cloak to be blown a bit and smirked.

"A Black Winged Devil..." Jun began causing Malty to note how Jun didn't seem to mind that moniker. "I like it." She said and thus Malty realized she gave Jun a name that would be spread all over the Kingdom if allowed.

As Motoyasu sat there he was being haunted by the images of Momiji and Ikuyo. But now Jun and the Black Knight were among them as all four of them had taken more demonic appearances matching up to the Black Knight itself. They all laughed at his weakness and what made it worse he saw Shiro there as well with his White Knight. The girls were all surrounding him as Motoyasu was left envious against Shiro as he desired Jun and Tsubaki, who appeared as well. They laughed at him as the girls had lustful giggles going on as Motoyasu was left there to rot thanks to Shiro's actions.

He wanted the girls... he wanted what Shiro had but it was beyond his reach. It wasn't fair how come that rapist got all the rewards while he was left to rot like this. "Pathetic, weak, loser." The words repeated from them as in turn Motoyasu went wide eyed as the dark aura got what it needed from Motoyasu.

REQUIREMENTS MET CURSE SERIES: LUST AND ENVY HAVE BEEM UNLOCKED

After which Motoyasu was carried away to get some healing and rest after his ordeal while rumors of the Black Winged Devil were already circulating.

(Scene Break the next day)

The sun began to rise in the distance as the group had gathered together after the incident last night. "Well that was some party." Taiyo said as Shiro sat with his friends and their party members.

"Boss what happened there?" Demonicon asked and thus Jun knew what happened.

"The Knights have been too close to each other for too long." Jun said as she looked at the Black Knights Ark.

"Wait what?" Raphtalia asked with concern now.

"The Knights grant each other strength but there is such a thing as to much of a good thing." Tsubaki said as she was now worried for Jun.

"We're gonna have to split up again don't we?" Taiyo asked with great concern now.

"Only until we can figure out how to keep the Knights from causing that again." Shiro said knowing it had to be done. The farther they were from each other the less likely for any of them to lose control. They got lucky this night but next time they may not be so lucky.

"Shit." Taiyo cursed and thus they knew they had no choice in the matter.

"Don't worry none of us will be alone." Shiro said as Raphtalia nodded and stood with Shiro.

"He's right." Conan added as he stood next to Tsubaki.

"We'll stick by the boss's side no matter what." Demonicon said while Pete nodded in response.

"ITs all for one and one for all." Rino added as she stood next to Taiyo.

"Heh... you guys." Shiro said as the four pactmakers smiled and thus it was clear once they got their reward they would head off in their separate ways until the next Wave hits.

"Hey this isn't goodbye after all this will give us the time to do some training while we're separated." Taiyo said and thus Shiro nodded in agreement.

"Once we get our reward we best part ways." Jun said and thus they all agreed on this. Plus with Jun having a target on her back as the 'Black Winged Devil,' would put the others in danger as well.

"Ok..." Shiro said and thus they were in agreement. A Long journey awaited them all but for now they simply enjoyed the sun rise and among them a promise that they would stand united in their Chronicles. Unknown to them they were being observed by a powerful force.

(Scene Break Unknown Location)

Sitting in his office the figure saw through a crystal the events taking place and smirked and toasted to it. "Soon... very soon." He said with his voice dripping with promise of his destined victory.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter. I hope you all had enjoyed it and stay tune for the next chapter to come. Anyway be sure to leave a review and as always I will say to you ja-ne.