"Normal Speaking"
"Thought Speaking"
*Normal sound effects*
'Flashback speaking'
*Sound effects and roaring*
*Distant sound effects and roaring*
"Ability callout"
It was evening as a castle was having a royal banquet, celebrating a victory against the Waves of Catastrophe.
"I would like to congratulate all of you who had participated during the second wave." A man spoke loudly, receiving a round of applause.
He was an older man whose eyes were green with long white hair and a beard. He wore a royal attire underneath a purple cloak with fur on the edges. And on his head was a crown with violet hems adorned on it.
This was Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, the King of Melromarc.
"Especially the three heroes. Your efforts in fighting against the Waves have won us a battle. So, let us celebrate this victory and for more victories to come. Enjoy!"
And so, the celebration began as many people enjoyed themselves with the amount of delicious cuisines and drinks, while some chatted with one another. Others praised the three heroes for their efforts.
However, while Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki were outwardly happy, they were a bit let down considering they didn't even kill the Wave Boss. But once the people in the room started to talk about them and their exploits, they went back to being themselves as Motoyasu enjoyed the company of many noble women who he began flirting with, Ren being asked what powerful monsters he had slain, and Itsuki showering soaking in the praise of the nobles.
But not everyone was exactly enjoying the celebration, nor was he in the celebrating mood, for Naofumi had instead leaned against a window, looking around with caution and slight anticipation.
For some reason, he and Raphtalia were invited to join the celebration for their efforts against the waves, but he guessed there was something else going on. Despite that, and before he could deny the invitation, Raphtalia jumped in and accepted it, while also brought with her… the other one who didn't look like he was in the celebrating mood.
Indeed, because Darth Vader was standing near a window overlooking Castle Town. He wasn't participating in the party as he began to summarize how he got here.
The last thing he remembered was killing Sidious, his mas- his former master, down a hole. Then he was being dragged by someone, someone he knew. He didn't get a good glimpse of him, but the person looked like they had blond hair or something.
After that, it was all a blur. He woke up in a forest with his armor and right hand miraculously repaired, because he remembered that it took a lot of damage after getting hit by Sidious' Force Lightning and the latter was lost when he fought the person with blond hair. He checked his systems, all were a hundred percent working capacity. He got up, looking at his surroundings. Then he trekked out of the forest.
As he did, he began to wonder why he killed Sidious. Vader knew there were a couple of reasons- actually, there were a lot. He hated the man with a burning passion, possibly more than himself. He manipulated him and used him like a tool, a blunt instrument but an effective one capable of doing his bidding. The results spoke for themselves. And he possibly lied about almost everything he spoke of, even about saving his wife which he recalled with a clenched fist as the painful memories that haunted him still linger before he pushed it back in the darkest corners of his mind.
So when he remembered why he killed him, it left him stunned and confused as he couldn't remember clearly. In fact, he was more confused as he felt the Force around him. There were many energies he could feel, they felt odd. If one were to see the Force as a river of water so clear and pristine, then basically this was a river filled with different colors, almost a reddish green and yellow colors that polluted the pristine river. But the Force was still there. Both light and dark. He tested his abilities by lifting a rock next to him. After confirming that the Force still worked, he saw a clearing and walked towards it.
Exiting the forest, he trekked up a hill and came upon a village in the distance. As he observed the walls surrounding the village, noting how primitive it was. If he had an army of Stormtroopers, he could easily take it over, even with some resistance from the locals. He saw a gate with two towers. If he entered the village, the people would be understandably terrified when they see him, and if they knew of him.
There were stories and broadcasts of Vader and his exploits during the early years of the Empire and during the Galactic Civil War, which he gained a reputation from the Rebels who were utterly terrified when they saw him, lightsaber in hand as he menacingly approached them, slaughtering them while they desperately put up a fight.
Putting that thought away, Vader just approached the village. He'll just have to deal with it, as he always does. They'll probably do what he asks so it'll be easier to contact a ship to come and pick him up. And probably find out what planet he's on. If they were Imperial, the better.
Then suddenly Vader senses went haywire, making him tense up as he stopped walking.
He felt a chaotic energy radiate in the Force as it warned him. He noticed that the sky was turning to crimson, the atmosphere had an oppressive weight to it.
"What is this?" Vader watched as portals began to appear, opening from the fabric of space itself as figures fell from the sky. He felt the emotions of many people of the village. Fear, panic, and dread as the figures in the sky landed on the ground and began converging towards the village. Many of the people ran for their lives while some stayed behind and put up a fight as the figures began attacking them.
Vader watched as some of the people who stayed were picked off one by one while putting up a desperate fight. Many of the people who ran were splitting off, getting lost in the chaos.
Then he heard a loud commotion in the distance next to the village. It was a large group of what looked to be knights that were running down a hill. They were running past the village as they faced a large horde of monsters that were coming out of a forest.
It looked like none of them went to the village. Seems they prioritized fighting over protecting the people.
Before Vader considered leaving or just watching the battle unfold, he felt a nudge from the Force. It was pointing him towards the village, as if telling him to go there.
He wondered why, but if this meant that he might get some answers to his situation…
And with that, he approached that area and finally made his way into the village, gates wide open and the feeling of death loomed over the area. Entering, he saw the destruction dealt by the monsters. Some of the buildings were destroyed, several windows broken, and fire was growing by the minute. There were also a few corpses which he could see, some with stab wounds and slashes to their bodies.
Suddenly, he felt a presence in the Force. Turning to the direction of the source, he saw a commotion of monsters surrounding something. He investigated, approaching the source. His mechanical breathing caught their attention, confusing and making them look at his dark form. There, he saw two people.
A young man with a shield and a girl with animal ears and a tail wielding a sword. They looked at him in fear. The girl in particular.
When Vader looked at her, he briefly felt the emotions she was having. Of pain, of suffering. The sound of whips cracking and chains echoed in his mind as he saw her memories.
Then, he felt it. A spark of anger-
"Hi."
Someone called him, drawing him out of memory lane as he stared down the girl with animal features.
She wore a friendly smile while holding a plate, a slice of cake, in front of him.
"Do you want some?" She asked, noting that she couldn't hear his breathing anymore. Internally, she wasn't to ask since she thought it was rude. Fortunate too, cause Vader wasn't going to tell her that he turned off the sound. He made some modifications in the armor, such as having the option to turn off the infernal breathing that he would constantly keep on hearing every day.
There was an awkward silence when Vader didn't reply, making the girl internally feel nervous and guilty as she might've made the knight who saved her uncomfortable for suddenly giving him the plate.
He finally answered, "Not necessary."
She blinked, "Are you sure?"
His silence was her reply.
"Okay…" deciding that it was best to leave the knight in his personal space, she left to return to the young man wielding the shield with a green gem in the center.
The girl, who he learned her name is Raphtalia after hearing the young man screamed her name when she was grabbed by the Rancor, offered said young man the slice of cake. It looked like he didn't want to eat it, but after some convincing, he took a bite of a piece.
Vader then watched her return for more food on her plate, the party reminding him of the parties in the Imperial Palace, only on a smaller scale.
He noted Raphtalia's emotions when she was about to be eaten. Her anger, her hatred. It was strong. Strong enough that she managed to almost free herself from the grip of the Rancor before he saved her. And she wasn't using her muscles.
She was using the Force to free herself.
Vader felt the dark side follow her around while she happily bit into another slice of cake. While she innocently enjoyed the food, Vader turned his attention from her to the boy she was with.
The young man was looking around with a scowl on his face, viewing this entire party with suspicion. Vader felt his ire being pointed to a few individuals in this room.
The King, the Spear Hero, and his female companion.
Vader then felt the Spear's anger flare when he saw the red haired girl whisper something into his ear.
The Spear walked towards Naofumi, who noticed his approach before stopping right in front of him. Raphtalia was back by Naofumi's side when the Spear arrived. Then the blond pulled off his left glove before throwing it to the floor. Everyone in the room was silent as they watched the scene with keen interest, while a few individuals in the room secretly smiled.
Naofumi looked down at the glove, then at Motoyasu. He asks with an annoyed tone, "What is this?"
"Naofumi," Motoyasu spoke, "I want you to release Raphtalia."
"…why?"
Motoyasu gritted his teeth as he shouted, "Why?! Because Raphtalia is your slave!"
Several people in the room gasped.
"The Shield has a slave?"
"I'm not surprised, given what he did to his companion."
Ren and Itsuki watched with frowns in their faces.
"A slave? He really has gone low." Itsuki said with venom in his tone, while Ren folded his arms in disappointment.
Naofumi narrowed his eyes, "So what?"
Shock was written in Motoyasu's face, "So what?! You bought a slave! Someone who has free will!"
"Slavery is legal here. Didn't you know that, or did your companion not bother to tell you?" Naofumi glanced at Malty, who was watching the scene in amusement with a smile.
Motoyasu was about to bust a nerve before he reigned his anger in, "E-Even so, we must set an example!"
"An example?" Naofumi scoffed, "You just want my companion for your harem."
"Not true!" Motoyasu then pointed his spear Naofumi's face, "Face me! If I win, Raphtalia goes free!"
Deciding to humor him a bit, he asks, "And if I win?"
"That's not going to happen." Motoyasu replies steadily and with focus, making many of the nobles in room root for him to defeat the Shield Hero.
"So that's it? If you win, Raphtalia goes free and if I win, I get nothing?" Clicking his tongue, he glares at Motoyasu, "I'm not going to fight you if I have no say in the matter."
Seeing how much of a disadvantage he is at and the fact that this is another opportunity of that trash king and snake bitch to screw with him, Naofumi calls his companion, "Raphtalia, let's go."
Before he even walked, guards with spears blocked his way.
"What's this I hear?" The King stood up from his throne with a look of disgust as he glared Naofumi, "The Shield Hero has taken a slave? I expected better from you. I gave you a chance to redeem yourself and this is how you repay my kindness?"
"KINDNESS?!" A flare of anger shot up in Naofumi's eyes as he gritted his teeth. The gall of this man, who had called him a criminal for an act he did not do. The lies spewing from his damned mouth would make him froth in rage.
"I should've known not to trust you. After all, it is the Shield Devil's nature to lie and steal the credit from the other three heroes. Especially buying defenseless slaves to his advantage." The king continued his dialogue, internally taking no small pleasure at watching Naofumi shaking, either out of fear or anger. He would make this boy suffer.
Naofumi couldn't believe what he was hearing. The fact the people ate the lie up? The fact that Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki believed him?! The fact that the BITCH WAS GONNA WIN AGAIN?! He was really going to lose it.
Raphtalia shouted, "You're wrong! Naofumi-sama has treated me well! He never once did anything bad to me!"
Motoyasu looked at her in pity before looking at Naofumi in disgust, "Now you're making her lie?! You bastard, you should rot in a cell!"
"Indeed." The King stroked his beard while secretly wearing a devious smile, "You poor thing. Don't worry, Motoyasu-sama will free you from the Shield Devil's control."
"But that's not true! Naofumi-sama is- Hey! Let me go!" Raphtalia was suddenly grabbed by another pair of guards, tying her arms and legs before gagging her mouth.
"Raphtalia!" Naofumi ran towards her, but was stopped by the guards.
"You have nowhere to run now, you fiend." The King pointed his finger, "You shall pay for this crim-"
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
Suddenly, the atmosphere room began to drop in temperature, as the sound of a bone chilling breathing entered the ears of every person inside.
The guards who were holding Raphtalia were launched in the air before landing and crushing a table.
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
Naofumi heard the familiar rhythm of breathing as he looked to his side.
As Darth Vader approached Raphtalia's fallen form, he had heard enough from this, seeing as how they were taking the girl away for more nefarious plans than actually being heroic. Freeing her of the bindings, she ripped off the gag before returning to her master's side.
Everyone's attention was on Vader as he stared at the King, his expression was that of shock as he looked into the black lenses that were staring right into his soul.
"W-Who are you?!" Motoyasu looked at the intimidating figure in alarm.
"One who has seen enough." Vader said without looking at him, "This charade ends here."
Aultcray was intimidated by this person who had taken out both of his guards, but he also felt angry at the fact that this person had the guts to stand up for the demi-human.
"You dare call this a charade?! Watch your tongue stranger, lest you end up losing it." He threatened Vader, pointing his finger at him.
"Petty threats mean nothing to me."
"Petty?!" The gall of this person, foolishly insulting Aultcray as his fingers dug deep into his palms. He would make this person suffer for his foolishness.
"What do you mean 'charade'?" Motoyasu pointed at Naofumi, "He's a criminal! He assaulted his first companion and took a slave!"
"My companion is no one's business but mine!" Naofumi glared at Motoyasu, "She didn't ask for your help."
"Because of the slave crest you're using to control her!"
"Enough." Vader raised his voice, making the two young men stop arguing as they focused their attention on him.
"You're that black knight, aren't you?" Another voice called out. The people moved out of the way revealing who.
Itsuki had a scowl on his face as his eyes narrowed at Vader, "You're the one who killed the Captain!"
Now everyone gasped in shock. Motoyasu's eyes widened as he stared at Vader. Ren stayed silent, watching the scene play out.
"The other knights told me about what you did. How you choked the man to death with your magic." Itsuki approached Vader with a clear sense of justice, "You're a criminal. A murderer!"
Aultcray's eyes narrowed. He glared at Vader, who didn't move from his spot. Not getting a read from him, the King asked with an authoritative voice.
"Are these accusations true?"
The silence was there for what felt like an eternity before Vader answered.
"Yes."
In an instant, the guards that were near the entrance and other places surrounded Vader, many of the nobles and guests moved as they watched the scene unfold.
Meanwhile, Naofumi and Raphtalia watched as well, the latter of which felt concern for the knight saving her life from the wave boss.
"For the crime of murdering one of the royal knights of Melromarc, one of the best and bravest, you shall be tried and executed!" Aultcray pointed his finger.
Malty, behind Motoyasu, smirked. The fool in armor just dug his own grave. Once he's out of the picture, then they'll deal with the Shield idiot and his companion.
"You're going to pay for this." Itsuki folded his arms with a raised head, looking down on the black knight with disdain and a sense of superiority.
Motoyasu pointed his spear at the figure in anticipation and readiness.
The people expect that this person to be quaking in fear, falling to their knees and begging for mercy. Or even show signs of terror.
Darth Vader however… wasn't impressed. Folding his arms, he spoke.
"Best and bravest? More like foolish, pathetic, and cowardly."
Angered by the fact that he not only mocked a dead man, a man who he personally and proudly made Captain of the Royal Knights, but also still having that air of confidence in him despite being surrounded, of course, Aultcray couldn't contain his anger.
"How dare you!" He slammed his fists on the stone railing, "He was one of Melromarc's most loyal and best to lead the Royal Knights! I personally made him Captain of the Knights and you mock a man who fought for his nation?!"
"If you chose that kind of man to become captain, then it is no surprise at showing your incompetence as a leader." Vader said pointedly.
Aultcray's anger started to boil. He was starting to fume now that this person had now insulted him.
"Hey, don't insult the king." Ren finally spoke with a cold tone, approaching Vader while pointing his sword at him with one hand.
Vader glanced that the blue eyed boy before turning his attention to Motoyasu, who felt a bit afraid as a slight chill ran down his spine when he stared into the black lenses.
He then managed to say, "You've just made a lot of enemies. I-I don't think you realize the amount of trouble you're in."
"If you think this is enough to make me surrender, then you are wrong."
Motoyasu nervously chuckled a bit, "D-Dude, I'm the Spear Hero. We have the Sword Hero, the Bow Hero, our companions, and you're just one guy, surrounded by guards-"
"All I am surrounded by…"
Suddenly, the room became colder as everyone took a step back, feeling threatened by the dark tone of his voice.
"…is Fear."
Some of the guards gulped at his words, proving him right at least.
"Oh yeah?" Itsuki drew his bow, a bolt of energy appearing, "Wanna bet on that?"
As tensions began to rise, Vader noted the amount of stupidity and arrogance he was dealing with.
When he felt Motoyasu's feelings, the boy didn't act like a hero, but pretended to be one. He could sense that he thought with his lower half as he wants to impress every noble women in the room.
When he felt Ren's feelings, the boy desired something from him. His armor. It seems he's playing along to only get his armor. Unfortunately for him, he would have to be burned alive for that to happen.
And when he felt Itsuki's feelings, the boy acted all high and mighty, doing this only seeking to be showered in praise by the nobles and the King.
But they all shared the same thing. They were intimidated by him.
All of this was happening because of the Spear's companion whispering something to his ear, probably lying.
So when Vader turned his attention to the red haired girl with green eyes… he felt disgust and disdain in an instant.
He could feel her thoughts leaking out, at how she was gonna make the Shield Hero suffer, how she was gonna sell Raphtalia to Zetoble as a sex slave. Her plans for him were to strip him off his armor and drag him through the streets naked to get crucified.
Her plans to humiliate the Shield Hero even further, to making Raphtalia suffer, to making Vader die a painful death, to becoming Queen of Melromarc reminded Vader of his master. Painfully.
But while Darth Sidious was a master of manipulation and knew the consequences, it seemed this brat was so narcissistic that she was blind to others manipulating her.
And thanks to that, Vader had an idea.
"Wait." He raised his hand, making everyone blink in surprise, wondering if now the knight wanted mercy for his actions after realizing he took a step too far.
"What? You realized that you screwed up and want to beg for mercy?" Itsuki sneered at him. Of course he would, who wouldn't when facing the consequences of their actions.
Of course, Vader ignored the bow and turned his attention to the King, "I have a proposal for you."
Aultcray's face morphed into surprise, before his eyes narrowed, wanting to know what this person was doing, "..and what might be that?"
"If you want no further bloodshed, especially during a time of victory, I propose this." Vader points at Motoyasu, "I shall take the Shield Hero's place in the challenge."
…
…
…
"Wait, what?!" Motoyasu exclaimed.
Every noble started to murmur.
"He's going to take the Shield Hero's place?"
"Why would he do that?"
"Perhaps he has gone mad?"
Aultcray and Malty were confused as they looked at each other in confusion.
Both Naofumi and Raphtalia were equally surprised, the former's eyes bulging out of his head. The black knight was fighting for them?
"If I win, then the charges against me will be dropped. You will cease your actions in taking away the girl, and all hostilities against the Shield Hero. You will also provide us the Spear Hero's reward as our own."
"WHAT?!" Malty screeched, causing her teammates and other people to wince in discomfort.
"And if I win?" Motoyasu asked.
"Then you will 'free' the girl, imprison the Shield Hero, and execute me for killing your cowardly captain." Vader folded his arms, awaiting an answer.
Everyone in the room exchanged their thoughts as they murmured, wondering if the king would accept this proposal.
"No. Motoyasu-sama has challenged the Shield Hero to a fight, not you. You will be imprisoned until the match between them is finished." Aultcray shook his head, "I will not accept. Seize him immediately!"
The guards nod and obeyed the orders, approaching with their spears drawn-
-before they were taken off their hands by an invisible force as several guards fell to the ground. Suddenly, the spears were pointed against them.
Everyone in the room was confused and shocked as guards' weapons were turned against them.
"You have chosen poorly, Aultcray Melromarc." Vader then sent one of the spears hurtling towards the king.
"Watch out!" Malty cried out.
Aultcray barely dodged in time as the weapon hit the throne. On the floor, he got up and looked at Vader angrily.
"Are you mad?! You will be labeled as a war criminal for killing me!"
"We shall see." Several spears floated towards Aultcray's position, surrounding him as he had no place to go. The spears closed in on the king as one of the spears pointed near the king's throat.
Malty looked worriedly, concerned for his safety, while Ren and Itsuki were about to fight as they were going to engage.
"Wait!" Motoyasu outstretched his arm. The spears stop. Everyone that held their breath breathed a sigh of relief.
Vader turned his attention to him, awaiting him to speak.
"I-I accept." Motoyasu says.
"Motoyasu-sama, you can't!" Malty
"I have no choice, Malty. If I don't do something, the king will die and this bastard might escape justice, same with Naofumi, taking Raphtalia-chan with him. I can't let that happen." Tapping the bottom part of the spear to the ground, he looks at Vader with a brave face, "I accept your proposal, and do you accept my challenge?"
Vader was quiet for a few moments before he spoke, "I do. If I win, then you and the other two heroes' rewards will be ours."
"WHAT?!" Both Ren and Itsuki exclaimed, Motoyasu's eyes widened. Naofumi blinked in surprise.
"Hang on, you said that if you win, then you get Motoyasu's reward!" Ren shouted.
"I am altering the proposal. Pray that I do not alter it any further." Vader warns them.
"You motherfucker! I'm gonna-" Itsuki pulled the string of his bow.
"Itsuki, stop!" Motoyasu shouted, body blocking the shot about to be let loose.
"Out of the way, Spear Hero. Let Itsuki-sama teach this barbarian a lesson." Mald, one of Itsuki's companions, and the loudest, smiled.
Tensions began rising. Itsuki pulled the bowstring as the bolt of energy surged and glowed brighter. Motoyasu looked at him pleadingly, while Ren gritted his teeth at the fact his reward would be stolen.
"Enough!" Aultcray shouted, making everyone look at him.
Seeing as how this would end very badly for everyone, Aultcray pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in resignation.
"I accept the proposal as well…"
"Wha- but Fath- your majesty! You can't!" Malty pleaded.
"I am sorry, Malty. But I must." Standing straight, he declared, "The duel will happen in the arena. The knights will escort both of you there-"
"Apologies, your majesty." Itsuki spoke, "But may I make a request?"
"You may, Bow Hero."
Looking at Vader, a devious grin appeared, to which Vader and Naofumi noticed, the latter wondering what he was planning.
"I wish to join Motoyasu in defeating this criminal."
Several gasps were heard.
"Hell yeah, go Itsuki-sama!" Mald cheered.
Itsuki did this because since this black knight decided to take what's his, he's going to make him regret ever messing with him.
"Me too."
Ren stepped up.
Malty was shocked for a moment before a smug appeared on her face.
Naofumi's eyes narrowed. Three of the Cardinal Heroes against the black knight. Realizing how much of a disadvantage the latter is in, he was about to protest when Vader cut him off.
"I accept this."
Many eyes went wide as plates after hearing the unexpected answer.
Motoyasu, Ren, Itsuki, Malty, and Aultcray were even more confused due to the massive disadvantage the knight had. Aultcray in particular realized something was up. He doesn't know what this person's plan is, but whatever it is, it doesn't spell well for the three heroes.
Naofumi wondered why he did that? Doesn't he realize that he'll be-
Before he remembered what happened to the wave boss.
Raphtalia noticed the edges of Naofumi's mouth began to turn slightly upward, making her ask.
"Naofumi-sama, are you okay?"
He turned to her with a big fat smile, surprising her.
"Oh I'm fine. But I doubt those three idiots will be." He chuckled darkly.
Many of the nobles thought that this would be an unfair fight considering that the black knight was facing against three of the heroes. But what they don't realize was how outmatched they were. Despite wielding great power, they were just children. And from the words of the Captain of the 501st legion…
'In my book, Experience outranks everything.'
"These fools don't even realize the trap they have laid for themselves."
The Arena…
The duel would be held in a square arena. The arena stands held the nobles and spectators, who began betting on who was gonna win. There were two balconies that separated Aultcray and another person.
A middle aged man. His attire was a white robe with gold decorations under a red drape, a large white cap sat on his head, and spectacle glasses. Around his neck was a rosary consisting of a Spear, Sword, and Bow.
This was the leader of the Church of The Three Heroes, Pope Biscas T. Balmus. He wore a warm smile as he sat comfortably in his chair.
And on the courtyard floor held the three heroes, Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki. They were itching to take a piece out of the black knight after disrespecting them and taking their reward. This time, they would triumph.
"Fools." Vader thought with folded arms. These boys were too arrogant and immature to not realize that this would not be their victory, for the victor has already been decided. And the tools they wield are next to nothing, for his ally was the Force.
He stood in front two large wooden doors that would lead him to this arena.
Suddenly, he was reminded of a time when he was on the world of Geonosis.
When he felt the lips of-
Violently putting the thought away, this was no time to day dream. His presence surged violently when he did that.
It also caused a certain raccoon girl who was behind to shiver as her strands of hair stood up.
"What are you doing here?" Vader asked without looking, causing Raphtalia to stand straight before sucking in a deep breath. She let it out, speaking to him.
"I would… like to thank you again…"
"I told you before, your thanks is unnecessary."
Raphtalia walked closer, feeling his presence start to lessen after reigning in his emotions.
"Well, you saved my life twice. Perhaps maybe a third, you will accept it?"
Vader turned to her. She felt scared before when he looked down at her, but slowly, she was getting used to it, braving the cold that was his force presence.
When he looked at her, he was reminded of a certain snippy togruta who'd always stick by his side. In a way, this girl slightly reminded him of her. But that reminder quickly died when he looked at her. Instead, he focused on her force presence. It was calm, but also concerned and worried for his safety.
Honestly though, she should for the other three's safety.
"Your fears are unfounded." Vader said, surprising her.
"H-How did you-"
"I can sense your emotions clearly. They leak out of you, easy for me to sense. Even your thoughts."
Raphtalia was stunned. How was he doing that?
"Are you using your magic?" She asked.
Vader blinked as he imagined the Force looking at the girl for a second before a scowl appeared on its face. It made sense though, mistaking the Force as magic since the people of this world were so backwards.
"It is not magic." He clarified, "It is the most powerful thing in the universe."
Raphtalia's brows furrowed, trying to decipher his cryptic wording.
"A power you have as well."
"W-What?" She looked at him in surprise, "I have what?"
"You have a power the same as mine."
Her eyes went wide as she began to fumble her words on asking him.
"B-But how do I- how do you- w-what kind of power-"
Raising a hand, "I believe that is a conversation for another time."
Indeed, because he can hear the people outside starting to cheer for the three idiots who were probably soaking in the praises.
Raphtalia knew that it was time. So before she left, she asked one more question.
"Do you think… you can beat them?"
Vader was silent for a moment, and then he answered.
"You will see."
And with that, she left to return to the stands, leaving Vader as he was about to face three children.
As the doors began to open, he turned off his breathing.
And the Dark Side smiled.
A few minutes before the match…
While Vader and Raphtalia were talking, outside, Naofumi observed.
The nobles began making bets, speaking to one another with enthusiasm.
"No doubt that the three heroes will win this fight."
"Yep. When the black knight faces them, he'll realize how screwed up he is."
"How very, very wrong." Naofumi smiled darkly.
Down at the courtyard, the three heroes were chatting.
"Alright, I say we surround him." Motoyasu planned, "Itsuki, you offer support, while me and Ren take him. He won't be able to take on a mixed assault."
Ren nodded, "You make a good point actually."
Itsuki agreed, "Yeah. You're finally thinking with your brain instead of your dick."
Motoyasu merely glared at him.
"Go Motoyasu-sama!~" Malty cheered at the stands, waving her hand in the air.
He responded with a wave of his own, giving her a smile.
"Beat that bastard Itsuki-sama!" Mald pumped his fist.
Itsuki gave a nod, intending to give this black knight a shot in the ass.
Ren cracked his neck while his companions cheered for him.
Then the announcer shouted, "The duel between the Three Heroes and the Black Knight will now begin!" The spectators shouted in unison, "The duel will end when one of the combatants admits defeat or is knocked out. If the Black Knight knocks all three heroes out or makes them admit defeat, he wins."
"That's not going to happen." Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki thought.
"If the Three Heroes knocks him out or makes him admit defeat, they win." He pauses for a moment, letting the audience process the information before continuing, "This sacred duel will be observed by his majesty, King Aultcray Melromarc-"
The king had several claps to him, to which he waved his hand and smiled.
"-and the leader of the Church of Three Heroes, Pope Balmus!"
Many of the audience clapped, to which the Pope placed a hand on his chest with a humble smile, feeling touched by the love and admiration he was given.
"This means this fight is both legitimate and official." The announcer finished.
Naofumi scoffed, "Doubtful."
Aultcray stood up from his seat and outstretched his arm.
"Open the gate."
His command was obeyed. The two large doors opened.
The Heroes held their breath, feeling the adrenaline coursing through their veins.
The King sat with anxiety, hand intertwined together as he waited with bated breath.
Pope Balmus was curious, wanting to see this black knight, what made him so special.
Naofumi crossed his arms, waiting for that rhythmic breathing as Raphtalia finally returned by his side.
The doors were fully opened. The torches that once lit the hallway were out, revealing a very dark entrance.
A few droplets of sweat fell from Motoyasu's face, while Ren breathed steadily, and Itsuki's fingers twitched in anticipation.
It was quiet for a few minutes, of which felt longer.
Then the nobles started to whisper.
"Why is it so dark down there? I can't see a thing."
"Where's the black knight?"
"Did he run away?"
"Hmph. What a cowar-"
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
Once again, the haunting sound of rhythmic mechanical breath reached the ears of every person outside, who shivered in dread.
Pope Balmus, while outwardly calm, felt a very, very cold chill running down his spine as he felt a truly dark presence approaching. His hand gripped the handles of his chair in an effort not to make a scene. Whatever this was, he would brave it through, for had the Lord by his side.
Soon there the sound of footsteps approaching with the breathing becoming louder and louder every moment.
Finally, he revealed himself.
His appearance had made several newcomers gasp while those who saw him in the party were silent and fearful.
And as he was being looked at head to toe, Vader sensed the emotions of every single person in the stands and two balconies. He looked around the courtyard.
He was reminded of the arena from Zygerria. Only on a much smaller scale. And without the whips.
Focusing on the task at hand, he stared at the three heroes who wielded their weapons. He felt their fear, their anger, and their hatred for him. They arrogantly thought they could win since they had the numbers.
As the two doors closed behind him, the announcer told the spectators and fighters.
"Let it be known, cheating of any kind such as help from those who aren't participating in this duel will automatically disqualify the person they are with."
The three heroes nodded while Vader stayed silent. Taking the heroes' confirmation and Vader's silence as answer, he shouted.
"Let the sacred duel commence!"
And with that, the duel has begun. But before anyone could do anything, Motoyasu spoke up.
"Hey!" He twirled his spear around, making Ren and Itsuki wonder what he is doing, "Have you ever heard of the irresistible spear and the immovable black knight?"
Silence.
Taking that as an answer, he continued, "It was said that with the help of two people, a sword and bow, the spear had managed to defeat the black knight. So let me ask you… are you ready to lose?"
"It is you that will lose, child."
Motoyasu growled at being called a child.
"Ren, with me. Itsuki, cover us!"
Both he and Ren ran towards Vader with weapons drawn while Itsuki drew his bow as a bolt of energy formed.
Motoyasu was going to strike at Vader's left while Ren would strike his right.
"Take this!" Motoyasu shouted, thrusting his spear on Vader's shoulder.
Ren would swing at Vader's neck-
-both completely miss their marks as the Dark Lord merely took a step back, effortlessly dodging that poor excuse of an attack.
They tried again, thrusting and swinging at his body. Vader just sidestepped as Motoyasu collided to a wall and Ren spun to take a strike at him again.
The blue eyed boy swung his sword clumsily, yelling out and trying to get a single hit while failing as Vader merely dodged and evaded the predictable moves.
Motoyasu returned and jumped in the air, bringing down his weapon at Vader's head. The knight once again dodged as the spear hit Ren's sword.
"Dammit Motoyasu!" Ren pulled back and ran towards his foe.
"Hey! Don't get in the way!" Motoyasu did the same.
Vader dodged a bolt of energy from hitting him, making Itsuki curse at missing his shot. Again and again, each shot did not hit its mark, frustrating the bow wielder.
"RAAAHHH!" Ren swung his sword up in a vertical slice, but the only thing he managed to slice was thin air as the Dark Lord dodged flawlessly.
Vader back stepped and weaved through Motoyasu's thrusts, expertly maneuvering without even getting hit. The Sith then sensed danger from his side.
Itsuki let loose another bolt.
And Vader spun to Motoyasu's side while simultaneously evading a thrust that almost knicked his cape. The bolt hit Motoyasu, making him cry out in pain and fall to the floor.
"Ow!" The blond checked the spot where the shot hit. Thankfully, it was the armored area, but it still hurt a lot, "Watch your shots, Itsuki!"
Itsuki ignored him and let loose another shot. Again, he failed.
It frustrated him and he gritted his teeth, why can't he hit him?!
Ren returned as he now went for more quick strikes, trying not to give his opponent time to think, eventually landing a hit.
But Vader was an expert at that, and as such, he merely dodged side to side, annoying the Sword Hero. It went on for a few moments.
"Hold still!" Ren went for a overhead strike as his sword hit the floor-
-and Vader stepped on it.
"Hey! Let go!" Ren pulled, trying to free his weapon.
"If this is the best you can do, then you are as clumsy as you are stupid."
The Sword Hero growled in anger, "Let. Go!"
Itsuki was behind Ren, aiming to take a shot at Vader's helm.
Vader saw it, "As you wish." He released the sword from his boot-
-and Ren went stumbling backwards, making Itsuki move out of the way in panic and once again miss his shot as it went past Vader's cap.
"Dammit Ren! You made me miss my shot!"
Vader then sensed Motoyasu behind, aiming to sneak attack him.
He spun and the boy thrusted his weapon.
Vader caught it by the handle, surprising the blond.
"What the?!" Bewildered, the Spear Hero tried to pull his weapon from the grip, but to no avail.
"Despite being given great power, you waste it by acting idiotic and immature." Vader brought Motoyasu closer to his face as the boy felt like he was staring death in the face, "You are no hero. You are simply a child playing as one."
Motoyasu's anger boiled at being called a child once again, this time, he would make this guy regret it.
"Itsuki, now!"
Vader turned and saw the brown haired boy charging his shot, releasing it.
Itsuki thought this would be the shot. The one that would finally hurt this bastard.
Same can be said for Motoyasu and Ren, and the rest of the audience.
But Naofumi knew. Itsuki just helped the black knight out. He snorted.
"Idiot."
Vader brought Motoyasu in front of the shot.
"Oh sh-" was all the blond had to say before being hit, launched towards a wall, colliding painfully.
Many of the audience were shocked and winced at the friendly fire. Aultcray bit his thumb at the attempt. They were so close. Pope Balmus' mouth was a thin line as he watched intently.
Malty was silently fuming and worried, thinking that Motoyasu was knocked out of the match. If he lost, all the reward she would spend on is going to that Shield idiot and his demi-human companion. This cannot be allowed to happen.
Ren and Itsuki were silent, looking at the form of Motoyasu. Both were worried that he was out, but let out a sigh of relief when the blond moved and groaned before picking himself up.
Raphtalia looked at him in slight pity, "That's gotta hurt."
Naofumi merely replied, "Hope so."
As the blond stood back up, he turned back to Vader with anger in his eyes. He gripped the handle of his spear tightly as he readied a stance, aiming to strike at him again.
Vader shook his head, "This is pointless. Your efforts to defeat me have amounted to nothing."
"Nothing?!" The blond shouted, gritting his teeth, "At least we're the ones putting up a fight while you just dodge our attacks! It's very hypocritical of someone who called a dead man a coward!"
"He is right." Aultcray looked down on him with contempt and disdain, "For all your insults towards the heroes, you have done nothing but act cowardly in front of them."
Many of the nobles agreed as they spoke out.
"Yeah, who's the coward here?!"
"Come on, fight!"
"You're the one who's acting pathetic!"
They cursed and threw slurs at the knight as Aultcray smiled under his beard.
Malty had a smug, thinking that if this is enough to pressure the knight, this will give her the opportunity to take him out.
Naofumi gritted his teeth, angrily looking at the stands. These people are being idiotic for acting this way. He guesses that they were doing this because the trash King told them.
It made him realize that if he were down there, they would do the same to him, which made his anger flare slightly. But he reigned it down, knowing there was more to this.
Raphtalia was silently watching, ignoring all the shouting and only focusing on the knight. He was just standing there, taking all the words being thrown at him. What is he doing?
Vader looked at the audience insulting him and regarded them with disinterest, knowing this was the King's doing in order to break him in some capacity, make him lash out and let his guard down.
But such insults meant nothing to a man who has been called far worse. Nor one who cares and sees through the ploy.
"If you wish to prove us wrong, then face the heroes with honor!" Aultcray shouted, the people agreeing with him as they shouted.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Malty grinned, waiting for the opportunity to make her move.
Motoyasu meanwhile wore a smug, pointing to the audience with his weapon, "You heard them. Where's your weapon? Forgot to bring it?"
Itsuki also wore a smug, waiting to see if this person would act foolishly.
But Ren knew something was up. He watched as the black knight pulled something out from his belt. It looked like a cylindrical object with some details.
Motoyasu however didn't know that and just raised a brow, "What is that? Some sort of toy-"
*PSSSHHHEWWW*
Suddenly, a bright crimson blade appeared from the hilt, making the spectators gasp in shock and awe.
Aultcray and Malty's eyes widen in shock at the concealed weaponry and possibly powerful tool.
Pope Balmus placed a hand on his mouth and looked with intrigue.
Naofumi and Raphtalia were silent, already knowing the weapon dubbed the 'Lightsaber' and its destructive applications against those who meet the wrong end of it.
The three heroes' jaws were slacked open. They didn't expect that.
"Is that a freaking laser sword?!" Motoyasu exclaimed, looking at the weapon in awe.
Ren was shocked to see such a weapon. And then it turned to excitement as his eyes greedily took in the appearance of the weapon. He didn't just want the armor, he wanted that as well. If he were to scan it…
Itsuki blinked a couple of times, trying to process what he was seeing. Shaking out of the trance, he pulled for another shot.
"Big deal." He let loose.
And Vader brought his saber up in front, deflecting the bolt as it hit the corner of a wall. Again, several people were shocked and gasped when he did that.
Itsuki, bewildered by that unexpected move, let loose another few shots. The Sith Lord expertly deflected all of them as the bolts of energy hit random places of the arena.
"He can deflect them?!" Motoyasu's eyes were bulging now as he watched the black knight somehow deflecting each shot back.
Ren's jaw slacked even more. He blinked, "Control yourself! Now is not the time to act like an idiot."
He stanced up and charged. He swung his sword right at Vader's collar-
-before the crimson blade knocked back the legendary weapon, making Ren stumble backwards a bit before balancing himself. Motoyasu and Itsuki looked at him in concern. When the blue eyed boy glanced back at them, he gave a thumbs up, indicating he was fine.
He then looked at his sword and his eyes slightly widened when he saw a dark mark etched on it. Worriedly, he checked through his HUD to see if it was damaged. Surprisingly, it wasn't. He then checked the physical damage. While there was a dark mark where the crimson blade hit, it seemed that there were no cracks or any significant damage. Seeing as how this didn't have any negative repercussions, he readied himself.
Vader was a little surprised when he saw that the weapon wasn't sliced apart, only showing a dark mark where he hit. He glanced at his saber, then the sword. He wondered…
Deciding to test the weapon's durability, he now went on the offensive.
Ren charged again, letting out a war cry as he swung his sword, at the same time Vader swung his.
The blades collided, sparks flying out as the audience watched with anticipation and excitement.
Ren was forced back again. He fell on one knee, taking a small moment of reprieve before resuming his attacks.
Indeed. It seems the sword was lightsaber resistant, or had lightsaber resistant material. Either way, it made no difference to him.
Vader blocked the sword swings with his lightsaber at the cardinal weapon, returning some hits back at the sword.
From the perspective of the untrained eye, it looked like the fighting was getting serious as the black knight and Sword Hero were fighting equally. But for those who know how to fight and have fought for many years with experience, this wasn't the case.
Aultcray noticed that the way the black knight fought was that while he did block from time to time and deliver a couple of swings and strikes of his own, he seemed to hit Ren's sword only. He didn't focus on the opportunities at the vital areas of weakness that Ren had let open for himself.
The black knight and Sword hero then went into a blade lock as sparks flew around, causing Ren to close his eyes to avoid getting blinded, while trying to force the knight back.
Unfortunately, he wasn't a cyborg that weighed in at 264 pounds.
The Dark Lord began pushing Ren back as the blue eyed boy's feet slid across the floor, gritting his teeth as he tries to force the tall being back but to no avail. Ren yelled out, using his entire body to try and fight back but it was no use as his efforts were futile.
Suddenly, Vader released Ren while dodging a shot from Itsuki, who returned fire in support, each shot being deflected and blocked. The Dark Lord now shifted his focus on the brown haired boy, who began to feel slightly panicked when he saw the approaching black knight.
The blue haired boy was on one knee, catching his breath from that moment as he felt his depleted strength returning. He felt a hand on his back. Looking up, it was Motoyasu with a concerned look.
"You good?" He asked.
Ren nodded, standing back up and looking ever more determined to defeating the black knight and getting those items.
Meanwhile, Itsuki was struggling as he avoided a slash from the saber, ducking under another swing before rolling out of the way. He fired another shot that was predictably blocked. He was about to let loose when the unexpected happened.
The black knight threw his weapon at him, spinning like a helicopter blade. It hit the legendary bow, making Itsuki fall on his ass in sheer bewilderment.
Motoyasu made a hasty move as he swung his spear behind-
-as the saber returned to its owner's hand and spun just in time to parry the sneak attack, making the blond boy stumble for a moment before regaining his balance.
Again, in that moment, the black knight could've instantly ended one of the heroes from continuing to play this match, but he didn't. Aultcray was beginning to think this person wasn't even taking the duel seriously. Or perhaps, he never did take it seriously. It made his blood boil, that this stranger is possibly going to ruin the heroes' reputation and possibly his own. This mustn't happen. He wouldn't allow it… and neither would his daughter.
As the duel went on, the three heroes began to feel the effects of the prolonged fighting, judging by their heavy panting and sagged shoulders, along with some dents in their armor. Motoyasu and Ren's weapons were covered in dark marks, the former at the blade and upper handle, and the former mainly at the blade. Itsuki's weapon had only a single dark mark at the base near the gem area.
The audience began to notice the fight was slowing down and possibly coming to an end, and for the nobles, it wasn't going in their favor. Some of them began to worry for their purses as they had betted on the three heroes winning. They were very confident that they could defeat this black knight with no issue. How very wrong they were as sweat began to drip from their faces in nervousness.
"This isn't looking good. The heroes are exhausted."
"Yeah, and the black knight doesn't look like it."
Indeed. Because Vader had reserved his strength and spent it very little in this fight. And due to this, he has succeeded in wearing them down. At this rate, victory would already be his. But he sensed that others had different plans…
He soon sensed the heroes' strength and stamina start to return as began to feel almost like a couple minutes ago, energized and ready. Motoyasu merely shrugged at the unexpected boost, wondering how it happened.
But Ren and Itsuki weren't stupid. Turning back, they saw the faint golden glow of magic being given to them. They traced the source… from Malty.
They weren't the only ones.
Naofumi watched with unsurprised contempt at the blatant cheating by the red headed snake as she smiled confidently and deviously. Of course this fight wasn't really going to be fair.
And of course the audience wasn't calling out her actions. It seems the King made them tight lipped about that too.
With the exhaustion now gone with the return of their strength, Motoyasu was ready to fight again.
"All right, you ready to go again, ugly?!"
Vader rolled his eyes at the fact that this boy didn't even have the awareness to know his partner's help, noting that this entire match was set against the Shield Hero the moment he was invited to this party. Even if he won, the Shield would still lose due to the manipulations of the Spear's companion and the King.
Twirling his spear, Motoyasu chuckled a bit, "You look worse for wear there, don't you? Want to sit down and take a break?"
The boy was now goading him to attack. He mentally sighed at the not so subtle attempt before he replied.
"Ironic. You were supposed to be worse for wear a few moments ago."
"Yeah well," the blond shrugged, "it seems luck is on our side."
"In my experience, there is no such thing as luck. Especially with your companion's blatant cheating."
"I didn't do anything!" Malty raised both her open palms, showing that she had no hand in anything, "You're just accusing me of nothing."
"Yeah, don't go accusing people of something they didn't do." Motoyasu defended his teammate, smiling deviously as her manipulations on the idiotic boy still worked.
The amount of stupidity on this boy would have given him a massive migraine. Even Imperial Officers weren't this stupid. And most of them made strategic failures that were salvageable.
This however…¦ Vader mentally facepalmed and the Dark Side shook its non-existent head in disappointment.
"You have wasted enough time on bantering." He pointed his saber at them threateningly, "End this, or I shall."
The heroes' eyes narrowed. They knew the longer this fight would go on, the more likely they will lose. They had to win this duel. It was all or nothing.
Motoyasu would finally stop Naofumi and free Raphtalia-chan.
Ren would get the armor and laser sword for himself.
And Itsuki would be praised for his efforts and be hailed as Hero of Justice.
And with that, they glanced at each other, thinking the same thing.
Motoyasu shouted at the black knight, "Alright, here it comes!"
Back during the wave, they were going to use their abilities on the wave boss to end the battle and take its body parts to absorb. However, due to the unexpected reveal of the Bull Rancor and its death at the hands of an unknown party, they haven't had the chance to use them.
But now, they were going to use it on the black knight.
"Wind Arrow!"
"Crimson Sword!"
"Airstrike Javelin!"
An arrow covered in a gust of wind was shot, a powerful blast of fire formed into a slash, and a flying spear aimed towards its target.
The powerful attacks together were unleashed as they hit their mark, causing smoke to erupt and covering half of the arena.
Aultcray and Malty were surprised by the coordinated and strategic move by the three heroes before smugly assuming this as a victory. The former sat with a sense of victory while the latter began to think of the many ways she was going to do against the Shield now that it looked like he lost.
Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki were silent, preparing for an attack but it seemed that there was nothing happening, making them blink in surprise.
"Did… did we do it?" Motoyasu asked, unsure if it worked.
"I… I think we did." A smile began to slowly form on Ren's face.
"Heh… I guess he wasn't tough after all." Itsuki grunted arrogantly.
The nobles began to feel ecstatic when the black knight didn't make a sound of any kind, thinking this was probably it. Their purses were safe! The heroes won!
"I never had a doubt about it."
"Bullshit, you were crapping yourself when the knight blocked the Bow Hero's attacks."
"Yeah, well… you were too when he beat the Sword Hero!"
"Hell yeah! Way to go, Itsuki-sama!" Mald pumped his fist in the air, much to the annoyance of his teammates who also let out their own praises.
Naofumi and Raphtalia worriedly looked for the black knight under the cloud of smoke, trying to see anything through it. They began to feel dread as they imagined the fallen form of the black knight. Unmoving.
But once again…
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
Everyone felt rigid as the sound of mechanical breathing once again filled their ears. Fear and dread with a mixture of denial was what the nobles felt. Aultcray and Malty's eyes were wide open, no one could've survived that!
The cloud of dust began to dissipate-
-and the Dark Lord of the Sith stood, unharmed. The area around however wasn't as pieces of stone littered the floor.
Naofumi and Raphtalia let out a sigh of relief, the latter of which was glad that he was unharmed.
"H-H-How?!" Motoyasu pulled the strands of his hair with his free hand in frustration and shock.
"That's impossible…" Ren shook his head in stunned disbelief.
"Grrr…! what does it take to beat this guy?!" Itsuki gritted his teeth, feeling his blood boil.
Adding insult to injury, the knight merely glanced at his shoulder, before dusting it off with a single swipe.
Now Itsuki was pissed, "THAT'S IT!" He let loose 3 shots-
-before Vader raised his hand and stopped each bolt-
"WHA-"
-then his hand clenched to a fist, crushing the brown haired boy's fingers before he could let loose another shot.
"AAAAGGGHHH!" He cried in pain, falling in one knee as his eyes widened at his broken fingers.
"Itsuki-sama!" Mald called out in concern. The Bow Hero wrapped his weapon around back, inspecting the damage of his fingers.
Ren then made his move, swinging his blade as the knight brought up his saber, once again on a blade lock. The blue eyed boy this time didn't close his eyes as he was focused on bringing his opponent to his knees. He pulled back before striking again and again and again in an angry flurry of strikes at the saber.
But the knight didn't falter, instead taking each hit before knocking the weapon aside and slicing at the Sword Hero's right arm and left thigh.
"AH!" He yelled, falling to the ground as his wounds burned stingily. He hissed in pain as he tries to get up from the floor.
Then the knight kicked him in the stomach as he slid back to Motoyasu, who was shocked by the effortless disarmament.
In the stands, the nobles were now starting to panic.
"Oh no no no no! This can't be happening!"
"They're actually going to lose!"
"No! This can't happen! My wife is gonna kill me!"
Aultcray started biting his finger in worry, this wasn't good. The heroes were going to lose.
But Malty wouldn't allow it.
Once again, using another spell, she let loose a powerful burst of wind right at the black knight, trying to distract or make him stumble.
But Vader sensed her and braved through the attack, not moving a single inch. This made her even more angry as she grit her teeth, once again letting loose another spell-
-until she felt her arm grabbed and being shoved against the stone railing, crying out in pain and surprise.
"W-Who dares!-"
"I do."
Her eyes widened when green ones met the glow of wicked orange ones.
Raphtalia had seen about to let loose another spell at the black knight, cheating for a third time. She had enough and quickly apprehended her before she could use it.
"L-Let me go, you demi-human trash!" Malty struggled before she was pulled from the railings and pushed against the wall, face first.
"Shut it." The raccoon girl looked deeply into the red haired girl's eyes, who began to quiver in fear, intimidated by this half-human freak of nature.
Meanwhile, Vader stood, feeling the anger and utter contempt and disgust of Raphtalia handling the Spear Hero's companion. He silently appreciated that, taking care of an annoyance.
Now it is time to end this farce.
He began his approach, as the dark tendrils of the dark side surrounded Motoyasu, who felt the chill of despair around him. He didn't know where it was, but the blond knew this dark and cruel aura came off the black knight.
He looked to his sides. At his left was Itsuki, who hissed in pain as he tried to find a healing potion within his inventory but to no avail. At his right, Ren was beginning to pick himself off the floor, using his sword to push himself up. It looks like they weren't going to be much help due to their injuries.
And as he looked back at the black knight, Motoyasu began to think about anything, anything he could use.
Checking his HUD, his eyes slightly widened before it narrowed.
His blue MP bar was half, but was enough for at least one spell. A spell he was planning to use on the wave boss.
Raising his spear to the air, he made one last effort to defeat the black knight as he slammed the bottom of his weapon to the floor, trying to look epically cool in the process.
But Vader sensed his thoughts in an instant, knowing that he was about to do something very foolish.
"It's time for you to stop here, evil doer!" The blond pointed his finger at him with a loud voice and brave face, "Now, take this!"
He pointed his spear and shouted,
"Lightning Spear!"
The sound of thunder cracked as a bolt of lightning struck at where the black knight stood. But just as it was about to hit…
Vader raised his hand in the air, and when the lightning struck, he grabbed it with the force. The lightning in his hand condensed and formed into a ball of electricity.
"Wha… what…?" Motoyasu's shoulders sag in disbelief. How? How was that possible?
To put it simply, while Vader's suit still had the weakness of being vulnerable to electric based attacks (Sidious had intentionally put that into his suit to make sure he would never surpass his master), he still had a trick up his sleeve. A trick he learned when he faced opponents who'd used electricity to defeat him.
Tutaminis. It was a force ability that specialized in energy absorption. It was how he managed to block Itsuki's shots with his palm. And now it is something he will use to defeat the three heroes.
"This fight…" he pulled his arm back, "Is over."
And he threw the ball of electricity straight at Motoyasu!
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
As the energy hit the blond, he screamed as the electricity coursed through his nerves, causing him excruciating pain.
And he wasn't the only one.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
Ren and Itsuki were caught as well.
All three heroes were electrocuted as they were witnessed by the audience.
The nobles silently watched in horror. Aultcray's hand covered his open mouth as he watched in absolute dread. Pope Balmus wore a flat expression, indicating that he was internally becoming displeased.
Naofumi meanwhile, watched in shock and amazement at the unexpected move made by the black knight. He also took no small pleasure in watching the three heroes suffer painfully.
Malty's face morphed into anger and fear when she heard Motoyasu's screams, while Raphtalia watched with a neutral expression, finding the three heroes' pain to be somewhat trivial considering she was handling the red headed snake at the moment.
Finally, after a few moments, it stopped and the three heroes fell to the floor.
Silence. No one spoke as some were processing what just happened. Followed by the mechanical breathing of the knight.
Vader approached the fallen forms of the heroes, inspecting to see they were still alive. Fortunately for them, they were after he sensed their life force. Turning his attention to the announcer, the man gulped when the black lenses stared right at him. Realizing that he was supposed to call his win, he shouted.
"T-The Heroes have lost the duel. The Black Knight wins!"
Author's Notes: Holy crap. That took a lot out of me. I spent so long writing this thing without even an inch of sleep because I really wanted to do this. I'm sorry for any details and issues and for the pacing issues I have made. I will edit them in the future. Also, you might get a third chapter. I suppose I might make this into a full story, but I make no promises that I can keep up consistently and constantly. I still have school work so that's a bummer. Still, I will try my best to do it. I would like to thank you for your reviews and criticisms I saw. Any form of criticism for improving the story is very helpful. I hope you enjoyed it. I will make a third chapter now. Until then, see you soon!