Maxine Craft had always stood tall, her confidence an unshakable fortress built upon the twin foundations of her intelligence and ingenuity. To her, every moment was a step, a deliberate stride toward the dream that burned within her heart. Every advancement she crafted, every invention she birthed, every idea that sparked in her mind, every theory she tested, and even every error she stumbled over became a lesson carved into her soul. Since that day, that single, searing incident that had left its mark upon her flesh and set her spirit ablaze, she had hurled herself into the pursuit of knowledge with a hunger that knew no bounds. She consumed books and secrets alike, a ravenous beast feasting on the world's truths, yet she kept her revelations close, rarely sharing them with others. For the more she learned, the clearer the world became, and the clearer it became, the uglier it grew. Truth unraveled before her like a tapestry of shadows, heavy and suffocating, a burden she carried alone in silence.
Yet, within the walls of the Atroscity house, she had stumbled upon something extraordinary, something that defied the world's darkness. Her companions there were unlike any she had known, honest and good in ways that felt almost foreign to her sharpened mind. Val, the silent knight, was her lady's sword, a blade of unwavering loyalty. Gore, the ground dragon, was a tempest of wild strength, barely contained, yet bound by an unshakable devotion. And Lady Varocious, oh, Varocious was the marvel of the world itself. She was kindness incarnate, a radiant light with no masks, no falsehoods, nothing to hide. Varocious the Kind, head of the Atroscity house, stood as a testament to all that was good, and Maxine was her will, Val her steel, and Gore her steadfast shadow, as vital to her as the breath in her lungs.
And then there was Natsuki Subaru, the final piece, the Judge chosen to wield her lady's boundless kindness, to decide who would share in its weight. He had not disappointed.
A boy hailing from beyond the Waterfall, Subaru carried with him a mind brimming with ideas from a world unseen, sharp as a honed edge and fueled by a determination that refused to yield. His flaws, those jagged imperfections, only magnified his brilliance, for they were proof of his humanity, evidence of the vast potential still waiting to bloom. Varocious's judgment had been impeccable, Subaru was the perfect Judge, a soul destined for greatness. Maxine had seen it from the moment she laid eyes on him, and now, he had proven her faith unshakable.
Before the assembled knights and nobles of the kingdom, he had stood unbowed, defending Emilia, the girl he loved, with a fire that scorched their pride and left them mute. He had humiliated their arrogance, silenced their disdain, and strode from that throne room with a vow that rang like thunder: he would see Emilia crowned queen. If that wasn't the most breathtaking display Maxine had ever witnessed, then she didn't know what could possibly compare.
"Ha ha ha! You really put them in their place, didn't you?" Maxine's laughter burst forth, loud and unrestrained, as she sprawled across the wide sofa at Subaru's left side. She nudged his ribs with her elbow, her grin stretching wide with delight. "Seriously, who do those fools think they are, talking to Emilia-sama like that?"
Subaru had just finished recounting the chaos of the throne room, and Maxine's joy was uncontainable. The spell had worked flawlessly, the Yang magic threading through him unnoticed by all, and he had held his composure despite the adrenaline surging like a flood. She clapped his back with a touch too much force, her laughter spilling out anew. "Oh come on. It's not that much really. More thanks to you two, Maxi, Noah. I'm just…" Subaru's grin faltered, forced, and Maxine caught it.
"Oi! What's with that fake smile, huh?" Her brow arched, her tone taking on an edge as she leaned closer. Before he could muster a defense, her fingers darted to his sides, tickling him with ruthless precision. "I thought we were friends! Friends don't fake smiles, you know?" Her pout was half joke, half truth.
"Ha ha ha! Stop, Maxi-chan! I'm sorry!" Subaru squirmed, his laughter breaking free despite his protests, only spurring her onslaught further.
Noah drifted nearer, its glow pulsing with mock outrage. "Argh! This idiot said sorry again! Hit him, sis!" The cube quivered, its voice dripping with exaggerated wrath.
Maxine didn't hesitate. With a swift lunge, she tackled Subaru, pinning his arms between her legs in a hold that was as playful as it was inescapable. "Friends don't say sorry, remember, you dumbass? You should be thanking your lucky stars for being friends with a genius like me, not apologizing!" Her grin was fierce, her grip unrelenting.
"Sorry! Wait, no! I forfeit! Spare me, please!" Subaru's pleas melted into breathless laughter, the tension from the throne room dissolving beneath her relentless teasing.
At last, Maxine released him, flopping back with a triumphant huff. Subaru collapsed against the sofa, panting, but his face had softened, the storm within him quieted. Noah's scolding and Maxine's laughter lingered in the air, a reminder that he wasn't alone. He had friends who saw him, flaws and all, and chose to stand with him still. For now, that was enough.
The waiting room's door groaned open, and three silhouettes breached the stillness, their arrival rippling through the air like a stone cast into a still pond. Reinhard van Astrea walked forth, his crimson hair aglow like a dying flame. Felix Argyle trailed with a catlike poise, his yellow eyes flickering with unease beneath a mask of restraint. Julius Juukulius anchored the trio, his purple locks a banner of dignity. Subaru's eyes locked onto Julius, a bitter ember igniting within him, though he clenched his jaw to smother it.
Maxine's playful air dissolved in an instant, her gaze sharpening into a dagger's edge as it pierced Felix. The room seemed to constrict, the weight of their unspoken past pressing down. "Maxine," Felix said, his voice taut, stripped of its usual whimsy.
"Long time no see, faker," Maxine retorted, her words a venomous lash, her face twisting with raw disdain.
Subaru blinked, bewilderment tugging at him. His hand found Maxine's shoulder, his voice dipping low. "Maxi-chan, that's kinda harsh. You know Felix?"
She snorted, her glare unwavering. "Hmp! This faker's not worth a second of my time." Felix averted his eyes, a shadow of discomfort crossing his features, as if he too wished to sidestep the smoldering ruins of their history. Subaru felt the invisible heat radiating between them, a silent battlefield he dared not tread, and let the matter drop.
Maxine's attention snapped to the trio, her tone cutting like a honed blade. "Anyway, your little squad showing up means the event's wrapped up, right?" Her eyes darted across them, lingering on Julius with a glint of provocation. Subaru's own stare bore into the purple-haired knight, a quiet loathing simmering in his chest.
Reinhard inclined his head, his voice a steady pillar. "That's correct. The Royal Selection has officially begun."
"But that's not why you're really here, is it?" Maxine pressed, her words swift and piercing, though she showed Reinhard respect enough to not cut him out.
Julius advanced, his countenance a fortress of solemn duty. "Natsuki Subaru," he declared. "Your words in the throne room were a deliberate affront to the knights of Lugunica, spat in the presence of those who may one day reign. You mocked the chivalry we live by."
Subaru's teeth grit, but his eyes held firm. "If you're looking for an apology, save it. I meant every damn word."
Reinhard's brow creased, a thread of worry lacing his calm. "Wait, Julius. This isn't like you. Subaru's brashness can be tempered, not broken. And Subaru, this isn't you either."
Maxine's laugh sliced through, sharp and unyielding. "Huh? Who do you think you are to claim you know Subaru?" Her words were a gauntlet thrown, her eyes daring Reinhard to step into the fray.
Julius's voice swelled, a tempest rising. "This transcends my personal grievance. I hereby decree the penalty for defiling our knighthood's honor!" His arm swept toward the window, a gesture of finality. "Such insolence would typically demand your life. Yet, bound as you are to Emilia-sama, we'll settle this with wooden swords on the training ground."
Maxine's laughter erupted, bold and unrestrained. "Ha ha! So you just want a thrashing, huh? Should've said so from the start!" She put her hands on her hips, walking toward Julius as Noah flared with mana at her side, a radiant specter of intent. Julius's spirits flickered into sight, encircling him like a shimmering guard. Her glare was a blade poised to strike. "We can settle it here and now. I don't even need my gauntlets to bury you!" She advanced, a bulwark for Subaru, though it stung his pride even as it warmed his heart.
The air grew dense, mana humming as Noah and Julius's spirits bristled, poised for war. Subaru's hand clapped onto Maxine's shoulder, steady and sure. "Easy, Maxi. I've got this one." His grin broke through, this time was calm and cheerful.
Maxine pouted, her eyes narrowing. "I know you do. I just don't want us wasting time on something so trivial." She cast a scathing look at Julius. "Their honor's so brittle, a boy's words snap it like a twig. Pathetic."
"Enough, Ms. Maxine," Reinhard cut in, his voice a calm tide against the storm. "Even as Lady Varocious's mage, I won't permit this to escalate further."
Maxine huffed, rolling her eyes. "Hmp. Fine, whatever." She turned to Subaru, her expression softening. "Your call, Judge."
Subaru's gaze sharpened, resolve forging within him like molten steel. He met Julius's eyes without flinching. "I accept. Show me to the training ground."
Noah's light dimmed, drifting back to Maxine's side. "Perfect. At least I'll get to see your smug face in the dirt, Julius. Subaru's gonna crush you!"
The training ground stretched out beneath the relentless midday sun, its packed dirt floor cloaked in a thin layer of sand. The grains shifted underfoot, a subtle crunch breaking the stillness, designed to soften the inevitable falls of those who clashed here. Encircling the arena packed with knights, their murmurs weaving a tapestry of anticipation and skepticism.
Subaru stood at one end of the battleground, the wooden sword Felix had pressed into his hands feeling both foreign and grounding. His pulse thudded in his ears, a wild rhythm he couldn't tame. Opposite him, Julius accepted an identical blade from Reinhard, his movements fluid and assured, one hand resting lightly behind his back in a gesture that screamed restraint. The knight's violet eyes locked onto Subaru, calm yet piercing, sizing him up.
Here we go, Subaru thought, swallowing hard. The Fortification spell pulsed through him, a steady current that sharpened his senses and bolstered his frame. Beside it, the Swiftness spell danced like a breeze, urging his limbs to move faster than they ever had. His gaze flicked to the stands, where Maxine leapt to her feet, waving with unbridled enthusiasm. "Kick his ass, Subaru!" she bellowed, her voice slicing through the crowd's hum. "Make him eat dirt, Judge!" Noah's metallic form bobbed beside her, echoing her cheer with a tinny chime.
Subaru grinned, a flicker of warmth cutting through his nerves, and waved back. After this, I owe them the best meal I can cook, he promised himself. But for now, his focus snapped to Julius, who had settled into a defensive stance.
Dropping into a low crouch, Subaru angled his sword downward behind him, the stance pulled straight from countless sword-fighting videos he'd binged as a shut-in. Those wasted hours were paying off now, his body snapping into motion with a surprising ease. Let's do this.
He exploded forward, the sand hissing beneath his feet as he closed the distance in two lightning-fast steps. Julius's eyes widened, a rare crack in his composure, as Subaru's blade sliced upward toward his midsection, aiming for a swift blow to the liver. The knight reacted just in time, his own sword swinging down to meet Subaru's with a resounding crack that reverberated through the arena.
He's strong, Julius thought, his mind whirling as he absorbed the impact. The boy's form was rough, unpolished, but the raw power behind it was startling. I can't let my guard down. He pulled back, seeking space, but Subaru pressed the attack, his blade flashing in relentless arcs.
Wood clashed against wood, the sharp clatter filling the air as Subaru drove forward. He couldn't let up; he knew Julius's skill far outstripped his own. If he gets a chance to think, I'm toast. Sweat stung his eyes, his heart hammering as the spells amplified every sensation, his muscles straining yet surging with unnatural strength.
Julius retreated under the onslaught, his movements precise, deflecting each strike with practiced grace. He's reckless, the knight observed, searching for a flaw in Subaru's rhythm. But that speed... I can't take a single hit. He bided his time, waiting for the moment to turn the tide.
The knights in the stands had gone still, their earlier taunts swallowed by the spectacle unfolding below. Subaru, the butler boy, was matching one of their best. Val's dark-armored figure remained statuesque, his gaze fixed on the duel, while Maxine's cheers pierced the silence like a battle cry.
Val's eyes slid to Maxine, a silent question in them. She shook her head, her voice steady. "No need to worry. Subaru's got this." Before the fight, Noah had scanned Subaru's gate, fragile and teetering on the brink, but the spells were crafted to avoid it entirely, enhancing his body without disrupting his mana. Still, the adrenaline coursing through him, magnified by the magic, tugged at her thoughts. I'll tweak the spell later, she decided, her fingers itching to adjust the formula.
The duel raged on, a storm of clashing wood and gritted teeth, Subaru Natsuki driving forward with every ounce of will he could muster. The training ground's sand shifted beneath his boots, each grain a fleeting ally against the ache blooming in his legs. He pressed his assault, relentless, keeping Julius Juukulius locked in a defensive dance. The knight's blade met his own with unyielding precision, parries sharp and measured, but Subaru refused to yield the upper hand. His chest burned, each breath a shallow gasp, and his heart thundered—a ceaseless vibration drowning out the world. It wasn't fear or danger alone that fueled it now; the Fortification spell coursed through him, prying open the latent potential of a body forged by countless brushes with death. Adrenaline flooded his veins, a gift and a curse, amplifying his strength at the cost of a frame trembling on the edge of collapse.
He couldn't keep this up much longer. The realization gnawed at him, sharp as the sweat stinging his eyes. His grip tightened on the wooden sword, its worn surface slick against his palm, and his mind raced, searching for a way to end this. Julius's violet eyes flicked with intent, tracking Subaru's every move, waiting for the stumble that would turn the tide. He's hunting for a mistake, Subaru thought, his breath hitching. A feint crossed his mind—a false opening to lure the knight in—but no, Julius would see through it in an instant. Subaru wasn't here to toy with him, nor to draw blood beyond what pride demanded. This fight was his own doing, a reckless stand against a knight whose honor had simply compelled a response. One clean strike, that's all he needed. One blow to settle it.
Resolve hardened in his gut, and Subaru made his choice. He swung his sword upward, a bold arc aimed straight for Julius's head. The move was a gamble, leaving his side exposed, a blatant invitation for a counterstrike. He was betting on a trade, daring Julius to take the risk. And the knight did not hesitate. In a flash, faster than Subaru's spell-sharpened senses could fully track, Julius lunged, his wooden blade thrusting toward Subaru's throat with lethal intent. The air thickened, time stretching as the tip closed in. It struck, a bruising jolt against his neck, pain flaring bright and fierce. But Subaru stood firm. The Fortification spell had woven resilience into his flesh, dulling the blow's edge, turning a strike that should have felled him into a mere ache. He had gambled right.
Julius's eyes widened, a flicker of shock breaking his composure, but it was too late. Subaru's foot came down hard, pinning the knight's in place with a crunch of sand. The knight tugged back, instinct kicking in, but Subaru was already moving. His sword descended, a swift, unerring line, and connected with a resounding crack against the crown of Julius's head. The sound rang out, sharp and final, a clap of thunder in the stillness. Julius's knees buckled, his body folding like a marionette with severed strings. He hit the ground, sand puffing around him, his sword clattering uselessly at his side. A thin trickle of blood seeped from his forehead, stark against his pale skin.
The knight lay still, defeated.
Subaru sank to the ground, gasping for air that clawed at his bruised throat. Each breath was a jagged shard, slicing through the fog of dizziness that clouded his vision. The strike had landed hard, a brutal collision he had braced for by holding his breath, a desperate gamble to stay conscious. It had worked, barely. His body trembled, the aftershocks of adrenaline and the Fortification spell rippling through him, but his eyes locked onto the figure sprawled in the sand before him. Julius Juukulius, felled by his hand.
A flicker of satisfaction sparked in Subaru's chest, a fleeting warmth at having bested the knight. He had done it, proven his point, stood his ground. Yet that spark guttered as his gaze snagged on the blood. Crimson seeped from Julius's head, pooling in the sand, a vivid stain against the pale grains. Subaru's stomach churned, the triumph souring into unease. I didn't mean to go this far. He had wanted to win, yes, to beat Julius into the dust, but not to break him like this.
"Subaru! Are you fine?" Maxine's voice pierced the haze, sharp and urgent. She vaulted into the arena, her boots pounding the ground, sending up clouds of dust as she closed the distance. Noah floated ahead of her, its sleek form hovering before Subaru, scanning him for injuries. "You can calm down now. You won, no need to rush. Your throat is fractured a bit, not dangerous. Stand still so I can heal you." A soft light pulsed from Noah, and Subaru felt the warmth of its magic seep into his neck, dulling the pain, knitting the damage together.
Relief washed over him, a tentative comfort as the spell took hold. But his eyes drifted back to Julius, still prone on the ground, Felix crouched beside him, hands glowing with healing light. The bleeding had stopped, yet the dark puddle beneath the knight remained, a silent accusation. Subaru's chest tightened. He hadn't wanted this, hadn't meant to spill so much blood. Victory was one thing, but this felt too close to something darker.
Then Julius stirred, a low groan escaping him as his eyes fluttered open. He pushed himself up, movements slow and deliberate, sand clinging to his blood-streaked uniform. "I see. I was defeated." His voice was steady, carrying the weight of acceptance as he lowered his head, the memory of the duel etched into his posture, the outcome undeniable.
Subaru swallowed, guilt rising like bile. "Uhmm… Sorry, didn't mean to hit you that hard." The words tumbled out, clumsy and raw, his gaze flicking to the drying blood on Julius's brow. He shifted, unsteady, haunted by the thought of what might have happened if he had lost himself in the fight, crossed that fragile line.
Maxine's hand closed around his arm, firm and grounding, pulling him to his feet. Julius rose as well, brushing sand from his clothes with a quiet dignity. "No. Victory is yours. You have proven your strength and a worthy servant for Emilia-sama. There is no need for apologies." He smoothed his hair, fingers grazing the blood that matted it, though Felix's magic had left him whole. Felix stepped back, a nod confirming no lasting harm remained, and Subaru let out a shaky breath, relief mingling with lingering doubt.
Maxine's eyes flicked to Julius, a smirk tugging at her lips after a moment's pause. "I guess that wraps it up. Let's go, Subaru." She tugged at his arm, steering him away from the scene. He followed, but his steps faltered.
Two familiar figures stood framed by the arena's entrance, their presence cutting through the haze of dust and murmurs. Emilia's silver hair shimmered under the sunlight, a cascade of starlight against her worried expression, while Varocious Atroscity moved beside her, her dark elegance a quiet force. The knights' chatter faded as they approached, the air heavy with the weight of their arrival.
"Subaru!" Emilia's voice pierced the stillness, sharp and urgent, as she broke into a run. Sand puffed beneath her feet, her wide eyes searching him, taking in the sweat-soaked clothes and the lack of visible wounds. "Are you okay? What? But I thought you fought Julius."
Maxine, still clutching Subaru's hand, grinned broadly. "He did. And he won, Emilia-sama. There is nothing to worry about." Her smile wavered as Varocious drew nearer, her shadow falling over the exchange.
"That he did," Varocious said, her voice smooth and cool, yet edged with something unspoken. "I am sure thee owes me some explanation after this, Maxine Craft." Her smile remained, soft but unsettling, and Maxine let out a quiet sigh, muttering, "Yes, my lady," as Varocious glided past. "For now, thou shalt escort my Judge and Emilia-sama out of the arena."
"Huh? Wait, Var-chan, where are you going?" Subaru's gaze trailed after her, his brow furrowing as she moved toward Julius.
Maxine tugged at his sleeve, her tone hushed. "Let's get you out of here first. We can sit at the spectator seats to watch." Noah floated beside her, its faint light steady, while Emilia took Subaru's other hand, pulling him along gently.
"I don't want you to get into more trouble, Subaru." Emilia said, her voice soft but resolute.
"…Okay," Subaru replied, though his eyes lingered on Varocious, a knot of unease tightening in his chest.
The vampire noble now faced Julius, her dark gaze unreadable. The knight inclined his head in a bow, his stance rigid with respect. "Thou knowest what thou didst," she said, her words carrying a quiet weight.
"Yes, Lady Varocious. It was my intention alone to begin the duel. I will take full responsibility for the fight," Julius answered, his tone unwavering.
"Very well. Thy kindness I have received. Thou shalt also receive mine," Varocious said with a slight nod. "I, Baroness Varocious Atroscity, challenge thee to a duel as punishment for causing disruption within Emilia-sama's camp."
"I, Knight Julius Juukulius, accept your challenge," Julius replied, his voice firm, without a trace of hesitation.
"What?" Subaru's eyes widened, shock surging through him like a cold wave. The word escaped him in a whisper, the arena blurring around him as the gravity of Varocious's challenge sank in, leaving him rooted in its shadow.
The arena's sandy floor shimmered under the midday sun, a gritty stage now bearing the weight of an unexpected challenge. Subaru Natsuki stood at the balcony's edge, his hands gripping the barrier as he leaned forward, eyes wide with disbelief. Beside him, Maxine Craft leaned against the railing, her posture casual but her gaze sharp, tracking every movement below. Emilia clutched Subaru's arm, her worry a quiet pulse in the tense air. The knights in the stands murmured, their voices a low hum, but all attention fixed on the figures at the arena's heart: Varocious Atroscity and Julius Juukulius.
Maxine tilted her head, a wry grin tugging at her lips. "This wasn't some knightly whim, right? Julius's little duel wasn't sanctioned by the Knight Commander. If it was official, they'd have sent word, followed protocol. No way they'd go this far over a candidate's servant." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Varocious-sama's just doing what's needed to protect our camp's reputation. We're not pushovers they can challenge without consequences."
Subaru blinked, his brow furrowing. "But… Var-chan can fight?"
Maxine turned, one eyebrow arching in surprise. "What? She didn't tell you?" Her tone carried a hint of amusement, but her eyes gleamed with pride. "Varocious-sama's Divine Protection of Causality Deflection…"
Below, Varocious stood poised in the arena's center, her dark eyes locked on Julius. The knight gripped his sword now, abandoning the wooden practice blade, both hands steady on the hilt, his stance radiating intent to hold nothing back. Varocious carried no weapon, her hands empty until she glanced at Val, stationed among the spectators. "Val, wouldst thou be so kind?"
Val nodded, his armored form a tower of shadow. From his sleeve, he drew a massive blade, black as midnight, its edge gleaming with a sharpness that seemed to hum. As long as his towering frame, the sword was a relic of menace. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it toward Varocious. The colossal weapon spun through the air, a whirlwind of steel, yet she extended a single hand with serene grace. The hilt landed perfectly in her palm, its momentum vanishing as if it had never been. She grasped the blade itself, her delicate fingers unmarred by its edge, and inspected it with a reverence that bordered on ritual.
"I shall return thy precious Retribution soon," she murmured, her voice a soft melody. "But for now…" With a flick of her wrist, she swung the blade through the air, its weight seemingly nonexistent in her hands. "…this shall suffice." She faced Julius, the sword's tip grazing the sand. "The duel begins at thy move."
"It is my honor," Julius replied, his voice steady. In an instant, he surged forward, his boots kicking up clouds of sand as he closed the distance with lethal speed.
Varocious remained still, her expression calm, almost serene. With a single, fluid motion, she swept the blade upward, lifting a veil of sand into the air. The grains flew toward Julius, unhindered by wind or resistance, and struck him with terrifying force. They pierced his skin, slicing through his left arm and exiting the other side, blood spraying in their wake. Julius staggered, collapsing to one knee, his face contorted in pain as crimson droplets stained the sand below. The attack, born of mere dust, had been devastating.
Maxine's voice cut through Subaru's stunned silence. "…it grants her the will to choose her own causality." She leaned forward, her tone a mix of awe and explanation. "She used her Divine Protection to nullify the sword's weight, transferring it to the ground, letting her swing it with full force. The sand, too, ignored the causality of resistance, likely shifted to the air itself, so it cut through him like a blade, unstoppable until it struck the earth and regained its natural state, all at her command."
Subaru's jaw dropped, his voice a hoarse whisper. "She's overpowered! And here I thought she was just some cute girl with a ton of knowledge." The image of Varocious, ever gentle and playful, clashed violently with the warrior before him, wielding power that reshaped reality itself. It reminded him faintly of another loli spirit, wise beyond her years.
"Subaru," Maxine said, her smirk softening, "Varocious-sama has lived longer than Beatrice. Of course she can handle herself."
Emilia's grip tightened on Subaru's hand, her eyes clouded with concern. She trusted Varocious's judgment, believed she knew her limits, but the sight of Julius's blood stirred unease. She longed to speak with Subaru, to unravel the storm of this day, but that would have to wait until the duel's end. For now, they watched, bound to the unfolding spectacle.
The assault raged on, a merciless storm of sand and steel, as one-sided as a predator toying with its prey. Subaru Natsuki's fingers dug into the balcony's stone, his nails scraping against the rough surface, his chest tight with every shuddering breath. Below, Varocious Atroscity wielded Retribution with an effortless grace that belied its brutality. Each swing of the massive black sword sent gales of sand spiraling toward Julius Juukulius, who stumbled through the onslaught, his every attempt to close the distance met with a flick of her wrist. The grains shimmered in the sunlight, sharp and unyielding, cutting into his flesh with surgical precision. Julius knew the truth, a bitter realization: even if he landed a blow, her Divine Protection of Causality Deflection would turn his own strength against him, leaving her unscathed while he bled.
The situation was beyond dire, yet Julius refused to yield. His right hand gripped his sword, the blade trembling as he swung it in defiance, his left arm a ruined mess of torn muscle and shattered bone, dangling uselessly at his side. Blood seeped from the mangled limb, pooling beneath him in the sand, each step a testament to his unbreaking will. His injuries deepened with every attack he failed to dodge, his body a canvas of Varocious's relentless artistry. His breaths were wet and ragged, his left lung pierced by the sand's cruel assault, forcing him to choke on his own blood with every inhale. Pain flared in his yelloweyes, yet he pressed forward, as if surrender were a concept too foreign to grasp.
Subaru's voice broke through the haze of his thoughts, raw and unsteady. "He… Isn't this too much? She might kill him!" He turned to Maxine Craft, desperation clawing at his words, his dark eyes wide with horror.
Maxine's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her lips curling into a faint, dismissive smile. "You're worrying over nothing, Subaru. She's not trying to kill him, just hurting him a little bit more." Her tone was airy, almost playful, a stark contrast to the violence unfolding below. She admired her lady's kindness, a twisted sort of benevolence that stopped short of mercy, delighting in the balance of cruelty and restraint.
"But…" Subaru's protest faltered, his tongue heavy with uncertainty. Words eluded him, slipping through his grasp like sand through clenched fists. Julius didn't deserve this torment, not for the outburst Subaru had provoked among the knights. The guilt twisted deeper, a cold blade in his gut, as he watched the knight's suffering unfold.
"Var-chan…" Emilia's soft voice trembled beside him, her eyes fixed on the small figure dominating the arena. She knew Varocious well, her gentle advisor who rarely raised a hand unless pushed. Memories flickered in her mind, of Varocious standing resolute against mabeasts, her strength a quiet shield. But the Varocious below was different, her mercy stripped away, her every motion a dance of destruction.
Julius's body was a ruin now, his strength waning with every blood-soaked breath. The sand had carved a brutal path through his chest, his lung drowning in crimson, each gasp a battle against suffocation. Yet Varocious showed no sign of relenting. Instead, she lifted her gaze to Subaru, her smile soft and unnerving, a gentle curve that belied the chaos she wrought. "What sayeth thy heart?" Her voice cut through the din, tender yet resonant, as if it bypassed the space between them to settle in his soul. "Shall the weight of their transgressions be lifted by mine boundless mercy?"
Subaru froze, the weight of her words pressing against his skull. The raven-haired boy stared, dumbfounded, at the small girl who dismantled the knight of knights without so much as a step from her starting position. Her question lingered, heavy with meaning he couldn't unravel, as her hand swung Retribution once more. She didn't even glance at Julius, her confidence absolute, the sand striking true as if guided by fate itself.
Varocious tilted her head, her smile both warm and cryptic, a puzzle wrapped in kindness. "Speak, mine Judge," she pressed, her voice a melody of patience that echoed in his ears. "Thy verdict?"
"Huh?" Subaru's face contorted, confusion warring with the dawning shock in his wide eyes. What did she mean, his verdict? The word rattled in his mind, foreign and overwhelming.
Maxine turned to him, her brow arching in mild surprise. "What's with that face, Subaru? She didn't tell you about the Judge's role already?" Her gaze lingered on him, reading the mix of bewilderment and realization flickering across his features. "You're the Judge, right? You get to decide, of course."
The truth crashed into him, a tidal wave of responsibility that left his knees weak. He was the Judge, the one meant to pass sentence, to halt this nightmare or let it spiral further. His heart pounded, his mind a chaotic whirl of doubt and fear, as Varocious's gaze held him captive, her smile unwavering, waiting for the choice he wasn't ready to make.
Subaru Natsuki lingered at the balcony's edge, the Fortification spell's calm pulsing through him, a steady rhythm that dulled the jagged peaks of his emotions into a flat, lifeless plain. Fear refused to rise, anger stayed buried, and even the flicker of satisfaction from his victory over Julius slipped through his grasp like sand. It was unnatural, this void, this absence of feeling that should have screamed in his chest. Yet, beneath the spell's smothering weight, a thread of guilt stitched itself into his soul.
His eyes traced the chaos below, where Julius Juukulius had faced him in the arena, driven by a demand for a duel that Subaru's own reckless tongue had provoked. The knight had sought to test his strength, to measure the worth of the boy who dared insult their honor. And Subaru had met that challenge, not with his own power, but with the borrowed might of the Fortification spell. The composure that steadied his voice, the words that cut through the air, the strikes that brought Julius to his knees, none of them were truly his own. They belonged to the spell, to the artificial courage it draped over him like a cloak. He had won, yes, but the victory rang hollow, a shallow echo of pride that crumbled under scrutiny. Had he fought for anything more than a fleeting rush, a desperate need to feel good about himself? The cost stained the sand below: Julius, broken and bleeding, a knight who had done nothing wrong beyond answering Subaru's provocation.
Was it fair? Was it just? The questions clawed at him, relentless, slipping past the spell's numbing grip. He had nearly killed a man, not for justice or necessity, but for his own fleeting satisfaction. Julius paid the price, his body battered in the dirt, a living testament to Subaru's mistake. The spell might have dulled his fear, his rage, his sorrow, but it couldn't silence the guilt, nor the regret that coiled around his heart like a serpent. He didn't feel good now. He felt nothing, and yet everything, all at once.
Why had Julius pushed so hard to fight him? Why did the knight's disdain burn so fiercely? Subaru's mind spun, chasing shadows of answers. Did he hate him for his closeness to Emilia, for the way he stood beside her when his own hands were unworthy? The memory of Julius's lips grazing her hand flickered in his thoughts, a bitter sting the spell quickly smothered. Or was it simpler, crueler? Did Julius see him as a weakling, a fraud who couldn't protect Emilia or Maxine, a boy playing at heroism with no strength of his own? Subaru's jaw tightened, his breath hitching. Maybe Julius was right. Maybe he wasn't needed at all.
If he had never come to the castle, if he had heeded the warnings and stayed away, what then? Maxine wouldn't be in trouble for disobedience. Julius wouldn't lie beaten, his blood seeping into the earth. The thought settled over him, heavy and suffocating. He had stormed into this place with borrowed boldness, and all he had wrought was ruin. The Fortification spell had made him fearless, but it couldn't hide the truth: he was no savior, only a spark that set everything ablaze.
The sand of the arena still shifted beneath the weight of the duel's fading chaos, a gritty whisper against Subaru Natsuki's boots as he stood, his voice a jagged blade slicing through the tension.
"Enough! Stop this, Var-chan!" he shouted, the words bursting from his chest with a force that left his throat raw. His breath hitched, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood and the sour sting of sweat, each sensation a needle pricking at his frayed nerves.
Varocious turned to him, her dark eyes glinting with an unshakable calm, and her lips curved into a smile that radiated warmth, as if the violence had been a mere illusion.
"As thy will, kind Judge of mine," she said, her voice a lilting melody that danced across the stillness.
She shifted her gaze to Julius, her expression softening into something almost tender. "The fight shall end here. Thy unyielding resilience is remarkable, Sir Julius, but any more of this, and thou might not recover at all." With a fluid grace, she dipped into a bow, her movements a reverent acknowledgment of the battered knight before her.
Julius, his body etched with the brutality of combat, forced himself to mirror her gesture.
"Thank you for going easy on me, Lady Varocious," he said, his voice a fragile thread stretched to its limit. His legs quivered beneath him, yet he stood, defiant and proud, the knight of knights in name and deed. Felix sprinted to his side, hands glowed with the gentle light of healing magic. And with that, the duel's clamor dissolved into silence, its end a heavy curtain falling over the scene.
"We must depart now, Emilia-sama." And then she turned to Vaelthoryn. "Thy blade, Val," Varocious called, her tone light as she tossed the massive sword toward the dark knight. Val caught it with a single, effortless motion. Then he walked toward the arena's exit.
"Finally, it's over," Maxine drawled, her yawn stretching the words into a lazy tone as she extended her arms overhead. Her indifference to the carnage disturbed at Subaru, a thorn of doubt twisting in his mind. How long had the Fortification spell dulled her senses? Was this apathy her truth, or a distortion born of magic?
Noah's metallic voice cut in, sharp and dry. "Told you that was a waste of time."
"Hey, you guys have to explain all this when we get back to the mansion, okay?" Emilia's voice broke through, soft yet edged with resolve. Her lilac eyes shimmered with relief that Subaru stood unharmed, but a shadow lingered in her gaze, tracing the unfamiliar weight in his demeanor. She needed to know if he was truly alright.
"Yes, Emilia-tan," Subaru murmured, his response a distant echo. His thoughts drifted, shadowed by the memory of Varocious's gaze, the moment she had named him her Judge. Had it been necessary? Would she have halted without his decision, or was she ready to strike a fatal blow? Was it a game, a test to force his verdict? Or perhaps, beneath her enigmatic smile, she had trusted his judgment to be just. The possibilities coiled around him, a relentless storm he couldn't escape.
Val paused at the arena's threshold, his eyes lingering on Julius as Felix guided the wounded knight away. I hope this was enough, Julius, he thought, a quiet breath slipping past his lips. At least you've been battered enough to escape further punishment.
Subaru's pulse thrummed in his ears, the Fortification spell's hold unraveling, unleashing the flood of his emotions. Guilt, doubt, and the crushing weight of responsibility pressed against his ribs, a burden he couldn't yet name. For now, he let it settle, heavy and unresolved, as the arena's silence swallowed them all.