Gale and Demon were so unbelievably disadvantaged in this fight that it wasn’t even a question as to who would come out on top. Just to make it even worse, Demon had in fact not acquired an enchantment crystal at all, even of the first tier. Though, her raw combat abilities placed her at around the same strength as Gale despite her disadvantage. Nevertheless the party of two was still underpowered in every way.
The man walked closer, each of his steps echoing throughout the room and striking fear to the very core of the party members.
He looked at the two in front of him with a subtle smirk and said in an insidious tone, “Why don’t I introduce myself, I’ll at least let you know the name of your killer so you can pass it on through the depths of hell. I am Julian, the vice captain of the Knights of Flame. Why don’t you peasants tell me who you are as well, just for pleasantries sake.”
Gale hesitated and drew up as much confidence as he could muster in the moment, “I am Gale, Gale Glaive. We don’t want any trouble, so if we could leave now that would be gre-”
Julian interrupted by slamming the tip of his sword to the floor, “Did I tell you to say anything else besides your name? There will be no negotiation in this matter. Now girl, state your name.”
Demon stood there for a second, fear written on her face, and said in a shaky voice, “I am Whimsical Demon. It's a pleasure to meet you sir Julian.”
Julian scoffed, “The pleasures all yours. Why should I care if a person like you respects me? You don’t even have a single enchantment crystal, it's laughable. That party of yours is completely pathetic.”
Julian’s other two party members, seemingly done with collecting valuables from the boss, came walking down the steps with their hands full to figure out what the commotion was all about.
Julian turned around and sternly told his subordinates to drop everything and stand behind him in formation. They quickly compiled, seemingly as frightened of Julian as Gale and Demon were. The three stood in a triangular formation and all slammed their weapons against the ground in unison creating a wave of pressure which made the party of two shudder.
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Julian broke the silence and spoke, now in a more distinguished and honorary tone, “My students, Gabriel, our tank, and Falco, our Healer, shall challenge the two of you to a fight to the death.”
Falco hesitated but then spoke up and said, “Sir, not to disobey your orders or anything, but me and Gabriel just single handedly fought the dungeon boss. We're quite worn out and probably won’t perform to our best abilities sir”
“I understand Falco, but you shouldn’t think about this as a punishment from me, but as an opportunity to further your training.”
Falco stayed silent and nodded, seemingly understanding where his master was coming from. All the while, Gabriel was standing completely still and silent. Gale could feel his murderous gaze staring directly at him even though the tank’s eyes were under the shadow of his helmet.
Gale and Demon stood there in pools of sweat, they couldn’t think of anything that could get them out of this mess. The two wouldn’t dare speak to each other either under the piercing gaze of Julian and the other two warriors. Right now, they were completely trapped, it seemed like death was inevitable no matter if they won the fight or not.
Julian motioned for Falco and Gabriel to step up while he in turn stepped back. Just as the two opponents stepped closer to Gale and Demon, Julian suddenly manifested a small device into his hand. He threw it in the middle of the two rivaling parties and immediately it shone with a blinding light. The next thing they knew, the two parties were trapped inside of a large transparent rectangular arena made of magic.
They were completely trapped. Gale and Demon suddenly realized that they were completely out of options at this point. All they could really do was draw their weapons and get ready for battle.
Gale looked at Demon with a forced smile and whispered, “We’ve got this. We’ve been through worse haven't we?”
They in fact have not been through worse, but Gale's reassurance helped to calm both of them down nevertheless. Demon just looked him straight in the eyes, nodded, and looked back at the enemies in front of them.
Soon Julian’s all encompassing voice echoed through the large circular chamber of the tower, he said but one word, “Begin!”
Instantly the fighters lunged forward, their eyes filled with both bloodlust and fear as they knew only one party would be able to emerge victorious. It was time for the bloodbath to begin.
