Akshulers saucepan-sized fist smashed through the air with enough force to make the air hum as it passed. His bare hand struck with a metallic clangit didnt make sense, but it happened.

Ulabis swung his hand at Akshulers fist and frowned, shocked.

Formidable indeed The impact had left his hands numb.

He hefted his sword and swung it at Akshulers left flank. There was an enormous bang, even louder than the first impact, as the crimson Aura on Ulabiss blade met with the transparent Aura on Akshulers fist. Ulabis used the recoil of their clash to wheel away and laughed.

Ludicrous. It even warps your mana.

Akshuler smiled fiercely. You got anything that can match it?

One of the characteristic qualities of Abrahams Knuckle was its ability to distort the appearance of its users mana, hence why Akshulers Aura was not as visible as Ulabiss crimson flames.

You gotta use your other senses to detect mana, not just your eyes. Its not viable in the long run.

Is that so?

Akshuler shot forward like a rocket, fast enough that the only way to track his direction was from his afterimage.

I cant let him get close. Ulabis watched the distance carefully, wary of fistfighters ability to close in unexpectedly and strike from awkward angles. Under the circumstances, he would be best served by using his weapons reach to his advantage.

Ulabis caught Akshulers next move and decided hed swing his sword and see how it went. He needed to figure out how his adversary thinks, and particularly how he moves. Ulabiss blade cut neatly from left to right, forgoing elaborate sequences in favor of being able to easily dodge.

To his surprise, however, Akshulers hands went right around it like his sword wasnt even there.

Im in trouble! Ulabis yanked his head to the side just in time for Akshulers fist to trace a bloody line across his cheek.

What a shame.

A blade gauntlet? Ulabis grimaced. A sword protruded from the back of Akshulers gauntlet; it had been concealed by his aura until now. I didnt think someone like you was fond of pranks.

Thats discrimination and stereotyping at the same time. Ehh, Ill let you off since you grew up sheltered. Akshuler looked Ulabis straight in the eyes. I grew up in a place where the survivors became strong, not the affluent. How pointless would it be to die on the battlefield when no one would remember you? Were not like the knights. Mercenaries value money over honordont judge us by your standards.

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I see Ulabis nodded in realization. It was ridiculous to cling to concepts like honor in a life-or-death battle in the first place. Let others judge him if they wantedhe just needed to do his best. I apologize for my imprudent remarks, and I will pit everything I have against you.

Good. Akshuler grinned. Gambling is addicting twice the fun, none of the sadness, whether you win or lose. Im hoping you enjoy gambling as much as I do. You gotta loosen up, yknow? Even though youve got responsibilities. Lets enjoy this fight and gamble all the way. Id be sad if I didnt get to experience that with you, so lets fight.

Ulabis grinned back. If its as exciting as you say, I want it too. He hurled his sword into the ground. Yan Emperor, Wolves!

Joshuas eyes widened as the arena was split in two.

This is the same move hed used on Duke Altsma.

[Thats gotta be that big fiery crimson column, right? Hes gonna have a bad time with thatOh, its already steaming. If that thief-y man1 was here, it woulda been a sight to see. Isnt that the trick he used to make him kneel?]

There are Hubalt residents here. If you make a mistake again

Yes? What was that?

Joshua jerked and found Icelines blue eyes gazing at him curiously.

Nothing.

[Why did he send that death knight, anyways? Its powerful, sure, but the further it is from its power source the weaker it gets.]

Lugia didnt stop talking, despite Joshuas silence.

[Look at this Master he looks good, but hes so stupid. So stupid.]

Joshua cut the connection to Lugia just as a pillar of fire rose from the center of the colosseum.

The front rows of the audience erupted into a chorus of pained groans.

Ugh What incredible heat!

Its too hot!

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The blue sky gradually blushed scarlet as roaring flames erupted out of the cracks in the colosseum floor like the caldera of a volcano. It was nearly impossible to see the two fighters anymore.

Ice Protection.

Joshua shifted as he felt a soft wave of mana and coldness wash over his body.

I want to help, even at times like this. Iceline realized Joshua was still looking at her and flushed. A-Arent we friends?

Thank you.

Its nothing Iceline looked away. Shed been having trouble making eye contact since yesterday night.

Seriously, why am I like this? Iceline let out a deep breath. What exactly was it? Everyone else was excited about the fight, but she felt rather ill.

Subspace, Joshua mumbled. Lugia remained silent.

With the battle between Akshuler and Ulabis in full swing, a man approached Marquis Moreland and Count Ford, seated in the Hubalt Empires seats on the other side of the colosseum from Joshua.

A message from High Priest Herald.

Count Ford ignored the irritating heat and turned to the messenger.

Speak.

Sir Christians recuperation is impossible. The High Priest intends to inform the organizers of his withdrawal.

Goddammit. Marquis Moreland heaved a sad sigh.

This bullshit! Count Ford ground his teeth together. What a mess. Avalon and Swallow already have one Master each; even the non-imperials are acting big. Why do the knights of the great Hubalt Empire surrender without a real fight?! He beat his chest angrily. It doesnt make sense! We cant return to the Empire like this. What are we supposed to tell the Emperor? What a disgrace.

Um.

Marquis Moreland, are you really going to let it go?!

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What do you want me to do? Its not like we can force Sir Christian to wake up. Such is Hermess will.

Hah! Count Ford laughed blasphemously. We cant keep acting like this.

What are you thinking, Count Ford?

Unless something changes, we have to find an excuse to return. The High Priest and Sir Modrian said theyd do it themselves, but His Majesty the Emperor and the other nobles would never be able to persuade them.

Then how?

Fords eyes lit up. This is Sir Christian were talking about! They said he was poisoned by magic when he left Avalon a hostile nation.

You mean we need a scapegoat?

Its not that complicated. The boy there is all we need.

Baron Joshua Sanders The Marquis shook his head. If you act without proof, it could spiral out of control. Now that hes grown so much, its out of our capabilities.

Count Ford grinned slyly.

Master Joshua Sanders, youve just made my job that much easier.

What?

I planned on investigating him more thoroughly, but now that Im pressed for time, Im going with my plan as-is.

Ford whispered something into Morelands ear.

The Marquis shot out of his seat. Baseless

It makes no difference whether its legitimate or not. People believe what they want to believe.

Thats true, but

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Dont underestimate human envy. All we need is a little spark.

Marquis Moreland silently struggled with his emotions, but Count Fords grin kept widening.

1TL/N: i think this is talking about Duke Altsma