-ohhh… so you're implying that now it will become a battle of endurance?
( Said Helios, intrigued and excited )
Athelstan only smiled faintly.
That smile was not one of mockery… it was the smile of someone who had seen far too many deaths to be surprised anymore.
-but in that case, Ursa's girl has the advantage, doesn't she? I mean, the other one has spent the whole time taking damage instead of dealing it.
( Said Helios, thoughtfully )
-not necessarily. Their endurance will not depend solely on the damage they've taken.
( Said the master of rusted armor, in a deep voice )
-I don't understand.
( Said Helios, confused )
The word was taken by the twins.
-it's simple, isn't it, Seika?
( Reika replied coldly )
Everyone turned to look at the twins, waiting for their deduction.
-yes, Reika. The fight will not be decided by physical endurance alone.
( Seika replied, in a serious, sharp tone )
Both of them, with disturbingly identical gazes, spoke at the same time as their eyes stabbed into Kalista and Morgan like blades.
-spirit.
( The twins concluded with seriousness and coldness )
-spirit?
Everyone reacted to that word.
-spirit? What the hell do you mean by that shit?
( Ursa shouted furiously )
-that crap doesn't exist. Fights are won by the strongest!
( Ursa said, clenching her teeth and fists )
-no… not really. That is a very simplistic way of seeing a battle, miss Ursa.
( Said the master of rusted armor, sighing )
-huh?
( Ursa replied with an annoyed grimace )
-a fight is not only physical strength, miss Ursa. It also depends on how strong your spirit is. If your spirit is weak, no matter how much strength you have, at some point you will give in… and you will be defeated. Fear, doubt, despair… they are the greatest enemies in battle. Whoever manages to dominate them will never truly be defeated.
( Said the master of rusted armor, with crushing seriousness )
-he is right, Your Majesty.
The rusted knight turned his head toward Princess Amon, whose laughter rang out like twisted metal.
-hahahaha… yes, that is so. Sir Mazlan is absolutely correct. The spirit guides the body. Whoever fails to understand that… only walks toward their own destruction.
( Said Amon, staring straight at Ursa )
Under that gaze, Ursa lowered her head, trembling between rage and despair.
-I must say, Zarathoz… I am surprised. The boy's abilities are, at the very least, intriguing.
( Said Princess Amon, in a seductive voice )
Zarathoz looked at her without replying.
-and what do you think, Sir Goro and Sir Braken?
-yes, yes, yesssss… it's fascinating. A changing living being, one that alternates and mutates… simply fascinating.
( Said Goro, ecstatic )
-don't you think so, my friend?
( Said Goro, looking at the master in a diver's suit with an octopus-like appearance )
-yes, yes, yes… I understand, Lord Goro. Such an incredible and enigmatic creature… if it doesn't survive, would you allow me to take its body, Miss Zarathoz?
( Said Braken, with morbid excitement )
Luzbel pressed her lips until they almost bled. Her nails dug into her own hands, but she said nothing.
Zarathoz replied with impeccable politeness.
-I will consider your request… but it is still far too early to draw conclusions. I ask for your patience.
( She said with a kind smile )
-although I don't believe it will be possible.
( Zarathoz added, letting out a small laugh )
-hmm? Why do you say that, Director?
( Goro asked, intrigued )
-because I am certain that the one left standing will be him.
( Said Zarathoz, looking at Morgan with a confident smile )
-I see… what a waste.
( Braken murmured, disappointed )
Kalista's breathing became erratic, desperate, like that of a cornered animal.
-I'm scared… I don't want to die… get this beast away from me!
( Kalista screamed, desperately sliding across the coliseum )
She created ice beneath her feet to escape, but Morgan's advance shattered it instantly, as if his mere presence made it explode.
-what do I do?, what do I do?, what do I do?
Laughter began to fill her head. Helplessness. Terror. The feeling that the entire world was closing in on her.
Then, an unworthy, humiliating idea crossed her mind.
-maybe I should ru—
But when she looked at the tunnel she had come from, Kalista saw five silhouettes. Five motionless figures staring straight at her, with a silent threat that screamed: dare to try it and you will pay.
That fear was worse than Morgan.
Kalista stopped. Slowly turned.
Morgan was approaching.
Time slowed.
-if I lose… them… the captain… I can't disappoint the captain… nor the house… I'll lose everything… everything… I can't… I can't…
Her chest burned. Her thoughts collapsed.
Then, the final idea came.
Kalista inhaled violently. The air was sucked in like a hurricane. Gales exploded around her. When she finished, she closed her mouth and compressed it inside her body.
Her skin turned pale.
Her arms were covered in ice, forming massive claws.
Her feet froze into blades.
An icy mask covered her face, with sharp fangs.
A bluish aura wrapped around her, spreading frost.
She froze her own organs. Stopped the bleeding. Even her blood turned cold.
But also… her consciousness began to fade.
-I… I… I will win, no matter the cost…
End of chapter.
Next chapter: The Victor.