Knock–Knock–
"Lady Furina, it's time to get up."
Fu Ning stood outside Furina's bedroom door, knocking gently in an attempt to wake her from deep sleep.
After serving as Furina's bodyguard for a week, even Neuvillette found himself surprised by Fu Ning's endurance. He worked tirelessly as Furina's guard every single day, never taking a break.
Fu Ning understood Furina's temperament—it was not easy for most people to handle. Few could imagine how he managed to serve her with unwavering energy and patience every day.
Also, the part about "no breaks every day" was literal.
When Furina slept soundly at night, Fu Ning would patrol the entirety of Fontaine over and over again, ensuring that nothing could threaten her safety.
As a result, the residence that Neuvillette had arranged for him remained completely unused.
However, what Neuvillette didn't know was that the monster-infested battlefields of Blue Star were far harsher than anything in this world.
By the way, Fu Ning's strength had recovered to the third level.
In this world, that meant he had reached the pinnacle of power achievable by any normal Vision holder—unless they were one of those rare individuals who had undergone unusual experiences or transformations.
"Okay… I know, I know… I'm getting up right now…"
Furina's drowsy voice drifted out from behind the door—clearly, she'd just been roused from sleep.
But knowing Furina, she was probably just trying to appease him and would fall asleep again the moment he left.
"Lady Furina, there's a trial at 10 o'clock this morning at the Opera Epiclese. You have two hours to prepare. I've already prepared your breakfast and pastries."
Inside the room, the soft groaning sounds stopped. The rustling of clothing followed.
Fu Ning smiled knowingly. As expected, merely mentioning a trial was enough to wake the Hydro Archon instantly.
Still, choosing to hold such a solemn event in the opera house… Fu Ning narrowed his eyes.
It felt a bit theatrical. But then again, this was Fontaine.
***
Opera Epiclese. The trial begins.
Neuvillette sat at the judge's podium, eyes resting on the prosecution and the defense seats.
"Now that the accuser and the accused are both present, I declare—"
Neuvillette's words were abruptly interrupted by the man at the defendant's table.
"Wait a moment, Your Excellency Chief Justice, I invoke the right to duel."
Neuvillette glanced at the defendant and asked with calm formality, "Mr. Aidas, are you certain you wish to resolve this through trial by combat?"
"Of course!" the man named Aidas replied. He stepped down and drew his sword with a flourish.
As Neuvillette knew, Aidas was a formidable Vision user, but his behavior was notoriously poor. He had faced multiple accusations, yet due to the lack of competent duel agents in recent cases, he had always managed to win, thus avoiding transfer to Meropide.
But today would be different.
Neuvillette looked up toward the platform where Fu Ning stood beside Furina and said, "In that case, I summon the duel agent to face Mr. Aidas in the arena."
Aidas: ???
Why is he looking up? Neuvillette? What's with that look?
Aidas followed Neuvillette's gaze—to the platform where the Hydro Archon herself was seated.
From the high stage, Fu Ning looked down at Aidas, then turned to Furina.
"Well then, Lady Furina, it's my turn to perform."
Furina nodded, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Excellent, Fu Ning! Show off your marvelous combat prowess!"
"But don't use any superhuman powers, okay? I want a splendid spectacle." She grinned mischievously.
Furina knew Aidas wasn't weak—he possessed a Pyro Vision, and if not for his bad conduct, he might have become the duel agent himself.
Fu Ning gave a respectful nod. "As you wish, Lady Furina. Please enjoy the battle performance… of the Dark God."
With that, Fu Ning leapt down from the platform. Furina expected a loud crash—but instead, Fu Ning landed as softly as a feather.
Furina's eyes lit up. Even that elegant landing technique was enough to awe the audience.
Duel Arena.
Duels in Fontaine were serious affairs. As such, a special arena had been built for them—far safer than letting people fight in the opera house where they might endanger the audience.
Furina handled most of the duels herself. Neuvillette, meanwhile, returned to the Palais Mermonia to attend to other pressing matters.
The verdict of the trial would be determined afterward.
After all, duels could lead to injuries—some serious—and healing had to come first.
Fu Ning faced Aidas, summoning a sleek black staff from thin air.
"I am the attendant, protector, and duel agent of the Hydro Archon, Lady Furina," he declared. "I am the Dark Demon God. But you may call me Fu Ning."
"In order to uphold the fairness of Fontaine's judicial system, I will not use the power of a demon god. I will fight using only my own strength."
Aidas's face twisted.
What… what did he just say?
Dark… Demon… God?
He's a… demon?! A follower of a god?!
Although Fu Ning had become somewhat known in Fontaine over the past week, no one had uncovered his true identity. Most assumed he was simply a powerful man with a mysterious past.
Who would've thought—he was a demon god?
Fortunately, Fu Ning had vowed not to use supernatural powers. Aidas still felt there was a sliver of hope.
The crowd erupted in murmurs of shock:
"Oh my god! Lord Fu Ning is actually a demon god!"
"Incredible!"
"Wait, he's really a demon? Aidas is doomed for sure!"
"Even if he doesn't use supernatural powers, no ordinary human can match a demon god!"
Furina smirked.
"Well then, since neither party objects, I declare the duel—begun."
As her voice echoed, Aidas's Pyro Vision blazed to life. With flames trailing behind him, he charged directly at Fu Ning.
He knew that fighting a demon head-on was near suicidal. So he gambled everything on a swift, decisive strike.
But Fu Ning had survived two decades of life-and-death battles. Though he knew little formal technique, his instincts were honed sharper than any knight's.
Aidas could do nothing against him.
Seizing the perfect moment, Fu Ning struck. His black staff jabbed Aidas's face at a subtle but punishing angle, then swept upward, knocking him flat onto his back.
Boom!
Aidas's head slammed into the ground. His vision spun.
Before he could react, Fu Ning spun and delivered a powerful kick, sending Aidas flying into the arena wall.
He crumpled there—aching, winded, and utterly defeated.
Fu Ning turned to face Furina.
He had kept his word—no inhuman powers.
"I… I surrender…" Aidas wheezed.
Furina glanced down at the fallen Aidas, then chuckled twice before announcing:
"The duel agent, Fu Ning, is victorious. The accused shall proceed to formal trial."
Fu Ning leapt back onto the platform and bowed slightly.
"I have fulfilled your command, Lady Furina."
Furina's eyes sparkled. She clapped her hands and laughed.
"Haha! As expected of my follower! That clean, efficient battle was a joy to watch!"
***
Furina reminds me of Aqua 😅