Regarding Peruere's fighting style, Crucabena saw the issue. Her expression was no longer relaxed; she furrowed her brow.
She wasn't worried about losing to Peruere. Instead, she was thinking about how to "tame" her personality. What she needed was an obedient pawn, not someone with emotions.
The audience clenched their fists, their bodies instinctively leaning forward with Peruere's powerful movements, as if they were exerting effort alongside her. It was almost like watching a "motion-sensing movie."
After a few moves, Crucabena used Peruere's momentum to retreat and create distance.
Crucabena: "'Naivety' and 'kindness,' such wonderful qualities."
"What a pity—they're utterly useless!"
She was already attempting to "tame" Peruere, starting by breaking her spirit.
Taking advantage of the distance, Crucabena repositioned herself. Now it was her turn to attack.
A sword thrust forward, its cold gleam approaching!
Peruere, unfazed, countered with a powerful, brick-shattering thrust, once again "knocking back" Crucabena.
Crucabena parried well, avoiding injury, but the rhythm of the battle returned to Peruere's control.
The fight grew more intense. Despite Peruere's relentless assault, Crucabena remained composed, even finding the leisure to throw verbal jabs.
Crucabena: "A caged bird will never soar to the sky, and you're no exception!"
Peruere, enraged by these words, unleashed her elemental power, conjuring flames and hurling them forward.
Seeing this, Crucabena let out a faint smile. Her words had taken effect—the taming had begun!
In terms of elemental mastery, Peruere was clearly outmatched. Her flames were easily extinguished by a water blade thrown by Crucabena.
The water blade continued unabated, striking Peruere and sending her flying, crashing through a wall into rubble.
The mental "taming" was complete; now it was time for the physical.
Peruere was injured, and the audience's hearts tightened. Was she going to lose?
Most of the audience didn't know "the Knave," as Harbingers were high-ranking figures not everyone was familiar with.
Moreover, at this point, "the Knave" was still called Peruere.
Since they didn't know her, they weren't watching a story with a known outcome, making the tension palpable.
In the rubble, Peruere was injured, half-kneeling on the ground, her hands stained black again.
Her gaze shifted to the side, landing on a flower—yes, a Romaritime Flower.
The rubble seemed to make way for this fragile flower. Surrounded by debris, not a single piece had struck it.
Was it a coincidence? Or deliberate protection?
Peruere noticed the flower, and her expression softened slightly. She gazed at it tenderly for a few seconds, as if in a trance, then clenched her teeth with renewed determination.
The "curse" began spreading upward from her arm. It was a "curse," but at this moment, it was her "salvation."
Crucabena continued to apply pressure: "Give up! Let me, your 'Mother,' guide you to become a true 'King'!"
Yes, I will become a "King," but not under your guidance. Because… someone has already guided me! I will become a great "King"!
—As she wished!
Peruere emerged from the rubble, silent, standing tall, clearly unyielding.
Crucabena, furious at Peruere's defiance, thrust her sword forward.
Peruere slightly sidestepped to dodge Crucabena's thrust, then raised her hand to block a side strike. Unlike before, her movements now seemed effortless.
No matter how Crucabena attacked, Peruere could dodge or parry with minimal movement and range.
At this moment, she was like an "adult," while Crucabena was the "child."
Though Crucabena had taken control of the attack rhythm, it was clear—the roles of attacker and defender had reversed!
Suddenly, a choir burst forth! A chorus mixed with children's voices marked the beginning of the counterattack!
In an instant, Peruere closed the distance to Crucabena, delivering a stylish kick that sent her flying, crashing through the ceiling.
Unlike the earlier borrowed momentum, this time Peruere's speed was so fast that Crucabena had no time to block. Crashing into the ceiling, she shattered the "cage" binding the bird, coughing up blood.
A caged bird will never soar to the sky? I'm no exception?
That's the "rule" you set, but rules cannot bind a "King."
Peruere's voice was low: "You—"
She raised her hand, and as she did, flames gathered in her palm, forming a scythe.
"—are unworthy!"
Unworthy of what? Unworthy of calling yourself "Mother"! Unworthy of telling me what a true "King" is!
Because—someone has already told me… I will become a great "King."
With a single swing, flames erupted! A surge of scorching heat, carrying terrifying force, engulfed Crucabena and the "cage" along with her.
A pillar of flame rose, leaving only Peruere standing at its center, gazing up at the towering flames and the sky.
I've shattered the "cage" and "fate," Clervie. May you soar in the sky, untainted by fate.
Some say growing up is the process of breaking free from shackles.
Fate set cruel rules for us, forcing our blades against each other.
But now—I turn my blade toward "fate"! Let me bury the twilight of the setting sun and welcome the dawn's rise…
This will be a "salvation," a "salvation" that saved no one, a "salvation" brought by a "curse."
In the end, Peruere sat on a chair—a blue chair, like the throne from the animation's opening.
But this was not the seat of a "King." It was the seat of a "mortal," a seat for the guilty.
Just like the white rabbit from the beginning, Peruere sat on the chair, her hair covering one eye.
Beneath the chair lay "corpses," as if a pile of plush toys was lifting the "throne" high. Were they saying, "We crown you King"?
No. A "King" without subjects—can that still be called a King?
Looking up, the window revealed a beautiful aurora. Peruere's expression shifted, her mouth opening in surprise.
What a beautiful aurora. This is the "Snezhnayan aurora" you told me about. Now that I've seen it, does it mean I've grown up?
But why, at this moment, is it your smile from back then that fills my mind? Could it be that I've already seen my own "aurora"?
In the theater, Arlecchino closed her eyes. She had seen the aurora countless times, but never once with her.
The promise of childhood could never be fulfilled.
So, could the soul of an old friend let me meet you just once more?
I don't believe in such things, but if it's you, I want to believe.
Believe in meeting you again, believe—in the next life.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Arlecchino: About the Song in the Ashes
"I'm very grateful to Mr. Lucian. He wrote the story beautifully. The children loved it… and I… liked it too."