(A/N: I'm sick, so there might not be any chapters uploaded for a few days. But don't worry... I'll be back to posting chapters as soon as I get better.)
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Judas stood in the center of the crater, his breath ragged, one arm hanging uselessly at his side.
His clothes were torn, his body was bruised all over, yet his eyes... those calm, purple eyes... still burned with quiet intensity.
Across from him, Ais lay motionless on the ground, her sword several feet away.
The sight alone was enough to stun the entire Loki Familia into silence.
"She's down..."
Someone whispered, breaking the tension like a stone through glass.
And just like that, chaos erupted.
"He actually did it!"
"Judas Spade beat the Sword Princess!"
"A miracle! A level 2 defeating a level 5!"
"No way... how's that even possible?!"
The members of the Loki Familia shouted, their voices a mix of awe and disbelief.
Even the veterans, who had seen countless battles, struggled to find their words.
Finn, Riveria, and Gareth exchanged silent glances.
No words were needed; they all knew they had just witnessed something extraordinary... something they would remember for the rest of their lives.
Meanwhile, Judas exhaled deeply, his legs threatening to give out beneath him.
"This is going to hurt like a bitch."
Judas gritted his teeth as he readjusted his dislocated shoulder joint back into place.
His healing ability worked to mend his shattered bones and torn muscles, but even that had its limits.
"...That was close."
He muttered under his breath, forcing a weak smile as he glanced toward the fallen swordswoman.
He took a few steps forward, each one heavier than the last, before finally kneeling beside her.
Ais' eyes fluttered open slightly... dazed, but conscious.
"...You won."
She whispered, her voice barely audible.
"No. You just ran out of stamina first."
Judas shook his head slowly.
There were several factors that worked in his favor that contributed to his victory.
The obvious was that being able to counter her magic had completely reduced her combat ability significantly.
In addition, Ais had yet to completely recover from the exhaustion and hidden injuries that she sustained from the expedition, which reduced her combat ability even further.
Judas was aware of this... and if he had actually fought Ais with her true strength, he was aware that nine times out ten, he would be the one passed out on the ground.
For a moment, Ais blinked... and then, to everyone's surprise, a faint smile formed on her lips.
"Then... next time, I'll win."
Judas chuckled softly, pressing a hand to his aching ribs.
"I'll be waiting for that."
The crowd fell quiet again, watching as the two simply sat there amid the dust and ruin... a mutual respect forming between them, forged not through words, but through battle.
"Well, well..."
"With this, you've earned everyone's respect and admiration."
And as the wind gently stirred once more, the goddess Loki leaned lazily over the railing, a sly grin forming on her face.
"Healers!"
Riveria commanding voice reached everyone's ears.
At once, several healers rushed forward, their hands glowing with pale green light as they began to cast restorative magic.
Bathed in the soothing glow, neither Ais nor Judas spoke.
Their bodies were sore, bruised, and heavy from exhaustion, yet both simply sat there in silence... breathing and recovering.
"Here you go."
A young healer knelt beside them, handing each a small vial of glowing potion.
Without hesitation, Ais and Judas accepted, drinking the liquid that burned at first sip but soon dulled the pain in their muscles.
"Alright everyone!"
Finn's voice boomed, firm and commanding.
"There's nothing else to see here. Return to your duties!"
The order was enough to scatter the crowd, though not before a wave of chatter and excitement broke out among the onlookers.
"That was incredible..."
"Did you see that lightning dragon?"
"He actually beat the Sword Princess!"
Even as the adventurers dispersed, the air buzzed with energy, the other members could barely contain their gossip.
"That was amazing!"
Tiona's voice came bright and full of excitement as she jogged up to them.
Behind her followed the other executives of the Loki Familia... Tiona, Riveria, Gareth, and the captain himself.
There was also an amber-haired elf that was walking just a step behind them.
"I can't believe you actually beat Ais!"
Tiona grinned, leaning forward with genuine amazement.
"You were impressive."
"But not as impressive as our captain."
Tione said, crossing her arms with a firm nod.
"Alright... thanks, I guess?"
Judas replied with a crooked half-smile, unsure if that was a compliment or a warning.
After the healers dismissed themselves with polite bows, Judas rolled his shoulders and stood up, brushing off the dust clinging to his tattered clothes.
"Need a hand?"
He asked, extending his arm toward Ais, who was still sitting quietly in the middle of the crater they'd made.
"Mn."
Without hesitation, Ais reached up and took his hand.
Her grip was light but steady.
Judas pulled her to her feet with an easy motion, his palm brushing against hers for only a moment.
Most of the others didn't think much of it.
But for one particular elf, the scene was earth-shattering.
"D-Did Ais just... hold his hand?"
Lefiya's voice trembled as her face turned red, eyes wide in disbelief.
Her heart practically jumped out of her chest.
She clenched her fists.
"J-Judas Spade... I knew it... you are my enemy!"
The amber-haired elf pouted.
"Gwahaha!"
"Seeing you two in action makes me want to drag my old bones back into the dungeon!"
Gareth's booming laugh filled the air, his large frame shaking as he slapped his thigh.
"Speaking of which..."
"After the fight ended, Bete took off. Said he was heading to the dungeon."
Tione said, glancing around the field.
"Figures. That guy never knows how to sit still."
Finn sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Good idea! Let's go too! I'm so pumped right now I feel like smashing a monster's face!"
Tiona threw her arms into the air, her eyes sparkling.
"Wait a minute... hold your horses."
"We just returned from the expedition. We still have things to do."
Finn said sternly, raising a hand.
"Aww... bummer."
Tiona deflated like a balloon, pouting exaggeratedly.
"Both of you."
Riveria suddenly interjected, her tone motherly but firm.
"Take a proper bath. You're filthy from head to toe."
Before Ais could even respond, Riveria grabbed a clean napkin and began gently wiping the dirt off her face.
"Don't come out until you're squeaky clean."
She added with a small smile.
Judas scratched his cheek awkwardly, watching the scene unfold.
'I must be seeing things... or is Riveria actually glancing my way every now and then?'
He thought, brow furrowed slightly.
But before he could think more about it, a loud voice cut through the air.
"Everyone!"
Judas barely had time to react before an arm suddenly draped itself around his shoulders.
"Let us celebrate tonight with a feast in the dining hall!"
Loki shouted, grinning from ear to ear as she pulled Judas into a half-hug headlock.
"Hey... easy there!"
Judas said, trying to pry her off, but it was useless.
"Ohhh, look at you blushing~"
Loki teased, poking at his cheek.
The others chuckled, some shaking their heads while others smiled knowingly.
Even Ais, usually stoic, allowed the faintest hint of a smile to form on her lips.
As laughter and chatter filled the air, the tension of battle finally began to fade.
The training grounds that had been filled with sparks and shouts minutes ago now felt warm... alive... with the sound of camaraderie.
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