A Crushing Attitude
The surroundings changed often. It wasn't that the fight between the Askyros and Nikal couldn't end, it was just that Askyros chose not to fight back. He found the spatial manipulation useful, in which he had gained immunity to many kinds of environments. It was only until thirty minutes had passed that Askyros spoke.
"Blue knight. What are the conditions for victory?" [Askyros]
The blue knight didn't like how Askyros called him, but still answered.
"Kill your opponent or force them to surrender." [Blue Knight]
"Hm." [Askyros]
He looked at Nikal who was clearly exhausted. It appeared that fending off the environment while trying to take down Askyros was taking its toll on him.
"What? You're not thinking I'm going to surrender are you?" [Nikal]
"...You will die." [Askyros]
"I think the opposite!" [Nikal]
Chanting something on the side, Nikal swung his blades in Askyros' direction. Wind billowed, rising into a violent twister of flame.
"Try blocking this!" [Nikal]
He swung twice more, blocking off Askyros from the sides. There were now three fire engulfed winds, burning its way towards him.
"I grow tired of these tricks." [Askyros]
He inhaled deeply, then let out a breath so strong it blew away the twisters.
"What?!" [Nikal]
"Nikal. I will say it once. Admit defeat." [Askyros]
Nikal froze.
("This guy…!") [Nikal]
After the previous attempts, Nikal knew he could not win. However, his pride did not allow him to lose.
"Askyros. How about a deal?" [Nikal]
Askyros crossed his arms.
"..." [Askyros]
There was no reply, but Nikal took it that Askyros was listening.
"How about you admit defeat, and I give you all the gold you can imagine. I come from a noble background. I can give you enough wealth to last a lifetime!" [Nikal]
"I do not need that." [Askyros]
"Then how about women? I can take someone of your liking from my territory!" [Nikal]
Askyros uncrossed his arms.
"I am no longer willing to listen." [Askyros]
To someone like Askyros, whose father was taken from him by someone of higher standing, the treatment of another's life like it was nothing was considered the lowest of low.
"Why?! I know you didn't even want the title!" [Nikal]
Askyros dropped the iron ball and lunged forward, grabbing Nikal's head with a single hand.
"This no longer has anything to do with the title." [Askyros]
He then began to squeeze.
"Argh!" [Nikal]
It felt like his head was caving in. Nikal wasn't wrong though. If left alone, it really would cave in.
"L-Let go!" [Nikal]
In an attempt to free himself, Nikal thrust his blades into Askyros' side.
"You've left yourself open!" [Nikal]
"..." [Askyros]
To Nikal's surprise, Askyros didn't let go.
"Ow ow ow!" [Nikal]
("Why isn't he letting go?!") [Nikal]
He peeked through Askyros' fingers, only now realizing that his blades could barely break skin.
("Impossible! Is this why he never avoided my attacks?!") [Nikal]
Knowing that, it would make sense that Askyros would only see Nikal as nothing short of trivial.
("I-I'm really going to die!") [Nikal]
As he felt Askyros' grip becoming tighter, Nikal cast aside his pride.
"I yield! I yield!" [Nikal]
Upon surrendering, their surroundings returned to the grand hall. Nevertheless, Askyros maintained his grip.
"S-Stop! Why aren't you stopping!" [Nikal]
He kicked and cut at Askyros, but it hardly left a scratch.
"Release him. You have won." [Blue Knight]
Even when ordered, Askyros did not falter.
"You already have the title! Please!" [Nikal]
"I have already told you. This is no longer about the title." [Askyros]
"Askyros!" [Blue Knight]
The knight drew his sword.
"This is no longer a sanctioned duel! You are about to commit murder in the grand hall!" [Blue Knight]
"Murder? That is only applied to other humans." [Askyros]
He tightened his grip.
"This is nothing more than the slaughtering of an animal." [Askyros]
Askyros applied strength, allowing him to crush Nikal's head like an egg.
"You…!" [Blue Knight]
The knight clad himself in white light, as if to represent his anger. Contrary to such an emotion, Askyros calmly wiped off the blood from his hand.
"Come if you are going to come." [Askyros]
He then wagged a finger at the blue knight.
"I do not care whether you do or don't." [Askyros]