Execution

The noble gathering had proven what Chiori already knew—she was not seen as one of them. House Tomaszewski's neutrality was no longer enough to keep enemies at bay. Prejudices ran deeper than politics, and those who opposed her rule were willing to act.

The air was heavy with tension, silent but charged. Tomaszewski soldiers stood in rigid formation along the training grounds' edges, their eyes locked on the two figures at the center. The setting sun cast the field in hues of blood and gold, fitting colors for what was about to unfold.

Earlier, as the challenge had hung in the air, Calamitas had stepped forward with a languid, amused expression. "A noble duel? How tedious. If you're so intent on proving superiority, why limit yourselves to mere theatrics?"

"What exactly are you suggesting?" Satoshi asked calmly, his eyes betraying nothing.

Calamitas smiled, sharp and dangerous. "A real duel, of course. Let them fight with real weapons, real stakes. Let's see who truly has the strength worthy of noble blood."

Satoshi paused briefly, his eyes betraying a flicker of internal conflict before he nodded slowly. "Very well. Do you agree, Lord Dagan?" Alistair had agreed instantly, eyes alight with savage excitement. "I accept. Perhaps now we'll truly see the worth of the Tomaszewskis."

Calamitas herself had chosen the weapons—handing Alistair a finely crafted katana, blazing with enchantments of fire. For me, she produced something less…conventional: a delicate-looking Gunsen. I frowned slightly, turning the elegant fan in my hand.

"A fan? Really?" I asked, skeptical.

Calamitas smiled knowingly. "Appearances are deceiving, Chiori. Much like yourself."

[Notice: Abnormal weapon construction detected. Blades concealed within hilt. Caution advised.]

I blinked at Great Sage's analysis, my grip tightening. Other than the blades hiding within it, the Gunsen was elegant but quiet. It's to my liking. Calamitas watched my reaction, amused.

"Surprised?" she teased lightly. "Don't be. It's perfectly suited to you—a hidden threat, underestimated until it's too late."

Reilan stood beside her, silent and tense. His eyes, however, spoke volumes. He believed in me. Or at the very least, he trusted me to handle this without interference.

"Well, Lady Tomaszewski," he taunted, voice dripping with disdain. "Are you prepared to show your soldiers how weak you truly are?"

Asmodeus, to my opposite side, was barely restraining himself. Lightning crackled faintly around his clenched fists, his jaw tight. He was ready to intervene at the slightest provocation, but I caught his gaze and gave a slight shake of my head. Not yet.

"Don't disappoint me, Chiori," Calamitas called lazily from the sidelines. "I've put quite some effort into your training. It would be embarrassing if you lost."

We stood facing each other, a clear space of tension separating us. Alistair tested the weight of his katana, his expression a mixture of arrogance and disdain.

"Do you really think a mere demihuman like you deserves to stand as heir to House Tomaszewski?" Alistair sneered, eyes blazing with contempt. "This isn't just about you, Chiori. It's about preserving the honor and purity of noble blood."

I met his gaze calmly, refusing to rise to his bait. "If purity is your concern, Alistair, perhaps you should reconsider your own honor first."

His smirk twisted into a scowl. "Words won't save you today."

I took a slow breath, centering myself. 

[Notice: Opponent emotional state unstable. Probability of rash action: High.]

I nodded internally, feeling my resolve solidify.

Calamitas took a deep breath, her eyes flickering between the two of us before she commanded sharply, breaking the tension-filled stillness. "Begin."

Alistair wasted no time. He surged forward, flames erupting from his blade, aiming straight for my heart. But I had already seen his intent—Great Sage had laid out his every move clearly in my mind.

I stepped aside fluidly, dodging his first strike. Alistair circled slowly, eyes narrowing in disdainful assessment, his knuckles tightening around the hilt of his katana. "Do you truly think a half-breed belongs here? A beast posing as nobility? It's disgraceful."

I watched him calmly, unfazed by his words. "Your ignorance is more disgraceful. You speak confidently, yet understand nothing."

He let loose another strike, his body tense with frustration. His eyes blazed with contempt, the flames intensifying around his katana. He was clearly trying to intimidate me, but his efforts were growing more frantic.

"Is evasion all you have, demihuman?" he snapped, voice dripping with growing contempt. "You're proving my point. A Tomaszewski is nothing without tricks and deception!"

I remained composed, effortlessly sidestepping another fierce slash. I could hear some of the watching soldiers murmuring, shifting uneasily.

They were clearly more accustomed to seeing aggression rewarded, not evaded with such calm precision. "And yet, you still can't touch me," I replied calmly, letting his anger build further.

[Observation: Opponent frustration rapidly increasing. Emotional instability likely.]

"Your presence alone taints noble blood," he snarled, flames roaring brighter around his blade. "Demi humans were never meant to lead—only to serve."

"And who decides who is fit to lead?" I countered, deflecting another heated slash with ease. "You, Alistair? God you're so ignorant. If strength alone determines worth, why are you struggling so desperately?"

He sneered, anger simmering beneath his composed façade. "Ignorant? You're the abomination who dares to hide her monstrous nature behind noble manners. I'll show everyone exactly what you are."

[Notice: Opponent's emotional reactions hindering tactical judgment.]

I remained silent, allowing his fury to grow, watching as his once-precise movements became jagged and wild. His frustration was becoming apparent not only to me but also to the soldiers around us, who exchanged uneasy glances.

"Fight properly!" he spat, frustration breaking his composure further. "Or are you so weak that all you can do is run and hide?"

"Why should I waste effort when your own incompetence defeats you better than I ever could?" I countered smoothly.

[Observation: Opponent displays escalating anger due to perceived humiliation. This emotional instability is exploitable. Suggest further psychological pressure.]

Alistair growled in response, flames flaring along his katana. "I'll silence that smug mouth of yours permanently!"

[Analysis: Human emotions significantly affect combat effectiveness. Understanding emotional triggers provides tactical advantage.]

Ah, look at you. Learning that emotions play a huge part in future actions. Good job Greet Sage!

[Notice: Host acknowledgment received. Processing...]

[Notice: Experiencing...satisfaction, pleasure? Affirmative. Feeling identified as pride.]

Alistar's anger made him predictable. Each swing of his blade became easier to evade, each step he took more desperate. I moved around him effortlessly, using his own momentum against him. I watched his composure break, watched his confidence crumble.

"Enough!" he roared, losing the last of his composure. "Stand still and face me properly, coward!"

Alistair's attacks grew increasingly erratic, flames exploding wildly from his katana with each furious swing. His eyes burned with hatred, frustration now consuming him fully.

I continued my measured movements, evading effortlessly, waiting for the mistake I knew he'd soon make. My patience was rewarded sooner than anticipated. Driven beyond reason, Alistair's attention snapped from me to a nearby Tomaszewski soldier, one who stood frozen at the sidelines.

[Warning: Opponent exhibiting desperation. Immediate threat level elevated.]

"If the heir won't fight properly, then I'll remind her what happens to the weak!" Alistair snarled, lunging toward the startled soldier.

"Stop!" Reilan shouted, moving instinctively, his blade half-drawn.

"You coward!" Asmodeus roared, electricity surging violently around him, illuminating his furious expression.

My heart pounded, adrenaline surging. Time seemed to slow. Instinct surged, overwhelming caution. I couldn't allow an innocent to suffer due to my battle.

[Alert: Host's mana reacting strongly to emotional distress. Stabilizing internal mana flow.]

"I can't!" I hissed internally. "Not now!"

Great Sage paused, then responded clearly:

[Notice: Host's moral imperative understood. Recommended course of action: Decisive intervention.]

Four tails manifested instantly, shimmering with gravitational force. One tail whipped forward, pulling the soldier from harm's path. Another tail crushed Alistair's sword arm, disarming him with an audible crack. A third tail slammed him forcefully into the dirt, dust exploding upward. The fourth pressed firmly against his throat, pinning him completely.

The soldiers froze, their eyes wide. They had never seen this side of me before. Whispers stirred among them, a mix of awe, fear, and confusion.

His gaze fell upon my tails, horror and disgust flooding his expression. Alistair lost all restraint. "A Summoner?! A disgusting BEAST?! You think you have the RIGHT to stand above ME?!" His voice twisted with hatred, warping into unhinged rage. "Summoners should NEVER be nobles! Your kind is FILTH! You should be EXTERMINATED!"

I straightened slowly, my tails poised defensively around me. The gravity around us seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat, each beat asserting control over the battlefield.

"The only monster here is you, Alistair," I retorted, voice steady despite my racing pulse. "Look at what you've become—willing to harm the innocent just to prove a point."

"Purity, righteousness, strength—these are what define true nobility!" he ranted, desperation fueling his words. "You threaten the very fabric of society!"

Reilan's voice was cold, dangerously calm. "And you justify murder in the name of your twisted ideals?"

Asmodeus growled sharply, lightning crackling dangerously close to Alistair. "You're pathetic. A noble should protect their people, not prey upon them."

"Purity?" I scoffed, stepping forward deliberately, my tails moving fluidly behind me. "If your so-called purity justifies murder, then your ideals are worthless. Strength isn't just magic or blood—it's resolve. And yours…has clearly failed you."

Calamitas chuckled darkly from the sidelines, voice dripping with amusement and mockery. "Oh, Alistair, you were doing so well. It's truly disappointing to see you unravel so spectacularly."

The watching soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, visibly shaken but silent. Their perceptions were clearly challenged—some stared in awe at my power, others showed uncertainty or even fear—but none dared question my authority openly.

Alistair seethed, staggering back, desperation giving way to panic. "This isn't over," he rasped, eyes wild. "I will never accept someone like you!"

I took another measured step forward, eyes locked onto his. "You don't have to accept me. But you will remember this defeat. You challenged me and lost. You threatened innocent lives and failed."

He stumbled further, defiance crumbling under the reality of defeat. His hands shook uncontrollably as fear finally took root.

I let the silence stretch, ensuring everyone present understood the weight of this moment. This wasn't just a duel—it was a declaration.

[Assessment: Combat concluded successfully. Host status: dominant.]

I allowed myself a single breath of relief. The battle was over—but the real war had just begun.

[Observation: Opponent's emotional instability compromised. Actions dictates an immediate and decisive conclusion.]

Realizing he had no way out, Alistair's expression twisted into madness. Flames began gathering violently around him—he was casting a self-destructive spell.

"If I must die, I'll take you all with me!" he screamed, desperation overriding any sense of self-preservation.

Before he could finish, a blinding burst of heat erupted from the sidelines. Calamitas stepped forward gracefully, eyes cold and amused. Alistair's leg shattered violently beneath her fiery strike, his body collapsing with a scream of agony.

"Oh, that was just pathetic," Calamitas mocked softly. "You lost, and now you throw a tantrum? Truly disappointing."

Broken yet defiant, Alistair still tried to crawl forward, hatred twisting his features. "This world will NEVER accept you lot! You can fight, you can pretend, but your leader will always be a MONSTER!"

I moved forward silently, my fan gleaming ominously under the torchlight. 

[Notice: Opponent incapable of rational action. Continued existence poses threat to host and allies. Recommended action: Permanent elimination.]

With a swift, precise motion, I swiped at his neck, the blade sliding cleanly through Alistair's throat.

His eyes widened, shock overtaking hatred. He collapsed slowly, choking on his own words, his final breath slipping away. The silence afterward was unbearable.

The embers of Alistair Dagan's arrogance still burned in the air long after his body hit the ground. The training field stood silent. No breath, no movement. Only the lingering scent of scorched earth and the faint crackle of Asmodeus' dissipating electricity.

My fan was slick with the last remnants of Alistair's fleeting life. I had to kill him cleanly, without hesitation, without fanfare. One strike, through the throat. Efficient. Final. As any noble should do to a treasonus heir.

His body twitched once more before stilling completely.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then the shift. The weight of realization crashed over the soldiers who had watched. Some stood in rigid silence, others took a step back, their faces unreadable, but their gazes unmistakable.

Fear.

Not just at what had transpired. Not just at what they had seen.

At me.

The heir of Tomaszewski wasn't just strong. I knew I wasn't just capable. I knew that I was something else. A Summoner that had tails that moved too fast for the eye to track, a young woman that could break an adult noble warrior without a second thought.

I was something they couldn't quite define.

I flicked the blood from the blade, folding the blade back into the handle. It was done.

Calamitas shattered the silence with her soft laughter laced with genuine approval in her voice. "Oh, I like this version of you, Chiori. You finally understand. I knew you had it in you, little monster. You did it beautifully."

Her words were honeyed, but her eyes burned bright with something deeper, something hungry.

I didn't answer. I didn't need to.

Asmodeus' golden eyes were locked on me, not with fear, but with something unreadable. His hands were still clenched, his lightning still faintly flickering, but he said nothing. His silence was heavier than any spoken reaction. He understood why I'd acted, yet the harshness of my action clearly troubled him deeply.

Reilan exhaled, sheathing his blade as if coming down from an unseen high. He did not look at Alistair's corpse. Only at me. His voice barely above a whisper. "You did what had to be done."

I turned away from them, my gaze finding the one person whose words did matter.

Satoshi Tomaszewski had not moved. He had watched the entire duel, the entire execution, without so much as a flicker of expression. Not approval. Not disapproval. Just calculated, unreadable nothingness.

And then, at last, he spoke. His voice cold and detached, but beneath it, there was something else—something subtle, as if he were holding back. "You won. Now deal with the consequences."

There was a brief pause. Then, he added quietly, almost as if to himself, "I didn't want you to have to fight. But now, there's no turning back."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing over the fallen, the weight of my victory pressing heavily upon me.

I could almost feel it—the lingering tension in the air. Was it pride? Was it relief? Or was it something deeper? Something I couldn't quite place.

[Notice: Emotional shift detected in Satoshi. Current analysis: Internal conflict rising.]

I glanced briefly toward the empty spot where my mother would normally stand, her absence suddenly glaring. She would have never allowed things to escalate this far—would have stepped in, sharp and commanding, ending the fight before it even began to spiral. Her absence felt wrong, unsettling.

Calamitas followed my gaze, an unreadable smile crossing her lips. "Oh? Reilan hasn't told you yet? Now that's interesting."

I turned sharply, my heart tightening. Asmodeus glanced toward Reilan as well, tension evident in his stance.

[Observation: Reilan's body language indicates significant distress. Emotional instability unusual in this individual.]

"Told me what?" I demanded, the urgency clear in my voice.

Reilan hesitated, his expression strained with reluctance. "Lady Lelyah…she's fallen ill. It's serious. I'm sorry—I should have informed you both sooner."