บท 27: They told you.

"That's Asaga! The fourteenth out of eighteen descendants of Clyon! What is happening?!" The golem's face was cracking up to the point that it was showing normal expressions. His face showed fear and confusion. His panic was evident.

Zippy and the bunnies were watching the scene with curiosity. Most of them were unaware of the situation, behaving like children. However, Zippy was about to jump down in her lightning form, but the Remenant on her pushed her back to the roof. She didn't understand what was happening.

The golem's chest and head were glowing red. Ephiron reacted quickly and asked, "Clem, breathe. Right, you are a..." I apologize for the mistake. Do you need a cooldown?"

"Yes, and please explain to me what happened."

Ephiron nodded, offered a shy smile, and cooled down Clem's torso, spraying cold water on his whole body. "That human saved me from a compromised situation by redirecting her attention and anger toward him. Or, as she would say, 'He made me mad, and I will kill him before you.'"

"But why? Why is she even here? Doesn't she have royal duties in the Fire Tribes?"

Ephiron shook his head, his expression returning to its stoic mood. "She wanted to take the human I captured. Why? I'm afraid I didn't get that far yet."

"She's going to kill him! She doesn't need a direct hit but with her fire breath or her aura fired up is enough!"

"That's why I had to pull a few favors, but I'll thank him later. He gave me enough time to inform Ladice. How about your master? Does she know?"

"I can't...the contract."

Asaga turned around in a single twirl, her creepy smile showing her sharp teeth as she moved freely. She approached the bleeding human. The human was not in good shape.

His hair was slightly burned, and he had hard scratches on his sides and arms. His shirt was half scorched and half torn from claw marks. His face, arms, and torso were bleeding.

His eyes were bloodshot, his hands were trembling, and his legs were crouched slightly. But he had the same creepy and furious smile she had, just with normal teeth. He was holding a laptop by his side.

Asaga giggled, looking at the deplorable state of the human. "You know that appearing like that won't save you from having your arms torn apart, right?"

"The worst part of this duel is already over." Chump moved his shoulder and put it in place.

"HAHAHAHA-" Asaga kept laughing for a whole minute, showing her teeth and fangs disrespectfully. During that time, Chump took the opportunity to write something on the laptop.

"Do you really think that's pain? You're going to love it after what I'm going to do to you~"

Chump's eyes rolled dismissively at the threats the woman was making. "Yeah yeah, can you shut up and just explain to me how a duel is activated? I need something before we start."

Asaga looked disgusted toward the human. All happiness and playfulness were washed away. "You really want to die, huh? I thought I was clear when I hinted that I wanted y-"

Chump interrupted her, and his friend was equally friendless. "Look, I don't care. You threatened a person who holds me a promise. So I will teach you a lesson—a lesson and a principle called 'modesty.'"

"All this for that butler of a stupid noble from the Water Tribes? For your information, they like to give out noble titles to anyone who can get a tiny piece of land and pay a fee. HA! You just gave away your life."

"And I thought Clem was racist… Look, are we going to duel or what? I didn't risk my life for the last two weeks just to hear a giant child flex her obsidian-decorated hands."

"Fine, suit yourself. I was giving you time to let you give up, but I see that you have a death wish." Her cocky attitude returned as she showed her giant hand. "You just need to say 'Ready!' or something similar when you want to start while your hand is aiming at the opponent. Even a meathead like you can do it!"

"Seems pretty easy. In the meantime, am I allowed to hit you?"

"Nah, those are for cowards like you. All attacks will be redirected to the user if they try that kind of stuff. Remember, no help, nor weapons. If you get K.O., consider yourself dead, darling."

While she explained the rules of the duel, a third figure appeared through a portal similar to Ephiron's but dark purple instead of green. The third figure was a small person, about 180 centimeters tall, with a round, cute face.

She wore a ritual tunic, typical of any religious ceremony, a large cape that covered her from top to bottom, barely touching the ground.She had a skinny figure with barely any physical attributes that distinguished her.

Her eyes were brown, and her skin was light. She had caramel-brown hair and no human ears. Instead, she had cat ears on top of her head that moved with her hair. Her voice was soft like Ephiron's but fragile as if she were in a weak condition.

The new person spoke timidly. "I'm here, friend…"

Ephiron turned around slowly, his tone changing to a more delighted one but still worried about the situation. "Oh good, I thought you couldn't make it, Thali. How are you? And Mr. Fay? Everything okay with Sinomis? I love the new ears, by the way. I hope they don't hurt."

Clem stood silently, observing both conversations. He looked at Zippy, and Zippy looked back. They both shrugged at each other to see if the other knew the new person.

"Oh, I'm alright with my new Master. She treats me much better than the last one. She takes care of me and my mother as well. And as for my boyfriend, Mr. Fay sends his regards. However, I'm off work for you... I could get in trouble if they found me outside of my room…"

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but right now, everyone else is busy, and I know you are the best at this. I beg you for a favor, Miss Thalia." Ephiron kneeled before her, his head down.

Thalia moved her hands sideways, blushing as she looked elsewhere. "P-P-please, stand up. Do not beg me; you saved me before."Ephiron nodded, understanding her, and waited for her to calm down. "Anything for you. What's the matter, dear friend?"

Ephiron signaled down to where both individuals were staring at each other, getting ready for the showdown. Thalia answered, "It's a bit high. Can you help me look, please, Mr. Ephiron?"

Ephiron bowed slightly and extended his hands toward the building. In a rush, he formed a giant transparent ice balcony with strong pillars connecting the walls to the balcony. Then, he offered his hands to Thalia.

Thalia smiled and, after a tiny reverence, took Ephiron's hands, and they walked together to the balcony. Ephiron indicated the situation to Thalia. Clem wanted to step forward but reconsidered.

However, the bunnies rushed playfully and jumped around Thalia. Zippy zapped on top of Ephiron's head.

The situation below changed slightly. Asaga was aiming her hand toward Chump, growing impatient. However, Chump walked toward a military vehicle with bloodied marks and scratches all over it. The left front light was broken, as well as the right mirror.

Chump shouted "And you're going to wait ten more seconds, okay?! Geez, royalty is always the same no matter where…."

Chump opened the door, sat down in the pilot seat, placed the laptop on his lap, fastened his seatbelt, and aimed it at Asaga.

"Do you see that young man who's going to fight the fire lady, Miss Thalia?" Thalia only nodded. Her expression was questioning.

"I want you to be ready to take his soul, only if he dies."

"But why would he perish? It's just a normal fight, right? What's happening, Mr. Ephiron?"

"We had a big discussion, and now that man is helping me out. However..." Ephiron took a moment to explain. "It seems that the lady is not a friendly person."

"Bring it on, bitch," Chump stated.

Both marks lit up. Asaga's Remenant mark was freed, and some minor injuries on Chump's body healed faster. Asaga's mark on her hand glowed hot red, while Chump's hand had a simple but beautiful bright white mark.

However, it wasn't as bright as the Discord White mode.

Asaga's laughter returned with more strength than ever. Her maniacal laughter echoed throughout the neighborhood. Her obsidian wings swung a couple of times and positioned themselves to launch her toward Chump. The giant claws tore through the ground as she launched herself toward the military vehicle.

Chump moved his finger to the laptop and pressed Enter. "Boop~"

Just as she was in the air a few meters from launching herself into action, the cars on the streets around her exploded. The blast struck her point-blank. Her eyes were the only things that reacted to the explosion approaching before she was engulfed by the flames and smoke.

Chump started the car's engine. A tired giggle came from his mouth. "I told you... the worst has already happened."