The morning sky was still cloaked in darkness when Tikko and Nokko stood in the open field, waiting patiently amid the long shadows cast by towering torches. The chill in the air slipped between them, their breath visible in the cold. Around them, the usual Damerius guards were stirring in curiosity, joined by a presence even more discreet—the Nori, the shadowy agents known for being unseen but ever-watchful.
At the center of the field, five captains of Damerius's frontline forces stood in a firm half-circle. They were known as The Five Death Wolves—Tikko, Nokko, Giko, Loko, and Moko. The title wasn't just a name—it was a symbol of their ferocity and valor. A year ago, the five were the sole survivors of a brutal deathmatch in the Damerius Arena—a hellish clash of ten elite warriors against twenty others. Within that blood-soaked arena, they were forced to fight until only one side remained. When the final blade was silenced, it was they who still stood. That victory earned them command over thousands, wielding unmatched strategy and combat skill.
Heavy footsteps approached. From the shadows emerged a menacing figure—Valtros Gorn, commander of the Nori, eyes sharp and posture tense, never caught off guard. His dark cloak rippled in the breeze as he strode toward Tikko and Nokko.
"What are you doing out here this early?" Valtros's voice was low and gruff, laced with suspicion. His gaze scrutinized the two warriors. "Don't tell me you're waiting for Robb."
"Exactly," Nokko replied with a grin. "We got permission last night to test our skills against Lord Rogg's younger brother."
Valtros exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing. "But our lord returns soon. Did you ask him for permission? Robb is a guest of honor in Damerius."
Tikko crossed his arms, his jaw tight. "This is only a test of strength. It's been almost a year since we had a worthy opponent. We need the challenge to stay sharp."
"Not with the lord's guest," Valtros growled. He stepped forward, facing them squarely. "If you're really that desperate for a fight—then face me."
Moko, who had been silent, raised an eyebrow in interest. "Are you serious, Valtros?"
Valtros tilted his chin up, a thin, challenging smile playing on his lips. "The question is… are you ready to face me—one by one?"
Tension crackled in the air like a storm on the brink. The legendary Five Death Wolves now stood face-to-face with the notorious head of the Nori, infamous for his cunning and deadly precision. The shadowy agents behind Valtros stirred uneasily, ready to act if the situation exploded. Giko grinned wide, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We're always ready for a real fight."
Loko said nothing. His eyes, however, were razor-sharp. Unlike the others, he preferred refining his skills in silence, uninterested in pointless shows of power. Still, he understood—this duel might be more than just a friendly match.
The wind stirred again, carrying with it the scent of battle. The air thickened, as if the field was about to turn into another blood-soaked arena. The Five Wolves faced Valtros Gorn and his men—and in that moment, one thing was certain:
A fight was inevitable.
Tikko and Nokko braced themselves in the center of the field, ready. But just as the tension was about to snap, Damerius arrived—accompanied by Lady Bilka, Ophelia, and Ellie.
"What is going on here? Why are you all gathered and stirring trouble in the training grounds?" Damerius's booming voice broke through the growing commotion.
At once, everyone bowed in respect. "My lord, welcome home," they said in unison.
Damerius swept his gaze over the scene, eyes locking on Valtros and the Five Wolves. "What's happening here, Valtros? Tikko, Nokko, Giko, Moko, Loko—why the tension?"
Valtros bowed slightly before responding, "My lord, they were waiting for Lord Robb to challenge him to a duel. I reminded them that Lord Robb is a guest of honor."
Tikko quickly interjected, "My lord, it was only Nokko and I who challenged him. And we already had his agreement."
Damerius raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So Robb agreed to it? Then where is he now?"
Before anyone could answer, Vuuxi and Arkael appeared from the direction of the main building.
"My lord, you've returned?" said Arkael casually. "Lord Robb is still asleep."
A brief silence followed. All eyes turned, stunned by Vuuxi's presence.
Damerius smiled. "Vuuxi, you're here as well? Welcome to my estate, great one."
Many of those present were confused. They'd heard of the Doliex tribe's fearsome reputation—but Vuuxi remained a mystery.
"Thank you, Damerius. I'm glad Arkael has taken good care of us," Vuuxi replied.
Damerius turned to Arkael. "Thank you for hosting my guests."
"It was my duty, my lord," Arkael answered.
Vuuxi stepped forward, his eyes sharp as blades. "Alright then, who's up first? Or you can come at me all at once. I'll fight in Robb's place."
The field erupted in noise. Laughter broke out among the soldiers. One man against two of the Five Death Wolves? Unthinkable.
Yet Vuuxi stood firm. Unshaken. Unflinching.
Tikko chuckled. "Alright then. Since I was the first to issue the challenge, I'll be the first to step up."
Vuuxi shook his head. "If it's just the two of you, you might as well come at me together."
Silence fell over the field. Even Damerius and Valtros were taken aback by Vuuxi's boldness.
With fire in their eyes, Tikko and Nokko stepped forward side by side, ready for battle. The soldiers gathered around quickly formed a circle, eager to witness the clash.
Damerius took his seat beside Lady Bilka, Ophelia, Ellie, and Arkael.
Arkael turned to him. "My Lord, are you considering reopening the Damerius Arena?"
Damerius shook his head slowly. "I've no desire to spill blood for the sake of pride or spectacle, Arkael. I've already gained what I truly wanted."
"As you wish, my Lord," Arkael replied, turning his attention back to the field.
The battle began.
Tikko and Nokko lunged at Vuuxi with full force, surging forward like twin bolts of lightning. Tikko thrust his sword directly at Vuuxi's chest while Nokko charged from the side, aiming for his blind spot.
But with a movement that defied belief, Vuuxi evaded both attacks with stunning agility. He twisted mid-air, sidestepped Tikko's thrust, and slammed his foot into Nokko's chest. Nokko was sent flying backward, tumbling across the ground before landing in a dazed heap, shock plastered across his face.
Tikko growled and pressed on, unleashing a barrage of rapid strikes. But Vuuxi dodged them all effortlessly, reading each move like an open book, anticipating every slash before it even happened. Then, with one deadly counter, Vuuxi knocked Tikko's blade aside and drove his elbow into his gut. Tikko staggered back, gasping for air.
Nokko scrambled to his feet and launched another attack in unison with Tikko. Vuuxi only smirked. With lightning speed, he parried both of them, leapt into the air, spun mid-flight, and landed a brutal spinning kick straight to Nokko's head. Nokko collapsed, unconscious before he hit the ground.
Tikko froze, stunned—but before he could even blink, Vuuxi was already in front of him. A single, crushing blow to the jaw sent Tikko flying. He hit the ground hard and didn't move again.
Everyone watching stood frozen.
The Five Death Wolves were known as the fiercest warriors in all Damerius. Yet now, two of them had been taken down in mere seconds.
Vuuxi stood tall, without a scratch on him."Who's next?" he asked, his tone flat and cold.
Silence.No one dared step forward.
Damerius allowed himself a faint smile."Interesting," he murmured.