Indeed, to Shichiro it must had been an outlandish situation, for someone who by law was considered a criminal to offer the Rune Knights the chance to arrest her.
Noticing the drifting gaze of the Rune Knight Esperia merely responded in a calm tone. "They are merely unconcious, should you desire to you can take them to the hospital later. I made certain to avoid their vitals so some medical treatment and rest should be enough.
Shichiro, former mercenary who now served as a high-ranked member of the Rune Knights. It made Esperia's gaze linger on the man for a bit. For her own outfit it seemed Esperia had come equally prepared, the Armored Titan currently having blended in with the scales on her neck and cheeks, ready to expand into its helmet form when she desired it. Jurvag had been quiet, aware of what the witch had been planning and merely served as an expensive-looking robe that covered her body.
Curiously enough it didn't seem Esperia was armed, at least not in the traditional sense of the word.
"I guess you could say that I have my reasons for this challenge." While she observed Shichiro taking a combative stance Esperia raised her arms upwards, the obsidian scaled prosthetics becoming visible while the silver-haired witch made sure to pay attentionon her footing, while her hands were about the height of her chest, ready to deal with an incoming attack, she also braced herself, her footing steadied so that should her enemy carry an attack with overwhelming strength, she would be unlikely to stagger from the blow. "Perhaps I tell you during the questioning, should you manage to best me."
Right now her weight was distributed fairly, although likely lighter in weight than the former mercenary, she knew the mixture of strength and her prosthetics would likely help a lot in the fight that would await them.
Shichiro was the first to take initiative, slowly moving in as he attempted to throw a left jab aimed at her sternum. It was wise for such a cautious act to be made, for unlike her the Rune Knight knew little about her capacities, yet when he approached her to get within range of his jab, she had already lunged forwards!
It was a rapid movement, at first sight, one might have imagined it would have been an attempt to parry or deflect the jab, but it was neither. Instead at the same time, Shichiro approached her Esperia's own arm moved. The fist that struck her chest was fortunately softened by the defensive protection of her armor, although she could feel Jurvag's strength weakening as a consequence.
Meanwhile, Esperia's right fist jabbed forward during the same time, a swift shot aimed toward the ribcage of the man, just slightly below his left arm which was currently the closest spot for her to reach considering that right at the same time Shichiro's fist connected to her robe.
Afterward, not hesitating for even a moment Esperia lowered her stance so that her left fist was leveled with Shinchiro's ribs, using mostly her knees and ankles to lower herself while ensuring her body weight was balanced. Turning her torso and hips she pivoted her left foot, her arm ninety degrees away from her side and elbow bent just the same. as she tried to strike Shichiro a second time.
Finally, Esperia would have declared in an apologetic tone. "I apologize for the rough treatment, but I will only let myself be captured by one who is worthy of doing so..."
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Jurvag's robe took the blow, due to minor physical resistance the S-rank damage dropped to A-rank, causing it to have A-rank durability left.