The sun, a blazing golden orb, showered the city-state of Seven with its radiant embrace, while the Arena of Champions thrummed with an electrifying energy. The air crackled with the anticipation of thousands, their voices merging into a symphony of excitement as news of the impending duel echoed through the cobblestone streets and bustling marketplaces of this rich and prosperous country.

In the hushed sanctity of the combatant's chambers, a soft chuckle escaped Tōga's lips, a playful melody against the backdrop of mounting tension. "Who would have thought he'd agree to this?" he mused, a mischievous glint dancing in his mismatched eyes - one a rich, molten chocolate, the other a mesmerizing fusion of crimson and ebony, a reflection of the blazing spirit that burned within him. The echoes of the burgeoning crowd outside, a tidal wave of anticipation, hinted at a spectacle that would ignite the imagination of all who bore witness.

But Tōga remained unfazed, a serene island amidst the storm of excitement. Battle was his muse, his life's passion, a symphony of movement and energy that resonated with his very soul. Unlike the rigid formality of his duties as a Rune Knight, which often felt like a stifling cage, combat was where he truly soared, his spirit unfettered, his instincts honed to a razor's edge.

"I mustn't keep Ittindi-san waiting," he murmured, his voice a soft caress against the silence. Rising from his seat with the grace of a predator, he drew a deep, invigorating breath, filling his lungs with the intoxicating scent of eagerness. The vestibule beckoned, its shadows promising a grand stage where destiny awaited.

As he stepped through the final gateway, a thunderous roar of cheers washed over him, a tidal wave of adoration that threatened to sweep him away. Tōga raised a hand in a humble wave, his steps measured and confident as he navigated the path towards the trampoline-like platforms. The vibrant hues of the arena swirled around him, a kaleidoscope of color and energy, a tribute to the grandeur of the occasion.

Across the arena, Ittindi, the famed Rune Knight butler, stood tall and proud, a warrior forged in the fires of an indomitable sense of duty. A mutual salute passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the respect and camaraderie that transcended the thrill of competition. "Ooooi, Ittindi-san!" Tōga's voice boomed, a clarion call that echoed through the arena, igniting the already fervent atmosphere.

Adorned in his eclectic collection of mystic armaments, each piece humming with latent power, Tōga took his position, locking eyes with his opponent. The air crackled with anticipation, a palpable tension that hung heavy in the air. With a flourish, he drew Zangetsu and Rengoku's Kimetsu, the twin blades shimmering like iridescent jewels in the sunlight. Ittindi mirrored his action, his own weapon drawn as he launched himself into the air from the trampoline, a graceful arc of defiance against gravity.

Tōga's instincts screamed for a mirroring leap, a mid-air clash of steel that would set the arena ablaze. Yet, prudence prevailed, a testament to the wisdom gleaned from countless battles. Ittindi's use of firearms and the unfamiliar terrain demanded a more measured approach. Crossing the obsidian blade of Zangetsu over the ornate Kimetsu, Tōga settled into a defensive stance, his eyes fixed on his opponent, ready to counter whatever challenge fate had in store. The stage was set, the actors poised, and the audience held its breath, for a duel that would be etched into the annals of history.

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wc: 591

Combat Log:

Ittindi, the Rune Knight butler, was a man of quietude and unwavering resolve. A stoic figure with hair as dark as midnight, he embodied the very essence of the earth itself: steadfast, nurturing, and unyielding. His days were a harmonious blend of servitude and swordsmanship, his loyalty to his master matched only by his dedication to the ideals of the Rune Knights. His impeccable manners and adherence to formalities often led him to gently nudge the exuberant Tōga towards a more decorous demeanor, reminding him of the dignity expected of a Colonel. Yet, beneath the veneer of propriety, a mutual respect blossomed, a silent understanding forged in the fires of shared experience.

Today, that bond would be tested in the grand amphitheater of the Arena of Champions. While their training sessions typically unfolded within the familiar walls of Era, today's spar would be a spectacle witnessed by thousands, their collective breath held in anticipation. The familiar training ground had transformed into a stage, a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of expectation and excitement.

"He certainly favors that Dominator," Tōga mused, his gaze lingering on the elegant firearm in Ittindi's hand. The weapon, a symbol of the Rune Knights' prowess, was a familiar companion to Tōga, though his own heart belonged to the twin blades that danced at his side. As Ittindi, propelled skyward by the trampoline's elastic embrace, took aim, a playful smirk tugged at the corners of Tōga's lips.

With a fluid sidestep, he evaded the initial shot, a mere opening gambit in the intricate dance of combat that was about to unfold. Landing gracefully on the springy surface, Tōga crouched low, his muscles coiled like a panther ready to pounce. Ittindi, ever the tactician, prepared for another aerial maneuver, his movements precise and calculated.

In the split second between the butler's ascent and descent, Tōga became a blur of motion. Zigzagging across the trampoline, he maintained a low profile, his movements as elusive as the wind itself. Ittindi fired another shot, but Tōga, anticipating the trajectory, met the bullet with the flat of his blade, a metallic clang echoing through the arena.

"Your aim is as sharp as ever, Ittindi-san!" Tōga's voice, a playful taunt amidst the chaos, reverberated through the charged atmosphere. With a flick of his wrist, he ignited Rengoku's Kimetsu, the fiery katana radiating a warmth that defied the cool air of the arena. A sweeping arc unleashed a torrent of flames, a majestic dragon taking flight, its incandescent breath aimed at the descending butler.¹

"Let's see how you handle a bit of heat, Ittindi-san!" Tōga's voice, a symphony of challenge and camaraderie, echoed through the arena. As the dragon of fire roared towards its target, Tōga launched himself into the air, propelled by the trampoline's springy embrace. He soared towards the western edge of the arena, his movements as unpredictable as the flames he commanded, a witness to the raw power and boundless energy that defined him.

Ittindi would have to think quick and choose his options wisely. A battle afar may have been more risky then one close. They both possessed abilities to fight from distance, though Tōga assumed his would eventually hit harder, and he had the mana and stamina to maintain it.

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wc: 549 [1,140]

Combat Log:

Tōga's gaze followed the trajectory of the fire dragon, its incandescent form a attestation to his mastery over the infernal arts. Rengoku's Kimetsu, still radiating heat, hummed softly in his hand, a dragon's heartbeat echoing the anticipation in his own chest. The battlefield crackled with the aftershocks of his attack, the air heavy with the scent of ozone and singed magic.

The sheer audacity of the attack, a fiery tempest unleashed so early in the duel, spoke volumes about Ittindi's resolve. It was a bold gamble against a comrade, a risk Tōga knew his friend wouldn't take lightly. But the Arena staff, ever mindful of the delicate balance between spectacle and safety, had assured them of skilled healers on standby, a safety net that allowed both warriors to push their limits without fear of lasting harm. A calculated risk, a dance on the edge of a razor, but one that fueled the thrill of the duel.

Tōga's mismatched eyes, one a deep chocolate brown, the other a mesmerizing swirl of crimson and ebony, narrowed in concentration as Ittindi, still descending from his previous leap, raised the Dominator once more. A sharp crack, like a whip cracking through the air, echoed through the arena as the gun unleashed its most potent shot yet, a piercing beam of concentrated magical energy that intercepted the fire dragon in a blinding explosion of light and heat. The shockwave rippled through the air, sending dust and debris swirling in a chaotic dance.

With practiced agility, Tōga had already completed his evasive maneuver, landing gracefully ten meters away from his opponent. But to his surprise, Ittindi did not maintain his distance. Instead, he used the trampoline's rebound to propel himself forward, closing the gap with astonishing speed, a blur of motion that belied his normally composed demeanor.

"Huh?" Tōga's eyebrow quirked in surprise as Ittindi, gun leveled, unleashed another magical projectile aimed squarely at his chest. In a split-second decision, born of instinct and countless hours of training, Tōga dipped his knees, adjusting his trajectory so that the bullet grazed his shoulder, its impact a sharp sting against the Ryōhi hunting armor, evidence to its resilience.

This calculated sacrifice, a pawn offered in the intricate chess game of combat, created an opportunity for a resolute counterattack. Using the trampoline's elasticity, Tōga launched himself into the air, defying gravity with the same grace as a soaring dragon. As he ascended, he swung Zangetsu in a wide arc, its obsidian blade a crescent moon seeking to cleave through the butler's defenses¹.

The aerial assault served a dual purpose: it allowed Tōga to evade a third shot aimed at his feet, a foil to Ittindi's relentless pursuit, and brought him within striking distance of his opponent. As he landed, a mere whisper away from Ittindi, he unleashed a lightning-fast strike with Rengoku's Kimetsu, aiming for the arm that wielded the Dominator,² a viper striking at the heart of its prey.

The two attacks, executed in perfect harmony, were a point of emphasis to Tōga's  aspired mastery of both swordsmanship and strategy. He knew that proximity was key, and he had leveraged the chaos of the battle to create an opening. As he retreated, assuming a defensive stance, he couldn't help but grin. The duel had reached a fever pitch, a breathtaking dance of steel and magic that pushed both warriors to their limits, a spectacle that would be etched into the memories of all who witnessed it.

Something seemed different about Ittindi. Something distinctly different, and yet so familiar. He smelled of divinity?

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wc: 601 [1,741]

Combat Log:

Zangetsu, a ravenous shadow in the form of a cleaver, found its mark. Ittindi staggered back, the impact of the blow resonating through his body, a testimony to Tōga's strength and precision. The dragon slayer's asymmetric eyes, one a warm amber, the other a magnetic combination of crimson and ebony, tracked the weapon's recoil, anticipating the butler's next move.

"His Dominator shots are weakening," Tōga observed, a spark of insight igniting within his mind as he effortlessly deflected another bullet aimed at his chest. He understood that magic, even when channeled through a weapon, was not an inexhaustible resource. Ittindi, like any mage, had his limits. The butler was conserving his energy, biding his time for a more decisive strike.

Tōga's tiger and onyx blade, Rengoku's Kimetsu, sang through the air, seeking to capitalize on the opening created by Zangetsu's attack. But Ittindi, ever the agile tactician, evaded the strike with a graceful backflip, widening the distance between them to a full ten meters.

"Not so fast, my friend," Tōga declared, his voice a playful taunt that belied the intensity of the duel. He pivoted on his heel, his movements as fluid as water, and lunged forward in hot pursuit. The trampoline's springy surface amplified his speed, propelling him across the arena like a bolt of lightning.

Within moments, he had closed the distance to a mere five meters, his eyes locked on Ittindi's every move. The butler, undeterred, raised his Dominator once more, a faint glimmer of magical energy coalescing around the barrel.

Tōga, anticipating the shot, swung Zangetsu in a wide arc, the blade humming with a newfound energy. Particles of light danced around its edge, a prelude to the spell he was about to unleash. As the bullet struck his armor, a dull thud against the resilient metal, Tōga unleashed his counterattack¹.

A wave of mana, a brilliant surge of ethereal energy, erupted from Zangetsu, washing over towards Ittindi in a blinding torrent. The attack, a symphony of light and power, was designed not only to inflict pain but also to drain the butler's mana reserves, leaving him vulnerable to further assault.

The dragon slayer's gambit was a calculated risk, a daring exchange of offense for defense. But Tōga, ever the gambler, thrived on such moments of calculated chaos. The outcome of this exchange, a pivotal turning point in the duel.

“Oh, I am!” Tōga shouted, now allowing his pursuit to end as he bobbed once more, looking for the space Ittindi to occupy follow his attack so he could begin his chase there.

---

wc: 451[2,192]

Combat Log:

Success! The Getsuga Tenshō, a radiant crescent of energy, found its mark, engulfing Ittindi in a blinding flash. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, a testament to the raw power behind Tōga's signature move. But the attack was more than just a display of brute force; it was a calculated maneuver designed to exploit Ittindi's mana reserves, a strategic move aimed at disrupting the butler's rhythm and forcing him into a defensive position.

From the dissipating cloud of smoke and debris, a silhouette darted skyward with astonishing velocity. "You're a fast one, Ittindi-san!" Tōga called out, a smile playing across his lips as he prepared his counter. Utilizing the springy platform beneath him, he coiled his legs beneath him before explosively unloading his weight upward in a calculated burst to intercept Ittindi before he could fully capitalize on his aerial advantage.

A mana-enriched bullet, sharper and more formidable than the earlier ones, grazed the strip of Tōga's Ryōhi armor along his shoulder, narrowly missing a more debilitating trajectory thanks to a quick, instinctive tilt of his head. The force of the impact was significant, but Tōga's protective attire—both ornamental and functional—proved its worth by blunting the blow. The second shot would hit Tōga’s crown, or would have had it not been for the fortified headdress he donned. While the fabric looked soft, it was both durable and flexible, safeguarding his head for the time being.

Undeterred by the pain, Tōga pressed his advantage. He swung Zangetsu, the obsidian blade slicing through the air like a ravenous shadow, aiming for Ittindi's center mass¹. In a seamless flow of motion, he spun Rengoku's Kimetsu, the fiery katana, its blade igniting with a hungry roar. A torrent of flames, coalescing into the form of a majestic dragon, surged towards Ittindi, its incandescent breath seeking to consume him and drain his dwindling mana reserves².

The aerial battlefield crackled with energy, a symphony of clashing elements as fire and magic intertwined. Both warriors, suspended in mid-air, locked in a breathtaking duel that defied gravity and convention. Ittindi, hopefully caught in a whirlwind of fire and steel, faced a difficult choice. He could evade the attack, but at the cost of losing precious ground. Or he could attempt to counter, a risky gamble against a dragon slayer in his element.

Both combatants were now locked in a high-stakes aerial duel. The dynamics of airborne combat were always tricky, but for a dragon slayer like Tōga, the sky was as much a battlefield as any earthbound arena. His attacks, designed to maximize both impact and mana depletion, tested Ittindi's defensive capabilities to their limits.

Tōga, his eyes ablaze with a fierce determination, waited for Ittindi's response. He knew that the butler was a formidable opponent, a formidable tactician with a wealth of experience. But Tōga, too, was a force to be reckoned with, a dragon slayer whose powers were only amplified by the thrill of the chase. The duel had reached a pivotal moment, a crossroads where instinct and strategy would collide.

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wc: 532 [2,724]

Combat Log:

Each resounding clang against Ittindi's defenses sent a ripple of unease through Tōga's core. He was acutely aware of the Arena's post-battle restoration protocol, where wounds would be mended and equipment rejuvenated. Still, striking a comrade, even with the assurance of future healing, felt profoundly wrong, especially with the full force of his weapons unleashed. A heartfelt apology would be in order after this, though judging by the bullet-riddled state of his own armor, Ittindi would likely share similar sentiments.

Their simultaneous attacks found their marks, Tōga's fiery onslaught draining Ittindi's mana reserves further as they plummeted towards the unforgiving earth. Tōga observed with a tempered intensity as Ittindi, despite the gnawing pain and exhaustion, raised his Dominator once more, unleashing another volley of projectiles. Both found their target, piercing the heart of Tōga's breastplate, but the Joyan warrior refused to falter. The sting of the impact paled in comparison to the bitter taste of defeat.

Ittindi braced himself, anticipating another flurry of blows, but Tōga had a different strategy in mind. With a burst of speed, he charged forward, feinting at the last moment before unleashing a devastating two-pronged attack. Kimetsu, the blade of fire, led the charge, followed swiftly by Zangetsu's diagonal slash, both aimed at the exposed vulnerability of Ittindi's chest, now unprotected by the shattered remnants of his armor.

Time seemed to slow as the blades descended, the air thick with anticipation and the unspoken language of friends locked in combat. The fate of the battle, perhaps even their future training sessions, hung precariously in the balance, the culmination of their staunch determination and honed skills. The outcome remained shrouded in uncertainty, a thrilling testament to the unpredictable nature of combat and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to test weapons against friend hummed as the battle was nearing it’s close.

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wc: 332 [3,056]

Combat Log:

"Ittindi-san!" Tōga's voice, thick with a mixture of concern and remorse, echoed through the arena as the butler's body was sent sprawling backward, propelled by the force of the dragon slayer's strikes. Crimson droplets, a grim testament to the newly inflicted wound, splattered the ground, painting a vivid tableau of violence.

Without hesitation, Tōga abandoned his weapons, lunging forward to catch his fallen comrade. With a gentle yet firm grip, he cradled Ittindi's limp form, his brow furrowed with worry as a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. "Quickly!" he bellowed, his voice a sharp command aimed at the medical personnel who rushed towards the scene.

The medics swiftly relieved Tōga of his burden, their practiced hands working diligently to assess and tend to Ittindi's injuries. In that moment, the deafening roar of the crowd, the jubilant cries that should have accompanied his victory, faded into a distant hum. Tōga's triumph, once a source of pride, now felt hollow and tainted. This was not the glorious victory he had envisioned.

"I'm tagging along," Tōga declared, his voice unwavering as he fell into step with the retreating medical team. The cheers of the crowd, the celebratory atmosphere that pervaded the arena, held no allure for him. His only concern was for the well-being of his fellow Rune Knight, his comrade in arms.

As they exited the arena, Tōga's mind raced, a whirlwind of guilt and self-recrimination. He had won the battle, but at what cost? The sight of Ittindi's blood staining the arena floor, the knowledge that his own hand had caused such harm, gnawed at his conscience. In the depths of his heart, he knew that this victory was a pyrrhic one, a hollow triumph that left a bitter taste in his mouth.

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wc: 301 [3357]

-Exit