Koga opened his eyes at the sound of footsteps on cobblestones. Lifting his head, he locked eyes with today's opponent. The succubus, Jillea, hovered her way over until she was ten paces away from him. As she landed, another succubus, clad in revealing black armor and accompanying her, began to circle around them. Drawing a longsword, she placed its tip into the grass below and dragged it along to outline a dueling ring for the two combatants.

Once the sigils and glyphs were created, Matilda and Koga went their separate ways. The Living Doll set off to find her new mentor and begin her studies in Mamono magic. Meanwhile, Koga summoned Nobu and proceeded to the designated area for the duel he was to have. In accordance with her being the challenger, Jillea was allowed to choose the spot where they would have their confrontation. She selected one of the training fields of "The Monster City of Salvarision". Originally a holy city separate from Lescatie, Salvarision developed around the castle of the same name, situated on the shore of a nearby lake. Before the Mamono invasion, it was regarded as the largest military base in Lescatie. Under the leadership of Wilmarina Noscrim, the city was populated by knights, warriors, blacksmiths, and merchants from all over Lescatie. Its primary purpose was to serve and equip the Knight of the Ice Flower, which, in many respects, meant it was established for Wilmarina. The fact that an entire city was dedicated to her demonstrated the significant influence and power her father wielded at that time.

Now that the city had been overtaken by the Mamono, everything had changed. Blacksmiths and merchants had shifted from producing weapons and armor for warfare to crafting them as gifts bought by Mamono for their husbands. Armor shops were now treated like clothing boutiques, where the Dark Knights selected armor for their husbands. The city was now was filled with Mamono who had already found their husbands; many of them did not train for battle but instead spent their days in bliss with their loved ones. Even the so-called "training field" were more like spaces for Mamono to relax and enjoy the daytime with their lovers.

Koga's journey to the former military base was relatively peaceful, though he was accosted numerous times along the way. Mamono frequently obstructed his path, attempting to offer him gifts or engage him in conversation—usually about his blade or his type of woman. If the topic didn't revolve around those subjects, they would often shift the discussion to Nobu instead. Koga typically extricated himself from these encounters by simply ignoring them and continuing on his ride. The Mamono would give up eventually.

Well...most of them did.

The ones who didn't were currently surrounding the arena where he would face Jillea. He was somewhat curious as to why any of them would willingly come to watch him compete against one of their own. However, he soon got his answer as he listened to the conversations of their impromptu audience.

"Ah, damn it. Jillea's so lucky."

"I knew I should've challenged him first. If I had, then I could be where she is."

"I'm happy for you, Jillea! Go get your man!"

Koga could feel the irritation swelling within him. This was meant to be a duel where two warriors risked their lives for their beliefs. Yet, these Mamono were acting like this was...courtship? As if Jillea were pursuing him or chasing after "her man"?! He wasn't surprised, but that didn't alleviate the disappointment that resonated in his bones.

He kept his eyes locked on Jillea as he rose to his feet. Once he stood at his full height, he placed one hand on his sword to signal his readiness. He didn't have the massive sword he had brought with him; it was tied to Nobu, as he didn't think he would need it for this encounter. The wind whistled past as he said, "I have been waiting, Jillea. Are you ready to begin?"

"Y-Yes," Jillea exhaled as she steeled herself. She wrapped her tail around her leg and took a step forward, "Yes, I am."

"Very well. As the challenger, you are entitled to setting the conditions for victory. Shall this be a battle to the death, first blood, or simple surrender?" Koga raised an eyebrow as he spoke.

"Surrender. The first to yield will be the one to lose. If you are in a position where you cannot recover, then you must surrender. Do you accept these terms?"

"They are accepted," Koga said, straightening his posture and placing a hand on the handle of his weapon, "If I am victorious, you shall not interfere with or accost the Good Hunter or any of her allies. This includes Matilda, myself, or anyone else who chooses to ally with the Good Hunter. Do you accept my terms?"

"I do. And if I win, you won't stop me from preventing that horrible woman from ruining my home!" Jillea exclaimed, waving her hand through the air in frustration. Silence descended upon them for a moment, and then Jillea's cheeks flushed slightly as she continued, "A-An-And, you'll accompany me to Wilmarina's next Red Moon Ball."

The audience all gasped before cheering and whooping in Jillea's favor. Koga didn't understand what she was talking about. But considering she was a succubus, he could only assume that her request was sexual in nature. Rolling his eyes, he waited for the commotion to subside before stating, "Your terms are accepted. We shall begin whenever you are ready."

After his declaration, Koga shifted his stance so that his right shoulder faced Jillea. He lowered his posture while keeping his hands on his weapon and sheathe. Seeing this Jillea took a deep breath. Her body relaxed as she spoke, "Koga. No matter what happens, I want to make this clear: I am not doing this out of hatred or malice. I will not fight you with my heart filled with such negative and futile emotions. Those are not the things that guide me. What drives my actions today is the same principle that guides every Mamono—the same one that guided Druella to help Lescatie. Love. And I will prove this to you in this battle."

Jillea raised her hands, palms facing outward. The air around her began to crackle as magic coalesced around her palms. The magic transformed into tendrils that swirled around her arms. As the tendrils continued to entwine her body, she closed her eyes and began to speak: "My name is Jillea. Here, under the watchful gaze of the Demon Lord and her Fourth Daughter, I swear my Oaths in the name of love. I vow to fight with love in my heart and compassion in my soul. I will confront the darkness born of ignorance and hatred, bringing it into the light. I will shatter the dreadful emotions that hinder love from flourishing and assist those who seek love in finding it. These are my Oaths. And I will see them through to the end!"

Jillea's eyes shot open as the magic surrounding her body suddenly erupted. In a dazzling display of sparks and lights, the magical tendrils transformed. They became a black chest piece that barely contained her breasts, an armored skirt with a front opening that revealed her blue-striped panties, and a spiked coat that flowed around her shoulders. With a flash of light, twin longswords materialized in her hands, and she flourished them, scraping their edges against each other. The sound resembled the tinkling of wind chimes rather than steel on steel. The silver blades gleamed as she twirled them through the air before taking a stance, both swords pointed in Koga's direction.

The various Mamono cheered once again at Jillea's transformation. Some even jumped for joy or pumped their fists, urging her on to defeat Koga and win his "love." Koga narrowed his eyes at the succubus' new form. He knew of "Oaths". Matilda had taken the time to explain the concept to him during their week of training. By declaring their loyalty to the things, people, or ideals they believe in to the world, someone could gain an explosive amount of power. What one declared themselves to didn't matter. It could be an idea, a concept, a person, a code of honor, or even an object like a weapon. As long as their feelings were genuine and strong enough, the Oaths would activate. Catalyzed by the speaker's spiritual energy, these Oaths would transform into power for the user to wield in battle. According to Matilda, there was no real limit to what Oaths could achieve. An Oath could simply enhance someone's physical abilities or, as in Jillea's case, manifest thier magic into weapons and armor for them to use. Moreover, the deeper someone's feelings toward those things ran, the more powerful the Oath would become.

As the excitement of the crowd subsided and Jillea readied herself for battle...Koga could only sigh. He maintained his grip on the handle of his blade but relaxed his stance. Gradually, he adjusted his posture until he stood upright once more. With a hint of pity in his eyes, he gazed at Jillea and asked, "Is that all you have to say?"

The words appeared to bring the remaining commotion to a halt. He suddenly found every Mamono staring at him with a range of emotions. However, the only expression he focused on was Jillea's. The transformed succubus furrowed her brows as she spoke, "What do you mean? Am I meant to say anything more?"

Koga shook his head, "You Mamono. It matters not who or what you are; you all go on and on about the same things. You claim that your love is the strongest weapon you possess, that as long as you hold love in your hearts, it will be sufficient. You believe that with love, you will change this world for the better, and that all you must do is trust your emotions for the world around you to bend to your will. As if feelings alone are enough to shape reality according to your desires."

Jillea's frown deepened as Koga continued his short rant. She had anticipated this reaction from him. During her time watching over Vinvers, she had met and seen plenty of people who thought exactly like him. Who would hear them bring the word of Lilith and her message of love, only to scoff and insult them for their "naive views". If not that, they would simply dismiss everything they said as the "ramblings of delusional Mamono". These types of people were the ones she pitied the most. Those who were too consumed by their own biases to see that there was a better way. And the only way to get them to understand that was to turn them into Mamono. Only when they experienced the profound love that came with being a Mamono or being with one would they finally accept that what they offered was genuinely a good thing.

She opened her mouth, ready to deny Koga's words...but then he said something she hadn't anticipated.

"And you would be correct."

Jillea and many of the Mamono paused at Koga's words. A murmur spread throughout the crowd, as if everyone wanted to ensure they heard what Koga had said. Jillea put their feelings into words as she asked, "Wh-What did you say?"

Koga turned his gaze toward the sky above. He slowly drew his still-sheathed weapon from its place at his waist and held it in both hands. His expression softened as he stared at the clear sky and said, "I said you are correct. The most powerful force in this world is emotion. The stronger one's emotions, the more powerful one becomes. If one allows their passions to guide them, they will go much farther than someone who relies solely on reason. This is exemplified by how the Demon Lord and her husband managed to wound the Chief God. A feat that should have been impossible to accomplish. Yet, when faced with an unyielding force of will, the impossible becomes possible."

"Th-The-Then you agree with us?" Jillea asked, astonished by Koga's words.

"Yes...to a point," Koga said, lowering his gaze back to Jillea. He turned his sword around until its handle faced the sky. He gripped it with both hands while keeping his eyes on the succubus, "For there is one thing that you Mamono constantly seem to neglect."

"What's that?"

"Your emotions are not the only ones that matter."

Koga slammed the tip of his scabbard into the ground.

Within moments, he was engulfed in flames. A pillar of azure fire consumed his form, the intensity of the heat causing several Mamono to step back in shock. Jillea gasped, raising her blades to shield herself from the searing heat. The wind whipped around them in a frenzy, lifting skirts and dresses in response to the sheer pressure. Eventually, the flames subsided enough to reveal Koga standing within them, completely unharmed. He opened his mouth, his voice resonating above the roar of the fire, and declared, "My name is Koga. Here, under the watchful eyes of the Good Hunter, I swear my Oaths in her name. To her, I pledge my soul and my very being. As her blade, I shall cut through the darkness that threatens to obscure her path. By my burning soul, I will cleanse the land of your vile corruption. I will shatter your delusions and strike you down where you stand. These are my Oaths. And I will never break them!"

The flames erupted outward, then flowed over and into Koga's body. They coalesced around his arms and his sheathed blade. He extended his arms to the sides and gritted his teeth as the flames engulfed them. As the fire wrapped around him, it transformed into new forms—pieces of armor made of interlocking plates. The armor began at his shoulders, then extended down his arms and across his hands. Once both arms were encased in the fiery armor, the remaining gouts of flame gathered in his left palm. He then grasped the handle of his sword with his right hand. In one fluid motion, he unsheathed the sword, the flames spreading across it until the entire blade was engulfed in fire. The tip exploded into white-hot flames as three additional orbs of light appeared around the top of the blade.

As Jillea's mouth fell open in shock, Koga stepped around the scabbard still embedded in the ground. He then pointed his blade at Jillea. His voice echoed across the field as he spoke, "Now, come, Jillea. Let us see whose Oaths shall remain unbroken."

Jillea shook her head in disbelief. Frowning, she gritted her teeth and readied her swords. Instead of charging forward, however, she cautiously stepped to the left. She continued to move while keeping her eyes locked on Koga. He mirrored her movements, his gaze and blade still directed at her as he walked. Her grip on her weapons tightened as she tried to decipher the implications of his sudden transformation. After a few more steps, Koga halted, maintaining his focus on her. She thought he was going to say something, so she was caught off guard when his left hand suddenly rose.

She swore she heard a clicking sound.

The next thing she knew, three blue fireballs the size of her head were hurtling toward her at high speed. Her eyes widened as she quickly swung her swords, cleaving through the fireballs. Silver streaks trailed her movements while the embers of the attack dissipated into the air. However, she had no time to rest; Koga was crouched low to the ground, his sword poised to strike. He had already closed the distance between them, his eyes locked onto her. Grunting, she stepped back as he swung his sword in a diagonal arc. The blade missed her by mere inches, and she retaliated with a kick aimed at the left side of his head. Just as her leg approached, he raised his left arm, allowing his "armor-clad" limb to absorb the impact.

The moment Jillea's leg struck Koga's arm, she cried out in pain. She flapped her wings to gain the necessary boost to evade further injury. Lifting her leg to inspect the damage, her eyes widened at the sight before her. The area of her lower leg that had made contact with Koga's arm had a smoking burn on it. While the burn was only superficial, it conveyed a clear message: attempting to touch Koga's armor without protection was unwise.

Grunting, she soared into the sky and dove down to attack Koga. Koga raised his left hand and shot two fireballs at her. She banked to dodge the first and sliced through the second with her blades. As she approached Koga, she pulled her weapons over her shoulders. Koga bent his knees and curled the fingers of his left hand inward. Twirling his blade, he thrust it tip-first into the "scabbared" made by his hand. He kept his eyes fixed on Jillea as she drew nearer.

Just as they were about to collide, both swung their weapons. Silver streaks followed behind Jillea's swords as she aimed for Koga's neck. She just had to get him in a position where he couldn't fight back, and then she'd win. All she needed was to get her swords in-

CRACK!*

The sound of her swords shattering, combined with the streak of blue fire that blazed through the air, sent a chill through Jillea's heart. Her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open as time seemed to slow to a crawl. In front of her, Koga's blazing sword sliced through the air, leaving not only azure streaks in its wake but also the silver fragments of her shattered blades. Severed at the guards, the blades slowly disintegrated, cut off from her mana. Time resumed as Koga stepped aside, allowing Jillea to hit the ground hard. The impact made her head spin for a few moments, but she shook it off to regain her focus. Quickly, she got to her knees and turned to face Koga—only to find his sword aimed directly at her neck.

Silence descended upon the training field. The Mamono in the audience were stunned by how quickly the battle had ended. Jillea was astonished at how powerful Koga proved to be from just using his own Oaths.. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, captivated by the duel that had lasted only a few seconds at most.

Koga had only one thing to say to break the silence: "Do you yield?"

"I...I...," Jillea swallowed hard. Koga could see her emotions roiling in her eyes as she struggled to find a way to turn the battle around. Someway to continue fighting without violating their agreed-upon rules or giving Koga a reason to slit her throat. However, she had to realize that such a scenario wasn't possible here. And, after a minute of glaring defiantly, the fire in her eyes finally sputtered out. Her coat, skirt, and breastplate vanished as the will to fight left her. She lowered her head and slumped her shoulders, speaking in a defeated tone, "I surrender."

"Good," Koga said, keeping his blade pointed at Jillea as he backed toward his scabbard. Once he reached it, he swiftly retrieved it from the ground and sheathed his sword. Only after securing it at his waist did his armor vanish from around his body. He placed his hands at his sides and bowed to Jillea before pursing his lips. He whistled, prompting the Mamono behind him to part and allow Nobu to trot up to him. Once his horse was by his side, he grabbed the leather-wrapped weapon from Nobu and strapped it to his back. Then, he mounted the saddle and finally spoke, "Do not forget what we agreed upon. Otherwise, this situation will repeat itself."

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"And here you go, sweetie~! A large vanilla chocolate ice cream cone with caramel drizzle!"

Matilda took the confection in her hands with a bright smile on her face. The frosty treat sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the shop's windows. She licked her lips and thanked the ice cream shop owner, a Holstarus with messy black and white hair that obscured her eyes. Matilda waved goodbye as she stepped out the door and into the streets of Lescatie. Despite yesterday's events, the city radiated with joy. Mamono walked, slid, floated, or hopped down the sidewalks, while wagons rumbled along the roads. The morning sun seemed to bless the various buildings around her, with sunlight reflecting off their walls to create dazzling patterns of light.

Matilda sniffed the air and let out a contented sigh. Although the musty scent of corruption lingered, she concentrated on the other fragrances that accompanied it: the fruity aroma of Mamono perfume, the fresh scent of the clean cobblestones, and the crisp fragrance of freshly cut flowers. Together, these scents created a bouquet of smells that filled Matilda with joy and gratitude for life. Turning on her heel, she began walking toward her destination: Salvarision. As the premier Dark Strategist for the Dark Ice Flower, Eva would undoubtedly be conducting her classes in the former military encampment. Therefore, her lessons on Mamono magic would likely commence there.

As she walked, she gazed at her ice cream cone with wide, joyful eyes. However, she suppressed her desire to indulge in the delicious treat for the moment. She needed to test something first. Holding the cone in her left hand, she raised her right index and ring fingers. Pressing them together, she began to mutter a short hymn. The hymn was quiet enough that none of the Mamono around her could hear it. If they could, they would have heard a sharp, piercing noise followed by the sound of glass shattering. A pale white aura appeared around the tips of her fingers, and Matilda began to draw in the air. With practiced motions, she inscribed the Deep Arcane Lake Rune in the air and it floated just in front of her fingers. With a flick, she sent the rune toward the ice cream cone. As it hit the ice cream the rune shattered, and the power within it infused the ice cream. The treat lost its original vibrancy, appearing plainer and less appealing to Matilda's appetite. She swore it was on the verge of drooping off her cone for a moment.

Frowning, she brought the ice cream to her mouth and took a long lick. She then carefully analyzed the flavor on her palate. Suddenly, she shuddered and exclaimed, "Urgh. It tastes like wet socks. I had my suspicions, but damn."

Despite the unpleasant taste, Matilda forced herself to eat the ice cream. Terrible flavor or not, she refused to waste food simply because she disliked it. After chewing and swallowing the cone, she let out a disappointed sigh. Then, resting her chin on her hand, she mused, "So, the Deep Rune that guards against the Arcane can remove the corruptive essence within food and, by extension, other items as well. However, doing so strips away the flavor. I'll need to see if there's a way to remove the corruption without sacrificing the taste. It would be difficult but worth trying."

With her cone now gone, Matilda decided to observe her surroundings a bit closer. See what was happening around her. Above her, she spotted a harpy carrying her husband to the top of one of the buildings. They landed on a soft spot on the roof, with the harpy extending her wings while her husband used a brush to preen and clean them. To her right, she noticed an incubus gently petting a Cait Sith on the head. The black-and-white furry Mamono was mewling incessantly. It didn't take long for the man to be tackled and pushed to the ground. She didn't stick around to see what happened next, opting to cover her ears to give them some privacy.

When she had moved far enough away, she removed her hands from her ears and resumed her observations. She had just reached an intersection when the sounds of happy children reached her ears. However, those cheers quickly turned to cries, followed by the sound of something hurtling through the air toward her. She heard a young boy shout, "Watch out!" and turned to the right to see a gray ball flying directly toward her head. Just as the ball reached the halfway point, she pivoted to face it fully. Kicking off the ground, she flipped upward and caught the ball with her right foot. As she came back down, she balanced on her left foot while using her right to secure the ball.

She looked up at the sound of footsteps and saw three children rushing toward her. One was a young boy with dark blue hair and a scar on his cheek. To his left stood a young werecat with orange and white fur, while to his right was a salamander girl with red scales. Both stood quite close to the boy, with the salamander moving her tail near his waist. The trio halted in front of Matilda, and the werecat quickly spoke, "Sorry about that! We were playing, and Saz hit the ball too hard with her tail, nya~."

"I did not!" the salamander, Saz, quickly refuted the other Mamono's words. She stomped her foot and pointed one of her clawed fingers at the werecat, "You were trying to take it away from me, Nimi! And it flew out cause you wouldn't let it go!"

"Hmm? Really? I don't remember it that way, nya~. Perhaps someone is too muscle-brained to recall events correctly, nya~?"

Nimi's lips curled into a smug smile as the flames on Saz's tail flared to life. Lightning crackled between the two as they glared at each other. The boy, oblivious to the tension, walked up to Matilda and clasped his hands together. His cheeks were dusted with pink, and he refused to meet Matilda's gaze as he stammered, "Uh, I'm sorry about that, miss. Are-Are you alright?"

Matilda smiled and kicked the ball into the air, catching it in her hands. She brushed a stray hair out of her face as she walked over to the boy, "Oh, I'm quite alright, I assure you. Would you mind telling me your name?"

"Richard. Richard Williamson," the boy said as he slowly looked up to meet Matilda's eyes.

"A strong name. Mine is Matilda. Here, I believe this is yours," Matilda said, extending the ball toward the young boy. He blinked and then reached out to take the ball. Just as his fingers closed around the gray sphere, Matilda swiftly leaned in, positioning her mouth close to his ear. He stiffened as she whispered, "However, there is something I want to ask you."

"Wh-Wh-What is it?" Richard asked, gulping as sweat trickled down his brow.

"When you saw me catch the ball earlier, did you see anything you shouldn't have?"

The boy's face turned as red as a tomato. He quickly shook his head, muttering incoherent excuses that became jumbled. Matilda's smile widened, but she kept her eyes on the two Mamono who were currently arguing behind Richard. As anticipated, the werecat and salamander abruptly ceased their argument when they noticed their friend's predicament. Matilda dashed back as they rushed over and grabbed Richard's shoulders.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" Saz shouted, glaring at Matilda with intense anger.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

"Yeah! Only I'm allowed to tease Richy about stuff like that, nya~!" Nimi hissed at Matilda, her tail rigid and standing straight up behind her.

She giggled as she danced away from the three of them. With her hands behind her back, she turned and waved goodbye to the children, exclaiming, "Goodbye, you three! I suggest you all be more open about your feelings! You never know when someone might come along and whisk Richard away~!"

She turned and walked briskly away from them, giggling at her playful teasing. In truth, the likelihood of Richard being "taken" by any Mamono other than those two was miniscule. And even if a third girl were to get involved, there were plenty of Mamono who were fine with harems. Especially here in Lescatie, where the strongest fighters in the city were all part of Elt's harem. However, none of that meant she couldn't have a little fun teasing them. Eventually, she stopped giggling and refocused on getting to her destination. By mid-morning, she had reached the bridge that connected Salvarision to the main part of Lescatie. A few Mamono were walking across the bridge, heading to and from the former encampment with their own goals in mind. The clear lake on the other side of Salvarision glittered in the distance. She could smell the salt in the air and hear birds chirping as they flew overhead. As she walked along the white stone bridge, Matilda waved at many of the Mamono who stopped to greet her. However, the sound of a horse's hooves trotting along the stone bridge caught her attention, and she looked ahead, her lips curling into a wide smile at the sight before her.

Waving her hand in the air, she shouted, "Koga! It is good to see you."

The Ochimusha returned Matilda's wave and bade Nobu to trot over and stand next to the Living Doll. He glanced at her and bowed his head, saying, "Matilda, the feeling is mutual. I assume you are heading to your lessons with the Dark Strategist?"

Matilda reached over and gently patted Nobu on his lowered nose. His tongue flicked out and licked her hand, it being surprisingly cool despite the flames surrounding it. She giggled and then said, "Indeed, I am. I assume your battle with Jillea went well?"

"It did. She wasn't much of a challenge," Koga admitted with a shrug, "However, I am not foolish enough to let this one victory cloud my judgment. I expect to face another challenge before the day is over."

"You sound rather confident about that."

"It is simply what I expect from Mamono. I welcome them to prove me wrong."

"They might. Many things are changing nowadays. You and I are examples of such," Matilda stepped over to Nobu's left and placed her hands behind her back, "But assuming you will have some time before you are forced back into battle, what do you plan to do?"

"I have been contemplating that," Koga said, frowning as he gazed toward the heart of Lescatie, "I think I will take Nobu for a simple ride. For no other reason than to do so. I promised him we would do so before his transformation. It is time I made good on that promise."

Nobu whinnied in approval of Koga's plans. Koga smiled and gently rubbed his steed's skeletal neck. Matilda, also smiling, turned to walk away as she spoke, "Then I suggest you head to the city's western districts. There is an equestrian area designated for people to spend time with their Demon Beasts, as well as for centaurs and their husbands to enjoy quality time together."

"Will I have to do something that pleases the Mamono in order to gain entry?"

"No, they allow everyone entry. Though, if you prefer not to go in, you could always leave through the front gate and ride around the city walls," Matilda said with a smile as she waved goodbye to Koga. Koga returned the gesture before gently kicking Nobu's sides. The horse snorted and continued to trot toward the main part of Lescatie in the distance. Matilda turned back around and continued on her way.

Her surroundings gradually changed from a simple bridge to an actual settlement. The buildings of Salvarision were similar to the ones in Lescatie, though their general purposes were different. Originally a military encampment, most of the buildings that Matilda passed by were either blacksmiths, armorers, or weapon shops. Though instead of being used to arm a military force, the place was treated more like a shopping district for Mamono. As if to prove this, Matilda passed by a centaur buying a chain shirt for her husband. The item was made of Demon Realm Silver and glittered as her husband held it. He smiled and said something appreciative to his wife, who proceeded to lift him up and kiss him in front of the store.

She paid little heed to her surroundings this time, as she had a specific destination in mind. Said destination stood at the center of the city, its massive black tower visible from the bridge. The home of the Dark Ice Flower. The place was surrounded by walls adorned with flags bearing the heraldry of the Demon Realm. As Matilda approached the entrance, she noticed that the gate was wide open. Something she had anticipated, yet still found intriguing. There were no guards stationed at the entrance, allowing her to walk in unimpeded.

The grounds surrounding the tower were a hive of activity. Everywhere she looked, Matilda saw Mamono training, practicing, or socializing with one another and the few single men present. She waved to those who greeted her, but she never paused in her stride. Her focus was solely on one thing: the steps leading into the tower.

And the familiar face standing near the bottom.

She was surrounded by a small crowd of other Mamono. Matilda could see Lesser Succubi, a few werewolves, some young Devils, and even a few Living Dolls. Eva Mystiv stood near the bottom step with a book tucked under her arm. She was giving a lecture to the Mamono before her, ensuring that she demonstrated any magical lessons with a wave of her hand. This elicited multiple "oohs" and "aahs" from her audience, while others diligently wrote down what she was saying in small notebooks. When Eva lifted her head and smiled upon catching sight of Matilda, she waved and said, "Ah, you've made it, Matilda. Everyone, say hello to your newest classmate."

"Hi, Matilda!" they all exclaimed, waving at her. Matilda paused near the crowd and bowed in greeting.

"Hello, everyone. Please take care of me," she said as she stood up straight. She clasped her hands together and looked at Eva, "Lady Mystiv, may I inquire about what we are learning today?"

"Just Eva is fine, Matilda," Eva said with a smile as she held up her book, "And today we're going to be learning the basics of Magical Theory and how Spirit Energy is used to cast spells."

Matilda placed her hands in front of her mouth, clearly expressing her anticipation for the lesson. Unbeknownst to everyone else, her hands concealed a sinister smile lurking behind her lips.

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"It's a wonderful city, is it not?"

Selina glanced at Merse and shrugged, "I suppose."

The echidna smiled, revealing her sharp teeth before turning her gaze back to the sidewalk ahead. Selina narrowed her eyes at the gesture but chose not to dwell on it. Instead, she focused on her surroundings, committing the paths they took to memory. After meeting Merse outside the building she was given, Selina made a conscious effort to pay attention to where the snake woman was leading her. Both so that she could make her way back home when she needed to, and to have a better understanding of the city she would be staying in for the foreseeable future. So far, they had turned left at an intersection a few paces east of their starting point, made another left at a shop that sold extremely inappropriate clothing (which Merse assured her was casual wear rather than bedroom attire), and continued straight at another intersection featuring a fountain in the middle. It would be relatively easy to remember the fountain, as it had multiple Sirens sitting in it, singing their sonorous melodies.

While most were enraptured by their singing, to Selina's ears, it sounded like mere noise. Perhaps this was simply because of her nature. Her nullification of mana happened to make the mana infused songs of Sirens sound horrid to her. Regardless, she had to admit that this situation was not what she had anticipated. She had expected that Merse would use this venture as an opportunity to convince her of the wonders of the Mamono and to justify Druella's actions. Yet, Merse had uttered not a single word since they began their trek. In fact, Selina was fairly certain that the question of whether Lescatie was a wonderful city was the first thing Merse had said to her since they started.

Thinking about it, Selina realized that Merse had never mentioned their destination. Frowning, she decided it was time to "break the ice" so to speak. Clearing her throat to get Merse's attention, she asked her escort, "Where exactly are you leading me, Descaros? I don't recall you ever providing me with an answer to that."

Merse's smile didn't waver as she replied to Selina, "Ah, yes. Sorry for that. I kind of wanted it to be a surprise, but I understand how not knowing the answer can be frustrating for you. We are heading toward the barracks of Lescatie. An old stomping ground of mine, though less so these days."

"Why is that?" Selina inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Merse's smile grew wistful as she placed a hand on her stomach, "I've been much too busy to focus on trivial matters like battle. Elt and I have dedicated all our efforts to having a child that we can raise together. It has yet to take, but I have hope that it will soon."

Selina hummed, "I see."

"Do you, perhaps, have someone like that? Someone you'd choose to warm your bed instead of going to battle?" Merse asked, her eyes sparkling as she glanced over at Selina.

Selina shook her head and replied,"No, not currently. And, I doubt I ever will.

Merse's smile faded, and pity filled her gaze, "How sad. No one should be so certain that they will be without love forever."

"It is not that I believe I will be without it forever. It's simply that I don't believe my current circumstances will allow me to have such an intimate relationship with a man," Selina shrugged, "It is what it is."

Merse only hummed but didn't respond to the Huntress' words. The two fell into silence once more as they continued their walk. Well, Selina walked. Merse...slithered. Selina couldn't help but glance down at the serpentine part of Merse's body. As she had theorized, the half-snake woman seemed to undulate in the same manner as the animals to which she was related. Her body moved in an "S" pattern, the curves slithering left and right. Selina supposed the scales beneath kept her from feeling any friction or drag as she traversed the stone ground. Yet, even as she observed the woman's movements, Selina couldn't fully comprehend how it worked. Specifically, how did Merse fully understand when and how to move her lower half? Perhaps it was the fact that Selina had only ever walked with two legs that left her perplexed. The idea of having both legs fused into one long, sinuous body completely baffled her. How could one determine when to move left or right? Would the sensation of the ground beneath you be like one large foot? Were the scales tough enough to withstand a blade? If so, wouldn't that contradict her stated goal of being with her lover? Or could she soften them at will? Did she have to clean—

"We're here," Merse's words pulled Selina from her musings. Looking up, she saw that they stood before a large arena with silver walls that reflected sunlight in a dazzling, multicolored display. In front of them was an entrance resembling a smaller version of the gate to Lescatie. Hanging above the entrance was a pure white banner with red paint spelling out "Barracks," complete with a large heart after the "s." A few centaurs stood in front of the entrance, stringing their bows without a care.

As they approached, the centaurs greeted Merse, but their cheerful expressions faded upon seeing Selina. They backed away from the two, their eyes glaring at Selina with a mix of fear and concern. Merse assured them that everything was fine, while Selina paid them no mind. She kept her gaze fixed on Merse and asked, "So, we have arrived at the barracks. What, exactly, are you planning for us to do?"

"I think you'll understand once you see what I have prepared for us," Merse said, pointing a finger forward. Selina followed her gesture and gazed ahead at a large circular arena. The sandy ground was bordered by entrances leading to various sections of the barracks. Surprisingly, the surface was smooth and free of debris. However, directly in front of them stood two individuals side by side in the center of the arena, a striking contrast against the vast expanse of sand.

Two people she recognized.

"And what are Elt and Wilmarina doing here?" Selina asked as the two of them approached the two newcomers. Sure enough, Elt and the two other Maidens were standing in the middle of the arena, seemingly waiting for them. Elt held a long wooden staff in his arms, while Wilmarina stood next to a rack filled with wooden weapons of all kinds. Selina stopped a few feet away from the two, while Merse continued to slither her way toward them.

Merse stopped in front of Elt, who approached and handed her the spear in his arms. Merse gently accepted the wooden staff with one hand and leaned in to cup Elt's cheek with the other. The man leaned closer, and the two shared a passionate kiss for several seconds. Wilmarina observed the scene with a smile on her face, though a hint of longing flickered in her eyes. Selina narrowed her gaze at the interaction, trying to comprehend Merse's intentions. When Merse finally pulled away from Elt, she stood tall and turned to face Selina. With a smile still gracing her lips, she flourished her staff before pointing the tip at Selina. Her fangs glimmering in the sunlight, she declared, "Huntress Cynthia Albion, I would like to request a spar."

Selina was genuinely surprised. She studied Merse and raised an eyebrow, "Might I know the reason for this? As it stands, I feel as though this situation has come out of nowhere. Even if it is a spar, I would like to understand why we are fighting."

Merse lowered her weapon and said, "Put simply? I feel as if we would understand each other better if we clashed blades instead of exchanging words. Rather than sitting and talking, we will battle and learn more about one another. I wanted to hold back on telling you, as I thought you would appreciate the surprise."

Selina frowned but did not appear to oppose the idea. She looked over at Wilmarina and asked, "And you are here because...?"

"It'll be my turn with Elt soon, and I'll be here to ensure that this fight remains just a spar," Wilmarina said as she sauntered over to Elt's side. She draped an arm around his shoulder and pulled him against her. She visibly relaxed the second her skin made contact with Elt's, with her tail wagging back and forth behind her.

Elt himself looked between Selina and Merse, idly patting Wilmarina's head, "And I'm here to watch and be with Mari. Um, when the two of you are finished, could we all go out to lunch? It would be fun to spend time together and—"

Selina raised a hand to stop the boy, "I must decline. I have...another engagement. An important one that will take up much of my time. While I accept Merse's request, I will need to attend to said engagement once this is over. I assume these weapons are for me to choose from?"

Elt appeared disappointed when Selina declined, but only Wilmarina seemed to notice. Merse simply nodded and gestured for Selina to select her weapon. Selina scrutinized the array of weapons on the rack. Most were wooden and intentionally blunted to prevent lethal harm without a deliberate intent to injure. She spotted another staff, an axe, several daggers, a short sword, a long sword, a lance, a shield, a mace, and a warhammer. After careful consideration, she chose the long sword for her right hand and the short sword for her left. Stepping away from the weapon rack, she turned her attention to Merse. As Elt removed the rack and moved it away, Selina began to practice with her chosen weapons. Swinging them as she would the Rakuyo, she asked Merse, "Are there any rules for this spar?"

Merse slowly slithered away from Selina, twirling her staff as she spoke. "Nothing specific. No magic or any supernatural abilities whatsover. So you don't use your powers, and I don't use mine. We simply go until we decide to stop. Is that alright with you?"

"I do not mind," Selina said as she, too, began to back away from Merse to give herself some space. "We may begin when you are ready."

Merse's lips remained curled in a smile as Selina assumed her typical stance. Wilmarina and Elt found a spot close enough to observe the unfolding events, yet far enough to avoid interfering. Wilmarina sat down, stretched her legs out, and patted her thighs. Elt promptly laid his head on her lap as they watched the initial moments of the battle. For a brief moment, neither Selina nor Merse moved while a gust of wind swept through the arena.

Then, both suddenly sprang into action.

Merse swiftly closed the distance, moving faster than one would expect from someone with a snake's lower body. Selina wasn't entirely surprised and kept a watchful eye on Merse's weapon, anticipating her first attack. Merse lifted her body and lunged forward with her staff, targeting Selina's right shoulder. Selina dashed to the left to evade the strike, then ducked and moved in, aiming a counterattack Merse's extended arm. However, just as her slash was about to connect, Merse suddenly retracted her entire body. Like a coiled spring, she instantly returned to an attacking stance. Lifting her arm, Merse quickly thrust her weapon at the Huntress once more.

Still in the midst of an attack, Selina could do little more than raise her short sword to block the oncoming staff. The thunk of wood against wood echoed as the two weapons clashed. Selina was knocked off balance, surprised by the force behind Merse's strike. However, she didn't have time to dwell on that realization, as Merse reared back, preparing for a third strike. Anticipating her next move, Selina allowed herself to stumble backward to evade Merse's third and fourth strikes. Once she regained her footing, she began to circle around Merse's right side, aiming to exploit her blind spot. She ducked under a swing from Merse and moved in to strike at her back. However, her blow went wide as Merse bent forward, raising her serpent tail while her human torso touched the ground. A cracking sound reached Selina's ears, and she glanced to her left to see Merse's serpent tail hurtling toward her.

Sh lifted her long sword and swung at the oncoming tail, only to see it coil around her blade upon contact. She quickly released her weapon as Merse's tail yanked it away from her. Her instincts screamed, and she tilted her head to the side to evade a stab from Merse. Selina crouched to dodge the next horizontal swing, then rolled forward to retrieve her lost sword. Leaping up, she managed to land a blow with her short sword against Merse's coils. The coils opened up, allowing her to reclaim her long sword. However, Merse's tail quickly coiled again and lashed out at Selina once more. Suspended in mid-air, Selina was forced to block as the darkly colored tail struck her body.

She soared through the air for a moment before flipping around to regain some control of her flight. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Merse elevating herself as high as possible on her serpentine body, her staff held firmly in both hands at her side as she prepared to strike. As Merse swung her staff, Selina countered by bringing both of her swords down to intercept the incoming attack. The two weapons clashed with a resounding impact, the force of the collision momentarily suspending Selina in the air. Eventually, gravity reasserted itself, and Selina descended to the ground, landing deftly on her feet as Merse coiled back into a fighting stance. After a brief moment of calm, the two combatants moved in to commence the next round of their battle.

As they fought, Wilmarina and Elt observed with contrasting expressions. Wilmarina's eyes was entirely fixed on Elt, viewing the battle as a mere afterthought. The only thing that captivated her was the sensation of running her hands along Elt's soft cheeks, then moving them to his chest to caress his firm muscles. Elt, on the other hand, could not divert his attention from the fight. His eyes darted between his wife and the Huntress as the two exchanged blows. After a while, he spoke up, "The Huntress is proving to be a skilled combatant. Even though this is a spar, keeping pace with Merse is no easy feat."

"Hmm? Oh, yes, I suppose you're right, honey," Wilmarina admitted, her attention drifting to the battle. She looked up just as the Huntress and Merse clashed again. Merse was relentlessly attacking the Huntress with a flurry of stabs and slashes. Her serpentine body weaved in and out, skillfully maneuvering around her opponent. The staff in her hands was almost a blur as she maintained a rapid assault. The Huntress appeared to struggle to defend herself against the barrage of attacks, always one step behind the next strike. Yet, she managed to dodge or parry just enough to turn what should have been clean blows into near misses. Wilmarina merely shrugged, "It's not that impressive. Perhaps if both of them were giving it their all, it would be different, but..."

Elt pursed his lips, "Maybe. But Merse did say this was to help the two understand each other better. I wonder if she's learning anything. Are you, Mari?"

"Hmm, let me see," Wilmarina said, directing her gaze at Selina. After observing the Huntress for a few moments, she continued, "It's nothing too special. Clearly, she's accustomed to wielding two swords simultaneously. However, the way she moves... I sense that this isn't her primary method of combat."

"Yes, you're right. Actually, didn't the rumors say she uses a scythe instead of a sword? Do you think she's at a disadvantage without her primary weapon?"

"It doesn't look like it. Despite being under pressure, she is still managing to block and dodge Merse's attacks," Wilmarina pointed out, pressing a finger against Elt's lips. The two locked eyes, and she shushed him, "But let's forget about that for now. I think the battle is nearing its end."

As she spoke, Selina and Merse separated after their latest clash. Both stood tall, neither appearing fatigued despite their exertion. Above them, the afternoon sun beat down, yet neither seemed affected by the heat. Selina maintained her stance, her gaze firmly fixed on Merse. In contrast, Merse appeared relaxed as she bent low to the ground. She placed her left hand on the sand while her right hand held her staff aloft. Licking her lips, she addressed Selina, saying, "Not bad, Cynthia Albion. I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

"I would say the same for you, Merse Descaros," Selina remarked as she began to circle around Merse, "Your use of your serpentine form to enhance your attacks is truly impressive. I am not afraid to admit that it has posed quite a challenge for me during our match."

"Thank you for the compliment. I owe it all to the fact that I embrace what and who I am...unlike you."

Selina raised an eyebrow and stopped walking, "Come again?"

Merse began to slither forward slowly. Her body moved in a zigzag pattern as she approached, her long tongue flicking out to moisten her lips. She continued speaking as she drew nearer, "We can all see it plain as day, but I more acutely than others. Especially after fighting you. I can sense how you are denying a key part of what makes you who you are. You're denying your existence as a woman."

Selina didn't respond to Merse's statement; she simply stood still, her scrutinizing glare on Merse. Taking her silence as affirmation, Merse's lips curled into a smile. She began to circle around Selina, her serpentine lower half preparing to coil around the Huntress as she continued, "Am I wrong? You have chosen to conceal all the things that show your femininity. Breasts that attract men and nourish infants are constricted beneath layers of fabric, never to see the light of day. Your vibrant vermilion hair, which could enchant any man, has been repeatedly cut to ensure that no one can marvel at it. Hips, thighs, and legs meant to be showcased are hidden beneath restrictive pants. You have chosen to be a warrior, but in doing so, you have sacrificed your womanhood."

Merse's body had encircled Selina by this point, leaving her with no escape. She positioned her humanoid torso behind Selina and readied her staff. Raising both her body and weapon, she continued, "However, there is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, despite your abilities, you are still human. And that is a problem with all human women. None of you can remain true to yourselves or hold genuine love in your hearts. Your emotions can be swayed by countless unnecessary things. I have no doubt that you are a warrior only because you feel the need to prove something to everyone else. That's why I'm glad you came here, Selina. I was once just like you. Thinking that being a woman was a curse to be concealed and rejected. But after becoming a Mamono, I realized how misguided that belief was. Being born a woman is a blessing, and only human women squander it. So, I hope that when the time comes, you will recognize this same truth and join us... as a Mamono."

Merse swung her weapon down at the back of Selina's head. Wilmarina smiled, and Elt nodded. Both knew it was over; they had witnessed this exact scenario unfold countless times. A Heroine is confronted by a Maiden. The Maiden breaks through her defenses until the Heroine can't fight back. Then, they deliver one final strike. Although this may be a simple spar, the seed of doubt has already been planted within the Huntress. She would soon join their side, and this final strike from Merse would seal that fate.

However...

Selina's long sword shot up at the last moment. Holding it behind her head without turning around, she successfully blocked Merse's strike. The air pressure from the attack scattered the sand beneath her, but that was all. Wilmarina, Merse, and Elt eyes shot open as Selina turned her head to meet Merse's gaze. When their eyes locked, Merse couldn't conceal her shock. She had expected to see doubt in Selina's expression—her eyes trembling and lips quivering as she struggled to formulate a rebuttal, only to encounter dead ends at every turn. But that was not what she saw.

For Selina...had a nonchalant expression on her face.

"I believe there is a misunderstanding here, Merse Descaros," Selina said, pushing Merse's weapon aside and turning to face her. She dashed forward just as Merse prepared to launch another attack. Frowning, Merse thrust her weapon toward Selina's chest. However, just before it reached her, Selina halted and swiftly raised her right foot. When the staff came within range, she stamped down on the wood. The force of it brought Merse low enough for Selina to deliver a clean blow to Merse's head. However, instead of going for an attack, Selina surged forward until her face was mere inches from Merse's. As her confident eyes met the Echinda's surprised ones, she spoke with unwavering conviction, "I am not denying my femininity."

"Wh-What?" Merse gasped, her breath catching at Selina's words. She narrowed her eyes and spoke again, "O-Of course you are. You're—"

"My attire has nothing to do with any desire to hide the fact that I am a woman. I wear what I do for practicality." Seilna raised her long sword and struck Merse on the chin. As Merse grunted in pain, Seilna leaped off the staff and landed a blow with her shortsword on Merse's chest, "I bind my breasts so they don't hinder my movements, and because it prevents others from targeting such sensitive areas."

Merse winced and shifted her body to evade the Huntress. She tightened her coils in an attempt to crush Selina, but the Huntress anticipated the move. Selina dove through an opening in Merse's serpentine coils just before they closed around her. Rising to her feet, she hurled her short sword at Merse and then dashed after it. Merse swayed aside to avoid the flying sword and swung her staff in a horizontal arc. Selina slid beneath the attack and came up to deliver a two-handed strike to Merse's human torso.

As Merse doubled over from the attack, her bangs fell around her face. Selina reached up and grabbed one of the bangs, tugging it hard while leaning in close to Merse, "I cut my hair so that others can't grab it and use it to hold me or tear it from my head."

Merse growled and forcefully shoved Selina away. Her tail arched high as she lashed it at Selina. Bracing herself, Selina felt a jolt surge through her body when the tail struck her. She was knocked to the side but managed to remain on her feet while maintaining her grip on her wooden long sword. Straightening up, she spoke again, "As for my pants? I simply enjoy wearing them. No other reason."

Merse frowned and shook her head while clutching her stomach, "Th-That's a lie. There's no way any of that is true."

"Why would you say that?" Selina asked as she walked over to the discarded shortsword.

"Because you are a warrior. Someone who ventures into battle, prepares for conflict, and chooses to fight rather than seek the comfort of a warm bed."

"Yes...and?"

"It's a rejection of womanhood!

"So, you're saying that one cannot be both a warrior and a woman?"

"Yes!"

"Why not?"

Merse blinked, staring at Selina with confusion in her eyes. No matter how hard she tried, words eluded her. Selina spoke calmly as she replied, "There is nothing that prevents one from being both a woman and a warrior. You can choose to embrace and celebrate your femininity while still engaging in battle. It is not something that can be hidden or defined by your attire; it is an intrinsic part of who you are."

"B-B-But that's too much for human women to understand!" Merse declared, her hands clenched into fists. Memories of her past began to resurface alongside her rejection of Selina's words, "They're too weak to grasp something like that. They'll let their selfishness and pettiness get in the way. They can't be trusted to understand what it truly means to be a woman!"

Merse glared at Selina, fire burning in her eyes, daring her to say something that would prove her wrong or deny the truth of her statement. Selina met Merse's defiant gaze with her own steely resolve. Then, with her head held high, she spoke, "I have heard those words many times: that becoming a Mamono is a path toward true inner strength. That such enlightenment cannot be attained through human effort. However, I have a question for you, Merse. When you reflect on your past, have you learned anything from it? Anything beyond the belief that human women are weak? Has your transformation into a Mamono provided you with any deeper insight into the source of your pain?"

Merse opened her mouth to respond...but then found herself at a loss for words. Her eyes widened as she searched her mind for an answer to Selina's question. For a response that proved she had learned from her past and had become a much better person since her transformation. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, the same two answers returned to her every time.

That human women are weak.

And that she should concentrate on loving Elt.

Nothing more.

Selina saw her expression falter and her hands begin to tremble. She nodded in response, "As I suspected. Here is some advice, Merse: instead of viewing your transformation as a means of overcoming human weakness, consider that it may be hindering you from genuinely confronting your past. True strength lies in facing our demons, not running from them or blaming them on our nature."

Selina gazed up at the sky, nodded, and then plunged her weapons into the ground. As she rolled her neck and shoulders, she said, "I apologize, but I must take my leave. I have much to do, and the sun has nearly reached the horizon. This was a splendid match, Merse Descaros. Perhaps afterward, we can converse in a more relaxed setting."

"W-Wait!" Merse called, but Selina was already heading toward the exit. Elt and Wilmarina could do nothing but stare at the Huntress as she walked away. Merse's arm trembled, and then she fell to the ground, her eyes fixed on the sand below. Selina's words echoed in her mind so persistently that she didn't even notice when Elt and Wilmarina rushed over to comfort her.

For within Merse mind, the tiniest seed of doubt had been planted.