182 DUEL WITH AZUTHOL
"That's a short-sighted approach," Hagglis Toledo, head of the influential Toledo family, interjected. "The demons came with a diplomatic claim. If we respond with force, we'll lose any legitimacy in the eyes of the other nation states. It could turn everyone against us."
Nahum looked to Leo. "What does the Gullee family propose?"
Leo leaned forward, his sharp eyes reflecting his calculating mind. "First, I want to know exactly what the ancient agreement says. There may be a loophole somewhere."
Nahum nodded, turning to Minister Alem, the city's chief advisor on magical and historical matters. "Minister, what do we know of the Angels' Agreement?"
Minister Alem adjusted his spectacles and spoke with measured precision. "The young master of the Gullee family is correct. The Angels' Agreement does have provisions. If humans violate the truce, demons are granted the right to return to the continent. However…" He paused for emphasis.
"However?" Nahum prompted.
"There's an alternative clause," Alem continued. "A breach on either side can be remedied through a Trial by Combat."
"Trial by Combat?" Leo repeated, his interest piqued.
The leaders were tightlipped.
Finally, Nahum spoke. "Very well. I'll deliver our challenge to the demons. Let's pray we're ready for what comes next."
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The demon army agreed to a Trial by Combat, honoring the ancient agreement. The rules were simple: each side would send a champion to fight.
Victory would determine the outcome of the conflict.
From the demon ranks, Azuthol stepped forward, his massive frame a grotesque fusion of power and terror. With the body of a hippo and the head of a ram, he wielded two colossal axes that gleamed menacingly in the sunlight.
He beat his chest, the sound like thunder rolling across the battlefield.
"Which of you cowards dares to face me?" Azuthol roared, his voice shaking the earth.
General Nahum turned to the gathered leaders. "Who volunteers to fight?" Though he posed the question broadly, his eyes were fixed on Aseran Deghad, the city's most seasoned warrior and their best hope under Man-tier.
Aseran gripped his reins tightly, scanning the enemy ranks. He prepared to step forward when his gaze fell upon the demon pavilion.
His heart stopped.
"Is that... Agathae?" Aseran whispered, his eyes locking on the figure seated within the pavilion.
There sat his son, Agathae. The demons had placed him on display, surrounded by swords that hovered ominously around his neck—a silent but deadly warning.
"Watch out", Argun said from the pavilion threatening Aseran.
Aseran hesitated, fear for his son's life rooting him in place. Slowly, he stepped back, unwilling to risk provoking the demons' wrath.
Nahum frowned, turning to the next option. "Hagglis, what about you?"
Hagglis Toledo, head of the city's renowned artisans, waved his hand dismissively. "Are you serious? My family makes weapons, not warriors. I'm not throwing myself into that slaughter."
Nahum's frustration grew as one by one, the leaders offered excuses or avoided his gaze. Finally, his eyes landed on Leo.
"Lilleo Gullee?"
Leo raised an eyebrow, his tone measured. "I've only recently reached mid-tier. You expect me to take down that monster at peak Svad?"
Hagglis scoffed. "You're the so-called 'Champion of Sodom Ruins,' aren't you? Shouldn't you live up to the title?"
Leo opened his mouth to retort but paused when Yun-Yun leaned in, whispering something into his ear. He nodded, then addressed the assembly.
"I'll consider it—if the Hagglis family gives me their magic banner."
Hagglis bristled. "The magic banner? Do you know how much time and money it took to craft that? Our soldiers rely on it in battle!"
Leo shrugged. "If you won't risk a flag, why should I risk my life for you?"
Nahum's stern gaze turned to Hagglis. "Give him the banner."
Reluctantly, Hagglis gestured to an attendant, who brought forth the gleaming banner. It radiated a subtle magical energy, a symbol of the Toledo family's craftsmanship.
Hagglis handed it over begrudgingly.
Leo passed the banner to Yun-Yun, who tucked it away with a sly smile. "What about the other families and the city?" Leo asked, his tone daring.
"Are you extorting us?" Aseran growled, his pride stung.
Leo smirked. "If you're willing to step forward, I won't ask for anything. But since you're not…"
Aseran's face darkened, but he pulled a gleaming, enchanted sword from his side. "This is a magic blade from my clan. Use it well."
"And the city?" Leo pressed.
General Nahum sighed and dismounted his steed. "Take my horse. It's a rarebred warhorse, faster and stronger than any other."
With his terms met, Leo mounted Nahum's black steed, the powerful animal snorting with anticipation. Wielding Aseran's sword, he rode toward the battlefield, cutting a striking figure against the desolate plain.
From the demon pavilion, Agathae watched in fury, his bound form trembling with helpless rage as he saw Leo. "Lilleo Gullee", he screamed but he was restrained by the demons.
As Leo closed the distance to Azuthol, the crowd fell silent, their breath caught in collective anticipation.
The Trial by Combat was about to begin.
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"Why did you humans send a boy to be slaughtered?" Azuthol bellowed at Leo, his deep voice echoing across the battlefield.
Leo smirked, unfazed. "Why did the demons send a pig, I wonder?"
The insult landed like a slap, and Azuthol roared in fury. "I'll kill you!" He charged, his massive axes gleaming as he moved with astonishing speed for his size.
With a powerful leap, Azuthol struck, the force of his blow hurling Leo and his horse backward. The ground trembled as they crashed, dust billowing into the air.
Despite the overwhelming force, Leo staggered to his feet, dusting himself off.
Azuthol paused, his fury momentarily replaced with confusion. "Why are you not hurt by my twin axes?"
Leo met his gaze with a cool smile.
He realized something crucial during the attack. While Azuthol was fast and powerful, his weapons were ordinary. The Dragon Rakhshasa Body Transformation, strengthened by the water he absorbed in the spider cave, had made Leo's body impervious to physical cuts.
"Hurt me?" Leo chuckled, brushing dirt from his shoulder. "That's because I'm stronger than you, pig."