Upon hearing the word "challenge," the air in the room seemed to grow heavier. Every gaze immediately turned, full of interest, toward the conversation between Zarathoz and Ursa.
-"Challenge?... What do you mean, Director?"
( Said the blond-haired, red-eyed man in astonishment )
-"Yes…"
( Zarathoz replied in a soft voice, yet laden with intention )
-"Once Luzbel finishes conducting the interrogation, Ursa's girl will be able to challenge the boy under any conditions she wants, and with whatever rules she chooses. That way, she can settle her affairs… What do you think, Ursa? Is that acceptable to you?"
( Said Zarathoz with a cheerful smile )
Ursa, with an expression mixing irritation and satisfaction, replied bluntly:
-"I couldn't ask for anything more."
-"Good… so it shall be. If no one has anything else to add, this concludes today's meeting."
( Zarathoz concluded with a loud clap that echoed throughout the chamber )
No one argued or added a word. Everyone seemed content with Zarathoz's decision… yet Luzbel could not hide the unease this "challenge" stirred in him.
-"Well, I'll be going. If anyone has a matter that requires my attention, you know where to find me."
( Said Zarathoz with dignity as she descended from her seat )
-"Luzbel, follow me."
( Zarathoz ordered, head held high )
Luzbel lowered his head, spread his wings, and simply followed her. Zarathoz left the room without sparing a glance at those present.
Just outside the chamber, the other masters began descending from their seats and chatting among themselves.
-"That damn woman drives me insane…"
( Growled Ursa, clenching teeth and fists in fury )
-"She thinks she can walk through the academy, do whatever she pleases… and that we'll all obey her orders like loyal pups. It irritates me! It sickens me!"
( Said Ursa with contained rage )
-"Then… why don't you challenge her and take her position in the academy?"
( Said the black-skinned, white-eyed woman in a mocking tone )
-"Or… are you afraid to face Zarathoz?"
The white-eyed woman raised her hand to her face and chuckled softly, savoring the provocation.
-"Huh?…"
( Said Ursa in an intimidating and irritated manner )
Ursa began advancing toward her, clearly intent on starting a fight.
-"Do you think you're so damn clever, Helios?"
( Said Ursa angrily )
-"More than you, yes. Hahahahaha…"
( Said Helios mockingly )
-"You bitch…"
But just as Ursa was about to land a punch, a figure clad in tarnished silver armor intervened, placing their sword directly in the punch's path, stopping it cold. The next to speak was the blond-haired, red-eyed man:
-"Ladies, please… you know it's forbidden to fight between species. Or must I remind you of what would happen if a conflict were to break out?"
( Said the blond-haired man in an elegant yet reproachful tone )
-"It's her! She doesn't know when to shut up!"
( Said Ursa, pointing at Helios )
-"Miss Helios, may I kindly ask you not to bother Miss Ursa any further?"
( Said the man politely )
-"Sorry, sorry… I just enjoy seeing Miss Ursa's reactions."
( Said Helios in a mocking tone )
While they were in the middle of their argument, the remaining four masters began to leave the chamber. The man noticed and turned toward them:
-"Wait… you're leaving already?"
( Said the man kindly )
-"Yes, forgive me Master Athelstan, but I have more important matters to attend to than watching two little girls bicker."
( Said the short, red-haired man seriously )
-"You fat bastard! Who are you calling a little girl?!"
( Said Ursa, offended )
-"See what I mean, Master Athelstan."
( Said the short, red-haired man )
-"Miss Ursa, please… don't disrespect Master Goro."
( Said Athelstan, a bit more sternly )
-"I agree with Goro… and your vocabulary is not befitting of a lady, Madam Ursa."
This time, the voice came from someone who seemed to be wearing a water-filled gas mask. His skin was a sticky reddish tone, with tentacles like those of an octopus, short orange hair, and attire resembling a diver's suit.
At the word "lady," Helios couldn't help but burst into laughter. This only fueled Ursa's rage even further, and, unable to hold back, she tried to strike again. However, Helios raised a wall of black sand to block the attack.
-"Very well… if you want to do this, it'll be my pleasure to educate you, beast."
( Said Helios laughing )
-"As you wish, bitch."
( Said Ursa, shouting in fury as she assumed a fighting stance )
But before either could move or even blink, they felt the edge of a sword against their necks.
One blade belonged to a young woman with short bluish hair, pale skin, and eyes the same color as her hair, with black sclera, reddish eyelashes, and two horns fading from red to white. Her oriental-style clothes shimmered in green and blue.
The other was identical, except her hair and eyes glowed a toxic green. Her sclera were also black, and her clothes blended venomous green with blue.
Their swords, thick with black blades, bore a thin central line in the other's color. Both spoke at once, with lethal precision:
-"One more step… and you'll lose your heads."
( They said threateningly )
-"Miss Reika, Miss Seika, I appreciate your intervention… but could you remove your swords from Miss Ursa's and Miss Helios' necks, please?"
In perfect unison, the twins withdrew their blades and sheathed them.
-"Wow… you actually got the twins to intervene. Now that's new."
( Said the one wearing the water mask )
-"We respect the rules. Rules are what separate us from animals… and whoever does not follow them must be executed."
( The twins said in unison )
Helios and Ursa touched their necks, visibly irritated, but before they could reply, an overwhelming pressure filled the room.
Everyone—without exception—began to tremble. The echo of dry footsteps resonated in the chamber, followed by the metallic groan of armor.
Then, a voice heavy with authority and menace thundered through the place.
The voice came from a woman with long blonde hair, clad in black armor with a helmet sporting two horns and sharp teeth around the mouth area.
-"Can someone tell me… what is going on here?"
End of Chapter
Next Chapter: You Are What I Was Looking For – Part 2