Language can be one of the most curious, yet rewarding subjects to study. And, while I by no means considered myself an avid linguist, still hold respect for the vast amount of knowledge that can be transferred through phrases and simple speech across countless cultures. With our language, our words, the building block of communication, beings can build and define their traditions, carving out unique annals across their recorded existence and time together. Throughout time, phrases would often emerge and vanish, but, those particular words which contain paramount levels of wisdoms, their idioms, would often prevail throughout that civilization’s particular lifetime, and, even become absorbed by others, as time continues to tirelessly march on in the universe.

  It would seem these thoughts were currently rolling around within my head, as an ancient phrase had just somehow managed to seemingly save my party from certain death. We were still surrounded by the progenitor wolves, who were all unsettlingly silent in our wake from the simple words that I had just spoken. I knew nothing about what the phrase could possibly mean, or, why Crimson had suddenly decided to personally protect and defend us from the wolf named Cyan, but, things were finally starting to look better for us. Confused, yet relieved, I finally decided to ask the goddess living inside me, what that phrase she commanded my body to speak to the wolves, actually meant.

  Coileene, what exactly does... Veritas iudicium proelium mean?

  And... If I couldn’t see the serpent sarcastically grinning inside my mind from the simple question, it was clearly prevalent in her snarky, yet thrilled response to me, as she happily rambled away her reply.

  [Veritas iudicium proelium. It is a simple phrase unique to the progenitor wolves, used to settle any disputes. Crudely translated, it means “truth judgement battle”, and, relating it to your world, the closest meaning would be a “trial by combat”. Two warriors compete in a battle to the death, and the winner, will be deemed righteous, due to justice protecting the truth.]

  While I was still processing Coileene’s words, I briefly lost my focus as both Cyan and Crimson’s bitter arguing pulled my attention into their heated discussion in front of me.

  “Crimson! I... I cannot accept this! I must be the one to fight in your stead! This monster is not worthy to—”

  “No, Cyan. As the leader of the progenitor wolves, and, the strongest warrior amongst us, it is only just that I represent our position in battle.

  “But Crimson!”

  “Enough! The monster has called for Veritas. And, as the leader behind the disagreement, I will uphold our traditions and represent the progenitor wolves. The accusation, being these monsters have lied about their capabilities, with ill intent to harm us.”

  Then, turning towards me, much to the annoyed snarls and protests from the brilliant blue wolf beside them, Crimson howled, looking to confirm my group’s claim.

  “State your claim, and the representative which will defend your truth in battle.”

  Hesitant to speak, I eventually managed to articulate a response to the wolf towering over me. “That we only wish... To pass through the progenitor wolves’ territory in peace. May I speak with my group to determine our representative?” I said as confidently as I could manage. “Very well, you will be allowed a brief council.” Replied Crimson in a stern tone towards me, as several other wolves howled in delight of her claim.

  Then, just as she finished her declaration, the pressure pinning us in place eased, allowing all of us to finally stand on our feet, where our temporary “freedom” was immediately met with hesitant responses from my friends.

  “Ko... What the heck... Were you saying to them?” Inari softly squeaked, while Raya continued to glance around the tense atmosphere before stating her own comments on the situation. “Are... We alright, Ko? The wolves aren’t emitting their pressure anymore, so, whatever you seemed to be telling them, worked.”

  “I’m sorry guys. If anything, I have somehow put us in an even dire situation.” I tried my best to say as calmly as possible to the trembling fox and commander beside me, but even I was shaking as words continued to leave my mouth. “I have... We can only survive, if we fight their strongest warrior, to the death.”

  Silence separated our group, as all of us continued to share glances amongst each other. None of us wanted to be the first to speak to the dreadful news I had just revealed, so I eventually continued the conversation with a heavy breath.

  “We... Are allowed to select one warrior amongst us to represent our truth. Our claim is we only wish to pass peacefully through the floor... The words I unknowingly said, are a sacred tradition to them, used to settle any disputes by a battle to the death, where the winner, is deemed just. At least, that’s what Coileene told me.”

  Raya and Inari continued glancing around, examining the wolves howling amongst themselves, with Crimson standing proud behind us, patiently waiting the conclusion of our council. “I... Think you should be the one to represent us. You are currently the strongest in our party, and, I trust you will find a way to win.” Inari’s words softly blanketed our group, while Raya simply nodded, before sharing her simple response as well. “Good luck, Ko. If any of us can defeat their strongest warrior, its you.”

  “I... I don’t want to fight them. I explained we had no intention for conflict, and now, we suddenly have to fight to the death?!? I ruined everything with my stupid actions, and I hate myself for being such an idiot... Why does—”

  ...

  “Ko...” Inari softly said with her ears pinned back, while Raya simply stared at the ground, clenching her fist. I didn’t want to reply to the words and emotions my comrades were currently expressing. I knew they were only trying to encourage me, but, whenever I said anything, or did any kind of action, it always seemed to cause problems... Why did everyone just continue to blindly trust me!? Why couldn’t I do anything right?!? Why couldn’t I just...

  ...

  “I’ll find a way to protect us... I... I have an idea, that just might work.” I said, while turning around to face the proud wolf ahead of me. Then, after walking towards and stopping just in front of Crimson, I gave my response with the most confidence I could muster. “I, Kotato Yamata, will represent our truth.”

  “Very well, Kotato Yamata. I, Crimson Lucendi, formally accept your call for Veritas, and will represent the progenitor wolves’ truth.” Then, turning to face the rest of the wolves around us, Crimson let out a tremendous howl, shaking the very ground around us, before stating her response to everyone in her native tongue.

  “Veritas iudicium proelium. Our most sacred tradition, only invoked when parties are unable to arrive at a compromise, will be held on the grounds from which the dispute of truths has arisen. Kotato Yamata claims their group only wishes to pass through our territory in peace, and us, the progenitor wolves, claim they wish to harm us.

  Veritas, for the truth, blood must be shed.

  Iudicium, with life offered, judgment will be absolute.

  Proelium, only through battle, will justice prevail.”

  Then, pausing after the formal claim for their traditions, Crimson walked several paces back, before issuing her final words for the upcoming battle.

  “Cyan, at your word, our battle for truth will begin. Kotato Yamata, our fight will only end, once one of us, has died.”

  Nodding at the wolf, I also took several paces back, mirroring their actions as a show of respect, while I angrily called out to the god living inside me, for deceiving me.

  Coileene... Why didn’t you explain this to me earlier?! You knew this would result in a duel to the death... You know that I hate senseless killing, so why would you...

  [For your survival, Ko. This was the only way to—]

  No... This was never about our survival! Everything has always been about your desires, your own goals, and... This... Crimson’s core... You want her power, don’t you? You want to absorb her life force, so you can continue recovering your strength!! That’s what this is all about, isn’t it??!

  A brief silence blanketed my mind, before the unsettling sound of snakes hissing jolted my senses, as Coileene happily bellowed her response, shaking my very existence.

  [Hahaha! That is a correct deduction, Ko. But, while conversation may have worked at an earlier point in time, sometimes, you must strike a beast so it learns its place in the world order. These monsters respect violence, and, it is a given, that the weak, will always follow the strong. The powerful rule through fear and violence, while the weak will simply become trampled under their conquest and desires!]

  I tightly curled my fists as the serpent continued to happily ramble away within my mind about her ideals. I wanted to be in control of my own actions. That was my only condition for accepting her into my body, and yet, I still felt like everything was being carefully orchestrated by this unreasonable god, with my free will, being only an illusion under her influence. That my actions, everything that I would eventually do, were never mine to begin with. This isn’t what I wanted, yet, because of my own shortcomings, I...

  ...

  I will prove you wrong, Coileene. You may be a god, and a crafty one at that, but even so, I will show you, that even the most powerful of divine beings, can be wrong.

  Then, glancing up at the majestic, powerful black and red wolf standing in front of me, I felt magic begin to overwhelm my right eye, shifting, and changing its form to match Coileene’s slitted red pupils. I always had access to her power, to take it whenever I needed. And, if she was so intent on using me to achieve her own selfish goals, then I would simply use her powers, to achieve mine.

  Raged swelled within me, as I felt Coileene attempting to take control over my body, but I resisted her pulls with every fibre of my being. The sounds of snakes slithering and hissing blanketed my thoughts, to which I imagined brutally trampling the army of repulsive serpents under my feet. I wouldn’t let her win; I wouldn’t let her have control.

  I will be the one to prove you wrong, so just watch me, you stupid, arrogant, narcissistic goddess!!!

  Drawing my sword, the lightness exhibited by the steel was ever apparent, as my grip tightened around the black and white blade in anticipation for the upcoming battle. Noticing my stance, Crimson also began gathering mana particles around her in preparation for our duel. I did the same, while glancing towards the blue wolf, who was continuing to count down to the official start of our trial by combat. I knew these wolves would only accept death, and, I had just the idea, to make that happen. All I needed to do now, was win.

  Cyan continued to count down, each howl a sinister snarl blanketing my ears, as I finally heard the words I had been waiting for. “Blood for truth! Life for judgement! Observe all this battle, for justice! Warriors, begin!” At the final utterance for his decree to start our deadly encounter, both Crimson and I began slowly strafing around one another in a wide circle, scrutinizing each other’s stances for any signs of weakness. Immense mana had already been gathered around us, and we were both cautiously waiting for the other to make the first move. Then, after a few more carefully planted steps, the wolf split itself into multiple images, with several of them vanishing all together within the shadows. Anticipating they were skilled in concealment, I calmly flicked my wrist to release all 3 of the disks along my shield, while covering one of them in a shimmering vale of light. Now, all I needed to do, was have faith in my own capabilities, until the time to strike was right.

  Suddenly, the hair along my neck began standing up, as I continued staring at Crimson. Perhaps it was the result of static, as particles within the air become magnetically charged, just before lightning cruelly strikes the ground below. On a balance of probabilities, it was more realistically my own fear. But, if I incorporated her affinity for thunder...

  Just then, the wolf in front of me dashed towards my direction, baring its fangs before leaping at me with its claws prepared to eviscerate my chest. Thus, trusting my instincts, I decided to ignore the being, and instead quickly raised my shield to block a potential attack from behind.

  *Smash!*

  I grunted, slightly in pain, as my arm shook from taking the impact of metal crudely colliding with fangs, intercepting the blow and locking us in place, just narrowly protecting my skull from the wolf’s powerful crunching power. Then, the canine I had chosen to ignore, seamlessly passed through my body while completing its slashing motion, oblivious to my physical form, confirming the fact that it was an illusion. Crimson snarled, as she continued trying to crunch the shield under her fangs, but the metal thankfully held its own. Glaring into my eyes, before acknowledging our stalemate, she quickly disengaged, leaping back while launching a bolt of lightning towards me. Reflexively, I quickly sliced my right hand through the air, catching, and canceling the magic before it could harm me.

  Some light growls flooded the impromptu arena, while Crimson resumed prowling along the edge, before barking some banter towards me, with her lips grinning in delight at my apparent capabilities. “Humph. To think you would not only sense my illusion, but to cancel and defend against my mental attacks as well, you really are a powerful monster, aren’t you? To face such a worthy opponent... I will enjoy crushing you beneath my paws!”

  Her words caught me off guard slightly. I had only guessed she might attack me from behind with intuition, and only canceled the lightning magic by chance, but mental atta—

  [It is as the beast says, Ko. Because of your arrogant and ignorant ways, I’ve been forced to protect your frail mind from this creature’s relentless, pitiful assault on your sanity. It is the same pressure that was pinning you in place. You would have already been killed were it not for my—]

  Thank you, Coileene. Just keep defending me from Crimson’s attacks. I’ll continue to—

  [Fool! You think you can jus—]

  Order you around? Why of course. Whether you like it or not, we’re stuck together, and, I’m tired of you always taking control and manipulating my actions. So, if you really did choose me as your vessel, that one unique individual out of countless lifetimes of suffering in your prison, to house your infinite power for the slightest chance at obtaining freedom, then I’ll show you my own resolve in seeing this through!

  We’re a team, and as much as you hate my ideals, I’m going to prove I’m more than just some vessel you can boss around to your will.

  [Arrogance born from ignorance! There is no way what you’re—]

  I won’t know unless I try, Coileene, so just continue supporting me while I make this work!

  A smile slowly grew across my face, as I finally said the words my heart had been aching to all this time to the goddess controlling and sharing my body with me. Yes, I had died, and yes, I was essentially blackmailed into accepting her deal to save my friend, but, for as omnipotent and manipulative as Coileene was, she still chose me out of countless life times of suffering. She may have lost her memories and her powers, but, for a god to risk their entire existence just to save a foolish mortal... I have to be more than just a mere tool of convenience. Maybe I really am a fool and ignorant, but until I’ve exhausted all my options, I refuse to continue being controlled by her!

  Noticing the grin growing along my face, Crimson lunged at me again with her claws, while scattering bolts of lightning to manipulate and restrict my movement. Meeting her assault, I locked my blade with her brutal slash while firing off a flaming spear spell, which just narrowly missed her mane as she twisted her body to avoid the shot. Then, after another disengage and leap combo, we continued to tirelessly trade blows for what felt like an eternity. My arm was beginning to grow numb from all of the parried slashes, while we both continued to dance between lightning and laser barrages from my disks. Noticing we had managed to end up near the base of the cliff, I quickly rolled to the side underneath an aggressive swipe from her paws, while casting a powerful gust of wind to somehow knock Crimson back into the sharp rocks behind her.

  *CRASH*

  Dust and stray boulders littered my vision, as I quickly swiped my hand through the air, clutching my fist together to summon Coileene’s chains and restrain her in place. I still couldn’t see if my spell had landed successfully, but, after feeling some resistance tug across my hands, a smirk of relief gradually filled my face. Glancing to my left, I fired a basic flaming spear into one of the nearby disks, while floating the concealed one near the cliff face as a potential contingency should I fail. Thankfully, metal was violently rattling about instead, helping the dust settle further, as the image of a chained and bound wolf finally graced my eyes. It would seem I somehow held enough power to restrain such a powerful foe, as Crimson continued to aggressively pull and twist her limbs against the ebony metal shackles binding her in place. Her muzzle appeared twisted in shock, as she continued flailing to free herself from my chains.

  “It’s over, Crimson.” I called out while the floating disk continued to charge itself further in preparation to end our duel. There was almost enough power gathered, and I would ensure my next strike, would leave her wounded just enough to end our encounter how I envisioned. However, the brief sense of relief was cruelly ripped away from my heart, when I saw the wolf reply with its own confident snarl towards me. “Heh, you’ll have to do better then that, monster! Don’t you dare underestimate my resolve as a warrior!!!”

  *CHING!*

  Suddenly, with a display of strength causing my face to forget how to properly hold my jaw, I was left in horrifying awe, as the sound of shattering and cracking rocks ravaged my ears at their new found freedom. Coileene’s chains, which had so easily ruptured from the earth below, snapped and scattered, as their anchors to the ground itself were brutally ripped from their sockets in a bout of unbridled canine fury.

  “Shit!”

  I quickly released both the charged flaming spear spell from the disk, and another uncharged blast towards the concealed disk in response towards her, but it wasn’t enough, as the blast collided with the cliff’s face instead of the freed wolf nearby. Crimson, noticing I had missed our duel ending spell, took advantage of the opportunity to quickly charge towards me. Now, I just had to hope the dust was enough to hide my ulterior motive, as the disk under illusion happily absorbed the new blast in secret.

  Staring at the wolf barreling towards me, the chains were still bound along her paws, but useless in restraining her movements. The large boulder anchors tumbled and smashed into the dirt as the beast continued to accelerate towards me, when she suddenly banked hard to the left, while swiping her paw in a large arc. Quickly, I braced myself for some kind of magical ranged attack, perhaps something utilizing wind magic for a slicing blade towards me, but I was sorrily mistaken as to her actual intentions.

  As it would seem, it appeared Crimson possessed a powerful type of battle intuition, inferred by the confident curled lips across her face from her unexpected actions. While I would have preferred an offensive spell of some sort sent my direction, a warning triangle alerted me to an incoming assault from behind me, slightly to the right. Twisting my body, I gasped after noticing she had somehow managed to “hook” the boulder at the end of the chain, attacking me from a blind spot caused by the weird bend in momentum change from her charge.

  “GAH!”

  I couldn’t raise a barrier spell in time, as the boulder collided with my chest, winding me, while sending my body flying several feet back from the brutal impact. Tumbling through the air, I was fighting to reorient myself, just narrowly catching and breaking my momentum with a cushioned barrier. “Thank you for the new weapon, monster. I hope that was an appropriate greeting.” Crimson howled towards me, as many of the observing wolves cheered in delight from their champion landing such a decisive blow against me.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Truthfully, I was impressed, as I cast a greater heal spell to begin alleviating the pain coursing throughout my body. My ribs were definitely fractured and broken in multiple places, even after the blow was softened from the hastily formed barrier spell. Yet now, I was unfortunately stuck battling a wolf skilled in utilizing an improvised flail of all things! While that was impressive in its own right, my mind was now frantically trying to solve this new, unfortunate problem before me.

  How the heck do I dispel these things??!?!

  I’ve never had to deal with Coileene’s chains not working before! They’ve always disappeared with time after a battle has ended, yet I could really benefit from knowing how to actually dispel them myself right now!!! Looking up to meet the wolf’s eyes with laboured breathing, Crimson resumed her assault after failing to hear my response from her confident banter. Rocks kicked up around her feet, as she once again dashed towards me, aiming her paws “holding” flails for multiple strikes towards my recovering body. I dived to the left to avoid one of the boulders, while materializing a condensed barrier to just barely deflect the other, but I still didn’t have a solution for the beast rapidly closing the distance towards me. Searching for some kind of distraction, I erected some earthen walls to briefly hide myself, while casting my own version of illusion over myself, leaving an image behind. A technique kindly taken from Inari’s battle playbook.

  Creating some distance, I saw Crimson leap over the stone walls, before smashing the flails into my image, kicking up more dust and debris around us. It appeared my illusion had worked for now, as I had just managed to buy myself some precious time. Looking at the warrior, she appeared frozen, with her eyes darting around the arena in an effort to find my location to no avail. An eerie silence fell across the battlefield, as even the wolf observers calmed their howling, taking in the change in battle tempo. Carefully, I tried strafing around Crimson, who still appeared unaware of my presence. Holding my breath, I continued to slowly move around the beast. I could see her ears were twitching, when she suddenly turned to stare directly towards me. I paused, wondering how she had correctly guessed my location, before breaking into a sprint towards the cliff. She had to of heard my movements with her incredible hearing, it was the only explanation I could justify, as the boulder-tipped flails were once again launched towards me.

  I jumped over one of the chains, and managed to deflect the other with my shield, unfortunately sustaining some more damage from the impact. My illusion spell dissipated from the impact, as I launched some covering fire from the floating disks to aid in my retreat towards the cliff, but it wasn’t enough.

  Crimson effortlessly dodged the haphazard assault, while calmly taking out one of the disks with a flail counter attack of her own. I was now down to two of my three disks, which would hopefully be enough, but the situation was still quickly getting out of hand. At this rate, I wouldn’t be able to—

  “HRUH!!!”

  The wolf howled, interrupting my thoughts, as she once again swiped the boulders at me. I braced for impact, having messed up my footing to dodge the blow, as the rock came hurling towards me from the left. I wouldn’t be able to mitigate everything, so I just needed to grunt and bear it. Tensing my limbs, I strengthened my body for defense, while erecting several barriers to deflect the mound of stone, when suddenly.

  *Crash!*

  The boulder dislodged from the chains, as the metal finally dissipated into pure mana again, the spell having fully ran its course. The rock, still possessing incredible momentum, flew over my shoulder, just narrowly missing my face, as it collided with the cliff behind me. Relieved, I noticed a shocked expression briefly grace the mutt’s face, as she made the decision to charge at me directly instead. Her speed was incredible, and in my peripheral vision, the cloaked disk had finally finished charging its payload. Thus, needing to gain some distance, I activated my dash ability just as Crimson swiped at me with her massive claws. Dodging this would be difficult, so I placed my trust in my intuition.

  The terrain jerked forward as I quickly traversed 20ft near instantly, while a sharp, warm feeling began growing across my left shoulder. I had somehow managed to dodge her blow, but was still unfortunately grazed by her claws as I dashed by the wolf at incredible speeds. Turning around, I tried to ready myself for a follow up attack, when I was suddenly aggressively thrown to the ground.

  “Gah!”

  I tumbled, failing to break my fall as I landed hard on the dirt, the back of my head slamming into a sharp bed of rocks. My bones screamed in agony from the brutal impact, as my vision blurred from the pain shattering my concentration on our deadly battle. My left arm was now all but numb, and my head ringing, as I suddenly felt an impressive weight filled with daggers pinning me harder into the soil. I could feel blood dripping down my shoulders, as more and more of these knives happily pressed themselves into my flesh, causing more of my precious lifeforce to trickle out of my body. Focusing my vision, I was starting to notice that my face was now uncomfortably close to the bared fangs of a wolf towering over me. Hot breath rolled across my eyes, as saliva hung from the creature’s mouth, dangling above me in anticipation.

  “Any last words, monster?” Crimson confidently gruffed, as some of her spittle landed across my face from the simple, yet aggravating words. I had almost managed to win, and I just needed a few more seconds, anything to buy myself some more time to get out of this situation. Grunting as well, my gaze finally locked with her piercing red eyes. They appeared pleased from our battle, as more and more wolves continued to howl all around us. I couldn’t hear Inari or Raya, but I could only imagine how desperate this situation would appear to them. If I failed here, they would undoubtably be killed by the progenitor wolves next.

  Still staring into Crimson’s eyes, I somehow managed to think of a response, that I could only hope, would buy me the time I desperately needed. Gathering mana and correcting my vision, I tensed my muscles, while confidently uttering my reply through gritted teeth, to the powerful beast on top of me.

  “Harder...”

  Silence instantly befell the arena, as all of the wolves ceased their barking and howling at my simple last words. Crimson’s muzzle briefly flinched, while her eyes widened in shock after processing what I had just said to her. Next, she dug her paws deeper into my shoulders, granting my... “Request”, while scoffing her response to me in a disgusted tone of contempt.

  “You filthy, sick, perverted mongrel! And to think I was starting to respect you as a fellow warrior. I’m glad I’ll be the one to end your twisted desires here, monster!”

  Grunting as well from the increased pain gracing my body, I didn’t care about the obvious implications of my words. But, they were fortunately the words I needed to earn those precious seconds for my survival! Tightly clutching my fist, having finally gathered enough mana, I once again summoned powerful chains to constrain the insulted wolf. However, since time was of the essence, I also bound myself together with her as well.

  *Yelp!*

  [Ha! You really are a twisted individual, Ko! And to think you were so repulsed by my actions during our initial... Introduction...]

  Coileene’s voice rattled within my mind, as both Crimson and I became entangled in her restrictive chains. While I had only made my situation slightly more difficult, I had at least prevented the canine from ending my life with her powerful jaws. Clearly unpleased being tightly bound on top of me, Crimson was desperately trying to crunch my neck, but thankfully couldn’t reach it due to the awkward angle we were tied together at. I could barely feel my shoulders by this point, and the fur from her mane, while exceptionally soft, was suffocating and crushing my body as she continued to flail around in disgust at my actions.

  “Ahh! What the hell are you doing, monster?!?” She viciously snarled in a light, yet feminine tone, while continuing to struggle on top of me. “To think you would force me into such a position!! Does your rudeness know no bounds?!?”

  “Tch! Apologies Crimson, but this was the only way I could think of to get my plan to work!”

  “Plan?! You’re clearly only interested in violating me with your filthy desires, you sick, sadistic freak!!”

  Grinning, which probably didn’t make the insults hurled towards me any better, I finally started manipulating one of the floating disks to hover above us, while the concealed one hung off to the side. Power began to gather above, with the concentration of mana thickening as the disk continued to hum and charge its payload. Noticing the change in circumstance, Crimson’s struggling intensified further, once she noticed the sheer amount of mana particles gathering above us.

  “You fool!!! Veritas is useless should we both perish! You can’t possibly intend to kill us both—”

  “Try me! I have nothing to lose, and I’m already resolved to die by my own hands!” I sneered back, as her actions only grew more and more painful to my body being crushed beneath the pile of fluff. The howling around us intensified, with Cyan hurriedly calling for Crimson to free herself. Then, finally ready to activate my last ditched efforts, I released the energy beam above us.

  *SNAP*

  Panicking, yet, somehow finding the strength I had been anticipating, Crimson managed to free herself from the oppressive chains, just in time before the pillar of light collided with us. Leaping to the side, her figure gracefully flew through the air as she twisted her body to scowl at me, pleased I was seemingly going to “off” myself from my idiotic actions.

  Or so she thought.

  Turning around, I quickly regained my footing, shaking off the chains as the “mana” collided with me, but, to the shocked expressions of our observers, remained completely unharmed. The beam attack, was a lie, an illusion, yet was easily believable after witnessing its destructive power earlier in the battle. I was hoping that putting her into an uncomfortable situation would strain her ability to perceive my attacks, and I was thankfully correct in my assumption. Then, snapping my fingers, I activated the final phase of my attack, the charged blast from the concealed disk at the start of the battle.

  Noticing I didn’t perish, I caught Crimson’s eyes widen as she suddenly felt the immense energy being fired at her direction from the side. She had already committed to leaping away in order to dodge my feint, which meant her options were now severely limited for the actual intended attack.

  Crimson tried to twist her body, anything to help soften or deflect the blow, but it wouldn’t be enough. I briefly felt her try to repel the laser with her mana, but with such little time, it was useless.

  *BOOSH!!!*

  I recoiled, covering my eyes from the intense light flying across the ground. My ears were ringing from the impact, and just before my vision became blinded, I saw the laser collide with the wolf’s side. I was hoping she would be strong enough to survive the attack, and now I just needed to pray that I was right.

  ...

  Finally, after a deafening silence, with the dust and light starting to settle, my ears were overcome with the sounds of the progenitor wolves whimpering at the destruction observed. Crimson, while powerful in her own right, had taken a direct hit from the blast along her right side. The smell of burnt fur filled my nostrils, as blood happily oozed out from her wound. The mana had penetrated deep enough to remove most of her flesh, with what were potentially organs and exposed bone leaking out from the devastating attack. The wound was clearly fatal, now I just had to hope that everything would work out like I wanted.

  Struggling to correct my stance, I collected some of the abundant mana still present from the attack, to cast a high heal on myself, healing most of my injuries, before limping towards the dying wolf. Crimson’s breathing was clearly laboured, and I was thankful she was still alive. But, she wouldn’t have much longer to live, and I desperately wanted to prevent her death. As I continued, all I could hear were the cries from the wolves, knowing their favoured leader was about to die.

  Arriving next to her body, she was calmly lying in a pool of blood, which had already begun to stain and tack her brilliant fur. Her eyes were faint, her horns damaged, and each breath appeared to take all of her concentration. Then, after noticing I was next to her, somehow managed to find the strength, to congratulate me on my victory.

  *Cough* “Well...” *Cough* “Well done... Monster...” she said in a weak tone, while struggling to breath in-between each gasp for air. “You have... Won... While I am sad my journey ends here, I am glad... I got to battle such a powerful foe...

  Cyan, I *cough* I expect you to uphold this judgement.

  Now, to you, Kotato Yamata, grant me my warrior’s death, to *cough* formally end our battle.”

  I paused, taking in my surroundings again. All of the wolves were clearly distraught at this outcome, with Cyan whimpering and growling towards me after hearing Crimson struggle to speak. While he reaffirmed to Crimson he would uphold the battle’s results, I could tell none of them wanted this to be the outcome, including myself. Glancing towards Inari and Raya, they also appeared to be sad, yet relieved. But, this isn’t how I wanted things to end.

  Thus, truly showing my ignorance and arrogance to the progenitor wolves, I defiantly gave my response to the dying warrior before me.

  “No Crimson, I will not grant you a warrior’s death. I... This whole battle stands in opposition to my claim for wanting peace, to pass through your domain without bloodshed, and yet—”

  *Cough* “You really are a monster. I will not survive much longer, yet you would still refuse to grant a dying warrior’s wish?” Crimson softly cried, as she continued to cough up blood with each and every laboured breath. “To think you would not even allow me to pass with honor... You really are *cough* the worst...”

  “I never wanted this, Crimson. I never wanted to kill you, or any of the progenitor wolves, yet, our misunderstandings have somehow led us to this scenario. I can save you, Crimson, you don’t have to die just yet! We can still get along peacefully without death, so please, just accept my words!”

  The wolf paused, I knew she didn’t have much time, but I needed her to accept my pleas before I could heal her! Come on! Just... put aside your—

  “No!” She snarled, interrupting my thoughts as more and more blood gathered along her lips, each breath a weak and raspy tone. “The judgement is not final unless there is death!”

  Tightly clenching my fists, I was beyond frustrated that this wasn’t working. This whole scenario should have never happened... Now, all I could do was—

  [Hahaha! How marvelous, Ko! Now, just accept the dying beasts cries for death, and absorb her core! Your party will be saved, and I’ll grow ever stronger! To think you would surprise even me that you could win this with your own strength!]

  ...

  Annoyed at Coileene, and, still pissed I couldn’t achieve my initial outcome, I angrily gave my reply to the dying wolf.

  “Fine... If you really want to die so badly Crimson, then I'll grant you a fate far worse than a simple warrior’s death. You will have wished to have taken my earlier offer to live.

  ...

  This is my final warning, but do you really wish for the cruelest of deaths imaginable, Crimson?”

  With some of the energy still remaining within her body, Crimson grunted towards me, just barely managing to utter her reply in a dying tone. “As a warrior, I am always prepared for my life to be extinguished in battle. Thus, should my final moments be filled with unimaginable pain, or ended with one clean strike, it does not matter. I am resolved, and have already accepted my fate for my loss. Now, finish me!”

  Tightly gripping my sword, and angered at her refusal to believe my words, I briefly felt Coileene attempt taking control over my body, to which I resisted again. Her pleased hissing noises filled my mind in anticipation for a filling meal, but I continued to brush them aside while I readied my blade. Then, after raising the steel above the wolf’s heart, prepared myself for my future actions. There would be no going back after this moment, and I had to be resolved for whatever might happen afterwards.

  Swinging the sword down in a decisive arc, I saw Crimson close her eyes in relief, her muzzle relaxing ever so slightly, as she awaited the fateful impact that would end her life. Time felt like it had slowed, as the wolves continued to howl in agony at their leader’s pending death. This whole situation was a mess, and now, I just had to believe in my own ideals for seeing this through!

  Carefully guiding the steel, making sure to maintain my act until the last possible moment, I twisted my blade at the end, to instead sever some of the red fur throughout her mane. Then, once the fur had flown into the air, swiftly activated my spatial storage, removing, and applying my favourite mythical healing item across her forehead; the bandages!

  [YOU FOOL!!!!]

  Coileene’s voice bellowed within my head, rattling my very skull for the actions I had just taken, but I didn’t care!!! This was my decision, and I was going to make it work!

  In response to the mysterious item suddenly applied across her forehead, brilliant and bright blue mana, swiftly began to coalesce all around Crimson, binding and closing her gaping wounds before our eyes! Her fur was once again filled with a poofy lustre, and the blood which had been dying the soil mere moments ago, dried and vanished in the comforting blanket of light. The wolves grew silent, as Crimson opened her eyes wide to the new untold amounts of energy entering her body. All of her wounds had vanished, leaving her confused as to the sudden change in circumstance. I was still injured, and, while I had just fully healed my enemy, smiled, knowing it was the right decision to make. Then, noticing her gaze locked with mine, ready to potentially lunge and end my own life for making such a foolish decision, I confidently gave my response to the renewed warrior before me.

  “Crimson, I have granted you a fate worse than death, just like I claimed. You had the option to avoid this outcome, but your own resolve as a warrior, has led you down this path of unimaginable suffering. As I swung my blade and severed your fur, I killed not your physical life, but something far, far worse... Your name and legacy.”

  Then, pausing dramatically, with the silence around us building in anticipation, I continued on in my effort to “bullshit” such an outrageous claim to the wolves before me.

  “On this day, by my blade, Crimson Lucendi, has died. With my actions, I have severed the strands that tied her to that existence. Having killed her name and her legacy, she will now be forced to bear an existence without an identity, until her eventual physical death.

  However, since I am one to believe in mercy, in an act of great generosity, I will take her as my own, granting this warrior the name Crimson Yamata instead.

  ...

  Progenitor wolves. While I am a mere outsider who invoked your traditions for Veritas, we had never decided on which “death” would be acceptable for this duel. A true tragedy only arising from a difference in our cultures. On the surface, we recognize not just the death of the body, but the death of one’s name as well, with the latter, being the worst form of death imaginable.

  All of us, will eventually die a physical death. It is a given, that all living creatures, will eventually perish with time, with warriors wishing to die honorably in battle. But, while a warrior may seek glory and legacy, it is only their name which carries these achievements, when their physical body finally meets its end. As great warriors, our legacy is remembered through our names, but, once our names become lost or destroyed, all of the achievements we earned through our battles, are erased forever. This is known as “true death”, and what I assumed was meant by the progenitor wolves for your tradition of Veritas.

  By killing Crimson’s name, and allowing her to take on the name Yamata, all of her achievements as a warrior with the progenitor wolves, have been erased. Now, she will be forced to suffer, building a whole new legacy as a warrior, before her eventual physical death.

  ...

  Blood has been spilt for the truth, the cruelest form of life has been offered, and through battle, justice has been shown to protect my existence.”

  ...

  Then, turning to face the confused and flustered wolf before me, I dropped to one knee while lowering my head, in an attempt to show as much sincerity as possible, for my final words.

  “Crimson, as a fellow warrior, I can only hope you will come to forgive me for my horrible actions with time, for this is something I never wished to do with my power. I am truly sorry for the death my blade has given you this day.”

  Finishing my words while staring into her eyes, my heart was racing within my chest, pounding against my very bones in hesitation that the wolves would accept my words. I had done my best to complete my claims with confidence, so now, I just had to remain hopeful it would be enough to convince them. I know what I was saying was bullshit, but please, I’m begging you, just accept my outlandish fabrications!!

  Silence continued to grow around us, as Crimson was clearly lost in thought over my claims of killing her name. Tears were beginning to form within her eyes, and all of the wolves around us slowly began to whimper as well at the scene before them. While I was slightly concerned, Coileene’s voice eventually bellowed within my mind, the thoughts I had desperately been trying to ignore about this entire situation.

  [What in the actual hell, Ko!!! You really are the most foolish of mortals that I could have possibly picked in my plight for survival. Killing somebody’s name... There is NO way these monsters, nor any other creatures capable of even the slightest level intellectual thought, would accept what you’ve just proclaimed towards them! Your logic is flawed on so many levels, and nothing about what you’ve said makes any—]

  “You... *Sniff*, you really have killed my name... Haven’t you, Kotato? The... The only thing that... I... *sniff* I...

  ...

  And... To take me... You... You truly are the most heartless of monsters... Aren’t you?”

  ...

  Crimson’s words were filled in a sorrowful, soft tone, as she was struggling to keep her composure. Tears were trickling down into her fur, while she continued sniffling into her paws in contempt of my words towards her. I wasn’t expecting her response to be this dramatic, but, I guess my words were working?

  Eventually, after several more seconds of the powerful wolf before me sobbing into their paws, Crimson finally uttered the response I had been hoping for.

  “I... I accept my death. On this day, Crimson Lucendi, has died. And, I am now yours, bound to you, as Crimson Yamata.”

  After finishing her claim, Crimson shifted her gaze to briefly meet with Cyan’s, before drifting them back to mine. I could see both of their eyes were filled with a glossy sheen, as she continued her words to me in a trembling tone. “Cyan... I... I look forward to hopefully seeing how the progenitor wolves will grow under your command. And, you, Kotato Yamata, may you please show mercy, such that I may sort out some outstanding affairs as the former leader of the progenitor wolves? There are some duties best passed over while I still physically live.”

  Agreeing with her words, I simply nodded, while offering a plain response to the request. “I understand, Crimson. Take the time that you need.”

  “Thank you, Kotato Yamata...

  ...

  Please, you are welcome to stay in one of our dens while I formally transfer my duties as the former pack leader to Cyan. I am not sure how long this will take, but... Lavender and Fern will guide you to your lodgings in the mean time.

  ...

  I... I will also be joining you, once everything is finished on my end. Thank you.” Then, motioning towards a pair of wolves with one spouting streaks of purple, and the other plumes of green, Crimson finally rose to her feet, while wiping the last bits of tears still blanketing her red eyes, before heading off with Cyan towards the cliff. With the duel concluded, Inari and Raya were finally released as well, where both of them happily ran and tackled me to the ground with their new found freedom.

  “Gah!!” I exclaimed, being caught slightly off guard from their behaviour, as I struggled to regain my composure. “I’m fine guys... Please!”

  “We’re... We’re just so glad everything worked out, Ko.” Inari said softly sniffling into my chest, while Raya simply attempted to crush all of us under a massive hug. “Geez! Everything’s alright. I... I somehow managed to convince them, and the wolves have even offered us a place to stay for the time being. I’ll... Explain in detail once we arrive.” Then, gesturing towards the pair of wolves awkwardly watching me struggle to free myself from such a simple hug, introduced my companions to Lavender and Fern, who greeted us in kind, speaking telepathically.

  [“Inari and Raya, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. While the truth has already been decided, I would still like to apologise for doubting your initial claims for peace. Please, follow us to one of our empty dwellings so that you may rest while waiting for Crimson Yamata to join you. I hope it will be to your standards as our guests.”]

  “Thank you, Lavender, I would be most delighted!” I happily responded, to which they calmly bowed before leading us towards an appropriate den, while both Inari and Raya shared confused glances towards me, mumbling “Crimson Yamata?” in a confused tone. “Like I said, I’ll explain once we get there.” I simply replied, to which they both looked even more troubled by my words.

  Regardless as to the confusion I had caused, I was finally able to breath a sigh of relief for my efforts. I could only imagine how confusing my explanation to Inari and Raya would get, given I could apparently speak any language freely, but remained hopeful they would understand. Thus, walking behind the pair of coloured wolves, I was left wondering in awe as to the recent series of events we had just survived. We had not only found another sentient species within the labyrinth, but a whole other world down here, defying any sense of logic we could have ever imagined. There was lots I wished to learn about these wolves, and I was hopeful, their knowledge would end up being the key we needed, for reaching the surface again.