Chereads / Path Of Knights / Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Predator or Prey/ Semi-Final!

Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Predator or Prey/ Semi-Final!

"What is this Trickery?! Do you not wish to battle?!...then disqualify yourself and seize embarrassment!...." The Cold voice of Kira Narukami argued loudly between breathes and the sound of swinging meta; her Rapier was lunging in different directions by her hand but not hitting a single thing, Reno Tora was dodging all of her attacks with relative ease hands in his pockets an extremely bored look in his eyes. "I won't continue to fight an opponent not worth my time!"

"T-That...that's so weird!....he's not even trying that hard! H-How can he be so fast?....granted Narukami-sama isn't really going all out either. She's always been the type to end things quickly without using much force....S-still! He hasn't lifted a finger...are all of these brothers crazy?..." Cole stuttered out his words, bewildered at the sight of Kira struggling to even get a hit on Reno. It wouldn't be so shocking if he at least was countering or blocking as well but to simply dodge her Rapier Strikes nonstop, it was insane to see.

"Not necessarily. Considering what we've seen from the others...if I were Narukami...I wouldn't let my guard down..." Yuma Lionheart replied as he was in deep thought trying to analyze the situation at hand, before glancing at Dante whom opted to stand by Rin Tora 'Somethings...wrong here. Atarah's Suspicions might've been true....but....Their's no real evidence to back it up. Thinking on it now...some of these fights. Seem...Almost as if. No-...no that can't be.'

Kira continued to thrust her Blade forward trying to hit her opponent on different parts of his body, pushing him to attempt to fight back. "Have you no dignity?....Why are you fleeing? Such cowardice..."

"Cowardice." Reno finally spoke a single raspy word, as he continued to dodge; this threw Narukami off as she seized her assault and backed up. "Your Mana....it's....delightful~..."

"My Mana is-...delightful?...." The Blonde Heiress couldn't quite understand what he was talking about, or why he chose to speak such nonsense. "I haven't even attempted to utilize my power. I'd have already won....how do you know what my mana feels like?..."

"A Predator...can always...smell their prey..." Reno's words we're threatening, as his body was covered in a purple terrifyingly Dark Aura of Cursed Mana, 8 Tentacle's of Pure Mana emerged from his back instantly as his eye's we're shrouded in a Shadowy cloud. "I want...a taste of you!..."

"What in the Goddesses Name...is that?..." Kira's eyes widened as her body language exuded Disgust at the unsightly and unholy power being portrayed. "You are...pure Evil."

'The Cursed Mana being shown by this one....it's five times greater than the other Three.....' Ibuki the Proctor had his hands in his pockets, as he backed up slightly watching the battle with intrigue 'those Tentacles.....their are Tendrils within them.....their's even more too it-....The vicinity around him. It's draining the Mana of his surroundings.....that means. He wasn't simply dodging Narukami....he was absorbing some of her Mana slowly....'

"Wait. Wait that doesn't make any sense...." Dante Kira finally spoke up pointing at Reno's ominous abilities on display "How can he absorb Mana that isn't even being used?...that's against the laws of nature isn't it?..."

"Are you cracked?...." Rin shook his head feeling a shiver, at the sight of his younger brothers Cursed Power. "Soon as the battle began....Reno had activated his ability. A zone of Draining....up to a certain area around him. Anything that enters with a spirit core...will have portions of their Mana absorbed and converted into his own....those Tentacles...are even worse...."

'Tentacles....vile....even for him...' Kira thought as she stepped forward taking note of the drain zone surrounding her opponent 'Dodging before...means if he takes a hit physically it will still do damage. But getting close without using Mana...especially with those things attacking...it won't be easy...on the contrary if I'm too close and use Mana. More than likely he can absorb it even more effectively....' With a single sigh the Heiress sheathed her weapon and began to pull her sleeves up to her elbows as if going to take this battle more seriously "Troublesome. But even I must admit...an opponent such as yourself. Allows my blood to get..pumping..." in that instant the ground under the soles of her feet cratered lightly, a wave of static shocks from her calves down followed; her Blue Pearls brightened with a Yellow Hue.

"Are....are we really going to see it?...." Yuma questioned out loud, his smirk widened as he was looking forward to this very much. "I suppose she knows not to take him lightly anymore."

"W-what is she doing?....her stance changed....." Cole Young's eyes sparkled as if it was a sight for sore eyes. "She's going to use...her famed move! The one that gave her the title....Lightning Empress..."

"Narukami Style:....Mana Movement-....Lightning!...." The Noble Knight Apprentice, Bender her knees slightly and in a blitzing move caused an explosion of electric energy disappearing into thin air, shocking the others.

"Lightning?!....so it's true....." Rin Tora from where he was standing was taken aback by her raw Speed, causing his cool demeanor to shift into awe "The Lighting Empress...is finally going to Attack..."

"Mana Movement?....what's the difference? Between pulling regular Mana to your legs to speed up and Mana Movement?...." Dante couldn't help but question it, he had seen Yuma and Roses incredible speed but Kira was practically disappearing and reappearing and it wasn't even teleportation, her afterimage was still visible. "Wait...her Mana Element is...Lightning? So that's why she had that name..."

Rin Tora shook his head at Dante's questions "I can't forget...your not really knowledgeable at Mana control...you just have an unnatural amount.....Mana Movement is more than just focusing Mana into your legs. If your advanced at control...you can focus Mana into a combination of muscles all over your body. Similar to how a Knight might put a thin barrier over their skin for secondary protection. Mana Movement...is the Control of Speed on all fields. It'll look like teleportation...or disappearing but in reality it's the user moving faster than the eye can keep up. And with her Element...she's practically a Living Lightning Bolt...."

"O-oh....I see...Thats...incredible..." Dante rubbed the back of his neck, with a Sweatdrop 'I-I suppose. I should've started learning control of Mana long ago. I was..to stubborn. But this is so cool!...'

The Battle Raged on, a War of Tag in other words. True to those words, Kira Narukami was popping at different places around Reno Tora faster than he could keep up but his reaction was also splendid as his tentacles acted like sensors as soon as the girl would appear they would crash down and attack forcing her to continue to move quickly while also unsheathing her rapier to counter skillfully; the sound of lightning striking with each time she would appear was rocking the crowds ear drums.

"More....more! Feed me!...more!..." Reno said with a muffled grunt, as his tentacles continued to pursue and defend him without the young Tora having to move a muscle; his eyes became crazed and bloodshot as spiked Tendrils sprung from the tips of the Tentacles; his bloodlust was clearly increasing along with his cursed Mana. "I want~ more?!!!~....." it was an incredible moment, a Mana he could not get his hands on so easily; a delicacy that eluded him and struck back, the ultimate hunger. His Zone of Drainage pressured even more, as Kira was moving so fast...it couldn't keep up and barely drain anything from her forcing the Sibling to burst out in laughter, his medical mask became moist from his drooling saliva.

"You want more. I shall give it you...with the steel..of my blade!!!" Kira appeared instantly, hair risen from the friction of electrons stirring; dodging four different tentacles she successfully within a split second appeared in front of her opponent thrusting her Rapier forward "You will lose. Now!"

"Hn~....Foolish..." Reno commented as if noticing her despite her speed, making the woman's eyes widen as a Tentacle sprung from under ground beneath her; the flesh above her collarbone bursted as it pierced through her. "Hgn?!....H-how did you?..."

His Violet Eyes, we're filled with lust as he stared at her with starvation "You...are fast~....but...I made a trap. In case you got too close...my tentacles act...of their own volition~....now...you are. Mine....." The Black haired Tora explained vaguely, as the tentacle pulsated cursed Mana beginning to drain her "You...are my dinner..." Four more of his tentacles wrapped themselves around her arms and legs keeping the Knight still as he drew her closer and closer with his free hand, he removed his mask...

Kira Narukami's eyes widened in horror at the sight....a....a glass glow smile....cuts from the corner of his mouth up to only his cheeks, under those cuts we're rows of Razor Sharp teeth. "U-unhand me..you fiend?!...ugh?!.." she could feel herself being drained slowly as she was brought closer mere inches away from him.

Reno Tora was..a Monster grabbing her throat aggressively and tilting her head, he stared at her neck for mere seconds as his mouth opened wider than a Hippo and...a burst of blood dripped as he bit down angrily sucking out her blood as well as her Mana. A Razor sharp Vampire...

"A-AAAAAAAAAGHHHH?!!!!!!" Her screams pierced throughout the Arena, as she felt like her neck was being ripped apart by his teeth.

"T-this is...sick!.....Thats no way..to treat a lady..." Yuma Lionheart gripped his fists suddenly, in disbelief that someone like this would even come to this Exam. 'He's the worst of them. That's for sure...how the heck did he even get past the Review Stage?....'

Rose Atarah the Dark Elven girl with striking Red Hair, had clasped a hand over her mouth face a bit shaky the thought that she might've had to face this person if not matched with Her opponent prior donned on her 'he's literally...trying to eat her?!...what the heck!'

Oi!...." Dante's face flushed with a small shocked expression "He's...a Cannibal?!....you...you didn't mention...he wanted to eat people?!...and what's wrong with his mouth?...is that what you meant when you said...his humanity?!..."

"It's a rare disorder.....his teeth grew sharpened, those cuts from the mouth to his cheeks we're from his constant chewing within....he ripped his own flesh....after we attained curse Mana...it just. Became worse..." Rin looked away from the Scene, having had this knowledge the entire time, a breathe left him as he felt a hand grab his collar and force him up from his feet staying calm as he looked down at the person in front of him, he spoke freely "Hn....Lionheart.....to what do I owe the pleasure?..."

"Hey!!! Paws off our brother!!!" Rei Tora was about ready to lunge at Yuma Lionheart ferociously but he paused as Rin lifted his hand ordering him to stop.

"Tch. I don't care....I don't give a shit. if I'm still recovering. I don't care that you beat Dante....or how strong you or your brothers are?...but. You let that Monster come here with you?...that sick freak!....he's gonna kill her!...and your okay with that?!...." Yuma yelled losing his cool and Swag for just this moment, Cole had rushed over grabbing his arm to try and calm him down "nah. I'm not letting this go!....if Narukami dies out there!...I'm gonna kill you myself....ain't no way! No way in HELL! Will I become a Knight with that... thing you got...as a brother!!!"

Dante pointed over at Ibuki and spoke up "Hey! Proctor guy over there!! You can't let this go on!! That guys not right in the head!!!! Do something!" He yelled suddenly in desperation.

Ibuki's ears perked up at Dante's obnoxious yelling, as he looked over at them his crimson eyes unamused "my name. Is Ibuki Sullivan you ill-mannered child!....Did you...forget the rules?...the match isn't going to end. Until one of them...Taps out...or is unable to battle any longer..." he spoke with Authority "since neither of those conditions have been met. I see no reason...to stop the duel....."

"Huh?!!...what the heck are you talking about?!.....how can you possibly tell that she can keep fighting? Reno's got her trapped and he's literally a Cannibal! Are you insane?!...." Dante continued to yell at him from afar, only to be stopped by Yuma suddenly letting Rin go as his brown eyes was now staring at the battle with awe "what? What's up Yuma?..what-..."

"That's right....drink up..." Narukami spoke groggily, her hand was behind Reno's head as if she was allowing him to do what he wished, a smirk on her face "you wanted...Mana. I'll give that too you...All of...it!..." in a sudden burst, Intense Mana covered her entire body in the form of Lightning causing Reno Tora to shake as electricity coarser through him savagely forcing him to let go and leap backward coughing and and falling to one knee as his nerves we're rapid feeling spritzers of Lightning going through him. "What...did you?~..."

Kira Narukami stood on her feet, as the tentacles had let her go blood leaking from the grave wound on her Neck "oh? Was that too much....my apologies. I'll make sure...to do it better next time...." She said threateningly as her power was massively greater than Her opponents, despite being drained by him her Mana was still vast enough to do damage.

"B-but how?....he was sucking her dry?!..." Cole stammered over his words, gripping his hair in disbelief "is this?...what it means to be of H-high Nobility?!...."

"That's...impressive. She's going to bleed out...if she doesn't somehow cauterize her wound....he must've bit deeply..." Rose cautioned she was definitely impressed by her durability 'I see why they call her...an Heiress...I despise her reaction to me. But....I'll give credit where it's due...'

Regis Ogrekiller had his eyes on the battle the entire time, his expression was unreadable and strange. One thing was for certain, their was a huge Smirk of amusement on his face but his eyes had other emotions that couldn't be told. 'Well then....Narukami's finally going to show it. The Fighting Spirit of their clan....Hmph!....'

Daisuke himself was also caught off guard by Kira's power which made him reminisce quite a bit as his emerald eyes glanced at Director Clara whom hadn't said a word this entire time, but her prideful eyes said everything that needed to be said. 'Shes your daughter....the apple didn't fall far from the tree did it?...'

"Oi....I think...she's a masochist?...." Yuma mentioned eyebrows raised in confusion "like...she was enjoying that Crap?!..."

"Huh?....weird enough. That's kinda hot..." Dante Kudo, Knight apprentice rubbed his chin as if coming to that realization himself making Yuma and Cole step away from him with sideways glances, he huffed "What?!....Just cause I'm a 'village boy' doesn't mean I don't find things attractive. Jeez!"

"T-the fact you found that..Attractive is what's unsettling Dante-san...." Cole sweatdropped before changing the subject and looking up at the Battle nearing its climax "Wait...how is she?!....h-huh?!..."

"Hyyyagghh?!!!..." Kira yelled as her hand covered her wound and made a seeding sound of burning, she was closing her wound....with the burns of Electricity! "Oh my....what a rush that was....I suppose. I'll have to end this battle here!..." as lighting covered her body once more in an intense wave of Mana her Rapier also glowed a bright yellow "I'll end you. Here and now!....Reno Tora!!..."

Her opponent on the other hand, was losing it as he wiped the blood from

His lips and growled like an animal "More!!!! Nani!! Nani! NANI!! I need More!!!" Losing his composure completely, his Cursed Mana exploded a dozen more Aura Tentacles Emerging and extending rather than defending himself he launched an all out Assault on her "I will have!...more of you!!"

Narukami huffed softly, as she could see the Tentacles coming for her she held her Rapier and cocked it backward energy amassing into it like a concentrated charge of power "I shall give it too you....." the yellow glow than became that of Gold as the ground beneath her trembled gently, her grace and Honor having returned aside from that Masochist personality she held. "Crashing Storm.... Tōboe Raijū..!" In a single thrust of imposing might, a wave of destructive Lightning concentrated in the form of a Giant Lance blasted from her weapon, the brightness Lighting up the entire Arena as it warped and caused Reno's Mana and Aura to break suddenly "No!...No!...Nooooo!- Aaaaghh?!!" The ensuing explosion had the echo of a rising Hurricane behind it, as the Blast became a blinding light shaped Star with Reno in the center screaming as he took it full force.

"Heh!...theirs no doubt about it now...Clara...." Daisuke said with a chuckle and smirk closing his eyes as the light from her attack, was truly Astonishing. "she's your spitting image!...like you she's also....Junbo! A Purity of Mana!..."

The Attack Ceased, at the heart of it stood Reno Tora mouth wide open as he fell to his knees....unmoving...and unable to do anything at all but gasp air....Kira as the dust cloud surrounded them walked over standing before him with a pitiful expression "in the end....not even you...could satisfy my Spirit....foolish...."

"P-please...K-kill..me....." he breathed gently, not even a Twitch as he requested for his death, Narukami couldn't believe what she was hearing in fact. What she saw next....caused her to freeze...their we're.....Tears....dripping from his eyes "Why?.....why would such a powerhouse?....request to die?....why?...are you crying?...."

"He promised....to make the pain. Stop....h-he...promised.....please.....make it...stop..." He begged head hanging down in defeat, that was when she realized something truly frightening 'This....creature of a boy...whatever drove him....to insanity.... Still plagued his mind....' She thought gripping her Rapier and aiming it at his neck "You almost ended my life....so it is justice if I end yours in return...."

The Battlefield cleared up, and in full view was Kira Narukami prepared to end Reno Tora's life without hesitation, as he requested. "Any final words-.....your brothers are-..." but before she could finish her statement the wind howled surrounding her we're his siblings. Rin, Rei, and Ryoka all weapons drawn and trained on her.

"Sheathe your weapon Narukami!.....it is over.....or do you think you can fight us all in your state?...." Rin Tora threatened angrily Twin blades ready for a fight. "Despite what you think....he is our brother! We take care of each other....and we won't stand by and let you take his life! Not over our Dead bodies!..."

"Hai!...we'll kill you first!!....." Rei exclaimed as well bow and Fire Arrow prepped, as Ryoka had his Dagger out ready to summon its extension. "Murder you real good! That's what we'll do!..."

"Fools!...He asked for me to end his life...he is suffering clearly. I will not allow his life to continue in such misery!-..."

"KIRA!" Clara yelled her name causing them all to freeze, as the Older woman and head of the Order glared at them all. "You are not. Judge, jury, or Executioner. Put down your weapon...the battle is over....." she ordered loudly making Narukami let out a breathe as she did what she was told to do, once the brothers saw this and dropped their guard, she turned away elegantly and walked off toward her group.

"Oi...Brother. Did you think....we could take her?...." Rei questioned feeling relieved he didn't have to fight so suddenly still recuperating.

Rin Tora Scoffed sheathing his weapons as his siblings helped Reno to his feet so they could walk toward their part of the field it seemed Dante had returned with Yuma and Cole to their side. "Honestly. I have no idea...we probably would have killed each other...."

"The Winner of the Semi-Final Duel!.....is Kira Narukami! Heiress of the Narukami Clan!!....." Ibuki the proctor announced causing the crowd to Roar in cheer and glory at the sight of her walking off proudly with her victory, she paused right in front of her comrades and glanced back at her defeated opponent being carried by his brothers he had lost consciousness from her attack. 'They truly are....the strangest of the strange.....' she thought her thoughts interrupted by the Village boys words.

"I thought you we're just all hype...." Dante Kudo spoke gaining her attention with a small smirk "Your not all mean much...you're just a perfectionist. And that's okay. Don't worry...To be honest. You we're really cool out there!...I like that side of you...when your fighting. That Spirit you show. It's Great! I'll be honored to work with you as a Knight....neh. I'm sure we all will..."

"Huh?..." Kira Narukami stared at him bewildered as before her battle he had just berated the girl for her attitude, but her blue eyes suddenly looked at Yuma and Cole even Rose before looking back at the white haired male a slight heat reached her cheeks as she looked away and cleared her throat "W-well...I suppose it won't be terrible working with you...And the others after all...just don't get comfortable. Kudo...."

"wait...hold on just a second!....Everyone fought? How's this the semi-final?-...." Yuma's jaw dropped as he glanced at Cole with a small hint of worry "Ah...crap.."

"N-no...." Was the only word...Cole Young could possibly say, as he dropped to both of his knees in a defeated manner; pale sapphire eyes looking at the Overhead Titantron in skepticism and shock and...Fear. "No."

"Hey! What's the big deal? So Cole's gotta fight...so what?-...oh.....ooh no...." Dante gripped his fists, as he felt his anger rise suddenly at the next and final pairing "this is...bullshit...."

"T-that cannot be fair....not at all...." Kira herself couldn't believe what was being presented on the screen either, as Rose Atarah stood there shocked and finally breathed it out "Cole Young...Vs....Regis Ogrekiller....."

"Both Fighters! Please. Make your way to the center stage now....The Final Duel will finally commence!...." Ibuki announced lighting up another Cigarette as he didn't pay any mind to the gasps coming from Dante's group.

"Hehehe....." The Brute and rough booming chuckle echoed as they we're all silent, Regis Ogrekiller himself the Half-giant had walked over patting Cole's shoulder aggressively an Evil and Sinister smirk on his face; blonde buzz cut and piercings making his appearance that much more frightening "ain't this...a beautiful thing. I told you before...Young...." He said bending down so he could hear, causing Cole to get chills and goosebumps as tears welded up in his eyes which just made Regis sniff amused

"that I would kill you...brat..."