The trio was taken aback by the sudden challenge. Bane, despite sensing no hostile intentions from Lora, was puzzled by her decision to issue a duel. He could tell that Lora's aura hadn't shifted to one of aggression, which led him to believe that this was more of a test than a threat. Sylvie, too, was perplexed, wondering what Lora sought to gain from challenging Mia specifically.
Mia, on the other hand, was annoyed. Her mother had always made it seem like announcing her status as a Warlord would get her out of any situation. Now, faced with someone who didn't seem to care, she was thrown off balance. She had grown accustomed to being treated with deference, and this challenge was not something she had anticipated.
Lora, reading the dynamics of the group, assumed Mia to be the leader. But she sensed that Sylvie and Bane had a bit of battle experience, while Mia's aura was devoid of any real combat presence. The idea that Mia could be appointed leader without any battle experience was baffling to Lora—reckless even. If she knew that was exactly the case, she would probably vomit.
Mia, still pouting, was caught off guard when Lora issued her challenge. "I don't want those two; I want you!" Lora pointed her katana at Mia. "You seem to be the leader, so I challenge you to a simple duel. If you win, you can pass without interference. However…" Lora's lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "If I win, you will give me 100 gold coins AND acknowledge that you're not cut out for your position, handing it over to one of your party members."
Sylvie was taken aback, not because of the challenge itself but because of the unusual stipulations. She wondered what Lora hoped to achieve—was she simply trying to humiliate Mia, or was there something deeper at play? Bane, however, remained silent, his suspicions growing as he watched the scene unfold.
Mia, hearing the terms, laughed nervously. "You honestly think you can beat me? You backwater nobodies? You can still back out; I won't hold it against you." She tried to sound confident, but the truth was, she was terrified. She had only sparred with her guildmates and was unprepared for this kind of confrontation. Yet, her pride wouldn't let her back down, especially not in front of her party members. Before Sylvie could advise caution, Mia accepted the challenge. Sylvie slapped her forehead in frustration, exchanging a look with Bane, who could only shrug helplessly.
As if waiting for Mia's acceptance, a dome suddenly materialized around them, startling her. She had never participated in an official duel before and was confused by the dome's appearance. They weren't Warlords from Mordell, so why had the duel dome activated? It dawned on Bane and Sylvie simultaneously—the watch likely recognized Lora and her companions as Warlord-level individuals, which spelled bad news for Mia.
In truth, many kingdoms had their own versions of Warlords or similar elite forces. Mordell was unique in that it was open to all, while other kingdoms often restricted such positions to those born within their borders, with contests and battles determining ranks and outcomes.
As the dome locked them in, dread settled over Mia. She was trapped in a battle she was unprepared for. Lora, on the other hand, was ready, her combat stance firm and focused. Mia, trembling slightly, drew her daggers but was clearly out of her depth.
"Draw your weapon and prepare for battle!" Lora commanded, her voice cold and authoritative.
Mia reluctantly pulled out her daggers, trying to steady her shaking hands. Outside the dome, Lora's companions approached Bane and Sylvie. They seemed more curious than hostile, interested in learning about these new Warlords and their culture.
Meanwhile, inside the dome, the duel began. Mia was already struggling. Each clash of her daggers against Lora's katana sent shockwaves through her arms, the force behind Lora's strikes far greater than she anticipated.
DING!!
Mia's daggers met Lora's katana, and she was pushed back, panting from the exertion. 'This is nothing like sparring with the guild,' Mia thought, panic rising. 'If I can't land a solid hit, I won't be able to keep this up.'
Lora, seeing the desperation in Mia's eyes, smirked. She knew Mia didn't stand a chance. This duel wasn't about winning for Lora—it was about seeing if Mia had the wisdom to concede when she was outmatched.
Mia, desperate, tried a feint. She activated her daggers' ability, lacing them with a paralyzing agent, and charged at Lora in a zigzag pattern, hoping to throw off her opponent's vision. But Lora, sensing the chemical scent in the air, knew exactly what Mia was planning.
'Rookie mistake,' Lora thought, her eyes following Mia's movements with ease.
Mia appeared directly in front of Lora, her daggers raised. "Acceleration!! Crossing Arch!!" she yelled, slashing her daggers in an X-pattern, the aura around them intensifying. But at the last second, Lora bent backward with impossible grace, the daggers whistling harmlessly above her.
Time seemed to slow for Mia as she realized her mistake. Lora, rotating her body fluidly, unleashed a powerful kick. "Martial Crescent Moon!" she called out, her leg glowing with a milky aura as it slammed into Mia, sending her crashing into the dome wall.
The dome, recognizing Mia's defeat, vanished. The two groups looked on as Lora stood over Mia, her katana pointed at the defeated Warlord.
"You lost," Lora said quietly, her voice void of malice but firm. Mia, humiliated and shaken, could only nod, trying to stop the tears welling up in her eyes. She had underestimated her opponent, and now, the reality of her inexperience was painfully clear.