Azikeal departed the arena, his mind still lingering on the battle's outcome. Had he truly emerged victorious? What might have transpired if the tide had turned differently? Despite maintaining his composure, these thoughts continued to haunt him. However, time marched on, and as Azikeal exited the stadium, he witnessed a mesmerizing transformation. The arena's crystalline floor began to revert to its original state, debris swirling back into place. In a matter of moments, the arena was restored to its former glory, as if it possessed a life of its own.
Sraptor turned to Sephir and inquired, "My lady, what are your thoughts on today's battle?" Sephir responded, "Azikeal secured the win, but a battle's outcome hinges on more than just raw power; many factors are at play." Sraptor nodded, a smile gracing his face. "Indeed," he concurred. "Let's commence today's combat training." And so, Sraptor and Sephir spent the day honing their skills, joined by other champions dedicated to their training, unlike the Goddess of Love.
Within her arena chambers, Darlyn rested, contemplating her upcoming battle. "Defeating the Champion of Hunt won't be a simple task, but none of the champions will be easy pickings," she mused aloud. Frustration welled up within her. "Should I have Anthy fight in my stead? He did advise me to train, after all." Darlyn bore two personas: one, a public facade characterized by immaturity and whimsy, and the other, a hidden, mature, and astute side she kept concealed. Realizing the need for more training, she roused herself from the floor and made her way to the inner training chambers.
In the recovery chambers, Augustus lay attended to by angels, with Demitry at his side. Demitry offered encouragement, saying, "You performed admirably, Sir, especially considering it was your first battle." Augustus sighed, resigned. "A loss is a loss, Demitry, and I have a year to prepare for my next attempt. Let us celebrate this defeat with a drink and then prepare for next year's trial." Demitry smiled, sharing in his determination. "I have no doubt you'll soon be hailed as the next God of War, Sir. Let us toast to your future victories and ready ourselves for the challenges ahead."
Erza, the Champion of Hunt, engaged in rigorous training with her mentor, Uriel, as she readied herself for tomorrow's battle. Her focus was unwavering, her demeanor calm. Having previously experienced defeat in a trial of death, this second attempt filled her with confidence. She trained diligently, her resolve as unyielding as steel.
As the day drew to a close, the aftermath of the first battle left a profound impact on each participating champion. It served as motivation for some and sowed seeds of doubt in others regarding their own abilities. Nevertheless, the day gave way to the onset of the second battle, marking a fresh opportunity for these warriors to prove their mettle once more.
Darlyn, Champion of Lust, stood confidently on the arena ground, her armor a bold declaration of her seductive prowess. Her attire was intentionally provocative, designed to captivate and distract her opponents with its revealing nature. Darlyn's armor consisted of intricate, form-fitting leather straps adorned with ornate, glistening jewels strategically placed to accentuate her curves. The chest piece barely concealed her bosom, leaving little to the imagination, while the thigh-high boots and fingerless gloves added an alluring touch. This revealing armor wasn't just for show; it was part of Darlyn's strategy to ensnare her foes in her seductive aura, making them vulnerable to her charms even before the battle began. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she was prepared to use every advantage, both in combat and allure, to secure victory in the arena.
On the opposite side of the arena, the Champion of Hunt, Erza, stood in stark contrast to Darlyn. Her armor was utilitarian and practical, reflecting her expertise in tracking and survival. Erza's attire consisted of a rugged hunter's garb, crafted from durable leather and reinforced with metal plates at vital points. Her chest plate was designed for protection, not adornment, and her trousers were functional, offering freedom of movement. A cloak made from animal pelts draped over her shoulders, camouflaging her in the wilds and providing added warmth during the chilly nights. Erza's boots were sturdy, designed to navigate treacherous terrain silently, and her gloves had a tactile sensitivity ideal for handling weapons and traps. While her armor lacked the sensuality of her opponent's, it represented the practicality and resourcefulness of a skilled hunter, ready to outmaneuver her foes in the arena and track them relentlessly in the wild.
There was yet again a white feather floating mid-air, as it touched the arena's ground. Erza leaped towards Darlyn, but Darlyn did not move and closed her eyes instead, Erza drew her sword of the hunt and swung it towards Darlyn but before it read her Darlyn opened her eyes and dodged, she winked as she touched Ezra's cheeks with her Succubus Gloves, leaving Erza immediately charmed, Darlyn then proceeded to lock her lips against Ezra's for a kiss, as their tongue met, Erza's soul power started to drain from her body.
This was the first condition for the Succubus Gloves to activate, Darlyn's right glove now turned into a dagger, while Darlyn sucked Erza's soul power through her lips, she stabbed Erza in the stomach and twisted the dagger. In a minute's time, Erza was drained of all her soul power and as the charm broke, Erza woke up with a piercing pain in her belly and a dagger to her neck. Darlyn whispered something in her ear. Erza's eyes darkened and she yelled, "I surrender.". The crowd was silent as if mesmerized by Darlyn's charm and power, it was rather that they had been astonished as to how quickly the battle had ended and how a single trap had left Erza defeated in a matter of minutes.
As Erza collapsed to the floor with pain, Darlyn walked out of the arena, "Love can hurt you know" she whispered as she melted into the darkness of the arena's exit, slipping away from sight.