As "Ice's" corpse was brought back to the ship, the soldiers looked on it in horror. They knew that he was the only hope that they had to defeat Venpa and grasp victory. Without him they were now surrounded in enemy territory with reinforcements still likely days out. The soldiers brought by "Ice" were completely despondent, but the 7 Elements' forces still held out hope that their commander would have a plan.
To that end, the 7 Elements held a strategy meeting to try to formulate a plan to allow them to escape this perilous situation.
"Our only hope is to break through this encirclement and regroup with one of the advancing Imperial armies. I believe the closest one should be the Southern Army. There's a weak point in their lines here we could exploit." "Wind" said as he explained his plan to the others. "Hey "War" are you even listening?"
"It's pointless "Wind", your plan is our best option but even so we will lose most of our men. That's if we even succeed, which is unlikely." "War" said seemingly disinterested in discussing strategy.
"So what are you just going to give up on escaping?" "Wind" shouted with a fury uncommon for him as he was usually cool, calm, and collected.
"Yes, that's it exactly." "War" responded to the surprise of everyone present.
"Wind" was becoming frustrated with "War" as he didn't participate in strategizing and now it seemed as if he'd given up. "Wind" then struck "War" out of anger and shouted, "When did you become such a coward? Giving up isn't like you at all!"
"You're the ones who have given up, you're all here talking about how to escape. Well I'm not interested in that at all. I'm going to win." "War" said.
"That, that's ridiculous. We're completely out matched, our army doesn't stand a chance." "Wind" said.
"Our army won't fight then. I will. I'm going to challenge Venpa to a dual. The winner of the dual will decide the outcome of the battle." "War" said.
"That's ridiculous!" "Wind" said.
"You said that already." "War" said dismissively.
"Even if he agrees to that. There's no way that you'll win. Venpa beat "Ice" and "Ice" was head and shoulders above Kize who nearly killed you." "Wind" said.
"But I still won." "War" pointed out.
"You got lucky, and you still would have died if "Ice" didn't intervene." "Wind" replied.
"Even so it's not a matter of if I can win, I have to win. Plus I don't think it'll be as big a deal as you're making it out to be." "War" said.
"Wind" and the rest of the team pleaded their case against "War's" plan all of them were certain that he would be killed if he fought Venpa. There discussion was cut short by an unlikely voice siding with "War".
"He should go." Everyone turned to see that it was Margarita who had spoken. "He wouldn't be the man I fell for if he ran away from a fight now. You all need to trust in him, has he ever failed to come through for any of you before. there's no way that he will fail now." She continued.
"Thanks Margarita, you finally said something worthwhile for once." "War" said placing a hand on her shoulder. "Plus I don't know what I said to make you guys think this was a discussion. I've already sent the message to Venpa I'm doing it regardless of whether anyone agrees or not."
"Fine, do whatever you want. But after you get killed, we're all going with my plan to escape." "Wind" said.
"Sure thing buddy, do whatever you gotta do." "War" said slapping "Wind" on the back. He then extended his fist towards "Wind".
"Wind" then bumped fists with him and said, "You now it not like I don't believe in you. I'm just worried about it all."
"I know that's what you're here for buddy. If it was just me we'd just do reckless stuff all the time." "War" replied.
"You mean like what you're doing now?" "Wind" asked.
"Nah, this isn't as reckless as you think it is. You'll see." "War said.
As "War" was about to depart he saw Victoria. "Oh what's this? Did you come to see your fiancee off for the last time? Are you going to ask me not to go like the others?" He asked.
"Why would I do that? It's none of my business if you go or not." She said. Victoria had a look as if she had more to say but couldn't find the right words.
This made "War" smile, "Yeah I guess that's right. I'll be back soon." He said. "War" took off and made his way down to face Venpa.
"War" rode his horse up to the remnants of Venpa's HQ that was destroyed during the battle with "Ice". Venpa sat on the remains of his throne while he watched "War" approach.
"Aren't you the whelp who defeated Kize? Judging by your power level you must have gotten lucky. So what, have you come here to surrender or something?" Venpa asked dismissively.
"I challenge you to a duel. The loser's forces will surrender. Do you accept these terms?" "War" asked.
"Ha! A dual with you? Listen boy, that "Ice" was strong. Far stronger than you. What makes you think you think that you have any hope of beating me? Do you think that you could actually kill me?" Venpa asked.
"I know just how strong "Ice" was, I'd only known him for a few days but I'd already come to respect his strength. That's why I'm not here to kill you, "Ice" already killed you. I'm just here to remind you." "War" said.
"Oh is that a fact? I'll admit you've piqued my interest. Fine I'll accept your dual. If for nothing else but to kill time. Bahaha!" Venpa said as he shouldered his axe. "I'll tell you one thing though boy. Even if I lose, there's no way my men will back down. I'm sure the same is true for your men. All this dual will do is delay the clash of our forces."
"That's good enough for me." "War" said as he prepared himself for the fight.
"Ready when you are boy! Let's get started!"