"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: 15th July 1082
Location: Kazimierz National Stadium, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
A blonde haired Caprinae was seen entering the preparation room for the upcoming battle royal, one of the qualification phase for the main tournament. It’s not unusual to see non-kuranta participating, the Major was always renowned for its inclusivity… as long as you’re not infected.
She’s wearing a trouser and jacket complemented by light armor and nothing else aside from her great sword and a pair of sword breaker. She has no one that seems to be supporting her, the surrounding contestants are intrigued, uncaring, or outright dismissing her as some random tourist wanting to make it big.
The Caprinae, conversely, didn’t care to. She is finally here, the place lauded as a land of chivalry and honor, wealth, fame, and all those worldly matters she can possibly grasp. But what is her objective really?
Maybe for honor, because honor despite being perceived as false, decrepit, and insipid against the true nature of this world, still managed to form a line on the side.
Maybe for glory, all that bling and praises are but poison for the mind. She can’t afford to be so gullible in a dog-eat-dog reality, but no one said anything about experiencing it first hand and reaffirmed her objectives.
Maybe for chivalry, chivalry worked well as a good motivation to reach greater heights. There are also those who said that it is a perfect idea when someone is volunteering as fertilizer or for applying as a clown.
Maybe for wealth, because despite being one the primary source of conflict is also one of the best driving force. Wealth can purchase a lot of things, but what is wealth when it is dysfunctional?
Maybe for connection, since networking is one of the most important thing in life. With connection she might never needed to do things herself every single time, but it is also a really costly endeavor and the payment for it might be a piece of herself too.
Maybe she fight only for herself and to prove nothing else than that, or perhaps she is wanting and looking for respect? The answer is still buried deep within her heart.
But those doesn’t matter for now… Now she must fight and prove her worth, and then her future will soon follow…
Her eyes scanned her surrounding… and she is disappointed… But perhaps that’s just how it is, qualifications phase might be worth nothing more than an appetizer and venue of flaunting.
‘Aside from a dozen or so people from hundreds around here… they’re all useless and weak… I could snap each and every one of them like a twig.’
Looking down on her scheduled qualification, she sees that her place was on the first match soon… a battle royale, but with these foes? To say that she is starting to feel like trampling over clueless idiots is not an understatement, but a fact.
“I expected better, but can’t really blame the fact that leftovers are more than sufficient for something of this level…”
She remembered when she crossed the border, she met several real knights… their bearings, positioning, and their stance shows no opening. Of course some of them are still far below her, but she can feel that there are more than a few who can hold a candle to her. If she give her 50%...
Then she gone past a man, resting beneath a tree… and his power was overwhelming, so much so that her first instinct when he locked his eyes with hers was to put a single hand on her great sword… so her dismay is justified if this is all the participants are amounted to…
[Attention all participant of the first battle royale match! The battle royal will soon commence! Head towards the exit and attain glory and wealth! Let the victor be justice!]
“Hmph… Justice? What an amusing thing to say, I only know one justice… that is to trample or get trampled…”
With that the Caprinae headed towards the exit, she can feel that several competitors are sizing her up. Probably ganging up on her too, well at least she wouldn’t be bored by time consuming single combat that way.
POV: Nyx
“How… erm… interesting” With a glass of fruity juice in my hand, while relaxing on my comfortable seat, I watched the first round of qualification from a really fancy room. There are others here, of course, but an arrangement had been made so I can some leeway…
“This is the first time I watch a Major such as this…”
“Truly now?”
“Yes… and unorthodox I suppose?”
I have… less than favorable feelings seeing this… clownery in front of me… it’s like they wanted to show off first and foremost and hacking one another later when the sun finally ran out of fuel or something…
‘Goodness me, now I understand why the campaign knights are so disgusted with this event…’
It is all fine and dandy if all they wanted was to look cool and what not, in fact I applaud them for it… but it is something else when they have such confidence and whatever crack they snorted to boost said confidence to walk in looking like… these…
‘Why the hell did you entered with an armor plate that function no different than a billboard!? Also why is that guy with moustache cross-dressing as a magical girl doing in a knight’s tournament!? Is this a joke!? I even had a second hand embarrassment seeing a dude entered with tabard on top of plate armor that said “I LOVE NYX” in bold letters no less!’
“Well, it might be… peculiar and unorthodox, but it is merely the qualifications after all. Not to mention that some of them don’t necessarily have to win.”
“I won’t ask about their fashion sense, that’s for sure… but why battle royale first?”
“Well, let’s just say that internal adjustment happened… and frankly speaking, nothing you should be concerned with, no offense of course.”
“None taken.”
I’m currently chatting with one of K.G.C.C board chairman, he is an affable guy but that’s it. We just talked about potential business and while it is practiced as per usual K.G.C.C. word play, at least this one piqued my interest on either short-term or long-term investment on automotive and electronics.
You might be wondering how I could be so close with one of them. So let me be frank; I was invited as a walking advertisement… a morally better contract than killing people really…
And also turns out that, while this guy next to me is a big deal, he is just as replaceable as everyone else. Kazimierz bureaucracy’ cutthroat nature is truly something. Which is why I couldn’t be bothered to learn his name, I have no use of someone that can be dead by the next morning before proving themselves capable.
The previous chairmen was from Rodwell Electronic Inc. but got ousted, because of stuffs I would prefer not go into details else I’m looking for problem, by this guy from Huserin-Konnik Co.
I’m both impressed and frightened at how efficient they are at filling in the gap… or perhaps there is someone behind all this… Yeah, no. I won’t pry deeper than I should…
“So, have you considered our proposal?”
“I’m intrigued, but also skeptical with what your company had promised me… 25% potential profit and value growth just sounds absurd.”
“Indeed but I assure you that our newest electronics would be a game changer on the field of automotive. With an integrated A.I system along with LAN attached, our latest car would also be projected of having 30% better originium leak prevention.”
“Uhuh…”
“Well we can continue our discussion later, for now let us enjoy the major shall we?”
“Very well… we can still discuss it over the match.”
“Indeed. Oh by the way, I heard you’re going to do some special performance during the final?”
“Hmm~” I just shrugged and keep a straight face.
POV: Narrator
[LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE 19TH KAZIMIERZ MAJOR!]
Thundering cheers, chants, and applause rocked the entirety of Kawalerielki. This is the equally illustriously fabled or blatantly scorned triennial tournament that shaped the modern Kazimierz drive for national progress.
The Major, as it’s colloquially known, is an event where the knights and or aspirants can stake their claim to be the champion. The victor will have a guaranteed live ahead of them if they manage it well after all. But that’s not important right now.
[ARE YOU READY FOR THE GAME!?]
“Yeah!”
[ARE YOU READY FOR THE BLOOD PUMPING AND HEART THUMPING EXCITEMENT!?]
“YEAH!”
[THEN LET US CHEER FOR THE GLORY OF OUR COMPETITION KNIGHTS!]
Tens of competition knights are still entering the field. They are all decked in such a varied manner that one might mistake the competition as a fashion show. There is a knight who wore traditional armor, there is one with an unorthodox costumes and many more.
One thing is certain however, the major is a venue to showcase each Knight Club’ backers and their supports. Azureblade KC had their patterned Arts enhanced Soren Mk.V blade and its distinctive bluish light. The Castellan Rhoan KC had their newest Caballeros Type-3 Armor, complete with fully enclosed helmet and filtration system and so on…
There also other independent and less renowned KC competition knights, with their respective bling and blade, but one person stood out the most for simplicity. A Caprinae lady with light armor but disproportionally large great sword and a pair sword-breaker.
Quite ironic isn’t it? By being the most mundane, she stood out amongst the sea of vanity.
[3!]
[2!]
[1!]
[MATCH START!]
All around the field, they starts attacking one another with ferocity, grace, or just brute force. A knight was seen to be firing their bow and scored a nasty hit that disoriented their opponent, but they neglected another competitor who slipped past the chaotic battlefield and knocked the archer out.
Yet the sneaky assailant glory was short lived when another mace wielding knight charged straight through them and threw them off of bound. A lot of things are happening but one particular competitor stood out amidst the current of savagery.
The competitor was none other than the Caprinae lady, yet she only wield a single sword-breaker but her prowess was unmatched. With single thrust she broke through a knight’s weak spot and knocking them out with a painful crunching sound, no doubt breaking a bone or two.
[Hoho! What’s this!? We got ourselves a dark horse here ladies and gentlemen! A dazzling lady in both beauty and martial tenacity is carving her way out and- OH! That gotta hurt! She just twist her weapon and broke a knight’ sword like a twig before head-butting them! She is one ferocious Caprinae I say!]
Naturally the audiences’ attentions were promptly diverted on the so called black horse. They are cheering and clapping like children in amusement park, but it also caused the rest of the knights to saw her as a threat. Without the needs of talking, they starts to divert their arsenals upon her.
A camera connected to one of the large screen, which focused on her, zoomed in to see her expression… boredom. Not even a smirk or grin… just plain boredom. It elicited wilder emotions from the audiences, they gotten themselves another cold lady after a certain someone’s confirmation of not joining the major.
Of course, some of her fellow competitors felt insulted, thus they’ll teach her a lesson for sure…
The Caprinae stood tall amidst the growing hostility and drew her second sword breaker, her primary is still neatly tucked inside its scabbard. She then taunt them by single unimpressed stare, a new round began.
A pair of knight attacked in concert, aiming at her flanks, but was rewarded with a concussive strike to the head, breaking both their respective weapon and the strikes continued down unto their ribs. Another shot an arrow, only to deflected mid-flight and the Caprinae shot forward like a thunderclap to snap a knight in two, no doubt in mortal danger.
But the show goes on, the Major has records where death is expected, but nothing can be done without prior arrangement. A good and bad intention was made known, but the Caprinae couldn’t care less when she is on the battlefield, even a sham one.
Notions of honor or respect has no place in a field of combat, all that matters is to make sure all her foes strewn on the ground, broken and subdued, disheartened and mangled… defeated and trampled upon.
While the savagery of combat lauded and cheered on by the masses, the more resourceful personages starts weighing her worth, not unlike of how someone is discussing an object with value.
“Get her personal resume.”
“I want you to invite her with for a quaint dinner, try to ascertain her stance.”
“Unaffiliated you say? Then contact our assets, she wouldn’t refuse us that way.”
“An interesting knight… but from where?”
“Her weapon is of Yannese and Leithanien origin respectively, judging by how it looks of course.”
“How brutal, but effective. A mercenary then?”
“… Should we ask her? For a second opinion?”
“That can wait.”
While they are deliberating, the MC and Major aficionados are getting wilder by the minutes, safe to say that the first day doesn’t disappoint.
[WOW! Look at that! She just shattered the Rhinos! THE. RHINOS! With an immense display of raw power of which she accomplished above our expectations! She hadn’t even pulled that massive sword of hers either! JUST WHO IS THIS GOLDEN HAIRED CAPRINAE!? IS SHE AN AVATAR OF COMBAT HERSELF!?]
The Adeptus officials, who were watching half-heartedly from their respective office, had also gotten their interests piqued. Unlike the fake display of martial edge from the competition knights’ gallantry of utmost vanity, this one is an authentic showcase of skill and resolves. No hesitation, headless of pride, and efficiently deadly in the most sufficiently suffice manner.
“Quite surprising to see someone with this level of skill amidst this, for the most part, wasteful event.”
“She looks like a foreigner but I can be mistaken.”
“Let me re-examine the immigration papers.”
“Contact the Grand Knight, she might want to see this.”
“Interior Secretary had already made her arrangements, we just need the go ahead.”
“Knights Association database is clear, she is indeed a foreigner.”
While all of this is happening, Nyx is deep in thoughts… One thing can’t be denied however, she found someone who fascinate just a notch below her adoration for the Wandering Hero. She can feel her blood boil with excitement after watching disinterestedly before.
“What do you think about her, Lady Baroness?”
“Hmm… If we were to face one another, without outside interference and nuisance…” She spoke loud enough for her surrounding to listen closely.
“… 6/10… In that blondie’s favor…”
Gasps rippled through the room, if it were anyone else such a thing might be regarded as a cheap and baseless joke… but the Grey Serpent herself admitted that she would have difficulty fighting the one causing havoc and chaos over there.
Her utterance seemingly full of chagrin, but deep inside she is smiling because this Caprinae had really stoke her interest. A Kawalerielki’s novelty for her, since this mobile city is full of utter deceit and chronic backstabbing disorder.
“Surely you jest?” A K.G.C.C chairman reflexively answered in disbelief, such a thing would have made them a laughingstock if it’s anywhere else.
“And why should I joke about something this? Even a toddler can understand this much clearly. Look there, she dispatched those… knights… like snapping a bunch of twigs.”
Silence.
No one have sufficient words to answer her.
The Grey Serpent’ surrounding grew quieter… but since it is K.G.C.C. their topic is predictable and things are going smoothly. With that their interest being stoked further, the game of bargaining intensified and she can’t help but feels gratified beneath her blank persona.
The people of influence all around her are racing to the finish line for a potential investment of this dark horse… a candidate for the Grand Knight Champion… A problematically thrilling line of thought passed by her mind too…
‘Hmm~… Just how many one man or woman army is out there? I’m really giddy to explore the world now… after Vincent get me that promised surgeon… hopefully I meet them before 1085…’
Her gaze turn… heated… admiring the display of skills from the Caprinae lady… a shame that it lacks a bloodied scenery for extra flavoring… and that she already have someone in mind. Someone she would gladly burn herself into ashes for a mere reciprocated touch.
‘How beautiful… if I never meet him, you would be my target of interest… alas, the world is truly a vast place to be in…’ She tilt her glass and take an elegant sip. Aside from potential deals, this might be worth her time after all.
It also stoke her displeasure at the same time, someone had attracted her interest when she has him in mind. She doesn’t like that fact, so what better than a remedy or maybe an act so blazingly fleeting?
‘… Having fun there? Or do you like tramping rejects only?’ her eyes glow amber ever so slightly, and it appears that her target can feel Nyx’ sudden spike of hostility. Their eyes briefly clashed, but that’s enough for either to smile wolfishly thin upon one another… a token of recognition between dogs…
The Caprinae woman competing in front of her would, without a doubt, cause her immense difficulty in combat… if it being fought at close range that is. One might question why would she giveaway something like that? Well, there is a personal reason and there is something else on the side…
[20! 27! 33! And her scores keeps on climbing! She had passed the 40 points mark! Are we witnessing the birth of a new contender!? A NEW CHAMPION!? A NEW GRAND KNIGHT!?]
Cheers rumble the concrete jungle with undeterred ferocity and passion. The competitors’ had been stoked further with passions, respects, and thirst for glory. The audiences are merrily chanting the possibility of an unknown turned into a champion, a truly historical moment.
The spectators, knights, securities, and the audiences can’t deny such a notion. Like cutting through grass, the blonde haired Caprinae wreak havoc upon the field. Her grace was dazzling, her skills were unmatched, and her rugged beauty stirs upon the masses collective emotions.
[ANNNNNDDDD! MATCH END! LET’S GREET THE WINNER OF THE FIRST ROUND!]
[THE DARK HORSE COMPETITOR!]
[THE FOREIGNER FROM LEITHANIA!]
[THE PRIME CANDIDATE FOR GRAND KNIGHT!]
[THE ONE AND ONLY!]
[DEGENBRECHER!]
Cheers, applause, and fanatical chants was lauded in her name.
“Degenbrecher!”
“Degenbrecher!”
“Degenbrecher!”
“Degenbrecher!”
The person in question just excited the field, wholly unimpressed with this sham qualification… but she was already invited by someone closer to her nature. Someone who would hopefully worth her time… A corner of her mouth curled upward ever so slightly…
“Grey Serpent huh… I’ll see how true that is… but still, things gotten truly…”
While the challenger herself also starts making her way down, eager to meet the poten- no, the new Grand knight… She can’t stop grinning amidst the dark and dim hallway. A true test of mettle, grit, and will…
“Degenbrecher… *lick lips* … How really lucky of me, tasting her would surely be…”
““Delightful/Delectable””
Date: 30th July 1082
Location: Underground section 51, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
A pair of lady, one being ashen haired and her counterpart being a dirty-blonde haired, are walking down the narrow space. There a few infected here and there, but the moment they saw the pair, they vanished in the darkness… this might cause personal intel breach, but nothing a good crate of food can’t handle… hopefully…
As much as Nyx wanted to help them, she is just one person at the end of the day. Thus handing out something to eat is the best she can do to alleviate their suffering. Degenbrecher take note of it, but she neither care nor scorn her for it.
Nyx’s stalker and monitors had once again lost track of her, at this point they should just give up really. These exotic and somewhat unusual pair is heading deeper and deeper beneath the concrete and steel jungle called Kawalerielki.
Their destination? A certain pit where one of them had ‘made’ a… reservation… in a manner of speaking. They’re walking calmly, yet the tension is thick and suffocating. No sounds other than their crisp boots upon the metallic earth.
No words are exchanged, for some of their nature would have a lot to talk about soon enough. Not long after they reached the cage, it is decrepit, damp, and all manners of irons strewn about. Degenbrecher is eyeing her counterpart quietly.
‘No opening, no unnecessary ceremony, not even a peep of talk… an ideal partner. That much I can concede.’
Nyx, while her eyes are glued on her PT to play some kind of game about catapulting liberi upon manmade structures, also made her own observation. Her Caprinae friend is truly a sight to behold…
‘Taut muscle, flexible bearing, and absolutely dangerous… I’ll enjoy sampling her…’
After jumping down the pit, with Nyx dropping her bag near the wall, they headed opposite one another and their arms are drawn. A pair of dagger against a pair of sword breaker… Nyx shows her a coin, and toss it on her counterpart.
After catching it, Degenbrecher inspect it with a mere glance before tossing it upward with a flick of her finger…
Then it fell back on the metallic earth.
With inhuman speed, their weapons clashed against one another. Nyx moved her hands in a concert of parries and feint aimed at her foe, her speed does proved to be troublesome but Degenbrecher is far from defenseless.
If the Pythian is an avatar of speed and endurance, then the Caprinae is the avatar of raw strength and constitution. They didn’t talk, they didn’t so much as whimper from grazing hit here and there, and their respective focus demanded undivided concentration.
An incoming downward crushing blow was redirected by simple letting it glide along the smooth, steely, surface while aiming for the vital motoric function. An axe kick was mixed in between them, both side had the same idea and a thundering sound of flesh battering resounded the quiet pit.
The Caprinae is steadily increasing her speed, but the Pythian proves to be a much slicker foe for keeping up if not outright outpacing her. Degenbrecher now understand it, this opponent is faster and nimbler but her force and concentrated strength supporting each strike is inferior compared to her own.
With that she steadily shifted herself with more quality than quantity, the both of them can take an absurd amount of punishment, and thus attrition is the only way.
A dagger strike for a counter bash, a kick for an elbow strike, a thrust for haymaker, and so on so forth. Their body withstood a horrendous amount of punishment, but they will finally let up and made mistake eventually. Just like now…
Finally using her tail, Nyx sweep Degenbrecher off from her footing before sending a downward thrust that penetrate deeper than expected upon her adversary face, causing streaks of crimson to cascade down her otherwise uninjured yet not exactly unmarred face.
Degenbrecher used her fall to slide and evade further by kicking Nyx in the gut, disorienting her off momentarily. Rolling off the ground and back on her stance, she stood and wait for Nyx’s continued assault… was the idea anyway.
Now a lull in combat was created…
Nyx looked down on her dagger… and to her joyful jubilation, streaks of crimson fluid made their mark upon the pristine steel in her hand. She smiled coyly, seductively even, on her opponent who watched with rapt attention… she bring the blade upon her lips and she licked it clean of crimson…
“Hmm~… so… savory~, like a fine wine… and I’m not much of a drinker…”
“I heard that you despise wine, turns out you have your own cocktail preference huh?”
“Indeed… Now, do your worst.”
The dance resumed with a golden haired lady leading around the silver haired maiden. Using her weapon she aimed it upon her opponent torso, since flurry of strikes upon fragile points was eluded times and times again.
Then Degenbrecher was aiming to break her opponent dagger since the beginning, but one of her adversary’ dagger was not even damaged while the other held strong, thus she changed her approach by feinting using her shot posture.
Seeing that she is steadily losing, she must change from armed combat into an unarmed one. Chance for it presented itself in the manner of Nyx trance-like parry and counterstrikes. Degenbrecher noted that she rarely clashed her weapon, and always preferred to slither away like snake.
‘This is fulfilling… and… fun.’
Thoughts that shouldn’t have ever surfaced is back inside her mind. She was always fighting for survival, so the idea that mortal combat can be fun is utterly ludicrous… be what it may, since this one combat had refreshed her palate from the distasteful affair that is the Major.
Catching a dagger thrust mid-way the Caprinae flipped Nyx on her back, but before can capitalize it, the Grey Serpent twist her body and delivered a kick to the face, freeing herself once more. Once again getting away from Degenbrecher death grip.
One miscalculations however…
Degenbrecher recovered her posture instantly and lunge against Nyx who are still up in the air, a nasty sound was produced from Nyx’s ribs which taken the brunt of a weaponized steel lump, to put it crudely. But instead of winching in pain, the Pythian smiled and brought her dagger down, lodging it deep on the Caprinae shoulder.
They didn’t let up however, if anything it turned into a brutal melee where bladed edge and blunt lump of steel hacking against one another. Before they separated themselves from one another with a kick.
Degenbrecher bodies are filled with stabs, slices, and myriads of bladed injuries but her opponent fared no better. Nyx breathing is even but blood keeps on spilling from her mouth, internal injuries no doubt, and yet her face is nothing more than a perverse gratification, a sickening type of joy from receiving damage she rarely incurred.
Nyx smirked tauntingly, while Degenbrecher’ brows arched up in surprise and disbelief… before relenting with the same smirk on her face.
Suddenly they threw their weapons and arms away, then walk closer towards the pit’ center point, they would conclude it there, time is precious.
After they meet exactly right at the center, they entangled their right leg upon one another and take their close and personal combat stance… they stood there unmoving… until a tear of blood is slowly making its way to be pulled down by gravity from Nyx’s lips… finally it splashed on the cold decrepit ground.
Like a thunderclap Degenbrecher delivered a blitzing uppercut on her opponent whom responded in kind with a chain of right hooks. Momentarily dazed, but nothing else before the sounds of flesh smashing upon their face reverberated within the silent pit. Bloods spilled and spirited away by the force of their blows. Bones cracked, skins peeled off, flesh bruised, nerves shot, and muscle stretched and torn… yet…
They smiled, none of that pretentiousness, only pure savagery of will and violence rang true. A lingua franca for their ilk. As they’re both fluent in this language, it might be comparable to highly sophisticated dialogue between princesses, giggling with joy all the while during a private tea party.
Nyx’s punches and strikes are a series of repetition and concentration of force through flurry of short and blitzing jabs and hooks with calculated center point. While Degenbrecher’s elected to use higher power but lower frequency hook and uppercut with smattering amount of elbow bash whenever possible.
A cross straight would immediately be followed by jabs and hook and if possible, an uppercut. It was a show that will most likely caused the audience to cringe and shivers by how straightforward their dance is.
Of course, guards, feints, and even deflection or parry was still used every now and then. Just a matter of offensive techniques’ frequency that happens to dwarf a much more sensible approach.
Something so painful should have caused them to slow down, not the contrary that carried on a sense of reinvigorated zeal. This is not combat, this is just a mindless brawl that indulge upon humanity brutalistic nature that is bereft of wit.
With their right leg entangled, they have no room to fall back and run. No, they will not break off their precious dance of blood and iron. With each punch comes along with it a sickeningly sweet reprieve of release from mortals’ petty dealings, only a single surety of power-play and who can dominate the others.
Then this ensemble’ encore finally reached its zenith.
Prompted by a successful feint to create an opening, Nyx delivered an uppercut… that missed its mark. Nyx is shocked, her posture is broken… and Degenbrecher full powered right hook connected with her face.
They stay that way… until Nyx toppled sideways first before being followed by Degenbrecher who collapsed where she stood…
Silence…
Silence…
…
…
“heh…”
“hah…”
They proceed to giggle like schoolgirls gossiping about their crush, their bloody spar being regarded no different than an inconsequential tomfoolery. Being freed from Kazimierz façade of civilized and inclusive world… was ever so, so, so addicting.
“Hah… that was wonderful…”
“I never thought that I‘ll agree… but yeah…”
“… Well, you have me defenseless here… would you not care to partake?”
“… Unsurprising but to think that you have such a depraved side… wonder what kind of face you’re going to make if the world knows it.”
Degenbrecher willed her body to move… and straddled the weak Pythian… the valkyrie beneath had her hair being splayed all over the freezing and dirty ground… they both smiled with pure sincerity… tempted with avaricious passion that is bursting with yearning.
The Caprinae traced her hands upon the broken, battered, and bruised visage of her dance partner… before fastening her grip on her neck. Her smile turned into a dominating and leering one, what was once a stoic and unimpressed lady was turned into a beast with only their baser instincts.
The Pythian didn’t just lay there and take it however… she, too, traced her potential paramour bruised and bloodied visage, each cuts and coagulated blood patches just fascinates her all the more. Her face sneered despite her predicament.
The once eerily cold serpent… was turned into a frail, dominated, and beautiful angel… something the beast can’t help but to savor and defile… even when the consequence of such sacrilege is heavenly smite itself… Before they let go of one another and starts dusting off their ruined and bloodied apparel.
“Like hell I would do that, only an idiot would dare touching a snake who is so close from sinking its fangs…"
“How sharp, very thoughtful of you~”
The Pythian stands and proceed to get her medical supplies inside the bag she left at the start. After that she starts bandaging the wounded Caprinae. Once she is done, Degenbrecher returned the favor and starts applying ointments and necessary medical supplies to treat her counterpart.
Then Degenbrecher’s curiosity prompt her to ask a question.
“Besides, what will you do if I did bite?”
Nyx smiled, but her eyes shows nothing but crystal clear disdainful disgust.
“I dunno? Maybe peeling your skins off, drowning you in acidic liquid, and or force feeding you with esoterically exotic ingredients? The point is… I’m very resourceful and knows how to use them.”
“… Guess you’re holding back, huh…”
“Whatever are you even saying? The one who fell first was me, and you can see the extent of damage done unto this body of mine, plenty painful if I might add.”
“…” Degenbrecher just walked off, Nyx followed while shrugging and sling her bag behind her. While they’re heading towards the exit, Nyx continue with sating her curiosity and interest.
“Why are someone like you even here anyway? This city is a shithole.”
“Finding life… and yes this city is a shithole…”
“Bullshit, no way a tough bitch of your caliber came her merely for shits and giggles.”
“Ah, so you think that I would act like a moron and tell a total stranger with what I want, is that what you expect?”
“Hmm~ fair.”
They then talked about mundane stuff. Since after their brand of intimacy, the pair had become relaxed enough to talk about random and mostly useless things while walking back towards the upper level. Judging by the even dimmer lighting and colder temperature, it is probably dark already.
There are no infected like when they when they had first arrived, it is understandable because the cold temperature forced them to huddle up in some forgotten corner of this forsaken section. Just another thing to consider about how crappy the world of Terra is.
It is still better than a certain universe from her old life, but comparing Terra to that wasn’t fair as is comparing her other life to that crappiest universe as well.
“This is where we separate, and I must say that… fun… was never in my dictionary.”
“Course so, broken people can always have one another to satisfy their broken needs… right, buddy?”
“Mm-hmm, I can live with that.”
“Right-o, I’ll be going ahead then. You have personal terminal?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Just a little something and who knows we would need the other somewhere in a future yet to be realized. The world is filled with numerous uncertainties.”
They finally separated from one another. Degenbrecher is heading towards her temporary flat since she couldn’t care less about it. While Nyx is pondering one thing that has been nagging her mind…
‘I’m good at melee engagement, but I’m easily stuck in combat trance… I’ll just stick with range combat I guess, but I did improved…’
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author’s Note:
Yo there, this is me, myself, and I, the author who suddenly have an inspiration…
I was deliberating about making an original somewhere down the line, but my sentimentality with this Arknights FanFic just trounced them aside, severely.
Anyway, here comes Degenbrecher.
She is one hot, sexy, and deadly Caprinae. Like holy shit, girls in suit is probably the hottest stuff out there.
The Major won’t have too much of the background incident elaborated, but I hope the first .5 is just enough as a context. Experimenting with new stuff feels different…
Yeah.
Update as usual, I need to go sleep.
Ciao
"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: 15th July 1082
Location: Kazimierz National Stadium, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
A blonde haired Caprinae was seen entering the preparation room for the upcoming battle royal, one of the qualification phase for the main tournament. It’s not unusual to see non-kuranta participating, the Major was always renowned for its inclusivity… as long as you’re not infected.
She’s wearing a trouser and jacket complemented by light armor and nothing else aside from her great sword and a pair of sword breaker. She has no one that seems to be supporting her, the surrounding contestants are intrigued, uncaring, or outright dismissing her as some random tourist wanting to make it big.
The Caprinae, conversely, didn’t care to. She is finally here, the place lauded as a land of chivalry and honor, wealth, fame, and all those worldly matters she can possibly grasp. But what is her objective really?
Maybe for honor, because honor despite being perceived as false, decrepit, and insipid against the true nature of this world, still managed to form a line on the side.
Maybe for glory, all that bling and praises are but poison for the mind. She can’t afford to be so gullible in a dog-eat-dog reality, but no one said anything about experiencing it first hand and reaffirmed her objectives.
Maybe for chivalry, chivalry worked well as a good motivation to reach greater heights. There are also those who said that it is a perfect idea when someone is volunteering as fertilizer or for applying as a clown.
Maybe for wealth, because despite being one the primary source of conflict is also one of the best driving force. Wealth can purchase a lot of things, but what is wealth when it is dysfunctional?
Maybe for connection, since networking is one of the most important thing in life. With connection she might never needed to do things herself every single time, but it is also a really costly endeavor and the payment for it might be a piece of herself too.
Maybe she fight only for herself and to prove nothing else than that, or perhaps she is wanting and looking for respect? The answer is still buried deep within her heart.
But those doesn’t matter for now… Now she must fight and prove her worth, and then her future will soon follow…
Her eyes scanned her surrounding… and she is disappointed… But perhaps that’s just how it is, qualifications phase might be worth nothing more than an appetizer and venue of flaunting.
‘Aside from a dozen or so people from hundreds around here… they’re all useless and weak… I could snap each and every one of them like a twig.’
Looking down on her scheduled qualification, she sees that her place was on the first match soon… a battle royale, but with these foes? To say that she is starting to feel like trampling over clueless idiots is not an understatement, but a fact.
“I expected better, but can’t really blame the fact that leftovers are more than sufficient for something of this level…”
She remembered when she crossed the border, she met several real knights… their bearings, positioning, and their stance shows no opening. Of course some of them are still far below her, but she can feel that there are more than a few who can hold a candle to her. If she give her 50%...
Then she gone past a man, resting beneath a tree… and his power was overwhelming, so much so that her first instinct when he locked his eyes with hers was to put a single hand on her great sword… so her dismay is justified if this is all the participants are amounted to…
[Attention all participant of the first battle royale match! The battle royal will soon commence! Head towards the exit and attain glory and wealth! Let the victor be justice!]
“Hmph… Justice? What an amusing thing to say, I only know one justice… that is to trample or get trampled…”
With that the Caprinae headed towards the exit, she can feel that several competitors are sizing her up. Probably ganging up on her too, well at least she wouldn’t be bored by time consuming single combat that way.
POV: Nyx
“How… erm… interesting” With a glass of fruity juice in my hand, while relaxing on my comfortable seat, I watched the first round of qualification from a really fancy room. There are others here, of course, but an arrangement had been made so I can some leeway…
“This is the first time I watch a Major such as this…”
“Truly now?”
“Yes… and unorthodox I suppose?”
I have… less than favorable feelings seeing this… clownery in front of me… it’s like they wanted to show off first and foremost and hacking one another later when the sun finally ran out of fuel or something…
‘Goodness me, now I understand why the campaign knights are so disgusted with this event…’
It is all fine and dandy if all they wanted was to look cool and what not, in fact I applaud them for it… but it is something else when they have such confidence and whatever crack they snorted to boost said confidence to walk in looking like… these…
‘Why the hell did you entered with an armor plate that function no different than a billboard!? Also why is that guy with moustache cross-dressing as a magical girl doing in a knight’s tournament!? Is this a joke!? I even had a second hand embarrassment seeing a dude entered with tabard on top of plate armor that said “I LOVE NYX” in bold letters no less!’
“Well, it might be… peculiar and unorthodox, but it is merely the qualifications after all. Not to mention that some of them don’t necessarily have to win.”
“I won’t ask about their fashion sense, that’s for sure… but why battle royale first?”
“Well, let’s just say that internal adjustment happened… and frankly speaking, nothing you should be concerned with, no offense of course.”
“None taken.”
I’m currently chatting with one of K.G.C.C board chairman, he is an affable guy but that’s it. We just talked about potential business and while it is practiced as per usual K.G.C.C. word play, at least this one piqued my interest on either short-term or long-term investment on automotive and electronics.
You might be wondering how I could be so close with one of them. So let me be frank; I was invited as a walking advertisement… a morally better contract than killing people really…
And also turns out that, while this guy next to me is a big deal, he is just as replaceable as everyone else. Kazimierz bureaucracy’ cutthroat nature is truly something. Which is why I couldn’t be bothered to learn his name, I have no use of someone that can be dead by the next morning before proving themselves capable.
The previous chairmen was from Rodwell Electronic Inc. but got ousted, because of stuffs I would prefer not go into details else I’m looking for problem, by this guy from Huserin-Konnik Co.
I’m both impressed and frightened at how efficient they are at filling in the gap… or perhaps there is someone behind all this… Yeah, no. I won’t pry deeper than I should…
“So, have you considered our proposal?”
“I’m intrigued, but also skeptical with what your company had promised me… 25% potential profit and value growth just sounds absurd.”
“Indeed but I assure you that our newest electronics would be a game changer on the field of automotive. With an integrated A.I system along with LAN attached, our latest car would also be projected of having 30% better originium leak prevention.”
“Uhuh…”
“Well we can continue our discussion later, for now let us enjoy the major shall we?”
“Very well… we can still discuss it over the match.”
“Indeed. Oh by the way, I heard you’re going to do some special performance during the final?”
“Hmm~” I just shrugged and keep a straight face.
POV: Narrator
[LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE 19TH KAZIMIERZ MAJOR!]
Thundering cheers, chants, and applause rocked the entirety of Kawalerielki. This is the equally illustriously fabled or blatantly scorned triennial tournament that shaped the modern Kazimierz drive for national progress.
The Major, as it’s colloquially known, is an event where the knights and or aspirants can stake their claim to be the champion. The victor will have a guaranteed live ahead of them if they manage it well after all. But that’s not important right now.
[ARE YOU READY FOR THE GAME!?]
“Yeah!”
[ARE YOU READY FOR THE BLOOD PUMPING AND HEART THUMPING EXCITEMENT!?]
“YEAH!”
[THEN LET US CHEER FOR THE GLORY OF OUR COMPETITION KNIGHTS!]
Tens of competition knights are still entering the field. They are all decked in such a varied manner that one might mistake the competition as a fashion show. There is a knight who wore traditional armor, there is one with an unorthodox costumes and many more.
One thing is certain however, the major is a venue to showcase each Knight Club’ backers and their supports. Azureblade KC had their patterned Arts enhanced Soren Mk.V blade and its distinctive bluish light. The Castellan Rhoan KC had their newest Caballeros Type-3 Armor, complete with fully enclosed helmet and filtration system and so on…
There also other independent and less renowned KC competition knights, with their respective bling and blade, but one person stood out the most for simplicity. A Caprinae lady with light armor but disproportionally large great sword and a pair sword-breaker.
Quite ironic isn’t it? By being the most mundane, she stood out amongst the sea of vanity.
[3!]
[2!]
[1!]
[MATCH START!]
All around the field, they starts attacking one another with ferocity, grace, or just brute force. A knight was seen to be firing their bow and scored a nasty hit that disoriented their opponent, but they neglected another competitor who slipped past the chaotic battlefield and knocked the archer out.
Yet the sneaky assailant glory was short lived when another mace wielding knight charged straight through them and threw them off of bound. A lot of things are happening but one particular competitor stood out amidst the current of savagery.
The competitor was none other than the Caprinae lady, yet she only wield a single sword-breaker but her prowess was unmatched. With single thrust she broke through a knight’s weak spot and knocking them out with a painful crunching sound, no doubt breaking a bone or two.
[Hoho! What’s this!? We got ourselves a dark horse here ladies and gentlemen! A dazzling lady in both beauty and martial tenacity is carving her way out and- OH! That gotta hurt! She just twist her weapon and broke a knight’ sword like a twig before head-butting them! She is one ferocious Caprinae I say!]
Naturally the audiences’ attentions were promptly diverted on the so called black horse. They are cheering and clapping like children in amusement park, but it also caused the rest of the knights to saw her as a threat. Without the needs of talking, they starts to divert their arsenals upon her.
A camera connected to one of the large screen, which focused on her, zoomed in to see her expression… boredom. Not even a smirk or grin… just plain boredom. It elicited wilder emotions from the audiences, they gotten themselves another cold lady after a certain someone’s confirmation of not joining the major.
Of course, some of her fellow competitors felt insulted, thus they’ll teach her a lesson for sure…
The Caprinae stood tall amidst the growing hostility and drew her second sword breaker, her primary is still neatly tucked inside its scabbard. She then taunt them by single unimpressed stare, a new round began.
A pair of knight attacked in concert, aiming at her flanks, but was rewarded with a concussive strike to the head, breaking both their respective weapon and the strikes continued down unto their ribs. Another shot an arrow, only to deflected mid-flight and the Caprinae shot forward like a thunderclap to snap a knight in two, no doubt in mortal danger.
But the show goes on, the Major has records where death is expected, but nothing can be done without prior arrangement. A good and bad intention was made known, but the Caprinae couldn’t care less when she is on the battlefield, even a sham one.
Notions of honor or respect has no place in a field of combat, all that matters is to make sure all her foes strewn on the ground, broken and subdued, disheartened and mangled… defeated and trampled upon.
While the savagery of combat lauded and cheered on by the masses, the more resourceful personages starts weighing her worth, not unlike of how someone is discussing an object with value.
“Get her personal resume.”
“I want you to invite her with for a quaint dinner, try to ascertain her stance.”
“Unaffiliated you say? Then contact our assets, she wouldn’t refuse us that way.”
“An interesting knight… but from where?”
“Her weapon is of Yannese and Leithanien origin respectively, judging by how it looks of course.”
“How brutal, but effective. A mercenary then?”
“… Should we ask her? For a second opinion?”
“That can wait.”
While they are deliberating, the MC and Major aficionados are getting wilder by the minutes, safe to say that the first day doesn’t disappoint.
[WOW! Look at that! She just shattered the Rhinos! THE. RHINOS! With an immense display of raw power of which she accomplished above our expectations! She hadn’t even pulled that massive sword of hers either! JUST WHO IS THIS GOLDEN HAIRED CAPRINAE!? IS SHE AN AVATAR OF COMBAT HERSELF!?]
The Adeptus officials, who were watching half-heartedly from their respective office, had also gotten their interests piqued. Unlike the fake display of martial edge from the competition knights’ gallantry of utmost vanity, this one is an authentic showcase of skill and resolves. No hesitation, headless of pride, and efficiently deadly in the most sufficiently suffice manner.
“Quite surprising to see someone with this level of skill amidst this, for the most part, wasteful event.”
“She looks like a foreigner but I can be mistaken.”
“Let me re-examine the immigration papers.”
“Contact the Grand Knight, she might want to see this.”
“Interior Secretary had already made her arrangements, we just need the go ahead.”
“Knights Association database is clear, she is indeed a foreigner.”
While all of this is happening, Nyx is deep in thoughts… One thing can’t be denied however, she found someone who fascinate just a notch below her adoration for the Wandering Hero. She can feel her blood boil with excitement after watching disinterestedly before.
“What do you think about her, Lady Baroness?”
“Hmm… If we were to face one another, without outside interference and nuisance…” She spoke loud enough for her surrounding to listen closely.
“… 6/10… In that blondie’s favor…”
Gasps rippled through the room, if it were anyone else such a thing might be regarded as a cheap and baseless joke… but the Grey Serpent herself admitted that she would have difficulty fighting the one causing havoc and chaos over there.
Her utterance seemingly full of chagrin, but deep inside she is smiling because this Caprinae had really stoke her interest. A Kawalerielki’s novelty for her, since this mobile city is full of utter deceit and chronic backstabbing disorder.
“Surely you jest?” A K.G.C.C chairman reflexively answered in disbelief, such a thing would have made them a laughingstock if it’s anywhere else.
“And why should I joke about something this? Even a toddler can understand this much clearly. Look there, she dispatched those… knights… like snapping a bunch of twigs.”
Silence.
No one have sufficient words to answer her.
The Grey Serpent’ surrounding grew quieter… but since it is K.G.C.C. their topic is predictable and things are going smoothly. With that their interest being stoked further, the game of bargaining intensified and she can’t help but feels gratified beneath her blank persona.
The people of influence all around her are racing to the finish line for a potential investment of this dark horse… a candidate for the Grand Knight Champion… A problematically thrilling line of thought passed by her mind too…
‘Hmm~… Just how many one man or woman army is out there? I’m really giddy to explore the world now… after Vincent get me that promised surgeon… hopefully I meet them before 1085…’
Her gaze turn… heated… admiring the display of skills from the Caprinae lady… a shame that it lacks a bloodied scenery for extra flavoring… and that she already have someone in mind. Someone she would gladly burn herself into ashes for a mere reciprocated touch.
‘How beautiful… if I never meet him, you would be my target of interest… alas, the world is truly a vast place to be in…’ She tilt her glass and take an elegant sip. Aside from potential deals, this might be worth her time after all.
It also stoke her displeasure at the same time, someone had attracted her interest when she has him in mind. She doesn’t like that fact, so what better than a remedy or maybe an act so blazingly fleeting?
‘… Having fun there? Or do you like tramping rejects only?’ her eyes glow amber ever so slightly, and it appears that her target can feel Nyx’ sudden spike of hostility. Their eyes briefly clashed, but that’s enough for either to smile wolfishly thin upon one another… a token of recognition between dogs…
The Caprinae woman competing in front of her would, without a doubt, cause her immense difficulty in combat… if it being fought at close range that is. One might question why would she giveaway something like that? Well, there is a personal reason and there is something else on the side…
[20! 27! 33! And her scores keeps on climbing! She had passed the 40 points mark! Are we witnessing the birth of a new contender!? A NEW CHAMPION!? A NEW GRAND KNIGHT!?]
Cheers rumble the concrete jungle with undeterred ferocity and passion. The competitors’ had been stoked further with passions, respects, and thirst for glory. The audiences are merrily chanting the possibility of an unknown turned into a champion, a truly historical moment.
The spectators, knights, securities, and the audiences can’t deny such a notion. Like cutting through grass, the blonde haired Caprinae wreak havoc upon the field. Her grace was dazzling, her skills were unmatched, and her rugged beauty stirs upon the masses collective emotions.
[ANNNNNDDDD! MATCH END! LET’S GREET THE WINNER OF THE FIRST ROUND!]
[THE DARK HORSE COMPETITOR!]
[THE FOREIGNER FROM LEITHANIA!]
[THE PRIME CANDIDATE FOR GRAND KNIGHT!]
[THE ONE AND ONLY!]
[DEGENBRECHER!]
Cheers, applause, and fanatical chants was lauded in her name.
“Degenbrecher!”
“Degenbrecher!”
“Degenbrecher!”
“Degenbrecher!”
The person in question just excited the field, wholly unimpressed with this sham qualification… but she was already invited by someone closer to her nature. Someone who would hopefully worth her time… A corner of her mouth curled upward ever so slightly…
“Grey Serpent huh… I’ll see how true that is… but still, things gotten truly…”
While the challenger herself also starts making her way down, eager to meet the poten- no, the new Grand knight… She can’t stop grinning amidst the dark and dim hallway. A true test of mettle, grit, and will…
“Degenbrecher… *lick lips* … How really lucky of me, tasting her would surely be…”
““Delightful/Delectable””
Date: 30th July 1082
Location: Underground section 51, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
A pair of lady, one being ashen haired and her counterpart being a dirty-blonde haired, are walking down the narrow space. There a few infected here and there, but the moment they saw the pair, they vanished in the darkness… this might cause personal intel breach, but nothing a good crate of food can’t handle… hopefully…
As much as Nyx wanted to help them, she is just one person at the end of the day. Thus handing out something to eat is the best she can do to alleviate their suffering. Degenbrecher take note of it, but she neither care nor scorn her for it.
Nyx’s stalker and monitors had once again lost track of her, at this point they should just give up really. These exotic and somewhat unusual pair is heading deeper and deeper beneath the concrete and steel jungle called Kawalerielki.
Their destination? A certain pit where one of them had ‘made’ a… reservation… in a manner of speaking. They’re walking calmly, yet the tension is thick and suffocating. No sounds other than their crisp boots upon the metallic earth.
No words are exchanged, for some of their nature would have a lot to talk about soon enough. Not long after they reached the cage, it is decrepit, damp, and all manners of irons strewn about. Degenbrecher is eyeing her counterpart quietly.
‘No opening, no unnecessary ceremony, not even a peep of talk… an ideal partner. That much I can concede.’
Nyx, while her eyes are glued on her PT to play some kind of game about catapulting liberi upon manmade structures, also made her own observation. Her Caprinae friend is truly a sight to behold…
‘Taut muscle, flexible bearing, and absolutely dangerous… I’ll enjoy sampling her…’
After jumping down the pit, with Nyx dropping her bag near the wall, they headed opposite one another and their arms are drawn. A pair of dagger against a pair of sword breaker… Nyx shows her a coin, and toss it on her counterpart.
After catching it, Degenbrecher inspect it with a mere glance before tossing it upward with a flick of her finger…
Then it fell back on the metallic earth.
With inhuman speed, their weapons clashed against one another. Nyx moved her hands in a concert of parries and feint aimed at her foe, her speed does proved to be troublesome but Degenbrecher is far from defenseless.
If the Pythian is an avatar of speed and endurance, then the Caprinae is the avatar of raw strength and constitution. They didn’t talk, they didn’t so much as whimper from grazing hit here and there, and their respective focus demanded undivided concentration.
An incoming downward crushing blow was redirected by simple letting it glide along the smooth, steely, surface while aiming for the vital motoric function. An axe kick was mixed in between them, both side had the same idea and a thundering sound of flesh battering resounded the quiet pit.
The Caprinae is steadily increasing her speed, but the Pythian proves to be a much slicker foe for keeping up if not outright outpacing her. Degenbrecher now understand it, this opponent is faster and nimbler but her force and concentrated strength supporting each strike is inferior compared to her own.
With that she steadily shifted herself with more quality than quantity, the both of them can take an absurd amount of punishment, and thus attrition is the only way.
A dagger strike for a counter bash, a kick for an elbow strike, a thrust for haymaker, and so on so forth. Their body withstood a horrendous amount of punishment, but they will finally let up and made mistake eventually. Just like now…
Finally using her tail, Nyx sweep Degenbrecher off from her footing before sending a downward thrust that penetrate deeper than expected upon her adversary face, causing streaks of crimson to cascade down her otherwise uninjured yet not exactly unmarred face.
Degenbrecher used her fall to slide and evade further by kicking Nyx in the gut, disorienting her off momentarily. Rolling off the ground and back on her stance, she stood and wait for Nyx’s continued assault… was the idea anyway.
Now a lull in combat was created…
Nyx looked down on her dagger… and to her joyful jubilation, streaks of crimson fluid made their mark upon the pristine steel in her hand. She smiled coyly, seductively even, on her opponent who watched with rapt attention… she bring the blade upon her lips and she licked it clean of crimson…
“Hmm~… so… savory~, like a fine wine… and I’m not much of a drinker…”
“I heard that you despise wine, turns out you have your own cocktail preference huh?”
“Indeed… Now, do your worst.”
The dance resumed with a golden haired lady leading around the silver haired maiden. Using her weapon she aimed it upon her opponent torso, since flurry of strikes upon fragile points was eluded times and times again.
Then Degenbrecher was aiming to break her opponent dagger since the beginning, but one of her adversary’ dagger was not even damaged while the other held strong, thus she changed her approach by feinting using her shot posture.
Seeing that she is steadily losing, she must change from armed combat into an unarmed one. Chance for it presented itself in the manner of Nyx trance-like parry and counterstrikes. Degenbrecher noted that she rarely clashed her weapon, and always preferred to slither away like snake.
‘This is fulfilling… and… fun.’
Thoughts that shouldn’t have ever surfaced is back inside her mind. She was always fighting for survival, so the idea that mortal combat can be fun is utterly ludicrous… be what it may, since this one combat had refreshed her palate from the distasteful affair that is the Major.
Catching a dagger thrust mid-way the Caprinae flipped Nyx on her back, but before can capitalize it, the Grey Serpent twist her body and delivered a kick to the face, freeing herself once more. Once again getting away from Degenbrecher death grip.
One miscalculations however…
Degenbrecher recovered her posture instantly and lunge against Nyx who are still up in the air, a nasty sound was produced from Nyx’s ribs which taken the brunt of a weaponized steel lump, to put it crudely. But instead of winching in pain, the Pythian smiled and brought her dagger down, lodging it deep on the Caprinae shoulder.
They didn’t let up however, if anything it turned into a brutal melee where bladed edge and blunt lump of steel hacking against one another. Before they separated themselves from one another with a kick.
Degenbrecher bodies are filled with stabs, slices, and myriads of bladed injuries but her opponent fared no better. Nyx breathing is even but blood keeps on spilling from her mouth, internal injuries no doubt, and yet her face is nothing more than a perverse gratification, a sickening type of joy from receiving damage she rarely incurred.
Nyx smirked tauntingly, while Degenbrecher’ brows arched up in surprise and disbelief… before relenting with the same smirk on her face.
Suddenly they threw their weapons and arms away, then walk closer towards the pit’ center point, they would conclude it there, time is precious.
After they meet exactly right at the center, they entangled their right leg upon one another and take their close and personal combat stance… they stood there unmoving… until a tear of blood is slowly making its way to be pulled down by gravity from Nyx’s lips… finally it splashed on the cold decrepit ground.
Like a thunderclap Degenbrecher delivered a blitzing uppercut on her opponent whom responded in kind with a chain of right hooks. Momentarily dazed, but nothing else before the sounds of flesh smashing upon their face reverberated within the silent pit. Bloods spilled and spirited away by the force of their blows. Bones cracked, skins peeled off, flesh bruised, nerves shot, and muscle stretched and torn… yet…
They smiled, none of that pretentiousness, only pure savagery of will and violence rang true. A lingua franca for their ilk. As they’re both fluent in this language, it might be comparable to highly sophisticated dialogue between princesses, giggling with joy all the while during a private tea party.
Nyx’s punches and strikes are a series of repetition and concentration of force through flurry of short and blitzing jabs and hooks with calculated center point. While Degenbrecher’s elected to use higher power but lower frequency hook and uppercut with smattering amount of elbow bash whenever possible.
A cross straight would immediately be followed by jabs and hook and if possible, an uppercut. It was a show that will most likely caused the audience to cringe and shivers by how straightforward their dance is.
Of course, guards, feints, and even deflection or parry was still used every now and then. Just a matter of offensive techniques’ frequency that happens to dwarf a much more sensible approach.
Something so painful should have caused them to slow down, not the contrary that carried on a sense of reinvigorated zeal. This is not combat, this is just a mindless brawl that indulge upon humanity brutalistic nature that is bereft of wit.
With their right leg entangled, they have no room to fall back and run. No, they will not break off their precious dance of blood and iron. With each punch comes along with it a sickeningly sweet reprieve of release from mortals’ petty dealings, only a single surety of power-play and who can dominate the others.
Then this ensemble’ encore finally reached its zenith.
Prompted by a successful feint to create an opening, Nyx delivered an uppercut… that missed its mark. Nyx is shocked, her posture is broken… and Degenbrecher full powered right hook connected with her face.
They stay that way… until Nyx toppled sideways first before being followed by Degenbrecher who collapsed where she stood…
Silence…
Silence…
…
…
“heh…”
“hah…”
They proceed to giggle like schoolgirls gossiping about their crush, their bloody spar being regarded no different than an inconsequential tomfoolery. Being freed from Kazimierz façade of civilized and inclusive world… was ever so, so, so addicting.
“Hah… that was wonderful…”
“I never thought that I‘ll agree… but yeah…”
“… Well, you have me defenseless here… would you not care to partake?”
“… Unsurprising but to think that you have such a depraved side… wonder what kind of face you’re going to make if the world knows it.”
Degenbrecher willed her body to move… and straddled the weak Pythian… the valkyrie beneath had her hair being splayed all over the freezing and dirty ground… they both smiled with pure sincerity… tempted with avaricious passion that is bursting with yearning.
The Caprinae traced her hands upon the broken, battered, and bruised visage of her dance partner… before fastening her grip on her neck. Her smile turned into a dominating and leering one, what was once a stoic and unimpressed lady was turned into a beast with only their baser instincts.
The Pythian didn’t just lay there and take it however… she, too, traced her potential paramour bruised and bloodied visage, each cuts and coagulated blood patches just fascinates her all the more. Her face sneered despite her predicament.
The once eerily cold serpent… was turned into a frail, dominated, and beautiful angel… something the beast can’t help but to savor and defile… even when the consequence of such sacrilege is heavenly smite itself… Before they let go of one another and starts dusting off their ruined and bloodied apparel.
“Like hell I would do that, only an idiot would dare touching a snake who is so close from sinking its fangs…"
“How sharp, very thoughtful of you~”
The Pythian stands and proceed to get her medical supplies inside the bag she left at the start. After that she starts bandaging the wounded Caprinae. Once she is done, Degenbrecher returned the favor and starts applying ointments and necessary medical supplies to treat her counterpart.
Then Degenbrecher’s curiosity prompt her to ask a question.
“Besides, what will you do if I did bite?”
Nyx smiled, but her eyes shows nothing but crystal clear disdainful disgust.
“I dunno? Maybe peeling your skins off, drowning you in acidic liquid, and or force feeding you with esoterically exotic ingredients? The point is… I’m very resourceful and knows how to use them.”
“… Guess you’re holding back, huh…”
“Whatever are you even saying? The one who fell first was me, and you can see the extent of damage done unto this body of mine, plenty painful if I might add.”
“…” Degenbrecher just walked off, Nyx followed while shrugging and sling her bag behind her. While they’re heading towards the exit, Nyx continue with sating her curiosity and interest.
“Why are someone like you even here anyway? This city is a shithole.”
“Finding life… and yes this city is a shithole…”
“Bullshit, no way a tough bitch of your caliber came her merely for shits and giggles.”
“Ah, so you think that I would act like a moron and tell a total stranger with what I want, is that what you expect?”
“Hmm~ fair.”
They then talked about mundane stuff. Since after their brand of intimacy, the pair had become relaxed enough to talk about random and mostly useless things while walking back towards the upper level. Judging by the even dimmer lighting and colder temperature, it is probably dark already.
There are no infected like when they when they had first arrived, it is understandable because the cold temperature forced them to huddle up in some forgotten corner of this forsaken section. Just another thing to consider about how crappy the world of Terra is.
It is still better than a certain universe from her old life, but comparing Terra to that wasn’t fair as is comparing her other life to that crappiest universe as well.
“This is where we separate, and I must say that… fun… was never in my dictionary.”
“Course so, broken people can always have one another to satisfy their broken needs… right, buddy?”
“Mm-hmm, I can live with that.”
“Right-o, I’ll be going ahead then. You have personal terminal?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Just a little something and who knows we would need the other somewhere in a future yet to be realized. The world is filled with numerous uncertainties.”
They finally separated from one another. Degenbrecher is heading towards her temporary flat since she couldn’t care less about it. While Nyx is pondering one thing that has been nagging her mind…
‘I’m good at melee engagement, but I’m easily stuck in combat trance… I’ll just stick with range combat I guess, but I did improved…’
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author’s Note:
Yo there, this is me, myself, and I, the author who suddenly have an inspiration…
I was deliberating about making an original somewhere down the line, but my sentimentality with this Arknights FanFic just trounced them aside, severely.
Anyway, here comes Degenbrecher.
She is one hot, sexy, and deadly Caprinae. Like holy shit, girls in suit is probably the hottest stuff out there.
The Major won’t have too much of the background incident elaborated, but I hope the first .5 is just enough as a context. Experimenting with new stuff feels different…
Yeah.
Update as usual, I need to go sleep.
Ciao
