As Eleonora and Laura enter the arena the crowd is understandably less than excited about it, nobody is cheering and some are even jeering. After all, Laura had thrown the first two matches and disappointed many of the spectators.
"It's oppressive isn't it Eleonora?"
"Well it's your fault the crowd is like this. Why would they cheer when they're just expecting you to go down in one hit again?"
"That's fair I guess."
The two of them banter like nothing is wrong as they walk out into the middle of the arena.
Up in the seating for the nobility the royal family and all the other nobles are fed up with the poor display that the colosseum has put on so far. Even behind her veiled face Princess Vivian's expression can be inferred to be one of contempt and genuine anger. The poor showing Laura has put on so far has caused her family to criticize her choice to purchase the demon. They consider her decision to be rash and foolish especially given how much they paid for her.
Back in the arena Laura and Eleonora stand facing each other. The crowd is silent with no cheering whatsoever.
"Laura!"
All of a sudden Eleonora shouts out Laura's name and draws her sword.
"Don't you dare hold back!"
Eleonora's words echo throughout the arena as she takes her stance.
Laura takes a stance as well.
Confirming that the two are ready to begin Roderick calls to start the match.
"BEGIN!"
*Clang*
As soon as the words leave Roderick's mouth the two of them clash. Sparks fly as Laura's right claw and Eleonora's sword slam against each other. Both women try to take the early advantage but neither give any ground. In this clash one deciding movement could be the deciding factor and it's Laura who makes it.
She uses her left claw to strike at Eleonora but Eleonora parries it with her hilt knocking Laura off balance for a split second. Eleonora takes advantage of this slight opening to drive her knee in Laura's stomach.
"Gah!"
Laura immediately backs away from Eleonora trying to regain her composure but Eleonora won't allow that.
"Lightning step."
In the next instant Eleonora closes the distance between Laura and herself. Poised for a thrusting strike but Laura dodges the strike at the last possible second.
"Haha! Your reflexes aren't half bad."
"Tch, I'm not done yet."
As if to prove her point Laura charges straight towards Eleonora.
"What?!"
Laura proceeds to unleash a flurry of claw strikes against Eleonora who blocks every single one. After blocking 30 or so strikes Laura finally manages to break through Eleonora's defense and scores a hit on her face which sends her reeling back. Taking advantage of the loss of her opponent's balance Laura presses the attack.
"Lightning step!"
Laura strikes empty air, her opponent vanished. In the next moment Laura is sent flying with and uppercut to the chin by Eleonora.
Lightning step is a lighting based spell that accelerates it's user and Eleonora had used it to accelerate her fall so she could strike Laura when she was confused.
"Damnit!"
Laura lands on her feet and stares down Eleonora who responds in kind. The display the two had just shown causes the crowd to erupt in cheers once again.
"Y-You... You..."
Eleonora is panting from exertion but she still stands tall.
Laura wipes some blood from her mouth but she still stands tall.
"Looks like it's time to get serious huh?"
"Couldn't agree more."
Eleonora brandishes her sword and cloaks it in electricity while Laura lets some of her demonic aura leak out. The two of them are serious, the two charge at each other with the intent to give it all they have.
Up in the seating for the nobility the mood has taken a drastic shift. Before the match started the atmosphere was gloomy and somber. Now however, the royal family and the rest of the nobles sit in rapt attention as they watch the bout.
Princess Vivian's mood has gone from angry to fascinated.
"Show us more Laura. Show us more."
A few moments later the two of them clash again and it's Laura who scores another hit on Eleonora. While Eleonora was able to block the first attack Laura saw how she parried her left claw attack earlier and adjusted to compensate this time. Grabbing onto Eleonora's sword which was covered in lightning Laura was able to give her pause for just enough time so Eleonora couldn't block her follow up attack.
"Ahhhhh!"
Using the opportunity to push her advantage Laura attacks again.
"Inferno!"
A spray of fire makes a beeline toward Eleonora.
"Lightning step!"
Using lightning step to move out of the way of the inferno attack Eleonora suddenly feels a sharp pain in her side. Looking back she sees Laura stabbing her claw into her side.
"You fell for it."
"Dammit it was a trap."
Lightning step is a good tool for speedy fighters but it only lasts 3 seconds and has a cooldown so a clever opponent can use it to their advantage.
However Eleonora's mouth curls into a smile a second later causing Laura's eyes to go wide in realization. As she tries to pull away Eleonora grabs onto her arm.
"You fell for it. Lightning field."
Laura feels a sharp sensation run up her arm and into her body causing her to convulse. With her body cloaked in lightning Eleonora has become an oversized taser.
"Abababababa!!"
As Laura begins to stumble back Eleonora delivers an elbow shot to Laura's stomach.
"Gah!"
The blow is strong enough to cause Laura to lose her footing and fall backwards. Using the opening Eleonora activates lightning step and leaps forward with her sword, swinging it at Laura.
"Drrrraaaaaaaaahhh!!!"
Laura tries to react but she's unable to move fast enough. Her body is electrified and her movements are slowed down. All she can do is block the sword with her right claw.
"Lightning field!"
Once again Laura feels the sharp sensation of being electrocuted as she's thrown sideways. Unable to keep her balance Laura falls headfirst onto the ground.
"Can you still fight Laura?"
"I... I'm fine."
"Impressive. You still have a lot to learn but I guess your hardiness doesn't need much work."
Laura with shaking limbs and haggard breathing attempts to get up off the ground. By all accounts the match should have ended already but Eleonora didn't land a finishing blow on Laura and waited for her opponent to stand back up.
"Laura, I believe that someday you'll be stronger than me, stronger than anyone Roderick has and maybe even the strongest and most reliable retainer that princess Vivian and the royal family can call upon. This last half a year was really fun but... all good things must come to an end."
With that Eleonora sheaths her sword and beings to walk back to the arena entrance, leaving everyone in a state of confusion including Laura who proceeds to fall back down on her backside.
Back in the noble seating area the mood is one of confusion as well. Why did Eleonora just stop and walk away? Everyone thought.
"So that's what that demon girl can do? She seems to have some potential but overall she's quite green i'd say." The king gives his uncensored opinion on Laura which is much more positive than his previous opinion.
"So what do you think of it all Vivian?"
"Father. I'd like to leave now."
"Isn't there still one fight left, why would you want to leave now?"
"I have a feeling that the next fight will be as disappointing as the previous two, plus Laura seems to be at her limit mentally."
With a sigh the king agrees. "Alright. You there servant, go inform Roderick that the King and his family are ready to depart."
"Well If we get back early then we'll have more time to prepare for your birthday gala Vivian." The queen interjects.
Vivian stares out into the arena where Laura is being helped off.
"The strongest and most reliable retainer that princess Vivian and the royal family can call upon huh? If that's the case then I made the right choice."
After being escorted back to the waiting area for fighters Laura is given another potion to help her injuries recover when Royce walks over to her.
"Hey Laura, you ready for our fight?"
Laura looks down.
"This'll be my last fight here so I'm gonna give it everything I have and then some."
"That's the spirit."
All of a sudden someone comes running into the waiting area and runs out onto the arena where Roderick is. Roderick stares up to the noble seats and comes sprinting back to Laura and Royce.
"What's going on Roderick?" Laura asks.
"Well I guess the royal family is leaving before your final match and they're requesting to meet you now."
"Huh?"
As Eleonora and Laura enter the arena the crowd is understandably less than excited about it, nobody is cheering and some are even jeering. After all, Laura had thrown the first two matches and disappointed many of the spectators.
"It's oppressive isn't it Eleonora?"
"Well it's your fault the crowd is like this. Why would they cheer when they're just expecting you to go down in one hit again?"
"That's fair I guess."
The two of them banter like nothing is wrong as they walk out into the middle of the arena.
Up in the seating for the nobility the royal family and all the other nobles are fed up with the poor display that the colosseum has put on so far. Even behind her veiled face Princess Vivian's expression can be inferred to be one of contempt and genuine anger. The poor showing Laura has put on so far has caused her family to criticize her choice to purchase the demon. They consider her decision to be rash and foolish especially given how much they paid for her.
Back in the arena Laura and Eleonora stand facing each other. The crowd is silent with no cheering whatsoever.
"Laura!"
All of a sudden Eleonora shouts out Laura's name and draws her sword.
"Don't you dare hold back!"
Eleonora's words echo throughout the arena as she takes her stance.
Laura takes a stance as well.
Confirming that the two are ready to begin Roderick calls to start the match.
"BEGIN!"
*Clang*
As soon as the words leave Roderick's mouth the two of them clash. Sparks fly as Laura's right claw and Eleonora's sword slam against each other. Both women try to take the early advantage but neither give any ground. In this clash one deciding movement could be the deciding factor and it's Laura who makes it.
She uses her left claw to strike at Eleonora but Eleonora parries it with her hilt knocking Laura off balance for a split second. Eleonora takes advantage of this slight opening to drive her knee in Laura's stomach.
"Gah!"
Laura immediately backs away from Eleonora trying to regain her composure but Eleonora won't allow that.
"Lightning step."
In the next instant Eleonora closes the distance between Laura and herself. Poised for a thrusting strike but Laura dodges the strike at the last possible second.
"Haha! Your reflexes aren't half bad."
"Tch, I'm not done yet."
As if to prove her point Laura charges straight towards Eleonora.
"What?!"
Laura proceeds to unleash a flurry of claw strikes against Eleonora who blocks every single one. After blocking 30 or so strikes Laura finally manages to break through Eleonora's defense and scores a hit on her face which sends her reeling back. Taking advantage of the loss of her opponent's balance Laura presses the attack.
"Lightning step!"
Laura strikes empty air, her opponent vanished. In the next moment Laura is sent flying with and uppercut to the chin by Eleonora.
Lightning step is a lighting based spell that accelerates it's user and Eleonora had used it to accelerate her fall so she could strike Laura when she was confused.
"Damnit!"
Laura lands on her feet and stares down Eleonora who responds in kind. The display the two had just shown causes the crowd to erupt in cheers once again.
"Y-You... You..."
Eleonora is panting from exertion but she still stands tall.
Laura wipes some blood from her mouth but she still stands tall.
"Looks like it's time to get serious huh?"
"Couldn't agree more."
Eleonora brandishes her sword and cloaks it in electricity while Laura lets some of her demonic aura leak out. The two of them are serious, the two charge at each other with the intent to give it all they have.
Up in the seating for the nobility the mood has taken a drastic shift. Before the match started the atmosphere was gloomy and somber. Now however, the royal family and the rest of the nobles sit in rapt attention as they watch the bout.
Princess Vivian's mood has gone from angry to fascinated.
"Show us more Laura. Show us more."
A few moments later the two of them clash again and it's Laura who scores another hit on Eleonora. While Eleonora was able to block the first attack Laura saw how she parried her left claw attack earlier and adjusted to compensate this time. Grabbing onto Eleonora's sword which was covered in lightning Laura was able to give her pause for just enough time so Eleonora couldn't block her follow up attack.
"Ahhhhh!"
Using the opportunity to push her advantage Laura attacks again.
"Inferno!"
A spray of fire makes a beeline toward Eleonora.
"Lightning step!"
Using lightning step to move out of the way of the inferno attack Eleonora suddenly feels a sharp pain in her side. Looking back she sees Laura stabbing her claw into her side.
"You fell for it."
"Dammit it was a trap."
Lightning step is a good tool for speedy fighters but it only lasts 3 seconds and has a cooldown so a clever opponent can use it to their advantage.
However Eleonora's mouth curls into a smile a second later causing Laura's eyes to go wide in realization. As she tries to pull away Eleonora grabs onto her arm.
"You fell for it. Lightning field."
Laura feels a sharp sensation run up her arm and into her body causing her to convulse. With her body cloaked in lightning Eleonora has become an oversized taser.
"Abababababa!!"
As Laura begins to stumble back Eleonora delivers an elbow shot to Laura's stomach.
"Gah!"
The blow is strong enough to cause Laura to lose her footing and fall backwards. Using the opening Eleonora activates lightning step and leaps forward with her sword, swinging it at Laura.
"Drrrraaaaaaaaahhh!!!"
Laura tries to react but she's unable to move fast enough. Her body is electrified and her movements are slowed down. All she can do is block the sword with her right claw.
"Lightning field!"
Once again Laura feels the sharp sensation of being electrocuted as she's thrown sideways. Unable to keep her balance Laura falls headfirst onto the ground.
"Can you still fight Laura?"
"I... I'm fine."
"Impressive. You still have a lot to learn but I guess your hardiness doesn't need much work."
Laura with shaking limbs and haggard breathing attempts to get up off the ground. By all accounts the match should have ended already but Eleonora didn't land a finishing blow on Laura and waited for her opponent to stand back up.
"Laura, I believe that someday you'll be stronger than me, stronger than anyone Roderick has and maybe even the strongest and most reliable retainer that princess Vivian and the royal family can call upon. This last half a year was really fun but... all good things must come to an end."
With that Eleonora sheaths her sword and beings to walk back to the arena entrance, leaving everyone in a state of confusion including Laura who proceeds to fall back down on her backside.
Back in the noble seating area the mood is one of confusion as well. Why did Eleonora just stop and walk away? Everyone thought.
"So that's what that demon girl can do? She seems to have some potential but overall she's quite green i'd say." The king gives his uncensored opinion on Laura which is much more positive than his previous opinion.
"So what do you think of it all Vivian?"
"Father. I'd like to leave now."
"Isn't there still one fight left, why would you want to leave now?"
"I have a feeling that the next fight will be as disappointing as the previous two, plus Laura seems to be at her limit mentally."
With a sigh the king agrees. "Alright. You there servant, go inform Roderick that the King and his family are ready to depart."
"Well If we get back early then we'll have more time to prepare for your birthday gala Vivian." The queen interjects.
Vivian stares out into the arena where Laura is being helped off.
"The strongest and most reliable retainer that princess Vivian and the royal family can call upon huh? If that's the case then I made the right choice."
After being escorted back to the waiting area for fighters Laura is given another potion to help her injuries recover when Royce walks over to her.
"Hey Laura, you ready for our fight?"
Laura looks down.
"This'll be my last fight here so I'm gonna give it everything I have and then some."
"That's the spirit."
All of a sudden someone comes running into the waiting area and runs out onto the arena where Roderick is. Roderick stares up to the noble seats and comes sprinting back to Laura and Royce.
"What's going on Roderick?" Laura asks.
"Well I guess the royal family is leaving before your final match and they're requesting to meet you now."
"Huh?"
