The tension in the throne room was palpable. The Beastman Emperor's decree left no room for debate—if Leon wanted answers, he would have to earn them in combat.
The warriors standing before him were no ordinary fighters. They were elites, champions of their clans, each one a veteran of countless battles.
Leon's grip tightened on his sword. He had expected a challenge, but the sheer presence of these warriors made it clear—this was a test of survival.
Jarek exhaled. "Well, this escalated quickly."
Kaelen smirked. "I was wondering when things would get interesting."
Rhun, however, remained silent, his sharp eyes watching the emperor carefully.
The emperor leaned forward. "You may fight alone, or with your companions. The choice is yours."
Leon glanced at his team. Fighting alone would prove his individual strength, but working as a team would show unity. Each choice carried meaning in the eyes of the Beastmen.
He exhaled slowly.
"I fight alone."
The emperor's smirk widened. "Bold." He gestured toward the warriors. "Step forward."
The first challenger—a towering wolf beastman clad in leather armor—stepped into the center of the hall, cracking his knuckles.
"Try not to die too quickly, outsider."
---
The First Battle
Leon drew his sword, his stance steady. This wasn't just a fight—it was a message.
The wolf beastman lunged, his claws slashing through the air. Leon sidestepped at the last moment, his blade flashing as he struck. Steel met flesh, but the beastman twisted, avoiding a fatal wound.
Fast.
Leon barely had time to react as the wolf retaliated. A clawed hand shot toward his throat.
Leon ducked, rolling under the attack before slashing upward.
His blade met resistance—a clean hit on the beastman's arm. Blood splattered onto the stone floor.
The wolf snarled, baring his fangs. But his eyes gleamed with something other than rage.
Excitement.
"Not bad," the beastman growled. "But let's see how long you last."
---
The Clash of Strength
The fight continued, the wolf attacking with a mix of brutal speed and raw power.
Leon knew he couldn't match the beastman's raw strength, but speed and precision were his weapons.
A feint. A sidestep. A precise counter.
Slowly, the tide of battle shifted.
The wolf, while powerful, was predictable. His movements were aggressive but lacked adaptability.
Leon capitalized on this. A well-placed strike to the ribs. A cut along the leg. Each attack weakened his opponent, forcing him into a defensive stance.
Finally, with a decisive maneuver, Leon dodged a wild swing and drove the hilt of his sword into the beastman's gut.
The warrior staggered, then collapsed to one knee.
Silence filled the hall.
Leon lowered his sword, his breathing steady.
The emperor chuckled. "Interesting."
He gestured again.
Another warrior stepped forward.
"Again."
Leon exhaled. This wasn't over.
It was just beginning.
---
A Gauntlet of Warriors
One by one, the challengers stepped forward.
A tiger beastman, his strikes precise and disciplined.
A bear beastman, his defense nearly impenetrable.
A panther beastman, his speed rivaling Leon's own.
Each battle tested a different aspect of Leon's skill.
Strength. Endurance. Strategy. Adaptability.
And Leon overcame them all.
By the time the final opponent fell, Leon stood alone in the center of the hall, his body covered in cuts and bruises, his breath ragged but steady.
The Beastman Emperor watched in silence.
Then, slowly, he smiled.
"You fight well, outsider."
He leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist. "Perhaps you are worth listening to after all."
---
The Audience Begins
The warriors who had fought Leon stepped back with respect.
Even in defeat, they did not bear grudges. Strength had been proven, and that was what mattered.
The emperor gestured toward a seat near his throne. "Sit. Speak."
Leon sheathed his sword and stepped forward.
Finally, it was time for answers.
---