ALEXiThymiA: Chapter 82: A Royal Duel

Chapter 82

A Royal Duel

Time Until Integration: 1 Month, 26 Days, 9 Hours...

“My my, so much hostility for just saying hello.” Camila, AKA the Red Countess said, as a malicious smile filled her lips. “Perhaps it is time we show them what it means to have diplomatic immunity.”

“Diplomatic immunity only works if you are not seen as having Necromantic powers.” A security guard said from behind the trio of Camila, her husband the Red Demonio, and Gina their daughter who looked like she did not want to be caught up in any part of this.

“Well then, good thing for me, I don’t have Necromantic powers. Though I do have a right to challenge anyone who would lay such accusations against me in a duel to the death.” The woman said, as she began strutting forward.

Luke Thyme, the boy who had made the accusation looked visibly distraught.

“I will take up his place in this duel. As his father, his shame falls upon me. As such, I will bear the burden of his actions and any grief he might have caused.” Jim Thyme, AKA the retired Super ‘Warder’ said, once again shifting his body weight to be in between the woman with the incredibly formidable presence and his son.

“Hah, no. I feel this will have to be a lesson done in personally.”

“Please momma, is there no other way?” Gina begged, grabbing hold of her mother’s arm and causing her to pause for just a moment.

Camila reared back and looked like she was going to strike her daughter, but then seeing the cowering look in her face she paused.

“You know, there might actually be a way we can solve this peacefully. What of that friend of yours, the sister to this one?” Camila asked.

“You want to duel Alexa?” Gina asked.

“My my, no. I want her to swear herself to me. To be beholden to me.” Camila said, “we could always use a Healer, for our armies.”

At that many of the agents began moving in as well.

“Stop right there.”

The guards continued to move, at which point Camila just shook her head slightly, the only warning of what was going to happen next. Then raising her dominant left hand, she directed her open palm at the guards and released a torrent of force.

BBOOOOMMMM!!

An eruption of flames and force billowed up from the center of the guards. The flames were no ordinary flames, as they were dark purple in color, streaked with lightning, and all but screamed of malevolence. Two guards at the center of the flames instantly turned to charred husks, while the others nearby darted out of the flames, only to have their bodies slowly burn away like mutated ash fireworks.

SHRIEKS!

With the explosion everyone who had been gathering closer suddenly backed away from the literal inferno that erupted before them.

“I am a Countess. I demand respect, even in a foreign country.” Camila Rojas said, her wonderfully accented tongue seeming to add elegance to her otherwise ruthless actions.

“Luke go!” Jim said, as he gestured for his son to flee.

At that Camila turned her sharp gaze back to the Thyme family, well three fourths of the Thyme family. The one member that she desperately wanted to get at was not here, but that would not be a problem. Camila was the chosen representative of Dragons. She didn’t need permission to take, she just found what she wanted and plucked it. If what she wanted wasn’t there, then she would simply make it so what she truly desired would be provided to her for free. This was the dragon way.

After her display of power Luke held firm, his legs and body frozen under the intense stare of Camila the red, AKA the Red Countess.

Luke could only listen on as hundreds of people who had been otherwise enjoying the light day of finding an elective ran out screaming from the gymnasium.

Splash!

Water erupted from pipes overhead, trying to douse the flames, but the water only served to provide just enough external weight to break apart the perfectly formed ash silhouettes of the security detail who had been burnt to a crisp by the Countess’ spell.

Shatter!

Off to the side, a flying statue crashed into and then through the glass window surrounding the outside of the gymnasium.

Shatter, thud, clatter.

The statue landed in the middle of the broken shards of glass created by the massive section of window. As everyone turned to the broken window, everyone was surprised to see a tall muscular female easily jumping through the now open window and entering the gymnasium.

“Alexa?” Gina blurted out, upon seeing the woman who had raven dark hair, with a top knot of golden hair draped over the sides.

Hearing her daughter, Camila paused her intense focus on Luke and turned to face the newcomer. A newcomer who was quickly moving forward, despite running through broken glass. Black boots crunching the broken shards to dust under her strong strides.

Seeing the newcomer, Camila’s face instantly lit up with surprise. “You are royalty?”

Rather than confirm the statement or ask how she knew. Alexa instead answered with two words that would leave everyone momentarily stunned.

“I accept.”

RUMMMMBBLLLLEEEE!!!

At that, waves of force began pushing everyone, and everything out of the immediate area of the two.

“A Royal Duel?” Jim said, out loud apparently reading a text that appeared before his very eyes.

“Alexa?” Judy asked, so much being spoken in that one word that only a mother could muster.

Still despite their enhanced attributes and levels, Jim and Judy also found themselves being pushed away.

Once the immediate area was clear, even the Red Demonio found himself being pushed away.

Once everyone was away and a seemingly visible pocket dome of force erupted around the two. A system message available to everyone soon appeared.

Royal Duel.

As a means to settle massive battles in an easier manner, a royal duel can be declared. Where two combatants leading different army factions can choose to fight on behalf of their army.

As this is a Royal Duel certain conditions must have been met.

First one side must have challenged the other opposing forces to a duel.

Second a noble of higher rank must accept the challenge on behalf of their subordinate.

Third the rank of the two nobles cannot be more than one rank difference between the two combatants.

In this case we have Camila Rojas, Rank Countess challenging Luke Thyme to a duel.

Alexa Thyme, Rank Viscountess accepted the duel on behalf of Luke Thyme.

Conditions met for a duel.

Before the duel begins, there will first be three phases known as the wager. Before the actual duel commences, followed shortly by resolution.

The Wager Phase I: This is where the first party who demanded the duel will state their intended goal for the outcome of the duel.

There was a pause, as time seemed to stop as everyone turned their attention towards Camila whose eyes seemed to be scanning through the absolute wall of text that was now before everyone’s eyes.

After reading a devilish smile appeared on Camila’s face, as she first read and then reread the message before her.

“I Camila Rojas, demand compensation in the form of your complete servitude when I win.”

With that a flash of light appeared and the focus shifted from Camila to Alexa.

The Wager Phase II: This is where the second party states the terms and conditions of the duel along with what she wants her intended goal of the duel to be.

There was a slight pause, before Alexa turned her cold gaze on Camila and stated in her melodic emotionless tone.

“The duel will be done entirely through magical means. The terms are a victor will be found when one of us dies. As for what I want, I want you dead.” Alexa said, making sure to set the precedent that no one threatened her family.

The Wager Phase III: This is where the aggrieved party has a chance to back out of the duel if they find the conditions to be too much.

At that the attention went back to Camila. “You think you can compete against me in magic? You a Healer with a few mere tricks wish to throw away your life. Submit now and I will overlook this discretion.”

Alexa just stared at her not saying a word.

“I will kill them, after I am done killing you!” Camila hissed.

RUMBLE!

At that statement the very world itself seemed to spark to life.

NOTE: Since Alexa Thyme has taken on the Royal Duel on behalf of the Thyme faction, no further actions can be taken against the Thyme faction either directly or indirectly by the Rojas faction for a period of one solar cycle.

At that Camila cocked her head. It seemed the system was not only sentient, but actively overlooking this meeting. Was this a factor of having people of high ranks willing to settle disputes at the highest level? Or was there something more devious at stake here. Also, the wording was very specific, stating factions, rather than just families. This seemed to imply not just the direct family was covered under these terms, but anyone associated with the family would follow these terms and conditions. How such conditions were able to be enforced was not known. This was all new ground for as far as anyone was aware the Red Countess was the highest ranked human on the planet. The fact that someone else was registered as a Viscount had completely been missed by Camila and her network of spies.

Camila clearly looked angered by the events that were developing around her but managed to keep from saying anything that the system might interpret as a threat. This was uncharted waters for her.

“Surely you must understand the conditions you are up against. I am a peak tier Death Magic user. Surely you see the futility of your actions?” Camila said, “could you not change the terms until you are unconscious or submit?”

Status Change Request: Alexa Thyme as been asked to amend her terms. Changing from death to allow submission or unconscious.

Alexa cocked her head, seeing the message that everyone was now viewing.

“I accept your change on one condition. You forever leave my family and Gina out of your and your family’s machinations.” Alexa said.

Status Change Request: Camila Rojas has been made a counter proposal for changing the final conditions of the duel, in exchange you forever leave both the Thyme Family and Gina Rojas out of any schemes for retribution.

At that Camila read the way the system seemed to interpret the comments made by Alexa. In fact, the system had done a great job of succinctly stating her proposed changes as well. Before she could get too lost in her own thoughts about this, she noticed a timer ticking down.

Time to accept changes or violate terms of the duel and be declared the loser. 10, 9, 8…

“Yes. I accept.” Camila said.

Then there was a bright flash as the dome covering the two seemed to momentarily intensify as it went from nearly clear, to a smokey hue that seemed hard to pierce.

The Duel: After a three count, the two combatants will attempt to disable, force a submission, or kill their opponent by any means possible through the chosen medium. The chosen medium: Magic.

Note: As arbiter of the duel, no physical attacks, or assistance from outside sources will be allowed.

At that both contestants nodded their agreement to the terms presented.

Then all too quickly a timer appeared before everyone.

3, 2, 1…

Flash.

Almost as soon as the timer had ended Camila was already in the process of calling forth her Death magic bolts. She made sure to dial down the efficacy of the spell as she didn’t want to kill the girl before her, as that would be a waste of such a valuable resource.

ZZAAPPPP!

A giant black bolt of lightning slammed down on Alexa. For a second, Camila paused, wondering if she had used too much power on the girl. Blinking rapidly to pierce through the haze of her spell.

As the dust cleared, Camila looked on the ground half expecting a collapsed giant of a woman to be curled up in the fetal position. Instead, all she found was two feet standing firmly as if nothing had happened. No, worse, she seemed to be smiling?

“What? How did you?” Camila asked.

“Death magic, is that all you can do.” Alexa said.

Badump, badump.

At that declaration a thrill of battle that Camila had long since lost suddenly stirred deep within her. A rush, a thrill of combat, of being able to go full on against an opponent that wouldn’t crumple at the slightest touch. Camila knew she was tough, anyone that could stand up to a medium class Necromancer who had more than a month’s time work their claws into a patient had to be tough. But then being able to stand up against a full Death Bolt, even one that was reduced meant she no longer needed to hold back.

Still, something was off, the girl didn’t seem to be doing anything, she just stood there grinning maniacally.

Seeing the girl’s glee from her own form of enjoyment of combat, Camila felt she had found a kindred spirit. One that she would absolutely love pulling under her wing.

ZZZAAAPP!!

A second Death Bolt, this time at three quarters power was sent. Camila intended to end this battle quickly.

Of course, she was once again shocked to see the girl just standing there like nothing had happened, after the smoke and disorientation from blurred lights disappeared from her vision.

“What, how did you?” Camila asked.

At that the normally quiet girl spoke, “you are a slave to the dragons, right?”

“I am no slave. I am their chosen representative on this plane of existence.” Camila said definatly.

At that, Alexa’s just smiled and nodded even wider, a nearly feral gleam coming to her eyes. “I expected as much. You do know I Kill Dragons.” Alexa said, “now I will kill their lap dogs as well.”

With that Alexa raised up her left hand and pulled.

In a second, Camila felt her blood boil. No, boil wasn’t the right word. She felt her blood forcefully rip its way out of her blood vessels within her body, she felt her organs rupture, and most importantly she felt her eyes burst.

Pain.

White hot pain filled her mind, and body, overflowing her synapses before she could even react.

“No. Nooo…” Camila tried to scream, as she felt her body crumpling to the ground. Unfortunately, her torment was not over there, as she looked on in horror as her soul contract came up.

Soul Contract Condition Met: Complete death. Final possession of your spirit has been handed over to Demon Prince Baalthasar.

WOOSH!

“COME TO ME! MY PITIFUL SOUL!” A voice so cold and malevolent seemed to call out over the vastness of space.

Hearing the words Jim and Judy both let out an involuntary shiver as this was not their first time hearing such a call. This was the unmistakable call of a demon prince, calling out for their prized soul. The last time the two had heard such a call, was when they rescued their five-year-old daughter from the clutches of the vampire necromancer. A person who literally sold their soul for power.

After the call, a faint light of energy could be seen glowing over the corpse of Camila, before the light seemed to become unfettered for a moment. Then almost as if a firefly realizing their plight, the light tried to take off, to flee, blinking wildly while it could, only to be snatched out of the air by an unseen source and yanked down into the darkness of oblivion. The entire event lasted only an handful of seconds, but everyone saw the events play out perfectly.

The Resolution: This is the time when the terms of the duel are adhered to.

The winner of the duel: Alexa Thyme.

Victory Conditions: The Thyme family and Gina Rojas will be free of any forms of reprisals from the Rojas family.

Special Victory Conditions: As this was the first Royal Duel observed on your planet by two opposing factions, rewards for the winning side have been awarded. Reward: Rank increased to highest rank of contestants. Title gained.

Rank Countess: +35% All Attributes, Skills, Psychic Powers, Magic Aptitudes, Fast Travel Times, and Title Bonuses.

Title: First Royal Duelist: You were the first winner of a royal duel for your planet, as such you are able to challenge anyone regardless of rank differential to a Royal Duel. Conditions: Challenges are limited to duels conducted on your planet.

With that, the smokey dome that had been covering Alexa dropped, revealing her and what could be reasonably described as the remaining skin sac of Camila Rojas, formerly known as the Red Countess.

Seeing her melted skin on the ground a hush fell over everyone.

Everyone except for her husband.

“YOU! DIE!” Victor Rojas, the Red Demonio screamed as rage flooded his veins forcing him to charge forward and strike at Alexa.

Shrieks.

Gina found herself screaming along with others, who were still watching. But then she was surprised by what happened next.

As her father charged forward, Alexa stared on coldly standing perfectly still.

Move. Gina wanted to shout, but suddenly found her voice caught up in her throat.

“GRRRAAHH!” Victor cried out as his hand began to glow with an intense burst of energy.

BOOM!

The blow landed, but rather than seeing Alexa go flying as Gina had expected. The reverse happened.

Whoom!

Victor was visibly repelled by a force of energy that was almost directly proportional to the amount of force originally applied.

First Warning: Victor Rojas has been found to be in opposition to the ruling of the system. The ruling of the system being: Victor Rojas being of the Rojas faction will avoid retaliatory actions against Gina or the Thyme faction. The term being broken is the Thyme Faction. NOTE: If conditions continue punitive actions will be taken.

With that there was a slight pause, before Victor fueled by rage continued. “You dog, you killed her!” He screamed out as tears of rage filled his eyes and he exploded forward again.

This time he began changing his entire body into its half draconic state, his suit ripping under his bulging muscles as he charged forward and took yet another massive swing at Alexa. Most others flinched at the sight of the monstrous Victor Rojas charging forward, instead Alexa just stood there almost welcoming him to continue forward.

BOOM!

There was another deafening burst of energy. This time just like before the force seemed to be redirected back at the source of the attack. The force of the blow sent Victor’s body, flying back as all the momentum of his tremendous blow was seemingly redirected and redoubled back on him.

Judgement!

There was a flash of light, as a lightning bolt appeared out of nowhere, seeming to come from the heavens above, circling down and through the opened window that Alexa had smashed open. Then directly striking Victor Rojas’ prone body.

Blinding Light!

There was a blinding flash of light, before a much smaller man appeared before everyone. Just as Gina was trying to understand what was happening, why her father had suddenly shrunk, a system message seemed to answer everything and nothing all at once.

For failing to follow the dictates of a Royal Duel, Victor Rojas, formerly of the Rojas Faction has been disavowed by the system.

As everyone saw the message, they all turned their attention back to Victor, only for him to cry out.

“My power? My power? It is all gone! You took her, then you took my power!” Victor said, stumbling to his feet, his suit suddenly loose over his much slender frame.

Fortunately before he could go again, Jim Thyme moved in and easily grabbed Victor before he could make a third attempt to strike down Alexa who was still standing still.

Crack.

Of course, Jim having expected much more resistance was a bit forceful with his apprehension.

“GAH, my arm!” Victor screamed, as he tried to move his arm but found his entire body paralyzed by pain.

Gina could only look on in horror as she could finally read her father’s thoughts. Before the man whose mind had been like a steel wall, was now an open book to her powers. It was almost as if, “he is normal?”