Dungeon of Pride, Laplace



With a voice resonating with confidence and challenge, Duke Arctaurus declared.

All eyes in the venue shifted towards Belail, waiting for his response to Duke Actaurus' proposal.

"What Duke Arctaurus said is very plausible. The ability to defend and maintain a territory is indeed a crucial aspect of a demon's rule. It is only fair to test the strength and power of those who seek to claim it. Earl Simon, the Ghastly Winding Forest is a territory coveted by many. Are you prepared to defend your claim against those who may challenge it?"

Belial glanced at Simon with intrigue as he addressed.

"Duke Arctaurus, this is not within the laws of our…" Oswell who was about to speak up on behalf of Simon once again, felt a pat on his shoulder. When he turned around to look, he saw his friend give him a nod of assurance.

Simon initially taken aback by the Duke's challenge, gathered his composure and spoke with conviction:

"I accept Duke Arctaurus' proposition. It is only right that I defend what is mine. How can I claim a territory as mine if I do not even possess the power to protect it? That said, how should I prove my worthiness to Duke Arctaurus that I possess the strength and power to defend my territory?".

With a calm and resolute voice, he asked.

"It's simple, we decide it by Ritual of Blades" Duke Arctaurus shrugged his shoulders and declared with a grin.

Ritual of Blades, Simon recalled from his inherited memories that it was an ancient tradition among the demons,  a solemn ceremony that arises when conflicts escalate to a point where words alone cannot resolve the opposing views.

It is a time honored practice rooted in the belief that the clash of blades can reveal the truth and settle disputes that transcend mere rhetoric.

When faced with an impasse, both sides willingly participate in the Ritual of Blades. Each party selects their most skilled and formidable subordinates. These chosen champions become the embodiment of their masters' convictions, wielding their blades with unyielding resolve.

In other words, what Duke Arctaurus was saying was that they let their subordinates fight and let the fate of the Ghastly Winding Forest decide through that.

"Ritual of Blades?!! Duke Arctaurus you should know that you can only evoke such a duel when both parties are equal. You are a Demon Duke, how can you even challenge a Demon Earl to a Ritual of Blade?"…

"Oswell, I did not ask you. This is a matter for that Demon Earl to decide. Whether he wants to accept this Ritual of Blades like the demon he is or back away like a wuss, is up to him. Either way, it will be proven how worthy this demon is of the Ghastly Windifn Forest that he claims as his own".

"Additionally, I would like to add another condition. In this Ritual of Blades, one cannot take the help of another. That is to say, one can only depend on their own power and subordinates".

Duke Arctaurus looked towards Oswell and grinned. With this, he had sealed his victory. Now the Demon Earl cannot refuse the Ritual of Blades and nor can he take the help of Oswell.

Whispers spread throughout the venue, the demons captivated by the prospect of the duel.

What would the Demon Earl decide? Would he choose to accept the duel or would he cower at the other party's power and go back on his words?

All the demons looked on with amusement. Many of them thought that the Demon Earl wouldn't dare after all, the Demon Duke beside him cannot back him anymore. However, contrary to the expectation...

"I accept this proposal. I will send my subordinate to face Duke Arctuarus' champion and prove it in front of the entire gathering that I can defend my own territory"…

Simon accepted the duel. The crowd was immediately abuzz with excitement. Why would they not? After all, it is not just every day that they get to see a Demon Earl daring to challenge a Demon Duke.

Even though they already knew the outcome, they still wanted to witness a bloody duel. It was just in their nature.

'Duke Arctaurus this sly fox, he really closed all the doors for the demon earl' Belial contemplated for a second before responding to the wishes of the Earl and the Duke.

"Very well, since both the sides have agreed, let this be a test of strength and prowess for the Demon Earl. I shall oversee this Ritual of Blades, ensuring fairness and impartiality. The outcome of this duel will determine if the claims made by Earl Simon over the Ghastly Winding Forest is rightful or not."

Right after saying that, Belial conjured his mighty mystical energy and created a powerful barrier at the centre of the venue.

This was where the Ritual of the Blades will take place. Since he deemed that the duel will not take too long given how lopsided the outcome looked, he believed that the barrier was enough to hold them down.

"Minos"..

With Duke Arctaurus's beckoning, a tall figure emerged behind him. Standing at least five meters tall, this huge creature embodies sheer strength and raw power. Its muscular frame is adorned with coarse fur of varying shades of brown and black, adding to its fearsome visage.

Horns of immense proportions curve outward from its head, forming formidable weapons that can pierce even the sturdiest of metals. Each step of its massive hooves resonates with earth-shaking force, leaving a trail of tremors in its wake.

Its crimson eyes glow with an intense ferocity, reflecting its unyielding determination and an unquenchable thirst for battle. It had a monstrous bullhead and its massive arms carried a huge battle axe.

The being standing behind Duke Arctaurus was none other than a Minotaur.

"Minos... Go" pointing at the centre of the venue where the barrier was laid, the Duke threw two simple words at his subordinate.

The minotaurus simply snarled, fires and lightning crackling from its nose. It walked inside the barrier and waited for its opponent.

Seeing the subordinate Duke Arctaurus sent forward, the observing demons started murmuring. Their eyes held fascination for this legendary creature that was even rarer than the massive three headed Infernal Dog, Cerberax.

Its presence alone was enough to turn the tide of any conflict, with its huge frame brimming with combat prowess, it was a true juggernaut on the field of battle.

"So Arctaurus sent his most powerful summon huh? Tch, he is not called the father of Minotaurus for no reason. Simon, be careful that minotaur is not any ordinary minotaur, but a powerful mutated beast deserving of an [A] rank, Giga Minotaur".

"It is a being of extreme destructive power, capable of defeating many of the Demon Dukes here. However, it is yet to reach the ultimate level of its rank. If possible, tell your subordinates not to fight it in a direct physical combat" Oswell cautioned in a low voice that only they could hear.

"Yeah, I know. You have already done plenty by manipulating the entire flow of events till here, leave the rest to me" Simon assured.

Everything that led to this moment up until now, from him stepping up to claim the Ghastly Winding Forest as his own territory to Ritual of the Blades, it flowed exactly how Oswell and Simon had planned back inside the Air Engine.

Although there were some unexpected factors, the situation developed more or less the way they had predicted. Having said that, it was time for him to send his own subordinate forward for the Ritual of the Blades.

"Theodore"..

"Leave it to me master...?" As soon as Simon called out, the boy jumped into action. However, before he could go forward, he realised that his cape was tightly held by his sister who was giving him a stern look.

"What's wrong Maybell?" Theodore asked tilting his head.

Maybell did not answer him, instead, she continued to hold his cape and turned towards her master.

"Master, let me have this chance instead of brother".

"You want to fight the Giga Minotaur?" Simon asked perplexed. He did not remember creating Maybell as a battle maniac. The setting that he put for her was a shy little lady, noble and polite, who cared for the people dear to her but is unable to portray it out.

Someone who lives under the shadows of her always hyper active and high achieving brother, but can be quite temperamental and fierce if need be. Also, she had a fondness for pets, especially cats.

Simon couldn't believe that someone like her would take the initiative to step forward to battle.

"Ahh!! I get it now. Maybell you… you want to make that minotaur your pet" Being twins and her brother, Theodore realised Maybell's intention after thinking for a while.

"What? You can't do that Maybell. This is the Ritual of the Blades, an ancient duel of the Demon Nobles. You can fight him if you want; however, making it your familiar is a no. Do you understand that?"

On Simon's admonishing, the little lady nodded her head gloomily.

"Alright, I leave this one to you. You know the plan right? Defeat it without showing much of your abilities. Also you cannot use [Snow Man Jack] or any other familiar in this battle for that fact". 

"I get it master" pouting, the temperamental little lady stepped forward to complete the task given by her master.

'I hope things goes well' Although uncertain, Simon could only pray that Maybell remembers what he told her and does not go overboard.