Emperor's Reckoning

Now, with the world trembling and every eye fixed on Lyon, the true challenge lay ahead for him and his companions.

Ardan's swift recovery and his unwavering determination to carry out the punishment set a dramatic tone for the unfolding confrontation. As he turned to address his clan, his words held a cold finality.

Patriarch Ardan filled with resolution, "Do not flatter yourselves. Gong or not, his crime of severing my son's arm remains. Punishment must be meted out."

His clan members nodded in agreement, their faces marked by the unyielding resolve to see this through. Then, turning to Lyon, Ardan's voice rang out, ominous and unrelenting. "One must pay for their sin, and yours is by death!"

With those words, he let out a war cry that seemed to reverberate through the very foundations of Second Hell, a battle cry that echoed with the weight of justice and retribution. The world trembled as Ardan's challenge hung in the air, setting the stage for a conflict that would shape the destiny of those gathered in this momentous place.

Drako's confident smile revealed his assurance as he locked eyes with Lyon, his smirk suggesting a belief that victory was within their grasp. The entire clan, driven by their patriarch's determination, joined in the war cry, creating an overwhelming atmosphere of impending confrontation.

Drako smirked, "This will be your end."

However, amidst the fervor, Kesya stood apart, crossing her arms and raising her chin with a hint of amusement in her expression.

Kesya, her voice filled with arrogance, "I was hoping you'd say that, otherwise, this would be boring."

Her confidence and nonchalance in the face of the oncoming conflict added a dynamic element to the scene. In contrast, Karina's demeanor shifted as she felt the weight of the impending battle settles upon her shoulders. Her focus intensified, and she prepared herself for the challenges ahead, her determination unwavering.

Selena's determined action, drawing her sword, signaled her readiness for what was to come.

Selena said, "I can't do much here, so you two will have to."

Cecile, ever the commanding presence, stretched her neck and spoke of their strategy with confidence.

Cecile said, "Potential allies and foes should be on the way here. Stalling is our win condition, but the responsibility for dealing the final blow is yours, right Kesya?"

Kesya, with a grin that held a hint of mischief, opened her arms and accepted the responsibility laid upon her.

Kesya: "Permission granted, then, Empress Cecile."

As she transformed, her appearance underwent a remarkable change, her hair darkening to black and her skin taking on a bronze hue, her stature growing taller. Her dark elf blood was raging and fuming.

Argan's shock was palpable as he witnessed Kesya's transformation into a Dark Elf, a sight that took him by surprise.

Argan muttered, "Dark Elf..."

Before he could utter another word or react further, a stunning and incredibly powerful kick struck his face, sending him hurtling through the air. He crashed into the others who stood behind him, their astonished expressions mirrored Argan's own.

Drako and the other elders could only move their eyes, unable to follow the swift motion of Kesya's attack. As their heads turned, they laid eyes on Kesya, her grin spreading wide, an embodiment of strength and confidence in the face of their stunned opposition. The tide of the battle had shifted with a single, decisive strike, and Kesya's presence on the battlefield had been truly unleashed.

The onlookers, who had gathered to witness the unfolding confrontation, stood frozen in disbelief as the battle took an unexpected turn. Their reactions were a collective display of shock and awe.

One onlooker was wide-eyed, "P-Patriarch Argan was..."

Another had their saliva shot down their throat, "What a kick, the air just broke at impact."

Another shaking his head, "I thought that this would be overkill but it looks like, a whole clan is indeed the best move they make, but I doubt that it would be enough after seeing how their strongest just got outclassed."

As the impact of Kesya's formidable kick sent Argan and the other elders tumbling, the spectators couldn't help but marvel at the incredible display of power and skill. The battlefield was no longer as it had seemed, and the presence of a Dark Elf among them had brought an entirely new dynamic to the unfolding drama.

Lyon, demonstrating his confidence in his allies, directed Selena and Cecile to use their respective weapons for added layers of protection. It was clear he had a plan in mind.

Lyon said, "Selena, use Scarlett, and Cecile, wield Hajinseh. We'll need that extra layer of protection."

Selena and Cecile exchanged determined glances and nodded, taking their designated weapons in hand. Their readiness to defend Lyon was evident.

Selena asked, "And what about you, darling?"

Lyon, with a confident smirk, responded to their concerns. "With you four by my side, it would take a miracle for them to touch me."

Kesya's taunting words and confident stance challenged their resolve, and she openly invited them to attack. "You can go all at once if you want."

Her taunt hung in the air, goading the elders to make their move. One of the elders, his patience waning, scowled at her. "Don't get cocky!"

With a determined lunge, he charged forward, but his attack was swiftly repelled. The toughness of the wyrm's skin proved to be no match for the sheer power and precision of Kesya's fists and kicks.

"Is that all?" Kesya shook her head, "Very disappointing."

Kesya's smirk remained in place, her confidence unshaken. However, the elders, incensed by her defiance, joined forces and attacked her with fury, creating a clash of power and skill that would determine the course of the battle.

Drako, seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos of the battle between Kesya and the elders, took charge. He led the rest of the group toward the gong, determined to reach it and potentially alter the course of events.

As Drako landed on his feet, he was met with a surprising sight. Standing before him with a poised and confident stance was Karina. Her posture, one of a warrior well-versed in martial arts, caught him off guard.

He furrowed his brows, studying her stance with a sense of intrigue and admiration. An elf practicing martial arts rather than the traditional bow was indeed a rare and impressive sight. 

Then he smirked, "You think you're enough? Half-elf."

Karina closed her eyes and took a breath through her nose. Once she opened them, her eyes were jade-colored. Wisps of jade anti-mana whispers and flowed around her skin.

"A blessing..." Drako frowned.