A/N: For ease of Reading (but mostly cuz I'm tired of the words 'magic circle') I will be calling magic circles *Mandalan from now on.. thanks for understanding..

 ******

The most important room in all of Rosendun; the location where fates of thousands were dictated daily was awash in strained silence. The current most powerful man in the land faced off against an unlikely but equally powerful opponent. To say it was the most important debate held in the hallowed halls would be the worst of understatements. This was a battle that would surely shape the future of the country, and it was only fitting that a fight of this magnitude have an equally magnificent audience.

The first to the room were the drakul, having felt the loss of their King. They poured in from behind Absalon, but if he felt threatened in the slightest athaving so many enemies behind him, it did not show. The atmosphere between the leader of the Hopeful Maggots and the ruler of Kerta gave the drakul pause. None dared intrude on them, a feeling reinforced by the tattoo on the delf's forearm.

Close behind were Kashi's lieutenants. The veterans from Kerta elbowed their way past the drakul, also pausing at the sight of the two leaders. Iason blocked Hektor's charge, shaking his head at the confused youth. His experience on the battlefield let him know when a battle should be one-on-one regardless of who had the advantage. This was a battle of pride, not a battle to live. It wasn't their place to interfere. The lieutenants took positions on the left wall next to Yuna and the rest of the Maggots who had all but fully recovered. 

The final group to arrive were the blood-soaked Kertan soldiers led by Asha and Nyte. Their initial shock at being ignored by the drakul was increased when they saw who their general faced. As they took up positions by the right wall, their suspicions were confirmed.

"Isn't that?" whispered Asha.

"The merchant we exiled. Name was Cashy I think," Nyte finished. "To think he'd challenge the boss. We should have killed him back then."

"Nothing's changed. No one's ever defeated Absalon in a one-on-one. That weakling is as good as dead."

"Yeah," murmured Nyte as he recalled the hellish training Absalon forced on him. "This won't take very long."

And so it was, that in the bloodiest night of the city's history, the three factions paused to bear witness to a glorious finale, beneath the branches of Yggdrassil and the prized Thorn Throne waiting for its next occupant.

"Seems we've got ourselves quite the gallery," said Kashi as he adjusted his gloves, a half-smile portraying his confidence. "Forgive my impertinence, but I will be going all-out from the start." 

Ferulic Spirit Activated!

Absalon slammed his staff against the floor. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Spirit of the Conqueror Activated!

"Come!"

Crash!

In the blink of an eye, Kashi's unseen charge was blocked by a magic circle right in front of Absalon's face. 

"Heh," Kashi chuckled as his left fist struggled to break past the mandalan*. "Impressive."

Collective gasps echoed across the room at the delf's blinding speed. But one man was not so impressed.

Absalon looked down at the delf. "Speed isn't everything amateur. <<Repel>>"

The mandalan blasted Kashi away, but the delf deftly regained his balance. He looked up to see missiles of debris speeding at him. He tracked their tragectory, then wove his way through them. Once out, he went on another charge at the Kertan mayor.

His first punch fell on a mandala, but he retracted his blow before <<Repel>> could be casted. Spinning round, his kick at Absalon's head was blocked in kind by another mandala. Gritting his teeth, he hopped over the immobile general and attempted several more blows, but each were blocked by mandalas*. 

"Weak," Absalon muttered. "<<Gravity>>"

Kashi doubled over under the tremendous pressure. Absalon slammed the delf's chin with his staff, then tapped him on his abdomen with the staff. A mandela appeared on the delf's midriff, then exploded.

Kashi coughed blood as he was sent flying across the room. He caught his bearings and righted himself right before he hit the throne. He clutched his stomach and winced. Thanks to his decision to wear light armor, his body took close to the full brunt of most attacks. To make matters worse, he had not been hit with enough magic attacks to form a good enough resistance. He could not afford to take any more clean hits.

"What's the matter?" mocked Absalon. "Already done?"

Kashi wiped the blood dripping down his forehead. "My apologies. I seem to have underestimated you. I had hoped to hide these but you leave me no choice."

"Hide what?"

The delf clenched and unclenched his fists as bright green aura burst out from his palms. The jagged light smoothed out as it spread around his body, adopting a silky glow about him. "Earth Shattering Technique, Second Form: Gaia."

Absalon frowned at the sight. "What skill is that?"

Kashi's burst of speed caught the mage by surprise, but a fraction of a second before the hit connected, a mandala appeared before him. But it wasn't enough this time. The mandala shattered from the delf's blow and Absalon was launched into the watching drakul. 

Kashi smiled while he watched Absalon shirk off the drakul as he got to his feet. 

Oddly enough, rather than rage or contempt, Absalon seemed immensely pleased, denoted by his huge grin.

"Impressive," hailed Absalon. "I haven't met any adventurer capable of breaking my shield. Was beginning to think I'd have to travel to Lima Lonsif if I wanted to get a challenge." 

"You're not too bad yourself," Kashi admitted. "I don't know how, but you're pulling off moves which should empty most mana pools in seconds. You've got to tell me how when I win."

"'When' you win? Ha! You've got some mighty confidence if nothing else. Fine then, when I win, you will tell me about your skills. I haven't seen those used by a pugilist ever."

Kashi refrained from correcting him. No need to reveal he was actually a painter. That would only raise questions he did not want to answer. "Agreed. Now come. Let's end this."

"Very well." Absalon released his staff, and it floated horizontally in front of him. Spreading his arms over the weapon, he chanted. "<<Assimilate>>" Instantly, the bark of the weapon peeled off as if sliced by an invisible knife, leaving a glowing light in its place. The red mage grabbed this light and it enveloped his body, as massive aura burst out from him. 

Undaunted by the sight, Kashi surged forward. 

His first attack landed on a mandala which blasted his arm backward, but he spun around and elbowed Absalon in the back of his neck. 

The mage lurched forward under the sudden blow, whirled around and casted <<Gravity>>. For the brief moment Kashi was rendered immobile, Absalon released a flurry of punches at the delf, leaving several mandala wherever he touched. He jumped back as they exploded, then raised his arm.

Debris hovered around the delf, their jagged edges trained at his defiant smile. 

Absalon closed his palm and they crashed down. All present witnessed the delf's HP fall to zero just before dust shrouded the impact zone. "It's over."

The Kertan soldiers erupted in cries of victory at their general's declaration. Nyte released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, relief apparent on his face. 

"Of course," Asha said, toying with her blade. "He never stood a chance against the boss." She looked across the room at Leila. "Now I can mess up that bi-" 

The look in Leila's eyes gave her pause. Those were not eyes of the defeated, nor were they eyes of desperation. No, those held absolute confidence fixated on something... or someone! "Absalon watch out!"

"Too late," declared an ominous voice as five arrows zipped out the dust clouds.

A large mandala blocked the spinning arrows, but the spinning missiles lost none of their momentum. Sparks flew as the drilling arrows fought against the obstruction. 

Crick!

Absalon blanched as slowly but surely, cracks began to form on his absolute shield. They spread from the arrowheads, angling their way towards the centre. The red mage watched, helpless as his shield crumbled before him.  The ensuing explosion shattered three arrows. One was sent off course, while the last only grazed his cheek.

"Hahaha! You missed!" roared Absalon as he prepared a new spell. "I won't be so careless again. This time I'll make sure you're dead."

A gust of wind blew off the dust cloud to reveal Kashi, bloodied but well alive. A green hue around him died off as he bent over, gasping for air, his HP somehow increased to 400. Once he'd caught his breath, he glanced up at his adversary. "Do you really believe I missed? I only needed one arrow to hit you, and..." he pointed at the injury on the mage's cheek. "That's exactly what happened."

Realization dawned on Absalon. He clutched his cheek, eyes wide in shocked rage. "You bastard! Posion?!"

Kashi nodded. He slung his bow over his shoulder and adjusted his gloves. His eyes were fixed on the mage, like a predator on its prey, devoid of interest in its immediate surroundings. "Ever heard of the Geruk frogs?" He asked, taking a step towards his prey. "They drop this really nasty poison when you kill them. With a decent alchemy skill, one can synthesize that poison with local wildlife to create all sorts of interesting effects."

Suddenly weak in the knees, Absalon staggered as he struggled to stay on his feet. "Wh-what did you do to me?" 

"Ah, that one took me a while to create. Had so many failed attempts too. I almost gave up you see."

"What Did You Do To Me!"

"A splendid cocktail of Norcha's most deadly plants, stimulated by the Geruk poison. It forces Slow, Exhaustion, Paralysis, and on rare occasions, Blindness."

"You coward! Wasn't this a duel?!"

Kashi stopped, brow raised. "What the hell are you talking about? This is a fight! It doesn't matter how one wins as long as he does. Or do you think I'm some cheap main character from a manga all caught up on the 'right' way to fight?"

Absalon struggled to keep his concentration as Paralysis and Exhaustion status ailments hit him. "No one will accept a coward as their king. The Kertan soldiers have seen your cowardice. Rumors will spread. You will be dethroned in weeks."

"You're right, except I don't want to be king. I'm not one for the spotlight."

"Then why are you doing this?!"

Kashi shrugged. "Would it be so bad if I said I just wanted to fight?"

"Bastard!" Absalon spat through gritted teeth.

"You're right. That was a lie. I have my reasons, but I'm not obligated to tell you." Kashi walked within a few feet of the struggling mage. "Now come at me with your strongest magic. The one you've been preparing during your sorry excuse for a distraction."

"Damn you!" Absalon raised his arm in righteous rage as he shouted, "<<Absolution>>"

Kashi doubled over under the weight of immense gravity as several mandalas appeared around him. They charged up with nefarious glows signalling the end of the battle.

"Bakayaro," sighed the delf. "And here I thought I was fighting someone with experience."  Black aura enveloped him, rising in volume with each passing second. "This is not a computer game. Before you perform your final move, you have to be sure your target cannot dodge it." He instructed as he walked away from the blast radius. "See?"

Kashi faced Absalon, unfazed by the massive explosion behind him.

"H-how?! You shouldn't be able to move!" Absalon questioned, face white with fear.

"How you ask? I'm level 80 with 311 Strength and 291 Agility. Your gravity never had a real effect on me. I could have walked out at any time."

"Then why didn't you?"

Kashi rubbed his temple, brows creased in disappointment. "It should be common knowledge that you do not reveal your cards until you can read your opponent."

"Impossible..."

"Ah, you were a good case study. But I understand everything about you now. It's time to put an end to this farce."

"Son of a bi-"

Crash!

Kashi's punch landed on a mandala which blasted his arm back and chipped away at his health. He struck again, but this time his aura formed an extra hand and struck with him. Both arms were blasted away, but he did not relent. One more punch, one extra arm. With every failed strike, his punches got stronger and the time between them reduced. His arms picked up speed. faster, Faster, FASTER! "raaaAAAAA!" His cries ripped fear in the hearts of the present, as they watched more and more arms form from his explosive aura. 

"You're a fool! This is my strongest shield. You'll die before you can break it!"

Kashi paid no heed to the mage's words. He continued his assault, even as his health reduced steadily. He resembled a wraith, shrouded in darkenss, a being of iniquity dragging down his prey to hell even if it cost him his life. 300.. 250..225..100... 

Crick!

79

Crrick..Crick!

42

Crack..

23... 

Crick

20..

15..

SMASH!

The mandala smashed to bits as his fist connected with Absalon's face. The punch slammed the mage onto the ground, but the delf wasn't done. His eyes sparked white lightining as he unleashed a flurry of blows on Absalon. Each punch smashed the ground beneath them, burying the mage deeper. The mages health dropped to a measely one as he raised his hand for the finisher.

"Get the fuck off!" cried Asha as she charged forward, unable to watch anymore. Hails of arrows struck the ground right in front of her, stopping her advance. She glared at Leila who notched a set of arrows and trained them at her. 

At precisely the same time, Nyte released a shockwave from his weapon directed at the delf. An axe sailed through the air, ripping the shockwave in two, then crashed against the captain's raised sword. "Shit!" He cursed as the shockwaves smashed harmlessly on opposite sides of the intended target. He looked up at Hektor whose glare dared him to try anything funny. 

"Earth Shattering Technique Final Form: Asura."

Boom!

Kashi's final strike reverberated through the entire hall. Several cracks erupted from his location and spread across the room, converging on the ceiling. The ceiling exploded from the strain and its rubble crashed to the floor around the delf.

The dust settled, revealing the delf with his fist buried in the floor right beside Absalon's head.

Panting, he retrieved his arm from the hole, "You're worth more to me alive. I could use your experience" He stood up and looked at the drakul. "Order the rest of your clan to stand down."

As the drakul ran out to carry out the orders, Kashi looked up through the destroyed ceiling at the rising sun. It bathed him in its red glow, seemingly washing away the dissipating aura. "Stage one clear," he whispered. He raised his voice as he declared, "This war is over! The rightful prince Parissius Vermillion will ascend the throne in the absence of any surviving family members. Any objections!?"

No one dared speak. For they knew. If they objected, Absalon was as good as dead. And it wasn't like the cheat would become king. If it was the rightful heir then there was no problem. The throne was his to start with.

With these comforting thoughts, the Kertan soldiers dropped their weapons and knelt, arm on their chest in salute.

Fully recovered, Paris walked up to his benefactor, eyes moist with emotion.

"Don't cry," Kashi whispered. "You earned this."

"You have my undying gratitude..." Paris clutched his arm where the tattoo of a howling wolf was hidden by his clothes. "...and fealty."

The delf smiled. "Now's not the time... my Lord. Your throne... and subjects await."Kashi winced as Paris squeezed his shoulder, then walked past. 

The young prince... no, King hesitated in front of his throne. He ran his finger along the arms of the bramble throne. As uncomfortable as it was majestic, it reminded him of his father's words. 

"This throne, like the responsibilities of a ruler may seem grand and spectacular from afar, but they are harsh and tiring. But if you carry out your responsibilities well, just as you'll get used to the throne, you will be loved by your people and they will make your rule a peaceful and loving one."

Tears streamed down the King's cheeks, as he choked up, overwhelmed by a torrent of buried emotions and memories. "I'm back father."

"Welcome back."

He whirled around, but then realized it was Kashi who had spoken. 

Down on one knee, and arms across his chest, the delf smiled up at his companion. "Long live the King."

The Kertan soldiers, upon seeing their beloved ruler rightfully on the throne forgot all about the unnecessary circumstances behind the ascension.  As Paris took a seat on the thorn throne, they burst out crying. Tears of relief; tears of joy; loud cries as it finally dawned on them. They'd won! Their capital had been restored to their hands. 

****

Restricted Sector

Level B-4

James Shouyou smiled as he watched the proceedings in Riven on a holgraphic screen. "That's good Mato-kun. Fight, destroy, bare your fangs at the world and grow stronger... stronger than anyone. We're running out of time..."