A Hunter's New Home

A Duel, A Doll, and A Discussion

Koga opened his eyes at the sound of footsteps on cobblestones. Lifting his head, he locked eyes with today's opponent. The succubus, Jillea, hovered her way over until she was ten paces away from him. As she landed, another succubus, clad in revealing black armor and accompanying her, began to circle around them. Drawing a longsword, she placed its tip into the grass below and dragged it along to outline a dueling ring for the two combatants.

Once the sigils and glyphs were created, Matilda and Koga went their separate ways. The Living Doll set off to find her new mentor and begin her studies in Mamono magic. Meanwhile, Koga summoned Nobu and proceeded to the designated area for the duel he was to have. In accordance with her being the challenger, Jillea was allowed to choose the spot where they would have their confrontation. She selected one of the training fields of "The Monster City of Salvarision". Originally a holy city separate from Lescatie, Salvarision developed around the castle of the same name, situated on the shore of a nearby lake. Before the Mamono invasion, it was regarded as the largest military base in Lescatie. Under the leadership of Wilmarina Noscrim, the city was populated by knights, warriors, blacksmiths, and merchants from all over Lescatie. Its primary purpose was to serve and equip the Knight of the Ice Flower, which, in many respects, meant it was established for Wilmarina. The fact that an entire city was dedicated to her demonstrated the significant influence and power her father wielded at that time.

Now that the city had been overtaken by the Mamono, everything had changed. Blacksmiths and merchants had shifted from producing weapons and armor for warfare to crafting them as gifts bought by Mamono for their husbands. Armor shops were now treated like clothing boutiques, where the Dark Knights selected armor for their husbands. The city was now was filled with Mamono who had already found their husbands; many of them did not train for battle but instead spent their days in bliss with their loved ones. Even the so-called "training field" were more like spaces for Mamono to relax and enjoy the daytime with their lovers.

Koga's journey to the former military base was relatively peaceful, though he was accosted numerous times along the way. Mamono frequently obstructed his path, attempting to offer him gifts or engage him in conversation—usually about his blade or his type of woman. If the topic didn't revolve around those subjects, they would often shift the discussion to Nobu instead. Koga typically extricated himself from these encounters by simply ignoring them and continuing on his ride. The Mamono would give up eventually.

Well...most of them did.

The ones who didn't were currently surrounding the arena where he would face Jillea. He was somewhat curious as to why any of them would willingly come to watch him compete against one of their own. However, he soon got his answer as he listened to the conversations of their impromptu audience.

"Ah, damn it. Jillea's so lucky."

"I knew I should've challenged him first. If I had, then I could be where she is."

"I'm happy for you, Jillea! Go get your man!"

Koga could feel the irritation swelling within him. This was meant to be a duel where two warriors risked their lives for their beliefs. Yet, these Mamono were acting like this was...courtship? As if Jillea were pursuing him or chasing after "her man"?! He wasn't surprised, but that didn't alleviate the disappointment that resonated in his bones.

He kept his eyes locked on Jillea as he rose to his feet. Once he stood at his full height, he placed one hand on his sword to signal his readiness. He didn't have the massive sword he had brought with him; it was tied to Nobu, as he didn't think he would need it for this encounter. The wind whistled past as he said, "I have been waiting, Jillea. Are you ready to begin?"

"Y-Yes," Jillea exhaled as she steeled herself. She wrapped her tail around her leg and took a step forward, "Yes, I am."

"Very well. As the challenger, you are entitled to setting the conditions for victory. Shall this be a battle to the death, first blood, or simple surrender?" Koga raised an eyebrow as he spoke.