>>6351579Homer was not just a pain in the ass runt. He was now also a rival. And that meant you were justified, perhaps even obligated, to mess with him as much as possible ahead of any potential bout. Your first thought is lob a rock at the man, but given the absence of such an item inside the confines of the pristine embassy, you instead opt for a nearby empty cup. You toss the item across the room, and watch as it sails its way into Homer’s head with a satisfying bonk.
“The hell?” The spearman mutters. The room takes their eyes off the two feuding men to regard you with a measure of shock.
>“Are you starting trouble in the embassy again? Didn’t Cyril warn you about this last time?” You chide him.“Tch. What’s this about?” Homer scoffs. “You redheads stick together or something?”
“I’ve never met this man in my life, but I’ve heard plenty about you. Why’s that spear of yours glowing? There’s not a single Demonic Beast in sight! You aren’t faking it, are you?”
“You insult my honor, fiend. My spear is divinely blessed by the Goddess herself. It was bestowed to my grandfather by the former Archbishop Rhea. The reason it glows so radiantly is because it has sensed your foul presence and yearns to strike you down!”
A couple of the onlookers begin murmuring amongst themselves, and you’re surprised to hear that some of them seem to be buying this ridiculous story of his. No wonder he put up with this charade. Evidently it worked, even here. What was the point of this? Thomas called the man a con-artist. Was that really the case? Was he just pretending to be divinely blessed for fame and fortune? If so, you found it to be a gross misuse of your faith. The urge to discipline this man was rising.
>“Is that so? Well then, why not try striking me down now? If that glow is legitimate, I shouldn’t stand a chance against its point.”“No need to waste my time. You’re Leonora’s prey. She is a righteous woman, and I wouldn’t dare deny her the right to obliterate you.”
“Hah! That woman? Righteous? Now I’ve heard it all. Well, if you won’t come to me, then-”
“Enough.”
Arios Charon arrives on the scene, flanked by a woman in fine flowing robes that you’d seen once before, back inside Shangri-La. She was an Adjunct, sent to guide Arios and offer her aid. She wasn’t too bad on the eyes, either. If only you’d been able to swap Alvin for her.
“Lord Arios, good thing you’re here.” Homer says. “This brute was seeking to attack me before the next round. Such dishonor cannot go unpunished. Let us throw him out of here together.”
“Homer.” Arios says. “Words cannot adequately express how surprised I am that you have become a finalist. My advice would be to drop out now, before that monster Butch lays his hands on you. As it stands, you have no chance of defeating him.”
