Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Chapter 97

"Life puts everyone at disadvantages," Chronus said. "How he handles them is the test."

Loki stepped forward, his expression darker than Satou had ever seen it. "If you do this, Chronus, if you kill him, I will consider it an act of war between our domains. Not a formal challenge, not tradition, but murder driven by your personal vendetta against me. And I will respond accordingly."

"Are you threatening me, Loki?" Chronus’s appearance shifted rapidly, showing his agitation. "In front of the entire council? Over a goblin you’ve known for barely three months?"

"I’m promising you," Loki replied. "Touch Satou, and I will make you regret it. I don’t care how long it takes. I don’t care what it costs. You will pay for it."

The air between them crackled with tension. Bloodlust from both sides began building again, the pressure making even the other demon lords uncomfortable.

"ENOUGH," Malakor said, his voice carrying absolute authority. "Both of you will cease this display immediately, or I will remove you from the council chamber by force. Chronus, your challenge is noted and accepted as valid. Loki, your threats are noted and inappropriate. Both of you will control yourselves."

Neither demon lord moved, but the bloodlust receded slightly.

"However," Chronus said, and something in his tone made everyone pay attention. "I should clarify something. I’m not proposing that I personally fight Satou."

"What?" Loki’s expression shifted from rage to confusion.

"I said I was invoking my right to challenge his worthiness through combat," Chronus explained, his smile returning. "I never said I would be the one fighting him. I’m exercising my right to name a champion to fight in my stead."

"A champion?" Azshara repeated. "That’s an unusual interpretation of the tradition."

"But not an invalid one," Malakor said. "The rules allow for a champion to fight in place of the challenging lord, though it’s rarely used. Who is your champion, Chronus?"

"Richard Clay," Chronus said simply.

The name meant nothing to Satou, but the reaction from the other demon lords told him everything he needed to know. Several of them tensed. A few exchanged worried glances. Even Loki’s expression showed genuine concern.

"You’re sending Clay?" Grimfang said, his tone somewhere between impressed and disturbed. "That’s excessive even for you."

"Who’s Richard Clay?" Satou asked quietly.

Loki’s response was grim. "One of Chronus’s most powerful subordinates. A human who sold his soul to Chronus in exchange for power centuries ago. He’s not technically a demon lord, but he’s close. Very close."

"His ability is Decay," Thalassian added, his starlight form flickering. "Everything he touches withers and dies. Stone crumbles. Metal rusts. Flesh rots. It’s an absolute power that has no counter except overwhelming force or never being touched."

"And he’s fought heroes before?" Satou asked.

"He’s killed heroes," Nyxara said. "Multiple heroes. Three that we know of, possibly more. He’s one of the reasons the kingdom avoids directly attacking Chronus’s territory. They’re terrified of Clay."

Satou felt his stomach sink. He’d just been accepted to the demon lord council, and now he had to fight someone who’d killed multiple heroes?

"This is murder," Loki said flatly. "You’re sending Clay against a newly accepted candidate who’s barely had three months in this world. Clay has centuries of experience and an ability that’s nearly unbeatable at close range. This isn’t a test of worthiness, it’s an execution."

"Then perhaps Satou should decline the challenge and withdraw his candidacy," Chronus suggested. "No one is forcing him to fight. He can simply admit he’s not ready for this level of responsibility and walk away. I’ll even promise not to pursue him if he does."

The offer was clearly designed to humiliate. Accept the challenge and probably die, or decline and prove he wasn’t worthy of the seat.

"When would this fight take place?" Malakor asked.

"One week," Chronus said. "That gives Satou time to prepare, access whatever resources Loki wants to throw at him, and say his goodbyes to his little settlement. Plenty fair, I’d say."

"One week is barely enough time to—" Loki started.

"Is more than generous," Chronus interrupted. "Richard Clay doesn’t need preparation time. He’s ready to fight whenever necessary. If anything, I’m giving Satou an advantage by allowing him time to prepare."

"The challenged party has the right to set conditions," Malakor said. "Satou, do you accept these terms, or do you wish to negotiate different ones?"

Every eye turned to Satou. This was his decision to make.

Part of him wanted to decline, to admit he wasn’t ready for this, to take the easy way out. But another part, the part that had survived in this world through sheer determination, knew that declining would destroy any credibility he’d just built. The other demon lords would see him as weak, as someone who hid behind Loki rather than standing on his own merit.

"I accept the challenge," Satou said, his voice steady despite the fear churning in his gut. "One week from today. I’ll face Richard Clay."

Chronus’s smile was triumphant. "Excellent. I’ll inform Clay to prepare. The fight will take place in the Arena of Fallen Stars, neutral ground where we’ve held challenges before. All demon lords are welcome to attend and witness."

"This is a mistake," Loki said quietly to Satou. "You don’t have to do this."

"Yes, I do," Satou replied. "If I decline, everything I said about building something new, about proving strength can be used for more than domination, all of it becomes meaningless. I have to fight."

"Then I’ll help you prepare," Loki said. "Whatever resources I have, whatever knowledge I can share, it’s yours. We have one week to give you a fighting chance."

"How touching," Chronus said mockingly. "Well, I look forward to watching this. One week, Satou. I suggest you use the time wisely. Richard Clay shows no mercy to those he fights, and he has centuries of experience ending lives. Make your peace with your settlement. Say goodbye to your companions. Because in one week, you’ll be facing death itself."

"If there’s no other business," Malakor said, standing, "then this council is adjourned. Satou, you have one week to prepare. Use it well. The Arena of Fallen Stars will be prepared for your challenge. May you prove worthy of the seat you’ve been granted."