This is suicidal

'Haha, brainless creatures never learn,' Tristan thought with amusement. "Two deaths taught you guys nothing."

Neriah stood in a place, trying her best to fight her drive to end Shanks' life right then and there for daring to question her decisions and actions without any regard for her authority and position.

Shanks finally came to terms with his manner of speech and dropped to his knees before bowing his head low before his liege and master. "Forgive me Your Imperial Highness! I meant no disrespect."

"It matters little what you mean," she replied coldly before continuing, "you will now select your partners." Her voice echoed throughout the clearing as she walked around the circle once more until she reached Tristan once more.

"I hope you give me a show worth watching this time around Tristan. You have been rather promising in your last few attempts at killing those sirens who were out of line when it comes down to it." She said with a smirk.

'She knew, huh?' Tristan smiled back at her in return but remained silent. Instead, he focused his attention on the others who hurriedly picked a partner.

As expected, Hegan wrapped his arms around Reed.

'How cute.' Tristan cringed inwardly as the two laughed together like love-struck teenagers while the rest looked on awkwardly and tried not to make eye contact or appear too interested as they paired up themselves. 'What an idiot.'

Tristan was not surprised that Shanks would be reluctant to choose him as his partner.

"You got no choice blondie," Tristan teased, his arms open wide, "bring it in brother!" The other man's face turned red with anger upon hearing that, which made Tristan laugh even harder, "oh come on, don't look so upset, you know you want some of my stamina!"

Shanks growled under his breath but also knew he didn't have much of a choice if he wanted to survive this challenge and win a chance to gain the favor of f Neriah. So instead of arguing further about their pairing, he simply nodded and stepped forward to stand beside Tristan.

The stage was set, and the players assembled. The time for the task had arrived, and Tristan and the rest were prepared to face whatever task awaited them.

"Before I mention what needs to be done," Neriah began again after everyone stood still for several moments in anticipation of her next words, "the marks will be removed."

'Fuck yes! I could kiss you right now Neriah!' Tristan thought as he felt a sudden rush of relief wash over his body as the scales faded away into nothingness, leaving only smooth skin behind. His hands trembled with excitement as he rubbed his palms against each other. He grinned widely at the sight of his newfound freedom before turning his attention back to the Empress.

Neriah continued speaking once more. "The first task is for you four to fight each other until only one remains standing. The pairing was merely a ruse and not needed since..." She paused and looked around slowly as she waited for questions or comments, but none came forth as all eyes remained fixed on her expectantly. It was obvious except for Tristan who donned a grin, the trio had horror-stricken eyes, but they were too afraid or too intimidated by Neriah's presence to speak up or question anything else that was said.

"You may begin," Neriah finally finished with an air of finality, and the participants quickly moved to take up their positions. "The winner would have the privilege to duel against Damian.

"What the fuck?! Y-Your Imperial Highness?!" Damian exclaimed in disbelief while Hegan and Reed both let out sighs in disappointment.

They knew how strong Tristan was compared to them in combat; it wasn't even close in terms of skill level between the two. And yet here he stood ready for battle without any hesitation whatsoever. 'We must be crazy.'

Tristan smirked confidently, saluting a baffled Damian. "Do keep my seat warm for me." With those words spoken, he turned his gaze towards his opponents as if waiting patiently for his turn, his arms crossed over his chest as if daring any to make the first move. The three young men exchanged glances before looking back at him with uncertainty written across their faces as they realized there was no way to win this matchup unless they teamed up together against him.

Tristan took up a fighting stance, his fists clenched tightly in front of him. "This should be fun."

Shanks pulled out his double blades, the whirring sound echoing through the clearing as he dragged them through the dirt in preparation for battle with Tristan.

Pointing one of his weapons in Tristan's direction, "I'll carve you up first!" Shanks growled menacingly while taking another step forward toward Tristan. The man seemed eager for bloodshed this time around despite having lost to Tristan twice already during this challenge.

Tristan gave a thumbs up in mock encouragement before stepping forward. "I'd really love to see you try."

'This opportunity to kill is the excuse I needed,' thought Tristan excitedly as he readied himself for the fight ahead.

The two fighters circled each other warily, their eyes locked on their respective targets, neither willing to blink or break eye contact until either of them made their move.

'Ahh fuck this!' Tristan suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to end things quickly and decisively, and so without warning or any provocation whatsoever, he punched the floor, creating a smooth expanse of ice that extended from where his fist had landed around the clearing. He took hold of their disorientation while they tried to balance their footing and sprinted easily on the ice, with a powerful kick aimed directly at Shank's head. The force behind his attack sent Shanks flying backward several meters away before landing hard upon the frozen surface with a loud thud! He groaned loudly as he struggled to get up but was unable due to being pinned by the icy platform beneath him.

Hegan and Reed were caught off guard by his sudden attack and fell backward onto the ground from where they had been standing only moments ago. They both scrambled away as fast as they could but it was too late; they couldn't get out of the way quick enough before being knocked down completely underfoot as the force behind Tristan's blow sent both of them flying several feet back before landing hard upon the ice below with loud thuds that echoed throughout the clearing.

"So about carving me up..." Tristan said coldly as he walked over towards Shanks.

*****

A/N

1000 summoning pens= 1 bonus chapter.

I would really appreciate your comments and support of this novel with your power stones. Your active comments would motivate me to write more chapters.