The Horned Brothers

Ashley slowly opened her eyes, the sun shining brightly through the window onto her face. She turned away from the light and groaned, "Who opened the damn windows?" she muttered, momentarily forgetting she had a guest in the room. "Mom! Mom? Jack is irritating me again," she said, still half asleep. Then, it hit her, and she quickly sat up, looking around in a panic. Nacht, who was in the kitchen, watched her with a bemused expression.

He scratched his head and sighed. "Alright. This is new for me," he said, turning back to his work. Ashley looked down, feeling defeated, and whispered, "Shit!" Without turning around, Nacht chuckled. "I heard that," he said while continuing in the kitchen. Ashley covered her face in embarrassment. She looked at the spot where her mother had been resting last night and was alarmed to find it empty. She quickly stood up, looking around frantically. "Where is my mother?" she shouted, her voice trembling with fear.

Nacht turned around again. "Livia is sitting right there," he said, pointing towards a small room that served as a living room in the modest inn. Ashley exhaled in relief. "Livia? You're on a first-name basis now?" she asked. "We talked a bit earlier. She told me to call her that," he explained. Ashley nodded. "I see," she said. Nacht glanced at her and sighed. "You might want to adjust your clothes a bit," he said, turning away to give her some privacy.

Embarrassment flushed Ashley's cheeks as she glanced down at her rumpled attire. She quickly adjusted herself and headed to the bathroom, shooting a glare at Nacht as she passed him. He chuckled and shook his head before continuing with his meal.

After freshening herself up, Ashley entered the room where her mother sat, a mixture of concern and relief evident on her face. Taking a seat beside her, she gently clasped her mother's hand. "Mother, how are you feeling today?" she inquired, her worry palpable.

Livia offered a warm smile in response. "I'm fine, dear. Thanks to Nacht's treatment yesterday and the herbal tea he gave me this morning, I'm feeling a lot better," she explained, her voice carrying a note of gratitude.

Ashley's smile mirrored her mother's relief. "What is he doing, anyway?" she asked, glancing towards the neighboring room where Nacht was presumably occupied.

"He's making breakfast," Livia replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Ashley turned back to her mother, a hint of skepticism in her expression. "He's making breakfast? What are we eating? Did he hunt another bandit this morning?" she joked, not expecting much from their meal. A mischievous glint danced in her eyes as she delivered the jest.

Suddenly, Nacht strode into the room, balancing a tray with a teapot in one hand and a basket in the other. "No, I made a regular human meal," he responded with a sigh, setting the dishes down on the table. As an afterthought, a faint hint of amusement tugged at his lips. "No pun intended," he added, his voice laced with mild irony.

A platter of warm, golden-brown cookies took center stage, their inviting aroma filling the room. Beside them, plates piled high with fluffy scrambled eggs beckoned indulgence. Steam rose gracefully from the teapot, carrying the rich scent of freshly brewed tea that enveloped the room in its comforting warmth.

Ashley regarded the spread with a mix of surprise and curiosity, her gaze shifting to Nacht as he took a seat at the opposite end of the table. Her mother's chuckle caught her attention, and she leaned in to hear her whispered jest. "I'll bet he'd make a fine husband for you," Livia teased.

Ashley's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she shot her mother a reproachful glance. "Mother!" she exclaimed, feeling her cheeks grow warmer with each passing moment.

Unfazed, Livia chuckled. "What? Is it not true?" she quipped, her laughter echoing in the room.

Nacht, observing the exchange, simply shrugged his shoulders, opting to focus on his meal rather than delve into the conversation further.

After finishing their meal, Ashley glanced up at Nacht, her curiosity piqued. "So, about the main event, do we know anything about our opponents?" she inquired, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Nacht looked up from his plate, his expression thoughtful as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Not at the moment, no," he replied, his tone measured.

Ashley pondered for a moment, contemplating their upcoming challenge. Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door, breaking the silence. In a swift motion, Nacht reached for his sword, poised for any potential threat. However, a familiar voice on the other side of the door quickly dispelled the tension. "You have a letter," the innkeeper announced.

With a relieved sigh, Ashley rose from her seat and approached the door, accepting the letter with a nod of gratitude. "Who is it from?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"I don't know," the innkeeper admitted, "but he said he was from the arena and was delivering these letters to all the competitors."

With a nod of understanding, Ashley closed the door and returned to the table, holding the letter in her hands. She cast a glance at Nacht before carefully breaking the seal and unfolding the parchment. "It's an invitation," she explained, scanning the contents. "Some kind of event to meet the other competitors before the fights start."

After absorbing the information, Nacht nodded in agreement. "We should attend. It's an opportunity to learn more about our opponents, identify potential weaknesses," he suggested, his tone decisive. Ashley nodded in agreement, her mind already formulating plans.

"It's scheduled for later today. Shall we make preparations?" Ashley inquired, seeking Nacht's approval. After a moment's consideration, Nacht nodded again. "Yes, let's go. But we must remain discreet. We don't want to reveal our strategies too soon," he cautioned, his tone serious.

Meanwhile, Livia interjected with a mixture of concern and acceptance. "I'll never agree with putting yourself in danger," she began, her voice laced with worry as she handed Ashley her sword. "But I know you're determined to do this. You've grown so much stronger," she added, her smile bittersweet.

Glancing at Nacht, Livia smiled knowingly. Nacht, however, seemed puzzled by the exchange. "Your future husband is with you. He will protect you," Livia whispered to Ashley, eliciting a blush from her daughter. Chuckling softly, Livia encouraged Ashley before they departed from the inn.

Ashley glanced down at her attire, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "You know, I prefer the color red. Black is such a boring and depressing color. What am I, Death? I just need a scythe, and I'd have completed the look," she teased, inspecting the garments Nacht had provided before their departure from the inn. She cast a sidelong glance at him, adding, "At least you didn't give me those silver shoulder pads, gauntlets and boots to go along with them."

Nacht remained unfazed by her jests, navigating through the bustling crowds with purpose until they finally arrived at the designated meeting place. The sight that greeted them was a diverse array of warriors, representing various regions and factions. Ashley observed the assortment of weapons and armor, noting the blend of modern sovereignty and ancient Empire equipment, along with attire from distant lands across the black ocean.

Leaning against a nearby post, Nacht surveyed the assembled fighters with a discerning eye while Ashley sought out their competitors' list. Returning to his side, she relayed their first opponents' origins. "Our first opponents are the horned brothers. They hail from the northern mountains of the Empire," she explained, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "But how are we supposed to find them?" she added, turning to Nacht for guidance.

Nacht's expression betrayed a tinge of disappointment as he gestured towards the crowd of fighters before them. Two imposing figures with horned helmets caught Ashley's eye, armed with an ax and sword. "Found them," he remarked dryly, his sarcasm evident. Ashley nodded in acknowledgment. "I guess we did," she replied, mentally preparing for the upcoming challenge.

Nacht signaled for Ashley to maintain her distance as he donned his mask and hood. Together, they navigated through the throng of fighters until they were within arm's reach of their first opponents. Nacht motioned for Ashley to remain silent as he tapped one of the brothers on the shoulder. The giant man wielding an ax turned to face Nacht, casting a curious glance between Nacht and Ashley. "Well, well, what do we have here? I didn't think they let such beauties into the ring," he remarked with a hearty laugh, prompting his brother's attention. The smaller, slimmer brother, armed with a sword and dagger, joined the conversation. Pointing to Nacht, the giant brother teased, "Isn't she your type, Frode? All dark and gloomy."

As the giant brother leaned in, presumably to get a closer look at Nacht's masked face, Nacht smoothly dodged his reach, causing him to stumble and fall. The smaller brother sighed, helping his sibling up and chiding him for his drunken state. The giant, however, insisted that Nacht had tripped him, brandishing his ax threateningly. Nacht tilted his head innocently, feigning ignorance. Unbeknownst to anyone, Nacht had indeed tripped him, but with his swift and subtle movements, no one had noticed.

The smaller brother, named Frode, intervened, taking control of the situation and apologizing on his brother's behalf. "I'm sorry for my brother, my lady. He has been drinking for a while and offended you." he said. Nacht silently reassured him with a shake of his head before bidding them farewell and leaving.

Confused, Ashley turned to Nacht, seeking an explanation. "What in the nine hells was that?" she asked. Nacht offered a small smile before adopting a serious demeanor. "That giant brother is slow and cumbersome. We'll have the advantage if we keep moving," he explained, noting Ashley's skepticism. "And how do you know that?" she inquired skeptically. "By the way he moved when he tried taking my mask off," Nacht replied, gesturing to his mask. Turning his attention to the smaller brother, Frode, Nacht elaborated, "He's fast and agile, but being from the Empire, he's likely unaccustomed to firearms. We can use that to our advantage."

Ashley nodded, her eyes fixed on Nacht as he lowered his hood. She chuckled and tapped him on the shoulder. "Now that I look at you, you really do look like a woman, don't you? Your short and slender build, your pretty face," she teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Nacht glared at her, clearly annoyed. "I guess the only thing that really distinguishes you from a woman is that short hair of yours."

Nacht sighed and brushed her hand away. "Shut up, will you?" he said, walking off. Ashley laughed and quickly followed. "That Frode guy was absolutely smitten by you," she continued, laughing louder. Nacht did his best to ignore her, but her teasing persisted. "Are you really a man?" she asked mockingly. "Sure don't look like it."

Suddenly, Nacht halted and pointed towards an alley. "In here, come on," he instructed. Ashley nodded and followed him to an abandoned park.

Without warning, Nacht drew his sword and pointed it at Ashley. "Come on," he said. 

"W-What?" Ashley stammered, fearing she had gone too far with her teasing. She slowly backed away. Nacht chuckled.

"You'll need to get used to their fighting styles," he said. He adjusted his stance and looked at her. "This is how that giant will most likely fight." He swung his sword like an ax, focusing more on strength than speed. Ashley tried to block his blade but struggled.

"How are you so strong?" she asked, shocked.

"Don't block his strikes. He'll shatter your shoulder and collarbone with his strength even without a direct hit. You need to evade his attacks," Nacht explained.

Ashley nodded and readied herself for Nacht's next attack. He swung his sword horizontally with all his strength. Ashley ducked under the blade, dodging the strike. Nacht nodded in approval. "Good, but you also need to capitalize on his strikes. Once he swings his ax, he'll be fully open and defenseless. Strike at his stomach, legs, or arms to weaken him," he instructed. Ashley nodded, ready for the next strike. She followed Nacht's advice, and when he missed his strike, she immediately aimed for his knees.

"Good!" he praised.

After several more swings and different attacks, Nacht adjusted his stance. "Now, the smaller one. For him, parrying his blade is better than evading. Parry it to the side and counter with a strike of your own," he advised. With lightning speed, he launched multiple attacks at Ashley. She tried to block or evade, but before she could counter, Nacht had already prepared his next attack. He shook his head.

"Blocking is not the same as parrying. Redirect his blade away from you using your own blade. That creates a small opening you can capitalize on." He demonstrated, and Ashley readied herself. Following his instruction, she tapped his blade, redirecting it away, and struck with her own. Nacht jumped back to a safe distance.

"Good. Once he creates distance between himself and you, use your firearm. He won't expect it and will rush towards you. Wait for the right moment before pulling the trigger," Nacht instructed. "Ready?" he asked.

Ashley nodded. Nacht rushed at her, lifting his sword to attack, but just before he could reach her, Ashley lifted her pistol and fired. Nacht dodged the bullet effortlessly and nodded. "Good."

After several more tries, the two sat down, panting slightly from the exertion.

"You're getting better," Nacht said. "Remember, stay calm and focused. Use their strengths against them."

Ashley nodded, her confidence growing. "Thanks, Nacht. I feel more prepared now."

Nacht gave a rare smile. "You'll do fine. Just remember what you've learned."

Ashley looked at Nacht, her teasing demeanor replaced with sincerity. "You know, despite how you look, you're a pretty good teacher."

Nacht rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just focus on winning, Ashley."

She grinned. "I will. And maybe afterwards, you can teach me how to look as pretty as you."

Nacht shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's get through this first, then we'll talk about beauty tips."

After their intense training session, Nacht and Ashley returned to the inn. They settled at a wooden table in the corner, maps and notes sprawled out before them. The room was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. The sounds of the bustling inn faded into the background as they focused on their preparations.

Nacht leaned over the map of the arena, tracing his finger over various points. "The layout is straightforward but has a few key areas we can use to our advantage. These pillars," he pointed to several marked spots, "will provide cover and can be used to divide and conquer. If we can separate the Horned Brothers, it'll be easier to manage them individually."

Ashley nodded, her eyes scanning the map intently. "We need to be quick and precise. Frode is fast, and if we lose sight of him, it could spell trouble."

Nacht nodded in agreement. "Yes, Frode's speed is his greatest asset, but it's also a potential weakness. If we can force him into a close-quarters fight where he can't fully utilize his agility, we'll have the upper hand."

Ashley leaned in closer, pointing to another area of the map. "What about this section near the arena's edge? It looks like it could be a trap for anyone who gets too close."

Nacht smiled, appreciating her insight. "Exactly. If we can maneuver Kare, the giant, towards the edge, we might be able to use his own momentum against him. His size and strength mean he'll have a harder time recovering if he over commits to an attack."

Ashley furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "And what about their teamwork? The Horned Brothers are known for their coordination. If we separate them, won't they just regroup quickly?"

Nacht's expression turned serious. "That's where we need to be relentless. Once we divide them, we have to keep the pressure on. We can't give them the chance to regroup. You'll need to use your agility to stay out of Kare's reach, while I focus on keeping Frode at bay with our firearms."

Ashley nodded, understanding the gravity of their task. "So, we divide them using the pillars, keep moving, and capitalize on any openings. Got it."

Nacht added, "And remember, your firearm is our ace. Frode won't expect it. Use it wisely and wait for the right moment to catch him off guard."

Later that evening, the two headed to a local tavern known for being a hotspot for competitors. The tavern was alive with noise and activity, filled with fighters and spectators alike. Nacht and Ashley found a corner table, away from prying eyes, and ordered drinks.

As they sipped their ales, they discreetly eavesdropped on conversations, picking up snippets of valuable information.

"I heard the Horned Brothers are undefeated in their region," one competitor whispered to another.

"Yeah, but they rely too much on brute strength," another replied. "If someone can outthink them, they stand a chance."

Nacht and Ashley exchanged glances. This confirmed their strategy but also highlighted the need to stay sharp.

A seasoned fighter at a nearby table shared his observations with a newcomer. "Kare, the big one, he's all power. Once he starts swinging, he can't stop on a dime. Use that to your advantage. And Frode, he's like a viper. Quick and deadly, but he relies on his speed. If you can force him into a corner, he's done."

Nacht took mental notes, his mind racing with possibilities. He turned to Ashley, his voice low. "We need to exploit their tendencies. Force Kare into committing to his attacks, then dodge and counter. For Frode, we need to corner him, limit his movement, and strike decisively."

Ashley nodded, absorbing the information. "Understood. We'll use their strengths against them."

Deciding to unwind a bit and solidify their strategy, Nacht and Ashley stayed at the tavern. This time, they allowed themselves to relax slightly, the dim light and lively chatter providing a brief respite from the looming battle.

Ashley raised her mug, a grin spreading across her face. "To surviving another day."

Nacht clinked his mug against hers. They drank deeply, the ale warming them from the inside. Ashley leaned back in her chair, observing the various patrons. "It's funny, isn't it? How all these people are here for the same reason, yet none of them trust each other."

Nacht nodded. "That's the nature of competition. Everyone's a potential threat."

Ashley chuckled. "Kind of like you, huh? A threat no one sees coming."

Nacht smirked. "That's the idea."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, the noise of the tavern washing over them. Finally, Ashley broke the silence. "You know, Nacht, for all your brooding and seriousness, you're a pretty good partner."

Nacht raised an eyebrow. "Is that your way of saying thank you?"

Ashley laughed. "Maybe. But seriously, I couldn't do this without you."

Nacht's expression softened slightly. He displayed a faint smile on his lips and nodded.

The Battle Commences

The day of the battle arrived. The arena buzzed with excitement, the crowd's roar echoing through the corridors. Nacht and Ashley donned their gear, steeling themselves for the fight ahead.

As they stepped into the arena, the sunlight blinding them momentarily, they took in the vast space. The pillars, the sand, the distant roar of the crowd – it all came together in a whirlwind of sensory overload.

Ashley took a deep breath, gripping her weapon tightly. "Ready?"

Nacht nodded, his eyes scanning the arena, spotting the Horned Brothers at the opposite end. "Let's do this."

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event! On one side, we have the fierce and unyielding Horned Brothers! And facing them, the mysterious Black and Silver Blade!"

The crowd's cheers grew louder as the combatants moved to the center, facing off. The tension was palpable, every eye in the arena fixed on the four fighters.

Nacht glanced at Ashley, a determined look in his eyes. "Remember the plan."

Ashley nodded, her grip tightening on her weapon. "Right. Let's show them what we've got."

The announcer's voice rang out one last time. "Let the battle begin!"

The Horned Brothers charged, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. 

Nacht and Ashley moved in perfect harmony, their movements choreographed in silent agreement. With a shared glance, they split off, and kept moving each at a different side of the arena circling the brothers. Confusion flickered across the faces of the horned brothers as they watched the pair disperse, a moment of uncertainty before the giant, Kare, broke into a sinister grin.

"You take that one, brother," Kare snarled, jabbing a thick finger toward Ashley. "I'll handle this one," he growled, his gaze locking onto Nacht with a predatory glint.

But before Kare could charge forward, his brother Frode intervened, his voice ringing out over the clamor of the arena. "No! It's a trap. They're trying to separate us," he warned, his urgency cutting through the noise. Kare scoffed at his brother's caution. "So what! I can handle a pair of girls on my own," he boasted, dismissing Frode's concerns. "Stick with me, brother," Frode urged, his tone firm with conviction.

With a lightning-swift strike, Nacht lunged at Kare's exposed back, aiming for a swift takedown. Frode, ever vigilant, intercepted Nacht's blade just in time, their weapons clashing with a resounding clang. Frode struggled to hold his ground against Nacht's formidable strength, his muscles straining under the pressure. But before Nacht could press his advantage, Kare swung his ax with brutal force, forcing Nacht to evade with a nimble leap.

"How is she so strong?" Kare demanded, his confusion mingling with frustration. But before Frode could formulate a response, Ashley launched herself into the fray, her sword flashing in the dim light of the arena. With a swift block, Kare deflected Ashley's strike, but not without receiving a shallow cut to his arm, eliciting a grunt of pain. Skillfully, he managed to still grab onto Ashley's arm and throw her over his shoulder onto the ground.

Reacting swiftly, Nacht feigned an attack on Kare, seizing the opportunity to snatch Ashley and retreat to safety. The crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and jeers as the skirmish unfolded, their bloodlust fueling the excitement of the spectacle.

"Did you see that?" Frode exclaimed, his eyes widening with realization. "They're using fast-paced pincer attacks to keep us off balance," he observed, his voice tinged with admiration for their opponents' tactical acumen. Kare grunted in response, acknowledging his brother's assessment with a grim nod.

"Are you injured?" Nacht inquired, his concern evident as he checked on Ashley. "Just a few scratches, nothing serious," she reassured him, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Observing the horned brothers from a safe distance behind one of the pillars of the arena, Nacht nodded in agreement with Ashley's assessment. "As we suspected, splitting them up won't be easy," he remarked, his eyes narrowed as he assessed their formidable opponents preparing for the next onslaught.

Nacht's eyes gleamed with determination as he seized a handful of throwing knives, his fingers deftly twirling the deadly blades between them. "Then we'll do it this way," he declared, his voice firm with resolve. "I'll keep them occupied while you strike when the opportunity arises. Let's test the limits of their endurance and see how long their brotherly shield can hold."

With a swift motion, Nacht darted out from behind cover, his feet carrying him swiftly toward the horned brothers as he launched a barrage of knives in their direction. Frode, ever agile, danced effortlessly out of harm's way, deflecting the incoming blades with practiced ease. But Kare, burdened by his bulk and slower reflexes, found himself struggling to evade the onslaught. One of the knives found its mark, sinking deep into Kare's leg with a sickening thud. He let out a pained grunt as he staggered, his movements hampered by the wound.

Before Frode could react, another knife hurtled toward Kare, its trajectory aimed for his exposed flank. But in a split-second decision, Frode leaped to his brother's defense, bringing his sword down with a swift, decisive strike to intercept the incoming projectile. Yet, in that moment of diversion, their defenses faltered, leaving them vulnerable.

With lightning speed, Ashley seized the opportunity, closing the distance in a blur of motion as her blade slashed across Kare's already injured leg, bringing him crashing to one knee with a cry of pain. The arena erupted into a frenzied uproar as the crowd witnessed the unfolding drama, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as the battle reached its climax.

Gasping for air, Kare struggled to rise to his feet, his injured leg rendered useless by the paralyzing poison coursing through his veins. Nacht and Ashley regrouped, their eyes fixed on the brothers with a steely resolve. Nacht's lips curled into a smirk as he observed Kare's futile attempts to stand. "The poison is taking effect already," he remarked coolly, his gaze lingering on Kare's immobilized form. Ashley, still catching her breath from the exertion of battle, looked at Nacht with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "Poison?" she gasped, her voice tinged with disbelief. Nacht nodded, his expression unreadable. "I coated those knives with a paralyzing agent. He won't be getting back up anytime soon," he explained matter-of-factly. Ashley's eyes widened in astonishment. "You're terrifyingly unpredictable," she commented, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Frode rushed to his brother's side, desperation etched on his face as he attempted to assist Kare. With mounting horror, he realized the severity of the situation as he inspected the poisoned blade protruding from Kare's leg. "Poison," he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. Kare's anguished cries echoed through the arena as he grappled with the realization of his incapacitated limb. "I won't be bested by two girls half my age!" he bellowed, his frustration boiling over. In a desperate bid to escape the clutches of paralysis, Kare raised his ax high, bringing it down with a resounding thud as he severed his own leg in a gruesome display of determination.

The arena reverberated with Kare's agonized screams as he dragged himself forward, his remaining strength waning with each passing moment. "You take them out, Frode! I'll hold them off!" he roared, his voice tinged with desperation. Frode's heart sank as he beheld his brother's plight, tears welling in his eyes as memories of their shared struggles flooded his mind. "We're almost there, brother," Kare's voice rang out, infused with a fierce determination. "Just one meeting with that duke, and our suffering will end. I'll do whatever it takes to secure that chance!" With a heavy heart, Frode nodded, steeling himself for the inevitable confrontation.

But before he could make his move, a cloaked figure materialized behind Kare, a glint of steel flashing in the dim light of the arena. With a swift and deadly motion, Nacht struck, his blade piercing the back of Kare's neck with lethal precision. The giant collapsed to the ground, his lifeblood spilling out in a crimson torrent as death claimed him.

Nacht and Ashley regrouped and watched in silence as Frode's anguished cries filled the air, a haunting lament for the loss of his brother and the shattered dreams that lay in ruins around them.

Ashley's heart wrenched as she watched Frode kneel beside his fallen brother, his fingers intertwined with Kare's in a final, silent farewell. The roar of the crowd seemed deafening, their cheers at the spectacle of death casting a shadow over the arena. Disgust twisted in Ashley's gut as she surveyed the faces around her, reveling in the brutality unfolding before them.

Turning her gaze to Nacht, she expected to find some flicker of emotion in his eyes, but they remained cold and impassive as he knelt, driving his blade into the sand with a solemn reverence that sent shivers down her spine.

Concern etched deep lines on Ashley's brow as she noticed Nacht wince, his hand clamped over a bleeding wound in his abdomen. "What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. Nacht glanced up, his features tense with pain. "That bastard managed to get a good hit on me," he replied through gritted teeth. "Are you alright?" Ashley inquired, her concern palpable. Nacht nodded slowly, pushing himself upright, though the wound seemed to resist healing, seeping blood despite his efforts.

His gaze fell upon the brothers' blades, recognition dawning in his eyes. "They're from the northern mountains in the Empire. I should have known that they are made for battling infected," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can you still fight?" Ashley pressed, her eyes searching his face for any sign of weakness. Nacht's response was a grim nod. "I'll keep him occupied with gunfire. You finish him off," he instructed, his tone resolute.

In a sudden surge of determination, Frode rose to his feet, his mournful cries replaced by a steely resolve as he gripped his brother's ax tightly. "You'll pay for what you did to Kare!" he bellowed, charging towards Nacht with a ferocity that sent shivers down Ashley's spine. She instinctively stepped back, keeping her distance, while Nacht drew his revolver, firing shots at Frode with a precision that should have been lethal. Yet, to their astonishment, Frode dodged each bullet with an agility that defied belief, his focus unwaveringly fixed on Nacht.

With a deafening crash, Frode swung his weapons down at Nacht, intent on delivering a fatal blow. But before the blades could find their mark, a warm stream of blood cascaded down Frode's stomach, weakening his stance. He stumbled forward, collapsing before Nacht, their eyes locking in a silent exchange of understanding amidst the chaos.

Struggling to rise, Frode's gaze fell upon Ashley, who stood nearby, her sword slick with blood. He looked back at Nacht who fell to his knees clasping his wound. A defiant grin curled his lips. "He managed to bring you down with him, didn't he?" he taunted, his voice laced with pride. Nacht gestured for Ashley to deliver the final blow, but she hesitated, the weight of the moment bearing down upon her.

Before she could gather her resolve, Frode surged forward with a last burst of rage, poised to strike at Ashley with all the fury of a cornered beast. With a sudden, chilling calmness, Nacht intervened, his blade flashing in the dim light as he severed Frode's head from his shoulders with a single, decisive stroke.

Ashley recoiled in horror, bile rising in her throat as she bore witness to the gruesome aftermath. She struggled to contain her revulsion, her hand pressed against her mouth in a futile attempt to stifle the overwhelming wave of nausea that threatened to consume her. Her eyes remained fixed on Frode's severed head, twitching with its last movements, a chilling reminder of the brutality of their reality.

The arena erupted with deafening cheers as the announcer declared Nacht and Ashley the victors of the brutal bout. Despite the horror that lingered in the air, a sense of triumph washed over the crowd, their fervor reaching a fever pitch as one daring spectator leaped into the arena to claim Frode's severed head as a macabre trophy.

Ashley watched in stunned disbelief as the head was passed among the spectators, their laughter and jests echoing in the arena like a sinister symphony. "These are not people," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the clamor of the crowd. Nacht, his expression unreadable, turned to face her, his gaze piercing.

"No, they aren't," he agreed, his voice tinged with a cold detachment. With an unsettling calmness, he raised his arms, inviting the adulation of the bloodthirsty audience. "Black Blade! Silver Blade!" the crowd chanted, their voices a cacophony of fervent worship.

Ashley recoiled, her stomach churning with revulsion at the sight of Nacht reveling in the monstrous admiration of the crowd. "What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice laced with disgust. Nacht's gaze bore into hers with chilling intensity, his words cutting through the chaos like a knife.

"We're not just facing opponents in the arena, Ashley," he said, his tone grave. "We're entertaining monsters hungry for bloodshed." he explained, his tone devoid of remorse. "To win, you have to be willing to become a monster yourself." With those ominous words hanging in the air, he turned and made his way towards the exit, leaving Ashley to grapple with the unsettling reality of the world they inhabited.