"Huh?" Alan gasped in confusion, his concern growing as he saw Relecta's expression shift from shock to sadness. Tears welled up in her eyes, prompting Alan to approach her.
However before Alan could rise, Poduria gently held Relecta's hand, urging her to remain seated. As Relecta wiped away her tears, she fixed Alan with a stern gaze and repeated, "Armis has changed. He's acting strange now."
"What's going on, Relecta? And why are you upset?" Alan inquired, his confusion deepening as he observed Relecta's distress.
"It's nothing, she's just concerned about Armis, like we all are," Lyco intervened, his tone reflecting both worry and a hint of sternness as he regarded Alan with serious eyes. Before Alan could press for more details, Lyco continued, his voice tinged with concern.
"Since his transformation, Armis has been acting... differently. He's become more serious, overly confident, and he doesn't hold back with his words anymore. And his newfound temper? Let's just say it's... intense," Lyco explained, rising to his feet and directing his gaze towards Armis and Aurelia's cart, prompting Alan and the others to do the same. With a tone tinged with sternness and disappointment, Lyco pressed on, his words carrying the weight of concern.
"Dude, even challenged Master Longiseus when he asked for an introduction. And when Master Longiseus showed no interest, Armis proved his point by shattering the gate of the 40th floor with just one punch. He didn't utter a word after that as he went on without us," Lyco recounted.
Alan's surprise deepened with a furrowed brow at the peculiar behavior of his friend, but he held his questions, listening as Poduria chimed in.
"And it's not just that," she added, her voice carrying a note of concern. "His behavior would have been tolerable if it didn't come out so... inappropriately."
Perplexed by Poduria's cryptic and troubling statement, Alan turned to Lyco, hoping for clarity. Lyco, noticing Alan's confusion, wasted no time in deciphering Poduria's words.
"He's been flirting, but in the worst way possible," Lyco explained.
"He even spanked me on the back and called me 'sweet pie.' It felt very weird," Relecta added, her voice tinged with concern as she struggled to hold back tears.
"And that's not all. He once picked me up and tried to flirt while offering to take me upstairs. It's gotten really creepy," Poduria chimed in, sharing another unsettling incident.
"Well, he did stop when Aurelia and I scolded him, attributing his strange behavior to the newfound vigor he gained when his armor evolved, which was understandable until…" Lyco's voice carried a tone of disappointment as he continued to recount Armis's unsettling actions to Alan. Taking his seat beside Poduria, they both turned their attention back to Armis and Aurelia's cart, where another suggestive scream confirmed Alan's suspicions about the source being Aurelia. Lyco's voice took on a note of sternness as he continued, clearly disapproving of Armis's behavior:
"When Aurelia reminded him of her confession and their kiss, well, let's just say the guy has turned the whole Relic Castle into his bedroom."
Alan quickly grasped the underlying meaning in Lyco's cryptic statement, his expression morphing into a mix of disbelief and discomfort as he glanced towards Armis's cart. With concern etched on his features, Alan turned back to his group, his voice betraying his surprise and shock:
"And Aurelia is okay with that?"
"Well, with his newfound vigor and confidence, even you wouldn't be able to refuse him. Plus, my girl is getting exactly what she's always wanted, so why would she complain? But I do wish they'd keep their romantic escapades a bit more private and discreet. It's becoming difficult to get a good night's sleep, and I don't want to rush into anything before our wedding," Lyco explained, ending with a suggestive glance at Poduria. Alan, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, interjected sharply:
"Lyco, please…"
"Ahh, forgive me," Lyco quickly interjected, snapping out of his momentary distraction. "I guess his weird behavior is starting to rub off on me."
He straightened up, his expression returning to seriousness. "So… to put it simply, this Armis is completely different from the meek, oddly amusing, hardheaded Armis we knew and used to love."
"I see it as an improvement, personally." Artereia chimed in with her own perspective, her gaze lingering on Armis's cart as she spoke suggestively: "He's strong, macho, and knows how to keep a lady satisfied. What more could you ask for? I'm telling you, one of these days, I might just join in on their fun, hehe." Artereia concluded her statement with a peculiar chuckle, sending a cringing shiver down everyone's spine.
Alan brushed off Artereia's shameless remark, turning his gaze towards Armis's cart with a mix of helplessness and concern.
Confusion clouded his thoughts as he wondered what had happened to his friend. Sitting there and contemplating wouldn't bring him any answers. Alan realized he needed to confront Armis directly about his strange behavior and find out if something was wrong.
As they neared the gate leading to the next floor, the drivers of all the carts dismounted and carefully crossed the small river of lava flowing between the cavalry and the gate.
They then knocked in specific patterns three times. After a moment of tense silence, the gates began to rumble open. The cavalry resumed their movement, with the drivers returning to their carts and commanding their Lacerpulls to pull them through the gates.
As Alan's cart entered the floor, their eyes were greeted by a gleaming golden light, reflecting the sunlight filtering through the giant glass dome above.
Alan surveyed the scene and all he could see was lush greenery stretching out in every direction, meticulously trimmed and maintained to perfection. Despite the occasional broken statue, the remnants were carefully preserved and cleaned to reveal their former beauty.
Alongside the statues and fountains, a river of pristine water meandered through the landscape, its serene flow adding to the tranquility of the surroundings. Paved walkways traced the river's edge, inviting visitors to wander and take in the scenic beauty, while footbridges arched gracefully over the water, offering even more opportunities to absorb the breathtaking views.
Alan's eyes danced with amazement as they fell upon the expansive Favua Farm. As they drew nearer, Poduria couldn't contain her excitement, leaping up and pointing to the farm, her voice ringing out in excitement.
"Look! That's my family's farm!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Turning to Lyco, she enveloped him in a loving and excited hug. "I can't wait for you to meet my family."
The rest of the group smiled, caught up in Poduria's infectious enthusiasm as they gazed at the bustling farm. People swarmed around, each contributing to the construction of a large auditorium. Wooden pillars rose high, draped with large and beautiful cloths, transforming the space into a grand spectacle.
As Poduria and Lyco soaked in the excitement of watching Poduria's family prepare for their arrival, Leotrus's voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention away from the bustling farm toward a majestic structure in the distance.
"And this is the Grand Cathedral..."
At Leotrus's words, Alan and the others turned their gaze toward the grand edifice that began to take shape before them. It resembled a cathedral, with a towering dome crafted from gleaming glass that caught and reflected the sunlight filtering through.
Spirel-like towers surrounded the main building, lending it an aura of majesty and grandeur that was impeccably maintained despite its location within the Relic Castle.
Adorning the pinnacle of the dome was an emblem that Alan recognized immediately—it was the same emblem he had seen atop the Holy Church in Pompeii, albeit much smaller in comparison to this imposing structure.
"In its original state, this cathedral left us all in the same awe you're experiencing now," Leotrus began, his voice tinged with both pride and amazement as he shared the history of the Grand Cathedral with the group. "When we first discovered it, it was in ruins and overrun by foliage, yet its grandeur still shone through. With the assistance of the Holy Church and the Silverforth Lineage, we were able to restore it to its former glory."
He continued, his tone reverent as he delved into the history of the Grand Cathedral. "Upon conducting a thorough investigation of the treasures and artifacts discovered within, we learned that this Cathedral served as a place of worship for the Divine Queen Humilia, wife of The Great Roiran. She would come here to offer prayers to higher gods such as Luppiter, Uno, and Minarvae."
Leotrus's voice took on a note of solemnity as he revealed the significance of the Cathedral to the people of Pompeii. "Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for the people of Pompeii. Countless grand weddings have been held within its hallowed halls, including that of Commander Longiseus and Lady Roartad."
As Leotrus concluded his explanation, the group's attention shifted from the majestic Cathedral to him and Artereia. Their expressions transformed from awe to shock and surprise as they processed the unexpected revelation.
"W-What? They're married?!" Everyone exclaimed, their unison voice laced with disbelief.
Artereia responded with casual indifference, her demeanor unchanged. "Yes, didn't you know?"
Poduria's voice carried a mix of disbelief and confusion as she replied, "No! I mean, we haven't seen them even speak to each other once during our journey here. Except for today when they entered that covered cart with Father Zeneth."
Leotrus observed their cart reaching the outer gates of the cathedral, where their team members awaited them. With a final statement, he concluded the discussion before preparing to disembark with Artereia.
"Well, they do tend to maintain a professional distance in public, so I suppose it's understandable that you didn't notice," Leotrus remarked. "Anyway, you have people waiting for you, as do we. We'll take our leave for now. We'll meet again... whenever Commander Longiseus decides, I suppose."
As they disembarked from the cart, Alan, Relecta, Lyco, and Poduria were greeted by two towering men dressed in green overalls and loose brown pants. The men initially greeted them with stern glares, attempting to intimidate the group. However, when Poduria stepped forward and positioned herself in front of them, she introduced them, "Everyone, meet my twin brothers, Roba and Hoba," Poduria announced, her voice easing the immediate tension.
Despite Poduria's introduction, Roba and Hoba didn't ease up on their glaring. They suddenly jumped on Lyco, getting uncomfortably close to his face and bombarding him with questions in a comical manner.
"Is this your betrothed, sis?" Roba asked.
"He is a twerp!" Hoba added.
"Just like you," Roba retorted.
"Is this why you are marrying him?" Hoba questioned.
"Is he even strong?" Roba chimed in.
"Can he even protect you?" Hoba added.
"No, I don't think so," Roba concluded.
"That's it, this wedding is a sham," Hoba declared.
"I don't approve," Roba echoed.
"I don't approve either," Hoba agreed.
"SHUT UP!" Poduria growled, irritated by her brothers' rude behavior towards her beloved. She silenced them with a threatening voice and instructed, "Stop being rude to your brother-in-law, and pick up my and our guests' belongings from the cart and take them to the farm, understood?"
Poduria's threatening growl quickly subdued Roba and Hoba's glare, prompting them to follow her orders and hurry towards the farm with their belongings. As they departed, Poduria turned to her friends, sensing their surprised expressions. She apologized for her brothers' behavior, explaining, "I apologize for their behavior. They act like this because they care a lot about me, but they're harmless otherwise."
Her reassurance brought humble smiles to their faces, but Lyco couldn't resist lunging towards Poduria, embracing her excitedly. "Oh, my love! That was awesome! You're one hardass, aren't you?" he exclaimed, playfully spanking her behind and eliciting a blush from Poduria.
She gestured for Lyco to cease his teasing and then turned her attention to Alan and Relecta, who stood with embarrassed expressions, their eyes averted from the playful exchange. Alan noticed Poduria's embarrassment and tried to comfort her, saying, "No need to feel embarrassed. It's actually nice to see you two flirting again after such a long time. Feels strangely relieving."
Poduria and Lyco initially looked surprised by Alan's comment, but they quickly understood his sentiment. They exchanged humbled smiles as Poduria stepped forward, holding Relecta's hand and nudging her gently. "Come on, let me introduce you all to my family," she said warmly.
Alan, though excited about meeting Poduria's family, became a little estranged when he noticed Roba and Hoba still glaring at them from the distance of their farm, not feeling well enough for a long meet and greet. He scanned the surroundings for an excuse and noticed Armis's cart ahead.
"I would love to, but if you don't mind, I'd like to chat with Armis in private," Alan said, subtly gesturing the reason for his excuse to Poduria and Lyco.
Understanding, Poduria nodded gently and smiled once more. She turned her gaze towards her peeking brothers, glaring at them before heading towards her family farm. Before leaving, she offered a piece of advice to Alan, "And don't worry about my brothers. If they bother you too much, just let me know."
"Sure," Alan replied with a nod as he turned towards Armis's cart and began to approach it.
As Alan approached the cart, Armis emerged through the veil, his gaze fixed on the cathedral with confidence emanating from his bare chest. Alan couldn't believe his eyes as he looked at Armis. Not only had Armis's already tall frame grown even taller, but his physique had become even more imposing. Standing at a towering height of what seemed like seven feet, Armis now exuded a sense of power that was palpable.
Alan observed in astonishment as Armis's once bulky body had been further toned, adorned with pitch-black markings that extended from his chest, where his mark used to be, and spread throughout his entire body. These markings hinted at the magnificent evolution of Armis's mark, signifying a newfound strength and prowess. Even Armis's head had undergone changes, with his facial features becoming more defined and his previously long hair now fitting perfectly atop his head.
The transformation had completely altered Armis's appearance, pulling him away from his previously innocent demeanor and casting him in a light of raw confidence and masculinity, a striking contrast to Alan's current state.
Alan hesitantly approached Armis, uncertainty evident in his expression.
"Armis... is that really you?"
Armis blinked, turning his gaze towards Alan. He looked down at Alan's weakened state for a moment before recognizing him.
"Oh, Alan! My friend!" Armis exclaimed, genuine surprise crossing his features. "I can barely recognize you! You look... I don't know, old?"
When Armis swiftly scooped up Alan in his embrace, Alan was initially surprised but also somewhat relieved that Armis could still recognize him despite his altered appearance. However, when Armis made a disparaging comment about Alan's state, it not only disappointed Alan but also ignited a spark of anger within him. Glaring at Armis with intensity, Alan demanded sharply, "Put me down."
"Huh?" Armis gasped in confusion.
"I said, PUT. ME. DOWN.!" - Alan repeated firmly.
Confused by Alan's sudden change in demeanor, Armis complied and gently lowered Alan back to the ground. Without missing a beat, Alan slung an insult at Armis, "You look weird."
Taken aback by Alan's unexpected remark, Armis retorted, "Huh? What are you talking about? I look beautiful. Look at this." Flexing his arm to display his biceps, Armis continued, "I've got my arms back, and my sight."
With a creepy, oversized grin plastered on his face, Armis eyed Alan. Still seething with anger over Armis's lack of concern for his well-being, Alan maintained his sarcastic demeanor and responded with a stern expression, cutting straight to the chase.
"Yeah, I couldn't care less. Just tell me what's going on with you."
"Huh?" Armis questioned Alan's cryptic inquiry. Observing Armis's confusion, Alan glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. Satisfied, he discreetly ushered Armis away from the crowd and spoke in a hushed tone.
"I want to know what happened to you. What happened to Augustus? What did you do to him? I witnessed your transformation and I know what that radiant light surrounding you meant. So, tell me plainly, how did he die? How did you kill him?"
Initially taken aback by Alan's inquiry, Armis found himself reliving the harrowing moments of their encounter with Augustus as Alan pressed on with his interrogation. Frustration and irritation surged within Armis, causing him to grit his teeth. Abruptly, he shoved Alan away and erupted in a shout.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!! Are you not grateful that I'm alive?!!! That we're alive?!!! Why do you need to know that, huh?!! What good will it do you?!! Tell me, Alan?!!"
"Armis, I—"
"NO!!! No, Alan," Armis cut off Alan's response, lowering himself to meet Alan's gaze and issuing a stern warning.
"You should be thanking me for ridding you of that monster. So, never dare to ask me such questions again, understood?!!"
Saying that, Armis didn't even wait for Alan's confirmation and began striding toward Poduria's farm. Alan, more bewildered than angry at Armis's outburst, watched him depart with a furrowed brow. Turning back to the cart, Alan noticed Aurelia emerging from the cover of her wagon. With a suggestive and satisfied expression on her face, she quickly composed herself upon spotting Alan.
"Oh, Alan, is that you???" Aurelia exclaimed with surprise and excitement, which gradually shifted to concern as she took in Alan's weakened state. "Oh God, what happened to you?!!"
"Seriously, you too? Has neither of you bothered to check on me all week?!!" Alan's pent-up frustration over Armis's rude behavior erupted at Aurelia's apparent ignorance of his condition.
"Forgive me, dude!!! I was busy w—"
"Busy with what?!! Getting cozy with the Machoman over there?!!" Alan cut off Aurelia before she could finish her excuse, his tone sharp with anger as he gestured toward Armis.
"Hey, that's none of your business!!!! We love each other, and how we choose to express it is our business. You have no right to judge us, especially when you married the girl who was supposed to be like a 'child' to you," Aurelia retorted, echoing Alan's earlier thoughts about Relecta in an attempt to hit back with an insult.
Alan clamped his mouth shut, realizing his outburst was unnecessary. He watched Aurelia adjust her loose overalls and pull up her tights, her anger evident. Softening his tone, he began to apologize.
"Hmph… I… I'm sorry, Aurelia. I'm just having a hard time processing all this. So much has happened while I was unconscious, and being in this weakened state isn't helping. On top of all that, Armis's changed behavior is really worrying me. I apologize for yelling at you."
"Ah… no, Alan, I understand." Seeing the genuine sincerity in Alan's eyes, Aurelia softened. She stepped forward and hugged him, offering comfort. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for you, waking up to find the world has moved on without you. Don't worry, everything will be fine. And don't worry about Armis. I don't know what Lyco and Poduria told you, but he's going through something, too. He just needs our support. So, I am asking you on his behalf," she continued, extracting Alan from the embrace and looking him in the eye with sincerity, "please have patience with him."
Finding some solace in Aurelia's words, Alan nodded in agreement. Before he could respond, Armis called out from behind.
"LOVE! COME HERE!"
Aurelia smiled apologetically at Alan. He sighed and gestured for her to go, saying, "Yeah, yeah, go."
"Sorry, we'll talk more later, okay, Alan?" Aurelia remarked as she left Alan and dashed toward Armis.
As Alan composed himself and started to turn toward Poduria's farm, a familiar mocking voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Oh heavens, I didn't think I'll ever be able to unsee this version of you."
Alan instantly recognized the voice and, matching the mocking tone, slung an insult right back at Longiseus, who stood tall in his usual red tights beneath a white cape and full armor.
"Well, you're not the only one with a shocking revelation, Mr. Married-to-your-own-party-member."
"Well, that makes two of us, doesn't it?" Longiseus approached Alan, his expression unusually friendly and devoid of its usual sternness. He extended his hand for a handshake, which Alan reciprocated.
"Congratulations on the wedding, and also," Longiseus suddenly shifted back to his usual stern demeanor, adding a touch of grimness as he continued in a low voice, "for slaying Augustus. You know, if you two hadn't completed the task by the time I reached you, I was going to slay both of you along with that monster. So, congratulations on saving your life."
"Nope…not working anymore." Longiseus had expected Alan to be intimidated, as he and Armis usually were under the pressure of his commanding tone. However, Alan responded nonchalantly, showing no fear whatsoever. This lack of fright didn't surprise Longiseus much; after the horrors they had faced, Longiseys's threats seemed like humble words to Alan's ears.
Mildly astonished by Alan's undeterred behavior, Longiseus let a smile return to his face. Releasing Alan's hand, he gestured for him to walk with him.
As they neared Poduria's farm, Longiseus's curiosity got the better of him and he broke the silence.
"So, how did you kill him?"
"I'm as clueless as you are. I only remember breaking his rapier. I'm still not sure how he was killed, but I'm certain Armis is the one who took his life," Alan replied, feeling a pang of disappointment as he gazed ahead.
"Any particular reason for your confidence in that claim? I do have my suspicions, but I'd be more delighted to have them confirmed by you," Longiseus asked, keeping his gaze forward while glancing at Alan from the corner of his eye.
"I'm sure you've noticed Armis's changed behavior?" Alan asked.
"Oh, no doubt. I've had some firsthand experiences with your friend's newfound persona, and I can't say I particularly like it. The power and personality of this new Armis are clashing in a rather audacious manner," Longiseus replied.
"Well, I won't argue with that. I know something is wrong with him, and I'm certain it's somehow related to Augustus's demise. I just need some private time with him. I'm sure he'll open up to me eventually. He just needs time to process everything, just as I need time to get back into shape. I can't say I'm enjoying this constant fatigue very much."
Alan finished his sentence with a fake smile, which Longiseus mirrored with equally feigned emotion. Longiseus then took his leave, remarking to the air, "Well, you have two days before we head out for our battle with the Monster Lord of Floor 50, so forgive me as I must take my leave since I have some duties that require my attention."
Alan exchanged nods with Longiseus before the latter departed. Alan continued to contemplate how to make Armis open up to him or gather clues from his friends. Suddenly, a laugh echoing in the air caught his attention. Alan looked ahead and saw Lyco and Poduria engaged in a conversation with a man, their voices sharp and loud. Unable to make out their words, Alan quickened his pace to join his friends.
"Ohhh, if it isn't my little brother... How are you doing, my tiny soldier?" A man with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail and wearing a log hat similar to Lyco's patted Lyco on the head, referring to him as his brother.
Alan approached and observed the man, who was taller than Lyco, standing proudly in a regal white and brown robe that reached his knees. Beneath the robe, he wore simple brown tights, covering him from neck to toes. Adorned with grandeur, he wore jewelry around his neck and ears. As he straightened up, crossing his arms, a mocking expression crossed his face, which bore similarities to Lyco's features.
"Get out of my way, Arian!!!" Lyco retorted sharply to the mocking, his voice tense. Ignoring Lyco's warning, Arian's gaze shifted to Poduria. He leered suggestively at her before extending his hand and planting a kiss on it as a greeting. Poduria hesitantly withdrew her hand as Arian, amused by her beauty, asked without looking at Lyco, "And who is this beauty?!"
"Back the hell away from my wife, Arian," Lyco warned, his tone disappointed, as if expecting Arian's creepy behavior.
"Oh, so she's your WIFE?!!!" As the weight of Lyco's words settled on Arian's mind, he became shocked by the revelation. He began yelling at Lyco with a barrage of questions, each one adding to Lyco's irritation and anger.
"Wife?!! You have a wife?!! Does Mother and Father know about this?!! Do our brothers know about this?!! Huh?!! You're hiding this from them?!! You're a disgrace, Lyco!!!"
Gritting his teeth in an attempt to contain his rage, Lyco glared at Arian and tried to brush him off. "YES!!! And I don't care. Now move and let me through!!!"
Pushing Arian aside, Lyco began to lead Poduria away, but suddenly Arian made a bold move, grabbing Poduria's hand and stopping them both. He retorted and objected to Lyco's advance and marriage.
"No!!!"
"What?!! What do you mean, no?!!" Lyco turned, frustrated and confused.
Arian smiled mischievously at Lyco, perplexing him and Poduria. As Lyco attempted to retort, Arian silenced him with a sharp glare and explained in an arrogantly proud voice, "NO!! You can't get married before your older brother. Think of what Grandma would think? So, as a responsible grandson and big brother, I am going to stop you from breaking Grandma's heart."
"Oh?!! And how exactly are you going to do that?!!!" Lyco's anger burst forth at Arian's ridiculous reasoning.
Before answering Lyco's angered query, Arian widened his mischievous smile and, maintaining his arrogance, replied, "By marrying this beauty right here, instead of you. I mean, she's not quite up to my standards, but I'll ma—-"
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY?!!!" Before Arian's selfish and arrogant remark could be completed, Lyco's anger erupted, and he attacked Arian without warning, manipulating the ground beneath him to shift and launch upward.
But Arian, quick on his feet, grunted and activated his air-wielding ability, halting all manipulation of the ground below him with a powerful stomp. Still undeterred and furious, Lyco released Poduria's hand and approached Arian, almost lunging at him in anger. Standing inches from his face, he growled at Arian fiercely.
"Do you hear yourself, you selfish prick?!!! Is this a game to you?!!! Do yo—-"
"Then let's make it a game!!!!" Before Lyco could finish his growl, Armis, emerging from behind Alan, interjected in the brothers' quarrel. Following him closely were Aurelia and Relecta, who stood beside Alan. Confused by Armis's sudden intrusion, Alan looked to Relecta for answers, but she simply shrugged her shoulders in denial.
Puzzlement turned to shock as everyone watched Armis approach Poduria with confidence. He grabbed her hand and raised it in the air, then began to declare in a loud voice to Arian and Lyco, "A game, where you two will fight like proper men. The winner will get Poduria's hand in marriage. Simple, right?!!"
Armis's words hung heavy in the air, and everyone reacted with a mixture of surprise and unease, unsure of Armis's intentions.
"Unhand me, Armis!!!" Poduria finally retorted, snapping at Armis's rudeness. Furious over the nonsensical competition between Arian and Lyco, she yanked her hand away and expressed her anger at Armis's childish proposal.
"How dare you!!! I am not some trophy to be won in a fistfight. Enough of this nonsense! C'mon, Lyco, le—"
"I accept it!!!" Lyco suddenly cut through Poduria's retort, surprising his friends. He moved away from Arian and, giving him a glare, continued, "But if I win, I want you to respect me like I am your older brother and handle Grandma and the others when we go to meet them. Understood?"
"Lyco, what are you doing? Are you out of your mind—"
Before Poduria could finish her reaction to Lyco's unexpected acceptance of Armis's proposal, Lyco planted a loving kiss on her lips. This instantly calmed her down, while embarrassing their friends and even eliciting a shocked, fainting reaction from Roba and Hoba, who were watching from the fence of their farm.
"But Lyco, are you sure? He is a king raider," Poduria tried to reason further.
"Do you believe in me, my love?" Lyco asked in a calm voice.
"Yes, I do, but—"
"You wanted to meet my family, right?" Lyco interrupted, gazing sincerely into her eyes, trying to convey the depth of his decision. "Then this is the only way for me to ensure they don't act like a bunch of selfish jerks. I have to prove myself to them."
"Okay...whatever you wish, my love." Poduria, understanding Lyco's complex reasoning, decided to respect his wish and stepped back to join Alan and the others. Lyco turned to face Arian, who was already waiting with a giant, creepy smile. This only fueled Lyco's rage further. Lacing his voice with a mocking tone, Arian taunted him:
"A very brave and foolish decision, my tiny soldier. And don't worry, when I defeat you and marry YOUR wife, I'll make sure to keep her happy and satisfied...hehe."
"Big dreams for a very small mind, Arian. Don't worry, they'll remain just that—dreams. And when I shut your ugly mouth, you'll be following me around like a lap dog. So, Armis, what are the rules?" Lyco insulted Arian back before turning to Armis for instructions regarding the duel.
Armis chuckled in amusement and replied nonchalantly as he too joined his friends, giving Lyco and Arian space for the duel, "Rules? Tch... Only weaklings fight with rules. You guys can start whenever you feel like it."