-

Clorinde's movements were precise, calculated. Every swing of her sword, every shot from her gun, was executed with the skill of Fontaine's finest duelist. But Yoshika was no ordinary opponent.

With each clash of their weapons, sparks flew into the air, mixing with the mist of Furina's lingering water magic. The rainforest itself seemed to hold its breath as the two warriors exchanged blow after blow.

Clorinde pivoted, aiming her gun at Yoshika's shoulder. A split-second decision. A warning shot, not a fatal one.

But Yoshika was faster.

With a fluid motion, she spun her spear, deflecting the shot before closing the distance. Her dark pink eyes gleamed as she aimed for Clorinde's sword arm, attempting to disarm her.

Clorinde twisted away at the last moment, but Yoshika anticipated the movement. She shifted her weight and struck low, sweeping Clorinde's legs out from under her.

The duelist hit the ground, her back against the damp earth. Before she could react, Yoshika's spear was at her throat.

Silence.

Furina gasped dramatically. "Oh? Did we win?"

Yoshika ignored her, keeping her gaze locked on Clorinde. "Enough. Tell us why you're really here."

Clorinde, breathing heavily but still composed, studied Yoshika for a long moment. Then, slowly, she lowered her weapon.

"You're stronger than I expected," she admitted. "And that's exactly what I needed to see."

Yoshika narrowed her eyes. "You were testing us."

Clorinde nodded. "Neuvillette wanted proof. Proof that you two could handle what's coming."

Furina crossed her arms, frowning. "Oh, how lovely! Another cryptic warning. Why does everyone insist on being so vague?"

Clorinde sat up, brushing dirt from her coat. "Because some things are better left unsaid. For now."

Yoshika lowered her spear but didn't let her guard down. "And what exactly is coming?"

Clorinde met her gaze. "Celestia is watching."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Furina blinked. "Well, that's just wonderful. Celestia! Because we needed another problem to deal with!" She threw her hands up. "Why can't the heavens simply mind their own business?"

Clorinde exhaled. "It's not just their interest in Fontaine anymore. They've taken notice of you, Yoshika."

Yoshika stiffened.

Clorinde stood, dusting herself off. "Whatever is coming next, you won't be able to run from it. You'll have to face it head-on."

Yoshika's grip on her spear tightened. She wasn't afraid. But she was wary.

Furina, still grumbling, crossed her arms. "Fine. Then tell Neuvillette we passed his little test."

Clorinde gave a small nod. "I will." Then, with one last look at Yoshika, she turned and disappeared into the shadows of the rainforest.

The duel was over.

But the real battle had yet to begin.

-
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖸𝖺𝗒 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋!>< 𝖻𝗍𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗉𝗈𝗉𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗋 𝗍𝗒𝗌𝗆 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗈𝗇𝖾!!<333