As I faced off against Nord in the town square, a crowd began to gather around us.

“What’s going on? Another duel?”
“I heard it’s between a hero and a puppet master.”
“No way! There’s no way a puppet master can beat a hero.”

The crowd's general expectation was that Nord would win effortlessly. That’s fair, given how puppet masters are generally regarded as weak. But all I needed to do here was turn that misconception on its head.

“Alright, let’s do this. Flare, Tetra.”
“Leave it to me!”
“Understood.”

They nodded, stepping in front of me, ready to go. The crowd’s excitement grew even more as they watched.

“Hey, is that puppet master seriously using two human-sized puppets? I thought they could only handle one small puppet.”
“Yeah, I heard the same thing from a puppet master I know. And wait, didn’t those puppets just… talk?”
“There’s no way. Must’ve misheard.”

The comments were harsh; no one expected us to win. Only Elle and Sheena were supporting us. Nord looked particularly pleased, grinning smugly.

“See, Ike? This is reality. Everyone knows a puppet master stands no chance against a hero. For daring to oppose me, you’ll soon be groveling on the ground.”

He just kept talking. By this point, I’d tuned out. Let’s get this started already.

“Enough talk. Let’s go.”
“Ah, but we have no one to signal the start. I suppose I’ll give you the first move.”

How generous. Alright, I’ll take it.

“Fine, but just so you know, I’ll start with Tetra’s attack, not a cheap shot.”
“Such nobility! Preparing your excuses for losing, are we? Enough talk—attack me already.”

Hm… he seemed unconcerned, even though he should know Tetra’s strength. He must have some plan in place. I’d just need to be ready for his counter. With that in mind, time to strike!

“Alright, Tetra, forget the tricks—go straight at him!”
“Understood.”

With a heavy stomp, Tetra launched herself at Nord. Strangely, he didn’t try to dodge; he raised his left arm, as if he intended to take the attack directly.

“Is he trying to get himself killed!?”

I couldn’t help but be concerned, but Nord shouted back triumphantly.

“Don’t underestimate me! I know that puppet’s strength. My armor can withstand such a weak attack—gah!”

With a massive blow, Tetra’s fist sank into his armor, sending Nord spinning backward and crashing to the ground.

“Wh-what did you… cough… what did you do, Ike?!”

Glaring at me from the ground, he was utterly shocked. Tetra had grown stronger since gaining her own will, but Nord hadn’t accounted for that, thinking her strength was the same as before. So naturally, his overconfidence led to this.

I grinned, looking down at him.

“What’s wrong, Nord? Looks like it’ll be you apologizing to the ground instead of me.”

“Y-you bastard!”

Nord wasn’t finished yet. He staggered up, brandishing his sword, and charged at me. He was still fast and sharp—the hallmark of a hero.

But—

“Flare, now!”
“Got it!”

“Damn it!”

Flare blocked his path, her sword clashing with his. The two fought fiercely, steel ringing through the air.

“Out of my way, puppet! I won’t let you stop me!”
“No way! I’m not letting you lay a finger on Ike!”

It was speed versus strength, both fighting at their peak.

“Look! The hero and the puppet are evenly matched?”
“Is she even a puppet? She’s big, strong, and… she’s talking! I’ve never seen a puppet like this.”
“Haha, this is incredible! Go, puppet master!”

The crowd was getting excited, but they hadn’t seen anything yet.

Flare held him off, creating an opening. That’s our tactic.

“Now!”

Tetra attacked from behind. Nord barely noticed in time to dodge, but the move left him exposed.

“Take this!”

Flare kicked him away, avoiding a fatal blow as I’d instructed. Nord fell heavily but managed to get up slowly, realizing how close he’d come to losing.

“The puppet master actually won!”
“Amazing! Who knew the hero could be beaten?”

The crowd shared this view, though it was up to Nord if he would surrender or continue.

“Are you done, Nord…?”

But then I noticed something off and narrowed my eyes.

“What are you trying to do?”

Nord raised his sword high, gathering magic from the air into it.

—That’s the sign for his ultimate move!

This wasn’t a joke—his attack was powerful enough to destroy a B-rank monster in one blow. If he unleashed it here, it would devastate not only me but everyone nearby.

“Nord, you’re not seriously going to use that here, are you!?”
“Silence! I haven’t lost! I’ll kill you with this one strike—!”

But he never finished his words.

Suddenly, the entire area darkened as if swallowed by shadows. I looked up, searching for the source, only to be met with a terrifying sight.

“What… is that?”

It was a monstrosity. An entity shrouded in darkness with twisted, unnatural features—two horns, wings, a long, thick tail, and claws sharp enough to slice through metal.

I recognized this creature. It was a demon, an ancient foe of humanity, said to come from the dark realm beyond our world.

“Strong… holy power. Kill… the hero.”

A demon had appeared in our midst.