Len had only had a little time to observe Krel’s movements up to this point. He’d been fast on his feet, precise, and generally a bit terrifying while managing to be much more subdued than Vrek. It wasn’t much of a surprise how he’d managed to sneak up on the human with such ease. Something about it felt almost supernatural. Not quite magic, but something close to it (though the exact specifics of what that might have meant were beyond what little she could glean from her new memories, not much of a student of the mystical arts, that Lenore). Now, seeing him come for her, it was a lot more intimidating than any of Vrek’s lumbering charges.

“So tell me, girl,” said Krel with an easy smile playing over his lips “why is it that you’re fighting so hard? Most of your kind just drop out of the Brawls and hope to make up for it in the later challenges. Surely there are better uses for your talents than risking death and dismemberment at this stage of the game.”

In truth, the idea of dropping out hadn’t even crossed her mind. If she thought hard enough about it, she’d known she was aiming to be the last one standing in this moment since she was a little girl. And not just since she’d been a child in this world, since she’d been a child in that other world where only humans ruled. There, she’d been stifled at every turn by people who didn’t work as hard or as long as she did, yet advanced through the ranks around her with ease. Here? Not a chance in hell she’d allow it to happen again. Krel hadn’t done any of those things to her, hadn’t done more than casually dismiss her as she stood before him, but she’d seen his type.

“Better uses of my talents? Maybe. But I can’t think of a better use of my time than wiping that smirk off your face.”

“Really, that’s the best you have to offer? I’d hoped we could have a more useful conversation now that you’re showing me who you really are. How ever did you manage to keep this spirit down at the start? I’d have choked on my own tongue trying the same.”

Lots of practice was the answer to that question, but she didn’t feel like sharing that with him. Fortunately, his advance had finally taken him to within a few feet of her and she could take a more direct approach to shutting his mouth. Springing forward, she kept her arms up near her head, guarding as she drove in close to him, aiming to grab at his vest and throw him to the ground. Except that he wasn’t there any more and she found herself grabbing at empty air.

“Is that all?” Krel jeered. “Surely, the warrior that brought Vrek low isn’t so weak an opponent.”

She whirled 180 degrees to see him standing there, the same lazy smirk played across his face. His right arm lashed out in a lightning fast jab, slamming into her left as she barely managed to block it. Pain exploded at the point he struck, and she leapt backwards out of range of further strikes. All the while, he just stood there smirking.

“You can still give up, you know. No shame in admitting defeat. Hell, you’ve gotten one victory under your belt. Not exactly a rousing showing, but enough to ensure that you don’t get tossed in the lowest ranks. Hell, I could even find a spot for you in my own troop. Unlike that buffoon you planted, I promise not to waste any time using you as anything other than a weapon against our enemies. We could do great things together, I think.”

“Right, great things so long as I’m happy to serve under you,” she hadn’t really meant to say that aloud, and just glared at him.

“And what’s so wrong about that? I assure you that I’ll be a fine commander. This is all really just a formality to gain a position worthy of my skill. A waste, if you ask me, but tradition is tradition and all that.”

“Pretty sure that there are other ways to gain ranks besides joining a Proving. Sounds to me like you’re just impatient. Either that or not nearly as talented as you’re pretending to be.”

“Oh, I’ve got the talent,” he said, eyes flashing in an instant of rage that he quashed as quickly as it appeared. “I was just careless, is all. The Demon Lord’s Army has no complaints about assassination as a means of gaining your promotions, but if you leave evidence that can be traced back to you, well… here I am.”

“Wait, so you’re here as punishment? You’re not even good enough to pull off your schemes at this stage of the game and you’re thinking you’ve got the status to promise me anything? Sounds like you’re not nearly the man you’re making yourself out to be.”

“I’m EVERY bit the man I make myself out to be,” he snapped, clenching his fists. “Don’t try my patience, woman,”

“Oh yes, your infinite well of patience that tolerated all of three seconds of me standing up to you. Face it, mate. You’re just not leadership material. Still, you’ve got some moves. I might have even considered letting you become one of my pawns if not for that little bit about killing your last boss. Just doesn’t scream ‘team player’ to me, I’m afraid.”

“Me? Serve you? What a joke.”

“You’re right, it is. Near as I can tell, that broken lump of probable rapist over there has more worth than you. At least he’s honest about what he is. You, meanwhile, are still putting on airs. I think it might be best for everyone involved if I put an end to those delusions you’re wallowing in.”

“I’ve had about enough of your talk, girl. Let’s end this.”