The final challenger stands opposite Jecht, her rune-etched sword raised beneath the moon. Orsik lifts the silver seal, and its blue radiance descends into the frost.
Instead of calling the bout, the seal answers with a deep crack. Frost buckles at the ring's center as something buried below begins wrenching itself upward.
An ancient black weapon tears free, shedding soil and silver ice. Its long, jagged blade bears sleeping runes, while chains of blue light coil around its hilt and vanish into the ground.
Orsik Vey
The prize reveals itself at last. Do not reach for it yet. The Great Measure weighs the hands that would claim it.
Blue fire passes over Jecht and the final challenger alike. Her sword trembles, his armor hums, and the buried weapon's runes kindle with a cold, watchful light.
The Ancient Weapon
Two claimants, one edge. Take me, and I will take something from you in return. Refuse, and the oath will name you lesser.
Tavern Challenger 2
A prize with a price. Then let it judge whether either of us can afford the truth.
“I nod with respect as the final round begins”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +0)
Jecht gives the final challenger a measured nod, acknowledging her courage and the round's beginning. The gesture is calm beneath the weapon's cold radiance.
Tavern Challenger 2
Then we understand one another. I am Serah Venn, and I will meet the judgment standing.
The name carries across the silent yard. The rune-etched sword steadies in Serah's grip, and the blue fire withdraws from her blade to hover between both claimants.
Orsik Vey
Serah Venn has declared herself, and Jecht has answered without words. The Measure recognizes mutual respect.
The Ancient Weapon
Respect does not lessen the price. It only makes the choosing clearer.
The chains of blue light tighten around the ancient weapon's hilt, then loosen. Its jagged edge rises from the earth, offering neither claimant an easy handhold.
Tavern Challenger 2
So be it. When the oath opens its hand, I will take what truth it offers.
“I catch her blade as she attacks and throw her out of the ring”
SUCCESS (Good Melee Combat, rolled +0)
Serah lunges, her rune-etched sword cutting toward Jecht's center. He catches the blade against his two-handed sword and clamps it fast, the impact wrenching his shoulder painfully.
The force drives Jecht's boots across the frost, but he twists through the strain and turns Serah's momentum against her.
He wrenches her blade aside, seizes her balance, and hurls her bodily beyond the ring's boundary. Her sword slips free and skids across the silvered ground.
Serah lands hard outside the ring and rolls to a stop, conscious but disarmed. Jecht remains inside, one hand tightening around his aching shoulder.
Tavern Challenger 2
A clean throw. The ring is yours, Jecht.
Orsik Vey
Serah Venn has crossed the boundary. The bout belongs to Jecht, though the Measure has recorded the cost in his flesh.
The ancient weapon's blue chains slacken around its hilt. The ancient weapon rises another handspan from the earth, its runes shining over Jecht, Serah, and the silent ring.