A Challenge | un: vainglorious (video)

[erschlagen]

Champions of foreign lands and worlds of names I have yet to know–hearken unto me!

[This video starts off with a bang! No, literally. There’s a loud explosion in the background as towering flames suddenly jut out from all corners of the arena forming an orange-red haze around the entire colosseum. For any unfortunate souls here, it’s going to feel hotter than hell but for others just watching from afar; you’re relatively safe for now. Those wild orange flames won’t scorch anyone as long as Rosen has control of them.

Oh, for those of you wondering who’s talking right now–that would be the dapper old bastard with the long flowing hair dressed in bright red and blue tunic standing at the center of the colosseum. Don’t ask how he’s managing to film the entire stunt. He’s just doing what he does best, causing a disturbance. It’s been a little too peaceful here and he’s bloody determined to change all that. If there’s one thing Rosen hates more is peace and quiet.]

Many of you proclaim to be warriors of realms I have yet to explore. Some of you even pretend to be likened to gods all for the sake of vanity and nothing else!

[It’s amazing how this crazed fellow can project his voice. He’s not talking into a microphone or anything. No, he’s literally projecting his voice throughout the entire colosseum over the roar of the fire. That actually takes talent and a lack of shame for being that damn LOUD! Then again, the colosseum has great acoustics.]

Therefore, I challenge you!

[In a flash of brilliant white light, a magical fiery red spear suddenly appears within his right hand. He dramatically points it towards the direction of the camera, making sure that this prized relic is on display for all to see. While it might come into question as of how he’s recording all this, Rosen at least knows how to put on a good show.]

I am called Rosenkrantz, and I formally challenge every capable warrior and legend here to face in armed combat! Only the strong need to apply for those without strength will be turned at the gate!

[He’s not kidding either. If he finds any of you fools lacking, he’ll toss you out of the colosseum on your ass. That is an unspoken rule here.]

With that said, if you seek a worthy challenge–then face me.

[And just like that, the footage goes black.]

Comments

[tabulacombusit]

[Phoenix grimaced as her fist impacted the haft of the spear, but inhaled and vomited a stream of fire in Rosenkrantz's face like she was a dragon. Even if he was fireproof, it would still hopefully blind him for the moment she needed to make her next move.

And so it went, as they bounced back and forth across the coliseum. Each of them would sometimes briefly get the upper hand, but that fact of the matter was they were both fireproof, both incredibly strong, and both could regenerate from most wounds in seconds. Phoenix never got physically tired but after a while, she wasn't sure how long, she was finding it a little hard to focus. And, as far as she could tell, he might be starting to lose his focus a bit too.]

[erschlagen]

[That little fire breathing trick managed to blind Rosen momentarily to give Phoenix the upperhand. However, the window of opportunity is quickly closing the moment he dashes away from her. His regenerative abilities are second to none here but even so, he’s getting rather fatigued.

This is truly a battle of attrition. For every little gain either of them make in this battle, it’s instantly snatched away the second one of them manages to gain the high ground. It’s like an ongoing tug of war, one that doesn’t seem to have an ending in sight. At this rate, Rosen will never know which of them is stronger since they seem so evenly matched.

And to be frank, he’s too tired to care anymore.]

ENOUGH!

[He stabs his spear into the concrete with a thunderous boom that echoes throughout the colosseum. Hopefully this will be enough to get Phoenix’s attention. The last thing he wants is another knuckle sandwich like earlier. His jaw still aches a little after taking such a punch.]

You’ve proven yourself beyond worthy.

[tabulacombusit]

[Phoenix HAD been running after him in the hopes of socking him through a wall, but she skidded to a halt when she actually processed what he was saying, coming to a stop a few yards away. She stood there, panting slightly and not saying anything for a moment as she wiped the soot off her face with her forearm.

What SHOULD she say right now? What would Mona say? Well, Mona wouldn't have been doing this in the first place, but maybe something like "You're pretty tough yourself for an old geezer!"

Maybe Phoenix would edit it slightly.]

...You're not so bad yourself. When I realized I was the only Cosmic Will here, I thought that would make me the strongest person here, but I can see this might not be the case.

[erschlagen]

[Thank the stars she didn’t call him an old geezer. That would’ve only further sparked his competitive edge. Rosen typically has a difficult time admitting defeat but lest they want to wreck this beautiful colosseum, they better stop while they’re ahead. He doesn’t have enough gold to pay for repairs and he doubts that Phoenix does either. However, he does have enough gold to offer the young warrior a much needed drink if she so inclines.

The only Cosmic Will here? [He can’t help but arch his brow a little. Is that what she is? The Cosmic Will of the Stars? That certainly wins a look of intrigue from this flamboyant old fellow.] I cannot claim to have ever battled an opponent like you before but I quite enjoyed it.

[Rosen lets out a faint chuckle as he leans forward for a proper handshake. No hard feelings, right?]

You’re far stronger than I ever imagined.