The air grew still. Luna's proposal was like a sharp blade, offering an escape route while simultaneously being held to Yanaki's throat. Elara and Sylva both sensed the tension, both looking to their master, awaiting a command.
Yanaki analyzed the situation with lightning speed.
Refuse the deal? That would mean facing a prolonged siege. Borg's party, other opportunists, and Luna herself. Her party was good at defending, but their resources and stamina were finite. They couldn't hold out forever. That was a path to almost certain failure.
Accept the deal? She would gain nearly a full day of peace. An invaluable amount of time to rest, to prepare, and most importantly, to complete the blacksmith's quest. The price was a one-on-one duel with Luna. A duel without Sylva, without Elara. A duel she had almost no chance of winning.
It was a gamble. A bet on her own abilities, on the progress she could make in the next 20 hours.
Yanaki lifted her head, looking directly into Luna's silver eyes. She saw no deception in them, only the cold pragmatism of a lone wolf. This was a person who abided by her own rules.
"I agree," Yanaki said, her voice surprisingly firm. "After the Memory Shard is bound, you and I will have a fair duel."
Luna gave a slight nod, a barely perceptible smile touching her lips. "A wise decision."
She said no more. She turned, leaped onto a nearby crumbled wall, and chose a spot with a commanding view. Her silver sword remained sheathed, but her very presence there was a more powerful deterrent than any weapon. She had become the unwilling guardian of her own prey.
Borg's party, watching from a distance, was completely baffled. Their leader let out an angry roar when he saw Luna, another formidable rival, acting as an ally to their target. Their plan was ruined. They didn't dare to attack with Luna there.
Yanaki had bought the precious time she needed.
"We have to go now," she said to her two companions. "Luna will guard this place. We must return to the Ancient Citadel, to see the blacksmith Balthus."
This was a bold decision. Leaving her temporary fortress now was a risk. But it was also the only opportunity. With Luna "cleaning up" any troublemakers and Borg hesitating, the path to the citadel would likely be safer than ever.
They moved quickly. Just as Yanaki predicted, no one bothered them on the way. They returned to the armory, where the spirit of Balthus was still diligently at his unfinished work. His form was more transparent than before, as if he were about to fade away.
Yanaki wasted no time. She placed the 3 [Broken Knight's Crests] and the [Heart of Courage] on the anvil.
The fire in Balthus's eyes blazed one last time. "Enough... It is finally enough!"
He swung his final hammer blows. The greatsword 'Legacy' took form, shone brilliantly, and then faded into nothingness, completing the blacksmith's dying wish.
"Thank you, child," Balthus said, his voice fading. "A promise is a promise. Choose. A weapon, or an armor?"
Yanaki thought. Another shield for Sylva would be great, but it would be useless in her one-on-one duel. She needed something for herself.
"Sir," she said respectfully. "Could you forge something for me? An item that can protect me, a gift from the souls I have helped."
Balthus looked at her for a long moment. "I only forge for the spirits of Erathos... but you, somehow, have become a part of this land. Your covenants with us run deeper than an oath."
He agreed. With the last of his energy, combined with the essence of the honor-steeped materials, Balthus forged one final item.
It wasn't a weapon or a suit of armor. It was a small silver pendant, shaped like a willow leaf, with a tiny golden crystal set in the center. It flew over and automatically fastened itself around Yanaki's neck.
"Wear it... to protect those who are worthy..." Balthus's voice faded into the air along with his spirit.
The forge fell silent.
Yanaki felt a warmth from the pendant. She used [Appraisal].
[Covenant Pendant of Erathos (Accessory - A-Rank)]
Defense: +50
Bonus Stats: +20 Spirit, +15 Agility.
Special Effect 1: [Echo of Souls]: Upon receiving a fatal blow, automatically consumes a large amount of MP to create a soul shield, completely blocking the attack. (Cooldown: 12 hours).
Special Effect 2: [Keeper's Boon]: Slightly increases the effectiveness of support and healing skills on covenanted familiars.
Requirement: Floor 1 "Reputation" must be at "Respected" rank.
An A-Rank piece of equipment. A life-saving item. This was the trump card she needed.
She clenched the pendant. The battle with Luna would still be incredibly difficult, but at least now, she had a glimmer of hope.
They left the citadel and returned to the ruined church. Time was still ticking, but now, Yanaki was no longer prey waiting to be slaughtered. She was a warrior, sharpening her blade, preparing for a fateful duel.