The Savage Brawl [Round 5: Battletopia]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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"Entrust the power of a vicious beast I know nothing about to someone who threatened me not ten minutes ago? Yes, I cannot see any possible downsides to that plan."

Ziirphael laughed.

"Yes, I suppose trust is in short supply here, isn't it? We've all been brought here to kill each other, and every one of us was chosen for our lack of morals. But, what would I gain from turning the beast against you?" Ziirphael suddenly grabbed Konka Rar, once more holding his blades to the lich's throat and chest cavity. "I believe our previous encounter demonstrated what I could do to you on my own if I deemed it necessary."

Konka Rar silently seethed, as Ziirphael withdrew his blades and continued. "But Ekelhaft is another matter. As you yourself pointed out, we will need to make use of every advantage at our disposal to eliminate it. And in this case, that means this beast."

"And if I were to reanimate it, then it would be less effective," Rar conceded. "The slime creature is resistant to magic, and so a non-magical beast would fare better against it. Insanity would be of little consequence to it, as it would simply attack ferociously. At a minimum, it would prove to be a valuable diversion."

"Precisely," Ziir said calmly. "You see the advantage in leaving it to me."

Rar seemed hesitant to reply. Finally, he spoke up.

"Very well. But I have one condition. I wish to see this beast for myself before you proceed, so that I may judge its capabilities."

"Still cautious, eh?" Ziir laughed. "I suppose I can't blame you. Fine."