A strange calm fell over the church hill. The siege was still theoretically ongoing, but in reality, it had become a pantomime. In the distance, Borg's party and a few other players were still watching, but no one dared to act. The one stopping them was a lone figure sitting on a crumbled wall, her silver sword resting across her lap, her eyes half-closed as if resting.
But everyone knew that silver wolf could strike at any moment. Luna was keeping her promise.
Inside the church, Yanaki utilized every single second. This was the most precious period of time she had gotten since entering the tower. No monsters, no immediate danger. Only time and preparation.
She knew she couldn't beat Luna with strength. She couldn't train to become a master swordswoman in 20 hours. But she could do what she did best: analyze and use her intellect.
"Luna is fast, strong, and incredibly skilled," she told herself while pacing back and forth in what would be their arena. "Her weakness is probably her defense. A single, well-aimed surprise attack could decide everything."
She needed an opportunity, even just for a moment. And if an opportunity didn't present itself, she would have to create one.
Yanaki's gaze swept across the floor of the ruined church. She memorized every loose brick, every cracked stone pillar, every small puddle of water left behind by the rain of memories.
"Sylva," she commanded. "That boulder, move it a little to the left, just enough to cover that small hole."
The Guardian Treant silently obeyed. It didn't create an obvious trap, just a minor change in the environment, a disturbance that only someone who had prepared beforehand would notice. For the next several hours, Yanaki directed Sylva to make dozens of such minuscule changes. A brick was made to stick up slightly. A path that looked safe now had ground that was a little softer than normal. She was turning Luna's arena into her own home ground.
Besides preparing the battlefield, she also trained. She didn't practice killing blows. She practiced evasion. Sylva became her sparring partner, continuously performing slow punches and swings, forcing Yanaki to move, to dodge, and to keep her balance on the very terrain she had arranged. Her agility gradually became more fluid and efficient.
During a short break, Elara floated to her side, her face full of worry.
"That duel... she is too strong. You don't have to do this, Yanaki."
Yanaki smiled, a tired but resolute smile. "I have to, Elara. This is the fastest path, and also the only way for me to truly move forward. This Tower doesn't just test strength; it tests one's will. I need to know... if someone like me, someone who relies on connections and tactics, can stand her ground. I need to prove it to myself."
Elara fell silent. She understood the determination in her companion's heart. All she could do was stand by her and trust her.
Time slowly ticked by. The countdown on Yanaki's interface showed only a few minutes remaining.
She had prepared everything she could. She stood up, feeling the warmth from the [Covenant Pendant of Erathos] on her neck. It was her protective charm, her trump card.
"Elara, Sylva," she said through the covenant, her voice incredibly serious. "Whatever happens, you two are not to interfere. This is my promise."
Both of her companions transmitted a feeling of worry, but above all, absolute faith in her decision.
Outside, Luna opened her eyes. She could feel that time was almost up. With a light jump, she landed in the empty courtyard in front of the church, her silver sword already in her hand.
The other players, including Borg's party, also held their breath, watching from a distance. They knew the main event was about to begin.
3... 2... 1...
Another floor-wide announcement rang out.
[The 24-hour period has ended. The [Shard of Sacrifice] has fully bound to Player 'Yanaki'. The siege is over!]
[Ultimate Quest: [Echoes of Memory] has been updated!]
[New Objective: Bring all 3 Memory Shards to the Observatory.]
The memory shard was completely hers. Now, it was time to fulfill her promise.
Luna walked into the church, stopping at a distance of ten meters. "The deal has been fulfilled," she said, her voice cold. "Now, for the duel."
She raised her silver sword, its tip aimed directly at Yanaki.
Yanaki took a deep breath to calm her pounding heart. She drew her dagger. Compared to Luna's sword, it looked tiny and mundane.
But behind that smallness was intellect, preparation, and the will of someone who never gives up.
She stepped into the arena of her own making. The fateful duel... began.