The older man's voice rang out, sharp and absolute.
"One more move—and I will consider it a declaration of war against the Daewyth Fiefdom."
Silence fell over the battlefield.
Then, from behind them, Nioh stepped forward. The swirling needles above him spiraled back into formation, folding into the umbrella on his back.
"I am Nioh Glev," he said evenly, his tone calm but carrying the weight of a nation. "Son of the Absolute Monarch."
His gaze locked with the Shurima leader's.
"I want to see your Monarch."
The leader's spear dropped with a soft thud as she clapped, slow and mocking. Clap. Clap. Clap.
"You played me well," she said, eyes narrowing. "Deliberately leaking hints of your identity, just enough to make me hesitate until the very last second."
A smirk curved her lips.
"Nice strategy... but do you really think this little detachment is enough to make a Shurima Guardian submit?"
