Ple-Sen
As the only Northerner who had the honor of fighting against the knights of Deus in the tournament, Alaria had ample time to study the fighting styles of her future opponents and draw the appropriate conclusions. She used this experience to formulate a plan for the upcoming battle, simultaneously shedding light on the strengths and weaknesses of the capital's warriors to her comrades from Sordard. It was abundantly clear that the opponents were in no way inferior to them in strength, while having a noticeable advantage in terms of maneuverability — no matter how Catharsis looked at it, the first blow would definitely be struck on her command. She had to play defensively, relying on the enemy's overconfidence and potential mistakes.
This approach bore fruit, and Lester's emergence in the rear of the defensive formation came as no surprise to the Tanarsian — she had counted on it. Unfortunately, even caught in a trap, Dawnsteel did not lose his swiftness, and, bleeding profusely, still managed to fend off a group attack. However, he did not last long after that and soon fell to Rezara's blade. One of the most dangerous knights of Deus and the tournament victor fell, having only managed to take a horse with him. Could a better trade have been devised? Such success, coupled with the mighty figure of the titan leading them into battle, could not help but inspire.
At one point, Catharsis even thought she saw Gloomy Sky's face twisted into a grimace of desperate rage. As if he had panicked when Hegemony failed to break through Perfection's masterful defense on his first charge. Even though, in the end, Ambrose succeeded and managed to slay not only Lorican but also, apparently, Rezara, who was reveling in her victory. Though perhaps the warrior's inexperience played a part here, as she had not yet fully adapted to fighting against humans.
Fortunately, Crushing Blow was in no way inferior to the poet-warrior and fully lived up to his proclaimed title. Where Ambrose slew Perfection, there Gingkink, with his mighty sword, scattered the dark clouds of Gloomy Sky. Where Hegemony avenged Lady Sanjore for the sword stained with his blood, there the dashing Northern warrior put an end to his opponent's dominance. By the end of the battle, only Serene Bliss remained standing among the capital's knights, humbly observing the proceedings from the far end of the arena. Perhaps the most enigmatic of the four.
This time, Alaria herself also had the chance to shine. Throughout the fight, the opponents seemed to deliberately avoid her, understanding that she would not be so easily overcome. Only Yin was an exception, swiftly galloping in her direction. Catharsis did not step aside, instead using the momentum the opponent had built up against him. The elegant jian struck her shield, causing no visible harm to its target or even her armor. Gloomy Elegy, however, hit its mark precisely, draining the opponent's strength with a single blow. A somewhat disappointing, but final, outcome.
"My Lady Sanjore, my Lords Daleosid and Ardelisot," the Tanarsian addressed her comrades, "I am most delighted to finally have the opportunity to fight alongside you, shoulder to shoulder. It is heartening to see that Tezoth's shield is served by the best of the best."
After this, she turned to the defeated.
"You fought honorably, my lords. With knights such as you, Her Majesty need fear none of the monsters of Regret."