Pass the road.

Partway into the next day, your group reaches the main road that runs between Tolis and Avana. It's a well-maintained road that gets a decent amount of traffic, as it isn't only the only way between Avana and the capital, but it's also the only road that travels through the empire. Now that you think about it, the empire is definitely not all that large. It doesn't have tons of towns off branching roads, but instead a small group of towns along one main path. You wonder if it has anything to do with it being in a world of monsters. It can't be easy to have a secure civilization when outside of a city's walls you can run into goblins, demons, and all manner of hostile beasts.

This way is safe. Since it's travelled so often, and caravans are almost always escorted with guards of some sort, monsters with any intelligence dare not to come unless they really need to cross. You do feel the irony of that, being that it's exactly what you're doing.

As you near the road, you notice a large wagon being pulled by two black stallions. There are a few armed guards marching beside it as well. You choose not to engage. It's best to just keep walking and not even acknowledge it's there. The important thing in situations like these is to not draw attention to yourself. Look like you're meant to be there.

All is going well until you notice it stop ahead just as you step foot onto the road.

"What do we do?" Tom asks.

"Just keep walking--" you start to answer.

"Stop!" comes a voice. It's familiar.

A man steps out from the back of the wagon. He has perfect skin--silken smooth, just like his pale blue hair. Pointed ears protrude from the sides. He's dressed in the same gaudy golden armour as before, with a shield hooked over his back and a curved blade held within a decorated scabbard at his side. Sir Elyndar Imaeris, noble paladin--number two, right beneath Nyllia in fame. His vibrant blue gaze locks directly onto you as he moves forwards, stops, and reaches down to squeeze the handle of his weapon.

Two other figures hop out after him. The first is short with well-groomed green hair, a curly moustache, and a white coat. Next to him is a tall lady with green skin and two protruding fang-teeth that stick up from her lower lips--short, pointed ears, toned body. She's garbed in a leather breastplate and baggy linen trousers, and she has sandals on her feet, as well as metal knuckles around her hands.

No way. My luck can't possibly be this bad.

"Demon King Warren," he states. "It has been awhile, has it not? I had no clue what came of you after the ****. I do not know how a man such as yourself could be granted such an intimidating title, even after such a task, but certainly you have performed some dark, lecherous feats to earn it. I should not be surprised after what you did to me on the beach."

"Listen. We're just passing straight through. We aren't even going to Avana," you explain.

"That matters little. You have a bounty on your head, Demon King. And I would be a fool to not combat someone with a title such as yourself. It is my duty as a hero. Appropriate. One was slain, and now another is destined to fall already. I never wanted to kill you before, but for the good of the Empire, it must be done. Draw your weapon. You will not leave this road alive." The blade of his sword rings as he draws, and the sun's light reflects off the polished metal. Then he reaches back for his shield and begins to tie it around his wrist.

"Damn it," you curse under your breath. Though a fight wasn't your plan, you aren't falling here. You draw your sword as well. "So they tell you I'm bad, and you believe them that easily, huh? You'd think even you would listen to Lady Tesgella. Ask her. She was there with us."

"I do not need to listen to others. I have seen your ways. Trickery is the only way you could have reached the point you are at."

"Nyllia defeated the Flame General. The two of us were facing Sa'dis' army head-on. Honestly, you fought well too--"

"... Did you just call her Nyllia?"

You grin. "That's right. Two heroes fighting alongside each other. It was truly romantic."

"I was on my way!" he shouts. "Enough talk." He tugs the strap of his shield tight and squeezes the handle. "Duel me now. It is the honourable thing to do."

"If I'm a Demon King, then aren't I supposed to be dishonourable?"

"And do not try that dirty trick like last time! I have improved greatly since that day. And my guard was down."

Eva snickers. "I remember that. He made a mess of his trunks."

"They weren't really trunks," Delphi says. "He calls you lecherous, but he was the one trying to show off the goods."

Thomas looks around confused. "Am I missing something?"

"I said enough talk!" Elyndar points his weapon forwards. He's starting to get flustered. "You versus me. Right now."

As much as I'd like to kick his ass, I'd also really rather not do this. If his friends join in, and maybe even the guards, it could be dangerous for the party. Delphi is strong but all it would take it a single blow to knock her tiny body out. Eva needs time to cast spells. Thomas can probably fight up close or far, but he's also the lowest level member with us.