...

Mikhael frowned at the sudden change of mood. 

	He knew this giant man was up to no good. He felt the gazes of lost leadership from around. He scowled. Why would he risk his ass for them now? After how they treated him? Typical. They would send the monsters to fight one another in their stead. His gloved fist clenched around his sword handle as he felt an anger rise from his throat. Even still, this one was dangerous. Looking at what he did to the large serpentine monster, who knows what he'll do to a lesser foe if they disappointed him. None of them quite had the skill to handle such a foe alone, let alone someone who destroyed it effortlessly. Perhaps all together they might be able to take down this new foe. But he found enmity in that thought. While he didn't care for the others as much, having people die under his command felt disgusting and careless. This man cannot learn of the Queen. She is undoubtedly beholding of immense strength having retained the sacred bloodline. But he powers have made her incredibly frail and sick physically. She was in no state to be handling duels. Their duty was equally to protect her well-being as it is to shield the people from otherworldly dangers of the outside. 

Despite his thoughts towards them, however, he was about to step out to face the challenger until Lucas made himself known. 

	He almost cursed aloud, his teeth clenching. The man had good intentions, perhaps trying to fix the wrongings of the past. But he stood no chance. Even unarmed, this giant clearly possessed an impressive source of Ki or Arcana. Without that ability, brute strength can only go so far in fighting the monsters of this world. The crueler side of him thought Lucas would be a worthy sacrifice for the cause, but seeing the worried looks from Henry and Lillian and the others, another piece of him saw sympathy in the martyr. 

Before conflict can arise, Mikhael called out. 

	"What do you mean by 'strongest'?" stepping up inquisitively, his eyes locked on the intruder. "That is a broad descriptive term. One could be 'strong' with magic. Or archery. Even pastry-making. Sure, Lucas would be the strongest in terms of physical strength, but would such a flavorless competition sate you? I can see it in your eyes. You want more. I know that feeling of [i]hunger [/i]very well."

He waited a response. 

...