It was now up to brute force, they stood, panting. Seperated out of arms reach by only a few inches. Staring into the others eyes, they surveyed the chances of sucess. Whilst Ragnarok understood he'd have to bring all strength in and render a crushing blow, Vashio realised he'd have to complete a stunning blow to defeat his enemy. Suddenly, they both leaped forwards, slogging with weapons. Vashio amazingly parried the brute axe as it wildly darted forth, and Ragnarok surprisingly withstood a piercing blow to the shoulder. Vashio struck at Ragnaroks head, but a fake slash and a handful of fist later, Vashio was back against the wall. His Halberd lay to his side, but Ragnarok came charging forwards. Vashio could almost see the veins of his opponent blistering forth from it's flesh through the armour, as the Chosen was clearly in a rage. The Axe came at Vashio in a deadly force, but the instinct of Vashio forced him to duck, and the wall behind him was partially shattered by the roaring impact. Ragnarok blundered forwards from the wild slash, allowing Vashio to get a well placed shot to the head, clearly dazing him and sending him crashing to the ground. Vashio had to regain his breath, he was forced onto the defensive through out the battle, from the furiously dangerous attacks his opponent put forth. The Chosen regained it's footing though. "Dark Elf!" It's voice hissed, "The end is nigh!" With a terrible roar, it rose it's axe. Vashio quickly grabbed his Halberd and took to an attack stance. With an earth crunching impact the Warriors faced off again, Vashio managed to put in the most damage, evening the scale, yet his leg stung bitterly. Suddenly, both Warriors struck each other. As Ragnaroks hilt smashed Vashios helmet, Vashios Halberd crunched against Ragnaroks undamaged shoulder, shattering it open in the process. Ragnarok staggered back as Vashios light body fell to the ground. Ragnarok struggled to regain movement of his arm, the shoulder plating had apparently richocheted into his shoulder. Meanwhile, The Elf struggled to stand up again, his leg was weakened severely, and that last hit had dulled his senses. The pain made him groan, and apart from the constant curses Ragnarok shot out, Vashio could be heard muttering to himself, in his own language. Out of sheer determination, both regained their posure, and in one last attempt dived forth. The Impact deafened everyone, armour and bone crashing in a barrage to the death, both staggered back, but rose their weapons once more. "Heh." Vashio grinned, his Halberd to the bloody Ragnaroks throat. Ragnarok snorted, only then did Vashio notice the large axe at his own red, blistered throat. "I'll kill you, if you make a move!" Ragnarok belched out, "And before you do that you large scum, my Halberd will take off your head!" The Druchii stiffened in reply. Both heads turned to face Malifact, eager to kill the other yet aware of a draw.

Ragnarok stood there almost in shock, his axe-head against his foe's neck was nothing new but to have his foe's halberd against his was something quite unexpected and different. He kept his gaze fixed on Malifact but inside his head his thoughts were in turmoil. Just who was this Druchii, he was not only powerful but entirely on par with Ragnarok himself. He knew that this was a formidable opponent and would be a great ally but even so he felt anger at having drawn against this Dark Elf. If he managed to extricate himself he knew that this would be a long-standing rivalry to finally decide who was the greater warrior. Despite his inner turmoil he continued to exude a calm exterior and waited for Malifact's decision.

Malifact saw their heads turn in his direction, weapons at each others throats. The colour of his eyes were incalculable and he just let the pair stand their with their weapons still drawn. It gave him time to observe them even more. By now, he was sure he had the measure of these two and decided that they would definately go through to the trials. Then he would see who would return. There was of course no doubt: they would not come out unchanged. Malifact raised his hand lazily, but with an air of absolute command. The both straightened up and returned to their seats. It seemed like Malifact had become a part of the high chair he was sitting on, and so when he stood up everyone looked at him. He strolled around the table to the spot where Ragnarok and Vashio had just fought. As he passed, those who sat around him were momentarily engulfed in his black aura and faint noises and shaped appeared in the corner of their vision. He stood at the spot and drew his sword. It hummed balefully as he swung it through the air nonchalantly. It's single bleary eye stared out every one at the table. "I must say, I am rather bored." Malifact said, with an edge of tiredness in his voice. "Anyone care to spar with me?"

Ragnarok felt weary as he returned to his seat, he wasn't dead so that must be good but he hadn't defeated his opponent so he didn't know where he stood in this. Wearily Ragnarok closed his eyes and then he started to feel a burning sensation in his injured limbs. Just as it got to an almost unbearable level it suddenly cut out and Ragnarok opened his eyes and looked down at his armour. To his complete astonishment his armour had been completely fixed, not even a blemish remained where it had been rent by Vashio. He slowly stood up in disbelief and flexed his arms and legs, they weren't even stiff from his exertions. Ragnarok turned to face Malifact;"Well it seems my God wants me to be in fighting condition for some unknown purpose. Therefore Malifact I shall spar with you if you would honour me."

Vashio was like Ragnarok. For some unknown reason, he was completely healed. "Therefore, i shall spar with you, if you will honour me." Those were the words Ragnarok said. Not to be outdone, Vashio stood up. "And so shall i." He flatly said, lowering his Halberd. Malifact looked at them amusedly.

"Come at me" Malifact whispered. And so Ragnarok and Vashio leapt forward and slashed in wide arcs. Malifcat raised his hand and out of nowhere there appeared a massive, black shield. It was wrapped in chains and adorned with trophies of all sorts. Their strikes made metallic thuds as they hit off the shield and Ragnarok and Vashio both leapt back, with battle in their eyes. Malifact remained standing where he was. Again, the pair leapt forward, this time with coordinated precision. Vashio swept his halberd under Malifact's feet and Ragnarok went for a decapitating strike with his sword howling through the air. Malifact's eyes flashed a brilliant white which blinded them for a brief second, but the weapons had gained momentum now and there was no stopping them. When they regained their sight a fraction of a second later Malifact still stood there, but it seemed as if the weapons had just passed straight through him. Vashio gave a growl and struck Malifact again with his halberd, but Malifact parried it with his sword and a fluid wrist motion. Ragnarok and Vashio started attacking more and more, with great speed and fervour and Malifact was slowly being pushed back to the door. As he blocked, Malifact's eyes were still no colour. He gave no sign of the fact he was in a battle and simply continued to block and slowly be pushed back. But as Malifact's back reached the door he no longer gave any ground. With a mighty bat of his wings, Vashio and Ragnarok were shoved backwards and hit against the table. Malifact strode forward and let his sword crackle menacingly. His whole demeanour was changing. He allowed a portion of his power to manifest itself and it surrounded his body in the form of red electricity. The atmosphere in the room changed dramatically, and everyone felt their skin crawl. Faint laughter, though cracked and hysterical, seemed to come from the aura surrounding him. His eyes positively blazed crimson, and it cast a light in the entire room in front of him. Still he advanced and Ragnarok and Vashio braced.

They'd have to act. Vashio darted to the left, whilst Ragnarok charged furiously. As the Sol Invictus crashed with the Chosen, the Elf swung succesfully downwards, striking Malifact dead on in the head. The powerful mortal yelled out in frustration as he faltered, and another slash from Ragnarok sent him crashing back into the wall. Vashio peered at Ragnarok, and nodded, Ragnarok snorted and advanced, with Vashio challenging all of Malifacts senses and ability at the flank. Malifact was raising when Ragnarok grabbed a cheap shot and kicked the Sol Invictus in the head. With a windy impact Malifact crashed further into the wall. Vashio took his chest and smashed Malifact on his sword arm. Malifact rose, he blocked swipe after slash with his deamonic shield, and with a succesful bash, sent Vashio hurling across the room. Turning in uneven anger towards Ragnarok, he breathed deeply, and his sword screamed. Then he started to advance.

Ragnarok leapt at Malifact to keep him distracted whilst Vashio regained his footing and rejoined the fight. Entering a berserk rage to match Malifact's Ragnarok attacked Malifact with all the skill he had but even so every strike was anticipated and blocked. Just as Malifact gained the upper hand Vashio darted behind and kicked him in the back of his knees. With a strangled cry Malifact well forwards and smashed his shield into Ragnarok's helmet. Ragnarok fell backwards from the force and just about regained his balance as he saw Malifact turn on Vashio who was slowly retreating into a corner. Ragnarok charged again into the melee and slashed at the back of Malifacts armour between his wings. With a howl of rage Malifact spread his wings and smashed Ragnarok back again then he reached out and lifted Vashio and threw him backwards onto Ragnarok. They both sprang up and readied themselves for Malifact's next attack. Malifact let out a deep laugh and prepared himself to attack the two warriors.

Vashio jumped and slid happily through Malifacts legs and ended up behind the biggun'. Ragnarok nodded and jumped forth again, bu Malifact was aware of Vashios presence, and hitting Ragnarok into a wall, turned around to face the elf. With a sudden smash, Vashio was literally smashed through a wall, and fell some distance onto the courtyard. His back was stiff, yet when he stood up it clicked and was normal again. Before he could move, the massive figure of Ragnarok followed him through the hole, forming a crater upon landing. Malifact them flew from the hole, his tainted wings flapping as he stared down upon the startled Warriors. With a hellbending screach he flew down. Ragnarok was quick and jumped upon Malifact, bringing him down to the ground. But it was to no avail as the Sol Invictus propelled him into the air, and he crashed through a statue. Vashios halberd was out of site, probably still in the room, and he drew his sword. Malifact rose slowly, his eyes fixing upon Vashio. He knew both the Elf and Chosen could take a serious battering, and stepped back. "I'll finish it now!" The enraged Malifact muttered, his Sword glowing. Vashio narrowed his eyes, and charged. The Swords merely glanced each other, and Vashio felt the force of Malifacts malicious weapon, as it sent a vibration to Vashios hand. The Druchii stepped back, readying himself.

Inside the council room, Cysania and Khain were more than a litte surprised. It was totally unheard of for the Sol Invictus to enter a rage such as that. Thier eyes were fixed upon the hole in the wall, and their ears strained, listening for signs of the battle. They still showed no sign of emotion down, and kept a calm, emotionless demeanour. Little did they know that Malifact was sitting in the high chair, his goblet in his hand swilling the red substance inside. "Yes" He said, as if making an observation. "A little trick I've taken to playing on the new recruits." Crysania and Khain snapped their heads around to face him, and Malifact noted the expressions on their faces. Calm even in the face of such a surprise. Another good quality. "The warrior they are fighting is none other than a man named Mhelkon. Or should I say, a his soul. He owes me a...debt. And what better way to repay it than to serve Invicto? Whether he wants to or not." There was a very brief flicker of red in his eyes as he spoke. Reaching down, Malifact took a helm from beneath the table and placed it in front of him. "This is Mhelkon" He said mutely. It became apparent that inside the helm was a severed head. The helm was largely featureless except for the two horns that sprouted from the temples. It was made from what appeared to be black metal, and the eye slits were narrow and menacing. "Mhelkon enjoyed a brief period of prosperity from the True Gods, and he did indeed earn it. But one thing, however, was not earned. It was taken." Malifact emphasised the last word with a strange longing. "He was given a sword by a sorceror named Rek'lats. Rek'lats had summoned a newly born Daemon Prince into this sword and gave it to Mhelkon. But so it was that the pair sowed their own downfall. The daemon inside had a certain amount of influence, and it had means of communicating without Mhelkon knowing. The daemon struck a bargain with a certain entity named Var'thek. The pair used their influence to lure Mhelkon to Var'thek, and so Mhelkon died. And the Daemon was freed from the sword. Though no longer a daemon." Malifact paused to look at his hands and his fingers bent into shaking fists. "The daemon, in his infinite rage and bitter hatred, struck the head from Mhelkon's dead shoulders. And here the head is now. It has travelled with me for decades, never decaying. Perhaps sustained by Mhelkon's soul which is trapped inside. And now he does my bidding." Malifact said, falling silent. After a few moments Malifact clicked his fingers and there was a great agonising scream from outside. "More! Give me more...time! I can kill them!" A voice bellowed. "No, no. You've proven you're ill equipped to put two recruits in a position where you can kill them. Clearly you need more time to reflect." Malifact said, his voicing turning harsh and angry. There was a man's scream which turned high pitched and unnatural and a gust of black smog shot through the hole and across the table, into the head. The severed head within twitched violently then came to a rest.

Ragnarok stood there, he could taste the dark magic in the air and in an instant knew that he was not fighting Malifact, it was some other being. He recalled how he'd been fighting for his life, Vashio and himself working together to finally gain the upper hand against 'Malifact' when he vanished in a cloud of smog. Ragnarok and Vashio looked round quite puzzled and then went and climbed back up through the hole in the wall. Ragnarok walked through and sat down on his chair and looked at Malifact; "A most interesting trick you have there Sol Invictus I should love to hear how you do it." Vashio went past and smirked at Ragnarok before addressing Malifact; "As would I"

Khain chuckled. There was a certain strain behind it, and even as he did so he unconsciously placed a hand across the tattoo on his chest. The energies released by Mhelkon's return to his physical remains had broken Khain's concentration momentarily, and the marks on his body burned. He regain control in an instant, but he could see that Malifact had noted this sign of weakness. Khain took a breath, and leant back once more. "And what now? I assume we wait." he murmured.

"Impressive Malifact, i must say," said Crysania, pleased to see her commander's great strenght. "Yenlui lathain thanan arhain thalui. If i should try to translate it: The wrath of chaos hides secret power." She now turned to the recruits. "I am pleased to see such power hidden in you two too. You almost beated Mhelkon. You two have a very large potential. Dark One, if i may speak on my own behalf i think they both earned a place in Invicto Incarnate. You can see the strenght of their arms and the hatred in their eyes. And still they managed to work together." As Crysania finished, she leaned back, looking on Malifact.

Vashio leant back comfortably in his chair, his mind racing over the encounter outside. He glanced at Ragnarok, and their eyes met. They nodded grudgingly to the other, knowing that they had both saved each others life. "Malifact," The Druchii spoke, "Before you do tell us the answer to the previous question, will we be fighting Mhelkon again? I'm sure Ragnarok would like to kill it as much as i, considering it nearly killed us." Ragnaroked laughed chillingly. "Nearly killed you, you mean. Elf." Vashios eyes flickered across the room, "Explains how you were thrown threw a statue, momentarily losing your conciousness. And how you took heavier hits due to your lumbering form." Ragnarok stood up in front of the insult. "Is that a challenge!?" He bellowed. Vashio stood up, Halberd in hand. "So it can talk," Vashio chuckled to himself, "I'm surprised you worked it out." Ragnarok, registering duel insults, went to draw his Sword. "Calm down!" Malifacts voice echoed.

"Sit" Malifact commanded, and Vashio and Ragnaroks chairs rammed into the back of their legs, forcing them to be seated. "Vashio" Malifact said, his gazing boring into the Druchii "Although Mhelkon is weak, he is still very useful. And besides, if you ever fought him again, the chances are that you would both die. He learns, and he knows how you both fight now. You need to be stronger first. And by the Gods, you have come to the right place if you want more strength." Malifact said, talking to everyone now. He turned to Crysania. "As for these two joing Invicto. The first few fights were merely a bit of fun. When more arrive, the trials will begin. It is there where they will truly be tested. Their strength of arms, their strength of mind, and finally, their true loyalty. And of course, I expect everyone to participate."