Chapter 34: Great Families Final

Apollo Kan was one of the greatest heroes the Empire has ever seen. He was the one who removed Radix Doom’s head from his body. He was the first of Empress Chiara’s supporters and followers. He was the one who traveled to the city of Redcoomshi where he received a bloodline that helped shifted the outcome of the war. He was amongst the first to become a magi-human. Right behind him were the Ten. What is now commonly called in the western dukedom the ten great families. The ones who travel beside Apollo. Some he met on the journey to Redcoomshi, others were the first volunteers for the magi-human transformation. Lionheart, Frama, Lord, Nightingale, Lance, Core, Loft, Grand, Manick, Corba. Perhaps they aren’t on the level of Apollo, but He said it best. ‘Without those ten I would not be the hero I am today. Surely, I would have died, and my corpse rotted in a ditch somewhere. Those ten… those ten are the reason I could go farther, do more, be MORE.’

Excerpt taking from Tales of Dragons and Gods. Biography of Apollo Kan.

My body was screaming in pain, yet my armor remained in pristine condition, but I could not say the same for what was inside of it. My shield protected much of my chest and face. This was the second time I was burned. Ken Shouryu was the first. Right here right now I promised there would not be a third. My arrogance had cost me. Koama Lionheart deflated while the power of tier six radiated from her. The hillside and much of the land we fought on were in ashes. Miles of destruction all around us. She used this opportunity against me to breakthrough. I shouldn’t allow this to be a common occurrence. My cousin was one thing but this?

“Yield.”

She stood a bit away, but her voice sounded smug. The flames on her blade dissipated. This was the exact position she was in moments ago. Something in me snapped.

My body and mind moving in tandem. Faster than Koama could react my hand was around her throat lifting her from the ground. At the same moment, the Dean of Ash chose to appear staring over my shoulder like the grim reaper.

“Ashes spark to life, let your body be its kindle.”

I could visibly see the mana, essence and other things drain from Koama and into me. I don’t know what came over me and, in a moment, I tossed the girl from my grasp my body healed and hers on the brink of extinction.

“Shit.”

I rushed quickly pulling Koama’s helmet off and summoning a greater potion. Something I thought I’d never need but kept ready just in case. The girl wasn’t breathing. My aura extended I could feel the others rushing over. I poured the flask down into her mouth, but the life-saving liquid stayed there. My mind raced and I did the next solution I could think of. Pressing my lips against hers and blowing. Forcing the liquid down and once it was through, I gave a mighty thump into the area where her heart and magi core were located.

My lips pressed against hers ready to deliver another dosage. As the others arrived using various means taking what felt like an eternity to me but were just a few seconds. Just as I was about to bang on Koama’s chest again. She gasped her hand reaching out and stopping my arm poised to strike.

“Bastard you killed me!”

I sat back in exhaustion and we both laid there getting our breathing under control. Right before the others arrived, I don’t know who started laughing first but the both of us were smiling and letting out a full-blown cackle.

“That was amazing. I can wait to show this off back home,” Aisha gushed as she flew over us swiftly from one to the other.

“Congratulations on your breakthrough,” I spoke sitting up to address Koama. Slowly made my way to my feet and picked up my dropped ax.

“Thank you, that should teach you a lesson in never underestimating your opponent’s even if they are weaker than you.”

Koama let out a brilliant smile that faltered as I held my ax blade in her direction.

“Yield,” I said while removing my helmet showing off a similar but savage grin. The same one my father and Aunt Ahana used to give me.

Koama's eyes widen before they began to twinkle her expression unknown to me.

“It seems this Lionheart has lost her way. Thank you, Young Lord Aegis Kan for returning me to the right path.”

I had a reputation to uphold and the orb in Aisha's hand hadn’t escaped my star-lit eyes. I flipped my locs towards her direction and winked.

“And cut! I’ve always wanted to produce an orb movie. It’s too bad I missed your first two battles, but I have the rest for safekeeping.”

“Truly, well fought,” I said to Koama extending my hand out. She grasped it and I pulled her to her feet.

She stood there clasping my arm while silently staring at me contemplating.

“Become my man.”

Before I could fully process her words, I heard a squeal from Aisha and an outraged cry that sounded like Ittane’s voice. The group was a bit away giving us space after seeing that we were fine.

A light-hearted chuckle escaped from my lips, and I gave Koama a response.

“That is not my decision to make but I like your directness.”

They say warriors can exchange a thousand words through a few traded blows. So far everything about Koama had been direct even with my initial interactions with her when meeting in the war room. This was unexpected but I began to understand her from her actions during the battle and now. Koama Lionheart was a very direct person.

“Whose decision is it? You’ve already taken my first kiss.” This time I watch as Koama blushed. She was cute, beautiful to be honest and the freckles were a plus for me, but it was not my decision to make.

“Most likely my mothers.”

She frowned slightly, “I have heard much about Lady Keala. You can put in a good word for me when she considers your marriage prospects.”

I just smiled in response. The tiredness of the battle fully caught me. Even after absorbing the energy from Koama.

“Later you will have to tell me of this strange magic of yours. It is a powerful ability.”

“I don’t mind letting you have access as Princess Moriah and my vassal state the Last Kingdom already have begun its usage.”

By the time we made it back to camp, I was exhausted the destruction we wrought was being dealt with by the troops that followed behind us. Preventing any more fires from spreading. I barely made it to my tent and pulled my armor into its spatial space before I was lights out. Hopefully by tomorrow and the day after I would be done with this detour and headed to the capital to rejoin my cousin before she set off. The reason I was rushing this in the first place. I did not want Amaya to be alone on the battlefield without me to watch her back. With thoughts of family and new friends, I drifted off.

***

Early the next morning I found myself back to full health and capacity. The aches and pain from the previous day vanished. I exited my tent and made my way to the large fire the nobles of the Empire were sitting at. There were nobles present in the force that Gloria led but we didn’t bother much with them only Gloria in truth. Something that I hoped to rectify but not now. Now I was nearly starving my body crying out for resources.

As I made my way towards the others, I was surprised to see a glaring Koama.

“Is there something on my face?” I asked as I took a seat on the lush carpet laid out for me upon my arrival.

“No, and that’s the problem.”

She had heavy bags underneath her eyes as she glared at me.

“Koama here is mad that you look like you’ve had the best sleep of your life and not even a single blemish from your battle. Her ribs are still righting themselves. Although I imagine they should be fully healed by later today. Perhaps this afternoon depending on how far the crystallization of her heart has progressed.”

Aisha’s cheery voice spoke up pausing in her meal to alert me of the problem.

“You can say it is a perk of the magic I’m introducing to the Empire. Faster healing, more mana, reduced damage and so much more. If you’d like you can access it once I finish collecting the rest of the great families.”

I couldn’t believe the words that just came out my mouth but as I looked at the tired Koama something in me just let go. The pair looked at me curiously just as Ittane Corba emerge from her tent looking flawless. She beelined in our direction and a carpet was placed on my left for her to sit on. To my right was Koama. A platter of assorted meats, fruits, and loaves of bread was presented to me, and I ate with gusto. Only pausing to greet Ittane as she joined us. She was the last of the six Imperials. Across from me sat a silently eating Moriah and to her left was Ryon while Danica sat to the left of him.

“What should I know about our remaining great families?” The question was open not directed at anyone in particular. Surprisingly it was Danica who spoke. Her voice had a rough husky quality to it. Danica Core was also magi-human and as tall as me. Currently, she focused on Path of the Body and was tier five as most of her peers were.

“Danif Framra is my cousin and uses the unique magic erosion. One of the unique magic’s you can get from the earth, air, and water combining into one. Be careful he doesn’t melt your pretty masterwork equipment.” She when quiet after stating her piece. The others gave me a few tips on the remaining five.

Danif Framra, Judd Lance, Bella Nightingale, Frenda Lord, and Ezekiel Manick were my final targets. Danif and Ezekiel's occupied territories were on today’s agenda and if they didn’t give me too much trouble, I would make my way to Frenda before stopping for the night.

Camp broke and we made our way towards the city occupied by Danif. After two hours of running the city finally appeared in the distance. Just as I was halting my troops to stop, we came upon figures camped next to the roadside. Two of the figures approached and I recognized them as Danif and Ezekiel. They both gave an Imperial salute before Danif began to speak.

“We’ve heard word of your actions and don’t deem it necessary to participate in your challenge games. Although we would like an explanation on what is going on with this expedition and our future plans once these challenges of yours are complete.”

I could hear a disappointed groan come from Aisha.

“Frenda Lord has also sent word that she doesn’t wish to participate in an honor challenge. She should be camped outside the territory she once occupied.”

This time it was Ezekiel who spoke. My plans changed I would push my troops hard today hopefully by the early evening we could make it to Judd Lance’s territory and if I could swiftly defeat him. I could finish this troublesome matter by the end of today.

*

Judd Lance was waiting silently outside the city of Rosella. He was seated on top of what was a golem constructed in the shape of a horse a blue glow coming from its chest. An extremely expensive product to build, maintain, and produce. A heavy lance was resting in his right-hand tip gently resting in the ground while a massive shield was in the other.

Behind me were eight of the ten great families. Some of the members I had begun friendly relations with. While the three I originally planned to challenge today chose to back down instead. So why was it that Judd Lance was still standing here to oppose me? I didn’t understand their ploy and the angle they were coming from. They hadn’t killed but only captured the members of the northern nobility. From Ryon Grand to Frenda Lord none of them had caused any major harm. So, what was their ploy? What was the point in going against me like this? Or was this some type of misunderstanding? Hopefully, when I captured Bella Nightingale we would find out. The aura of a rank six spread out from Judd and I chose now to speak.

“You have lost your way from the fight path. Let me return you to the proper way. I challenge you, Judd Lance your honor is in question.”

“Hmph, I think it is not I who should be in question. Since before this journey began you have not properly interacted with the great families. How will you rule once you become the Lord of the Wall and Duke of the West? Enough words. Begin!”

Like an activation of some sort, the stationary golem underneath him began a trot in my direction picking up speed to a run and then outright galloping towards me. Judd Lance aimed directly for my chest. What he said was right. I had done my best to stay away from the nobles of the west and interacted with them as seldom as possible. A mistake that I was currently rectifying but with the matters of the Nox on the doorstep of the last kingdom I did not have the current time to fully come to terms with the great families. I did not have time to fight this out while coming closer to completing my mission.

The spell constructs that I began building the moment I laid eyes on Judd and his stead roared to life. Two spells came out one after the other.

“|Earthen Walls|.”

Giant walls erupted between me and Judd blocking his vision of me and the second spell that erupted. The second spell took effect and I moved to dash swiftly off the road and into the grass area headed towards the beginnings of a forest in the distance. Behind me, Lance burst through several walls only to see me off in the distance. Going against a ride on horseback would be one of the dumbest mistakes I could make. I was only happy Judd hadn’t bonded to a beast and could only use a golem in substitution until he could find a beast to bond with.

The pair were gaining and right before I could make it to the distant forest my senses screamed to be a warning. Not hesitating I activated Adventurer’s Grit knowing that its new level of power would protect me alongside my armor itself. During my battle with Koama, I had received a notification of it advancing a rank. It was only this morning that I got the opportunity to know what the new level of my perk did. Even still I jumped twisting around and using my shield and ax to block the piercing blow of Judd. Kinetic energy became absorbed as I was sent flying. A few things happened at once as I brought time for the effects of my second spell to arrive. My mana drained significantly. I shot off into the distance and into the forest that would soon be destroyed. Judd paused in surprise as his weapon seemed to do no damage to me. A flying Aisha waved at me high in the air above me.

I smashed through the forest like a meteor destroying several dozen trees and animals that crossed my path only coming to a stop after I slammed into a hill destroying it in the process. My armor draining itself down.

Judd was strong, not stronger than me but with the reach of his weapon, and because of his mount Judd Lance held an advantage over me. One that he would hold if I could survive for a few more minutes. Even with my advanced strength.

My eyes harden as I removed myself from the destruction and eyed the figure in the distance. Judd had no pulled back in that blow. If I was hit without my perk and masterwork equipment protecting me, I would either be dead or severely injured.

“I can see all weakness before me, and all shall provide to my insight.”

Judd began to head in my direction slowly picking up the necessary speed to deliver a blow like the one I just took.

I stood still activating my bloodline and just as quickly pulled it in towards my weapon. Anger at the killing blow directed at me fueled me with new strength. I didn’t bother to activate my ashes because I never planned to stay in the range of Judd in the first place. What was coming down would be catastrophic and demonstrate my might once again.

My ax glowed bright crimson light drowning out the light of the evening sun, bathing my surroundings in its glow. I wanted more power and let almost every ounce of my mana be left to reinforce the weapon. Judd was only meters away when I did this, and his lance was once again aimed for a killing blow. But I could see his weakness my heels dug into the ruined ground underneath me stabilizing myself just a bit more as the lance struck my shield but was redirected. My arm shattered and intense pain radiated through my mind, but the brightly crimson ax struck at the blue glow coming from the chest of the golem and released its payload in the same instants.

Blinding light and the roar of an explosion sent me flying and wrenching my weapon from my hands.

It took me a minute to reorientate myself. My arm screamed in protest as I used my remaining good arm to righten my body.

“Shit.”

A bit away was my ax. Slowly my ears ringing I pulled myself to my feet and hobbled towards it retrieving the weapon. My power normally didn’t affect or hurt me as most spells and attacks wouldn’t unless redirected. Unfortunately, what I had done was blow up a bomb. The blue glow was the super-condensed mana crystal serving as the power reactor of the golem. We should be dead. Anyone of my regular troops was in the radius of the explosion they would be dead. Without a doubt. In the distance, I could see Judd embedded into a tree. I didn’t bother to try and help him as I turned and began to make my way outside of the forest. The meteor I summoned was only a minute away.

The only reason the two of us weren’t dead right now was simple. We were rich. We’re rich kids with expensive toys and I was sure Judd would have something on him that would save him from a meteor strike. If not…

I didn’t bother thinking about an if not. I took a few more steps then paused. A woman stood in from of my path blocking the way.

“Bella Nightingale.”

“Aegis Kan.”

We spoke simultaneously.

“What was the purpose of all of this?”

“I didn’t think you’d go this far.”

Once again, we spoke at the same instance.

“On behalf of my ally and potential fiancé. The Lance and Nightingale families have lost their way. Thank you, Young Lord, for returning us to the proper path.”

She moved to head in Judd’s direction just as a crackling and hiss came from the sky.

I held my ax out.

“An explanation.”

Bella paused and for a long moment, we stared at one another. Then she slowly nodded.

“The simple answer? Respect. The ten great families were Apollo’s closest follower’s and even to this day our families remained close. No matter the generation. That is until you. So, I thought why not set up a sort of trial. The same one your ancestor did to gain the favor of ours but simpler. A nobles duel of honor.”

The sound grew louder and the other members of the ten great families slowly showed themselves in front of me.

Bella Nightingale, Aisha Loft, Danica Core, Danif Framra, Frenda Lord, Ezekiel Manick, Koama Lionheart, Ittane Corba, Ryon Grand, and Judd Lance who was leaning on Ryon. Together they bowed.

The crackling sound grew in volume and Bella looked worried at the air before looking back at me.

My fingers formed a claw taught to me since I was a child and I clutched over my heart. The Kan families sign of respect and our highest salute.

“Let’s leave this nameless forest,” I said tiredly.