Chapter 231 - Choices

"What do you mean by that? Surely a spell to teleport over vast distances would require even a powerful creature like you to prepare a long-range spell." The King asked Aaron in confusion, causing Aaron to smile. Aaron lifted his arms into the air slightly. "I've learned many unique skills over the course of my life." Aaron began, pretending that he had existed for years. "In that time, I have learned some powerful skills, such as teleportation, gravity-bending, and even the ability to wield weapons that are way too long for a normal person to use." Aaron continued, the odachi he had manifested earlier appearing in his palm.

"This would be incredibly hard for a normal human to wield. After all, it doesn't matter how heavy it actually is. Since it is such a long sword, the weight feels like it is multiplied." Aaron explained, the King looking at him with interest. "Oh? I haven't actually seen anyone use such a weapon in combat. I mainly thought that you were using it as a decoration." The King admitted, causing Aaron to sigh. "I can see why you would think such a thing, but I am capable of wielding this weapon, although I'm not sure how efficiently," Aaron explained, unsheathing the sword, revealing his name engraved onto the metal blade. "Although, my name is built into this. However, if I turn it around, the sword shall be designated a new name. I have my Baned Buster for close-range combat. This will be for more long-ranged attacks." Aaron explained, flipping his odachi over onto its side, revealing a somewhat Japanese-sounding name on the blade.

"Tsuyukagiri? I thought it'd be easier to remember, but I will learn to use this name. After all, if I can remember the Baned Buster, I can surely remember something like Tsuyukagiri." Aaron commented, sliding the sword into the sheath faster than the King could see. Aaron looked at the King as he sheathed it, not paying any mind to how quick he was doing that. "So, are you prepared to teleport to any of your chosen Kingdoms?" Aaron asked, shocking the King. "Wait, you want to go right now? I mean, I'm not against the idea, but it is sudden, no? After all, aren't there any preparations that you need to make before you start teleporting?" The King asked Aaron, causing him to remember something.

"Oh, there is something! There are a few people I need to pick up if you know what I mean." Aaron responded, snapping his fingers. The pair immediately appeared in front of Aaron's Kingdom, some people walking around the city as they appeared at the entrance. "This is my Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Monsters, although we might name it something else in the future. After all, we aren't really a Kingdom yet, are we?" Aaron asked as the King acknowledged the small population of the city. "True, but you have the permission of an established ruler to call this area of land your Kingdom, so it's alright." The King replied, patting Aaron on the back. Aaron felt the sudden urge to kick the man in his stomach, but he decidedly didn't.

"It's time to go grab the lads," Aaron said to himself, snapping his fingers once again, making everyone appear in front of him. They were all startled by the sudden teleportation, as they had the right to be. One second you're walking around the city, and the next, you've been teleported near Aaron with no logic or explanation. It's just the kind of stuff you'd have to get used to while being around Aaron. Crystet, Free, Oki and Sciat had been summoned to the same point, so Aaron presumed that they had been walking around together. Jude was holding a small knife, although Aaron didn't know where or how he could have purchased one in such a small amount of time. Seph and None had also spawned at the same point, so they were probably walking around too.

"Alright, guys, we've got a little quest to do. We're going to be teleporting around to the different Kingdoms. We're going to be giving speeches to each of the races. It'll take a while, so that's why I've summoned you here. I'm going to present you with two choices." Aaron explained, intriguing the others. "The first option is to stay here and make sure the city remains safe. The second choice is to come along with me and visit the other races to see what they offer. After all, some of them might come to visit us in the future. We want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and welcomed when walking into our city. That's why we need to establish friendly relations with each nation, if at all possible!" Aaron exclaimed.

"So, which option are you guys going to choose?" Aaron asked, waiting for an answer. Oki was the first one to speak up. "I'll stay here. After all, I've proven my raw strength to you guys. I'll be able to defend this city." Oki explained, his determination shining through. Crystet and Sciat both spoke up at the same time. "I choose option two." They both told Aaron in unison, looking at each other in mild shock. They hadn't planned that to happen, but it was a nice coincidence. "So, you two plan to tag along? Anyone else?"

"I'll stay here with Oki. I might try to get him to teach me how to make myself stronger." Free replied, causing Seph and None to nod at the same time. "Ah, so you guys want to get stronger too? Well, that's perfectly understandable. Jude, what do you want to do?" Aaron asked Jude, who just stood there contemplating. "I'll go along. Since everyone here, except the man who appears to be royalty, know my ability, I'll be the person to showcase this as a prize for the tournament." Jude responded, causing Aaron to smile.

"Well then, we have our choices picked. Alright, King, are you ready to head off?" Aaron asked the King, who simply chuckled. "Please, stop calling me King. We both know you could kill me in an instant, so just call me by my given name. Erald." The King, now known as Erald, told Aaron.

"Well then, Erald, we should head off now. After all, we have some speeches to give." Aaron responded, smiling.