"Uh guys, I think we have an even bigger problem. There's something wrong with his weapon. My arms are getting really weak all of a sudden."
The three of them were having a hard time fighting Gladius. With each passing second, Leo thought Gladius couldn't be ordinary. He looked closely at his sword and armor. What he noticed didn't please him at all.
"I thought you had a backup plan so why aren't you doing anything, did you lose your power?"
"Even if I use it, it wouldn't help us. He's even more dangerous than I thought."
"What do you mean even more dangerous?"
Both the weapon and the armor emitted a hidden black aura. From that moment on, Leo knew that this opponent was the hardest one he had encountered so far. Auris had taken his sword for her fight, Leo had no weapon left.
"I hate to say it but he has the same equipment as me. Only that his magic is stronger than mine. However, he can't use magic himself, someone must have fused the magic with the weapon. Dodge his attacks as best you can for now, your attacks are of no use."
"So he is stronger than you?"
"To some extent yes."
Aiden had more and more difficulties dodging.
"Whoa, he's getting stronger. I'm running out of strength, some support would be cool."
"We need to disarm somehow, if I can get my hands on his sword we have a chance."
"If that's all it is... we can't even get near him! Why don't you just ask him nicely?"
"I'm serious! That's the only way we'll win, just be ready to attack. You grab the bow, Aiden fights in melee. I will distract him, when I give you a signal you aim directly at Gladius.
Aiden and Lynia noticed that Gladius was barely responding to words himself. His body and mind were being controlled by someone or something. Meanwhile, Leo cut his arm, his blood turned black. As he got closer to Gladius, the fighter turned to Leo and charged straight at Leo. It looked more like his weapon was navigating him. In Leo, the sword saw more fuel and no longer paid attention to the surroundings. Just before the sword reached Leo's body he gave the signal to the two. An arrow shot straight at Gladius' chest. At the last moment, his sword realized the danger and parried the arrow to protect its user. But at that moment Aiden stood in front of him and struck directly at Gladius. The sword was about to defend his strike when it smelled the seductive scent of Leo's blood again. His daggers scraped past the weapon and struck Gadius directly in the face. He cried out in pain and was pulled from the trance of the sword. His eye was bleeding badly but he was still ready to fight.
"What happened to me? You managed to hurt me like this? How is that possible? Never before have I felt such pain. Now I will feel the same pain as me!"
Because of the wounds, the sword could no longer gain control over him. On the contrary, now it involuntarily had the same effect on Gladius that it had on his opponents. He lost his strength and after a few minutes was brought to his knees. Leo took one of Aidens daggers and cut his throat without any emotions.
" Phew, that was a close one. I almost didn't get to savor the women of this world any longer"
"I want to see the day your lust dies out."
"Hey, we haven't seen each other in so long. Don't I get a hug?"
"So you really want to die you horny bastard!"
While the two enjoyed their reunion, Leo examined the sword. As he had suspected, the weapon is much more dangerous than him. Not only does it control and strengthen the user, it strengthens the equipment many times over. It was very similar to Leo's magic but had a different core and origin. Leo took it in his hand, suddenly his heartbeat stopped and he could not breathe for a moment. Then the blade broke into a thousand pieces. In the end, he realized where this magic must have come from, and he was a lot closer to it than he wanted to be.
From far away he saw the fight between Auris and the king. He had faith in Metsu that the two would win. Full of curiosity, he watched carefully how the two worked with each other. Serezia held the sword without problems and inflicted deep cuts on the monster.
("You're even stronger than I remembered.")
"I had a good teacher in you. We must hurry, soon the magic will take him over completely. Then he becomes the ultimate weapon."
("Don't worry, he can't defeat us.")
There was almost no trace of Sezur left in the lion monster, only pure cursed magic ruled his body. Before he could launch an attack, Fenrias bit him in the neck. Suddenly, some of the magic traveled to the wound and onto Fenrias' mouth.
"No, Fenrias! Now this magic will take you over completely!"
("Fear not, I have grown stronger since we last saw each other.").
The magic on his face just dissolved, Fenrias felt no pain and had full control over himself.
"How is this possible? I felt it myself...what this evil is doing to you...?"
("I'll be able to answer these questions soon, but we haven't won yet").
The giant wolf retreated and limited itself to evasion.
("Serezia, your brother has always been thinking about you. Even though you probably don't believe it, you possess some of his abilities. Try to imagine your brother in your mind and repeat after me.")
Silently, the two spoke together some words that only Fenriolus and his followers could understand. Suddenly she felt her brother's spirit inside her. For a brief moment, she was able to fight together with her brother for once. She felt incredible strength and burst with fighting spirit. Leo saw the sword glow red and become a giant axe. It was the weapon Fenriolus had fought with in his battles. Serezia ordered Fenrias to run straight at the creature, the giant wolf also sensed the power of his master. He became lightning fast and dodged the creature's attack. At that moment, Serezia lashed out with the giant axe and severed the head of the huge monster. A bright light came from the weapon, erasing the corrupted magic. The three couldn't believe what had just happened.
"So this is how the wolf god fought..."
The arena was full of blood and the remaining corpses of the spectators and fighters. Fear and terror had spread in the city when the news of the king's death was announced. But the news of a miracle brought them hope again. Leo knew what the had to do.
"It is time for you two to show who exactly you are. We'll be watching you from afar."
"Do you really think they will just accept everything that happened here?"
"For them everything has to have a reason, if it's good enough even the worst deeds can be forgiven."
"Mine wasn't good enough for you, was it?"
"Nothing has a reason for me. I've searched long enough for the most important of all reasons. After a long time I realized that there was no reason for my fate. That's why there are no more reasons for me to do anything, I just do what I have to."
"You're talking confused again, how is anyone supposed to understand you?"
"Someday you'll understand me, but you are not going to like it."
"I don't care as long as I can see through you once."
"Hey you two, come on up here you can see the city. There's a lot going on right now. I think your plan seems to be working."
Fenrias marched through town with Serezia on his back. Some citizens were frightened, others were amazed by the huge wolf. In front of the palace they both stopped, Serezia got of Fenrias and spoke to the people.
"Some of you carry fear and terror, others cannot stop being amazed. Let me announce to you some very important news. Your king, Sezur from the tribe of the lions, has deceived our people. His outer face was glorious and caring, but in reality he used an ancient evil power that could have destroyed a part of our people once before. Behold the proof here, do not be swayed and think for yourselves.
She then took the head of the former king and held it up. Panic and terror broke out, but many realized that something was wrong with him. His eyes were colored black, his face was covered with black runes.
"Surely you have heard about it from the ancient scriptures, what exactly this magic means. Using it has the same meaning of betraying our people. Of course, you can believe what you want, but one thing is certain: your leader and ruler is dead. That is why a change is needed, a change that will make all tribes equal. No more hierarchy, no more slavery, and no more fighting tournaments."
"What are you talking about, the festival is the only thing that makes our city so attractive. It is impossible to accomplish all of these things, it would take years for full acceptance. No one can unite all the people without making sacrifices."
"You are right, no one has been able to do that except for one of your gods, surely you know who I am talking about. In the ancient books it is written that all rulers have failed to unite the people. Either they were too arrogant, lacked courage or used the wrong methods. But there was one ruler who, after years of effort, managed to achieve what no one before him could. Although he himself had no family, he managed to create a unity. After his death everything collapsed, but during his reign the other leaders bowed to his command and it was the best decision they could make. There are many gods in our kingdom but this one is the most important for our race. I am talking about Fenriolus, the most powerful of all gods and my loyal brother. Surely my name was inscribed somewhere by him: I am Serezia, princess of the Wolf God. My companion is Fenrias, the most faithful of all his subjects."
The people broke out into a great discussion. Most thought it was a lie but a few could not deny that it was one of the legendary Wolf Knights who stood in front of them.
"And we are supposed to believe that just like that? Even if an ancient wolf knight has appeared, it doesn't mean you are telling the truth about yourself. In the scriptures, Serezia was described completely differently. She had white fur, blue eyes and a golden mark on her neck. Your appearance is the complete opposite of her. Look at you: a black dirty bloody fur, red eyes and not nearly as beautiful as the princess."
("He's quite insulting, maybe I should make it clear to him that I can't stand insults.")
("We don't want to scare them even more Fenrias. They have every reason to doubt me, in their situation I would act the same way. They want proof, and they can have it. Fenrias, you know what I'm talking about. Do you still have enough strength?")
("My strength never runs out princess, haven't I told you that often enough. The pact has been fulfilled, it should be no problem now to show them the truth. Introduce yourself), I will support you.")
Serezia and Fenrias used the soul pact to restore their normal appearance. To do this, she placed her head against that of the giant wolf. A bright light shone, the crowd couldn't believe it. After the light faded, they looked into the eyes of the white-haired wolf woman who was staring at them. From a distance, Aiden, Leo and Lynia saw what was going on there.
"What the hell just happened, does our Auris even exist anymore?"
"Weren't you listening? It seems there was another soul hiding in her body that has now been released."
But Serezia was not the only one who transformed. Leo was stunned at what he was seeing.
"What the heck is going on? Where did my Metsu go?"
The giant wolf had shrunk much smaller and was walking on two legs. He was bigger than other beastmen but he looked like one. Suddenly he bowed to the princess and began to speak. At this point, none of the three understood what was happening.
"Are you convinced now, do you see the white mark on his back? He is the strongest of all knights, without him I would never have been brought back to life and would not have been able to speak before you."
"My princess, you praise me too highly. There was another reason I was able to accomplish this.
"We are not done Fenrias, there is one more thing I need to do. If we both do it simultaneously it should work out."
Serezia and Fenrias took a knife and cut their hands, they dripped the blood onto the axe. Again it lit up in bright light but this time the weapon had completely transformed into Fenriolus' giant axe. Together they howled in front of all the people, only one beastmen in the history of wolves was able to give such a howl as it was written in the scriptures. It was the roar of Fenriolus that filled the whole city. Now nearly all the people were convinced.
Everyone bowed to their new ruler, Serezia, who was filled with the spirit of her brother. Suddenly she heard the voice of her brother in the head.
("Your brother could not be more proud of you.")
Her eyes filled with tears without her realizing it, Fenrias was momentarily confused but realized what exactly had happened.
"I hereby claim the throne and succession of King Sezur. If anyone objects, let him come forward and speak his word. The people come first, but this time in all matters.
The speaker and the people became silent, suddenly some of the beastmen began to pay their respects to the two. As time went by, more and more followed until finally almost all the people showed their respect. Even the survivors of the lion tribe bowed to the princess and her companion. Of course, there were some who did not agree with the new leader, but as time went by, it became less and less. The news spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom. Inhabitants of every tribe traveled to the capital to see with their own eyes if the news was true. They were not disappointed, after a short time they traveled back and confirmed their identities. Many did not have the opportunity or motivation to travel all the way to the capital, so Serezia had planned a trip around the kingdom later, but for now it was time to put the incidents of the tournament to rest and forget. Many families lost its members that day, due to the corrupt magic they could not even bury the corpse. The day was the turning of the kingdom but also a day of mourning to respect the dead. Serezia had decided this that same day, it helped her gain even more respect and sympathy. Leo, Aiden and Lynia immediately noticed her talent as a leader. She had inherited her manner of speaking, her demeanor and her calmness from her brother.
She welcomed the spectators from other races as one of her own, which created divided opinions. On the one hand it was wise to respect the other races, on the other hand there was a danger of giving away too much trust. For centuries there was no queen as a ruler, in the future there would be many problems for Serezia. In the evening, the other three decided not to interfere in the ceremony of the new leader. At the outskirts of the city there was a hostel where they chatted about their future. It was an eventful day for everyone, so they still hadn't processed all the information.
"Does it mean that Auris no longer exists and the princess has taken over her body and soul now?"
" Probably. You saw how she changed her appearance. Everything has shifted in her aura, she is very likely a new person. Now the only question is whether she has taken over Auris' memories or if they have disappeared."
Aiden drank his frustration off his mind, he was overwhelmed by today.
"She didn't deserve that, I trained her so well. And we were always so friendly, what am I going to do now?"
"Best to regain your sanity. When did you guys have a good relationship? Half the time she wanted to knock you out."
"That was her way of telling me she liked me. You'll learn that later too Leo."
"I don't know if it's the alcohol talking or just your typical crap talk. Seems like you guys traveled quite a bit with her, was she your candidate Leo?"
"She was less my candidate and more Metsus. If he hadn't called in we would have just walked past her cage. Look where that got us. I somehow wanted to make her the leader, but this was unexpected."
"Well be glad, it went much better than you imagined didn't it?"
"There's no question that it went flawlessly, but the way it went is a problem."
"Because it didn't go perfectly according to your plan? Your way of thinking is only destroying yourself and others around you.
"Maybe you are right..."
"A miracle has happened, Leo listens to someone else and admits defeat. Hicc, now I just have to give him a taste for women, hicc."
"I swear your lust melts your brain. Besides, not all women are as easy as you know them."
Before he could discuss further, Aiden fell asleep with his arm on the table.
"He talks so carefree but he is sad that he most likely lost Auris today."
"Don't tell me you're going to take care of your fellow people from now on? I never thought I'd see the day."
" It happens rarely, unfortunately, however, sometimes...my... just forget it. Rather I should ask what is going on with your people? Why are you here and not helping your mother?"
" After the events in the city of slaves, the news of our victory has spread all over the elven kingdom. There were uprisings and small revolutions everywhere, now my mother is gathering the small groups and taking them into her alliance. Unfortunately, we have not heard from our father, my sister has followed her love from the slave camp. I just don't see a proper place for me in this action. That's why I left them and went on a journey myself. Also, I hate chasing after favors. Besides, I am not made for a leader, it's too much work. I'd rather keep my freedom than always be stuck in responsibilities."
"At least we agree on that. What exactly do you want me to tell you now, to give you an order? You're just wasting your time, from now on there are no more orders. No matter what happens from now on there is no turning back. It will be brutal and cruel, there will be many victims and even innocent people will probably die. I can't take care of everyone, so you better get lost and live your life. There you go, my sympathy to you."
"Now I've traveled all the way here, lost an important pendant just to leave again? Forget it! You know well enough that I can take care of myself. Looking at you like that, you really don't want to kill me, do you?"
"Not for today, who knows what tomorrow will bring. But why are you so insistent on following me? Someday it will end with your death. My decisions go against your nature. Your loyalty would only lead you to despair and death. Think it over carefully, help me carry the drunkard and sleep a night over it. Don't take any risks, you still have a family to go back to."
Lynia noticed that Leo had a different expression on his face. Unexpectedly, his past was bothering him that night. After carrying Aiden to his bed, he went to his room and thought about his past some more. Suddenly he heard the dark voice.
("You have become too soft Leo, have you forgotten what our goal is?")
("Of course not, this soft Leo will soon fulfill his mission.")
("So you really still want to travel with these people. It would be much faster if you attacked directly. Why do you waste your time, my little shadow?")
("Because I'm going to change the world and you're going to witness it. You know our agreement)."
("Of course, if you succeed, I will just watch. But if you fail, everything will change but my way. I'm not concerned, you will be the one to support me, only you don't know it yet. Remember, there are always surprises Leo, good for one and bad for another. So surprise me or be surprised kuhaha.")
"His way of speaking still seems strange to me but he is right. I must not forget our contract. Things will definitely go my way. This time I will be victorious."