Chereads / Throne of Fire: Ashes and Fire / Chapter 20 - The Final Countdown

Chapter 20 - The Final Countdown

The crowd was in a frenzy, their shouts of excitement and despair echoing through the arena. The battle between Aemon and the monsters had reached an absolute climax, with every move being watched with intense focus. The confrontation had become an epic struggle for survival, with Aemon facing not just one, but three formidable enemies.

Lady Cerys, observing with a calculated expression of satisfaction, murmured to the red-haired woman beside her:

— This man is truly demonstrating something exceptional. His resilience and determination are impressive. He's not just fighting; he's surviving.

The woman, her eyes fixed on the arena, nodded in agreement:

— It's fascinating to see how he uses strategy and agility to face such formidable opponents. But the real test will be how he handles the combination of the Leviathan and the wolf. Few could stand against that.

Meanwhile, Lilith stood at the edge of the arena, her heart racing as she watched Aemon battle the Leviathan. Her concern was palpable, but she couldn't help but notice how Aemon was maintaining his composure despite the intensity of the fight.

He's fighting with fierce determination, and it seems he's found a way to deal with the overwhelming power of the Leviathan. But the real question is whether he can hold his ground against these monsters simultaneously.

The Leviathan charged with overwhelming force, its claws and tail striking Aemon with a devastating impact. Knowing he couldn't win with brute strength alone, Aemon redirected the force to his left and dashed to the right toward the wolf. His maneuver was so precise that the crowd fell silent for a brief moment, watching as he sliced the tendons in the wolf's legs.

Lady Cerys watched with a satisfied smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of curiosity and respect:

— He's really in control of the situation. The way he manipulates the battle is impressive. This might be exactly what I need.

However, victory seemed far from certain. As Aemon tried to finish off the wolf, he was caught off guard when the beast snapped at him, clamping him in its jaws. He was trapped in the wolf's mouth, using all his strength to keep from being swallowed. The scene was desperate, and the crowd watched in shocked silence as Aemon struggled to stay out of the wolf's maw.

Lilith, her eyes wide, watched the scene with a mix of concern and hope. Her mind raced, calculating if there was anything she could do to help. But seeing Aemon's determination and strength, she decided to trust in his ability.

He's fighting with every ounce of strength he has. This is more than just a physical fight; it's a battle for survival. I have to believe he can do it.

As Aemon fought desperately to avoid being swallowed, the crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and gasps, following every move and action with palpable tension.

In the heart of the arena, the situation was dire. Aemon, fighting with every ounce of his strength, was now trapped within the wolf's jaws, his energy draining with each passing second. The brute force of the beast was nearly overwhelming his human resistance, and it seemed that Aemon's fate was sealed. But deep within, he carried an unyielding fire—a promise and a duty that drove him to never give up.

With a primal scream, which silenced the entire crowd in shock, Aemon unleashed all his remaining strength. The sound was almost animalistic, a pure expression of determination and fury. This roar echoed through the arena, bringing a tense silence, as Lilith, watching with a mix of terror and hope, recalled what she had done to Aemon.

Awaken the ancient blood…

Lilith's eyes gleamed with frenetic excitement. She remembered the legends that were said to be true: at the brink of death, dragons grew even fiercer. Aemon's ancient blood was on the verge of manifesting in a wild and powerful way.

Lilith, barely able to contain her excitement, shouted to the arena:

— Come on, Aemon of Volcrist! This isn't all you're capable of!

Her words served as a battle cry, a catalyst for the awakening of Aemon's true potential. It was as if her call triggered something deep and primal within him.

With renewed vigor, Aemon began slashing frantically inside the wolf's mouth, his blades cutting with an almost supernatural ferocity. The crowd was in a frenzy, watching as the warrior transformed into an unstoppable force of destruction. The wolf, unable to withstand the pain, let out a sharp howl, its mouth grotesquely opening.

Comments from the Crowd and Observers:

Lady Cerys, her eyes wide and a smile of growing fascination on her face, commented to the red-haired woman beside her:

— This man... he's beyond anything I've ever seen. His transformation is truly spectacular. I underestimated his power.

The crowd, once agitated and divided, was now in absolute frenzy. Every movement of Aemon was accompanied by cheers of excitement and astonishment. People were on their feet, their faces lit up with thrill and surprise.

Lilith, her heart pounding and a smile of satisfaction on her lips, watched as Aemon fought with an intensity that seemed to transcend human nature. She knew that he was in his true form now, and it only made her feel a deep pride and confidence in his abilities.

Aemon, with renewed strength and adrenaline surging through his body, continued the fight with fierce determination. He knew he was fighting not just for survival, but for something much greater—a promise, a duty, and the honor of his house.

The arena was in a state of absolute frenzy, the crowd in a delirium of shouts and applause. The combat had long since ceased to be ordinary, and what had begun as a simple competition had transformed into a spectacle of strength and endurance beyond common comprehension.

As Aemon, covered in blood and exhausted, stood in the center of the arena, a hush gradually fell over the crowd. His body, not just sweaty and bruised, was drenched in red, and his once snow-white hair was stained with the blood of the beasts he had slain.

The audience, initially obsessed with the fight, was now beginning to process what had just happened. It was then that Lilith, still with visible excitement in her eyes, shouted to the arena, almost as a reminder to everyone:

Aemon of Volcrist!

The name echoed through the arena like a sinister echo, and the collective realization hit with almost palpable impact. What seemed to be an exceptional warrior was now clearly identified as the legendary Aemon of Volcrist. The connection between the man and the name of one of the kingdom's greatest heirs shocked the crowd and the onlookers.

Lady Cerys, watching with an expression of surprise and perplexity, immediately grasped the gravity of the revelation. Her eyes widened, and her face took on a tone of admiration mixed with a hint of disbelief. She had underestimated Aemon, and now, in the face of the truth, her evaluation shifted drastically.

Aemon of Volcrist... — Lady Cerys murmured to the red-haired figure beside her, who was also shocked by the revelation. — This is a true man, a genuine prodigy.

Meanwhile, Lilith, her heart still racing and a smile of satisfaction on her face, observed the crowd's and Cerys's reactions with a sense of triumph. She knew she had made the right choice in trusting Aemon and had helped him awaken a potential that few could comprehend.

Aemon, though exhausted and covered in blood, was aware of the impact of his presence. The battle was not just about defeating monsters, but about asserting his place in the world, something he was beginning to do with a fierce roar and an unquenchable desire to prove his worth. With one last defiant glance at the crowd and Lady Cerys, he awaited further instructions, knowing the road ahead would be even more challenging.

The murmurs and whispers spread through the arena as everyone processed what had just happened. The figure of Aemon of Volcrist, now revealed as the warrior who exceeded expectations, was firmly established in the minds of all present. And as the arena began to calm, the next phase of the competition loomed, promising more challenges and revelations.

The arena, now reverberating with the echoes of the previous battle and the anticipation of an imminent conclusion, was in a state of frenzied excitement. The crowd, still in shock from the revelation of Aemon as the heir of Volcrist, could barely contain their breath as they watched the final confrontation. The Leviathan, a colossal and relentless monster, faced a warrior who, despite being exhausted and covered in blood, still held a flame of determination in his eyes.

Aemon, with heightened senses and adrenaline coursing through his veins, charged at the Leviathan. The beast, with its scaly skin and immense body, advanced with the same ferocity it had unleashed on its previous opponents. The impact of its claws against the ground made the arena tremble, and its roar was like thunder in a storm.

The first exchange of blows was brutal. Aemon, using his newly discovered agility and strength, dodged the massive attacks of the Leviathan with quick and precise movements. He darted around the monster, searching for an opening in its nearly impenetrable defense. Every strike the Leviathan attempted seemed to hit nothing but air, as Aemon moved with almost superhuman skill.

"Look at his speed!" exclaimed one of the spectators, impressed by Aemon's agility.

"It's like he's dancing with the monster," commented another, observing the fluidity of Aemon's movements.

Lilith, positioned in the stands, couldn't contain her emotions. Her eyes were fixed on Aemon, and the tension on her face was palpable. She remembered the last time he had faced a powerful enemy and found himself in a desperate situation. It was as if the same energy and intensity were present now, with the difference that Aemon was in control, even though the battle was still fierce.

"Go, Aemon! Show him what you're capable of!" Lilith murmured, almost as if in a trance.

The fight was a display of pure strength and technique. The Leviathan tried to use its tail as a weapon, launching devastating attacks that could crush any ordinary man. But Aemon, with his newfound skill, managed to dodge and counterattack with precision.

At a critical moment, the Leviathan lunged with its jaws wide open, attempting to swallow Aemon whole. Aemon, sensing the imminent attack, executed an impressive leap over the monster and, while in mid-air, launched his daggers with lethal precision, striking the Leviathan's eyes and forcing the beast to temporarily retreat.

"Incredible! He's using the terrain to his advantage!" remarked a spectator, applauding Aemon's strategy.

As the Leviathan writhed and roared in pain, Aemon seized the opportunity to attack with even greater intensity. His strikes grew faster and more calculated, and his determination was evident in every move. The monster, now wounded and fatigued, began to show signs of weakness.

Aemon used his agility to maneuver around the Leviathan, targeting vulnerable spots. He slashed and stabbed with precision, aiming for the beast's weakest points. Every blow he delivered seemed to increase the pressure on the Leviathan, which was beginning to falter.

"He's dominating the fight!" another spectator exclaimed, visibly impressed.

The Leviathan, enraged, launched a final desperate attack, trying to crush Aemon with its tail and claws. But Aemon, with his sharpened skill and body strengthened by the potion, managed to dodge and counterattack with renewed force. In a decisive move, he plunged towards the Leviathan's throat, driving his daggers deep and ending the threat once and for all.

The Leviathan's final roar echoed through the arena, and the monster fell to the ground with a resounding crash. The crowd, in a frenzy of emotion, erupted in applause and shouts of admiration. Aemon, despite being exhausted and wounded, stood in the middle of the arena, his daggers still dripping with blood.

Lilith, watching the scene, was overwhelmed by a mix of relief and pride. She knew that Aemon had surpassed his own limitations and proven himself a true warrior. Her smile reflected her recognition and unwavering confidence in his abilities.

"This is what I expected of you, Aemon," Lilith whispered to herself, her gaze shining with a mixture of excitement and satisfaction.

The battle had ended, but the repercussions of Aemon's victory were far from over. He had faced unimaginable challenges and exceeded all expectations, and now, his name was etched in the memory of all present, not just as a warrior, but as a true heir of Volcrist.

The arena, now reverberating with the echoes of the previous battle and the anticipation of an imminent conclusion, was in a state of frenzied excitement. The crowd, still in shock from the revelation of Aemon as the heir of Volcrist, could barely contain their breath as they watched the final confrontation. The Leviathan, a colossal and relentless monster, faced a warrior who, despite being exhausted and covered in blood, still held a flame of determination in his eyes.

Aemon, with heightened senses and adrenaline coursing through his veins, charged at the Leviathan. The beast, with its scaly skin and immense body, advanced with the same ferocity it had unleashed on its previous opponents. The impact of its claws against the ground made the arena tremble, and its roar was like thunder in a storm.

The first exchange of blows was brutal. Aemon, using his newly discovered agility and strength, dodged the massive attacks of the Leviathan with quick and precise movements. He darted around the monster, searching for an opening in its nearly impenetrable defense. Every strike the Leviathan attempted seemed to hit nothing but air, as Aemon moved with almost superhuman skill.

"Look at his speed!" exclaimed one of the spectators, impressed by Aemon's agility.

"It's like he's dancing with the monster," commented another, observing the fluidity of Aemon's movements.

Lilith, positioned in the stands, couldn't contain her emotions. Her eyes were fixed on Aemon, and the tension on her face was palpable. She remembered the last time he had faced a powerful enemy and found himself in a desperate situation. It was as if the same energy and intensity were present now, with the difference that Aemon was in control, even though the battle was still fierce.

"Go, Aemon! Show him what you're capable of!" Lilith murmured, almost as if in a trance.

The fight was a display of pure strength and technique. The Leviathan tried to use its tail as a weapon, launching devastating attacks that could crush any ordinary man. But Aemon, with his newfound skill, managed to dodge and counterattack with precision.

At a critical moment, the Leviathan lunged with its jaws wide open, attempting to swallow Aemon whole. Aemon, sensing the imminent attack, executed an impressive leap over the monster and, while in mid-air, launched his daggers with lethal precision, striking the Leviathan's eyes and forcing the beast to temporarily retreat.

"Incredible! He's using the terrain to his advantage!" remarked a spectator, applauding Aemon's strategy.

As the Leviathan writhed and roared in pain, Aemon seized the opportunity to attack with even greater intensity. His strikes grew faster and more calculated, and his determination was evident in every move. The monster, now wounded and fatigued, began to show signs of weakness.

Aemon used his agility to maneuver around the Leviathan, targeting vulnerable spots. He slashed and stabbed with precision, aiming for the beast's weakest points. Every blow he delivered seemed to increase the pressure on the Leviathan, which was beginning to falter.

"He's dominating the fight!" another spectator exclaimed, visibly impressed.

The Leviathan, enraged, launched a final desperate attack, trying to crush Aemon with its tail and claws. But Aemon, with his sharpened skill and body strengthened by the potion, managed to dodge and counterattack with renewed force. In a decisive move, he plunged towards the Leviathan's throat, driving his daggers deep and ending the threat once and for all.

The Leviathan's final roar echoed through the arena, and the monster fell to the ground with a resounding crash. The crowd, in a frenzy of emotion, erupted in applause and shouts of admiration. Aemon, despite being exhausted and wounded, stood in the middle of the arena, his daggers still dripping with blood.

Lilith, watching the scene, was overwhelmed by a mix of relief and pride. She knew that Aemon had surpassed his own limitations and proven himself a true warrior. Her smile reflected her recognition and unwavering confidence in his abilities.

"This is what I expected of you, Aemon," Lilith whispered to herself, her gaze shining with a mixture of excitement and satisfaction.

The battle had ended, but the repercussions of Aemon's victory were far from over. He had faced unimaginable challenges and exceeded all expectations, and now, his name was etched in the memory of all present, not just as a warrior, but as a true heir of Volcrist.

The epic battle had come to an end, and the arena was engulfed in collective euphoria. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a wave of applause and shouts of admiration that filled the space. Aemon, though covered in blood and exhausted, stood triumphantly, his muscles still tense from the strain of combat.

Lilith, observing Aemon's weakened state, didn't hesitate to jump from the stands and rush to his side. With impressive grace and agility, she supported him and helped him out of the arena. Her gaze was a mixture of concern and relief, and her presence beside Aemon was a source of comfort amid the chaos.

Meanwhile, Lady Cerys, still caught up in the excitement of the battle, watched with growing anger. The thrill of the fight had given way to a feeling of frustration as she saw Lilith leading Aemon away. The sensation that someone was "stealing" the outcome of her tournament left her indignant. She rose from her seat in the stands, her fury evident.

"How dare you take my champion like this?" Cerys shouted, her voice sharp as blades. — "He is a prize of my arena, and you're taking him away without even allowing me to recognize his victory!"

Aemon, still on his feet, turned to face Cerys. His eyes, though tired, burned with a defiant intensity. He felt the need to defend not only himself but also Lilith, who was doing her best to help him.

"Lady Cerys, with all due respect, I am the winner of this competition, and now, I need care," Aemon replied firmly, his voice carrying a tone of authority. — "There is nothing more you can demand of me at this moment."

The tension between Cerys and Aemon was palpable, and the atmosphere around them seemed to freeze for a moment. Cerys, though still irritated, knew that confronting Aemon further was not a good idea, especially when he was clearly in such an exhausted state.

Lilith, sensing the growing hostility, decided to act quickly. She helped Aemon move away from the arena, guiding him toward the exit. They passed through corridors and gates, and finally emerged into the nearby forest.

Once outside the arena and away from prying eyes, Lilith helped Aemon find a safe place to recover. The forest was dense and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the arena. Lilith quickly set up an improvised camp, using her knowledge of magic to create a comfortable and protected space.

"You did an amazing job, Aemon," Lilith remarked as she examined his wounds. — "But we need to take care of you now. Those monsters were relentless, and you're also exhausted."

Aemon, despite his pain and fatigue, smiled slightly. Lilith's presence and the safety of the forest were a relief. He sat on a stone and watched Lilith work, concern in his eyes.

"Thank you, Lilith," he said, his voice weak but sincere. — "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Lilith responded with a gentle smile as she continued to tend to Aemon's wounds.

"Don't worry about it. We're in this together," Lilith affirmed with conviction. — "We'll recover and plan our next steps."

As night fell and the forest grew silent, Aemon and Lilith prepared for a period of recovery and reflection. Aemon's victory had been grand, but it also marked the beginning of new challenges and adversities that lay ahead. The battle in the arena had been only the start of a much larger journey that would unfold as they moved forward.

And so, under the starry sky and the mantle of the forest, Aemon and Lilith prepared for what was to come, knowing that the true journey had only just begun.