A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

For an hour, their battle raged on. To Erik's frustration, Ankhur's sand-enhanced blades were actually able to damage his armour. Several scratches and even deep cuts now adorned the black metal covering his body.

None were deep enough to cut his skin, but it was still a good reminder his armour didn't make him as invincible among his peers as it did when he was still a second ranker. Fortunately, as long as they didn't cut all the way through, it would take Eira only a few hours to repair the damage.

That said, Ankhur was in a much worse state…

"How many… abilities do you… even have, you damn… monster!" Ankhur growled and panted. His posture was a little hunched, but he continued keeping his weapons in front of him, ready for the next clash. His body was covered in gashes, bruises, and cuts, barely covered by his tattered armour.

"You haven't even seen all of them yet," Erik smirked, his hammer slung over his shoulder. Sweat tricked on his forehead, his hair stuck to him like glue, and grime covered every inch of his armour, but he was in a much better state compared to Ankhur.

"Right, I… figured as much…" Ankhur panted wryly. He'd been keeping track of Erik's abilities and already determined there had to be more. He found four distinct affinities in Erik's repertoire, and the ability to wield both Arcanist spells and Runebound skills, but he was missing some abilities.

Logically speaking, Erik should have six abilities for one affinity, three for Arcanist, and three for Runebound, yet he'd seen at most four per affinity.

"I must admit," Ankhur continued, having recovered his breath from their latest clash. "You've already impressed me… I have no idea how you can be both an Arcanist and a Runebound, or even where you got all those affinities, but if that was all, I'd simply consider you a lucky bastard."

Standing up straight, he pointed one of his khopeshes at Erik's head, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. "You also have the skill and instincts to use your many advantages to their best effect! And that, more than power itself, is the sign of a true warrior!"

To Erik's surprise, Ankhur suddenly spread his arms wide, and looked around at the crowd. "My people! Erik has the heart of a warrior, the soul of an honourable man, and the mind of a leader! What do you say?! Has he proven his right to lead?! Will you follow both of us into the future, me as your king, and him as our emperor?!"

Silence fell in the arena. Many people still seemed uncertain, but then, slowly, a cheer started to rise. People were still so caught up in the excitement of the third ranked battle, as well as fearful of the Humanitas Sangh, that many of their concerns seemed trivial.

It started with only a small number of people, but the wave quickly started picking up speed.

"Love live King Ankhur, and Emperor Erik!"

The chanting spread rapidly, as even doubters were soon caught up in the enthusiasm. People were getting up out of their chairs, pumping their weapons in the air, and stomping on the thankfully-sturdy-stands.

Erik panned his gaze around the arena and smiled slightly. Yet, inwardly, he knew this enthusiasm was only temporary. It was an effect brought about by the exciting battle, awe at his admittedly impressive range of abilities, and a desire for safety from the enemy at their borders.

Still, they were giving him a chance, and so long as he could live up to it, Erik was confident they'd truly come to accept him with time. Or so Elora assured him, and he tended to defer to her on these things.

"I hope you don't mind I stay on my own two feet," Ankhur suddenly spoke with a hint of amusement. "My—or rather, our—people, do not kneel for anyone."

"Heh, I suppose I can grant you some leeway," Erik chuckled with only a hint of smugness, before raising an eyebrow curiously. "But I think we should handle the merging of your kingdom and my empire in an official ceremony, don't you?"

For a moment, Ankhur regarded Erik silently, solemnly. There was a new level of respect in his eyes now that he'd seen Erik's capability firsthand. There was no doubt in his mind that Erik would waltz all over him if the younger man hadn't broken through literally a day ago.

Then, he nodded, a little more respectfully compared to before, though still a little cold. "Of course. Right now, we've only done this in front of the people from our capital. We should give everyone else a chance to see their new emperor, but I suggest we do it after dealing with the Humanitas Sangh."
Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire

Erik nodded in agreement but was suddenly distracted by the overwhelming emotions feelings of excitement coming from his bond with Elora. Looking over at the fairy, he saw her grinning widely at him.

Elora kept the dignity of an empress, but anyone could see she was basically chomping at the bits to jump on her husband. The only thing stopping her was that the fight hadn't officially ended yet, and considering her weakness, it would be dangerous to enter the field haphazardly.

Next to her, Runa was also glowing with pride, giving her son a double thumbs up. This was the first time she'd seen him fight, and she couldn't get over how far he'd come.

Erik smiled his creepy werewolf grin at her, but then a curious Ankhur suddenly asked him about his abilities. "So, do you mind me asking how you got so many affinities? And especially how you can use both Arcanist and Runebound abilities?"

Turning back towards him, Erik raised an eyebrow. "Didn't Naeku tell you about affinity fusion?"

The look in Ankhur's eyes instantly told Erik what he needed to know, so he gave him a quick explanation, causing Ankhur to nearly bounce with excitement. "Are you saying Naeku can get another affinity?! One even more powerful?!"

Chuckling, Erik nodded. "Yes, I am. But it might take a while. I just hope Naeku wasn't saving this as a surprise, which I've now spoiled."

Ankhur quickly promised not to say anything, but Erik couldn't help but think the man's enthusiasm would give him away soon enough.

Regardless, Erik continued. "Anyway, regarding my ability to use both Arcanist and Runebound abilities, that will have to remain a secret. There's no way for you or anyone else to copy my method for now, so it can only harm me."

Ankhur simply nodded a little absentmindedly, his thoughts focused on Naeku's third affinity, whatever it would turn out to be.

Seeing Ankhur might be stuck thinking about this or a while, Erik decided to get some clarity about the right. "So, does this mean our fight is at an end?" Rolling is shoulders, he built up some new power in his limbs, and a grin spread on his lips. "Because I haven't heard you admit defeat yet."

Shook free from his thoughts, a similar grin spread on Ankhur's face. He crouched back down into a combat stance, opened his mouth to say something… but then halted. Suddenly, his face twisted into one of worried surprise.

Across from him, it was the same for Erik.