Chapter 177 - Reunions And Frustrations (Patreon)

Mayalyn Aloyhee

The Aahmra's aura, once a comforting defense against the beasts of their island, crashed down on Mayalyn’s shoulders in an attempt to force her to the ground. Her muscles flexed as her core pumped blood infused with elemental mana. Her skin adopted a dull metallic sheen as incredible strength and resilience flooded through her.

The rock beneath her feet began to crack as the pressure on her intensified. She smashed her foot down, propelling herself forward to land on the indestructible teleportation platform. Grabbing the jewel-tipped pedestal in an iron grip, she spun around, glaring into the shadows.

Before her, every other member of their small community knelt in supplication to their long-time leader. Only Mayalyn stood proudly in defiance. Now that she had chosen Jiran as her mate, she would never submit to another man before drawing her last breath; especially not the bastard who had manipulated her and destroyed her Great-grandfather’s legacy.

Even as she drew strength from her connection to Jiran’s elements, she felt the tiny crystal in her pocket that he had removed from Shaara’s chest. Supposedly, it contained one of her techniques and the way Jiran’s emotions had gone berserk when he looked at it was a memory that still haunted her.

“You've grown even more stubborn, child,” A familiar, wizened voice filled the silent cavern. The Aahmra glided forward, his feet not touching the ground as he slid the people aside with his aura. Mayalyn’s only response was to bare her fangs in a warning hiss.

“Come now, no need for such hostility. I've no intention of harming you. Tell me, how is that unfaithful disciple of mine?”

“He is busy killing tier sevens.” Her response drew a round of gasps and even the Aahmra paused, his eyes widening in surprise. With the conviction and sincerity of her emotions bared for all to feel, none would doubt she spoke the truth.

The Aahmra's aura slammed down on her with a force several times greater than before. Mayalyn’s knees almost buckled before she spun her core to its full strength, infusing her muscles to bursting with her mana. She drew in a deep breath and roared, refusing to fall. As quickly as it came, the pressure evaporated.

“How does my aura compare to his?” The Aahmra’s tone was light and his emotions were completely neutral, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

Mayalyn shrugged, the corners of her lips lifting ever so slightly, “Aajiran has never wielded his aura against me, so how could I know the extent of it? Whether it is stronger or weaker, you will know soon,” Her words bore a promise of vengeance to come.

The Aahmra arrived before her with narrowed eyes. His aura thickened, blocking their conversation, “He hid his strength well, I should have pried out more of his secrets while I had the chance.”

Mayalyn shook her head, “He was not hiding from you. He truly trusted you and considered you a valuable ally. It is merely that his growth is beyond what you can understand. Had you supported him fully instead of betraying us, you would likely be far more powerful than you are now. Instead, you stand to lose everything.”

“Enough about Jiran!” The Aahmra snapped, “I will settle matters between us when we next meet. Tell me the reason my children are gathered here in the middle of the night. They are far too eager, the lust for blood in this stale air is thick enough to choke.”

Before she had a chance to answer, a blur of golden color swept across the cavern and crashed into the Aahmra’s hardened aura. He lifted his hands, preparing to push back against the powerful aura that tried to punch through his defenses.

As the two forces collided, the golden blur’s momentum was halted and rapidly pushed back, revealing a young man. Mayalyn’s voice was rife with astonishment as she called out to the familiar figure, “Cameron?! What doing here? Is Olive in danger?”

Cameron grunted, his voice strained as he tried to resist the Aahmra’s aura, “Gah, she’s fine. I’m just saying hello, isn’t this how your people greet each other?” Cameron’s feet slammed into the ground as the Aahmra increased the pressure on him. The royal grit his teeth, pulling his aura into his body but he was still unable to fight back.

I suppose every time Cameron has come here, there has been a fight. Still, how could he think this is normal after only seeing it twice?

The Aahmra’s voice disrupted her thoughts, “Who is this undisciplined brat, Mayalyn?”

“He is the nephew of one of the emperors, hurting him would certainly break the truce we acquired through great effort.”

Cameron stared daggers at the Aahmra while struggling futilely to escape his grasp, “Hey! Let me go. What’s this old bastard's deal? What’s he saying? Ugh, I should have worked harder at learning your language. Where’s Jiran? I really need to talk to him.”

“Stop fighting and he will release you,” Mayalyn repeated herself in her own tongue and narrowed her eyes at the Aahmra who nodded imperceptibly. When Cameron stopped thrashing, he was freed.

He pretended to dust off his shoulder plate while recovering his dignity, his typical easy smile nowhere to be seen, “Where’s Jiran? It’s really important.”

“Is it in regards to the Graymin King?” Mayalyn’s question stunned Cameron. His jaw hung loosely, unable to form words. Taking pity on him, Mayalyn answered his question, “Jiran is still in the valley of Timberlings. He will be here shortly.” The corners of her lips inched upward as she tilted her head toward the Aahmra, “As for your questions regarding this ‘Old bastard,’ He is the Aahmra, the conniving leader of my people and Jiran's former auramaster.”

“Child… Why do I have the impression you are speaking ill of me?”

She switched to her native tongue and flipped her hair nonchalantly, “Hmph, it must be your imagination. What fault could I possibly have with our fearless leader? If you would please excuse me, I wish to catch up with my dear friend as he brought information about our mutual enemies.”

“Do not overstep, child. Whatever decisions are made, they will be made by me! Now, relay his words properly.”

“That depends on you. Your continued hostility will get no information from me. As to your decision-making, we will see when my Aajiran arrives.” Mayalyn’s smirk was predatory as she glared at the Aahmra while patting Cameron on the shoulder.

***

The back-and-forth conversation between Mayalyn, Cameron, and the Aahmra was cut short half an hour later when the teleportation platform began to release a low-key hum. They had long since moved away to comfortably recline on three pillows provided by one of the Aahmra’s attendants. As one, they turned to face the platform, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the portal.

When it opened and Niya stepped out alone, Cameron waved her over, standing up to hug her. She returned his gesture and gave him a firm smack on the ass which caused him to yelp in surprise. Laughing, she plopped down next to Mayalyn and threw her arm over her shoulder in a side hug.

“Where is Jiran?” Mayalyn wondered, returning the greeting.

“Ouch! Not even going to say hello to your cousin-in-law before pestering me about your boyfriend?”

Cameron chimed in, his brows furrowed, “Aren’t you a little too calm considering the situation? It’s not just the Graymin King, there are over twenty million lower-tiered beasts and—”

Niya waved off his concern, “Once you find out what these can do, you’ll understand,” Niya tossed Cameron a fully charged green crystal, a ferocious gleam in her eyes.

Jiran of Madra

Eldest turned around, squinting at Jiran suspiciously but no longer attempting to leave, “Our fates are intertwined now, little brother. If you have a question for me, speak your mind.”

“First off, have you ever murdered a Timberling?” Jiran’s question was delivered in a harsh tone, his aura still firmly wrapped around Eldest’s leg.

“A true warrior does not slaughter the weak,” Eldest spat, his mana and aura were unwavering, revealing that he spoke from the heart.

“My apologies, but I’m sure you understand why I needed to ask.” Eldest nodded, the tension leaving him the moment Jiran released his aura.

“I only have two more questions: Can you confirm that you’re a challenger and that you’re out of willpower?” Jiran asked calmly, though Eldest’s reaction to his questions was anything but relaxed; he sputtered, unable to form words as his eyes became bulged and bloodshot. Dokkuun and his brothers gave each other nods as their suspicions about Jiran’s powers were confirmed. Meanwhile, the other elders began to whisper.

It didn’t take long for Eldest to recover from Madra’s restriction, “Willpower? Is that what your empire calls the ascenders madness? I am indeed afflicted by its grasp. My path forward has been sealed. If that is all, I shall take my leave.”

He wasn’t able to deny being a challenger and didn’t even question what I meant. Looks like I was right about him.

“Hold on, don’t be so hasty. I have a way to cure the madness, though I’ve only done it once, so there isn’t any guarantee it will work for you.” The elders gasped, breaking out into shocked murmurs at the possibility of his claims being true. Eldest was just as dumbstruck, unable to stop himself from trembling as he fully faced Jiran.

“How is that possible? What do you want in return? I’ll do anything!”

“I don’t want anything in return. Just having a willing subject to test my theories is enough. I don’t even know if it will work with you since you’re much higher tier than the last person I helped and your aura is a lot stronger than hers. If it doesn’t work now, it probably will in the future when I’m stronger than you. Are you willing?”

“Of course! Lit-ahem. Brother, I’ll be in your care,” Eldest palmed his fist with a clap and lowered his head.

Jiran returned the gesture and then turned to the excited elders, “This won’t be possible with any of you here. Also, we’re short on time. Please return to your clans and gather your forces. Meet me at the Valley of the Timberlings as quickly as possible. Even if you cannot bring the agreed-upon forces, that’s fine. You have three hours, no more. Keara and Keeon, one of you get that list and bring it in advance. From this day forth, your clan will be responsible for protecting the Timberlings. If a single one of them dies by the hands of a Forkara, it will be the last day you draw breath.”

Jiran’s mana leaked from his skin and suit causing ripples in the air, triggering an instinctive terror that washed through the elders. The twins froze, their wings trembling. They crossed their arms, fists crashing into their chests in a powerful salute before they bowed again, “We understand! Our clan will atone for its sins as thanks for sparing us.” When Keeon rose from his bow, he wore an expression of determined acceptance. Jiran nodded, feeling like he had once more made a good choice in sparing a potential enemy and turning them into a formidable ally.

Dokkuun and the elders of the Rising Sky faction saluted as well and then bowed before turning to leave. The other elders followed suit, but Jiran stopped them with a final word, “Take those tier seven corpses with you. Eat well,” Everyone present heard the implication that it may be the last meal they ever enjoy.

“As you command, Senior Brother Guardian!” They raced away, propelled by fear just as much as the powerful gusts of wind blasting from their wings.

Facing Eldest, Jiran’s eyes lit up with Mana Omnis, “Alright, my method works by taking away one of your skills or techniques, so you’ll have to choose one to give up forever.”

“W-what?! Give up forever? How would that help?”

“Follow me, I’ll explain,” Jiran dove toward the ground, Eldest easily keeping pace beside him. “Willpower is consumed with each skill, technique, and acclamation. You might have different words for them but basically, anything that appears on your status consumes willpower. The more you acquire, the greater the burden on your soul. If you progress far enough and prove yourself to Madra, she has ways to reset your willpower completely. My method is different, it’s only a temporary fix that removes one of your unneeded skills or techniques to alleviate the strain.”

Eldest took several minutes to digest Jiran’s revelations before nodding slowly, “I understand. What you say makes too much sense to be false and I can tell you are speaking the truth. I have made my choice, what do you need me to do?”

“You don’t have to reveal anything about your skills, just use it a few times so I can see where it’s located in your body. After that, I’ll have to take control of your aura to remove it for you. Why don’t you lie down and relax, this might take a while.”

***

Damn, even when he’s asleep it still doesn't work. His aura is just too strong for me to freely mold it like I could with Shaara’s. Not only that, it instinctively reacts to protect his technique at the last moment. So, if I want to help someone with their willpower I have to do it before their aura reaches a certain threshold.

“I’m sorry, Eldest. After I ascend a few more times, I’ll try again.”

“It is not entirely your fault, brother. Every time I feel you grabbing my technique, I instinctively act to protect it. If I had more control, I believe your method would work. Thank you for your efforts and being willing to try again in the future. I have lived with the malady for centuries, a few more is nothing.” Eldest bowed and Jiran returned the gesture.

“Do you think any of the clans are going to give me trouble? I’m asking a lot of them by taking so many of their soldiers away. Even if they agreed to it… the political ramifications have to be immense.”

“Certainly. I expect each of them to give you no end of trouble!” Eldest laughed while he wiped a tear from his eye that could have been born from either his mirth or the sadness at their failure to cure him. “Why do you think I stepped away from leading them when I easily could have? In my state, I'm not qualified to guide them nor patient enough to deal with their tantrums. I’m only good for keeping their grudges from going too far and starting another grand war. I suppose I’m not half bad at tricking little brothers into thousand-year contracts either…”

Jiran grunted, shaking his head with a smile, “Yeah, you got me there. Next time, I’ll make sure to get the upper… uhh, wing. By the way, the method to increase your willpower I mentioned earlier: It’s possible to evolve your race. I got the option when one of my skills reached level one hundred. By that time, I had done a few other things as well so just getting one skill up there might not be enough.”

“One hundred?!” Eldest blew air past his lips, “I am more and more glad I stepped in before those fools got themselves killed. The depths of your secrets are truly unfathomable. Then, I look forward to our next collaboration. I would join your war, but the battle might push my madness beyond my capabilities. I can only guide my thoughts toward hoping for your survival and good health, Brother Guardian.”

“Thank you for your prayers, Brother Eldest, I hope I don’t need them.”

Jiran glanced over his shoulder at the foggy Land of the Lost, determined to do whatever it took to increase his strength as quickly as possible.