Chapter 199: The Wolf King’s Challenge

Varghelm was becoming an utter wasteland. The once beautiful capital was now a war zone. Smoke and flames were filling the air, the ground was littered with broken buildings and whole streets were reduced to rubble. The mana explosions were causing massive damage to the surrounding areas. The fighting was everywhere, there was little distinction between the battlefield and the civil areas. Even the royal guards were having trouble keeping things under control.

Tanaka ran down the crumbling street. His dark blue body stretched as he caught one of the building’s falling pieces. Three Beastfolk were trapped underneath with their legs pinned by a broken beam. Using one arm he lifted the huge chunk of building off them, the other arm he used to pull the injured out before throwing the debris into the empty square. As it was falling, a group of Tigers appeared at the end of the street their weapons already glowing with mana. “More?” Tanaka sighed. The Tiger mage finished his chant and created several spinning blades of condensed wind. They flew towards Tanaka cutting through the smoke and destroying everything in their path. He raised his hand causing a gust of wind to blow across the street and blow the blades into the surrounding walls. He then created a wave of water from the nearby fountain. He compressed it into a strong jet and blasted it at the mage.

The Tiger crashed into the wall of an empty shop. Tanaka looked around to see the others had run. He decided not to chase them and used his earth magic to strengthen the weakened street so the remaining civilians could run. He had noticed that his control over the three elements was getting much better. He was able to control them with ease, almost automatically. Using them so often was improving his abilities. He was now able to do things that would have taken massive effort just a short while ago. His Soul Record was slowly adapting. Nothing dramatic happened but his abilities were no longer as restricting.

He was now able to use his Wind Manipulation to deflect multiple attacks. His Water Manipulation was becoming much more accurate. He was now able to control the pressure and flow of water. His Earth Manipulation was also improving. He was able to strengthen structures and move large amounts of stone without focusing entirely on one thing. He was still learning. But the battlefield was teaching him fast.

A loud bang echoed through the western area. Tanaka turned to see a huge Bearfolk Warrior charging through a group of Wolves. His whole body was covered in earth strengthened armour. His massive hammer was destroying everything it hit. Two Wolves tried to stop him but he swung his weapon sideways sending them crashing into the remains of a building. Before he could attack, someone jumped down. Drakar punched the Bearfolk sending him flying into the road. A crater formed under him. The Bearfolk groaned and pushed himself up. He swung his hammer at the Wyrmkin’s head. Drakar caught the weapon with one hand and twisted it causing the Bearfolk to stumble back. He then punched him in the chest sending him flying several metres. “Stay down!”

The Bearfolk stood up. Drakar blinked. “Seriously?” Another Bearfolk charged from behind. Drakar’s tail swept across the street hitting the Bearfolk in the waist. He threw him into an empty building. He turned back to the first Bearfolk. They had very strong bodies. They had taken some serious hits but they were still fighting.

Meanwhile Raveana was helping the injured soldiers from the Wolf Crown. She was moving so fast it was almost impossible for the normal guards to follow. Every time a Tiger tried to attack she was already there. She knocked one out with one punch. She grabbed the ankle of another and sent him flying. She continued carrying an injured Wolf. Razer and Raishin were fighting. The Orc Lord was taking hits from the spear thrusts. He was punching warriors into the air. Raishin was using his Lightning Step to move between gaps. He was attacking their weak points and disrupting their mana strengthening. They were moving so fast that those watching could only see flashes.

Another warrior fell. Sora had changed part of his body into a huge shield. He was blocking attacks. The projectiles were hitting his shield and sinking into his slime body. His other tendrils were pulling injured civilians away from the fight. If anyone tried to get to the children he would change his body into a giant fist and punch them away. “Don’t come near!” His voice echoed down the street. The children were hiding behind him.

Despite their efforts, the situation was getting worse. A Fire spell was cast onto a Foxfolk merchant house. The whole top floor collapsed. Several Rabbitfolk healers rushed over but a group of Tigers blocked their path. They demanded they state who they were. The healers tried to explain they were only carrying medicine but one of the warriors raised his spear and accused them of supporting the Wolf Crown. A fight broke out. One healer was hit in the chest. Another fell as they tried to protect an injured child. Tanaka arrived just in time. He caught the Tiger’s spear between his two fingers. He snapped it in half and pushed the warrior back. He flew through the remains of a wooden stall and landed unconscious. Tanaka looked up. His expression was becoming colder. “Are you insane?! They’re healers!”

The Tigers lowered their weapons. Some of them stepped back but others still glared. Tanaka didn’t waste any time. He rushed over to the injured Rabbitfolk. He carried them over to Relia’s station. The Kijin Princess was already treating several injured Beastfolk. “Lord Tanaka!” “How bad?” “There are too many. Some of their injuries are too serious for the healers to treat quickly.” Tanaka looked around. The station was overflowing. He could see scared parents looking for their children. Warriors were carrying their injured friends. People had lost their homes and were standing next to the remains of their possessions.

A Rabbitfolk elder was crying over the body of a young healer. A Wolf Crown soldier was sitting still with blood covering his hands. Tanaka clenched his fists. He had spent years creating a place where different races could live together in Eldoris. He had fought powerful enemies, negotiated with rulers and even risked his life to create peace with the Beastfolk. But with a few manipulations they had turned on each other. Now innocent people were paying the price.

King Aldren Greymane was fighting in the centre of Varghelm. He had left the safety of the royal area and was fighting on the front line with the Wolf Crown. His sword was moving with incredible accuracy. His wind enhanced movements were allowing him to move across the battlefield quickly. A Tiger Captain tried to attack him from the side but he turned. He caught the weapon on his sword and kicked the Tiger in the stomach. The Tiger fell. Another charged. Aldren dodged and punched the man in the shoulder sending him flying into a stone pillar.

More warriors were coming. Even the Wolf King was finding it difficult to fight so many. His royal guards had suffered heavy losses. Several major clan leaders were busy fighting to protect their people. He looked around. The Lions were still fighting. The Tigers were refusing to back down. The Foxfolk were now openly fighting to protect their land. The smaller peoples were slowly getting involved. Even those who had refused to fight were now protecting their families and homes. This was no longer a ruler’s dispute. This was a Beastfolk war.

Aldren blocked an attack. He raised his sword. “ENOUGH!” The nearby warriors paused. The Wolf King let out his aura.

A huge pressure filled Varghelm. Aldren’s mana was surging through the air causing it to tremble. The Wolf Crown soldiers stopped moving. His aura was filled with the power of the Wolf King. For decades his aura had commanded respect from the nine major clans and many minor bloodlines. Even those fighting moments ago felt their instincts tell them to lower their weapons. The Tigers were the first to refuse. Their bodies glowed as they strengthened themselves. Several mages created protective circles to protect their commanders. Garrath let out his aura to stop his Lions being completely overwhelmed. The Foxfolk created spirit barriers to protect their injured. The fighting slowed. One weapon fell. Another.

The sounds of battle faded. All that could be heard were the crackling of the burning buildings and the groans of the injured. Aldren stood in the centre of the destroyed street. His sword was pointing downwards. He was panting and blood was running down one side of his face. His eyes were locked onto the rulers in front of him. “Look around you!” No one answered. “Look what we’ve done!” He pointed to the destroyed buildings, injured warriors and bodies. “Is this what you wanted? Did you really think asking for justice would turn out like this?”

Tavren Raukhan stepped forward. “My sister—” “Your sister is dead! Warriors from the Lions, Foxes, Wolves, Rabbits and other peoples are dead! How many more need to die before you realise this is no longer about Mereth?” Tavren’s claws tightened. “So what’s the solution?” Aldren looked at him. “I have one.” All the rulers turned their attention to the Wolf King. He lowered his sword. “We have let our warriors fight, our cities burn and our people die because we can’t agree on who should decide the future of Bravelm. Every ruler believes their authority should be respected but none of us have been able to stop this happening. Let’s end this without losing another thousand warriors.” Garrath narrowed his eyes. “And what do you suggest?” “A challenge.” The word travelled through the crowd.

Aldren continued. “Instead of continuing this pointless slaughter, let the leaders and their chosen representatives fight. Each people who want to challenge the current situation can send their ruler and a representative. This will be decided by strength.” Tavren looked at him. “And the winner?” Aldren looked around at the gathered Beastfolk. “Will be the ruler of the kingdom. They will have the authority to decide what happens to Bravelm and how the peoples will be ruled. No more army battles, no more clan revenge and no more pointless deaths.” Silence fell. Even Tanaka who had just arrived with Relia stopped moving.

He looked at the Wolf King. The suggestion was extreme, maybe even reckless but it would stop the armies fighting. The question was whether the other rulers would agree. Garrath was the first to speak. “You’re going to decide the fate of Bravelm on a challenge?” Aldren nodded. “I’d rather risk the pride of the rulers than lose people’s lives.” The Lion King said nothing. Tavren stepped forward.

“And if the Tigers win we will decide how this kingdom is ruled.” “That’s right.” The Tiger ruler looked at his warriors. Several of them pounded their weapons into the ground in approval. Tanaka glanced at Raizen who was standing next to him with blood on his fur. He looked at Lynessa who had been brought to the healing station by Nira.

The fighting had stopped but the hatred was still there. The next decision would decide whether Varghelm got a chance to recover or go into another conflict. Aldren spoke loudly. “Let the rulers decide!” The Wolf King had issued his challenge. Now every Beastfolk leader had to decide whether to accept.