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Jack took a deep breathe. Eyes from all over were piercing his skin. His breathing was shallow no matter how much he inhaled. He wanted this to be over, but how. What would be the situation that can help them? The wolves had to be set free, but would they continue to fight? Ace would have to stop them for now. Would Lok give up on them? How many of these men were from the village? How many would follow new orders? Why were they following Lok in the first place? Pride? The stares continued to stab him. Jack looked towards the wolves again. He looked towards his friends. Tana looked relieved. Nod and Olivia's expressions showed their preparedness for trouble. They were good people. Jack guessed that it wasn't always the good one that wins.
"Ace." Jack stood up and walked to his friend. Stella was in a close tow. "I want you to make sure no one dies. I want to take care of Lok."
"What? Jack. You are in no condition to keep fighting. Just let Ace handle this!" Stella yelled out. She stared at her mentor and her friend's determined eyes. "Okay, but I want in as well."
"Okay. I think I can make that happen. What do you have in mind Jack?"
"I am going to give everyone something to be scared of." Jack began to walk towards Lok. Ace grabbed his arm. He grabbed the knife from the holder behind him and offered it to Jack. Jack took hold of the handle and looked at his mentor and the Mystical.
"I believe in you guys. You've done well." Ace walked ahead of him.
"You are testing my patience, Moustache. I have entertained you enough."
"Sorry, sorry Mr. Lok. I got carried away. I was looking for the key to everyone's problems. I am kidding, but I think we have the answer now. We have dec—"
"We challenge you to a duel, Lok. It is as simple as that. We fight to see who is the strongest in the village."
Lok's laugh was maniacal. Exaggerated. Contagious even, as the surrounding hunters joined along.
"What would I gain from a duel? Did you not pay attention to my words? Fighting isn't the way to find the stronger one. You have no move here, boy!"
"Damnit Jack. You used the wrong word." Ace snapped his fingers while walking over to Darke. He began scratching the head of the half beastly monster. Darke seeming to be calmed. "You said challenge, and he thought he had a choice. You are going to fight Jack and Stella and if any of your men make a move then I will let go of these guys."
Ace began collecting the black ropes in one hand. He casually pulled on them as the rods rooted out of the ground. Any hunter holding onto the connection, stumbled forward. Lok's eyes widened. Tenny made a rod out of dark magic and Ace used it to tie the ropes back onto that anchor. He went over and apologized to Darke. The wolf still trying to fight the restraints.
"I can still refuse. I have enough men here to kill the creatures."
"Maybe, but definitely not before they get to you. Are you going to risk it?" Ace mentioned.
"What do I get if I win?"
"We will let you walk out of this town safely. As of right now, Evergreen village is mine. Lunar Eclipse will be the top guild," Jack spoke up.
"Give me my wolves if I win, and we have a deal. I will walk away if I lose."
"The wolves are off the table," Stella answered.
"You are wasting my time. If I can just walk away, then I will. You cannot keep me out of a town. You aren't the government. Know you place." Lok turned away.
"This is unfair!"
"We worked hard!"
"That isn't a deal!"
Protest fell into the circle. Lok grinned as he walked into the crowd. Jack tensed up. This is exactly what he wants. He would just retreat and get everyone to attack. He knows they can kill the wolves, but he doesn't want to risk going down.
"We should attack them!"
"There is a lot of us!"
"We can take what we want!"
"That is enough!" Nod grabbed their attention. "Wolves Blood are standing with Lunar Eclipse! You want to fight, then fight all of us and the wolves."
"The wolves would kill you too."
"We can more than kill all of you."
The continuous grumbling continued to get louder. Jack lost track of Lok. How could he lose sight of a mountain. He wasn't worried about the rest of the hunters. He had to stop the hunter. That man would continue to control everything.
"Jack, I am sorry. Tenny is going to shield everyone, and I will take you guys out of here. It is the only way I can make sure everyone is safe. I am really sorry," Ace mentioned to the huddle.
"I understand. It is what we have to do. It is just so frustrating."
"I think I can help resolve this! Excuse me. Excuse me." A strange man walked barefoot through the crowd. He appeared to be late 20s or early 30s. He was muscular, and a long light blue hair shaggily fell down his back. It was his attire that drew the most attention. He wore no shirt and a deep blue cloth wrapped into a baggy pants. The fabric hugging at each ankle with what seemed to be a vine. Everyone's eyes were locked into confusion. Jack caught a glimpse of Ace. His eyes looked nervous. Stella noticed this too. What is happening?
"You decided to make an appearance. I was anxious after my friend spotted you. Do you mind?" Ace placed a cigarette in his mouth.
"No problem my friend." The man placed one finger under Ace's cigarette. A fire emitted from the tip of the finger. "I saw him when he was running. I was going to ask what your deal was, but I wanted to observe a bit more. I was looking for someone else anyway. It just worked out this way."
Everyone simultaneously erupted. All the hunters tried to scatter to all directions while the man finished his words with Ace.
"Thank you. What are you going to do?"
"Give me a minute." The man vanished. In an instant, the rocks and dirt climbed out of the grass in a large circle. Everyone was trapped inside this massive earth wall. It was actually earth. No yellow glow besides the sun. The man sitting high on the ledge, that he must have created. That is the strongest in the world.
"I am looking for the big guy. The one with the black hair that was in the circle just now. You all know who I am talking about. You have 3 seconds to point out where he is. Wherever you are, find yourself back in the circle."
The crowd quickly found the massive hunter. They all pushed him towards the spot he just retreated from. Jack couldn't believe what was happening. Why was this happening? He was sure that almost everyone felt this way.
"Okay, I am back. What is your name little one? You as well Moustache."
"My name is Tenny. This is my friend Ace. Nice to meet you." Tenny chuckled.
"You don't look like any Zodiac, and I know most Mystical creatures. Are you a Zodiac? I never met a creature like you. Which part are you from?"
"I am a new Mystical. I don't think I am a Zodiac. How do you know if you are a Zodiac?" Tenny questioned.
"I have no idea, they just always told me. This is interesting. Who are you two?"
"I did want to talk to you, but can we wrap up here first. I have a favour I wanted to ask you, if possible, Mr. Virgo." Ace answered.
"Sure, we can talk later." Virgo turned to the open circle as everyone continued to stare at him. Lok finally made his way in front of them. His face plastered with disdain. There was no avoiding this one. His face twisted to avoid their sight in any reach for grace. Was this because he trapped the wolves? Whatever happened, it was bad enough for Virgo to know him.
"What do you want?" Lok grumbled.
"Woah, that tone hunter boy. Be careful, it could bite. We both know what you have done. We both know why I am here, but I have become invested in you all. You all that are filled with pride and ambition. Those of you that feel like you have a right to things. It has piqued my interest. I am willing to give you a chance you scum. If you take them up on their challenge and win then you are free. In fact, the winner gets to live, and the loser dies. That means you too brown hair."
Virgo released a hearty chuckle. Everyone else in the circle panicked. No words could escape any of their mouths. Who would be the first to object?
"I don't want anyone to die! I just wanted to fight in a duel," Jack exclaimed.
"Then what would be the fun. It is you or the wolf killer. I am rooting for you. Goodluck!"
"Please. Don't do thi—"
Lok immediately charged at Jack. Jack was barely able to avoid the massive hands reaching at him. He rolled on the ground before jumping back to his feet. Lok inching closer to him.
"What are you doing?" Jack yelled.
"Not dying."
"This is madness. We don't have to fight in some death match." Jack dashed to the side. Lok was becoming more and more aggressive.
"This might be the last time I get to tell you. The strongest can do what they want. That man there is the strongest."
"There are other ways." Jack was getting used to Lok's movement. His range. He wasn't using much fighting technique. It seemed like he was going to dominate using brute strength. "We can ask for other options. There are ways to talk it out. Forcing someone isn't always the answer."
Lok finally got a hold of Jack. His colossal hand forced Jack's chin to be pushed upwards with his palm pressed against Jack's throat. "You wanted this fight a couple of minutes ago. Are you scared now that there are consequences? This is my best chance at survival, and I am damn sure going to capture it."
Jack gripped the aggressor's wrist. He struggled to pull his fingers from the grip. Jack glanced over to Ace. Ace glanced at Virgo. He gave a thumbs up. Jack closed his eyes. He was struggling to breathe but it wasn't enough to make him panic anymore. So this is power. This is the thrill of fighting for a top spot. For recognition. Jack began a laugh. It grew. His eyes snapped open and locked onto his opponent. The unsettling laugh continued. Lok's expression shifted. Shifted with the chill that went down his body.
"Yea. Yea! We can fight. We can definitely fight." Jack reached for the blade he tucked on his hip. The knife's edge grew a dense black blade. Heavy. He felt the mass shifting. Tenny was probably adjusting the density of it. Perfect. Jack crashed the blade into the ribs before falling to his knees. "I am going to break you Lokky Boy."
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Lok stumbled back while gripping his ribs. Damnit, if the damn white wolf didn't catch him earlier. This kid is crazy. Lok felt uneasy about moving. He had to. Virgo was here for him, and he was given a chance. No way a lousy rookie is going to stop him. Lok didn't appreciate the switch to crazy, but it shouldn't change anything. Lok is stronger. He just has to keep an eye on his ribs.
***
"To the death? Isn't that too far?" Ace questioned Virgo who came to stand beside him.
"Hahaha. You think so? I think it makes things exciting. It is the rules of nature. Survival of the fittest."
"Yea, but in nature, there is the chance to flee. You took that away from them."
"It comes along with the ego that humans have. I just made their meaningless fight into an important one."
"I wouldn't say it was meaningless. They were fighting for the fate of the two wolves." Ace sounded desperate.
"Nah. That was decided the moment you arrived. From what I heard. They are fighting for the right to rule over that village. Seems trivial in the face of freedom, don't you think?"
"You have a point. It seems that you have wisdom of the Mysticals, but I still don't think that anyone should die."
"Ha. You worried? I know it will all work out. Everyone will get what they deserve, but I guess that might depend on you."
"What do you mean?"
"It seems this group doesn't want any deaths. So, stop them." Virgo rooted the dark ropes from ground.
Ace, Tenny, Darke and Jennifer moved in a flash. William didn't know what they were talking about before, but the Mystical Creatures and Ace crashed through the grass outside the circle to the edge of the new rock wall. Countless people fleeing from that area. He rushed as fast as he could to see what was happening with his friend.
Darke's claws tore up chunks of the dirt as it punched at Ace. His friend managing to deflect it and grab onto the small white wolf moving at an incredible speed. The black wolf pounding onto Ace's back until Tenny appeared with a dark orb to stop the fists. Ace constantly making an attempt to cut them off from their path, pinning them down with dark tools falling in his hand. Weapons of all kinds appearing as Ace used them to parry the trails of ice and dark masses launched at him. He was sweating. More than that, he was bleeding. William didn't think he would see him bleed. He didn't know how long Ace could keep back the wolves while trying not to hurt them, but he hoped Jack was hurrying up over there.
***
Lok sent mana to his right palm. The Syng Dark Shield formed. Heavy, but he will need it against that black blade. If he isn't careful then he could end up dead before Virgo does it himself. What is he thinking? Snap out of it. Jack ran at him. Sporadic sword swings crashed into the dark shield raised over Lok's head. Those are some heavy swings for a small man. The vibrations must be hurting him more than Lok. The swings impact changed. Lok peaked from behind his shield to see Jack pounding on the black mass with his fist. His face still grinning as blood dripped down.
"Ahhh!" Lok bellowed as he dropped to one knee. The dark blade crashed behind into his shoulder, dangerously close to his neck. He felt his consciousness waver. He quickly rolled to the left, away from anything. He saw the ashen hair girl wielding the dark blade. She was standing next to her comrade as they readied their stance. Damnit. It was against both of them. This is bullshit. Lok looked at Virgo. He was laughing at that exchange. She looked completely uninjured. This made it much more difficult, but nothing close to the savages he has slain.
Lok took off the shield and placed the tool on his left hand. Okay, now it easier to protects his ribs. Aggressive. He can't focus mana anywhere else while he has the shield up, but his natural strength should keep him up. Slowly. The two began to run in time before crossing into each other's path. The girl came first. She was nimble, and all her attacks came with an open palm. Her casting speed was incredible. Lok couldn't tell which strikes were reinforced or going to contain an ice spell. He was forced to dodge more than block. It wouldn't last long until the wild child came in. He appeared out of nowhere. It would seem like he floats in air before being gone again. His attacks were vicious. He released crazed laugh as he flurried Lok with attacks. A psychotic insect.
Their constant switching and moving was proving difficult. He wanted to be the aggressor, but any wild swing would result in a different one finding the gap. The insect was over exerting. He was beaten badly before to. He has to be at the end of his rope. Lok tucked his shield tight. He just needed a slight opening. Jack's turn was coming less and less frequent. Stella was the harder opponent to deal with, but since it was one opponent Lok found a better rhythm. He just had to hold out until the switch. It was the best chance he had to taking control of the situation. If his ribs weren't damaged then, these guys wouldn't be close to a challenge. They still aren't much of a challenge. He just has to find the opportunity. Now.
Jack's forward dash took him into the hand of Lok. The massive man used his force to drive Jack into the ground. He felt Jack's body try to bounce off the flattened grass, but his force kept him down. Every bit of air left his body. That should keep him down for a while. Lok just wished that Jack was the one wielding the dark blade. That girl and that sword will be annoying. Lok began to raise when Jack gripped his arm. Lok looked down to a bloodied, giggling warrior.
"The little girl hits harder that you." Jack's laugh intensified. Lok quickly tried to punch downwards but the girl was already dashing forward. Lok raised his dark shield again as the blade fell. It relentlessly smashed into his forearm. He had to get out of this. Damn brat turned his defeat into an annoyance. The air shifted. He felt different. Lok looked down to see the defeated holding red in his hand. The orb buried into Lok's chest launching him a couple of feet into the air then on to his back. He struggled for any breath. He got carried away. Now every breath brought a crushing pain in his chest and side. He can't give up yet. He slowly made his way to his feet while his two opponents watched. They were probably sure that he was down. He was glad to crush their hopes. He wouldn't be able to weather much more. All or nothing.
Lok planted his feet into the ground. Ripped off his shield and collected all the mana he could into his body. The crazed hummingbird made it to him first. His movements were slowed. Lok let the fist drive into his chest while driving his own into the warrior's stomach. Jack coughed in pain, before trying to throw another punch. Lok was able to defect this blow before throwing a heavy punch at the fast-moving girl running at him. His hand drove through her guard. He could do this. He could hold out. More and more punches drove into his body, but he brought forth more and more blood from theirs. If he could just keep this up, but it was getting extremely difficult to keep his eyes open. He was tired. The punches hurt more and more, but he must be hurting them more. The Hummingbird was barely standing, his legs trembling but the grin on his face was not wavering. Lok could hear his men feel uncomfortable. This boy is a monster. Why wasn't he staying down?
Lok continued the offensive until he struggled to keep his hands up. The two opponents weathering the attacks. They were tough. He was wrong. He didn't want to fall. To fall would be the end of it, but he wasn't seeing the way to victory either. The girl kept targeting his ribs. The boy not letting up. Jack dashed forward before shifting to the left out of sight. Lok didn't have time to turn his head as Stella was running directly at him. He felt a large force dig into his spine. Jack pushing his elbow as deep as he could. Lok felt his body being propelled towards Stella. The boy's elbow continuing to press into him. Stella greeted the fast-paced hunter with her knuckles embedding into his jaw. Lok's body went limp before he crashed to the ground. Jack could barely keep air in his lungs. His entire body was leaning on Stella. He drew in as deep of a breath as he could.
"Ahhhhhh!" Jack howled into the air. Everyone was at attention. "This is my city. Evergreen is run by Lunar Eclipse, and if anyone has a problem with it then find me! This my town now and your hunts will have to pass through me! Come stand against me if you have the guts!"
"He is beat up. We can take him!" Chants called from the crowd. They were few and spaced unevenly with whoever managed a burst of courage. They just witnessed their leader beaten, but so was The Hummingbird. Can they win? Should they risk it?
"What are the requirements to join?" Nod walked up to the exhausted pair.
"Understanding of the townspeople," Jack answered.
"Can I?"
Jack was speechless. Nod's eyes held a strong sincerity to them. It could be the blood loss or the emotions of the situation, but Jack could only shake his head in agreement. Nod released a small chuckle. Olivia behind him showed all her teeth. She gave a soft pat on Stella's shoulder.
"Looks like we won't have to fight, Ice Queen. We should spar a day though." Olivia walked to face the crowd. Nod took the lead.
"It seems that Me and Olivia are full fledged members of Lunar Eclipse. We will be taking on whoever thinks they can claim the spot for the top hunter. Any challengers?"
The crowd seemed more hesitant, but there was still discussion among them. The rest of Wolves Blood made their ways through the crowd to stand behind their former chief. The groups looked nervous. They had the equipment and machinery to win the battle, but not one on one duels. To take this they would have to be a united front, and they were all collected in the centre of the troops. Nod scrutinised the outer circle for any attempt to load or launch of a weapon. Olivia focused on the front. Their gaze was intense to say the least.
"Ha! I love this energy." Virgo's laugh bellowed. The weight of his voice was massive. The tone and pitch were quite normal, but undeniably massive. There wasn't a single gaze that shifted from him when he spoke. The strongest man in the world. His words were indeed heavy. What was he going to say? Was he going to kill Lok now? Jack's heart sunk. "I haven't checked with the boss yet, but I think it will be okay for me to join Lunar Eclipse too. So, for the future, I want all of you to spread the word. Virgo is in Lunar Eclipse, and I will gladly take anyone who wants the top spot in this town.
"Virgo in a hunting guild. Who would have thought?" Lyon said to Tana. Ace and Tenny made it back to the circle bloodied and bruised.
"Are you okay?" Tana gasped.
"Yea I finally managed to pin them down for now, but I don't think my job is done yet." Ace's tone was serious.
"I kind of wanted to do this a long time ago," Tenny said from his shoulder.
"That makes one of us."
Virgo stomped his foot on the ground. The massive wall of earth sunk back into the ground. Citizens and hunters alike all made a dash for freedom. The ones who remained was the members of Lunar Eclipse, temporary and new alike, minus a reaper. Virgo laughed through it all. Jack still felt uneasy. He hoped that everything was over. He kept his eyes on Virgo while making quick glances towards his mentor. He was sure his mentor was hoping for the same thing. Jack noticed that some of the hunters went to grab an unconscious Lok.
"Mister Virgo! What made you decide to join us?" Jack interrupted his laugh.
"I had been watching the entire time. I like you guys. I think your mindset fits my ideas, so I supported you guys."
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
"I believe in natures rules, and even animals kill for sport. Human have proven powerful, but I have been gifted with more power and now I can protect what I choose to. I tend to like animals more than people, so I stand up for them. Simple."
"I understand. The trick is power, but given that your mana is extraordinarily high, wouldn't you be able to enhance your body for most things. I didn't expect you to have that much muscles." Jack exaggerated his expression. Virgo was enamoured.
"I do have a good physique right. It is because I have that much mana. Things get boring if I take the easy way out all the time, so I decided to train my body for fun." Virgo continued to give them different views.
"That is really amazing. Oh, by chance do you know anything abou—"
"I am sorry to cut you off friend, but I still have some unfinished business. I will talk to you when we get back." Virgo began to scan the running crowd. A moustached mentor, bloodied and tired, appeared directly in front of his face.
"Is it possible that we do not do that? I would appreciate if you don't go after him." Ace smiled nervously. That is a face Jack never expected to see.
"Why are you getting in my way, friend? Is it because of the threat earlier? I was never going to kill you guys. It was always about him and what he did."
"It isn't just that. We as a team try not to kill anyone. If he dies because of our actions, then it wouldn't be the best feeling."
"Ha. I figured you were the type when I saw you all out here without weapons. That is why I made them fight to the death and you play with the pups. I had a feeling that you would take the option to save all lives if I gave one. I am sorry to say, friend, but I am still going to kill that man."
Virgo placed his hand on Ace's shoulder while waking past him. Ace gripped his wrist to bring out an astonished expression on the strongest man. The open jaw quickly switched to a striking smile. His eyes lit up. His expression was complete anthesis of the opponent holding on.
"It would be really great if you give this up. Friend." Ace's gaze was intense.
"I don't think you want to do this."
"I know I don't want to do this."
Virgo stomped on the ground. The earth shot out as extremely fast pillars a couple feet away from Ace's back. Tenny flashed by creating dark pillars stabbing into the ground, crashing against the earth. Ace didn't take his eyes off his opponent. Virgo's smile seemed to grow bigger. Ace released his hand from Virgo's wrist. Jack saw flames jumping from the grip. Both of Virgo's hands caught on fire, and without hesitation he swung the flames projecting waves of fire into the air. Ace was able to dodge them. Jack noticed the hands of Virgo being red. His fire burns himself. He won't be able to hold them in his hands often so his attack patterns will have to be aggressive. Ace can deal with that, but the arsenal of their opponent is probably limitless, and Ace is only being defensive. Virgo continued to throw combinations and continued to miss. A massive ball of water began to form in the air above them. The water blasted out of the ball, but Ace was able to withstand the force. Virgo wasted no time and waved his hand as lightning appeared in the air and struck the water, but Ace was standing just off in the distance away from the crackling ground.
"I can see you are killing time. I really don't want to have to look for my target again, and if I ramp up this battle, then we might cause a lot of damage. You leave me no choice, friend."
Virgo raises his hand. Massive fireballs begin to swirl in the air. Ace dashes towards Virgo but the Mystical Magic User brought his hand down. Gigantic fire torrents blasted at everyone still there. Tenny created a large dark shield that planted into the ground to protect the former Wolves Blood and Tana. Ace managed to quickly push Lyon and Stella out of the way before barely making it in front of Jack. The fire pillar blasted into Ace's back but pushed them yards away. Ace had wrapped his arms around Jack, protecting him from the blast. Virgo took advantage and appeared too fast for Ace to adjust his position, he clenched his pupil and braced against the punch with his back. Jack couldn't see anything, but his body was being carried through the air at a drastic pace. They both crashed into the ground with Ace still gripping Jack until their speed was stopped suddenly. Ace grunted in pain before releasing his friend. He sat up and slammed his fist on the ground.
"I am really sorry, Jack. I messed everything up."
Jack sat up in confusion. He saw a massive hole in Ace's jacket and shirt, exposing a bruise dragged across his back, or was it a burn. Jack noticed his mentor's left arm was hanging low. Tenny was there with a massive black orb formed behind them. Jack looked around. Everyone was safe. Stella was getting off the ground and ran to them. He was glad everyone was okay. Lyon. Tana. Wolves Blood. Everyone was there. Virgo. Damn, Virgo was gone.
Jack took a deep breath. Stella slid on the ground to them. She was asking something, but Jack couldn't focus. Was it because he was just blasted? Was he in shock? Before he could get a grip, he saw the strongest man appear by the pinned down animals. His left forearm was painted red. A thick, dripping red. A man being dragged in his right hand. Virgo dropped the man in front of the wolves before taking off their binds.
The wolves inspected the man on the ground before changing back to their initial form. The man just lay on the ground. He refused to move. He couldn't move.
Damnit. That man is dead.