The duels began quickly, becoming a real source of entertainment for Alex and the rest. One by one, the warriors stepped into the arena, fighting for superiority with all their might. Initially, the Gnoll side started losing, as the weaker ones hadn't yet mastered their abilities and were defenseless against the variety of skills the other side possessed. It quickly turned into a streak of defeats, with the score standing at 5-2. However, the next seven warriors on Alex's side were all cultivators who had been with him from the very beginning and had a much better grasp of their aura.

Equipped with their favorite weapon, a Glassace spear, the Gnolls started to turn the tide, soon evening the score with four combatants left on each side.

"What is that ability? I've never seen an aura run so wild within one's body. You can see it has potential. Where did you find these Gnolls, Alex?" Aeloria asked.

"We met in the Iretar Forest," Alex responded playfully.

"What were you doing there? How far in were you, and how did you survive?" Aeloria asked, perplexed.

"Ah, that little rascal set a trap and sent me there. Damn it," Alex slurred, starting to tell a slew of stories about his time in the forest. However, due to his drunken state, only about one in three words were comprehensible.

Aeloria couldn't follow Alex's ramblings, so she simply nodded and responded generically now and then, trying to appear as attentive as possible.

"Hey Bromir, how did he get drunk so quickly? We've only had three drinks."

"Hahaha, Master Alex isn't used to drinking. He always said he was too young for it. It must be around these days that he finally did."

"What do you mean?"

"He once mentioned a promise he made to his mother, that he wouldn't drink until he reached the age of majority, which is 18 years old."

"18 years old is the age of majority! How can they be so useless as to wait that long?"

"I don't know the full details, but the master comes from a very different place, and it seems they could afford to take more time to prepare their young."

"That sounds like a huge waste. Giving them so much extra time only weakens the young, making them complacent in the belief that the adults will always protect them."

Bromir wasn't entirely convinced by this argument, especially since Loria was sleeping peacefully and carelessly in her lap.

"Well, if it were possible, I'd also like the dwarves to enjoy that privilege, although in Glamoria, it's just an illusion and foolishness to expect that."

The group continued their lively conversation while the last battle in the arena was underway and nearing its end, with Kragash suffering a decisive defeat. He spent almost the entire fight on the defensive, unable to land a single hit on his opponent.

"Hey, guys, they're toying with us. Why aren't they using their abilities?" Aaron shouted, half-annoyed by the final result.

"What are you talking about? You've already won. Let me give them the reward they deserve," Alex responded.

"Forget it. If they don't use their powers, they're just underestimating me. Fight me like beasts, not like pups."

"Hey, hey, you're being annoying. You already won, let it go."

"Nothing doing. Give me the fight I came for."

"Master Alex, if possible, it's best to let that musclehead fight under those conditions. If Kragash isn't allowed to use his abilities, he'll keep throwing a tantrum."

"Eh, are you sure you want this?"

"Of course, boy. Do you think it will change anything even if they use their abilities?"

"Fine, if you insist. Kragash, go all out, but don't kill him," Alex responded, immediately unleashing his aura at full strength, concentrating most of it on the young Gnoll.

Kragash, who was lying on the ground, felt the torrent of power flooding his body and the explosive aggression it brought, making him stand up immediately.

The surroundings froze instantly when Alex unleashed his power. Everyone except the Faeclaw was now enveloped in a crimson glow, their eyes shining, with the strongest glow in the Gnolls and the weakest in the Resh, and even less in the dwarves.

Immediately, the other Gnolls who had mastered the technique began channeling their aura to Kragash, not to enhance him further but to give him some clarity amidst the harsh aura Alex was providing. The drunkenness had severely affected his ability to control his powers, which could lead to an unfortunate accident if not managed.

Now, Aaron, being the absolute unit that he was, felt a slight chill run down his spine as he faced the young Gnoll in front of him. His aura had changed drastically, and Aaron could sense that the boy's power far surpassed his own.

"What kind of technique is that?" All the Faeclaw wondered what was happening. No one had ever seen an ability like this, one that emanated from a person and boosted a warrior so much. It was absurdly ridiculous, and from the looks of it, it wasn't just Kragash who received the aura, but absolutely everyone present except them. If this somehow meant that everyone had gained explosive power, that was something they preferred not to see.

"Ready?" Kragash asked, his voice much deeper.

"Yes."

Kragash's spear was a blur of movement, the Glassace tip gleaming with each thrust aimed at Aaron. The spectators held their breath as the deadly dance continued. Each of Aaron's steps was calculated, each parry of the spear a maneuver of precision. But even his tactical skill was being tested by Kragash's renewed ferocity.

Aaron stood firm, his body in a perfect defensive posture, his eyes never leaving the spear that sought his flesh. Kragash, however, had a fixed and determined look. Alex's aura kept pumping through him, giving him speed and strength that seemed impossible for someone his size and rank.

Suddenly, Kragash changed tactics. Instead of a thrust, he launched a low sweep with the spear, aiming at Aaron's legs. Aaron jumped to avoid the attack, but that was exactly what Kragash had anticipated. With a quick twist of his wrist, he redirected the spear mid-jump, now targeting Aaron's exposed torso.

Aaron barely managed to dodge, twisting his body in the air to land in a defensive stance again. The crowd roared with excitement at the intensity of the clash. Without losing a second, Kragash continued his offensive, delivering quick and precise thrusts that forced Aaron to retreat.

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Aaron knew he had to change the situation. Using the arena wall for momentum, he lunged forward with a shout, his sword flashing in a wide arc towards Kragash. The spear and sword clashed with a burst of sparks. The force of the impact pushed both back, but neither yielded.

"That's it, boy, that's how you fight!" Aaron roared, clearly enjoying the challenge.

With a fierce grin, Kragash charged again, this time with a series of more unpredictable thrusts and sweeps. Aaron barely managed to keep up, each blow resonating in the arena like a war drum. The spectators were on the edge of their seats, every move a spectacle of skill and brute force.

Finally, Kragash found his opening. A downward sweep with the spear forced Aaron to block high, leaving his flank exposed. Kragash spun and delivered a direct kick to Aaron's abdomen, sending him backward. Aaron landed hard but rolled to his feet, though with a grimace of pain on his face.

Kragash wasted no time and charged again, this time aiming with deadly precision at Aaron's shoulder. Aaron tried to dodge, but Kragash's speed was too much. The spear's tip sliced through Aaron's armor, leaving a bleeding mark.

With a mix of respect and determination, Aaron gritted his teeth and prepared for the next assault. But Kragash didn't give him a chance. With a series of fluid movements, he disarmed Aaron, his spear sending the veteran warrior's sword flying to the edge of the arena.

With his opponent disarmed and injured, Kragash lowered his spear, breathing heavily but maintaining his dominant stance. Aaron, panting, raised a hand in surrender.

"I admit defeat," Aaron said with a wry smile. "You're a worthy opponent, Kragash."

The arena erupted in cheers as Kragash raised his spear in victory. Alex, still a bit wobbly from the drunkenness, smiled broadly, proud of his warrior. Aeloria watched with renewed interest, realizing there was much more to Alex and his followers than she had imagined.

Alex walked to the center of the arena, hugging both Kragash and Aaron, and began to dance with them around the arena. Most of the sailors were already somewhat intoxicated from the wine, so they soon joined the dance, hopping from one foot to the other, mimicking Alex. The Gnolls and Resh also joined, and the celebration continued.

"Come on, you need to get that wound bandaged," Aeloria tried to pull Aaron away from Alex's embrace, but instead, he grabbed her by the shoulders and brought her into the dance.

"Let's celebrate," Alex continued while making noises with his mouth.

Soon, some sailors improvised some percussion and started playing a rhythm to give more harmony to the dance, and with the addition of the wine that kept being served, the party continued for hours, improvising a bonfire and songs.

The next day, Alex woke up in a bed that was definitely not his room, half-dressed and with a terrible hangover.

"Oh, my head hurts," Alex murmured.

"Oh, boss, I see you're finally awake. I'll tell the maids to bring you a special herbal water for the hangover," a dwarf standing guard replied almost immediately.

Alex sat up slowly, holding his head in his hands. The sunlight streaming through the window made him squint, and the sound of the dwarf's footsteps leaving the room was deafening.

Moments later, the door opened again, and two Gnoll maids entered, each carrying a tray with steaming cups.

"This should help, Master Alex," said one of them, offering him a cup of green, aromatic liquid.

Alex took it and drank carefully, feeling the bitter concoction slide down his throat and begin to ease his discomfort.

"Thank you," he said hoarsely, attempting a smile.

"You're welcome, sir," the maids replied with a bow before leaving.

As the herbal water took effect, memories of the previous night began to clear up. He remembered the celebration, the dancing, and how he had ended up embracing his battle companions and friends.

"Well, boss, it looks like you're feeling better," commented Bromir, entering the room with a grin. "It was a good night, huh? But today we've got things to do."

Alex nodded, straightening up in bed. "Yeah, it was a great night. But you're right, we have to move on. What's the plan for today?"

"First, we need to meet with our esteemed guests. There are some important decisions to make.”

"Alright. Where are we meeting them?"

"In your office. Aeloria is already there."

With a final sip of the brew, Alex got up and dressed. Despite the headache, he felt a renewed energy and determination. Leaving the room, he headed to the main hall, where a group of his followers had already gathered.

Aeloria, standing by a large wooden table, looked up as he entered. "Ah, Alex, good. Everyone's here. We have a lot to discuss."

"Of course, Aeloria." Alex walked slowly to his desk and sat down while the others took seats in nearby chairs, and Aeloria and Bromir sat across from him.

"You may begin your presentation, Miss Aeloria," he said, noticing that she was still looking at the auxiliary staff around. The dwarf added, "Don't worry, all the staff here are trustworthy since they came with us. We haven't hired anyone from the city yet."

Aeloria sighed and then began, "Alright, then, from the beginning. My name is Aeloria of Thunderclaw, Minister of the Navy of the Stormclaw Kingdom in the south."

"The Stormclaw Kingdom? That reminds me," Alex said, looking at little Liora, who was playing in the room with a gadget the dwarves had bought her as a gift.

"That's right, she is Princess Liora Stormclaw, the only living successor to the kingdom's spirit."

Alex was taken aback by the gravity of the revelation.

"Miss Aeloria means the rumors are true, but then who leads the so-called loyalist faction under Liora's uncle's name?" Bromir asked.

"The so-called loyalist faction has merely stolen the name to claim legitimacy, which they don't have since the late Lord Rert's mistress is trying to pass off her child as his legitimate heir. However, there are more than reliable sources that he is not his son. Even if he were, I've seen the boy before, and he hasn't inherited the ancestral soul; he cannot use the kingdom's spirit."

"It seems this kingdom spirit is a fundamental pillar of your kingdom?" Alex asked.

"Indeed, in times of need, the spirit's master can unleash a great blessing on all Faeclaw, an aura of power similar to what I saw you do with your subordinates, but much more powerful and without the drawbacks I've seen affect your Gnolls."

"I see. That sounds terrifying, the idea of each Faeclaw being able to unleash such power. So, can I ask why you are here?" Alex nodded, just imagining a charge of enraged and empowered lions sent chills down his spine. Besides, from her expression, it seemed she was underplaying the real power of the ability.

"I don't have all the details of the plot yet. The only survivor of the incident was her, but she has no memory of what happened there. What we do know is that exactly when it happened, several movements began to rise in rebellion, some trying to place others on the throne, some outright declaring independence, while others only wanted to limit the royal family's power and gain more privileges."

"What about you?"

"My absolute loyalty is to the royal family."

Alex looked at the little girl who had begun playing with a puzzle. "I see. But do you really plan to return there? To make her fight for the throne?"

"There is no other option. She will always be considered a threat by others. The Stormclaws have a long lineage of leading our people, and being the only ones who can use the sacred power of our race, they will always have legitimacy to rule."

"You are right about that, and I understand. But I refer to the other aspect of governance. She is…" Alex trailed off.

Aeloria looked at the little girl, who gave her a big smile when she met her gaze. Both knew the girl was not fit to rule. Alex, more than anyone, knew how cruel and vicious one had to be. Even when your subjects followed you, you had to be cautious that their power plays didn't affect the kingdom and always balance their needs, hitting with the stick when necessary and offering the carrot at other times.

"She will have to be, at some point," Aeloria replied softly, almost trying to convince herself more than anything else.

"I really don't see it. What do you think, Bromir?" Alex asked.

"I agree with the boss. I find it hard to see this endeavor succeeding," Bromir replied.

"What about you, Kragash?"

"I do believe it’s possible, but it won't be pretty. Sacrifices will have to be made," Kragash said.

Everyone looked at the little girl, and they could only imagine the incredible mountain of corpses, both enemies and allies, that would have to exist before the little girl could mature into the fierce and authoritative lioness who would bring order.

Aeloria quickly saw how Alex, Bromir, and Kragash rapidly lost any hope of offering a good deal and began to panic. The lioness had done her research during the night and knew Alex and his faction were a great dark horse. They could provide the help she needed without having to negotiate too asymmetrically.

"Not all is lost, evidently. Several former ministers are still fighting and are central to the kingdom's operation. They also control several of the largest cities that haven't yet joined the conflict," Aeloria said, trying to salvage the situation.

"Aeloria, before we continue this conversation, I want to hear it from you. What do you expect from us now that you know I can't convince you to join my faction?" Alex cut her explanation short, not wanting to be derailed and taken to a topic he wasn't interested in.

"What interests you?" she asked.

"That's not how it works. Put what you can offer and what you're willing to give on the table. I expect transparency from you," Alex responded.

Aeloria sighed deeply, and after thinking for a moment, she was about to respond when Alex interrupted her.

"I can see you truly have no negotiating power. What you have to say isn't worth it. I know nothing will be true," Alex stated bluntly.