Aether Beasts

Chapter 222

[Probably next week I'm going to be releasing an auxiliary chapter about the magic system, but not spoiling anything and I'll update it as the novel progresses.]

"Are you two ready?"

Zirani looked confident and honestly, Misty and I felt the same. At least that's what I was sensing through our bond. We were currently eating a light breakfast, and it was just two hours before the fight which was set to take place at the twelfth hour. My body felt fully refreshed and full of energy after the long sleep yesterday. I usually only slept for a few hours now, but yesterday I had gone to sleep early and I had woke up just an hour ago.

"How many people do you think are going to be there?"

"Everyone for the most part," Zirani answered. "The expedition isn't large and it's had over four days spread, not to mention whose fighting. Two students of the princess? Everyone's going to want to see this."

"No pressure," I said.

"Worried?" Zirani glanced at me.

I shook my head. "Not really. I feel confident and there's no point in stressing out."

"Well then finish up, take a bath and let's go."

We did as she said and after the bath, I put on a basic set of battle robes. I probably could have worn something more extravagant but there really wasn't much of a point. I didn't want to use any tools or armor, especially if he wasn't going to. If he did that would be another story, but even then that would just provide a greater challenge.

Misty wore much the same, though she looked a lot more stylish. Together side by side with Zirani and Sandra we headed to the central area of the plaza. Zirani's words about everyone being there were quickly proven right, and not just that, but apparently, someone had changed the area to essentially turn it into a small arena.

There was now one large space at the center with lines upon it, the place we'd e fighting, and around it were stone seats rising in sets, and they were packed full with each group sitting next to each other.

I spotted everyone from the umbrin clan to every one of the green court. Even Aeverie was there seated next to Shana and Julian. The naga was also there in her full human form and I realized that I hadn't seen much of her which meant she had probably kept to herself most of the time.

The Red ribbons were also there and sat at the center to my shock was a human in odd robes.

"He's an alchemist there protecting," Misty said.

The red ribbons were all women just as Misty had told me, and each had unique features with some possessing similar red eyes to Misty while others had amber slits and one even looked to have no pupils or iris at all. It was just pitch black. They were all beautiful of course, but I was quickly realizing that went for most people of the lands beyond the scar simply because of everything they had access to.

The scholar was there flanked by his lycan bodyguards and so were the thousand drop sect and Sevire clan, and the clan had quite the assortment of people and races with them. There were also other groups I hadn't met yet, but my attention didn't remain on them for long as Misty's opponent was already on the field, waiting.

"I guess that means your going first," I said to Misty.

"I don't mind," Misty said as she walked over while the rest of us headed to the green court area to take a seat. A few places had been left for us and once we were seated, a woman in the red ribbon's area sat directly next to the alchemist stood.

"We have all come here today to witness two fights and the first to take place will be that of my second, Milenia, and the challenger, Misty. The fight will end once one of you has made the other unable to continue. This is not a fight to the death, though as both of you are vampires with stronger bloodlines, serious injuries will not be disallowed."

She tunred to Milenia. 'Are you ready sister?"

Milenia nodded. She was garbed similarly to the others in red robes but unlike the leather amour they wore over it, she had on metal, though it looked not to be seen as armor but a decoration or symbol, and since the vampire who I assumed was the leader had called Milenia, her second, then it was probably meant to show rank.

The vampire nodded at Milenia and then turned to Misty. "Are you ready, Misty?"

Misty nodded, her eyes not leaving Milenia

"Then on the count of three."

The vampire raised a hand. "Three, two, one!"

The hand came down.

______

Misty's aether had been ready and the moment the hand came down she sent her death rain orb into the air while she formed her claws and shot forward. The orb let out a sizzling noise and then drops of blackish liquid began to rain from the sky. If a drop touched a living person, it would stick, and then the pain would begin. It would eat through flesh, armor, and leather alike and it would keep on going until it burned a hole straight through you which meant if it landed on your head it would be extremely bad which was where it was most likely to hit since it was rain. She had developed it with help from Zirani, and while it was strong it had its downsides.

Mainly the speed of the drops and the fact it could be burned off and simple aether techniques could stop it, but it wasn't meant to be a hard hitter. It was meant to wear down an opponent both physically and drain them of their aether as they had to keep dealing with it. All it would take was one drop in the wrong place and the enemy was screwed.

Misty wasn't simply going to stand still and wait for that though. Milenia was Juveria's second in command and Misty wasn't naive enough to think she would be defeated so easily.

Milenia hadn't remained still and too, and shot forwards at Misty, though she did not brandish claws as her weapon. Instead, blood poured from her hand, through her skin, and a long, wide blade formed.

They met at the center, and claws of death clashed against a blade of blood. Misty was surprised at the strength of the vampire as she was pushed back slightly, but she didn't remain that way. They traded blows and remained in hand-to-hand combat. Misty had to admit that Milenia was very skilled, though not fast enough, which allowed Misty to get some hits in, but her claws didn't seem to do much damage, and she knew if she was hit with a solid blow then it would do some serious damage.

The deadly rain did hit Milenia occasionally but seemed to do no damage In fact the drops seemed to be burned off the moment they hit any exposed skin and Misty could sense aether being used, but it was odd in the way that it wasn't like a normal technique and more like the aether was acting on its own. Like some sort of passive defense.

Misty side stepped a downwards slash and returned the favor by aiming for her neck. At the last minute, Milenia moved and let go of the blade to strike Misty in the stomach. Misty was too fast and managed to twist herself and dodge the blow. Her opponent let out a growl and brought the blade around in a horizontal slash which Misty ducked, and counterattacked with a long and solid slash to Milenia's abdomen. However, the claws did not pierce flesh as she had expected and instead seemed to bounce off which left her open.

What happened next was both a shock for Milenia and the crowd as Misty animated her hair and not only lengthen it but enchanted it. She sent it to wrap around Milenia arms stopping her, and though it worked, Misty had to grit her teeth as her opponent had great strength. The restraints would not last for long and Misty didn't want to pour any more aether into them.

However, it gave her enough time to reorient herself and jump back. As she did, she gave the extended hair one last command before detaching it so that her hair looked normal once again.

Milenia broke free, but then found the strands of hair acting like snakes, trying to move into any open part of her body. None managed to as Milenia's body began to glow slightly and then there was a flash of orange light bringing with it an intense wave of heat powerful enough that Misty felt it.

'Fire affinity?'

The strands were gone and Milenia looked pissed and began to form another technique. More steam began to pour off her and Misty could sense a large amount of aether being used. Misty wouldn't let her and sent three crescent death blades out at high speeds.

Milenia simply scoffed and raised a hand. Another wave of orange light pushed out, destroying all but one blade that managed to hit her with little to no effect. By them whatever technique she had been forming was done, and the vampire gave Misty a fanged grin before she was engulfed in red flame.