Warmth

I traversed down the halls of the castle, my eyes closed as I thought about the events of yesterday. I let out a soft sigh then stopped by a window and looked outside, noticing a few servants working hard on fixing the area from last night's battle. I looked at my hand and summoned the Crest of Manami on my hand.

I stared at it for a moment and felt a warm presence holding my hand, yet no one was there. 'You were just a puppet in his game as well...'

The Crest faintly pulsated, seemingly responding to me. As the Crest pulsated, I could hear a soft voice speaking to me. I closed my eyes and listened closely.

"I'm...so..y.." The fragmented voice spoke in my head.

'It's alright...Manami. Even after all the initial hate I felt...I still kept your Crest. Even after everything, you never left my side. You are still my first wife, but you're gone now,' I thought, feeling a stronger warmth surround my hand.

I opened my eyes and noticed a spirit version of Manami holding my hand. I looked at her for a moment, noticing her presence and the source of such warmth.

Her attire was delicate and flowing, made up of translucent fabrics in soft pink and white tones, adorned with floral accents and golden accessories. The fabric seemed to move with a life of its own, adding to her ethereal presence. Her long, golden hair cascaded down in waves, complementing her serene and otherworldly appearance.

She was barefoot, enhancing her connection to nature and the divine, and stood in a gentle, almost dancing posture. A green headband adorned with flowers rests upon her head, further emphasizing her connection to nature and purity.

"I never wanted...to hurt you..." Manami softly spoke, her voice softly echoing in my head.

'Why did you do it..?' I asked her mentally.

"He...forced me. He threatened...my sister's and nephew's life. Lythia and Isei...I thought of their lives first and wanted to protect them," Manami answered softly, lowering her head.

I took a moment to let her words sink in, listening to each one carefully. I closed my eyes and the memories flashed in my head, every moment playing clearly in my head. I opened my eyes and exhaled, looking back at Manami then held her hand.

'He wronged both of us...I wish I knew what he was up to earlier so you could avoid such fate. Now both of our lives are surrounded by controversy... however I don't mind it as much as I first did. With how the events played out, it was bound to happen...' I said to her mentally.

'Now that I know who my true family's killer is, I have something to work for and a clear goal after I finish my conquest. He now possesses the Crest of Chaos and I fear what happened centuries ago between Ascea and Chaos will happen again, the Eternal Cycle..' I continued, gently squeezing Manami's hand.

"I will be with you, my love...Always..." Manami softly spoke then kissed my cheek, slowly disappearing as she noticed someone approaching.

'I know...' I replied mentally, closing my eyes and let out a soft sigh.

I opened my eyes and noticed Elisa and Milcham approaching me. I got off the wall and approached them. "You two need something?"

"We were actually looking for you! We want to thank you for what you've done for us so far and it was only your first day here, and you've already done more than what the old king could have," Elisa said, smiling happily at me.

"I agree," Milcham nodded, smiling at me and crossing his arms. "We are indebted to you and you deserve to know our thanks and gratitude."

I smiled at the two, nodding my head. "Your thanks is not needed but also welcomed. I'm not surprised about this revelation of another horrid king ruling the people. If I may ask, what was he like?"

"Oh, he was the worst! The absolute worst of the worst! He never let us do anything and kept Queen Claire and Princess Inoka trapped in their chambers while he ran this kingdom into the ground!" Elisa exclaimed, puffing her cheeks.

Milcham looked at Elisa and chuckled softly at her answer. "Yeah, and his death was more of a reason for Novis's inherit betrayal. After Claire struck him down with Inoka, Novis knew he wouldn't be able to get away with his wrong doings anymore."

"Yeah, screw that guy! He's lucky my Vermillion Arts aren't that strong because I would've uppercutted him into orbit!" Elisa said, raising her fist in the air.

I couldn't help but to chuckle at Elisa's vibrant personality. It was quite the contrast to yesterday, so it was nice seeing her in a much better mood today. "Is that so. What is your Vermillion Arts by the way?"

"Oh!~ I'm glad you asked!~" Elisa said, clapping her hands together and nodded her head. "Come with me to the training grounds! I'll show you since it's easier than explaining it."

I watched as Elisa ran off excitedly, glancing at Milcham and chuckled softly. I began to follow Elisa with Milcham coming with. Seeing the two in better spirits left me with a happier feeling within. I made amends with Manami and got to see the two strongest units of Pyroc in their normal states, today was feeling like a great day.

"So, who is Elisa to you?" I asked, looking at Milcham.

Milcham blushed at the question, slipping his hands into his jacket pocket. "M-Mmph...she's my girlfriend. My other half. She joined the Flame Knights just to be with me actually. She's not too skilled in combat aside from the Arts only she knows, but her heart is in the right place I suppose."

"Oh really? Well, well, looks like you've got your work cut out for you," I replied, a soft chuckle escaping my lips.

Milcham nodded. "Yeah, she's a handful at times, but when it comes down to it she pulls her own weight really well. She's has two other sisters, one Water User, and one Earth User. The three of them are a part of a massively powerful family who created the technology around Uthea. Elisa and her two sisters are the only ones to own a rare artifact named a System. She created the Crest Reader that Lady Claire uses for her research."

"Oh? Now that's an achievement. I myself am quite familiar with Systems, although I don't quite like using them. I'd rather grow stronger on my own without the help of a Cheat System assisting me. However it is fun reading how strong I am from time to time," I said.

Milcham chuckled lightly, shrugging his shoulders. "I can see your point of view. Elisa doesn't really use her system for enhancements. She's actually very organized so she uses it to help Claire calculated her yields and assisting in royal decision making. She's actually working with her sisters to create the first line of devices called C-Gadget."

"C-Gadget?" I asked, raising a curious brow.

"It's supposed to technologically advanced us, allowing long distance calls, messages, and even allowing more features. It's an upgrade from our basic magic devices, allowing us to do more at a longer range." Milcham answered, explaining the project.

"Ahh, so like a cellphone?" I asked.

"A what?" Milcham asked, looking at me.

I chuckled softly and shook my head. "Nevermind..."

Milcham shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "I'm just hoping the project succeeds. Elisa has been very excited to further advance in her work."

I nodded, understanding his hopes and concerns for Elisa and the new project. I glanced ahead and noticed we were nearing the Training Grounds behind the castle and saw Elisa waiting patiently for us with Inoka nearby to watch.

"You two are finally here! Took you two long enough," Elisa giggled, placing her hands upon her hips and smiling at us.

"Sorry, we had a conversation that slightly slowed us down, but we're here now and ready to witness your Vermillion Arts," I replied, smiling warmly at Elisa.

Elisa nodded and slammed her fists together, sparks clashing around her body and flames beginning to spiral around her body. The crystal on her beret shined brightly, a fire symbol shining within the crystal. "Vermillion Arts uses the Will of Flames within one's soul and strikes the soul of the opponent directly! The stronger the soul within myself, the stronger and more effective my Vermillion Arts become!"

I watched Elisa and crossed my arms, watching her fiery aura dance around her with ambition. I sensed her growing power as her soul became more fired up inside. "Interesting, would you mind showing me an example in a friendly spar. If you'd like, you can have Milcham and Inoka help you."

Milcham glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. "A three against one? Are you sure?"

"I would have Claire join in, but she's busy with her royal court. Besides...after yesterday, I'm sure we all would like to avoid the events that played out and grow stronger. I'll be the proper teacher you all need for today. Until Claire gets out of her royal dutires," I said, smiling at Milcham.

"I'm down for a challenge. It would be nice to get some training in with you and Elisa," Inoka said, stretching her arms and heard Phoenix screeching above her.

I look at the three of them, my body instinctively lowering my power level and the spirit version of Manami flickered in and out of vision behind me and my earrings shined, Phantom Energy flashing around my body. I looked at my hand, curling and uncurling my fists. I let out a soft chuckle and closed my eyes.

"It's only a sparring match so I don't feel the need to completely go all out. I did just recover after all, so this is a way to stretch my bones," I said, opening my eyes and adjusting the obi around my waist.

"A three against one between us and Emperor Ryoma? This will be fun! I'm already getting super fired up!" Elisa exclaimed, her flames growing stronger.

'So her power is very emotion based. The Will of Flames...A Soul-Dependant Ability. Works similar to Willpower Control. Milcham and Inoka are already strong, I just need to help Elisa grow stronger,' I thought, my eyes scanning each of my sparring partners.

"I'm ready when you all are," I said, crossing my arms.

Inoka smiled at me then got into her stance, chuckling softly at me. "I hope you are truly ready!"

With a determined step, Inoka lunged toward me and threw a swift punch at me. I dodged her punch then blocked her kick. I ducked under her aerial spinning kick then sensed a presence behind me.

Milcham summoned a training sword in his hand, launching a swift slash at me. I evaded his attack then kicked him back, following it with a Phantom Strike, a phantom version of myself striking him before he could realize it. Milcham stumbled back and grunted softly, smirking at my prowess.

"You better not have forgotten about me already!" Elisa called out, dashing toward me.

Elisa lunged toward me with a fiery kick, but I blocked her kick then pulled her to the ground. I feinted a punch, forcing her to block high and leaving herself open. A phantom version of Azusa appeared and kicked Elisa back then I shifted my foot, causing a stone pillar to strike her from beneath her.

Phoenix screeched and swooped down to quickly strike me at near invisible speeds. I smirked, my Crest of Arcane shining faintly on my hand. I swiftly dodged her attack then began to evade each of Phoenix's high speed attacks.

"C'mon Phoenix, I thought you were faster than that!" I bantered, evading her next attack.

Inoka rushed forward while Phoenix had me distracted and landed a powerful palm strike to my chest, pushing me back. "Ha! Got you!"

I regained my footing and chuckled softly then smiled at Inoka, rolling my shoulder. "Heh..~ Seems I've slightly underestimated you!"

Inoka hopped up and down, smiling at me then got into her stance. "Aside from being the Princess of Pyroc, I am also Claire's official bodyguard! I am not to be underestimated!"

Manami formed behind me, summoning an elaborate and ornately designed harp that was nearly as tall as she is. The harp featured intricate golden details, wing motifs, and a majestic bird-like design, symbolizing beauty, harmony, and the transcendental nature of music. She strummed a few notes, a red aura flowing around me boosting my strength.

"Eh?! Isn't that Manami, your ex-wife?" Inoka asked in awe, noticing her floating behind me.

I smiled and closed my eyes, nodding my head. "It is Manami, only her spirit version as she is dead. Even in the afterlife, she still stands beside me. As The Ascended."

Manami strummed a chord, playing the Hymn of the Yeshans which boosted my power even further. She strummed the last chord and music notes formed around me, forming a protective barrier around myself.

"Without the Crest of Chaos, I can finally show off my true abilities. You aren't seeing a Dictator anymore. You're seeing The True Tyrant, a Conqueror, the True Supreme Emperor!" I declared, chuckling as I grabbed a whole note, forming it into a ball of energy.

Elisa's eyes widened in awe as she watched, her eyes twinkling with amazement. "Wow..!~ Oh this is getting me even more pumped up!"

Claire heard the sounds of battle going on and stood up to walk toward the window, noticing me sparring with Elisa, Milcham, and Inoka. She stepped outside upon the balcony and began to watch us with a smile on her face.

"What are they up to?~ They all just recovered and now they are sparring?" Claire said, giggling to herself.

"You've got to be faster, focus feel, don't think!" I mentored, dodging Elisa's strikes then spun around, forming a rotation dome of wind around me to rapidly strike Elisa and knock her back.

"Milcham!" Elisa called out.

Milcham dashed forward, grabbing her hand and spinning around swiftly. Elisa exclaimed as she and Milcham spun around rapidly. Milcham launched Elisa toward me and caught his footing.

"Vermillion Arts: Burning Arrow!" Elisa chanted, cloaking herself in flames and propelling herself at me at blazing speeds.

I blocked her attack and chuckled as she slightly pushed her back. "Add more power!"

Elisa bellowed, her eyes shining brightly. Her flames burned hotter, the flame on her chest burning brighter. Soon, an explosion happened, blowing the both of us back. Elisa slid backwards on her feet and looked at her hands in awe.

'Whoa...That power came out of me..?' She thought in awe.

Manami prepared to heal me, but noticed me stop her. She lowered her hand and looked at Elisa, a curious gaze landing on her. "My love...she grew stronger in that very moment.."

I nodded my head, smiling and chuckling like a proud master teaching his students. "Elisa, I think you're ready to enhance your combat style. I can sense untapped potential within you."

Elisa looked at me, nodding her head enthusiastically. She looked excited to learn more from me.

"I'm going to teach you the Alrean Stance also known as the All Out Stance," I said, readying myself.

I took a deep breath then exhaled, weaving my arms calmly. I parted my feet, closing my eyes and concentrated on equalling my energy around each limb of my body. My aura began to calmly flow around my body, my mind becoming clear.

"All Out Stance enables you complete access to all points of your Mana Lines within your body, bestowing you the chance to go all out with the least energy output. You will be unrestrained, your body and soul has to be one and your mind clear. The Empress of Alrean used this stance and she remains as one of my toughest challenges yet," I said, my tone calm and steady. "Copy my movements.."

Elisa watched my movements and began to imitate them, weaving her arms as I did. She tried to get the form correct, but couldn't match my speed.

"Don't think, feel. Breathe. Allow your body and soul to become one. Equalize your energy throughout your entire body. Allow your spirit, your Will of Flames to flow steadily from your core throughout our arms, legs, and mind," I said, continuing to perform the movements to perfectly enter my All Out Stance.

Elisa took deep breaths then began to resonate with my movements. She felt her energy equalling spreading throughout her body, the flames within coursing through her veins. Her mind began to grow clear, focusing on the end goal instead of her movements. Once she got it all down, she got into her stance, her aura flowing powerfully around her body and bursts of flames rushing around her being.

Milcham's eyes widened as she sensed her power level skyrocket. He was impressed and awestruck at her sudden awakening. "Elisa.."

Inoka smiled at Elisa and crossed her arms, nodding her head. "She's now stronger than before. Her flares prove that point. It definitely worked.."

"Now! Shoot a bolt at me!" I commanded.

Elisa grunted as she struck the air, launching a bolt of flames at me. The flames struck my chest, and I felt the sudden increase in power.

"Harder!" I commanded.

Elisa launched another bolt at me, the impact striking me harder and slightly pushing me back. She fired another at me, but I weaved my arms around, the fireball spinning around me.

"Counter it!" I commanded, sending the fireball back toward her.

Elisa stepped forward, double palm striking the fireball and dispersed it, gentle sparks raining down to the ground. She looked at her hands and couldn't believe her power. Her mind raced with excitement and she looked at me, noticing me walk off.

"E-Emperor Ryoma?" Elisa called out to me.

I waved my hand, softly chuckling. "You've now took a step forward in your journey by learning a Royal Stance. Now you can walk beside Milcham and protect what's yours more effectively."

Elisa felt a warm feeling in her chest, glancing at Milcham and Inoka, her smile brightening as she looked at her hands once again. She looked at me once more. "Thank you, Lord Ryoma!~"

Inoka smiled at me, watching as I walked back toward the castle. She chuckled softly and closed her eyes. 'He is really something else..~'

"Milcham, let's train a bit more! I wanna master this stance and enhance my Arts!~" Elisa exclaimed, holding his arm and smiling at him.

Milcham returned Elisa's smile and nodded, happy to help her train one on one. "Alright, I've got you.."

Inoka watched the two and felt Phoenix land on her shoulder, walking to the sidelines and overseeing the sparring session between the two. She looked up and noticed Claire watching for a brief moment before heading back inside. Inoka giggled softly and her gaze returned to Elisa and Milcham.