Chapter 23: The Wolf and the Dragon

(A/n sorry about delay, I was writing at my own pace to get back into it, took way longer to write one chapter than I thought.)

(Chapter 7,030 words (actual chapter length - 6,300 words + 700 word author note at end. ENJOY!)

"It's time.".

The Utra nation and the Papral nation were ready.

Large crystals had been placed throughout the cities on the piece of Immortal Lands, they reflected images featuring the territories where the fights between heroic cultivators would happen.

Crowds of human cultivators filled the streets next to the crystals and to the stages that would feature the battles between human cultivators, the three big nations treated that even as a festivity.

The atmosphere was completely different in the group from the Coral archipelago.

Noah had reunited with the rest of his group only to be greeted by the tense air that surrounded his companions.

Elder Jason had notified and accompanied him in the area above the desert inhabited by the sandworms where the rest of the group was waiting, they couldn't use the forest of White woods with so many eyes on them after all.

Noah saw some new faces when he reached them, the Hive had made its selections too, bringing a few elders in the new continent to fight the battles.

'It's finally time.'

Noah thought when he sensed the anxiety in the air, even those mighty existences would become nervous when the future of the Hive was at stake.

Also, their performance in the battles would influence their reputation and possibly affect the future behavior of the Hive toward them.

"Prince, you can't fight with those clothes."

Elder Austin spoke to him as soon as he noticed his arrival.

Noah had lived as a magical beast for months before that event, he would be mistaken for a beggar if a powerful aura didn't surround his figure.

He was about to change into one of the robes that he kept inside his space-ring when Elder Austin threw some clothes to him and added a few words as soon as he caught them.

"Wear this, you will be fighting as the Demon Prince of the Hive today."

His words were simple, but they carried a deeper meaning.

The incoming battle would put the future of the Hive at stake, but it wasn't only a matter that concerned the conquest of resources that were beneficial to heroic cultivators.

The elders knew that the battles would be seen in the cities of the new continent, and possibly even in those of the old continent, performing well could inspire many exploited and restricted human cultivators, making them migrate in the Coral archipelago.

"My battles don't really inspire though."

Noah said as he undressed and wore the new clothes.

The Hive had prepared for him a luxurious robe that matched his preferences, it was tight and could be easily opened to reveal his upper body.

Blue tentacles were embroidered on his sleeves, and a series of purple dots decorated his back.

The tentacles were the symbol of the independence of the Coral archipelago, and the purple dots represented the islands were the Hive thrived, everyone would understand his origin when he wore that robe.

It was clear that the elders wanted their Prince to appear majestic, but Noah's fighting style was far away from that description, especially after his period of isolation in the wilderness.

"Prince, I hope my words will not lower your confidence, but...the other Nations have sent their best to claim the other regions. With things as they are, we would be lucky if we have even a single territory the Hive can take from all this, we are confident only in keeping the forest of White woods. Regardless, you must suceed in today's battle for the Desert."

Elder Austin heaved a helpless sigh after he spoke those words, and he handed a report to Noah.

Before he could fly away toward the azure plain, Noah's voice halted him in the air.

"Is this Blaidd really that strong you'd doubt my chances of victory?"

"It's not that I doubt your abilities my Prince, but the rumours I have heard is that the Half-Wolf Blaidd intentionally restricted himself for this battle. He is the Half-Brother of Lunar Queen Ranni and her trusted Bodyguard. Despite all this, some of the Rank 5 Elders of the Hive have gone to personally examine his strength and everyone has agreed he is only at the peak of the Fourth Rank. But personally, I don't believe it. Forossa is a National power that had appeared out of thin air in addition, they had already taken half the New Continent's territories for their own. No matter how you look at this, you already know what I'm implying."

"Hmm, yes. It is inconsequential, I never had any intention of underestimating him from the beginning, even more so now. You may leave Elder Austin."

Elder Austin gave a bow to Noah before he swiftly departed.

The report contained the information discovered by the Hive in the last period, such as the contenders that they would have to face and some of their abilities.

'They are going all out for the traces left by divine beings. Well, I couldn't have expected anything less.'

Noah had already read over the redacted version of the report that Forossa had sent detailing the Half-Wolf Blaidd's abilities prior to this moment.

That allowed him to formulate a strategy against some of his moves and techniques which Blaidd no doubt is aware of.

However, this report gave an even more detailed information reading Blaidd's power.

The only reason he didn't doubt the authenticity of the information is because it was given under the Rank 6 Oath, meaning that these contents are absolutely 100% true.

'I don't have enough time to create a solid strategy with the new information I've just learned.'

Noah thought before reading the rest of the report which had information about Blaidd his opponent, but also about the other battles that the Hive will be undertaking soon.

Elder Laurel would handle the battle for the forest of White woods, she had studied that environment so much that she was now able to cause the increase of toxicity in the air with her abilities, that fight wouldn't be a problem.

Elder Austin would be fighting for the azure plain and face a certain Elder Doyle from the Papral nation.

Noah felt gazes fixing on him for a short time before going away, and he felt the concern that those stares carried, it was clear that his companions were worried about his well-being.

'Solid stage... I can endure a few attacks, but I can't beat it, his weapon and armour is a problem ontop of the Martial Arts he's learnt. The only reason he would be willing to give me any information about his capabilities is if he was confident of his victory. He's also a Hybrid like me...'

Noah himself had been at a loss when he learned that Blaidd was a humanoid wolf-type magical beast, at least that is what others described him as.

As far as he knew, only Noah himself knows how to create a Hybrid, as all his experiments allowed him to become one himself. Yet here is someone that has achieved the same result, although not without side effects from what he could assume.

While Noah's appearance did take on some changes

He knew that he had improved, but that didn't allow him to fight against cultivators on higher stages, he barely had the confidence to face a rank 4 cultivator in the gaseous stage after all.

It took a while but soon Noah had finally reached the Desert Region where his opponent had been waiting for him.

********

Desert Region:

North-Western Territory battle - Rank 4 - Solid Dantian requirement for participation (one-versus-one match)

Forossa vs The Hive

Half-Wolf Warrior Blaidd vs Noah Balvan, Demon Prince of the Hive

********

Noah stopped at a distance of roughly a dozen metres away from his opponent as he evaluated him.

Noah saw his opponent, Blaidd, he was more akin to a werewolf from fictional media and works from Earth if anything.

Blaidd had a sacr across his face while he stood upright like a normal human being at almost 2 and a half metres. He had no tail from what Noah could see, but it could just be tucked away inside the brilliantly detailed silver armour he wore. The Half-Wolf also had a fur cloak of some kind.

Last but not least, was the gigantic greatsword that was sheathed on his back which was larger than Noah's own body.

'From what the report said, the armour and Greatsword had properties of the water element, but it exudes a cold aura like it carried the very meaning of winter itself.'

Blaidd's Royal Greatsword reminded Noah of the Elemental Forging Technique he knows if anything, it's possible the Greatsword was made in a similar manner.

As Noah continued to examine and analyse his opponent, said opponent decided to break the silence.

"It is an honour to meet you. My name is Blaidd, sworn to my Mistress Ranni."

Noah didn't reply immediately but waited a few moments before responding.

"I am Noah Balvan, Demon Prince of the Hive. The feeling is mutual. Before we begin may we talk a bit. I have some things I'd like to ask you."

"I do not mind. Feel free to ask away, and I will do my best to answer them."

Noah nodded his head in gratitude at the level of respect and courtesy Blaidd was showing him.

"You said you serve Lunar Queen Ranni. Do you not serve her husband, which would be your liege, the Frost Monarch of Forossa?"

"Ah, I see what you mean. While yes, in addition to my Mistress, I do obey the words of my Lord the Frost Monarch. However, I have always served Lady Ranni first and foremost for thousands of years since my conception and birth. I am her Shadow, I will be loyal to her and only her until the end of all things. If my Mistress tells me to assasinate the Frost Monarch, I will do so without hesitation."

"Isn't that treason?"

Blaidd shook his head side-to-side. "my Liege is already aware of this and the depths of my loyalty for Mistress Ranni, and he respects it. Besides, he has has earned the loyalty of a great many capable individuals. What good is there in not having one more be directly loyal to him, but to his consort."

Noah didn't press further on the matter and chose to ask his next question.

"Why are you a Half-Wolf? Are you born of a magical beast parent and Human parent, or is it through experimentation on your own body." 

Noah asked the question he wanted to know the most, the sensors that would broadcast the fight across the New and Old Continent was active, he didn't ask for the method of how Blaidd achieved his current Hybrid form.

He was sure Blaidd wasn't an idiot and wouldn't reveal such a secret publicly while being watched by the whole world.

"I expected this question. In fact the few I have had the pleasure of fighting before today have all asked the same question. The answer is one that won't help you or anyone I'm afraid."

"I'd still like to hear it." Noah persistantly asked.

"Very well. I was created by beings greater than Heaven and Earth. These beings made me and others like me to be the loyal vassels and servants of the one we are made to serve. We are called Shadowbound Beasts, because we are literally bound to the being of whom we serve. We even share a connection to them since our master's own blood is used in the creation of Shadowbound Beasts to ensure our servitude. Hence why I am the Half-Wolf and Half-Brother of Lunar Queen Ranni. Because I am quite literally her "Half" brother and only "Half" wolf. But make no assumptions that just because I was created to serve Lady Ranni, that this is the only reason I am loyal to her. No, I serve her absolutely, even when my creators tried to make me turn on my Mistress, I refused to betray her until the end."

"'Until the end'? So that means you did eventually turn on her?"

"It is more complicated than you can know. But my Liege is the one who eventually helped my Mistress Ranni to defeat my creators and my creator's master. That is why all of Forossa serves him absolutely."

'So the Frost Monarch defeated Blaidd's creators and their master, whom are superior to Heaven and Earth. If that is to be believed, it seems illogical. If that's the case then why is the Frost Monarch still in the Mortal Lands? Shouldn't he have ascended to the Immortal Lands where the God's are? And how can you just assume how powerful Heaven and Earth is? Isn't the Frost Monarch a Rank 6 being? How can a Rank 6 being help Queen Ranni to kill a Rank 8+ entity? I'll have to ask the Divine Dragon about all this after the duel. Assuming I can win that is."

While Noah was trying to comprehend Blaidd's words in his mind, unaware to him that Blaidd had been instructed by Tallon specifically to reveal this information with the intention of leaking it to the whole world.

And as planned, the whole world had heard the entire conversation and was slightly in turmoil, namely the older beings like King Elbas, Great Elder Diana, God's Left Hand and God's Right Hand who didn't know if this was true or not. King Elbas was the only one amongst the Powerhouses of the Nations to actually believe the possibility of Blaidd actually telling the truth.

Unbeknownst to King Elbas, this was part of Tallon's plan to force a private meeting between the two of them in the future.

"One last thing, If I may, could I make a request before we begin." Noah said, breaking the silence.

Blaidd widened his eye slightly, amused. "Go on."

"The winner of this battle can make a request of the loser. You must make this pledge on the name of Lunar Queen Ranni."

"You certainly are an audacious fellow aren't you. Haha, very well I accept, i pledge that in the name of Lunar Queen Ranni my Mistress to whom I'm bound to, i will honour this agreement. But, know that I won't hold back anymore, now that I know you intend to win so you can make a unreasonable request of me which would force my hand to troubling my Mistress." Blaidd said before a chilling aura of killing intent spread outwards from his body, freezing the nearby sand turning it into shining ice that shimmered like diamond dust.

Noah immediately distanced himself away from Blaidd.

The Half-Wolf went down on all fours as he slowly drew his Greatsword and unsheathed it.

The Greatsword itself radiated hundreds of icy particles, but the strangest thing was the blade itself ignited and had a blue firey aura surrounding it.

Blaidd raised his head as he released a loud howl that made the space around him vibrate and blur for a moment, Noah himself had somehow been affected by this as he felt a great pressure wash over him.

By the time he recovered, Blaidd was already above him, swinging down the Greatsword imbued with blue flames.

Noah had no time to evade so all he could do was cross both his blades together to block the attack.

When the attack collided, Noah's feet sank into the frozen ground of the Desert's sand, causing it to crack away and shatter like glass.

Noah jumped to the side as he slid Blaidd's Greatsword away along his blades, he went to strike Blaidd from his left but contrary to his expectations.

Blaidd shifted his body to the right and slightly shifted the Greatsword to the left as it was still embedded into the ground, making Noah's counter attack strike the guard of Blaidd's Royal Greatsword.

Blaidd used his leg to kick Noah away so that he can weird his Greatsword properly once more.

Noah grimaced at the force behind the kick he received to his chest.

Noah activated his Demonic Form spell now that he finally had a chance to. Black mist engulfed his body as a armour of black corroding mist formed on his body.

The Demonic Form spell enhanced his defence and the Black mist radiating of his body would act as a debuff for his opponents and a second layer of protection, reducing the effect of an attack just before it makes contact with his body.

Blaidd, having wanted to prove his himself in battle before Ranni as she watched the battle through the projection of the crystal, had decided not to research or investigate into what abilities Noah had as to put himself at a disadvantage.

Thus, he had immediately became wary at the sight of Noah's Demonic Form spell.

Noah slashed his blades through the air sending out many aerial slashes that flew towards Blaidd.

The Half-Wolf moved to side avoid the incoming attacks before he leapt high into the air towards his opponent's position, impaling the blade into the ground where Noah previously was.

His Greatsword glowed slightly as a cold mist radiated off its gleaming blade and the next instant a explosion of icy mist occurred.

Noah made the wise choice to stay away and hold his offensive, Blaidd simply had too many abilities and only half of them has been revealed moments before the battle's start, making all his previous plans have potential unknown variables.

"I thought you are a warrior Demon Prince? A warrior does not cower and scheme of what he can and can't do, come and face me, prove to me who you are! A bastard child? Or the Demon Prince of the Hive?"

As Blaidd emerged from the concealing mist at a fighting speed towards Noah's position, Noah in turn used another spell, Metal Tremor.

It focus your mental energy into a shockwave to destabilize or destroy the opponent's mind. 

It had high breath consumption and strained his eyes, which are the catalyst to cast the spell.

Blaidd had been directly affected by the spell but only felt a slight pain before shrugging off the debilitating affliction on his mind with ease.

He had endured for more than 5,000 years against the mental control of the Greater Will and the Two Fingers in the Elden Ring universe, being able to shrug off such a weak attack on his Mind was child's play for someone that possessed and Iron Mind and Will such as Blaidd.

(A/n To put into perspective how strong Blaidd's Loyalty is to Ranni that he was able to resist the Mind Control "Order 66" the Greater Will placed inside him, he could easily shrug off any form of Mind Control or Mind Affecting ability from beings such as Full Power Phoenix Force from Marvel universe or by a Lovecraftian Old God like Cthulhu or Cthulhu's fellow Old Gods or Elder God siblings.)

(Ps. The Metal Tremor spell is commonly used by Noah to debilitate and unbalance his strong opponets in combat but Blaidd just felt a sudden unbalance before shrugging it off. Not even Heaven and Earth (had they used Mental Tremor too) can affect Blaidd's Mind. Now that's what you call a loyal doggo 4-Life right there!)

Noah was suprised that his Mental Tremor spell had practically no effect, he reacted just in time to parry and pivot Blaidd's overhead slash to the side.

Noah knew that in a direct clash with Blaidd, he would lose.

Blaidd had him beat in physical strength and durability, but Noah had the advantage of Speed, Spells and Martial Techniques.

But he needed to go on the offensive at some point...

**************************

Talon Pov:

I hadn't left with my mother and the other Rank 6 Powerhouses of the various Nations/Factions to explore the Central Regions of the New Continent yet.

The main reason was because I wanted to watch the battles that of Malenia, Morgott, Godwyn, the other Demigods, his wife Ranni and her loyal Shadowbound Beast Blaidd.

I had simply said a bullshit excuse to delay the expedition for two weeks, I really wanted to see Noah Balvan's fight. I want to know if he can triumph over Blaidd thanks to his Plot Armour by a last second victory or through pure skill.

I watched the battle start off with a sudden suprise attack from Blaidd all the way until Noah used the Mental Tremor spell, at least that's what i assumed he had used since I saw Noah's eyes widen and Blaidd momentarily swayed like he had a headache for a split second.

Too bad Noah, ever since i brought the Lands Between and its inhabitants to this world with me, Blaidd is now the strongest entity in terms of Mental Power to exist in this Universe.

Blaidd even had me beat in that area, it was like comparing a grain of sand to being able to withstand against Dragon's Fire.

The difference was insurmountable. Especially since Blaidd has the brainwashed Maliketh fused with his own body, it only served to bolster Blaidd's overall capabilities even further.

Blaidd, the strongest Shadowbound Beast of Perseverance.

Maliketh, the Shadowbound Beast of God-Queen Marika and vessel of Destined Death.

Then there was Serosh, the Beast Regent and the unofficial King of Shadowbound Beasts, though Maliketh dwarfs Serosh in power.

When I fused the bodies of Blaidd and Maliketh together, Blaidd gained the ability to transform and change his body into the form of Maliketh.

Though I had forbidden Blaidd to use this form in the territory battles and only use his original one.

As Noah is now, Blaidd's Maliketh Form would one shot him without a doubt, but would also make the other factions be wary of Forossa.

If that happened Forossa would be perceived as a threat and the other Nations would band together to destroy Forossa.

Five Rank 6 beings would be far too much for Forossa to handle and would be completely annihilated.

In terms of individual power ranking this is how I would rank all the powerhouses.

God's Right Hand - Rank 6-Solid (Water)

King Elbas - Rank 6-Liquid (Fire)

Great Elder Diana - Rank 6-Liquid (Thunder)

God's Left Hand - Rank 6-Liquid (Wind)

Frost Monarch (Tallon) - Rank 6-Gaseous (Water)

Chasing Demon - Rank 6-Gaseous (Earth)

Mistress Lilith - Rank 6-Gaseous (Water)

The only reason I am currently stronger than Chasing Demon despite me being a newly advanced Rank 6 entity is because of the absurd abilities I had been able to create, namely my Rank 6 Martial Arts.

[Deprivation Sword Kingdom] - It was inspired by the trump card of the Water God Style user Reida from Jobless Reincarnation. The Water God Style is a defensive style of sword fighting, that focuses on defense and parrying. It was the main inspiration I used to make my own Martial Art sword style, the [Dance of Water]. Not really a good name but all I could think of at the time. I had also been able to incorporate Malenia's and her teacher the Blind Swordsman's style of combat which is similar to the Water God Style, into it. Deprivation Sword Kingdom would let me use all the water particles in the surrounding or to sense the enemy's blood as a form of detection ability. I would then be able to instantaneously parry and counter attack even a hundred thousand attacks simultaneously within the span of a few seconds, but only within a certain range. I plan to create the spell [Monarch Domain] which would let me manipulate the Laws within a certain area, however I need to become a Rank 7 being to be able to make that, with [Monarch Domain] it will further enhance Deprivation Sword Kindom and extend the Area where I can use it. It is a purely defensive ability so which redirects the force and power of any and all attacks directly back at the user so I can't use it offensively. It's still OP to all Hell! I might be able to even fight on par with God's Right Hand and King Elbas using this Martial Art alone.

[Hidden Dragon Door] - An defensive ability similar to Noah's Black Hole spell, that engulfs the enemy attack and sends it to a sperate Dimensional space. While I am unable to use Laws as of now which can reshap reality on its metaphysical concept, since I still only have an Individuality. The Elden Ring I posses, even though its inactive in this Universe, can still be used under certain conditions thereby letting me be able to use it as the catalyst to directly Manipulate the Law of Space, Time and Reality. Hidden Dragon Door serves to store whatever non-sentient matter I send inside the Elden Ring (which acts like a seperate Dimensional storage space) where I can then use the Laws to manipulate and maintain whatever is sent inside it. Therefore, there is no limit to what I can absorb and store inside the [Hidden Dragon Door], but as of right jow the omoy limit I have is I can't store living being that have a Sea of Conciousness inside it.

[Haegl] - A Martial Art that acts like a shockwave and disrupts the forces/Laws of the surroundings that are similar to the user's own. At Rank 6 and below this ability can only reduce the effect of other being's Individuality. It is an ability similar to Maliketh's Roar which he had used in the battle against me and the Demigods. It would act as a all-rounder debuff and deals an insane stagger/poise damage value in game. But in reality it acts like a 100% guaranteed version of Noah's Metal Tremor Spell but instead of affecting the Mind, this affects the Body which in my opinion is far more dangerous.

As I evaluated my own strengths to that of the protagonist Noah Balvan and other powerful beings in this universe, I was brought back to the battle between Noah and Blaidd.

Noah had no choice but to go on the offensive because his pride was on the line.

If he hadn't done this it would only serve to hamper his progress in cultivation because it'd affect his own Individuality. That, and also he gained a stronger sense of Prode because he had became a Hybrid by fusing with a Dragon.

I wonder of I can NTR'd Noah by making sure he doesn't get together with Juns Ballor in the future?

I smirked like a villain at the thought of ruining his live life but dismissed it.

Why would I care in the first place.

Though, if I messed up Flying Demon and Dreaming Demon's chances of being together it would be interesting to see what would happen?

Maybe I can force Dreaming Demon to kill Flying Demon by accident.

Now that is truly an evil thought!

My thoughts were disrupted as the fight reached its climax.

Blaidd's immese strength allowed him to weild his Greatsword like a regular longsword enabling him to keep up with Noah's use of two sabers and block each and every attack.

Just when I thought he was going to block another attack he suprised me as he intentionally allowed Noah to stab his abdomen with one Saber while Blaidd released a hold on his own Greatsword to catch the wrist of Noah's other hand, preventing Noah from performing a follow up attack.

Blaidd had also gripped the wrist of Noah's hand that held the Saber that pierced his abdomen.

Noah's Demonic Form spell had began to erode and burn Blaidd's fur at a more faster pace with greater intensity than before. Noah is most likely enhancing it's power.

Blaidd pulled his head back before he brought it down and headbutted Noah with such Force that Noah was dazed for a few moments.

During that opening, Blaidd followed up his headbutt by opening his canine jaws wide and butting down hard on Noah's neck, though luckily Noah was able to move to the side just in time, preventing Blaidd's jaws to maw down on his neck directly.

A human's bite force is only about 120 pounds per square inch.

The bite force of a wolf is almost 400 pounds of pressure per square inch.

Therefore allowing Wolves to exert enough psi to bite through bone and directly reach the marrow.

But in this world, what would happen if Cultivation levels of strength was applicable?

Blaidd having reduced his strength to a Rank 4-Solid stage Cultivator was exerting thr bite force of a Rank 4-Solid Wolf Magical Beast, capable of exerting more than enough psi to bite through a tank or through a Blue Whale's skull if comparing it to Earth examples.

Noah entire shoulder was on the verge of turning to dust under the immese pressure of Blaidd's jaws.

Blaidd was unable to see it but Noah had released his grip on his off hand weapon and rotated the palm to face Blaidd's head.

A Ray of Darkness shot out and struck Blaidd directly, it wasn't enough since Blaidd endured the attack and only clamped down harder on Noah's shoulder.

Noah just continued to fire more Dark Ray spells at Blaidd, until he couldn't take it anymore and his jaws opened up, allowing Noah to get free.

Noah instantly pulled the Saber from Blaidd's abdomen out and raised it to high in the air, intending to slash down with it, while Blaidd was still grunting, whilst on his knees, from the dozens of Dark Ray spells that Noah had casted on him.

That was when I had seen enough and vannished into a mist of blue water particles from the Throne Room of Forossa's capital of Leyndell.

*clang*

The sound of metal hitting against my dragon scaled robes was heard.

I looked down, from my height of 2.5 meters, at Noah Balvan which was of a height of 1.8m approximately.

Noah's Saber had bounced of my dragon scale, Rank 6 Liraak's Scale Robes, and he was shocked to suddenly see me standing before him.

I moved my hand and pressed it on his forehead, in the next instant Noah's body had flung like a cannon ball to a great distance away before he crashed into the ground and rolled a dozen times before finally stopping.

Once he regained himself and looked back at me with wariness and slight anger, I spoke up.

"That is more than enough! I, the Frost Monarch, declare that this match is over, the victor is Noah Balvan, Demon Prince of the Hive!"

Turning a blind eye to Noah I faced the kneeling and panting Blaidd.

I decided I wanted to flex a little and so I summoned one of my Blood Companions, the Earth Element, Forest Dahaka named Aka.

Aka emerged from a tattoo, which was hidden by my robes, on my shoulder and manifested its body.

Aka was one of the Blood Companions I created from scratch while I was still in the Elden Ring verse using the powers of the Elden Ring to create a new species I named a Forest Dahaka.

Aka was specifically made to not be an offensive Blood Companion but a support one.

Aka towered at a height of 3 meters on all fours, he approached Blaidd and opened its mouth wide.

A light green mist with some white particles, that would be mistakened as a poisonous gas, emerged from its mouth and covered Blaidd.

Within seconds, Blaidd's injuries and the Abdomen wound had healed in seconds visible to the naked eye, his breathing was regulated and having been restored to his original prime state, he positioned himself properly and lowered his head while kneeling.

Though there is one thing that was different which no one would recognise.

"My Liege, I beg forgiveness for my loss."

I didn't say anything but walked around Blaidd to pick up his Royal Greatsword, while I could have easily used this world's form of Telekinesis to grab it, it was done so everyone could see that I was "contemplating" in my mind when In reality I wasn't. I already knew what I was going to do, I just wanted to act imposing.

I then reappeared beside Blaidd and impaled his Greatsword into the ground next to him.

"You want my forgiveness, yet it isn't mine you should be asking for. Prove your loyalty to your Mistress Ranni."

...

"Yes my Liege."

*splurt*

Blaidd didn't even hesitate as he plucked the Greatsword out of the ground and instantly severed his own head from his body, causing it to fall to the ground.

...

There was complete silence.

Not a single person that was viewing the various projections through the crystals, that oversaw the fight, said a single word.

They were too shocked to see this happen, even Noah was shocked silent by what transpired.

"Failure is not permissable amongst those that serve Forossa and its people. I command absolute loyalty by all, if one fails me or my family, then they will be replaced."

I raised my hand high into air before snapping my fingers.

In the next instant millions of particles of water from the surrounding atmosphere/air condensed to form into innumerable droplets of water before converging near Blaidd's body into a human sized sphere shape in diameter.

A moment later the sphere exploded into mist revealing a unclothed and unarmoured Blaidd standing there besides the deceased headless body of the first Blaidd.

The second Blaidd just looked like a classic Werewolf while standing on two legs just without the hunchback position.

"You are reborn once again to serve, this is your first and only chance. Failure next time will mean your absolute death is that understood? Serve Lunar Queen Ranni to your fullest abilities as you have always done so."

"Yes my King the Frost Monarch of Forossa!"

I turned to face Noah Balvan and saw Chasing Demon was besides him and had given Noah a potion to heal his wounds.

'That won't work as well for him anymore. He's a Hybrid, he needs to ear Magical Beast corpses to heal faster than a Human, but can't do so in front of the eyes of the Nations.'

Oh yeah, i think I should say it shouldn't I?

Yes, Blaidd is alive.

How?

While Aka was healing Blaidd with the green mist, ut had covered his entire body, during that time I had secretly been able to replace the real Blaidd with a fake Clone which I could control completely, words and actions-all.

This Clone was just a Non-Sentient Mimic Tear.

Before the battle I had given Blaidd a ring with a special Rune and Formation on it, this same Rune and Formations where also on the Mimic Tear's body.

It allowed me to swap the two with one another but only thanks to the green mist of Aka that helped cover up the transfer process.

While I was looking at Noah, Chasing Demon was vigilant, he didn't want Noah to be killed.

"Easy will you, I have no intention of harming the Demon Prince. I simply ended the battle personally so I can pass judgement on my Wife's subordinate for his loss." I said which did let Chasing Demon ease uo slightly.

"Then what business do you have, the natch is over. This territory is now the Hive's." Chasing Demon said whilst still on guard I turned my gaze to Noah as I continued to talk.

"Yes, the territory is now yours. But I simply want to congraulate the Demon Prince....Noah Balven, congratulations on your victory. Before the match started, you and Blaidd made a deal that the winner can request something from the loser. While you did win, the "Blaidd" you made that deal with is deac which makes the deal Null and Void. But...that would be unfortunate. So instead, I shall reward you."

"What kind of reward?" Noah asked cautiously.

"Anything. Within reason of course. Consoder it a one time request. Buy know that if your greed overtakes your sense of logic, I will refuse to grant you the reward."

Noah was silent for a moment and Chasing Demon watched the entire proceedings.

"Then may I have a means to contact you for when I eventually decide what it is I want?"

I didn't day anything as I summoned a sapphire ring from my Storage Ring and gave it to Noah using Telekinesis.

"You are welcome to have Chasing Demon examine it, I am well aware of your weariness. Well then. If that is all then I bid the two of you farewell."

I courteously bid them goodbye before going to the body of the dead "Blaidd" and storing it in my Storage Space Ring since it had the armour on it, no one would suspect anything nor ask to examine the fake body.

The real Blaidd stood beside me and the two of us vannished from the area with my Hydroportation.

Meanwhile, June had watched everything with bated breath, she was thankful that Noah was unharmed that she almost forget the bet she had made with the noble beside her.

After she realised the match was over, she took her reward from the Nobel she bet against, on Noah winning, and left to return Cultivating.

*************

I FUCKING WASTED AND SPENT 5 HOURS WATCHING THE GAME AWARDS LIVESTREAM AND NO GODDAMN ELDEN RING DLC TRAILERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bonus Lore and extra note:

Recently I have just finished my first playthrough of the Old Hunters DLC a few days ago.

I don't know why everyone was hyping over Orphan of Kos being a hard fight, bear him second try only using 2 heals and only 2 parry.

And I hadn't played Bloodborne since 2015 and it was released in 2014

Lore time for those interested, those that are not...BEGONE TO UR NEXT FIC ON UR READING LIST! Until I post next chapter, then u r obligated to return to this fic once again.

Ahem...anyway...

The Old Hunters DLC takes place in the Old Hunter's Nightmare.

To simplify all of Bloodborne, it consists of multiple realms layers ontop of one another. Each Realm is governed behind a core aspect and a host that us the source and creator of the plane of existence/Realm.

First is the Waking World (what I call it) this is the GENUINE REAL WORLD where u the player are given the original Blood Transfusion at the start of the game and where you go to once u choose the Submit Your Life Ending, allowing Gherman to kill you and letting you forget the entirety of the game events in the Hunter's Nightmare and you wake up suddenly in the Waking World as you walk of into the city as the sun rises.

Second is the Hunter's Nightmare, this is what happens when a individual partakes in Blood rituals (Blood of alien Lovecraftian being/gods called Great Ones that possess remarkable healing abilities but can cause many side effects.) Two things can happen, you become a Hunter that hunts beasts, or you become a beast with the intake of the Lovecraftian Old Blood.

Third - Nightmare Realms. These are the final layer of the Bloodborne Universe. Once the player kills the Great One Rom, a Blood Moon appears in the sky and opens the way for you to access and see these other unseen Nightmare Realms.

Nightmare of Mensis - Micolash obtained one of three parts Umbilical Cord that was directed from Mother Kos and used it to commune with the Great Ones using the Mensis Cage that is on his head. However, this communication resukted in teh Stillbirth of the brains of Micolash and the other students of Mensis that were with him. This resulted in their deaths but because Micolash himself was the one that actually used the Umbilical Cord, he is dead in reality but his "spirit" (Conciousness or Soul, whatever u want to call it) entered the Nightmare of Mensis where the Great One known as the Succubus (in game file names) or its real in game name, Mergo's Wet Nurse resides within. Yharnam is the Pthumerian Queen, Pthumerians are a race that can comprehend a higher Dimensional plane of existence and as such they are the only beings that can semi comprehend the Great Ones. Yharnam gave birth to a Half Mortal and half God (Infant Great One) child called Mergo. Mergo was brutally ripped from Yharnam and stolen away to be used in Great One Rituals. The Wet Nurse tends to Mergo and resides over the Nightmare of Mensis. Upon killing Mergo the Nightmare of Mensis and the Hunter's Nightmare ends and Yharnam will bow in gratitude now that both her and Mergo have been freed from the nightmare. Although, you can encounter her in the Chalice Dungeon where she resides and fight her as a boss.

Nightmare Frontier - unknown how it was created or my lack of lore knowledge. The Greater Amygdala rules this Realm. Linked to Nightmare of Mensis.

Hunter's Dream - When Mother Kos' body was brutally murdered and dissected for 3 Umbilical Cords, Micolash obtained one somehow (most likely theft since he was a former student of Byrgenwerth), Master Willim of Byrgenwerth obtained another one and used it in an attempt to commune with Great One Rom the Spider, while Laurance and Gherman had a talk and made a plan to use the last one to form a contract with a Great One in an attempt to help end the Beast scourge that is running rampart. The Moon Presence (Flora - real name) descended and made a contract with them, nothing other than two points are known about this deal. One is that Gherman would forever be bound to the Hunter's Dream by the Moon Presence either willingly or by force, in exchange two is that the Moon Presence would use Gherman to train new Hunter's that enters the Hunter's Dream in order to have them hunt the beasts which is indirectly solving the issue of the beasts without personal intervention by the Moon Presence. The Moon Presence manipulates the player via Gherman and the path they take into killing other celestial Great Ones, both Rom and the Wet Nurse (and Mergo). The Hunter's Dream is create