Martial Arts Vs Magic - Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Blood of the Moon

The crimson light of the communication device painted Munera's face in shades of blood and shadow as she retrieved it from a hidden compartment in the wall. The chamber we stood in was deliberately dark, lit only by arcane lanterns that emitted a purple glow barely strong enough to outline the curves of ancient instruments lining the walls.

Val leaned against a pillar carved to resemble intertwined serpents, arms crossed and face twisted in perpetual skepticism. Nebula stood beside me, her silver-white hair almost luminous in the darkness, her fingers laced with mine as we watched the ritual unfold.

"This device," Munera explained, holding up what looked like a chitinous shell laced with pulsating crimson veins, "was crafted during the brief truce of the Second Blood Moon. When both our kinds thought extinction preferable to continued war."

She pricked her finger with a ceremonial dagger, letting a single drop of blood fall onto the device's surface. The crimson veins brightened, spreading outward in complex fractal patterns that coalesced into a swirling vortex of light. The air hummed with ancient magic as the holographic interface stabilized.

Is that a video call? It was a strange sight. Ralian Lunewolf's face materialized in the projection, her red eyes narrowing in immediate recognition.

"Munera Obsidian," she said, voice dripping with centuries of animosity. "What an... unexpected displeasure."

Munera's lips curled into a smile sharp enough to cut glass. "Centuries pass, yet your wit remains as dull as ever, wolf."

"And your scent as foul as the day you drained my cousins dry at the Battle of Crimson Meadow."

"An unfortunate necessity, as I recall. Much like when your pack tore my uncle limb from limb during the Moonless Hunt."

They traded barbs with the casual brutality of old enemies who'd memorized each other's atrocities like favored poems. I waited, letting them exhaust the initial wave of hostility before making my presence known.

"Perhaps," Ralian was saying, "you've called to finally surrender what remains of your pathetic—"

I stepped into view behind Munera, and Ralian's words died mid-sentence. Her eyes widened, red irises expanding as recognition dawned.

"My dearest mother-in-law," I said with a respectful nod. "It's been too long. I believe we have matters to discuss that could benefit both your people and the Obsidians."

Munera scoffed from my side. “I thought I was your dearest mother-in-law?” 

Ralian's shock gave way to a calculating look that reminded me strongly of Lilian. "My dear son-in-law, Iskandaar Romani. You continue to surprise. Despite having my daughter, now you're consorting with bloodsuckers." She paused, tilting her head. "What game are you playing this time, boy?"

"The oldest game in existence," I replied. "Survival."

That single word was weighted with truth that neither ancient enemy could deny. The werewolves were rebuilding. The vampires were desperate. And between them stood a power neither could ignore.

"I'm listening," Ralian said finally, her expression shifting from surprise to intrigue.

The game had begun.

****

The Bifrost deposited us onto Nevaramis's grand teleportation platform in a cascade of stellar light. The vampires stepped away from the fading luminescence with instinctive caution, their pale skin almost translucent in the daylight of the floating city.

Only Stratos awaited us, her silver hair gleaming as she bowed deeply to our new guests.

"Welcome to Nevaramis, esteemed visitors," she said, her voice modulated to convey both warmth and respect. "The city is honored by your presence."

"Munera Obsidian, Val Obsidian," I said, gesturing to the android, "this is Stratos, the spirit administrator of Nevaramis. She maintains the city's functions and serves as our communication hub."

Munera studied the android with undisguised fascination. "A constructed intelligence? I've heard legends of such beings from the Age of Wonders."

"More than constructed," Stratos said with a polite smile. "Evolved. The city and I are one." She turned to me. "My liege. Must I inform Lady Lailah and Lady Amelia of your arrival?"

I shook my head. "No. I have another group I'd like to bring here, and I'd like both groups to meet simultaneously. We'll proceed according to the plan."

Nebula squeezed my hand, her eyes asking a silent question. I nodded reassuringly. Everything was proceeding as I'd envisioned.

While Nebula engaged Stratos in conversation about accommodations, and Munera giving her a map that Ralian shared, I noticed Val had wandered toward the edge of the platform. He stood with his back to us, studying the impossible architecture that stretched across the floating island. Towers of crystal and stone that defied gravity, gardens that bloomed in midair, and defensive arrays that pulsed with ancient power.

I approached him carefully, giving him space to sense my presence before I spoke.

"The western quarter would suit your people well," I said, pointing to a cluster of elegant spires. "The buildings there catch minimal sunlight but offer clear views of the surrounding area. Perfect for those who prefer shadow but still wish to monitor their domain."

Val glanced at me, his expression guarded. "You've thought about our placement carefully."

"I've considered everyone's needs. The Leviathans occupy the southern waterways. The phoenixes will claim the eastern sunrise. Your people deserve equal consideration."

He turned fully toward me then, his eyes narrowing. "Why? After everything that's happened between us, and between our kinds, why offer us sanctuary at all?"

The question was blunt, devoid of his usual hostility. I needed a moment to understand the question. Vampires weren't just the enemies of werewolves. Humans hated their kind as well. For once, he genuinely wanted to understand.

"Because the world is changing, Val," I replied simply. "The old empires tremble. Gods walk the earth in the form of Arcane Kings. The Demon King stirs in his dark realm. What comes next will test us all." I gestured around us. "This city isn't just a sanctuary. It's a fortress. One that will need defenders with your experience."

He raised an eyebrow. "My experience?"

"Many centuries of warfare against werewolves, holy knights, and rival clans. You've survived it all. That kind of strategic knowledge can't be found in books."

Something flickered in his eyes. Pride, perhaps, or simple recognition of truth. "Our defensive formations are unmatched," he admitted. "Even in our reduced state."

"Then imagine what they could become with proper resources and allies."

Val studied me for a long moment before reluctantly nodding. "Your strategic thinking impresses me, boy. I won't call you nephew-in-law yet, that privilege must be earned, but perhaps... Boy will suffice for now."

From Val Obsidian, this was practically a declaration of eternal brotherhood. I hid my surprise beneath a solemn nod.

"My liege," Stratos called, interrupting our moment. "I've registered the location, teleportation is possible. All preparations are complete."

I rejoined the others at the center of the platform. "Great. Is everyone ready to go?"

“Yes,” they replied in unison.

"Command confirmed," Stratos said, her eyes glowing briefly as she interfaced with the city's systems. "Coordinates locked. Initiating transport."

The Bifrost enveloped us once more, whisking us away from Nevaramis's pristine glory to a very different destination.

We materialized at the entrance of a sprawling encampment hidden within a dense forest. What had once been a scattered tribe of werewolves had grown into something far more formidable. Dozens of warriors stood in formation, their bodies displaying varying degrees of transformation. Some appeared almost human save for extended canines and unnaturally bright eyes. Others were fully shifted, massive wolf-beasts that towered over their kin.

But most impressive was the sheer number. The Lunewolf Tribe hadn't suffered as much as the Obsidians, somehow managing to retain a dozen members by the end. Now? They'd grown by at least ten times since Lockdarn.

"As expected, they've been recruiting," Munera murmured beside me, her voice carefully neutral despite the obvious concern in her eyes.

And at the forefront of this army of wolves stood Vargathrian herself. 

[Vargathrian, of the First Apocalypse, Level 241]

The massive silver wolf dominated the clearing with her presence. Her silver fur gleamed in the dappled sunlight, and her massive claws dug into the earth as she watched our arrival with ancient eyes.

"Iskandaar Romani," she rumbled, her voice like distant thunder. "You bring interesting company."

"Matriarch," I replied with a respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you after so long. I feel happy to see you healthy. I'm here to claim your promise of investing in my cult. In return, I come here as the Sovereign of the legendary Nevaramis."

Her gaze shifted to the vampires behind me. "To think a day will come... where the Obsidian will want to befriend us. I've truly lived for a long time."

It was then that I noticed the powerful figure standing beside Vargathrian. There were quite a few, including Ralian herself, but one stood out in particular. It was a male werewolf with battle scars crisscrossing his exposed chest and tribal markings that differed from those of the Lunewolves. His fur was darker, almost black, and his stance spoke of barely restrained violence.

[Morvath, The Black Wolf, Level 155]

Val stiffened beside me. "Morvath the Black Fang? Someone like you really submitted to Vargathrian...?"

The dark werewolf's muzzle pulled back in what might have been a smile or a snarl. "Submitted? No. When the strongest wolf of history offers you alliance instead of dominance, only a fool would refuse. Not all predators need to stand alone, Obsidian."

I glanced at Vargathrian, who acknowledged my unspoken question with a slight nod. "The Lunewolf Tribe is no longer alone," she confirmed. "The clans of the west have joined us. As have the Stormskin packs from the north."

Clever old wolf. While we'd been building our sanctuary in the sky, she'd been consolidating power on the ground.

Movement at the edge of the clearing caught my eye. And there she was, the one person my eyes had been searching for for a while.

[Lilian Lunewolf, Moon’s Warden, Level 99]

Lilian stood apart from the formation, dressed in tribal leather and monster hide that emphasized her transformation from academy maid to warrior princess. Her arms were crossed, and the glare she directed at me could have melted stone.

Vargathrian followed my gaze and snorted. "Go now, don't be grumpy," she nudged Lilian forward. "I can tell he missed you."

Lilian approached reluctantly, her boots barely making a sound on the forest floor. For a heartbeat, I thought she might hug me, then she lunged forward and bit my cheek, hard enough to sting but not break skin.

"Ow," I said, rubbing the spot.

"I'm not hugging you, young bastard," she growled, though her eyes glinted with something other than anger.

"My heart's broken."

"Good. Maybe then you'll know how it felt when I had to hear from a gossiping forest sprite that you'd nearly died challenging a Dragon King." Her voice cracked slightly at the end, betraying her concern beneath the anger.

Solara laughed, breaking the tension as she stepped forward to embrace Lilian properly. "We missed you too, Lily."

Even Nebula managed a small smile. "I can't believe in saying this, but I’m glad to see you doing well.”

“...Me too,” Lilian said.

Ralian waved at Munera, which she ignored, and rather she and Vargathrian exchanged a cautious but respectful nod across the clearing.

Ancient enemies, the killer of her father, and both were recognizing that something new and unprecedented was unfolding before them.

The world was indeed changing. And we were leading the charge.

****

We spent a few hours there talking. The talk had gone well as expected. She’d already promised to invest in me, and a demigod like her didn't go back on her words. 

So when I proposed to take her entire tribe into my legendary city, she had no reason to say no.

Now, the Bifrost deposited our expanded group onto the main platform of Nevaramis once more. Vargathrian had remained behind to oversee the tribe's preparations, but Ralian, Lilian, and Morvath represented the werewolves' interests alongside the vampires.

Ralian and Morvath stood transfixed at the impossible architecture floating before them. The werewolves, creatures of earth and forest, seemed particularly awed by a city that defied gravity itself.

"Impossible," Morvath whispered, his gruff voice softened by wonder. "The legends spoke of floating cities from the Age of Wonders, but to see one with my own eyes..."

"And to think it belongs to a human," Ralian added, her silver eyes reflecting the crystalline towers that stretched toward the clouds.

Before I could respond, familiar footsteps approached from the grand staircase leading to the city's heart. Amelia and Lailah descended side by side, their postures formal but their eyes alert.

Immediate tension crackled through the air as Amelia, the Gold Dragon Princess, locked eyes with Munera, an Obsidian Matriarch. They were not ancient enemies, but given the fact that the Obsidian Clan only truly lost because of Amelia’s presence in Lockdarn, I had a feeling Munera wasn't too happy seeing her.

"Welcome to Nevaramis," Amelia said, her tone formal, controlled, but her posture betraying caution. The purple of her eyes seemed more intense than usual, a sign of her draconic nature pushing against her human form.

"A dragon hosting wolves and vampires," Ralian replied with a laugh. "The world truly has changed."

A brief, awkward silence descended as ancient enemies assessed each other, centuries of instinctual hatred warring with the present necessity.

“Uh, hey everyone, I'm Lailah.” Lailah stepped forward, breaking the impasse with a warm smile. "The kitchens have prepared a feast to welcome you. My father's bread is particularly excellent."

Lilian's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Hey, young master? Who's that? She looks too innocent to be anywhere near you.”

“That's a bit too harsh, Lilian. And don't let her appearance fool you, she's a devil. Leviathan,” I warned her.

“I can hear you, you know?” Lailah gave me a dry look.

Lilian frowned. “She's a devil? Looks like I judged a book by its cover… Food made by a Leviathan Devil. Are we to be poisoned on our first day?"

"Only if your manners deserve it, wolf girl," Lailah replied, but there was a playful glint in her eye. “I've heard a ton about you. It's nice to see you finally.”

Lilian's lips twitched upward. "I wanna know what stories you heard of me, but before that… You'd better pray your cooking is good."

I clapped my hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Before we eat, perhaps a tour is in order. Nevaramis has much to offer, and you should understand its capabilities before making your final decision."

Our first stop was the Armory, a massive chamber with weapons from various eras and cultures, enhanced by Nevaramis's technology. Morvath examined a sword that burned with inner fire, while Val inspected armor that Stratos explained was impervious to sunlight.

"This material," Val said, running his fingers along the silvery plate, "it feels like metal but has the properties of shadow itself."

"Void-touched silver," I explained. "Forged in the space between realms. It repels holy magic while providing physical protection."

Val's eyes gleamed with appreciation. "My warriors would be unstoppable in such gear."

"And that is precisely why we must discuss terms carefully," Ralian interjected, her gaze sharp. "Unstoppable vampires are the stuff of werewolf nightmares."

We moved on to the Shield Array, enormous crystalline structures at the city's perimeter that generated protective barriers. Amelia explained how they could repel even dragon fire and holy magic, causing Munera to raise an eyebrow in appreciation.

"We tested them against my full breath attack," Amelia said, a hint of pride in her voice. "They held."

Munera and Ralian exchanged a glance that spoke volumes. If these barriers could withstand draconic fire, what chance would conventional forces have against Nevaramis?

The Observatory was next, a dome that monitored all approaches to the city. Stratos demonstrated how they could detect threats from miles away, tracking even magically concealed movements.

"Nothing approaches Nevaramis without our knowledge," she explained, manipulating the holographic display to show the surrounding airspace. "The system can identify species, power levels, and hostile intent."

Ralian was particularly impressed by this, recognizing its tactical value. "My scouts could augment this system," she offered unexpectedly. "Werewolf senses can detect nuances that even your technology might miss."

Finally, we toured the residential quarters, with distinct architectural styles designed for different species' needs. Shadowed areas for vampires, moonlit gardens for werewolves, and a lava-flow atrium for Solara's phoenix nature.

"Your kind always built your fortresses underground," Morvath commented to Val as we paused on a balcony overlooking a central garden. "How does it feel to live in the sky?"

Val's perpetual scowl softened slightly. "Disconcerting. But admittedly, the view has its merits."

Morvath laughed, a rough sound like stones grinding together. "Perhaps we'll find more common ground than blood and hatred."

As we continued our tour, I noticed that Amelia and Lailah were getting along well. Even so, the Gold Dragon’s posture stiffened imperceptibly when the young Leviathan demonstrated her control over the waterways that ran through the city's core.

I let the others walk ahead, falling into step beside Amelia and gently taking her hand. "I thought we were beyond ancient prejudices here."

Her purple eyes met mine, conflicted emotions swirling in their depths. "Hey, it's not prejudice. If I showed my powers, she’d flinch. We are each other's counters, after all. And old habits are... difficult to break. But I'm trying."

I squeezed her hand. "That's all I ask."

Our tour culminated at the Council Chamber with its obsidian table and star-filled dome ceiling. I'd had Stratos prepare it specially for this meeting, with each seat marked with the appropriate symbol for its intended faction.

"This," I said, gesturing to the grand chamber as our guests entered, "is where we will forge our new alliance. Not as enemies tolerating each other, but as a single force unified against common threats."

Ralian approached the window overlooking the entire floating city, Lilian at her side. The setting sun cast them in silhouette, their proud profiles etched against the golden light.

"When I sent my daughter with you," Ralian said quietly, "I never imagined this would be the result. To become a part of a city of legends… Mother is right. Fate is a strange thing."

"We're only just beginning," I replied, joining them at the window. Beyond Nevaramis, the world stretched out in all directions, empires, kingdoms, wilderness, and somewhere in that vastness, enemies gathering strength. If only they knew, I was ready.

With the Moon Wolf Tribe, I had a 9th Ascension Demi-god at my beck and call.

Lilian finally relented, turning to give me a proper hug. "I missed you, you annoying human," she whispered, her words meant only for me.

I smiled as I embraced her, inhaling the familiar scent of pine and wolf that I'd missed more than I cared to admit. "I missed you too, my stupid wolf."

“Who’s stupid? You’re the one who’s stupid.”

Over her shoulder, I caught Amelia's gaze across the chamber. She nodded once, a silent acknowledgment of what we both knew. Bringing these ancient enemies together was just the first step. The real challenge would be keeping them united when the true enemy revealed itself.

But no matter what enemy came for me, came for us… 

The Heavenly Demon will make sure that Nevaramis remains standing.

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Author Note: By the way guys, I got a comment in a RoyalRoad chapter about Arcane Kings and what they truly are. I wanted to ask you guys on Patreon if the questions you had about Arcane Kings were answered in not in the previous chapters?

I wanted to add a Lilian picture here, but thought since the end is here, I’d rather make an End-of-Book Character post with their images after the Book’s end.