As Kharon said this, he noticed a slight shift in Wyatt's expression. He quickly caught himself as he did a handstand before turning upright.
'I guessed correctly then. The fact that he has suddenly teleported is proof enough that he is a wielder of chronos. I can't let my guard down though, the Hand of Order is a good mystic construct but I doubt it can fully suppress his abilities. Also the path of chronos may not only relate to time...'
While thinking about this, Kharon quickly ducked as Wyatt threw a kick in the air. The shockwave that followed caught Kharon off guard as he was flung into the barrier.
'Luckily I didn't take damage. This armour can easily endure continent shattering attacks. I wish I had this when I faced the Iron-tusked Boar. I wonder if Wyatt is using something to enhance his power though. That kick was stronger than what I can muster without the Hunter's Attire; unless that is the power of someone who has fully assimilated with their tier 4 essence core.'
Slowly, Kharon walked towards Wyatt as a smug grin crept on his face. Seeing this Wyatt immediately tensed up, expecting a powerful attack. As he did, Kharon suddenly lunged forward with immense speed - Mach 45. The sound barrier was broken several times as a powerful shockwave reverberated around the arena.
As Kharon went flying, he noticed Wyatt smiling as he easily dodged Kharon lunge. However, he felt something slamming against his abdominal area as Kharon flew by. He was pulled by the invisible object as his back collided with the barrier. Wyatt suddenly coughed up blood as his eyes rolled back and he collapsed.
Kharon stood triumphantly above him as the crowd erupted into cheers. Looking at Wyatt's limp body, Kharon walked up to him and picked him up as he threw him on his shoulder. He slowly walked towards the exit as Talia and Emelia ran towards him with shocked expressions. Regaining her composure, Talia took Wyatt's unconscious body and began healing him as a green light enveloped his whole body.
Kharon looked as Talia quickly dealt with Wyatt's injuries as he sighed.
"I am going to my room. See you tomorrow."
Emelia gave Kharon an incredulous look as he walked away before saying, "You haven't fought me yet. You seem like you could handle a few more battles."
"I already turned down your challenge to duel. I have no interest in fighting you."
"Is it because I am a woman? Because if it is then you shouldn't hesitate to fight me. It is quite insulting to me and every woman in the Hollow Syndicate if you look down on us."
Kharon sighed once again as he said, "I don't look down on women. I just don't want to fight them. That's all. If you are so adamant on fighting then ask someone else for a duel."
As he said this, Kharon walked away as he jumped over several viewers and opened the door before slamming it shut. Emelia looked at the door with visible anger as she said, "I hate that guy."
...
Kharon slowly made his way up the stairs as he felt an ominous presence ahead of him. His head quickly shot up as his eyes met the Hollow King's gaze. They stayed for several seconds in silence as they stared at each other before the Hollow King heard a little howl.
He looked at the Hollow King before he realised something.
'Gale! He is gone! How didn't I even notice?! When did he get taken?!'
The Hollow King smiled as he handed Gale back to Kharon and tapped Kharon's forehead before he began complimenting him.
"Your fight was quite commendable. You were able to conceal your true abilities and quickly took down your opponent. Taking down a member of the Hollow Trinity would allow you to take their place. But seeing as you are my nephew, and your power far eclipses theirs despite your assimilation being further behind... I will give you a title which was only held by my right hand man. The Hollow Regent."
"Why does every title have the word 'Hollow' in it? It just seems a bit excessive to me."
"So you wouldn't accept the title?"
"I didn't say that. I am just thinking about how the current Hollow Regent will react to this. Also, am I not too weak to have just a position? Creating one which is above the Hollow Trinity but below your position and Axel's would be better."
The Hollow King stood still as he thought about something before saying, "What about the Hollow Scion? It seems fitting."
Kharon shrugged as he said, "I don't have any complaints. Except for it having the word 'Hollow'. But I guess it's not too bad." As said this, Kharon continued walking up the stairs quickly passing by the Hollow King. As he did, he muttered, "Goodnight." Before reaching a large door at the top of the stairs.
He quickly opened the door as he stepped into the room expecting a small, shabby space. But to his surprise, the room was huge. It had several expensive ornaments and decorations. In the corner of the room was a door. There was a sweet, pleasant scent of flowers which wafted through the air. A large bed with dark sheets stood imposingly at the side of the room with a bundle of sheets next it. And on the other side was a desk which was filled with books and candles.
'This is quite surprising.'
Kharon closed the door and placed Gale on the bed as he walked towards the desk. He slowly swept his hand on the dark, wooden desk before he picked up one of the books and began reading it. He read a few pages before closing it.
'A book on arcane creatures and essence beasts. Quite considerate of him or whoever prepared this room. It was definitely not the Hollow King. Could it be Axel Russell? Though I doubt someone as powerful as him would be willing to arrange a room, let alone for a stranger he knows little about.'
Looking around the room, Kharon slowly made his way to some drawn curtains and pulled them. As he did, he could see most of Lunaris Haven, though the darkness and the rift made it harder to see any further than a few miles. Drawing back the curtains, Kharon walked towards the bed before collapsing onto it. It was very soft, like falling on a ton of feathers.
Gale slowly ran to him with some difficulty before licking his face. He picked up his little Duskwolf before gently stroking his fur as Gale quickly fell asleep. As he did this, his eyes began to fall due to the pain and exhaustion accumulated over the day as he dozed off with Gale lying on his chest.
His eyes slightly opened when he felt a presence enter the room. He tried looking at who it was but wasn't quite able to make out a face. He saw the figure carry Gale and place him on the floor. He then felt himself being carried and being properly placed in the bed before being covered by the thick blanket.
'I can barely feel their presence... Who is it... I feel so tired. Could it be an arcane ability...?'
Before Kharon could complete his thought, he fell into a deep slumber.
...
Kharon woke up feeling quite refreshed as he had a shower in his private bathroom before putting on the Hunter's Attire. He rummaged through his bag as he took out the Stalker's Cloth and the Solar Ring. Before leaving he took the soulbind token which was placed on the desk. He then gently picked up Gale who was still sleeping soundly as he made his way down the stairs.
As he reached the bottom of the steps, he heard several people already having breakfast in the bar.
'Am I late? I can't be, it's still quite early.'
Kharon checked his bracelet as several golden numbers appeared on the screen. As he looked at the time, he decided to have breakfast and wait for Axel before going on his first mission as he Beast Hunter.
As Kharon walked into the quiet bar, the air seemed to freeze over as all heads turned to him. Before he could say anything, all the men present stood up and bowed to him as they said, "Goodmorning, Hollow Scion. We hope you had a good night sleep. We also want to congratulate you on winning your first duel against a member of the Hollow Trinity."
Looking confused, Kharon ignored them and made his way to the counter as he ordered some Aethergrain Porridge. The dish was quickly prepared as Kharon hurriedly ate the surprisingly good food. Once he finished, he thanked the bartender who bowed slightly before he asked for directions on where to find Axel.
"The Hollow Regent is never in one place. He constantly moves to different locations through the shadows. You don't find him, he finds you."
After the bartender said this, Kharon felt a faint, almost imperceptible presence as he turned around. Standing behind him was a tall man with short, strawblonde hair and light hazel eyes. His skin was beige and soft with no flaws; Axel Russell, the Hollow Regent.