The Void Wolf

Currently, Ira, Samantha, and Amy were all at his house. Time had flown by and the day of the Summit was close and those who were set to travel were preparing themselves for it including Ira.

“Hmm. Why do I need to wear this again, Sam?” Ira lifted a black ceremonial jacket. Silver buttons, inscribed with the insignia of a bear, were on the front of the jacket and on its cuffs. On the collar was a dark green stripe which was, of course, the color Grenitian Kingdom’s flag and banners.

“It was written on the contract, Ira.” Samantha responded as she went through a wooden container, grabbing a custom scabbard from inside of it and handing it to Ira.

“And this,” Ira said as he held the scabbard, “What the hell is this for? I already have one why do I need another.”

“It goes over the jacket.” Samantha explained.

“Whatever you say.” Ira shrugged as he put on the jacket and affixed the scabbard to his waist.

“You’re top buttons are undone.” Samantha said as she pointed toward Ira’s chest.

“On purpose, it’s too constricting to have it all buttoned up so I’ll wear it how I want.” Ira said as he sat down.

“I think it looks nice.” Amy spoke up from the side.

“Thanks.” Ira said as he put his feet up on the table and leaned into the chair.

“You look like a bandit impersonating a military officer.” Samantha said with an out-of-character laugh.

“Oh? So you can make jokes, huh?” Ira lazily said.

Samantha slid a large gold coin toward Ira, who caught it before making a questioning expression.

“Proof of your identity, so be sure to keep it close to you.” Samantha said seriously.

Ira waved his hand over it and it vanished from sight. “You think someone’s gonna steal it from me or something?”

“It’s always good to be cautious. If the wrong people were to get there hands on one it could cause a major incident.” Samantha warned.

“Whatever you say.” Ira responded casually.

“I’ll be leaving then. Someone from the Prince’s side will contact you soon, so please attempt to stay close.” Samantha said before departing.

As soon as Samantha left Ira stood up and stretched before speaking, “Right, let’s go, Amy.”

“Go? Go where?” Amy asked.

“Upstairs. There’s a room for training, I wanna see what you’ve been doing all this time.” Ira said as he walked upstairs.

“A-Alright.” Amy grabbed her spear and followed him up.

The training room was filled multiple sets equipment that seemed to cover all aspects of training.

Ira stood across from Amy with a contemplative look.

“Stay right here.” He said as he backed up to the far side of the room. “Ok, I know it's unreasonable for you to even last two seconds in a fight with me, so just do your best to stop me from getting to that side of the room. I won’t use any weapons by the way.” Ira said as he tapped his scabbard.

“Ok.” Amy nodded. Although it didn’t feel right being called weak by someone she looked up to, she knew she wouldn’t have the slightest chance against Ira.

Ira began to walk forward, taking leisurely steps. “Don’t hold back.” he added.

Amy rushed forward and thrust her spear, but Ira tilted his head and avoided it. Amy took a step back and swept the spear low, but Ira took a perfect timed step over it. Amy began to attack in every way possible, but she couldn’t land a hit no matter how hard she tried which caused her to feel frustrated. Amy began to sweat as she attacked aggressively.

“Haa!” Amy shouted as she tossed her spear and began to throw punches toward Ira.

“That’s the spirit.” Ira nodded as he raised one hand to block every punch she threw. Then he noticed that Amy’s metal arm began to heat up and smiled.

Amy thrust her metal arm toward Ira and all of a sudden a huge column green flames emerged from her palm. Ira grabbed her wrist and directed the flames away from himself, while Amy took huge breaths.

“You lost.” Ira said with a chuckle.

“What?” Amy asked with a confused expression as she looked around. She had arrived on the other side of the room, but she didn’t seem to realize how quickly she got there.

“Anyway, when Harper gets back you should go do some missions and train with her.” Ira said as he began to leave. “I’m getting something to eat.”

“U-Uh, ok.” Amy watched Ira leave while in a daze. She still didn’t have control over the demon flames, so she couldn’t help but focus on the moment she used them.

…

At the Valkyrie’s Hall.

“Since you already plan on going I’ll ask you to represent us should any significant issues arise.” Lauren said as she smiled at Avery.

“Yes, Grandmother.” Avery nodded.

“I don’t think I need to remind you Avery, but your training is over and you naturally won’t be held to the same standard as everyone else. That being so, I expect you to take the initiative when you’re with Ira” Casey said with a meaningful look.

“I’ll follow your words.” Avery said as she slightly bowed to her Mother and Grandmother before she summoned her wings and flew toward the Thynne Manor.

After a few minutes, Avery landed and immediately two servants rushed out.

“Miss Avery, we’ve received word and packaged the set of armor as you instructed.” A servany said as she bowed deeply.

“Good,” Avery said before she looked at her the robes she used for training. “I’ll need a change of clothes.”

“They’ve already been prepared, we can lead you there, Miss Avery.” The other servant said.

Avery nodded and followed the servants into the Manor.

After a while, Avery emerged at the front of manor wearing a grey jacket, black pants, and black boots. She changed her living armor into a dark grey cloak and put the hood on before getting into a carriage that was already loaded with her luggage.

“Is that all, Miss?” The coachmen asked.

“Yes, let’s go,” Avery said.

The carriage quickly departed, making for the capital.

…

A few hours later, the front gates of the Capital were full of activity. The King and his retinue had long since departed via teleportation array to get a head start on those who were to be attending the Summit. Then the first three princes left with their respective groups. Now there were a few prominent merchants, diplomats, and important figures, getting ready to leave. There was also the fourth prince who had yet to leave, causing rumors to spread of his lack of preparation. In truth, The Fourth Prince had chosen to wait to accommodate Ira, who was, of course, waiting for Avery.

“Sir Ira, how much longer do you think it’ll be?” A short old man asked with a forced smile. He was Irving, the Fourth prince’s assistant.

“I don’t know. If you’re tired of waiting I told you I would catch up, you don’t have to wait.” Ira shrugged.

“Ah...I see.” Irving bowed with a rigid expression before returning to an overly luxurious carriage.

Ira looked at the dejected assistant and then to the carriage with a narrowed eyes. The image around the fourth prince had been seen as inept and weak from what he had heard from those at the gates, but it seemed to be deeper than that. Stopping his thoughts there, Ira shook his head and then looked toward the gates.

After a little while, his nose twitched and he shifted his full attention toward the gates and a carriage with the Thynne Family banner finally arrived. Ira couldn’t help but smile as the carriage stopped near him. The coachmen greeted Ira before getting down and opening the carriage door and then moving to transfer the luggage.

A woman in a hooded cloak stepped out and looked at Ira with a faint smile. “Ira,” Avery spoke.

“Avery.” Ira opened the door to his own carriage with exaggerated motions.

Avery gave an amused look before climbing in. Ira, with a cheerful grin, took the luggage from the Thynne Family coachman and loaded on. After everything was finished, Ira waved over to Irving who gave a visible sigh of relief.

The Fourth Prince’s carriage departed with haste, it was clear that Irving was the one who dictated the speed as he placed an importance on time when speaking to Ira.

The coachman in charge of Ira’s carriage waited for Ira to enter, before leaving, putting the capital behind them.