Chapter 658 Arrival
The landing platform on New Lycania was bustling with activity as Anna's ship touched down. She gazed out at the thriving city, her eyes widening in surprise.
Lycania had grown far beyond her expectations. Who would have thought a rural area like Lycania would have its skyline adorned with towering buildings and bustling streets? She couldn't help but marvel at how much it had evolved.
As she disembarked from the ship, her excitement was noticeable. She had missed this place and the people who had become like family to her. Among them, Ava, Ashton's mother, held a special place in her heart. Anna couldn't wait to catch up with her.
Ava, being the personification of warmth, approached Anna with open arms. "Anna, my dear, it's been too long."
"Ava, you look as stunning as ever," Anna complimented as she embraced her future mother-in-law warmly. "And look at this place! It's incredible. What's been happening here? Otiga informed us about advancements, but this is... I don't even know what to say!"
"It's all thanks to the investments that you, Ashton, and the Ghosts team brought to Earth," Ava smiled proudly, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Technological advancements, trade, and interstellar commerce have transformed New Lycania into a hub of improvement."
Anna's heart swelled with pride. She had been a part of something truly remarkable, and the positive changes were evident all around her.
"I'm so glad to hear that, Ava. But speaking of Ashton, where is he? I was hoping to see him as soon as I landed."
"Where else would he be?" Ava chuckled at Anna's eagerness and pointed toward the distant arena. "That son of mine only has two things in his mind. Work and training. He is more of his father's son than mine... hehe."
"The arena?" Anna's eyes followed Ava's gesture, and she could hear the distant sounds of combat and the crowd's roaring cheers. "Right, I remember Otiga telling me something about it."
"He's been spending a lot of time training and sparring with his masters, Vulcan and Flintmace," Ava nodded. "Lately, they've been pushing him to the limits. Once, I had to stop them because they had been going at it for over thirty hours!"
"He couldn't even spare a moment to come to the ship to greet me?"
Anna's lips curved into a playful pout. "He's in for a scolding."
Just then, the twins appeared there. They had changed so much that it took a while for Anna to get acquainted with their new appearance.
"Well, well, if it isn't our favourite succubus," Irina said playfully. "Long time no see, Anna!"
"God, you look great!" Verina chimed in with a mischievous grin.
"I hope so," Anna playfully remarked. "Can't let you beauties sway by beloved's heart, can I? Besides, I saw your encounter with him, and I hope you two didn't do anything stupid afterwards?"
"Just a little bit." Verina sheepishly mumbled.
"Okay, maybe more than a little." Irina winked. "Enough talk. Let's get to the arena, or else we won't get any seats!"
Irina and Verina grinned, their vampiric wings extending gracefully. Anna took the hint. Without hesitation, she unfurled her succubi wings, their iridescent shine reflecting the sunlight. She hovered a few inches above the ground, a playful smirk on her lips.
"What are we waiting for then?" she said.
"Just you, slowpoke!" With a synchronised movement, the twins took off into the sky, Anna trailing behind them.
As they soared over New Lycania, Anna couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful city it had become. She looked down at the town and saw busy streets and tall buildings. It looked like a beautiful picture of a place full of life and progress.
The distant roar of the arena grew louder as they approached, and Anna could hear the reverberation of thousands of voices. The arena was huge and showed how well New Lycania was doing.
Anna's eyes widened in amazement as they descended to the arena's entrance. The place was packed with spectators, a diverse assembly of vampires, humans, werewolves and other species. They all had gathered to witness the epic duel between Ashton and his formidable masters.
The arena trembled with the power of the duel as Ashton faced off against his masters, Vulcan and Flintmace.
Their battle created a mesmerising spectacle that had the entire audience on the edge of their seats. The deafening roars of the crowd reverberated through the colossal arena, drowning out all other sounds.
Ashton was wholly absorbed in the fierce battle, his focus unwavering as he deftly countered Vulcan's fiery attacks and parried Flintmace's earth-shaking strikes.
Amidst the chaos of combat, Anna had entered the arena unnoticed. "Do they do this often?"
"Pretty much every day for the last couple of weeks," Verina replied.
"I think they are preparing for something, but no matter how many times we ask, they don't divulge any information." Irina shrugged.
Anna nodded, wondering what it could be as she returned to watch the duel before her eyes.
His fiery mane blazing like an inferno, Vulcan hurled a barrage of searing flames at Ashton. The fire twisted and writhed, forming a scorching tornado that threatened to engulf him.
Ashton countered with flames of his own creation, summoning a protective barrier that absorbed the fiery onslaught.
But while he was occupied with Vulcan, Flintmace appeared behind him. With a thunderous roar, he sent shockwaves racing toward Ashton, each impact threatening to send him sprawling.
Ashton responded with remarkable agility, his werewolf reflexes allowing him to evade the powerful blows.
Then, in a split second, Vulcan seized an opportunity. With a swift kick, he sent Ashton hurtling across the arena, the force of the blow propelling him through the air. Ashton crashed against the arena wall, temporarily stunned.
Anna, witnessing the kick and Ashton's subsequent collision, couldn't contain her concern. She leapt to her feet and shouted, "Ashton!"
The sound of her voice reached Ashton's ears, cutting through the chaos of the battle. He turned his head to see Anna in the stands, her eyes fluttering with worry.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he made eye contact, a silent acknowledgement of her presence.
At that moment, something within Ashton shifted. He knew he couldn't afford to falter, not when Anna was watching.
"I can't lose in front of her, can I?"
[As if you'd win, fucking cringelord.]
"Lend me Raphael, will you?"
[Are you serious?]
"As serious as I've ever been."
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