“That staff you gave me really is amazing! When I didn't use it I could only blow up 100 targets at once. But now when I use it I can almost reach 1000. I'm sure if I practice more I can reach 1000 and even surpass it,” said Yuki happily as she and her husband walked to the throne room.

Akira walked slightly behind the two, due to a royal protocol where royalty was to walk ahead of all others in the capital. He was flanked by the ever-present Vilkas and Dolph.

“Is it really that strong? Or are you just too strong?” asked Akira.

“Well, I'm not weak but this thing really helps me with controlling my ice attacks and it feels as if they are stronger when I use it. I think I will make this staff one of the family's inheritance that will be passed down from mother to daughter,” said Yuki as she walked through the large ice doors that were pushed open by several guards.

Today the throne room was rather empty as it only had the King, Queen, Nollan, and the two major leaders of the nobles.

Akira stopped in front of the large ice thrones and waited for Yuki to sit on the open throne next to her mother while Glace sat in the one next to the King.

“After some heated debating and input from the new future Queen and King, we have come to an agreement and have decided to fully support the deal,” said King Fross.

Ding!

A full alliance and trade deal with the Yuki-onna has been achieved!

The relationship with the Yuki-onna race has reached its max.

“Took you long enough, I told you that the deal was good for us,” said Nollan.

A quiet huff could be heard from one of the nobles as he seemed unsatisfied with the decision.

“I am very glad that my daughter was able to meet some fine people when she was away. I also want to personally thank you for the wedding gift you gave her. It is quite a powerful weapon. What do you plan on doing now that you have completed your mission?” asked the Queen.

“I guess we'll have to head back north and return to our own town,” said Akira.

“I know that you have been looking for more allies so if you still have time I can give you directions to several different demon races that live southwest of us,” said King Fross.

Akira thought it over for a few seconds. They had made good time and had actually arrived at Iskald quicker than expected even with their detours. So they still had some wiggle room before needing to return before the warm months ended.

Nodding his head Akira looked to the King and replied, “We have some time left before we need to return and as the grand elders gave me the task of gathering allies I would appreciate if you guided me to where I can find more friendly demon races to talk to,” said Akira.

“I'll have someone give you a rough map that you can use to get to them before you leave. As for our alliance, I would like to send a few representatives with you before you return to Kodria.”

“Of course we will gladly accept them and make sure that they are safe,” said Akira.

“I'll warn you now, the monsters that live south of here are not anything like those that you can find in the north. You'll need to be on constant guard ready to fight at any moment so it is best to stay on the path we give you.

I would also warn you against getting too close to the twin volcanic peaks of the Smok mountain chain. A very troublesome guy along with a few others live there. If you wake them they will be a pain to deal with,” said Queen Yukiko.

“I'll remember that,” said Akira.

“It's unfortunate that I can't go with you guys since I have to stay here and take care of business,” said Yuki.

“I'll be personally watching to make sure you don't try to escape. You have a heavy-duty to fulfill now that you are truly next in line,” said the Queen.

“Ha! You talk to her as if you weren't just like her when you were her age. How many times did I catch you trying to escape from the castle when you still had work to do?” said Nollan before quickly ducking as his daughter shot an icy glare towards him.

***

Several days had passed since Akira's party had left the Iskald capital.

“I don't think we can keep going this way since these rocky boulders are making it harder for us and will soon completely block the way for our sleds,” said Klyn as he looked forward.

They were currently stopped and discussing what to do as Akira looked at the map and the surrounding area.

“The only way to our destination is to go west in order to get around them,” said Vilkas.

“But if we go too far west we will be getting too close to the twin volcanic peaks of the Smok mountain that the queen warned us about,” said Akira.

“It will take too long to go east as the boulders spread farther east then to the west,” said Bo who had already sent his raven into the air and scouted the surrounding area.

“I guess we have no choice,” said Akira.

“Don't worry, I can take care of anything that comes after us. I will give my all to protect you!” shouted Zundar energetically.

Garuuuu! Garuru~!

Several hundred howls rang out and echoed off of the many snow and iced covered boulders.

Over 200 giant wolves near the height of a horse full of thick fur, sharp teeth, and claws, started to appear out from behind the many boulders. Some even jumped up on top of them as they surrounded the werewolves.

Without an order needing to be given, Akira and the rest of the werewolves all transformed into their werewolves forms and stared back at the large wolves.

The large wolves turned their gaze from Akira and the other werewolves to a large black-furred wolf that was slowly walking towards Akira.

'Who are you to have entered my territory without my permission?' asked the large wolf using mental telepathy as he stopped in front of Akira [Garg pack leader Grarr lvl 86].

'Ah! These are one demon races that the queen mentioned before,' thought Akira after inspecting the large wolf.

“Honorable Grarr. We did not come here to cause any trouble. We were just trying to head southeast to reach our destination and ended up here,” said Akira in his gravelly voice.

Sniff, sniff. The large Garg wolf started to sniff the air in front of him.

'You smell like those idiots south of here. But you're all so colorful and your armor looks quite shiny. Similar but quite different from those bland idiots,' said Grarr.

“It is good that we were able to meet. I am the commander of the large northern town of Kodria. As you can tell I and my cohort are from the Earth tribe and we are looking for allies to help fight and keep the peace in all of the Southlands.”

'You have to beat me in a fight if you want us to work with you. If by some miracle I lose then I and the rest of my pack will have no problem with becoming allies with you. If I win I will eat you for annoying me,' said Grarr.

“Fine, any special rules?” asked Akira, not afraid that he would lose.

'No weapons. You need to fight with your bare hands and show your true strength!'

Akira unequipped his sword and shield and handed it over to Zundar who was glaring at the large wolves.

“If you play any tricks I will personally kick your butt,” said Zundar as he stared at the bear-like Garg.

“Akira do you need me to give you any buffs?” asked Klyn.

“No, that would be cheating,” said Akira with a shake of his head.

Wearing only his armor Akira walked forward and did a few stretches.

'Are you done yet?' asked Grarr as he impatiently waited for Akira to finish.

When Akira nodded Grarr started to slowly started to circle to Akira's left. Akira countered by walking to the right. The two circled each other watching every movement looking for a mistake that would allow them to gain the upper hand.

Akira made the first mistake as his foot stumbled when it stepped on something...

Grarr pounced towards Akira his jaw wide open ready to bite into Akira's torso.

...but the stumble was a feint by Akira who rolled under Grarr and as he passed he lashed out landing a solid kick to Grarr butt.

“Gar!” Grarr let out an angry howl of surprise. As he landed he swirled around and swiped at the ground where Akira had been a second before. A large gouge appeared in the snow and ice as the sharp claw tore into the ground.

“You're quite strong,” said Akira as they again started to circle one another.

'You're quite cunning yourself. But I have confidence in my strength!' said Grarr as he pounced towards Akira even faster than the first time.

Akira leaned to the side and punched Grarr in the jaw before grabbing onto the large garg with both hands. He used both the momentum of the jump and his own strength to flip the large Grarr onto his back.

“Guu~” Grarr let out an odd sound as he landed on his back. But he was back up on his feet within a few seconds and charged towards Akira once again.

Akira readied himself to grab Grarr and flip him again but when he reached out he grabbed nothing but air when Grarr jumped to the side and then rammed his body into Akira knocking him to the ground.

'Ha! Give up! You have lost!' said Grarr as he placed a large paw on Akira's chest and pressed him down into the snow.

“Don't underestimate me!” shouted Akira as he struggled to get free.

'Just admit it yo...'

Akira's foot kicked the back of one of Grarr's hind legs causing him to stumble and lessen the pressure on Akira's chest.

Akira shoved the leg off and used it to pull himself up. He slammed his shoulder into Grarr causing him to fall to his knees.

Akira latched onto Grarr large neck with both of his arms putting him into a headlock and started to pull his head back while he tightened his grip.

The two struggled for several minutes throwing snow and ice into the air. Akira was nearly crushed under Grarr's large body several times, almost losing his grip but managed to move while still holding the headlock.

Grarr's resistance was slowly growing weaker as the headlock was taking its effect on his strength.

'Let go of me!' growled Grarr as he made a last try to crush Akira by violently thrashing to the side.

“Auughh!” Akira let out a pained voice as he was pinned between the large body and the hard-packed snow and ice. He did not let go and even tightened his grip.

The two stayed still and silent for several minutes both breathing heavily.

'Fine! I admit that you are not like those bland idiots to the south. As promised I along with everyone in my pack will become your allies.'

“Really?” asked Akira.

'Yes, can you let go before I pass out! I am the pack leader and I can not show such a shameful thing!' said Grarr.

Akira slowly let go and Grarr stood up freeing Akira from his heavy body allowing him to also stand up.

“Garuuuu~!” Grarr let out a loud reverberating howl after he had regained his breath.

All but one the other large Garg howled in response. The one who was silent launched an attack at Grarr trying to bite Grarr's neck.

Grarr used Akira's own move and swatted the attacker's head to the side while slamming his large body into the attacker's side slamming him into the ground.

Grarr latched onto his neck with his powerful teeth and jerked his head breaking the neck of his attacker letting the limp body slump to the ground.

“Garu~!” howled Grarr as his gaze passed over the hundreds of other Garg's that stood silently around them.

Vilkas, Dolph, and Zundar had all moved to join Akira to ward off any attacks from the other Gargs and were now quietly watching them with their weapons ready to strike down anything that moved.

The silent standoff lasted for another minute before one by one the large Garg started to kneel towards Akira with their heads lowered.

“What was that all about?” asked Akira who now had his sword and shield equipped again.

'Garrgr decided he was not happy with my decision and felt I was too weak to have lost against you. So he challenged me for the leadership of the pack,' said Grarr.

“Was it necessary to kill him?”

'When you challenge the pack leader it is a fight to the death. There is no mercy to be given in a fight for the leadership of the pack. Once challenged the fight must end with either the challenger or the pack leader's death. If they were allowed to live more problems would arise and destroy the pack from within,' said Grarr.

“Well since we have taken care of everything here I guess we'll be leaving to continue our travel south,” said Akira.

'I can not allow that,' said Grarr.

“Why?”

'I can not allow you to walk or use that dinky contraption. It is beneath you and would be an insult to me who you defeated if you continue to use it. From now on I will carry you wherever you need to go,' said Grarr.

“Is something like that okay?” asked Akira.

'Why would it not be? It is only natural since you were able to beat me. If any of your underlings also want to challenge anyone from my own pack and win then they may also become companions. That is only if they agree to fight against them. They will not pair up with someone who is not to their liking.'

“Wow! Do you know what this is?” Varbu asked.

“What?” asked Akira.

“If you go ahead with what he says Kodria will have a formidable Cavalry!”