CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: AMBASSADORIAL TOUR & THE SECRET RIVAL TAMER’S CHALLENGE

The parade through the royal capital was nothing less than ostentatious. Jemil rode in a gilded carriage alongside Queen Victoria III and Captain Vera, flanked by his six beast companions gracefully striding through the streets. Citizens cheered; nobles observed in awe.

[System Alert: Public Influence Surge—Royal Endorsement Active]

[Aura: Royal, Majestic, Intriguing]

[Recommendation: Maintain composure or risk fan meltdown.]

Welcome to the Grand Ambassadorial Tour

At the central square, a rostrum was erected. Jemil approached with his beasts in formation:

Lyra wove tiny fire whorls that sparkled harmlessly in the crowd

Sylfa conjured floral garlands offered to children

Grahla let kids test grip strength on her arms (gently)

Mira coalesced frost butterflies in flight

Nyx wove hypnotic eyelash flickers that mesmerized (consensually)

Ursa handed out warm snacks

Queen Victoria introduced him: "Behold the Beast Tamer whose bonds crossed beast and court!"

He bowed deeply, suppressing a grin.

[Public Approval +30]

[System Bonus: "Harem Unity Aura"—boosts diplomacy rolls]

But applause was cut short by a hush.

The Rival’s Reveal: A Tamer of Shadows

From a side arch stepped a striking figure: tall, masked, draped in midnight-black tendrils—and flanked by three imposing silken-furred raven beasts.

The crowd tensed.

[Beast Aura Detected: Corvid Elite Tamer]

[Mood: Mysterious, Aloof, Confident]

[Bonding Potential: Unknown]

[Warning: Challenge Mode Activated—public duel likely.]

The figure bowed to Jemil. "I am Altheris, Shadow Tamer Emeritus. I challenge your claim during this official ceremony—duel or debate, you choose."

A murmur swept the plaza.

Challenge Accepted

Queen Victoria raised her hand. "You have the authority to accept—or propose another format."

Jemil glanced at his beasts, then at Altheris. "I’ll duel—on the grounds of teamwork."

Mira nodded approvingly. "A public display of unity suits us."

Grahla growled. "I smash!"

Lyra flexed flame. "Spectacle time."

Sylfa entwined vines with grace. "Art in motion."

Nyx whispered. "Hypnosis and precision."

Ursa roared. "Bear power!"

Aelira smirked. "Let’s dance."

[System Prompt: Team vs Team Duel Initiated]

[Conditions: Public exhibition—with nonlethal rules]

[Reward: Title "Shadow Bane" if win + increased prestige]

Duel of Elements & Emotion

The standoff began. Altheris’s ravens shrieked—shadow feathers cutting the air like knives. He gestured and they swirled into a gauntlet as black wings and silent blades.

Lyra answered with controlled flame rings. Sylfa’s vines sent blossoms spinning. Ursa charged, boots pounding. Mira summond frost shields. Nyx twisted hypnotic patterns. Aelira darted between shadows. Grahla blocked and protected.

Jemil launched the coordinated fusion move—Crest Guardian’s Bond—enveloping them in radiant shield that countered Altheris’s shadows.

Altheris: "Impressive synergy." He replied. Then raised his hand—raven beasts lifted Jemil’s team off their feet.

It hurt. But only for a moment.

One by one Jemil’s beasts rallied:

Lyra turned shadow into embers

Sylfa rooted ravens mid-flight

Ursa toppled his support structure

Mira froze the ravens’ wings

Nyx hypnotized remaining foes

Aelira returned stolen shadows to the sky

Grahla shielded Jemil from Altheris’s strike

Finally Altheris backed down.

[Victory: "Harmonious Backbone"]

[System Reward: New Skill "Dawnstrike Unity"—burst attack when all beasts synchronize]

[Prestige Title Awarded: Royal Protector of the Harem]

Post-Duel Respect & Rivalry

Altheris dropped his cowl. A solemn nod. "You’ve moved past chaos into craft."

Jemil exhaled. "Thank you—for the challenge."

Altheris inclined his head. "Our paths may cross again. I look forward to deeper confrontation."

Queen Victoria smiled. "Let it be known: unity conquers shadow."

[Influence: Noble Houses Receptivity +20]

[System Bonus Unlocked: "Shadow Ward"—protects your harem from assassination attempts for limited time]

✅ Call to Action:

Jemil defended his harem in a public duel, earned a noble title, and gained a formidable rival.

💬 Leave a comment and hit that power stone if you’re excited for Chapter 16: "Preparing for War... and Midnight Strategy Sessions with Captain Vera" ⚔️💼