"Are you okay, lad?" Andrew Dawn asked, sensing that something was amiss with Ace ever since he removed the dragon blood from his hands.
The way things ended was not as he had envisioned, and he could not say he liked it. However, the state of Ace a second ago filled Andrew with a sense of dread for a moment. It felt terrifying, as if something was about to devour the space around them before suddenly disappearing.
Though it was frightening, Andrew couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. For a second, a familiar aura erupted from Ace, reminiscent of the one he had sensed in the dungeon that initiated his connection with dragons. It was akin to the aura that had once erupted from a dragon bone in his storage ring.
The dragon bone was an item of great significance, rated as one of the very few legendary items in the dungeon. Andrew had taken it, though he wasn't entirely sure what made it so special. Now, with Ace emitting a similar aura, questions arose in Andrew's mind. Did the blood he gave Ace do more than act as a catalyst for reaching rank 1?
Both Ace and Andrew were uncertain, but little did they know that the blood indeed held more power than they could imagine. Its effects were far greater than they could have ever anticipated.
Hearing the emperor's words directed at him, Ace snapped out of his thoughts and turned to meet the worried gaze fixed on him. It felt weird yet oddly comforting. He had seen a similar expression from his mother before, but it was the first time he had encountered such concern on a man's face, surpassing even Gustav's usual care.
Wanting to reassure the emperor that he was fine, Ace responded, "I'm okay," giving himself a satisfying nod. He believed it was enough to show that he was doing well. However, others, including Andrew Dawn, felt otherwise.
Andrew wanted to say more, but after seeing that Ace appeared sincere and honest, he took a deep breath and released a sigh. He still thought the awkwardness was due to the reward, and he simply wanted to head back to the settlement to rest before any potential issues with the ogres arose.
Ace agreed without hesitation when the emperor suggested returning to the settlement, knowing that Blue, his companion, would be there with their teammates. As they made their way back, they discussed a few things, and then Andrew Dawn suddenly proposed an idea.
"Ace, why don't we spar to blow off some steam?" the emperor suggested. Although Ace was unsure how getting beaten was going to make him feel better, he found the idea intriguing. Most of his battles had been against monsters, and he hadn't engaged in many humanoid battles. He was curious to test his martial skills without holding back, and that was what would happen as they both headed to a nearby grassland.
Inside, Andrew Dawn had his own thoughts running. "I need to see what's so special about him," he contemplated.
"I wonder how my power compares to the Emperor. Adara told me he trained in martial arts, but how good is he, and will he take it easy on me?" Ace thought.
*******
In the grassland, the two formidable figures faced each other, ready to clash in a battle of pure physical prowess. Andrew Dawn had a calm expression, his eyes focused on Ace, while Ace looked determined, eager to test his skills against the emperor.
Without any warning, Andrew made the first move, charging forward with incredible speed. He threw a punch with immense force, but Ace swiftly evaded it, his reflexes sharp. The ground trembled as their strikes connected with the earth, creating shockwaves that rippled through the grass.
Ace retaliated, landing a kick aimed at Andrew's torso. But the emperor effortlessly blocked it, showcasing his superior strength. Andrew's movements were fluid, and every strike he delivered seemed calculated and precise. He was testing Ace's defences, probing for weaknesses.
Ace knew he was facing an opponent unlike any he had encountered before. Andrew's power was awe-inspiring, but even so, he was not intimidated. He was determined to show his own strength. With a fierce expression, Ace launched a flurry of punches and kicks at the emperor, each one executed with great skill and power.
Andrew countered each attack with ease, his movements almost effortless. It was as if he was dancing around Ace, anticipating his every move. Despite Ace's best efforts, he couldn't land a solid hit on the emperor. Andrew's defence was impeccable, and he seemed unfazed by the onslaught.
"Is this all you can do?"
"I can do more. Just warming up"
Andrew smirked at Ace's response, appreciating his determination. He decided to up the ante, testing Ace's mettle further. With lightning speed, he closed the distance between them and delivered a barrage of rapid strikes. Ace managed to block and evade most of them, but a few blows grazed him, leaving minor scratches.
Ace gritted his teeth, his resolve strengthening. He countered with a series of powerful kicks, each one aimed at testing Andrew's defence. The impact of their strikes sent shockwaves rippling through the grassland, creating small craters beneath their feet.
Andrew's eyes gleamed with excitement. He could sense Ace's potential, and he wanted to push him even harder. He increased the intensity of his attacks, forcing Ace to use every ounce of his strength to defend himself. The ground shook violently as their clashes intensified.
Ace gritted his teeth, his resolve strengthening. He countered with a series of powerful kicks, each one aimed at testing Andrew's defence. The impact of their strikes sent shockwaves rippling through the grassland, creating small craters beneath their feet.
Andrew's eyes gleamed with excitement. He could sense Ace's potential, and he wanted to push him even harder. He increased the intensity of his attacks, forcing Ace to use every ounce of his strength to defend himself. The ground shook violently as their clashes intensified.
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