Chapter 70: Tyler’s Fury: Ash’s Origin (Finale)

The crowd was loud, talking about the match until Professor Atwood silenced everyone for the ranking reveal. Blake was taken to the infirmary, but Professor Sanju entered all the necessary information into the tablet as the girls held Tyler’s hand, two on each. Nyx and Sophie shared his left, with one holding and the other placing it around them, Amanda and Kass on the left.

"Tyler Rask is now Rank 4 and Blake Nelson is now rank 29. Tim Evans please step forward for your match."

He slowly walked up as Tyler had a large smirk on his face. The crowd fell silent, eagerly awaiting the next match.

"This is an official school match between rank 10 Tim Evans and rank 4 Tyler Rask. You both know the rules. Are you both ready?"

"Yes." They said simultaneously.

"3-2-1 BEGIN."

’Full link with Vivian, Ash go blast his ass.’

Tyler closed his eyes and focused his Qi to sense what was going on, while relying on his familiars to tell him where Tim was going and what he was doing. He wasn’t casting magic and charging toward Tyler, who was waiting for Maximus to tell him to open his eyes. When he did, Tyler opened his eyes and Tim fell under an illusion that he was unconscious. Ash, rather than burning him, flew at him at a rapid speed, then shooting a fireball at his head, causing him to collapse unconscious.

"Match Mr. Rask!" Professor Sanju with a smirk while entering information into the tablet.

"Tyler Rask is rank 3. Tim Evans is rank 20. Everyone have a great day!"

The crowd cheered and moaned. An anti-climatic yet impressive finish. Tyler couldn’t believe he was the third ranked dueling student in the school and knew how big the gap was between Nyx and himself. He also felt Sophie was ranked too low at 10, as she moved up from 19 to 12 before today and gained two spots due to Blake and Tim’s drop in rank.

The crowd started cheering as Tyler waved, shot off magical fireworks while showing off his genuine charisma. The women walked up to him with smiles and cheers as he finally pulled out a mana potion to drink it.

’Always tastes just right. Reminds me of my favorite soda back home when I got to spoil myself once in a while.’

"This is home now. But what was it called?"

"Squ*rt," Tyler laughed. "No caffeine, grapefruit flavored soda. So good."

"Sounds delicious. There’s no way he saw the charm. I’m going to say hi to my parents, I think you and Ash should do some talking." Ritsu said cheerfully.

"Great job today kid. See ya later!"

"Later everyone!"

"Just like old times buddy!" Ash chirped playfully.

"Just like old times buddy!" Tyler teased, mimicking him. "I’m a phoenix not a parrot! I’ll never forget that one."

Ash laughed. "You’re a great guy Tyler. Talk to your ladies and then I’ll tell you more about myself."

"There they are!" Tyler exclaimed, hearing the crowd whistling and ladies screaming asking if they could be his girlfriend.

"No, I have all the love I need right here, sorry!" Tyler shouted at the top of his lungs, much to the delight of his group of girlfriends.

"You’re so sweet babe." Sophie said cheerfully. "Congratulations on passing me in the rankings! You did so well!"

"Thank you my love. Finnick and Nyxara can have the top two spots. I won’t be officially dueling any of you."

"Not even if I ask nicely?" Sophie flirted.

"I don’t think I could do it darling. I love you too much. I really enjoy our sparring sessions but after I did that illusion thing and Nyx accidentally knocked me out, what if you hurt me?" Tyler said kindly, mindful not to hurt her feelings while knowing he didn’t have it in his heart to fight them.

"Tyler... We’d never hurt each other!"

"You don’t know that but if you challenge me I’ll simply surrender. I’m sorry, I love you Ms. Grace." Tyler said with a kind smile.

"Ok, I understand. I love you too, Mr. Rask."

"That goes for you three as well. I couldn’t do it. I love you all too much. Let’s go grab dinner in the city. I want to see you ladies dressed up and take you out for a nice date."

The girls were excited and spent their time getting ready, which allowed Tyler time to talk to Ash.

"So how was the first son of Bahamut and Asura cursed by the gods?"

"Well, back when summoners were a big thing, I didn’t exactly agree with being a caged bird. Bahamut and Asura agreed with me, but the other gods and goddesses didn’t. I played along and things were fine until one of them tried to keep me locked up inside him and only use me as a link. I finally disobeyed and was punished."

"Damn. How long ago?"

"I lost track, Tyler. I stopped counting after my 100th rebirth. I was on Earth one time but it was to save a child who was deathly ill. Her and I would talk endlessly and she was one of my favorite hosts. Eventually, I wasn’t enough, I couldn’t power up and she passed away. It really hurt me emotionally for a while, which is what I think the gods wanted all along."

"What do you think changed to where I lucked out with you?"

"I think it was a pure chance based on the system. The odds weren’t good, but Asura at least gave me a chance. I guess it just finally worked out and now that I’m freely cooperating with you, my parents told me the gods and goddesses are watching closely to see what happens. So, we just need to keep doing what we’re doing and maybe one day I’ll be free."

"I’m immortal buddy. Maybe when I pass you can move on with me to the afterlife?"

"That would actually be very nice. It’d be perfect to rest peacefully in Paradise with you and your lovely wives. By the way, are you going to ask them to marry you or what’s up?"

"Not yet."

"What if the aliens attack?"

"I would be inclined to make a will, leaving everything to the four of them."

"I’d recommend tying the knot buddy. If there’s an alien attack, I don’t see a will helping them much if you die. Just food for thought."

"Thanks Ash, you know I love you."

"I love you too Tyler. Now for some fish!"

Tyler laughed and the ladies came out.

"Breathtaking."

They laughed and enjoyed an amazing date at their favorite restaurant, Ash neatly perched on Tyler’s shoulder. Sophie and Kass switched nights, so Tyler knew it would be a little different. He was happy they were so open and willing to work things out. After a lovely evening, the girls got to bed early aside from Kass, who asked Tyler to wait in bed. They both took their birth control pill.

******

"Commander, the New Year is approaching, any updates?"

"Yes, I’ve narrowed it down to five planets. Zezula, Amarya, Varvada, Vexarra and Enigmatica." He grinned.