Through the harsh winter as the Death Knight climbed to the top of Devil Peaks, hearing the roars of Wyverns below him, hidden by the clouds. He arrives at the top of the dangerous spiky mountain, he steps foot into the open Shrine of Bahamut. There, another player sat wearing only a loincloth and wielding a glass longsword. His face is covered by a strange silver mask.
“Ah, I can see, your here to drop your-”
“What the fuck?! How did you get here? And how are you not cold? Are you using some sort of a glitch? Stand back or I’ll call the cops.”
“Calm Mister Death Knight, I haven’t fought one of your kind for a while now. This is going to be fun.”
The man nonchalantly stands up and opens his inventory. Dropping all of his potions.
“Y-you don’t have to do that man, you see, I have to get Bahamut.”
“I know, but you do know what this Shrine is right?”
From a mighty blow of wind clearing the snow and fog. He looked around and could see the remains of bits and pieces of armor and even swords embedded on the rocky soil of the mountain.”
“Ah crap, it’s a PvP stage.”
“Yep, this is one of the only places in Dark World that has an invincible construct. So, it’s mostly used for PvP. Pretty daring of you to come here with that large dragon scale behind you.”
“C’mon man, I don’t have time. I worked way too hard to just die here.”
“Then prove it. Are you a man?”
The Death Knight opens his inventory and drops his potions and the large metallic dragon scale that he has been carrying. Letting it drop to the ground as he flaps his cape and puts it on.
“Alright. Let’s get this over with. Oh fuck.”
“Good! Let us fight!”
The two sheathe their mighty blades, with Paul choosing the Arming Sword of King Paimon as Hellraiser’s grip could be seen peering through behind his helmet. Without a single second wasted, the two were already at each other's throat. Though the Death Knight was able to continuously dish loads of damage, the Loincloth man was merely dodging him but his blade was also unable to go through the Dark Steel of the Knights armor.
Fighting with everything they got, the two players' differences only made the battle fair and balanced, with neither of them truly damaging one another as each of their build cancels out the other's upper hand.
“Damn it.”
“You're good.”
The half naked man sheaths his sword and elegantly bows. He then proceeded to indian sit at the corner of the open shrine. Lining up the potions he has dropped and collected and then going to his inventory and selecting a coffee mug. The Death Knight removes his horned helmet, revealing his mundane but manly face. With a left parted hair, looking as corporate as ever as he puts his hands up his face and just facepalms.
“Awwwww… what’s up with you people?”
As he sighs, the half naked player sips his coffee quietly.
“Nice sword, good to see players still going up this mountain. Everybody’s so busy at the current event.”
“Yea, I didn’t participate. The rest of Eldwood’s Knights are actually there, but I wanna get my own dragon pet for once and then collect the reward at the Tower of Ignosi for registering a new creature.”
“First time?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty excited. I can finally fly around and rain hell on any player that’s on the ground.”
“Just remember, if you're summoning a Dragon. That means they’re already powerful before, mostly through the Dragon-Demon wars of before. So, you don’t need an English Scroll for them to burn with magic. They should already know how to speak the language.”
“Oh thank God. I didn’t bring one since this freaking Scale is already so big and doesn’t fit the inventory.”
The man then picks up Bahamut’s scale. Dragging it to the Altar made out of strange concrete. As the texture on the surface looked like tiny waves of the ocean.
“Also, I hope you know how to speak like a normal human. I get it that many of the people that try to summon Dragons mostly end up as charred corpses since they can’t speak for shit, the more they roleplay or larp, the more cringe it gets. So when Bahamut appears, just talk to her as you talk to a girl.”
“Hah, I’ll see what I can do. When I talk to women, it's all business terms, so we’ll see.”
“Jesus what’s wrong with our generation? Look, just don’t be cringe. Christ, no wonder the population crashed and the economy sank. Don’t even get me started with World War Three…”
“Says the man wasting away in a Full Dive game waiting for randos to walk into a shrine to battle while wearing a loincloth and an enchanted silver mask.”
“Hey, it's my hobby. I get to meet colorful people of different species and also cringe when I meet the ones who take things a bit too seriously.”
“Yea sure bro. Now, let me summon a Dragon!”
The Death Knight excitedly lights the eternal candles and places his hand on the Altar. Giving it mana, it lit the ancient inscriptions and writings. The large stone art of a massive dragon rising from a volcano was then given color and lightning strikes the Altar. The powerful strike sends snow away from the top of the mountain and the half naked man just drinking his coffee balances himself from getting blown away.
“Mii’trov.”
The two then stop at their tracks, hearing the all too familiar monstrous voice of Bahamut.
The dust then clears and it reveals Bahamut itself, the mighty Dragon God of the Void but in a pocket size version. Not any larger than a kitten. The half naked man almost spits his straw as he laughs uncontrollably at the sight.
“PFFTTT… BWAHAHAHAHAAHA!”
“Okay. Not gonna lie, that’s pretty damn cute what the Devs did. Hello~ I’m Paul!”
He smiles as he gets infected by the laugh and then drops dead as he laughs his eyes out at the cute sight of a once feared Dragon of the game. A notorious beast known for its ferocity and unkillable stature. Now a tiny little lizard that looks like it's incapable of even damaging a small Orc.
“Human! I have seeked thy’s tribute and offering, as one laughs at thou’s pitiful sight, I hope one can also back it up with strength and power. For you have collected the necessary number of Scales and made a small and single part of my great armored skin. Know that’s the equivalent of one of the Scales that lay outside thy’s skin.”
“O-of course. Jesus Christ… oh my God.” Paul’s arm grabs the altar, as it supports the man trying to stand up with his knees weak from all the laughing. “My tummy…. MY TUMMY! I CAN’T BREATH! BWAHAHAHA!” as he laughed, Bahamut just stared at her new friend with a blank stare as the man collected himself. He then lets the small dragon smell his finger first.
“Ah, I see you’ve read the online guides.”
“Yep, since Dragons have a thing for scent and smell, I gotta let it get used to my smell first. How to Train your Dragons Full Tutorial videos has been pretty helpful even though some of them are three hours long.”
“Dragons are one of the rarest and most useful companions you could get. They’re both dangerous in air, sea, and on land, I’m actually surprised you haven’t gotten one yet seeing how you're all geared up with the fancy stuff already.”
“Eh, well. The Demon Horse that I have is already pretty good, doesn’t tire and has infinite stamina and doesn't eat anything at all.”
“Hm. Have you also encountered any players or are you like… the only one today?”
“I seem to be the only one.”
“Aw man. Welp, time to grind me some Demon Master Hearts.”
He then whistles and a silvery white Griffin appears from the lower part of the mountain and lands. The player while still sipping his coffee hops on the custom saddle made for it.
“I’ll see you again, what’s your player name?”
“Pilot. PilotMan.”
“Hm, names WorstNightmareEver.”
“Yea, you're pretty good not gonna lie. The fact that you dodged my AoE slashes like that, I guess your name holds you rightly. These gauntlets give me an extra boost in Dexterity, so it was surprising at how hard it was still to catch up with you.”
“Hm, I’m sure you’ll find some videos out there of me solo’ing some bosses and high leveled players without taking damage.”
“Eh? Wait, I don’t really follow Full Dive news since it usually takes itself way too seriously. Are you some sort of celebrity in the community?”
“Hah, till we meet again PilotMan.”
With a swift and fast flapping of its wings, the Griffin was already long gone with its rider. Only leaving a plume of dust. Now alone with Bahamut, Paul grabs his new companion and lets it sit on his shoulder’s pauldron. The sharp claw of the little Dragon kept it balanced and the Knight called upon his horse. It climbs up the stairs to the shrine and the black horse drenched in armor stops in front of him.
“Hey there Junior, meet our new friend. Bahamut. This little thing will be our eyes in the sky.”
The zombie horse with its glowing red eyes inches its nose to Bahamut who in turn moves its head back and its claws threatening to scratch the gigantic horse as it sniffs the little dragon.
“Bwahahahaha! Calm now Bahamut, you’ll be seeing Junior a lot now, since this bugger pulls my carriage and carries me to war.”
“Grrrrrr… human, let us just get out of this place.”
“Alright, alright. Wanna head to a Tavern?”
Hopping on, Bahamut rejects Paul’s attempts to pick her up and instead opts to fly within his vicinity. The ride back to the base of the mountain was a roller coaster as midway, some of the Wyverns spotted his horse and opened fire on him with their breaths. After getting cuddled and hugged to death by the Knight General as she was freshly summoned and had no survivable health pool, the two go to a nearby town at the base of the mountain.
“Oh shit, wow…”
The man catches his breath, while gently holding a traumatized Bahamut. Who just saw death up close.
“You okay Bahamut?”
“I require power. I cannot allow myself to perish immediately like this!”
“Yea… phew. We’ll totally be going there. Just let me inspect you first. Fucking hell, so many Wyverns today.”
Passing players stare at the Death Night who seemed to have run a marathon with its horse. Catching its breath on the side of the dirt road while cradling a small black dragon. After resting, Bahamut takes off from his arms and orbits around the man.
“You really don’t want to land on my shoulders or something?”
“Hmph, as if. Why would a Dragon God rest before a mere humans’ arm?”
“I mean, you seemed really comfy when you were being cradled.”
“Silence. Do you wanna get burned? Know your place.”
“Okay okay, well. Let’s head into the town.”
Getting back into his horse, the two head into the busy town full of high leveled players. All wearing the most luxurious and bulkiest armor and robes. Above them, Griffins and Giant birds ridden by players wizz past the area. Some carried crates with flags of certain guilds.
“Uhm, Bahamut. Before we head in, could you maybe change your voice? It’s way too intimidating and might trigger the people in there knowing how iconic your voice is.”
“Then let them seethe at the mighty voice of a Dragon God. Humans and Elves, no matter who they are, should be aware of my power and ancient wisdom. As the one that was born in a moving tectonic plate.”
“I know… but didn’t you see? One small thing can kill you right now. Wouldn’t that be a humiliating show for such a powerful creature like you? Why not simmer it down a bit.”
“Hm? Hmmmm…” the dragon becomes quiet, thinking about it closely. *Ahem* *ahem* “Is this good, mortal?” Bahamut’s voice changed from a monstrous divine being to that of a woman, a mature woman with a soft and motherly voice.
“Woah. So even in Dragon form, your female? I thought only your human form was female.”
“HEH? I was always female, you moron mortal!”
The dragon then dives at his helmet, scratching its shiny dark armor repeatedly while firing tiny blasts of fireballs. Players around them giggle at the sight, some talking amongst themselves. “Looks like someone got a new dragon friend.”, “Yeah… My first time with my dragon was like that too.”
“How was I supposed to know?! You literally look more intimidating than all of the other dragons!”
“Huh?!” Bahamut looked down and submissive for a bit before looking up to her summoner and started to scratch his helmet. “How dare you combine a compliment and an insult! Or is it one of the others! You damned human!”
“Okay okay okay! Calm down!”
The players around them just laughed and talked amongst themselves as this large and gothic deathly knight was having a humorous and comedic conversation with a kitten sized dragon orbiting him like a mosquito.
“Stupid human! We’ve only been together for an hour or two and you're already trying to be smart with me.”
“Geez, okay. Calm down Bahamut. We’ll head in now okay? Let me do all of the talking.”
Walking in the Tavern like someone who just survived a nuclear blast, everyone there was wearing heavy Knight Armor, Arch Mage Robes and Light Leather Armor. Ninjas, Shinobus, Samurai’s and even players wearing Mongolian armor were present. Each and every player showing their speciality and veterancy. Though he stood out with his dark armor, with its sinister and gothic style, the Divine Knights with their natural golden aura overpowers his dark and foreboding presence. Balancing the scales and mostly everyone ignoring the player and the insignificant rowdy little dragon it had on its head.
Though some of the ones that do notice him took interest in his armor, whisper amongst themselves. “That’s what I’ve been telling you, Dark Ingots from the Underworld, Obsidian, and Adamantium, pretty cool right? We have to visit Hell and mine some ourselves!”, “Are those horns on his helmet… the ones the Kings of Hell use?”, “Wow, that’s some intricate and ornamental designs on his gauntlet and sabatons.”, “Aren't those Horns and Spikes a bit too much?”.
It was a busy day as the town is located below the Devil Peaks Valley, which is the prime place to farm late game items, the settlements around would always be populated with some of the most dangerous and most powerful players. Low levels occasionally use them as safe havens, as not even Wyverns and Dragons would dare attack such a well populated place full of well armed and well trained people. Sitting down on a table, he had to move his black cape a bit and remove the shoulder armor as it has two protruding metal spikes on the style of an angled horn which could prove deadly to those trying to squeeze through the seats.
“Waitress! Here please!”
As he waits for the Waitress, he makes a small cross and it opens his player menu and goes to the inventory. “Alright, Bahamut. Level One, stats let’s see.”
Strength: F-
Dexterity: B-
Endurance: C-
Intelligence: A+
Wisdom: SSS+
Charisma: F-
Magic: D-
“A downsized version of the olden ancient Dragon of Dark World, one that roamed before the land was the way it was, before God shaped the soil and the mountain. A Dragon that is so powerful that it rose to become a Divine creature that ruled the Void and Abyss, guarding it for the souls of those who wish to pass peacefully. Bahamut, the Dragon God has become your companion and loyal friend. Though not of the great power and size it is known for, the mighty Dragon still holds its ancient Wisdom and a miniscule portion of its power.
But do not be fooled by the size of the once prideful and divine Dragon, level up your companion and you might be able to unlock its bigger forms or even its rare and once in a lifetime appearance of its sexy and mysterious Humanoid form! Note* This creature has multiple proficiencies and uses its original skillset. Check the Compendium for Bahamut’s original skills and be guided accordingly. Thank you.”
“Huh, that’s pretty sad. Though they kept your original wisdom stat. Everything else is fucking nerfed to high hell?! And how are you even going to use your Wisdom when you can’t magic for shit? Huh?!”
The Death Knight then starts calculating in his mind how long it will take to level her up to a competent level. Scrolling through Lorepedia, he notices the rare and absurd items required to pass through her evolution checks in the future if he ever invests in making her more powerful.
“Jesus, no wonder people would just create their own Companions. These requirements are getting way to stupid! This will take me a year at least… wait no. Next year, I think we plan on opening another branch in Korea. That means I’ll have less time to play Full Dive… fuck.”
While the Death Knight had a midlife crisis, Bahamut gets tired of annoying him and looks around, she notices that a busty mage on the corner of the Tavern had a shiny red ruby necklace. The shine caught the eye of the Dragon, which flew away under the nose of her Master who was way too engrossed at her level and stats.
“EEEEEEEKKKK! ITS A MINI BAHAMUT! SOMEONE HELP!’
“EH? WHERE?!’
The Death Knight unsheathes his greatsword Hellraiser just to remember that he has the Bahamut. Looking in the corner, he could see there was a rowdy scene already brewing up with the small dragon in between the Mages breasts, trying to break the necklace and steal the ruby. Having no choice, the man runs through the crowd and saves Bahamut who was biting extremely hard into the ruby necklace, visibly damaging it and its expensive design.
“BAHAMUT! NO!”
“GRRRRR….”
“NO BAHAMUT! BAD!”
Looking around, Paul remembers that he killed a Snow Seeker climbing Devil Peaks and it dropped a shiny ice gem. Materializing it from his inventory, the rare and extremely shiny gem takes the little Dragons' attention. Making it bite to it instead.
“Phew.”
He then starts bowing up and down to everyone he can while Bahamut sits down on the table, enjoyingly biting the Ice Gem. After apologizing greatly for the dragon's behavior. Though the woman didn’t mind, he kept apologizing till everyone walked back to their seats. After a few minutes he feels extreme humiliation and feels as if he could die.
The player who was roleplaying as the Tavern’s waitress is still scared to bits by him still but soon musters the courage to face the man after seeing him apologize so much. Her furry tail is standing straight up. To attempt to calm her, he removes his helmet. Showing his absolutely mundane but muscular face. With a clean cut black hair parted on the left, brown eyes and the most sanitized and corporate look a man could have, seeing a more harmless side of the man. She reluctantly heads over to his table and gives him a Menu with pictures of the food.
“Trov, give me that one, that one, and that one.”
“Woah woah woah. Calm down Bahamut. This isn’t a city buffet.”
“Give those or I will not follow your orders.”
“Woa- okay. Listen here little dragon. Though you have a very motherly and soft voice that’s making me feel things, I am your Master. Get used to eating little, my Inventory space is currently full of potions and random shit I’ve hoarded on my way to the top, to your Shrine.”
“Grrrrr…”
“Look, this catgirl waitress isn’t gonna wait forever. So only pick one and one side dish. That’s all.”
“I’m actually a wolf girl, sir.”
“Eh?”
“My avatar is supposed to be half human, half werewolf sir.”
“Half werewolf yet you have ears and tails… Wasn’t the purpose of mixing those two races to have the benefits of a normal human while being able to control the power of turning into a werewolf and hiding it? You know what, never mind.”
Soon after ordering. The two enjoy eating the fresh Prairie Chicken with extra herbs and spices, for once Bahamut wasn’t complaining or being rowdy.
“Chickens good?”
“....” Bahamut didn’t reply, as the little dragon devoured the leg and thigh given to her.”
“Seems good. So what do you think? So far it’s been fun right?”
“...” The dragon just looks the other way as its sharp teeth munches through the cooked chicken like it's nothing.
“Yeah, eating food with others has always been nicer than eating alone. Don’t you think so too?”
“...Yes.”
Seeing an opening, the Death Knight takes advantage of it and asks more questions.
“See? So Bahamut, what do you plan to do since you're with me now?”
“Hmmm… Find shiny gems and eat food.”
“Huh, yea that’s pretty reasonable. I actually got multiple projects going so I might as well grind more gems which means… Dungeons or wanna hunt them in the wild?”
“Don’t care, human. Either is fine with me.”
“You know. You shouldn’t really be calling me human. Why not… Paul or… Master?”
“Maybe when thou had proven oneself to me even more.”
“Alright alright.”
After savoring the Prairie chicken, the Death Knight smiles. Enjoying his meal with a companion who was devouring her food.
“Heh.”
“Hm? What is it, Trov?”
“It's just nice. To eat food with someone, and don’t you think so too?”
“Hnnn… as I said, yes.”
“After this, we’ll head off to the nearest town alright? Though I usually don’t do it like how it's recommended. You know, when adventuring or on a pilgrimage, you usually keep going till the next town. But I mostly stay in the forest.”
“How does one do this? Aren’t humans in need of great maintenance and care?”
“Yea but I have my own personal carriage. Pulled by my mighty steed Junior. Later, I’ll show you. Oh! I also need to buy a bed and dragon care items!”
“Tsk. I do not need such, water and hay will do.”
“No… no. You're with me now. What I have is yours. Just don’t bite or steal the rubies please, I need those for upgrades and enhancements.”
“Hmmmm… you Chosen Ones are surely something.”
“Hey, God didn’t give us the ability of rebirth for nothing. Ahahahaha!”
“Just be sure you’ll survive long enough to actually make me somewhat powerful again, human. Though no amount of effort will ever bring back my true divine might thanks to the restriction of the Seven Pillars.”
“We’ll find a way. And it’s not like I need THAT much power. Only a wee bit will do, knowing what you're capable of.” he gets a bit of a flashback for when he’d participate in Events and Community Boss Battles where Bahamut was the enemy.
As the two go back into eating, a curious Adventurer in light leather armor comes to him. Tapping the man busy munching on his food.
“Excuse me sir.”
Wiping the gravy off his lips he turns his head around to look at the young black haired man who seems to be using a Stealth Build with two Kukris. In blue leather armor and tall boots with a hunters hat with an Eagles feather.
“Hmm? Yea?”
“Would you like to join us in our group? We’re planning on joining the Global Event and joining the siege against the Lost King.”
“Oh yea, I forgot that’s happening right now. I guess you folks are here to collect some materials and upgrade your stuff before heading in?”
“Yea, and we’re just finishing up. Then you came in here looking like a summoned Boss Knight. We heard that the Dungeon for him requires Dark Human Magic, would you be interested?”
“Hah, yea. Look, I’d want to join but I have my people waiting for me in the Deadlands. Sorry and for Dark Human Magic, I recommend getting actual specialized people. Like Mages who specialize in it since they have a far bigger stat in Magic and Endurance, making them more ideal.”
“Ah interesting, I thought it would be nice to have a hybrid. Someone who can use both Dark Magic and swing a sword.”
“Mhm, yea it would be good too but since we're talking about a Global Boss event here, there fights usually last for hours or even days if no one comes to replace your tired selves. So it’s better to have someone truly specialized for it. Just don’t mind that most Dark Magic types are kinda Satan-ish vibe people, or if you want, Witches should be far more normal people you can hire though I think they’re mostly a mixture of many other magics but their sexy outfits should be a plus. Well, for me anyways. Heheh.”
“Alright, thanks for the advice mister and another question, that armor of yours made from Dark Ingots?”
“Yep, Dark Ingots or Dark Steel or whatever, some Demon General Hearts, Obsidian, Ebony even I think, and Warmaster Horns. After that, it's coated with Adamantium for the shiny look and anti rust. Enchantments are mostly against late game creatures, so I have Heal, Strength, Dexterity and Endurance boosts all stacked and scattered around and then some more complex ones that give me the ability to have more Mana and even control the Dark Aura.”
“Mhm, and that big greatsword, mister?”
“The greatsword I have is a mixture, it has Divine enchantments on it, mostly against Regeneration since you know, there’s been a pesky resurgence to Vampire and Werewolf players since the last update turned the Meta from Lizards to Bloodsuckers.”
“Is it true you can only smith this stuff at a Full Moon?”
“Yep, but nothing a wee bit of hired Environmental Mage can’t do.”
“Man, and your normal sword, mister?”
“Oh this? It’s the arming sword of King Paimon. It's way easier to use in dungeons and areas that aren't really big sword friendly. Yeah, if you have a party member who has a fetish for a giant hunk of blade like this is Berserk, tell them to eat shit and have a backup shortsword at least because not all of the areas in this game are meant for those big weapons. I hate seeing people complain online about how big blades aren’t as useful. It's literally because it's more of a situational weapon.”
After listening intently to the high level player, the man writes down some of the pointers he gave in a notepad and gives a thumbs up.
“Well, good luck on your trip back to the Deadlands, mister. The teleportation statue should be cleared of bandits and robbers. Many of the players going to the Global Event have to pass through there so it's relatively clear of people. Thanks again mister for the advice and tips.”
“Yep, people often ask me how you differentiate an Lifelike NPC bandit to that of a player bandit, I tell them both are the same as they’re stupid enough to fight obviously high leveled players.”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
After eating, Paul is riding his horse out of town, cradling Bahamut as she ate six meals in quick succession and had fallen asleep. “Man, I really need to control myself when spending time with you. Never burnt through so many Gold coins for food.” The weather was phenomenal. Unlike the harsh snow of the Devil Peak Mountains, down below is a lushful rainforest, where the Sun was bright and the butterflies were flying and the deers hopping. Bahamut awakens, sensing an attack but it is already too late as the Knight wraps himself around her to protect the low leveled pet dragon.
“Dang you're fast.”
Thrown off his horse. The Death Knight looks up and sees a human man in a villager outfit. Making it indistinguishable from your normal everyday NPC. Only thing was, that ten one meter long sharp claw was coming out of his knuckles.
“That was dirty of you… fucken halfling Werewolf.”
“Since I failed, I am pretty sure I’ll die.”
“Yea, yes you will.”
The Death Knight unsheathes his Dark sword and disembarks his armored horse. Lunging at the man. After a few minutes and traveling players helping him out, the player’s burnt corpse disappears as it turns into a pile of sparkling dust.
“Well… that was easy. Thanks guys.”
He casually waves at the random passing players who helped him kill the wouldbe ambusher. Bahamut on the other hand lay sitting down on top of his helmet, in between the two horns where the metallic black dragon calmly balled up.
“And you too, didn’t know you can use Dragon Magic like that. Though not as powerful, it still helps a lot. Thanks”
“Hmph. To talk to me so casually human. Know your place, I am a Dragon God! If it weren’t for your tribute, you would’ve never had such a magnificent privilege to have me with you.”
“Awwww… Thank you for helping me.”
Treating the small dragon like a kitten, he then starts rubbing Bahamut’s small head with his finger. Though she had her guard up at first, the small dragon then let it slide. “Thank you for protecting me.” She then moves her head so that other parts like her chin could be scratched.
“Hmmmm…? What is this? Already warming up to your Master?”
“HMPH! As if human! Not in a thousand years will I call such a lowly being like you, that of a microbe to a literal God my master!”
A year later, the two couldn’t be any closer. As soon, Bahamut participated in the Global event, the two had a grand time with the entire Guild of Eldwood, eating and sleeping and also adventuring through the large open world game. Right after the Global Event, Paul went straight to leveling up the Dragon even more. Playing Dark World whenever he has time or even right after getting back home to his small apartment room after a long day.
Balled up on top of her Master's helmet as he struggles through the dense forest of the Deadlands. The Death Knight grumbles at the lack of attention his companion is giving to the situation.
“C’mon Bahamut, can’t you atleast fly around and provide recon?”
“Hnnnhhnnngg… no. ZzzzzZZzzz…”
“Aw man. Like the shrubbery of this damn game is so bad! Even my demon sword will be dull before we reach that stupid Dungeon.”
“Zzzzzz…. No.”
“Argh, can’t you at least do something? Wasn’t your Boss size, that of a freaking Hill or Mountain? How come you can’t do that? Not even the size of a tall tree?”
Smelling something, Bahamut awakens and sees a beautiful four petaled pink flower as her Master in his intimidating and sinister looking Death Knight armor whacks away at the bushes in his way. As the flower gets within reach, Bahamut eats it.
“Eh? Bahamut, did you just eat something?”
“M-Master! HELP!”
Paul stops in his tracks and grabs Bahamut’s scruff from the top of his head, he looks at her and could see that the petals were soaked in her saliva and have attached itself to her mouth. Making her panic as she is unable to do anything.
“Just burn it or something. Ooohh wait, stop squirming!”
He then starts peeling off the petals and after removing the one wrapped around the Dragon's tongue, Bahamut coughs, firing two petals right at his helmet. One of them slipped right into the eyehole.
“Eh? EHH?! I CAN’T SEE FROM MY LEFT EYE! HEEELLPP!”
“W-WAIT MASTER! LET ME GET IT OFF!”
Paul removes his helmet, throwing it to the ground as the chemical saliva of the Dragon makes his avatar's eye turn red and himself feeling the irritation. The man then starts violently rolling on the grass. Both of his hands on his head, panickingly trying to remove the hair thin petal from his eye.
Bahamut removes the saliva on her mouth and tongue. Slowly and strategically, she approaches the rowdy Knight and in one fast lick, removes the petal and spits it to the ground.
“Oh God… thanks Bahamut.”
“I-i’m sorry human.”
“It’s fine. Come here, oh man.”
He holds Bahamut like a little kitten. Stroking its belly which is relatively clear of spikes and only has a thin layer of armor. Thus, making Bahamut feel his finger even more, with her hind legs moving from the pleasure.
“Next time, don’t eat flowers, okay?”
“But it smelled nice.”
“Bahamut, that’s not a reason for you to eat it.”
“Boo, Okay.”
After healing himself, the two continue onward and finally arrive at an open patch of forest. Indicating the presence of an entrance. Looking around, Bahamut flies upward and spots it. Firing a small fireball which then floats right above the Dungeon entrance.
“Nice! Freaking love Dragons! Saves me so much time and energy!”
Walking to the entrance, he notices a strange deer that was strangely way too large and had no head. Walking to it, the smell didn’t indicate that it had died. Looking around, he finds a stick and pokes at it. Awakening the beast. “O-oh shit…” the deer stands up, revealing that it was a Moose with an upside down head with an exposed skull and its anthers full of corpses of NPCs which it holds up like a trophy for its enemies to see.
The brutality of the beast was apparent as it stared at the Death Knight for a few seconds before roaring at him which sent the player running for cover. “Fuck! I hate demonic enemies! They look so scary!” feeling the adrenaline rushing through his veins, he runs out of cover while high above, Bahamut was blasting fireballs like a machine gun.
With Hellraiser unsheathed, he dashes out of cover and slices its leg and then thrusts the greatsword into its belly and slices it open. Not surprised, the Demonic creature slowly regenerates.
“Deadlands for you, freaking thing!”
He then continues to cut open the demon, slowing down its regeneration more and more, but before being able to run away, the creature swipes him with its antlers. Sending him flying to the treeline and eating the dirt.
“OOFT! That’s definitely a Level Sixty or so Demonic Alces!”
Seeing the wounds, Bahamut dives and with an intense firebreath. Burns the Alces side to a crispy blaze. But even on fire, bleeding and wounded, it just looks at the player and starts running at him. Paul being too late materializes his kite shield and proceeds to be flung once again but this time, his fall dampened by his shield which he used to protect his back.
“Freaking freaky thing! Bahamut! Keep it distracted!”
“Mhm!”
The little dragon soars above the sky, sniping the mangled and bleeding Alces with long range fireballs, making sure the fire intensifies. The Death Knight, screaming from the bottom of his throat, lunges on top of the burning beast. He digs Hellraiser into its spine and with all his might, as he casts a spell that creates a spectral extension to the length of his greatsword. Making it puncture to the belly of it as he drags the greatsword all the way to the back, slicing the beast’s body in half.
It then disappears into a sparkling gold of mana directed to him and above to Bahamut. Finishing the combat, and the entrance of the Dungeon now unguarded. Bahamut lands on top of his helmet once again as he stops before the first flight of stairs. Feeling something deep and foreboding was awaiting him below.
“C’mon human! Let us go!”
“Okay, just give me a breather alright? That thing was scary as heck. I’m still shaking a bit… ohhh this is why I don’t do this alone! I hate facing Demonic enemies so much.”
“Why are you so scared? Evil and Demonic is as natural as Good and Divine, be not afraid and carry on human. I seriously don’t get why you mortals even dare to intervene in such affairs.”
“Look okay Bahamut… we want to understand things we do not know so that it doesn’t become scary anymore.”
“But it seems it's still scary though.”
“I know, I know. Arghhh…”
Paul then starts walking downward with Bahamut looking around the perimeter on top of his helmet like a radar. Making sure all of the oil lamps are lit and light is given to his path.
“Heh, you’re pretty useful aren’t you? Never knew this is how good a Dragon companion is. Looks like I won’t have to bring a lighter with me anymore.”
“Just keep looking forward, human. I don’t want to be thrown off if something spooks you.”
5 minutes of walking into nothing but a flight of stairs, the hue of the air suddenly turned blood red and the roots on the walls seemingly changed into that of a tendril of an intestine of a beast. The stone stairs stopped making sounds and were instead replaced with that of liquid being crushed before his sabatons. Even drenched in his armor, with his entire body covered. The Knight couldn’t help but feel a cold wind touch him from behind.
His senses were overrun with dread and the feel to vomit as the halls became more and more Hellish and just like that, his legs no longer wanted to go forward.
“Oy, keep going forward.”
“H-how about I just buy the materials for your level up evolution? Because… this is seriously giving me the creeps.”
Even though he was obviously trying to save face and look manly, the player was unable to hide the stutter from the fright as he talked. Soon, even his legs began to shake from the sounds of flesh moving and the slight whisper coming from deep within the Demonic Dungeon.
“Haaaaa… if thou truly want to return with tails behind one's back. Then do so. Sad, I expected more from the human that summoned me.”
“Hah, as if. Don’t expect much when it comes to scary shit like this, I’m out.”
And just like that, the Death Knight starts running out of the Dungeon, relieved that he won’t have to go through such a nightmare-inducing place.
“You humans ought to know whatever you do, there will always be Demons and Hell and get used to them.”
“Look, I’m just a tiny man in a big world. Don’t expect much from me, I’ll mark this on the map and maybe later with the boys we’ll go and raid it okay?”
“Alright. Though that was such a waste of time.”
“I know, I hate wasting time too but I just can’t bring myself to go deeper.”
Arriving outside and drenched in sunlight once again. Paul gently picks up Bahamut by the nape and places her in his left hand as he removes his helmet and takes a massive sigh of relief.
“Were you really that scared?”
“Yes. I hate stuff like this, horror stuff. I’m not good with it… sorry.”
Seeing the pain in the man's eye, Bahamut licks his right cheek.
“Feel good?”
“Hm. Feels nice having a travel companion. C’mon! As an apology, I’ll buy you some chicken. You like the breast part right?”
“Yes! Ohhhh… and extra herbs!”
The duo leaves the premises of the Dungeon entrance, leaving with it the horrors of Evil that awaits to be defeated deep inside. Soon after, the two are next to their carriage, with the Demon horse eating some hay while the Death Knight now in his suit but without the jacket and folded sleeves cooks chicken.
“Be sure to keep an eye out for any predators. Pretty sure the smell is gonna make them go haywire.”
“Human, why don’t we just do this at the town? Isn’t it normal for those traveling to stop at the nearest town and not in the forest?”
“As much as I want to do that, I do not like people and my set of armor and horse really gains a lot of attention in his region since it's meant for mid level Chosen Ones. A lot of them are still trying to figure out what they want their final form to be and I’d get bombarded with questions.”
“Haaah… for the ones God chose to be given the gift of rebirth. None of you seem to be in a hurry to bring hope to this dark world.”
Paul giggles, knowing she just uttered the name of the Full Dive Game there inside.
“What?”
“Nothing, nothing. After this, wanna sleep? It's afternoon anyways.”
“Hmmm… sure.”
After getting fed, the Knight goes inside his carriage and closes the tailgate. Bahamut with her own bed made out of special fire retardant fabric tucks herself in while the Knight crawls into his bedroll. He then opens his player menu and logs out. As his body sleeps, Bahamut awakens in the middle of night, hearing predators outside the carriage, lurking about the trees.
Though not scared, she looks at her friend and sees that he was quite asleep. Seeing the chance, the little dragon slithers its way to his bedroll and rolls itself around his arm.
“And Sylvia, please call the board. I want to have a meeting about that plan to expand into Korea.”
“Yes sir, oh and sir, Sir Wilmer just called and he said that he’ll soon be arriving in Japan to help you out.”
“Good, when will his plane land?”
“A few hours from now sir.”
“Okie dokie, well if he's here. Don’t be afraid to ring me up. You know the button right? In the Full Dive Headset to alert me when I’m in game?”
“Yes sir.”
“Alright. Have a good evening. I’ll be taking my break in the form of another adventure! Bwahahaha!”
“Sir, you know the other board members have warned you about getting too addicted to playing these games.”
“Oh they can suck my ass. It's virtually the only hobby I can do now thanks to my killer schedule. KFC alright? Capiche?”
“As always.”
“Alright. Ta ta.”
The man in an expensive and futuristic business suit removes his coat and enjoys the solemn atmosphere of his massive personal office. He looks around and sees there’s nothing but the sight of the massive cityscape. Though there was no smog in the sky, he couldn’t feel at ease and sat down on his leather office chair and put on his headset. Going through his games, he selects Dark World and after a few minutes of loading the game and connecting to the multiplayer server he awakens in his other self.
He feels a strange heat emanating from his right hand and as he looks down he notices it was Bahamut. The man smiles and grabs the little dragon as morning comes upon the Dark World. Opening the tailgate, he is met with the beautiful forest of the virtual world.
“I should really go hiking in the real world. Oh, would I even have time for that?”
While cradling Bahamut, he hitches his horse Junior to the carriage and he gets a call from his Player Menu, it was another Guild Leader and a player named DNMann.
“Yellow.”
“Yo! Are you free today? I need your help later. I’m just finishing the Mana Core Plant with the Men of the Woods!”
On the other side of the call. Dennis is underneath a massive mountain facility and deep within its floors are a bunch of players in lab coats and enchanted robes roaming around a circular room with blast proof metal walls.
“Hey! Who left a screwdriver here?”
“DON’T TOUCH THAT!”
“What?!”
“Mana Core’s are inherently volatile with Adamantium. If you even freaking dare remove that screwdriver, there won’t be an Iron Mountain to return to.”
“Jesus Christ Doc. As a General I cannot permit this stupid haphazard work in such a dangerous workplace. Do you even know how many OSHA standards your volating by literally using a screwdriver to prevent a ball of Adamantium from enclosing a shrunk Mana Core?”
“I mean… Prof Dennis and Prof Harry Sloutin said we can do it as a temporary fix.”
“T-Temporary fix? Jesus, why can’t the Devs just add Uranium? I swear we’ll vaporize ourselves-”
As Dennis talks to Paul in the safety of an observation room far away, the rowdy General accidentally hits the screwdriver with his elbow and bright Godly Gold shine blinds everyone. An Elven mage uses teleportation and gravity magic to lift up the Ball of Adamantium, preventing a Mana Core from going into criticality.
“Dennis, is this about the cruise missiles again?”
“Yes! I got some special enchanted ones from the Men of the Wood! I can totally test this. Wanna help me out? Since you seem very well versed in this stuff, like you’ve coordinated attacks with cruise missiles before.”
“Hah, yea. Let’s just leave that information there. What’re we even gonna target? And heck, is there even GPS in this world?”
All the while, behind him were the skeletal remains of the players and those in the observation room were blinded and had to heal themselves and drink Health Potions as soldiers rushed to check the area of the incident.
“Guys! Can we keep quiet please! I’lm talking to a friend here! Now, don’t worry, everything is linked to the player map. So it should be able to find its way to the target. I just need someone to help me guide it, the skeletons are still pretty much new to this entire thing.”
“Oh God, I can’t believe you actually managed to man a destroyer with those mindless piles of bones and are you sure things are okay there? I think a nuke almost went off behind you.”
“Eh, just another day in Iron Mountain. The Mana Cores, if put close to a high concentration of Adamantium creates a stupid amount of energy. We might be able to use this to attach towns and cities to a main grid. Basically, a Nuclear Power Plant but without the nuclear! A magical power plant!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Look, I’ll come but I swear, if I hear anything about a nuclear bomb going off. I’m blaming you and taking home the fame.”
“Calm down bro, this stuff helps me in real life as a University student you know. But, maybe we do need more briefings in the handling of volatile materials but meh, we might just drop this in Libertus’ capital and call it a day. Bwahahahaha!”
Dennis closes the call and after an hour in game, Paul receives the all go and with Bahamut ventures forth to the nearest town and touches a statue of God, the magnificent statue of stone then lights up as the Death Knight touches it. He then selects the Teleportation Circle of his friend which makes him appear right before the man's eye on top of a magic circle.
“This better be worth it.”
“What? You don’t have anything to do right?”
“I was actually planning on traveling to the Great Library of Ignosi and get the promised Gold and item if one was to register a creature that has not yet been seen.”
“Ah, you went and got Bahamut.”
“Mhm.”
“Where is it? I don’t see a gigantic flying dragon god.”
“She’s here.”
The man points at the sleeping Dragon on top of his helmet.
“Eh? That cute little thing is Bahamut? The Dragon God of the Abyss?”
“Uhm… yes.”
“Pfffff…”
“Oy, she’s actually pretty tough. The Wisdom Stat is insanity.”
“Wait… she? Bahamut’s dragon form is also female?”
“Uh huh, though she’s sleeping right now so please, no random screaming today.”
He picks up the sleeping dragon right between the horns of his helmet and then cradles it like a child.
“This little bugger might have the farthest range when it comes to fireballs.”
“Well, I highly doubt we’ll be using it. Let’s go!”
“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
The two ride on and soon leave the dense forest and into a large opening. Though the soil was green and the air, clean. There was a sharp sense of danger, as if the land they’re on had been tainted by blood and death for many suns and moons. Dennis then makes a sharp left and to the field where they stop at the bern. Going to its top, the two were in sight of a well maintained Greek Temple.
“Oh fuck. Really? Of everyone, it’s gotta be that? Like do you know how powerful that Guild is?”
“Look man, we’re talking about a Cruise Missile with a warhead tainted with Anti Magic Gems, we might be able to finally one shot overload the Anti Projectile shields these bastards have.”
“Oh jeez, I hope Bahamut doesn’t awaken. Are you sure this is the only place we can target? Why not a Dragon or a Wyvern? Heck a Scaled Bison from the North Deadlands would be better than this!”
“Hey man, if we’re gonna test it, might as well do it against the most powerful.”
“I swear, being Chosen Ones just gave us an excuse to be belligerent. Okay, fire away.”
Dennis reaches for his inventory and a long range radio materializes.
“You see this? The skeletons are on the other side. The Men of the Woods trained them to be able to read and listen to coordinates for fire missions.”
“Uh huh. Do we even have grids for this place?”
“No but the Men of the Woods do, and I borrowed their stuff. I’ll speak it and they’ll fire a Cruise Missile. A Tomahawk to be exact.”
“Just be sure you aren’t going to miss, that’s not easy to produce even in real life.”
“No worries, we have magic here. It’s so easy to create stuff.”
He calls it in and in the sea, an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer manned by mindless skeletons fires a Tomahawk cruise missile. The arch of the rocket could be seen from miles as it entered the clouds.
“Now, let us see.”
He then takes the binoculars from his inventory.
“Wha-what the heck? What’s that for?”
“I mean, I wanna see it clearer.”
“No, you don’t use those for that. Do you wanna get blind? And you haven’t even adjusted it. Those ones you can adjust to fit your eye’s width and also, it's a cruise missile and the target is a gigantic Temple.”
“Are you by any chance, a Vet?”
“N-no.”
“C’mon, you don’t have to hide it. West or East, the war’s over five years ago. You can come clean to me.”
“Let’s just say I’d rather not talk about it. But Jesus Christ, please-”
Before he could finish, the Tomahawk cruise missile flies above them and hits the shield of the temple. It flickers but doesn’t shatter. The two in their Death Knight armor look in extreme disappointment.
“Well… that was a waste of a rocket.”
“It did flicker Dennis. Pretty sure it took out a good chunk of its health.”
“Yea, as if we even see the Health bar. You need to be a mage to do that.”
All of the sudden as the two were about to leave, they could hear an annoying creak as the massive steel doors of the temple swing open. Exiting out of a building was a Slime holding a Staff that was more bright than the Sun itself.
“Monstrous True Magic, Hail of the Sun’s Rays!”
Far away, the two start running for their lives as Bahamut awakens from the sudden movement. The rays of the Sun suddenly become arrowed projectiles, firing at them even though they were a few hundred meters away. The Slime just looks content as the two Death Knights run for their lives as the sun kissed arrows land around them, some even hitting the one of the right wearing a helmet with a darkened halo that seems to be bleeding oil.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH DENNIS!”
“BWAHAHAHAHAHAH! KEEP RUNNING OR WE’RE GONNA DIE!”
The blob of Slime then swirls his staff, combusting the air around the Death Knights. Bahamut on the other hand is grabbing onto Paul’s gauntlet for her very life. The two didn’t stop running, pulling their horses' reign until they got their footing and managed to hop in them. Running to the nearest town with their tails tucked between their legs like cowards.
“Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.”
“AHAHAHAH! Man! It’s never a dull day with you man.”
“DENNIS! WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS?!”
“But… ahhh… that’s good. Later, I’ll go talk to the other hobbyists about that. Seems that we might need a Kh Twenty-Two or maybe something bigger, I remember Rostock saying something about Zircon Hypersonic missiles.”
“Huh? Dude, are you serious right now? Just play some Full Dive MilSim game.”
“Dude, do you wanna get defeated? You know how it is, the bigger Guilds are after us. They want to make the Death Knights of Eldwood their bitch. No, as Hassan said. We’ll fight on till the end. Even if it means arming skeletons with kevlar and combat helmets!”
“Is Hassan even online nowadays? Wasn’t Full Dive banned in the Middle East next to Africa due to the… scandals?”
“He's downloading a shit ton of VPNs and his Full Dive gear hidden in a special safe. Soon, he’ll be back. And wait, aren’t you also scared? I heard the United Asian Alliance wanted to ban it too.”
“They won’t. Unlike Africa and the Middle East, it's way too mainstream now. Almost every house has a Full Dive gear. Last or Latest gen. It’s impossible at this point.”
“I see, okay. Here take this.”
Dennis removes his helmet. Turning off the dark halo that was flying above it. Going into his inventory, he hands the tired man a scroll.
“It’s a Specific Teleportation scroll. My reward to the two of you for helping me. Isn’t that right Bahamut?”
Getting close to the dizzy dragon, Bahamut starts sneezing, scratching her snout as if a smell is getting to her.
“Eh? Do animals hate me that much?”
“Have you been mixing potions again?”
“I might or it might be the near criticality that I experienced an hour ago or so.”
“Geez, douse that first will you? Bahamut is very sensitive to stuff like that and WHAT?”
“Boohoo, you really like Bahamut don’t you?”
“Well yea, she’s cute and has a very soothing human voice.”
“I hope her human form is also available.”
“I think it is, her companion quest has an icon that is very much like her human form, I’ve seen that crown before and it's very obvious the silhouette is wearing a veil. Pretty sure it's Bahamut’s Universal Veil.”
“NICE! Bwahahaha, I still remember reading that some Japanese on the internet did some math from her boss fight photos and videos and determined her height was Six Foot Five, and she was using Four Inch Heels making her total height Six Foot Nine! Can you believe that?! Oh and…” Dennis walks up to his ear as Paul rubs Bahamut’s belly. “Her Cup size was Knight.”
“Real shit?”
“Real shit.”
“Dennis.” Paul puts his hand on the man's pauldrons. “I think you need to touch some grass.”
“Fuck you.”
“AHAHAHAHAHHA! FUCK YOU TOO! I’M GONE BITCH!”
He then uses the scroll and teleports to the statue of the Great Library of Ignosi. Located in an open patch of land in the forest with a forest tunnel leading to it, he uses the peace and quiet to change to his black suit as Dennis spams his DMs with slurs. While laughing at the spam being hurled at him, Paul just mutes the man as Bahamut just gazes at him with a blank expression.
“What?”
“Haaah… you’ve probably done more action than I have in the last hundred years.”
“Haven’t you gotten used to it by now? You were with us when we stormed the Lost Kings chambers.”
“Still… so many actions and so many words… you humans sure live fast.”
“Ehhh, well. We don’t have an eternity Bahamut. Gotta make do with what time we have.”
He then summons his horse as the man rides on to the walls of the great library. The entrance of it was wide open with only a handful of Knights guarding it and only the coaches were being checked. Passing Magisters and Holy Judges just looked at him with the Dragon God sitting on his shoulder. Heading inside the intricate marble wall of the Great Library, the massive circular structure with a concrete tower stood proudly, more than a place to hold books, it also looked like a Church.
Players from all walks of life were passing him, though many of them are Mages in beautiful and expensive robes. The Knights patrolling were proudly touting their magnificent shiny armor with the crest of Ignosi proudly planted on their front chestplate as Wyverns patrolled the skies and Griffin's head in and out of the tower floors. Delivering supplies and parcels.
“Don’t do anything, don’t say anything, and keep near me at all times Bahamut. The atmosphere here is very different from me and the boys.”
“Why are you wearing so many layers? Isn’t that hot?”
“No. I always wear a suit, I like it. I always believe to look the best as many of the people we meet and encounter, well that might be the only time I’ll ever appear in their life. Might as well look dashingly good.”
“Does this include wearing the darkest fabrics in such a cloudless afternoon?”
“I had this thing specially tailored. Of course I’ll enchant it. Mostly with agility and endurance and insulation. Though my Knight armor is night and day compared to this.”
The little dragon was getting stares from the Magisters. Intrigued to see the infamous Dragon now in such a tiny form. But none of them had the willpower to disturb the man in such a suit. Not even trying to blend in, standing out with such a noir look. Public carriages on the other hand were directed to another entrance on the Eastern side while Private and more luxurious ones head West. Etched into the main door’s overhead block was “Cognitionem colligere Humanum est”. The petrifying structure that’s grand in all aspects and the statues that decorated its exterior stood proudly in representing humanity’s quest for intellect.
Inside, the stained glass and marble floor was beautifully decorated of heroic and legendary players that came and go, the gigantic lobby was big enough to fit a jumbo jet and already, books could be seen on all three sides and above. Many players were busy talking amongst themselves while Scientists and Professors walked seemingly robotic as they head off to their destinations with clouded minds. On the front desk, Paul looked to his left and right. Noting that there’s way too many people in the lobby alone.
“Yes, how may I help you today?”
The brunette desk lady had an air of kindness and professionality with her. Even in such a covering red robe with gold coloured linings, one could see her cute face and harmless appearance in contrast with the sharp blade on her hip.
“Y-yes. I’d like to register a new creature.”
“Oh, I guess you're here for the rewards?”
“Y-yes. Uhm… Bahamut. Here-”
Looking at his shoulder, the man's heart drops as he notices that the Dragon is gone. Frantically looking around, he could see that Bahamut was biting into a massive portrait of the Guild Leader of the Holy Empire of Avalon “Sir Alexandar”. Though she was more interested in the shiny golden frame, she had to be pulled out with the help of Knights. Now holding the Dragon by the scruff, the ragged Paul shows Bahamut.
“THIS! I WANNA REGISTER THIS THING!”
“Oookayy. Let me get the papers then.”
As the desk lady rummaged through her cabinet, Bahamut and Paul just looked at each other with an intense gaze. “Don’t you dare do that again.” The desk lady then asked some questions and he was given a pass to head down to the basement to meet a Magister named Ipeon. Walking around, the Death Knight took in the magnificent sight of the structure with Bahamut.
The two walked around like foreign tourists. Being wowed by the gigantic great hall with a sunroof that’s larger than an 8-lane highway, with expensive vases and fossilized creatures with fun facts about the many monsters and animals in the game littered throughout it. Posted around were also posters of Community Events. From Idol Concerts of a Gothic Vampire Rock Band to Streamers Meetings with one having the famed Sword Saint Elizabeth posing with the Prince of the Elven King.
“Human, have you been here before?”
“I have, but I’ve never been deeper as only Guild members from Avalon and the Magician’s Association are allowed here and those with business with them.”
“Such a grand structure. Just how much time does the Chosen Ones have?”
“A lot. Believe me, we have a lot of time.”
He then sees the room that he was instructed to enter. The shiny bronze plate on the glass door says “Department of Dragonology”. Opening the door, a dozen or so baby Dragons fly out and a Scholar shoves him out of the way. The lady pulled her hair out in frustration.
“GRRRRR! AGAIN?!”
Seeing the commotion, Bahamut roared and the baby Dragons flew back and in a line, sat down.
“Eh…? EH?!”
“U-uhm miss.”
“WHAT?!”
“I-I’m looking for a Mister Ipeon?”
“Head inside. He should be on the fifth floor and… is that?”
Seeing the mature lady's eye go insane at the sight of little Bahamut, Paul makes a peace sign and uses teleportation to the department's interior. Looking around, it was full of fossilized Dragon bones and all sorts of items and materials they would drop when defeated.
“Do you want to look away, Bahamut?”
“No.”
“Alright.”
The place looked like a mess, with desks having paper scattered around and all sorts of personal effects of differing sizes crowding the large room. Heading up the staircase to the fifth floor, he looks at each nameplate on the doors and sees one for “Head Magister Ipeon, Head of Dragonology”. Bahamut and Paul looked at each other first, and with a nod. Knocks and with a “Come in!” heads inside to meet the man.
Paul instantly recognizes the Midnight Blue robe with the design of the sea and stars. He was an Aquatic and Astro mage and the rings on his finger gave him many buff and even magical armor.
“Hm? You can sit down there. Candies are free, so take as much as you want.”
Removing his fedora, the man sits down with Bahamut on his shoulder as the robed man continues reading his book.
“Now, how may I help you?”
The Head Magister was too busy reading a book to notice the two interesting characters that walked into his office.
“I’d like to register a new dragon.”
“Uh huh. Alright, let me see. Put your jacket on the rack please.”
“The one near the open window?”
“Yes, what else? Hmmm?”
“B-but books and your desk are covering-”
“Hmmmmm…?!”
Seeing the Magister’s serious face, Paul stands up and takes a miracle shot and throws his jacket at it.
He misses the mark and it perfectly falls out of the window and is blown away by the air. But due to the serious atmosphere, he plays it off while Bahamut just looks down in embarrassment at his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll just teleport it back.” Ipeon then puts on a pair of glasses and slams his book at his desk. He could see it was made out of Identifying Glass. In the Magister's eyes, he could see a creature's Stats, Health, Mana, and Bio.
“Holy… fucking… shit. No way.”
“Ye-yes. This is Bahamut, Magister Ipeon.”
Paul picks up Bahamut by the nape and places her on his palm to showcase the little dragon to the Magister.
“Huh, interesting. So I guess that answers that. Dragon Gods also have a Scruff. I guess even Bahamut was once an unarmored hatchling. Put it on my desk, I’d like to examine our little friend here closer.”
The little dragon didn’t put up a fight and just let him put her on top of the Magisters organized desk and in which, the dignified man took a further look, putting two fingers on the frame of his glasses as he checked the dragon's stats.
“Oh yea, that’s a Bahamut alright though it seems to be a very nerfed one. The only thing here in the stats that’s originally from the Bahamut we fight is the Wisdom. But that doesn’t really mean much with Magic that weak.”
“And Doc, when do I know that Bahamut’s all bonded with me? Since Guides told me the Bond Bar doesn’t really explain much.”
“Easy answer. Dragons are inherently protective. So if they let you touch their belly or sleep with you, let alone do something like pick them up by the scruff. Then that means the Dragon completely trusts you.”
“R-Really?! So Bahamut actually likes me?”
He then moves to his right to look Bahamut in the eyes but she avoids it. The little dragon would not look back, ss if she just got caught red handed. The Magister on the other hand while smiling at the two, puts on a pair of white gloves.
“May I touch you?”
“Oy Mage. Be careful where you’ll be grabbing me. Grrrrr…”
“Oh my, I also find that super interesting. The fact that Bahamut can talk even though it's only Level Thirty.”
“I’m a female mortal. Can you not hear thou’s voice? Do not call me “it”!”
“Really? I mean, no one really had the balls to come close to you so we never knew and Dragons have a far more modulated voice than us humans, so you can really imitate any voice that your human friend here would want to hear.”
The Mage opens his hand, letting Bahamut sit on top of it as he walks to the left wall of his office, to a large Magnifying Glass with intricate art on its frame. With a flick of his finger, it turns into a real time X-Ray, showing Bahamut’s body.
“Oh yea, that’s female alright. Look at that reproductive system, it looks like she has never mated before. Interesting, Bahamut, you’re a virgin?”
“What kind of questions is this human? Do you wanna get burned?”
“I mean, isn’t it a Dragons natural obligation to mate? Many Dragons do it not out of love, but compatibility regardless if there’s any feelings involved.”
“Yes, but as you can see, there’s no mate that is worthy of my Divine status nor power. As you said, is there an available Patriarch Dragon God that can mate with me?”
“I see, even at such a level of Divinity. Dragons are still picky with their mates. Now this is some great information.”
Curious, Paul stands up and also peeks at Bahamut’s skeletal system and organs.
“That’s super interesting too, though Mister…?”
“Uhm, Paul.”
“Mister Peter. If you look closely at Bahamut’s rib cage, can you see those extra bones? That’s only found in fossils of Dragon Lords and Gods. No normal Dragon that one can get has those. It's meant for extra rigidity and breathing.”
“Mortals, hurry up.”
“It’s also Paul, Magister Ipeon.”
“Yes yes yes Penny.”
“You gotta be trolling me at this point. That’s literally a girl's name.”
Seeing that Bahamut was starting to get rowdy, the Knight starts looking around and sees some chocolate on top of a cabinet and with the Magisters nod of approval, he breaks a small piece and holds it up to the little dragon who was already devouring it.
“Huh, will you look at that?”
“Hmm?”
“Bahamut looks up too and straightens her body when eating. I guess with such a tiny form, that is needed to properly move the food. But in all actuality, her body is that of a mature Dragon. Just tiny, hmmm… I see.”
“So, she’s tougher than your average Level Thirty Dragon?”
“Theoretically, yes. But with a Strength of F Minus, that doesn’t really mean much. Sorry.”
“Aw shucks.”
Turning off the X-Ray, the magnifying glass then zooms in.
“Hmmm… yes. That’s definitely the scale of Bahamut and to the structured spiked spine that runs along from the top of her head to tail. Have you ever fought any creature with magic? If this scale is truly hers, it should be able to deflect any magic.”
“Not really, but I did notice her damage absorption was higher than mine and I wear Death Knight armor.”
“Ah, you're a Death Knight? That’s pretty rare. The meta now is Vampires and Werewolves or so I heard.”
“Yea, when I chose to become one, the Meta was to be a Lizard or Half Dragon.”
“Hm, well. I’ll be writing this all down. Such an interesting subject I have today. Could you please sit down with her? I'd like to ask more questions.”
The Magister then opened a book from one of his shelves, being in the higher shelf. He fell but with magic, created water to soften his fall and for the next thirty minutes, did nothing but write and did some tests on the Dragon. After a while, he stops and once again, puts on his glasses.
“Alright. Mister Paul, be quiet. I’d like to question Bahamut here only.”
“Okie.”
He tucks his feet together while Bahamut glides to the desk from his shoulder and looks at the Magister straight in the eyes.
“So. Miss Bahamut, could you remember anything about the previous fights with us Chosen Ones?”
“Yes I do. But some are blurry due to the long breaks I take in the Abyss.”
“Mhm. mhm. And could you tell me right now what’s keeping you from turning into your larger form? Since from the records, and those I’ve seen. Your first form was three to four kilometers long and a few hundred meters wide. That was in the River Valley Fortress in the Deadlands. Second time you came, you were in a monstrous eight kilometer long body.”
“The Seven Pillars God had built, it has kept my Divine power limited and thus, I am regulated to this… lesser body.”
“I see, and, if maybe one day. A Chosen One who’d become Evil would destroy the Pillars, would it be possible for you to return to your original form?”
“Absolutely. That is of no doubt, human who smells of burnt chicken.”
“Well, that was actually my lunch, roasted chicken. So next question, would you be loyal with us and even maybe, help us bring hope to the Dark World?”
“I’ve already made my fealty to this human. Whatever he entails to do with me, I shall carry on.”
“Mhm and so, seeing you're already at Level Thirty, what can you say about your Master? Since most of the time, most Dragons don’t get along when a lesser race turns them into a companion or pet.”
“I hate him.” “Urk.” “He doesn’t allow me to eat his gold and jewelry or keep it in my bed.” “Urk.” “He also is very cheap when it comes to food and would disallow me from eating Cows or animals that I find.” “Urk.” “And, he is very unlucky. I never knew a human could get oneself into so much trouble! It’s actually annoying at some points at how this human could walk into so much trouble!” “Ouch.”
“AHAHAHAHA~!”
“Hm? What’s so funny, human?”
“Nothing, you two just remind me of my married neighbors. Please carry on.”
“Though… he has his good sides. But still, it is strange how this human keeps finding himself in messes!”
“Get used to it. As a Chosen One and given the gift from God the ability to come back alive, this won’t be the last.”
“Huuuhh… I knew humans were always a pain.”
“Okay! Next one, could you tell me anything about your human form?”
“Hm? It’s destroyed by you Chosen Ones and I may need a replacement.”
“I see, and what could be the best replacement?”
“Hmmm… the bones I used were very special and made from Divine construct. I’d need to find the corpse of a God for such a thing to happen.”
“Now that’s a problem… since there’s only one true God in Tur. The Lesser Gods… we don’t know anything about.”
“Hence, it may never happen.”
“But looking at your massive repertoire of skills, it's basically that of the normal Bahamut. One includes Divine Materialization which is already unlocked.”
“Oy, do you know how taxing that could be without my larger Divine form?”
“I’m just saying, in emergency situations. It seems that you should be able to create your human form even just for ten seconds.”
“Even then, that is cutting it way too close to human. Do not think you're above me, I know what I am capable of.”
“Okay, okay. Well, that’s been particularly interesting. Mister Paul, I’ll run a few more tests and take a few photos and I’ll let you go free. The reward though, what do you want?”
“I saw on the Poster that you guys posted. It had a Demon Heart that I think is one from the Bullheaded Muscle guy?”
“Ah that one, yes. We got a lot recently so I’ll take one for you and the gold reward. Please wait here.”
The Magister runs a few more tests and writes down six more pages worth of information and a lot of photos from far to extreme close ups.
“Also Mister Patrick.” “It’s Paul.” “Bahamut also has golden eyes. You have golden eyes means you are of a Divine being. You should be able to use her in Demonic Dungeons or even in the blessing of lesser spirits.”
“Even at level thirty? I’m Level Two Hundred, the ghosts and spirits I face are far more dangerous than the ones around here in Beginner Continent.”
“Even then, Bahamut here is a genuine Dragon God that’s nerfed for gameplay sake. Think of her as your purifier, the two of you already share a singular brain cell. Shouldn’t be that hard to communicate and adapt each other's movesets to suit each other's strengths.”
“It’s already happening, it's just that Bahamut is still far too weak.”
“Dragons are an investment. But, they’re the best companions one can have. They live for a few hundred to a thousand or so years. They carry a lot of wisdom our generation needs and like the friend you never thought you’d have. If the Dragon accepts you, it will love you for all of eternity, regardless of whose side you're on. Even after its soul has left to the Heavens, it would still guide you in a form of a special enchantment to your soul itself.”
“Really? Wait, how many players have four legged dragons anyways?”
“A few hundred thousand, not that much since this game regularly gets five hundred million players to a billion in the holidays and those we’ve interviewed? Less than twenty.”
“Wow, so I’m pretty lucky huh?’
“Not luck Mister Parker.” “Again, it’s Paul. I’m really getting tired of this shtick.” “It’s the reward for your hard work. I was also planning on getting her, you know? But the sudden global event that buried hers made my schedule both here and real life very busy. I still wonder how you collected two million dragon scales.”
“Let’s just say… I have my methods.”
“Pffff… alright. Imma get your things. Please wait outside of my office. There’s some benches on the hallway you could use.”
“Alright. Thank you again Magister.”
“Hm, you too. Don’t be afraid to return. If you ever get her human form, do visit us again. I’m sure the Department of Anatomy wants to add a Dragon God to their list.”
“Oy mage. My human form is only restricted to the most powerful of beings. Not even the Cult of Bahamut had such a privilege of touching me when I was in that form.”
“Of course. Well, I’ll get your rewards.”
With the Bullheaded Demon Heart and a thousand gold, the two walk out of the Tower all satisfied and accomplished.
“So Bahamut, what would you want for dinner? I got a thousand gold here.”
“Can it be anything I want?”
“Yep! Eat away! I know this great place at the Capital of Breznick, aw. Cool as heck salted Steak.”
“Hmmm… yes, let us go forth!”
“Ahahaha! That’s more like it!”
He rubs the chin of the dragon and for the first time, Bahamut responds more livelier with her tail wagging and her hind legs stepping.
“As long as it's food huh? Alright, let’s go.”
Looking around, Paul notices that there are free bikes to those wanting to head to the nearest teleportation statue without expending Mana on summoning their mount. Even though he was wearing a suit with Oxford shoes, he tightens his belt and cycles his way to the outside walls and to the dirt path. Bahamut on the other hand made home on the rear bike rack with a bunch of candies she took from the Magisters office. The forest was lushous, alive, and green.
A single breath of air felt like it was cleansing one's lungs. As the Knight cycled away, he saw the direction for the Statue and made a right turn. Avoiding carriages and to a forest tunnel that’s supported by thin white wooden logs that was being overgrown by pink and purple flowers. It looked dazzling and even Bahamut herself was taken aback by it.
“This is pretty cool ain’t it?”
“Mhm! It is beautiful!”
“Great things await us Bahamut! I can feel it! Together, we shall face the world and its challenges!”
“Yes! We shall!”
The man giddily cycles as the end of the tunnel could be seen. But behind them, a Ninja appears. His mask had two large ears of a wolf and was running at them at all four. His suit was so dark that it was absorbing all the light. Bahamut looks at Paul, planning on warning him but seeing how much he was enjoying the sight. She instead picks another option.
“Woah! Bahamut! Did you grab a tree branch or something? What’s with the weight? Should I stop?”
“Don’t. Keep going Master.”
“M-Master?! You’re actually calling me that?”
Meanwhile, the Ninja’s eyes widen. Seeing the woman in the dark gothic funeral gown, the iconic crown with the design of Dragons on its dark shiny metal, and the veil that solemnly reveals a pale white skin and the brightly lit piercing golden eyes with slits of a dragon looking through it. He couldn’t believe his eyes and the man immediately emergency rolls out of the forest tunnel and into the bushes.
“Master, you better make sure that Steak is good!”
“Ahahahah! I assure you!”
Paul could then feel the silky smooth hair of a woman hitting his nape and a sudden overwhelming scent of something akin to a sweet Lillies.
“Oh God Bahamut, don’t tell me you ate another flower.”
Looking back and could see Bahamut rapidly palpitating in the rack. He immediately breaks the bike and checks her health. His jaw drop seeing her Mana and Health in the Player Menu was gone, with only a tiny sliver of life left.
“WOAH! WOAH!”
Without wasting a second, he materializes his Death Knight armor without the helmet, using its enhancements, teleports himself back to the Tower and runs to the Department of Dragonology. The entire time, Bahamut was awake and could see her Master's face, looking like he just witnessed a loved one die right in front of him. He didn’t log out even though he was getting pings from the real world to awaken and kept at Bahamut’s side till the Magisters and Scholars managed to heal her back to health.
Bahamut snaps back at the large dining table of Alana’s Manor. Before she knew it, she'd already finished all of the food the Countess cooked for her. Putting on her Crown and making sure the Veil covers her entire face, she heads up to her Masters room and sits down on the chair next to his bed and holds his hand. Lowering her back, she lifts it up to her forehead.
“You’re such a troublesome human.”