As we strolled through the quiet streets of the upper district, something massive caught Rheka's eye. She stopped mid-step, raising her neck to get a better look at a strange building in the distance. Tavrin followed suit, and before long, all of us were staring right at it.

“Whoa, what’s that?” Rheka asked, her voice as full of awe as it could be.

Zilra hesitated, glancing at the temple as if she’d rather not explain. But Tavrin was already pulling closer, eager for answers. “Come on, Zilra, what is it? Looks... important.”

She sighed, giving in. “That’s a temple of Enkefalos. The biggest one in the city. And probably the whole kingdom. Didn’t plan on showing it to you, but well, here we are.”

Enkefalos. Now that was a name that I'd heard quite often. Every bloody idiot besides me seemed to know who or what that was.Temple probably meant it was supposed to be a deity of some sort. So my hunch was correct. Well. I was used to... different kinds of temples than this one.

It was huge and oddly shaped, like a giant, twisted dome. Its surface covered in intricate patterns that almost looked like roots or vines, weaving across the stone in strange, looping designs. Rheka squinted at it, trying to make sense of the unusual structure. As we drew nearer, something clicked in my mind. The patterns were... familiar.

"It looks... funny." Rheka finally said.

I huffed in amusement. "Funny is one way to put it."

Zilra crossed her arms. She was clearly not thrilled to be here. "They built it that way on purpose. The Enkefalists are big on knowledge. And the mind. And... some other stuff. That’s what this place represents... I think. They're just a bunch of smartasses, okay?"

“Can we go in?” Tavrin asked. And without hesitation too. Of course he wanted to go in. I suppose it couldn't hurt. Knowledge is power and all. There could be info on magic in there. Or my condition even. Curses - whatever you wanna call it. It was definitely worth the time for a quick peek.

Zilra shook her head with a slight smirk. “Not a chance. You can’t go in without an invitation."

"Why not?" Rheka asked, frowning.

"Because they don’t just let anyone run around inside." Zilra replied. "Only scholars, philosophers, and people who've proven themselves in the Teachings can enter. They’re... let’s say, very protective of what’s in there."

Rheka tilted her head, still trying to understand. “What’s in there?”

"A lot of books. Scrolls, ancient records. Stuff that’s supposed to be important.” Zilra explained. “They think knowledge is sacred, so they guard it like treasure. You need to prove you’re worthy before they let you in. If you have knowledge to share you can go in. Otherwise you can't.”

Ah. It's a brain! That's what it's supposed to portray. It took me a while but I see it now. This "temple" would have probably fallen into the category of modern expressionist art or something pretentious like that. It did look like an art piece straight out of the Louvre.

As I took in the bizarre, dome-shaped piece of garbage with its intricate patterns, a thought came to me. Knowledge locked behind such an imposing facade, could prove incredibly valuable. Forget magic and handicaps, the stuff in there is probably worth millions. For someone like me the idea of access to hidden knowledge was getting more enticing by the second.

“Smartasses or not, they’ve got the right idea about keeping their secrets.” I said, nodding towards the temple. "If I could get a look inside, I bet there’s all sorts of useful stuff.”

Like the old man's basement. But hundredfold.

Zilra raised an eyebrow. “Too bad you can’t just walk in. They’re strict about who gets access. But, you know, I can."

"That so?"

Zilra nodded with a smirk. "Yep. If you're really interested, I could arrange a visit. But you'll owe me."

"Yes yes. Wait. No. You still owe me!"

She waved a hand, dismissing her debt to me. “Oh, I don’t remember that.”

And I went through all that forest trouble for that.

With a final smirk, she turned and continued walking, clearly enjoying her little power play. “Now, come on. We’ve still got more to see. Let’s get moving before we get stuck here all day.”

As she led us away, Rheka and I glanced back at the temple. I didn't know about her but I was contemplating the valuable knowledge that might lie within. I wasn’t about to forget about that.

"So, what's Enkefalism about? It is a religion, right?" I asked Zilra after I'd caught back up to her.

She just glanced over her shoulder with a casual shrug. “Yes, it’s a religion. They think learning stuff is the most important thing ever. You die, you give all your knowledge to Enkefalos, and then you get to think and learn forever in the Everthought!” She said in a mocking tone.

“Right. Sounds interesting.” I said, not really interested in the details anymore. I didn't even know why I'd asked in the first place. Religions were all sort of the same to me - just different ways people wrapped their heads around the "big" questions. You die, the end, its over. Well, I suppose that didn't count for me, actually. I did do daily prayers back in the prison days. But I did them kind of ironically, if you catch my drift. These people were supposed to be smart, right? Would smart people really get caught up in fantasies like that? About some god they've never seen? I remembered that I had actually read something about Enkefalism in the old man's books, but dismissed it as some nonsense fairytale. I also didn't remember the name associated with said fairytale. Perhaps I should work on that.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Wait. I thought you worshipped dragons. Or was that just a joke? I looked at Tavrin walking behind me. He just raised his hands and shook his head in retaliation.

"I do. Father does. Some others in the family too." She paused for a second. "But none of the commoners. Enkefalism is the most popular with those peasants."

I frowned. “I figured dragons would still be a big thing. Your father sure seems to like them.”

Zilra and Tavrin exchanged glances, then looked back at me, clearly taken aback.

“Wait, you don't know?” Zilra asked, blinking. “Dragons haven’t been seen for generations. They’re long gone.”

Tavrin nodded. “Indeed. The stories are mostly just that - stories. I don't think there's anyone left who's seen a real dragon."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Besides you, o-of course." Tavrin added, a hint of awkwardness in his voice as he glanced at me.

"That's... sad." Rheka said with a soft voice. She looked more upset than I was. Sure, these news weren't all that great, but at least now I understood the reactions of essentially every person I'd ever crossed paths with. I was a bloody cryptid.

"I thought you two knew, with Argius being a dragon and all. Allegedly." Zilra said, glancing between Rheka and me.

Allegedly. Screw you too?

I threw her a side-eye.

"One day we were dominating everyone around us on dragonback, next day they were all gone. Abandoned us overnight. No one knows why. I blame the Rathan."

The Rathan, huh?

Maybe I was more alone in this world than I’d thought. If dragons were gone my own existence was a puzzle with missing pieces. I wasn’t just a relic; I was a living question mark in a world that had no place left for me. I suppose if they left without a trace there could be a way to find them. If they actually just left. You could never know with legends like these. And according to the Peasant Princess that crime, just like any other, was the Rathan's fault. Funny.

I looked around at the opulent surroundings. The people here went about their lives, their concerns limited to the luxuries and politics of their insulated world. They were thriving, but in their comfort, they had no inkling of the dragon who walked among them now. Why didn't the old man ever tell me? Bloody geezer. I bet he found it amusing. Or maybe he just didn't trust me with the information. Rheka didn't know either, by the looks of it. But then, the whole family? They all knew? And nobody thought to tell me?

I wasn't sure what I felt in that moment. Was it betrayal? Anger? Sadness? It sure felt... odd.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost didn’t notice Zilra’s voice cutting through my inner monologue. “We’re almost there! You’re going to love this.”

I glanced up and saw what she was so excited about. Ahead was a huge open arena, set into the ground like a giant, uneven bowl. It had a rough, almost dragon’s nest aesthetic - pits and raised platforms jumbled together. Spectators were packed around the edges, looking down into the action like they were peeking into a beast’s den.

Zilra was practically bouncing with excitement. "Welcome to the Wyrmpits! People come here to watch fights - seven on seven, duels, everything!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious. Rheka was visibly excited too, her eyes as wide with curiosity as ever. Even Tavrin looked intrigued, his interest probably piqued by the lively atmosphere.

“It’s so much fun! Zilra continued, bouncing on her toes. "You get to see some wild action and forget about everything else. I used to come here whenever I could. Trust me, you’ll love it!”

As we approached the arena, I glanced at Rheka. She was tugging at Tavrin’s sleeve, eager to get a better view. Tavrin, on the other hand, was surveying the scene with a thoughtful expression, clearly impressed by the scale of it all. Even though I'd never been much of a fighter, I did enjoy a good sport. This was a good opportunity to watch how the pros did it. Back in the fog I couldn't see much of the fighting going on and I was curious. In my old life the concept of Gladiators always kind of... fascinated me.

The scene was nothing short of chaotic brilliance. Inside the sunken arena, the action was already in full swing. The arena itself was a chaotic mix of terrain - grassy patches, rocky outcrops, and sand pits. It was designed to test every skill, from brute strength to strategic thinking.

Spectators packed the stone terraces surrounding the arena, their cheers and shouts blending into one pile of noise. It's uneven surfaces and hidden corners were perfect for ambushing or making quick escapes. The atmosphere was electric, and even though I’d never been a fan of stadiums, this was something else entirely.

Inside, two teams were going at it with everything they had. On each side, seven fighters were working in perfect sync. Melee fighters with big swords and heavy armor were clashing swords, their blades flashing as they struck and parried. There were the ranged attackers with bows or javelins, picking off targets from a distance. And are those...? Yes, they were. There were actually people using magic, casting spells I couldn't even have made up in my dreams. Shockwaves here, fireballs there. There was a whole lot to learn here.

The other team was getting steamrolled. Cooked, even. It was clear that the winning side had their act together, using teamwork and strategy to overpower their opponents. Amid the chaos, one faimilar guy stood out - one of the King's bodyguards, clad in silver-golden plate armor wearing a full helmet. He wasn’t carrying a weapon, just that round shield, shining in all damn colors of a bloody rainbow. The way he handled it was impressive, blocking attacks and protecting his teammates like a human fortress. This man didn't need a weapon, he was the weapon.

“That's Skelduz!” Zilra pointed excitedly. “I didn't know he was a pit fighter!?"

The bodyguard’s shield work was a showstopper. He absorbed everything thrown at him, blocking strikes and even spells like it was nothing.

I thought you needed a barrier spell to block other spells?

One guy, armed with a spear charged right at him as he was already busy with two others. He simply turned and went for the spearman's legs. Throwing the poor lad over the shield as if he'd just been hit by and rolled over a car. His team soon took the lead, and the fight wrapped up with them as the clear winners. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, clearly loving every second of the slaughter.

Unfortunately, we’d arrived just in time for the final round to wrap up. As Rheka and Zilra fangirled over the fighting choreography, I looked over to Tavrin to see how he was feeling. He was still processing everything with thoughtful nods. Behind him approached the man of the hour, slowly. It was Skelduz. His armor shone under the sunlight, and that colorful shield of his practically sparkled in the fading light.

He stomped up to us with a solid, purposeful stride. “My princess.” He said, his voice muffled but authoritative. “What are you doing here? I didn’t expect to see you at the pits.”

Zilra, eyes still wide from all the excitement, looked up at him. “Skelduz! We just came to watch. The fights were amazing!”

The bodyguard gave a nod. “It’s getting late. I should escort you back to the palace.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly reluctant. “Oh, I don’t know. We were just about to explore more!”

Skelduz’ voice was calm but firm. “The palace is no place to wander around at night, my princess. It’s my duty to make sure you get back safely. Besides, it’s not wise to be out this late.”

Zilra hesitated, clearly torn between her excitement and the need to follow orders. “Well, I guess... if you say so.”

Skelduz nodded once more. “I’ll make sure you get back safely.”

As we started walking back through the now even quieter streets of the upper district, Zilra, Rheka, and Tavrin chatted like animals about the day’s events. Several more guards had joined our convoy as we continued on. Skelduz maintained a respectful distance, his presence was a steady reassurance. That man is like a wall on legs. If he were to join in for Hern's siege too, there was no other man you'd need for the job. I would have to think that whole thing over. See if Rheka could join in as well. Though I wasn't sure if that would gain her any valuable experience. But for me?

There was a lot to be gained.