Chapter 8

Unlikely Surprise

Zero stood speechless at what he saw before him. Thousands upon thousands of eggs with smiley faces were drawn on them with different solid colors ranging from black, red, copper, blue, white, gold, silver, and bronze. But there were also eggs with no smiley face and were slightly smaller in size, double the amount of the smiley face eggs. He knew what these eggs were, the future of Drezo Regalia.

"Oh, my," Agnis stared at the mounds of eggs.

"We just hit the motherload of all eggs," Alan whispered with a gasp.

"They seem so similar," Zeraph was trying to figure out where he saw such eggs.

"The number of fried eggs that could be made would be ridiculous," Jack joked. Bob gave him a dissatisfied glare.

"The great dragons have returned." Bob stepped forward from the group and sobbed. He fell to the ground weeping in pure joy.

"You're saying those are dragon eggs?" said Alan. The thought of thousands of dragons returning already boggled his mind. "Zero..."

"Yes?"

"We just opened up a new possibility for players to play."

Zero understood what that meant. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for players worldwide to play a new species that had never been played before.

Agnis cut in on their silence. "How are we supposed to move all these eggs? There's a reason these are not even hatched yet."

"What do you mean?" Alan asked. "What reason would there be?"

"Well, Zero was the first dragon born at the pet shop. So they must've done something to awaken him."

"So the answer lies with Tyrell," said Zero. The problem now was bringing the thousands of eggs into this one room. "There seems to be also a small golden egg over there."

"Wait, you're not going to touch it, are you?"

"It's a Dragon Egg. So there is more chance that the booby trap will not go off if I touch it."

"How do you know it's a Dragon Egg, not a chicken egg?"

Zero thought for a moment. What Alan said was true; how did he know it was a dragon egg instead of something else? Was it gut instinct or a wild guess? The best answer he could give was that he just knew.

"Look at the eggs. They have smiley faces on them. It's the same thing as when Zero was born," Agnis replied. "I haven't seen such a smiley face egg in a while."

"You were the one that was there when Zero hatched."

"But that does not mean that the golden egg is not a booby trap."

"It's going to be alright."

"Where does that confidence come from?" Alan and the group were inching backward. They did not want to get caught up in the possible booby traps that were laid out.

Zero stepped forward, carefully avoiding the egg from being squashed. He tiptoed towards the middle of the mounds of eggs; there lay a small pedestal with a metallic egg the size of a chicken egg. He reached over with his claws. Everyone held their breath, hoping nothing would happen.

His claw touched the tip of the metallic golden egg, and he felt a searing hot pain coming from his chest. The new Krustallos that were growing there reacted with the metallic egg. The searing hot pain made him unconsciously pull it out with his claws. He could feel the pulsating warmth from the Krustallos as it reacted with the metallic, golden egg. Then, the Krustallos turned into a liquid with a flash of golden light.

The gold and black liquid Krustallos were like tendrils that encased the small egg creating a unique jagged pattern. The egg opened up on the tip like a flower, and a gust of storm escaped from it surrounding Zero. The wind pushed outwards and picked up thousands of eggs like a tornado.

Zero watched with awe as the eggs were magically transported into the small metallic egg. All the eggs they saw before them were gone in seconds, and the room felt larger than before.

"All that fits into one." Agnis walked up behind him and rested her hand on his arm. She reached over and carefully picked it up. "And it's not heavy at all. It's like a paperweight."

"Really?" Jack came up next to her, "May I?" He was curious as well. When she dropped it into Jack's hand, the egg gave off a severe static shock that cut Jack's life in half.

"Gah!" Jack yelled, pulled his hand backward, and the egg tumbled. Alan rushed forward, trying to stop it, and he too got a shock that cut his life in half.

"What's with this egg?" Alan shook himself from the shock. "It just took a chunk of my life. Are you sure it's not a trap?"

Agnis picked it up once again. She shook her head. "I'm fine. I don't understand why you guys were shocked."

"They are not worthy of holding the great dragon's offspring," Bob called out behind them. "No one but their descendant and partner may rest their hand on the holy relic."

"That explains everything. Why didn't you say it sooner," Jack was not happy. He was peeved that his life was cut in half. For a moment, Zero thought something was wrong.

Zero took it out of Agnis's hand and examined the egg.

Holy Relic of Drezo Regalia. The golden egg.

An ancient relic that was created for one purpose only to be used to transport large amounts of eggs from one place to another. Since ancient times, all newborns were put in incubation that the ancient relic naturally gave, but the power of the ancient relic has recently lost its ability to keep the eggs warm. Usually, the breath of an adult dragon blown on the ancient relic could heat up eggs harbor inside. However, due to inactivity for a long time, most eggs have fallen into a deep slumber. As a result, not all eggs will hatch simultaneously, some eggs will take longer, and the gods' blessing needs to be awakened.

Fire power needed: 0/110,000,000

Zero saw the obnoxious number and requirement he needed to hatch the eggs. So he blew a constant fire at the golden egg to see how much power it would raise.

Fire power needed: 10/110,000,000

Zero couldn't believe it. All that long continuous stream of fire output, he was only able to add 10 to the eleven hundred million.

"What's with the fireworks?" asked Jack.

"It's not that." Zero groaned. "The egg needs constant heat energy for it to hatch."

"How much?"

"Eleven hundred million."

"E-E-elven h-hun-ndred m-m-million?" Word got stuck in Jack's throat.

"That fire breath only gave ten."

Everyone was stupefied by what Zero had stated. They didn't expect the eggs to take so much power to hatch. Zero knew he wasn't an adult dragon and wondered how strong an adult dragon fire was when they blew their fire onto the golden egg. Zero blew fire continuously for the next ten minutes Until he was out of breath.

Fire power needed: 100/110,000,000

Zero realized the ridiculous amount of time this would take to hatch the eggs. In addition, he had a sore throat from the constant pouring of fire coming out from this throat."

At that moment, Zero noticed the golden egg glow white and spit out a small pearly O.M into his hand and a golden marble the size of his thumb. Zero was surprised that there was an O.M inside the golden egg. Excited, he played the O.M.

The whole room was filled with nothing but the heavenly blue sky in seconds. Dragons of different shapes, sizes, and colors flew gracefully through the sky, enjoying themselves in the clouds. Then, finally, the scene zooms to the ground, where a large gold dragon stands proudly on the ledge of a cliff. Its silky scales glistened underneath the sunlight, horns decorated like a royal crown, and golden eyes radiated with power.

"Your majesty." A slim snow-white dragon landed next to the golden dragon. Comparison to the size of the golden dragon, the white dragon dwarf comparison.

"Go ahead, Estro." His deep voice rang with power.

"Your majesty, we have reported that the enemy has taken over the whole Water Continent and is moving towards the Ice Continent. At this rate, they have taken two-thirds of the world; we'll be next."

"I know, Estro. I know. The smell of blood even trails through the air as we speak. I have sent reinforcement to our allies, but I do not see the end anymore. Something is blocking my vision. At this rate, I worry that our bloodline will be wiped out. Send words to gather our future hope and hide them away."

"Yes, your majesty. Ah, your nest mate has been calling for you."

"Thank you, Estro. I'll go and speak with her."

Static interrupts the scene making it very difficult to pinpoint what is being shown; the scene changes to a bloody battlefield where man against man, dragons against demons. A clashing of blood, sword, and magic that has never been seen before. It was a grandiose battle of scale that encompassed the whole nation.

"Estro!" The King of all dragons roared in the middle of a fight between an ugly-looking wyvern demon. It was pure black eyes, and sharp beaks snapped towards the gold dragon's neck. Blood dripping from his jaws and large bruises and cuts were all over the golden dragon.

With a ferocious diagonal slash, the golden dragon crushed the demon wyverns skull. A small white dragon darted like lightning through the battlefield. Nothing could match Estro's speed, and all who pursued gave up in seconds.

"Your majesty! The Queen is in trouble!" Estro yelled with desperation in his voice. "Quickly, your majesty!"

Estro bolted off towards the direction of where the Queen was. With its mighty gold wings, the King swooped into the sky, following as best as he could behind Estro. Each flap of his wings was difficult for the King; his wings were shredded and torn from the continuous battle with many demon wyverns.

He flew and swirled in the sky, ducking from the grasp of the flying demons that tried to stall him. Then, with a mighty roar, the demons fell down around him from the sheer shock. In the distance, he saw a black dragon fighting a humanoid demon with four wings. Black fire erupted from the mouth of the black dragon as it followed in pursuit of the humanoid demon.

At that moment, the humanoid demon raised his sword and struck directly into the black dragon's shoulder. A painful scream erupted from the mouth of the black dragon as the dragon crumpled onto the ground. Estro rushed forward but was smacked away onto the ground with one hit.

"Nooooooooo!" The King roared in a fury. He rushed forward with teeth bared. His claws shredded through a pair of wings of the demon, making the demon difficult to fly. The King dived toward the fallen black dragon.

The black dragon grew smaller in size into a womanly figure. A beautiful woman with black hair and a black dress lay flat on her back. Her shoulders were bloodied from the sword impaled on her shoulder. With a rush of air, the King landed on the ground next to her.

A painful stab erupted from his back, and the humanoid demon that was completely smoky black laughed.

"Your soul is mine." The cackling of the demon voice rang manically in the air. The demon hand clawed his back as a black aura formed around it. The demon's hand slipped slowly into his back and grabbed at his soul, his Krustallos.

The King suddenly froze as he could feel his body lock up and his soul dragged out. He struggled, roared, clawed, but every time more of his soul was pulled out, he lost feeling in his body.

"I have waited for the last soul of the great mighty king and his wife." The demon cackled. "Our Lord will be pleased that all the mighty souls will be finally collected. You don't know how long we have waited for this."

"Demon, you will never get my soul." The King said with a strained voice; even though he tried his best to escape, he could not get free.

"I don't think you are in the right predicament to say that."

The King laughed as blood dripped from his lips. "You don't understand who you are messing with." Then, with a final roar, he yelled to his Queen. "Do it now!"

The Queen lying on the ground opened her eyes and shifted only her hands into dragon claws. At that moment, her hands rested on his chest where a gold Krustallos lay, and an explosion of holy light erupted outwards, pushing all demons in the vicinity for miles away. They stumbled and screamed as they evaporated and disappeared like smoke.

Only the four-winged demons did not easily disappear.

"I curse you!" The demon yelled as his body slowly began to deteriorate. "I curse you and all your kind for being forever enslaved by our Lord. Your soul will be corrupted and be turned away from your god." Then, maniacal laughter, the demon with four wings disappeared into thin air like fine dust.

"We have barely won today. I do not know how much more we have to do this," the King wheezed and fell into his Queen's embrace. He shifted forms into a human with golden hair. He was a young king with hardened eyes from the world and war.

"It's okay, my love." She gently stroked his head.

The dragons around him roared with joy, and humans cheered. Then, the demons disappeared back into the darkness. The scene once again faded and changed to a dark temple-like room with only one stream of light coming from the ceiling. Inside were eight elderly True Dragons sitting on a ledge hidden in the darkness. The King with the golden hair was in his human form as he bowed to the eight elder dragons. They were Black, White, Gold, Red, Green, Blue, Silver, and Bronze. Their intimidating aura and majestic stature were beyond the normal dragons.

"You have come. We know why you have come here today." The gold dragon has spoken out loud. His voice vibrated with power that could shake the soul.

"Then you know what I'm asking for." The King has stated while he kneeled before the eight elderly dragons. "You, the last remaining True dragons, have the power to save my clan. Please again endow us with your power and remove this curse the demon has set upon my people. The curse is slowly changing us. Destroying us from the inside. We cannot stop it. Please."

"Silence!" The black dragon roared with anger. Black flames erupted from his nose and mouth. His eyes glowed dangerously red. "You dare ask us for more power? When we have already endowed your people with the gift. You are now as close as you can ever get to a True dragon. How much further would you want to go? Since your cursed marriage, everything has fallen. We have told you countless times not to mix the blood and power of our magic. The world counters and brings in an equivalent opposing force for a power that rivals such beings. You have created a cursed child, an abomination that will bring destruction!"

"Enough, Garrison. He means well to his people." The gold dragon spoke. "I know you have married out of love and commitment to bring your people together, but in that process, the faith of your people has been set as well." The gold dragon stood up and stared down upon the human King. "I have told you since the day I made the prediction of your life. You have two choices, one that will bring prosperity to your people for a thousand years where loneliness follows, warping your mind into madness and destroying your people, or a thousand-year curse that cannot be easily broken. Still, you will find happiness in your darkest times. A curse that will wipe out your generation and your future people's children bound to eternal servitude to the demons. It has all started, the end of all the species that live on Noriene. It will become a race of time when every single one of you will become warped by the demon's curse and your souls stolen by the demon that serves the false light."

"Is there no way to stop this?" The King fell on his knee. "Are you not strong enough?"

"Do not talk about such blasphemy. Kill the child in your partner's stomach, and it shall be over." Garrison spotted out with discontent at the King's weak self. His black flames licked his nose, creating a demonic look on Garrison.

"I will never do that! It will kill my Queen and the child!" The King stood up in rage.

The gold dragon held up his hands. "It is too late. Once a curse is set in motion, it is not easily overturned when a powerful force has already left a deep imprint on his people. The child is destined to be born. All hybrids born from the magic of True dragons are destined to walk a cruel and difficult path. A cursed path that shakes the very foundations of Noriene. Just like the time when the green and blue hybrid dragon was born, it shifted and shook the very essence of Noriene and split the continent into what it is today. The water rose from the ocean, and the ground shook with ferocity, splitting the lands cleanly into pieces. When the black and green hybrid was born, the weather of Noriene was permanently imbalanced, whereas warm weather became cold. Lightning strikes on land throughout the day with no rest. Each hybrid dragon has caused a major change. The world has never seen a gold and black hybrid be born into the world. No one knows what changes this dragon will cause, but it always ends with one thing. The darkness of terror."

"Then how can I save my people and my child," said the King in defeat. The future looked grim for his people.

"Let me ask you, what is the meaning of your people's name?"

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Do you mean Drezo Regalia? Royal Dragon?"

"Why must you seem so unsure of yourself?"

"Because I do not fully understand what this has to do with the problem now?"

"A royal dragon. You have the power that rivals legends and allows you to stand as a king. As a king, you are tasked to be the negotiator and guide to the new and old species. A dragon that does not stand down in front of an adversary. A dragon that does not emit defeat, even with slim chances. To use your mind and your heart to make the right choices. You are the leaders of your people and the guardians of Noriene. Do you think there is no hope even when the world is turned upside?"

"I do not know."

"Stand up, the young king, and wash away your fears."

The young King stood taller, and his glazed eyes became brighter with life. The gloomy atmosphere was gone; instead, a majestic demeanor stood in place.

"That is better." The gold dragon smiled.

"Better? A small king has not changed much." Gorian rolled his eyes.

"This is our last gift to your people. We are a dying race." The Gold dragon has said with sadness. "For the exchange of the older generation, your child and your people's unborn children will sleep till they are awoken again. Their curse hampered all your sacrifice." A golden egg magically appears out of thin air before the King as it lands in his hands. "You know what you must do."

The eight dragons' bodies had dissipated, slowly turning into a fine dust. Their Krustallos on their chest fall onto the ground and clatters with a loud clap. Eight solid colors sparkled underneath the light that cast down upon it.

A soft voice echoes into the wind and around the King, "Go and fight your final battle."

"Don't you dare run away, or I will kill you," said Gordon with his last breath.

Just as the dragon disappears, the scene fades away into nothingness, and the O.M ends once again. Everyone was silent watching the O.M. Suddenly, Zero's Book of Historia appeared before him and sucked the O.M into itself. Zero now understood a little bit about the curse.

Quest Drezo Regalia Guardianship has been updated.

Quest combination of History of Drezo Regalia and the Language of Ancient Art of Words.

1st part: Finding out the race of Drezo Regalia history's curse has been completed.

2nd part: Bishop Etran has given you the task to fill the blank books with knowledge of your adventures, but now it is recommended to write the first volume of the history of Drezo Regalia to complete the task given to you. It seems that both quests have something to do with one another.

3rd part: Learn the nine arts of the Record Keeper by finding the other eight situated around both worlds. (1/9 completed.)

Difficulty Level: B

Reward: Information of Hybrid Form + other unknown items

Failure to complete a journal will not allow you to learn the art of words. Bishop Etran and Bishop Sanya will be wary around you and not listen to what you say. The Church of Infinity will close its door to you.

Zero checked his hand again, thinking that the small golden marble was another O.M. He waited for it to activate. Nothing happened.

"Is this what I think it is?" Zero inspected it closely. Turning the golden marble, he noticed a black iris in the middle of the golden marble. "Identify."

The Golden Eye

A mythical beast's eye that is imbued with special powers. So far, no one has been able to activate its power nor completely understand what it is used for.

"I found it," Zero called out to his group.

"What?" Jack asked.

"Our quest item."

"Let me see."

"Are you sure? You might not want to hold this."

"Why? Is there something wrong?"

"Well, here. You can see for yourself."

Jack took the Golden Eye from Zero and examined it closely. In moments Jack yelled out in surprise and dropped the Golden Eye on the floor. Then, with a small thunk, the Golden Eye rolled on the ground towards Zeraph.

"What's wrong?" Agnis curiously peered at Jack. Then, she walked towards Zeraph, wondering what all the fuss was about.

"D-D-don't pick that up."

"Why not?" Zeraph bends up and picks the Golden Eye up. "Ah, that's why."

"What? What?" Agnis peeked over Zeraph's shoulder. "An eye?"

"Yes, an eye." Jack looked sick. "You're not phased by all that?"

"Nope," replied Zeraph.

"No," said Agnis.

"You guys are strange."

"Not really. We've been helping with Zero's O.M creation, so it doesn't phase us at all."

"Wait. O.M creation. You're not talking about the ingredients, are you?"

"What else would I be talking about at this minute?"

Jack scooted back as his face turned pale green.

"Well then. We got what we were here for. So now let's head back home."

They exited the hidden chamber that they entered. The soldiers waiting outside ran up to Zero, excited that their young leader had returned without a scratch.

"Were there any monsters? Gold? Was everything okay?" Evon asked and suddenly froze. He saw Zero blowing fire into his palm, where a gold egg was. "Is that the prize?" He glanced over, trying to see, but the fire was too hot to even get close to Zero.

"We found the Golden Eye. Zero's just being a mother taking care of his soon-to-be chicks." Agnis chuckled. "I suggest you leave him be for a while. He won't be able to answer your question with all that fire crackling from his mouth."

Evon and the others were confused at what Agnis was implying. Zero gave Agnis a glare, but he went back to blowing hot fire on the Golden Egg.

"So there were no treasures." Evon was highly disappointed. He thought this whole time that they all had found something that they could take with them.

"You might get a reward."

The soldiers became elated when they heard that from Zero. There was also the chance to get rewarded by the King.

"This will definitely work. I can't wait to get back."

"It has been over five years. I hope my family has not forgotten about me."

"I'm more worried about my girlfriend."

"I was sent away two years ago. I can finally be free from my crimes."

"Crimes?"

"Wait, you are a criminal?"

"Well…"

Zero did not mind their random chatter. Instead, he could feel their elated optimism to finally go back home. But, unfortunately, some were away from their place for a long time. The first time he met them, especially the older ones that had come into the Labyrinth, their gears, looks, weapons, and armor were completely battered. It wasn't until Jack had personally fixed up the gears that now they don't look so tattered.

"Either way, will the golden thread get us out of here?" Jack asked.

"We won't know till we try," said Zero. He, too, wondered as well. It was the last thing that they had to escape the intricate maze. "Better get started now, or we won't know when we will be able to get out."

"Yea. Better now than never."

"Bob. Lead the way."

"Yes!" Bob cheerfully called out. He bounced forward in a joyful mood. With each step Bob took towards the direction of the exit, the gold thread slowly began to shorten. Zero and his small army went through the Maze for the next few days with little rest.

#####

August 11, 2054. Tuesday. 7:34pm

Finding the way out of the Maze took a lot longer than usual. There were twice as many monsters inhabiting the Maze than when they first came through. Zero thought the monsters would have lessened.

"Is it me, or are the monsters worse than before?" Agnis was out of breath from fighting the Red Minotaurs thirty minutes ago and was finishing off another wave of Red Minotaurs.

"It's not just you. I think Bob here is taking us through the most difficult route out of this damn Maze." Jack beheaded another Red Minotaur.

"I am not. The golden thread is pointing towards the direction to the exit." Bob was peeved at Jack's comment. "If you do not think this the right way, then I suggest you find your own path."

"Woah. Calm down. I don't want to be stuck here in the Maze the rest of my life."

"Then I suggest you quietly follow. A young dragon, please follow me to the end. I will personally take you out of this hellhole."

"I think our little guide here has favorites."

"Let him be. I think he's cute." Agnis replied. She wiped away sweat off her face and sheathed her sword. "He kind of reminds me of Zeraph."

Zeraph stared at her strangely when Agnis said those words.

"How? I think you need your eyes checked."

"Just look at them. They both have an arrogant attitude and have an interest in Zero."

"I don't know where you get that strange hypothesis." Jack shook his head in disbelief. Then, finally, he gave up on saying anything more.

Zero also felt odd when she stated something about Bob and Zeraph. However, he noticed that Zeraph seemed more interested in the things he had to say. Especially about the soul stone that he had before he threw it away. Zeraph did not talk much about the soul stone anymore and instead seemed to stick closer to him. He shook his head and thought he was overthinking about Zeraph. He was just a friend and nothing more.

Their path following the golden thread had finally come to an end. Zero was glad to see green land instead of the silverish brown wall of the Labyrinth. With a large gulp of air, he stood at the entrance. The birds greeted them high above the trees, and the wind blew across his face bringing in the summer breeze. Zero felt free from the confinement of the walls.

"Fresh air." Jack exaggerated and gasped. "I'm alive."

"Oh, come now. It was not that bad." Agnis frowned at Jack's behavior. "I actually enjoyed that small adventure.

"I don't know. Staying confined in the moving walls did start to get on one's nerves," said Alan. He was going through his Zenith bag to ensure everything was still there.

"What about you, Zeraph? Throughout the whole trip, you barely talked. Yet, it felt as if you were thinking about something. Is something the matter?"

Zeraph turned towards Agnis and gave her a sweet smile. "I'm alright. I was just enjoying my stroll through the Maze."

"Stroll? Stroll?!" Jack exclaimed. He could not believe the words coming from Zeraph's mouth.

"Yes. A stroll. What else would that be?"

"A stroll," he said out of all the outrageous booby traps, monster fights, and even fighting the boss. But, of course, he calls it a stroll. Are all you elves right in the head?"

"I'm sure my head is fine, thank you."

Jack smacked himself in the face. "Damn, elves make me want to hang myself."

"If you need help. I know a ton of ways to do it."

"Gahhhh!"

"Calm down, Jack. He's just playing with you."

"That's it. All elves from now on are psychopaths to society."

"You're way too serious. Lighten up."

"I can't. You guys drive me mental."

"I can do that too. I wouldn't mind seeing how far you would tick without breaking."

Zeraph's unexpected words put chills down everyone's back. Even Zero did not expect a sudden dark outburst from Zeraph. He thought the whole time he was more an obnoxious, happy-go-lucky playboy.

"What? It was a joke. Did you expect this great man would ever resort to such dark violence?"

"Yes." Jack flatly replied. "I believe all elves have a secret dark side that you keep hidden."

"Bah. Ladies and beautiful things are my life. You think that I'll go to such extremes?"

"Yes." Everyone replied.

Zero couldn't help but chuckle at their little quarrel. For the past couple of days, he thought that all their life force had been drained out of them. Now to see them alive made him feel uplifted in spirit.

Finally, their time in the Maze was over, and their journey across land took three whole days till they reached the gates of the City of Diadem. Alan also finished his Quest by gathering necessary items on the way back. Zero noticed that their travel was much swifter, tracking through the forest with barely any effort and eventually passing through the entire forest without much trouble. The lower-level monsters stay away from Zero's group. Even his level had grown to great heights.

Name: Zero

Title: Beacon of Hope, Neighborhood Child Finder

Race: Drezo Regalia

(human form)

Level: 175

Main Job: Record Keeper of Historia

Secondary Job: Scribe

Health points: 9,501

Mana Points: 11,761

Attack: 768 (+85)

Defense: 546 (+38)

Agility: 650 (+25)

Endurance: 530 (+25)

Luck: 90 (+105)

Leadership: 350 (+15)

Magical Attack: 1050 (+25)

Magical Defense: 850 (+25)

Wisdom: 702 (+25)

Intelligence: 450 (+25)

Dexterity: 656 (+25)

Fame: 2150 (+30)

Under a Friendship Contract with Agnis.

For All:

+ Transform beginner level 9 (75%)

+Third Eye beginner level 4

+Telepathy

+ Intimidation

+ Camouflage beginner level 9 (60%)

+ Skilled hand mastery intermediate level 1 (20%)

+ Kicking Mastery intermediate level 1 (1%)

+ Keen Hearing intermediate level 1 (8%)

+ Communication with the dead (Active)

+ Sensing the dead (Active)

+ The last stand (Auto)

+ Creation of Medicine

+Creation of Oculus-Morpheus beginner level 4 (20%)

+ Recording of O.M

+ Destruction of O.M

+ Restoration of O.M

Human Form Specialties:

+ Trinity Falls

+ Ninjutsu Training for Mastery

+ Five Elements of Hiding: Fire, Water, Earth, Wood, and Void (Auto)

+ Weapon Mastery beginner level 7 (77%)

+ Pressure points beginner level 8 (35%)

+ Herbology

+ Creation of Medicine

Hybrid form Specialties:

+ All the abilities of the Human and Origin Form can be used.

Origin Form Specialties:

+ Stink Bomb intermediate level 1 (50%)

+ Exploding Breath beginner level 9 (20%)

+ Fire Breath beginner level 9 (55%)

+ Keen Nose beginner level 9 (70%)

+ Crush beginner level 8 (20%)

+ Dark Fire beginner level 3 (5%)

+ Holy Fire beginner level 5 (55%)

Elements: 15% increase in defense against dark elements, 7% increase in defense against light elements

Info: A hybrid human that is born from an Egg. The title Beacon of hope draws in lost souls that will appear before you to ask for help. Your aura will stand out to the dead. Shadowy dark apparitions are wary around you. There is no more bounty set on your head. In Origin form, the status is doubled from the human form.

Now he had less than twenty-five levels till he reached two hundred. He could not wait until he reached the requirement to be able to grow his first pair of wings and even possibly on his hybrid form. Staying small and young had its own benefit, but he missed his older size.

#####

Zero and his group finally arrived at the palace and were brought into the throne room. The King and the Queen sat cautiously in their chairs, watching Zero's group. The people's gaze was fully upon them as they watched Zero's group walk in. Even Zero could tell their presence was not deeply happy with their return.

Zero had shapeshifted into his dragon form when he was halfway to the palace. He even told the soldiers he was with to keep his human form low-key, especially because he looked like a kid. They all agreed for the time being, but Zero did not know when they would change their mind and tell everyone what his human form looked like.

Zero and Agnis went first, while Jack, Alan, and Zeraph followed behind. The rest of the soldiers also followed. Finally, zero heard the voice of the aristocrat. They gawked and gossiped at one another as Zero's group entered.

"Is that the fabled lizard?"

"It's so ugly. How can the King allow such a monster to set foot into the throne room?"

"Look at its claws and jaw. I'm worried that the monster would use it on us."

"I heard the King had personally given him and his partner the elf a quest to get the Golden Eye."

"You don't mean the Golden eye from the Maze of Greum?"

"Yes. That Maze."

"Why is he back here? Did he succeed?"

"He better or else his head will go flying."

"Bah. A lizard completing the sacred task. Highly doubtful."

"I don't know. I heard some great things about him. He was the one that gave the last blow that killed the creature that invaded this city."

"Is he really that strong? What if he turned into a monster and raided our city?"

"That would be horrible. We can't have such a creature alive."

"This is a dark tiding. Didn't he take the Royal Library?"

"The King supposedly gave him the Royal Library. It was supposedly some kind of contract between the Drezo Regalia and our ancestor."

"How could he? Our sacred library."

"Tch. This is getting worse than I thought. They are even bringing in the criminals sent into the Labyrinth of Greum. This is outrageous."

Zeraph glared at the aristocrats, who continued to chatter with discontent. "If you don't mind, I think I'll go seal some mouths."

"Right behind you," Jack replied with a growl. "These ungrateful ingrates."

Zero shook his head. He didn't care much about their gossip about himself, but to look down on the soldiers who had sacrificed their time and lives to retrieve back, the Golden Eye infuriated him. He knew he could not cause a scene at this moment even if he wanted to. "Don't we have better things to do?" What did catch Zero off guard was Zeraph taking the first initiative to do or say anything about the aristocrats' words. He did not expect him to say anything, but he noticed that throughout the Quest, Zeraph had been very close with the soldiers.

"Well, our young Adventurer has returned from their journey. I am pleased with your return. Have you brought back what I have asked of you?"

"Yes, your majesty." Zero pulls out the Golden Eye with his claw and places it down in front of him as gently as possible. A soldier walks up and reaches down to pick up the Golden Eye. He brings it toward the King and gently places it in his hands.

"I see. This is the fabled Golden Eye that my grandfather has been talking about. To see it in my hand is truly a momentous occasion. I had hoped that this eye would have come five years earlier when I needed its power the most, but still, I should be thankful that it has arrived here; it truly is a miracle in itself." The King takes off his crown and places it on his lap.

Zero notices an empty socket in the middle of the King's crown. He had always wondered what kind of jewel was supposed to be embedded in the crown, and he never expected it to be the Golden Eye itself. Then, with a clink, the Golden Eye entered the socket, and bright golden light erupted around the King.

Everyone covered their face to damper the bright light; even Zero had to look away for a split second till the light disappeared. Then, a message appeared before Zero's group issuing different things.

Ding!

The Quest to retrieve the Golden Eye has been completed.

Side Quest: Free the Leprechauns from the evil clutches of the Magician Mano has been completed.

You have leveled up!

You have received +1,000 fame points, + 200 leadership points, and the intimacy with the soldiers of the City of Diadem has increased dramatically. All the Kingdom of Terra soldiers now know your name and have a good impression of you. Intimacy with the current King has risen in favor.

"I am truly grateful to you. You have brought back the sacred treasure that was lost for generations." The King was truly pleased with the outcome. Zero could feel a mysterious power coming from the King. "For your efforts and the people that had helped with the completion of the Quest. I will reward them as well. Terran, bring me the 2nd half of the Certificate."

A scholar bows and pulls out the Certificate that the King had promised Zero. He brings it up to Zero and hands it over.

You have received the 2nd Half of the Certificate of Draconis Library, authenticating you as the sole heir of the Drezo Regalia.

Zero gladly accepted and read through the paper.

Zero has completed the task given by the King of Diadem. The Kingdom of Terra had officially recognized Zero as the guardian and the sole heir to the Draconis Library. The old contract between the King and the Drezo Regalia had been fulfilled under the light of the Infinity. All relations between the Drezo Regalia and the Kingdom of Terra would again be allies.

Signed,

King of Diadem

A royal sigil was signed and stamped onto the paper authenticating the paper. Zero was delighted that he had finally received the paper allowing him full ownership of the Draconis Library. In addition, he could bring his own flying home with him anywhere without going back and forth from city to city.

"You have completed two grand tasks. The first to defeat the monster is called Lilith and now to bring the treasured heirloom back to its rightful owner. I can not thank you enough. You and your Adventurer friends are considered a sacred friendship that has gone through harsh ups and downs together to bring a favorable outcome."

A new title has been given to Zero. Sacred Friendship.

Intimacy has risen with the residents of the Kingdom of Terra. Finally, people will have an easier time confiding their secrets to you. When two or more Adventurers with the title Sacred Friendship work together on a quest, a temporary +5 status bonus is added to all your status till the completion of your Quest. The bonds between Sacred Friendship bring together a sacred connection between two or more people, strengthening their bonds to a higher light.

"You're overpraising us, your highness." Zero lowered his head with a humble expression. He could see that even his friends that joined him on this Quest had received the same title. Agnis, Alan, and even Jack were ecstatic with their title. Zeraph, on the other hand didn't seem to care much about the title.

"If you don't mind. I was wondering what would happen to the soldiers that had helped us in the mission?"

"Ah yes. They will be accommodated with a reward and be once again integrated into the Kingdom's army. They have grown considerably since the last time I have seen them. An appropriate rank will also be given to them. I see that you have lived up to your title when it comes to the soldiers you have fought with."

"They are considered my brother-in-arms. Without them, it would have been even more difficult to defeat the monsters inhabiting the Labyrinth and complete the Quest. They have saved our lives continuously throughout the ordeal."

"Your friendship with the soldiers knows no bounds. I will give each of them a reward and a decent place to live for the rest of their lives. Your group has truly given this Kingdom honor that knows no bounds."

"Thank you, your highness." Zero did not realize it, but at that moment, the intimacy with the soldiers he had personally worked with had considerably risen to new heights. Even though their loyalty was to the King, their second loyalty was now personally to Zero.

"You should see all rest. Your journey has been long and treacherous. But, once again, I must thank you for your journey to bring back the sacred treasure."

Zero bows and turns. The rest followed right next to and behind Zero.

"I can't believe it. Finally, I got some crazy experience, title, and gold. I was hoping for some weapons, but this should do fine." Jack replied in a happy mood. "Who would've thought such a title would bring such crazy benefits."

"This will definitely help me in trading with people," Alan rubbed his hands and smirked. Zero could tell that Alan had a mischievous air around him. Truly the merchant profession applied to him the best.

"What are we going to do now?" Agnis asked. "I want to go to the Draconis Library."

"I think I will, too," said Zeraph. "I have a couple of unfinished business to attend to."

"I think trading there will be a great idea."

"Then let's go."

The giant door opened, allowing them to go through. Tom, Eron, and Evan rushed toward Zero's group congratulating him for completing the Quest. The other soldiers in Zero's group also surrounded them like a swarm of bees.

"Leader. I heard you have acquired quite a title."

"Not only that, you have personally stuck up for us. We can't thank you enough."

"I'm glad I have followed your lead."

"He's a true friend."

"We would gladly help you out whenever you need help."

"Please do not forget us and call upon our help."

"Yes. Yes. Don't forget."

"We would gladly go with you to another adventure."

"Let's go for a grand adventure equivalent to or even greater than before this time."

"I will gladly ask for your help." Zero replied with a smile. However, in his dragon form, his smile gave off an intimidating aura. The bystanders that watched the whole ordeal thought that Zero had malicious intent, but the soldiers instead talked with him like it was nothing.

"I hope you guys do well till the next time we meet."

"Yes. Goodbye, leader." They waved their farewells and went through the gates to have an audience with the King.

"That went unexpectedly well," said Agnis. She waved her goodbyes and caught up to Zero." I wasn't expecting such a swarm of greetings. For a moment there, I thought we would get run over."

"That wasn't such a bad experience," Alan replied gleefully. "I think I will get used to this."

"Don't be too full of yourself, or it will bring you trouble." Agnis chastised Alan.

"I know. I'm just saying."

"Better to experience it now than never. So we know what to expect in the future." Jack replied.

"Yea."

Zero and his group headed towards the floating Draconis Library at the outer walls.