ATLAS PENDRAGON

I contemplated the majestic landscape that stretched before my eyes while driving the carriage. Mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests covered the continent with their vibrant colors, but it was purple that dominated the view, majestic and imposing. The mountain ranges rose for thousands of kilometers, with peaks that brushed the skies at more than 10,000 meters in height.

Spring had always brought with it a peculiar euphoria to all races, transcending continents and planes of existence. In Arcadia, this sensation was even more intense. The teleportation portal to the Alfheim kingdom was located at the summit of Mount Tenryuu.

As I guided the carriage towards the Forest of Dreams, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of these fertile and mysterious lands.

«Spring... what a curious season», I thought while adjusting the reins. For humans, it meant a new beginning after the long winter, the end of the biting cold and the promise of abundant food. Even the most diverse creatures—dwarves, orcs, elves, ogres, and carnivorous beasts—found special meaning in this season.

Although, of course, the world has never been simple. The subterranean creatures, indifferent to the changing seasons, or the snow demons with their absolute contempt for spring. But for most of us humans, spring had an undeniable charm.

During our journey, we encountered several monsters. The road was never safe, I thought while keeping the reins firm.

To be precise, we came across an imposing evil centipede of rank B+, a black spider of rank B that lurked in the shadows, a giant bat of rank C+ that descended from the skies, and an Armosaurus of rank B-, a large lizard covered with formidable natural armor. Unfortunately, we didn't see any more of those black snakes.

While guiding the carriage, my mind wandered to the terrible wolves that dominated the eastern plains. These predators were the terror of merchants who traveled between the Lancelot Empire and the kingdoms near the Forest of Dreams.

They weren't simple beasts. Each of these wolves equaled a rank C monster, dangerous enough to tear off the leg of a careless adventurer.

But the real danger arose when they hunted in packs. Under the leadership of a talented alpha, these terrible wolves revealed their true potential. The pack became a single organism, acting with perfect synchronization that easily elevated them to the category of class B monsters.

The eastern plains bordered an extensive grain-producing region, a vital resource for the Lancelot Empire that they kept fiercely protected.

As clever as these wolves might be, penetrating the Empire's defenses would be practically suicide. Even if they succeeded, they would unleash all the Empire's fury, putting their species' survival at risk.

While these thoughts occupied my mind, I remembered another recent encounter with a group of monsters. They were small-statured creatures, carrying rudimentary and crude equipment. Their dirty faces and obtuse looks contrasted with their use of swords, shields, stone axes, and bows, which set them apart from being simple beasts.

Goblins, they were infamous among adventurer groups. Their rusty weapons and worn armor revealed their precarious situation. Some barely wore stained rags. Compared to the armored lizards and spiders with their deadly serrated limbs that we had faced before, their equipment seemed incapable of posing a real threat.

When they saw us, the goblins scattered in terror. Although it was strange that they didn't try to attack us. Had they perceived the difference in power? It was unusual for these creatures, normally reckless, to show such caution.

On the way, we stopped to camp by the river. I watched with amusement as little Arceus pouted while Adelaide bathed him, with a radiant smile.

Behind them, Anastasia launched herself from a giant rock, her arms and legs spread in the air, her face beaming with joy.

However, we had been traveling for a week without encountering bandits, something I found strangely disappointing. While driving the luxurious carriage, I let out a loud yawn.

—It's so quiet... Why aren't there any bandits? Have they gotten smarter? —I commented aloud, feeling the weight of my light but extravagant armor, and the brush of my tied white hair against my neck.

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Adelaide, in her refined tunic, gave me a cheeky smile.

—Those who aren't intelligent have already been annihilated, haven't they?

—Aren't there any brave bandits? —I asked, genuinely puzzled.

—The brave ones die faster —she responded playfully.

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves resonated behind us. I saw Adelaide tense up, preparing for any eventuality. Through the mist appeared a rough-looking rider, with disheveled hair barely contained by a red cloth. His bare, muscular chest protruded under the armor, and he rode a black horse of supernatural proportions, clearly descended from a demonic beast.

—Bandit? —I asked, while the metallic sound of my voice resonated in the air.

—No! —Adelaide denied firmly.

The rider passed by us like a gust of wind, making Adelaide's hair flutter. He quickly moved away, apparently in a hurry to reach some unknown destination.

We continued our journey without setbacks until we reached a lake that softly glowed among the mountains. I decided to stop the carriage, recognizing the ideal place to camp.

—Wah. How pretty... —exclaimed Anastasia as she got down from the carriage, marveled at the lake that emitted a subtle light and a warm aura.

I watched as Arceus became fascinated with the lake while I began to prepare the camp.

—You can look around —I told him, while my years of experience as an adventurer guided my hands to quickly set up the tent and collect firewood.

When I finished lighting the fire, I heard small applause coming from Arceus, who had been watching me attentively. I extended my hand to affectionately pat his small head.

When I turned around, I saw Anastasia playing in the water with her shirt and short pants, while Adelaide watched her with her feet submerged in the lake.

—Mom, you should come in too! It's warm inside! —shouted Anastasia, waving her hand enthusiastically.

—I'll be there soon —Adelaide responded, returning the wave.

I approached Adelaide, who had laid down on the grass contemplating the landscape, and laid beside her. We had barely settled when Arceus arrived and installed himself between us. The warm wind enveloped us while I watched Adelaide fall asleep with Arceus in her arms.

Later, when it was time to eat, I noticed the hesitation on Arceus's face.

—Why don't you go play with them? —I asked, holding a fishing rod—. The lake water is warm and has a pleasant aura.

«Besides, it heals wounds and relieves fatigue». I was sure Arceus would like it, but the child kept looking alternately at the lake and at me with indecision.

—Do you want to go fishing together? —I finally suggested.

His face lit up immediately. «Ah, that was it», I said to myself. «Fishing.»

I started fishing after placing the bait, with Arceus sitting beside me, watching me with interest. To my surprise, he abruptly jumped into the water shortly after. «And I thought he didn't want to go in», I reflected while watching him splash enthusiastically.

I continued fishing, catching from small fish to some as thick as my arm. They all looked quite appetizing. When I stood up to store the fish in a basket, Arceus quickly approached.

—Where are you going? —he asked with curiosity.

—We're going to look for something to eat —I responded.

—Something to eat? I want to go too! —exclaimed Anastasia, approaching with a big smile.

While we walked, Anastasia asked:

—By the way, what are we going to eat?

—Mushrooms —I responded simply.

I saw nervousness appear on her face. —Did you say mushrooms?

—Why? —intervened Arceus.

—I don't like mushrooms. What if we accidentally eat a poisonous one...? —questioned Anastasia.

—Don't worry —I reassured her.

I descended the mountain with large strides, searching under the big trees. With an attentive look, the mushrooms began to reveal themselves among the fallen foliage. I pointed to a white mushroom that peeked out among the leaves.

—What's wrong with that? —asked Arceus with curiosity.

—Hmm. It's pretty. Right, Arceus? —commented Anastasia.

I saw Arceus nod while Anastasia continued:

—And it smells really good. Can we eat it?

—No —I shook my head.

—Why? It's pretty and smells good —protested Anastasia with a pout.

I explained to them that it was a 'Decade Mushroom', a peculiar species that developed poison as it grew, being edible only during its first ten days of life.

—How do you know that? —asked Anastasia with wide eyes.

This knowledge came from my years as an adventurer.

We continued our mushroom search until I finally let out a satisfied sigh.

—Why? Why? Did something happen? —asked Anastasia curiously.

—We got lucky today —I affirmed, pleased with our collection.

Back at the camp, I prepared to cook for the first time in a long while. I was used to my beautiful wife's cooking.

I prepared a broth with lake water, adding garlic, onions, and other ingredients. I incorporated herbs, the filleted fish, and sliced mushrooms. When I saw that the fire was weak, I used my fingertips to strengthen it.

The fish stew with spicy mushrooms was almost ready when I took out a large thermos with rice from my storage ring. The delicious aroma of mushrooms instantly spread through the air.

—Wah...! —exclaimed Anastasia, clenching her fists in anticipation.

Adelaide served the stew in bowls and distributed them. Everyone tried a spoonful and let out expressions of admiration.

I watched with amusement as Anastasia stared intently at the mushrooms, chewing carefully at first, until her expression brightened and she put a whole mushroom in her mouth.

I tasted the soup myself: it was spicy and flavorful, with the tender white fat of the fish perfectly complementing the intense aroma of the mushrooms. While savoring my portion, I saw Arceus, sitting in Adelaide's lap, bringing the spoon to his mouth.

—How is it? Is it good? —I asked.

—...Delicious —he responded with his bright eyes fixed on me.

The moment was perfect: the warmth of the food, the company of my family, and the peace of the sunset at the lake.

While watching Adelaide help Arceus with his bowl and Anastasia ask for a second portion, I felt a deep satisfaction that went beyond the simple pleasure of a good meal.