It started a month ago, or at least that's when the plants were first spotted.

A few Aramlians had been out a few kilometers past NorthClaw, making some checkups in their assigned section, essentially ensuring that nothing suspicious was going on. On that day, apart from the group that wandered out a bit more than the rest, nothing unusual was spotted and nothing had been sighted the day before that either. The group in question didn't find an enemy or a trap or really any suspicious activity that would be cause for alarm. In fact, other than a single flower, a large blood red rose, it was hardly worth even noting.

So, without any thought to it, the group returned back to NorthClaw and gave Ontoki their findings. As one would expect, no one, not even the acting Chief, took the appearance of the plant very seriously.

The next day, another set of patrols unearthed a few more plants, plants scattered not only by NorthClaw but by the Piertend Lake as well, one of the only oasis' to exist in 'Ard Araml. Plants that had never been seen before and even some vegetables seemingly grown in the sandy surroundings overnight. While not something worth raising the alarm for, it did begin to warrant some caution.

After the third day, Ontoki made a decision. Every plant the lookouts came across, especially those around the Lake was to be pulled out of the ground and burned.

By the end of the first week, the amount of vegetation had exploded to ridiculous levels, to the point where it took every available hand to completely rid it all. Even then, after all was said and done, a fresh wave of foilage sprouted and even doubled in quantity within the second week. Even as Ontoki fought against the onslaught of grass and trees, he was unable to find the source of the green pandemic. What was more, it became clear that most, if not all, of the newly sprouted plants had begun using Lake Piertend as a fuel source, devouring the water rather quickly.

Only a month had passed and the lake had already lost a good twenty percent of its water. If they didn't stop the plants soon, or at least within the next month, the Aramlians would be forced to locate a new water source before they died of thirst.

"Additionally, most animals and monsters use Lake Piertend as a water source as well, providing us with a sustainable food source." Hunopil trotted over a set of raised roots as the duo dashed through the innards of NorthClaw, now a veritable jungle. "Without that Lake, many will die and those that don't will be homeless. This world is infested with monsters. If you don't possess sufficient strength, death will remain close at hand."

"So. You want us to scope things out and get rid of these issues." Mako glanced towards the Equenik.

"I don't expect you to be able to do much. You're an Adventurer and you don't even seem like a strong one at that." The Horse Demihuman didn't even bother hiding his real thoughts nor the poison dripping through his own words. "However, as much as I despise you and that foolish oaf friend of yours-"

"Watch it."

"...You were right about one thing. Despite their barbaric nature's and need to conquer, Adventurers have more experience with these things, with dealing with magic such as this. Even if it means setting my pride aside. Even if it means dealing with the demons themselves. For the sake of my friends, my family, my home, I'll do what I must. Therefore, I apologize for the way I've treated you thus far." Hunopil slowed to a stop as they arrived into a much larger clearing, a place clear of trees and other vegetation. "If you will, please lend us your aid in ridding NorthClaw of this Mage and their magic, this infestation that dares to encroach upon the territory we Aramlians defend with our very lives."

Even with at a passing glance, one could tell how sincere the man was and how much it pained him to say those words.

(("The World's keep moving. Everyone has issues and problems to deal with, some bigger than they can handle. However, at least most of them have Adventurers to help them out if they get stuck.")) Mako thought of the few worlds he had been to since he had become an Adventurer. (("This world is shunned by the WGC and has even demonized the Adventurers regardless of who they are. Is it by Jaks rotten luck that we're here or a twist of fate? Either way...."))

Mako grinned. "I don't like you either. However, I CAN respect you. It isn't easy to put your pride and prejudice away. I have trouble doing it myself. Jak probably hasn't even tried. If youre willing to do that than I suppose I'll have to as well. Gotta save face right?"

((".....I'll help them as best I can."))

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The young rookie reached out his hand, offering it to the Aramlian in front of him. After what seemed like an eternity, Hunopil grasped it firmly, an unknown expression on his face.

"So, this is the Parthenon I take it?" Mako asked, turning to face in front of him once again. "That is one big building."

It truly was a massive infrastructure, probably as large as Hadoks Manor, but also not nearly as beautifully designed. Four thick stone columns sprouted from the four corners followed by four smaller ones fixed in between each of them. Pictures and various hieroglyphics were etched into the pillars and walls, giving it a rather odd look. Unlike the other houses and buildings Mako had passed to get there, no other Aramlian was in sight. Nor was there any vegetation near the Parthenon, ending a full half kilometer before it, forming a near perfect away from it instead.

"The Parthenon is the library where we store our knowledge, knowledge that has been collected since the very beginning of 'Ard Araml. It not only possesses knowledge about our world but other worlds as well." A bit of pride filled the Equeniks words, showing just how proud he was of his own people.

"All that knowledge and you couldn't figure out what was wrong?" Mako placed a hand over his mouth, covering a snicker.

Hunopil scowled.

"I'm joking man. I'm sure you guys tried your best. Obviously you wouldn't have bothered talking to me if the Parthenon helped."

"Seems you aren't totally brainless." The Equenik made his way forward once again, heading to the left side of the building.

"Judging by the lack of plants and the markings, you have a protective shield placed on your library. Halts magical attacks and most magical spells as well as their effects from entering a certain range." Mako looked everywhere, from the ground to the Parthenon itself as he followed Hunopil closely. "You were able to deduce its not an infestation but rather the work of a mage through the movement of the plants around the Parthenon. Interesting. I'd wager the vegetation is a spell more similar to a curse which is why its much harder to eviscerate."

(("He picked up on that in seconds. He acts so laid back and indifferent. Appears he's actually quite intelligent.")) Hunopil glanced back out the corner of his eye. (("I've met other Adventurers before. They weren't nearly as clever. Seems I may have underestimated this child."))

The two didn't converse following that interaction, and Mako didn't bother trying to spark one up, sitting comfortably in the newfound silence.

A number of questions had been answered, ones that had been gnawing at him since he and the others had teleported there.

The reason that the Aramlians had been so hostile and close to ending their lives was a combination of the locals still unknown hatred of Adventurers and their current situation. When three mages suddenly appeared out of nowhere when things were already grim enough, it was a wonder that Mako and Jak were still breathing. Normally, they probably would've been set free after the first round of questioning, or so Mako believed to be the case anyways. They just caught them at an EXTREMELY bad time, probably thanks to Jaks rotten luck.

It was always his fault.

Another answered inquiry was their desire to take away Meru, a former Slave.

This one was rather easy. They saw Adventurers as disgusting and untrustworthy. They noticed a recently freed slave in the hands of their worst enemy and immediately wanted her far away from the two Rookies, even if they had to kill them. Though such actions were taken with Meru's well being in mind, it didn't exactly make Mako feel any better about it. His best friend had nearly died due to their own bias. He doubted that he would ever be able to look past such a transgression.

Of course, just like that entire day, more questions were raised than answers. So many questions.

Truly, it was getting rather old. The Elemental Rookie serial killings. The Mapel Subjugation. Now the Aramlian Troubles. There was hardly a chance to breath before the next situation came barreling forward. Even one of his most difficult quests in the last three years hadn't been nearly as exhausting as this one turned out to be. With the way things were going, it would taken eons before he could finally relax with his Guild and play a few games of Monster Restarn with Hadok. While he enjoyed spending time with his friend, he made a mental note to never do a mission with the redhead ever again.

"When we get inside, I mentioned this earlier. Be respectful." Hunopil glanced back at Mako as they reached front of the Parthenon. "I'm one of the more lenient ones. I followed Ontoki's words and chose not to harm you despite how I feel. The others....I don't think they'd react with the same constraints. While I'd enjoy watching you get torn to shreds, we'll need to hold off on it for now."

"Gee. You're so kind and welcoming. Truly a gifts from the gods themselves."

"Glad we're on the same page."

Mako scoffed. "So you CAN make jokes."

Without further words, Hunopil pushed open the sizeable doors leading into the Aramlian library.

A wave of warmth gently washed over the youth as insides of the Parthenon was gradually exposed, warmth that was closely followed by pleasant smells such as oak and honey. For some reason, this feeling combined with the smell eased Mako's mind and even took the edge off some of his more negative emotions. Whatever spell had been cast on the place, it was clear that they never intended for fighting or violence to ever reach its doorstep.

The innards of the Parthenon was actually a bit more complex than the outside suggested, though it made sense seeing as it held centuries worth of detailed information.

From the outside looking in, as someone who had never stepped foot in the vicinity, it looked like a place with little to no organization whatsoever. It definitely looked tidy and professional but some things just looked so out of place.

Some books were paired with odd looking scrolls. Weird looking dolls stood next to even weirder looking artifacts. Clay pots with hieroglyphics sat in the corner with what looked to be a see through container of organized Information Orbs. In total, it was a complete mess than Mako wouldn't have been able to navigate without a local Aramlian present. Luckily, there were around a dozen or so of them present within the library when Hunopil and himself happened to make their way inside.

Among those present were Ontoki and a much younger looking beastfolk more around Mako's age. More specifically he was a Fennelis, A Desert Fox beastfolk.

Before Hunopil and Mako had made their way inside, it sounded like Ontoki and the child had been at odds about something, their voices raised ever so slightly. However, their conversation seemed to quickly die off the moment the Equenik and the Adventurer made their way forward. Even the rummaging of the other Aramlians present seemed to falter, their eyes locking onto Mako from where they stood, be it the first or second floors.

"Clawjorn. Y mákiel eryudn réytz Adventurer itretil yet újio vrentun." (*Chief. I have brought the Adventurer here as you asked.)

"Arcanum, Hunopil." (*Thank you, Hunopil.)

Mako didn't really try to follow what they were saying, instead, merely doing his best to take everything in, analyzing everything to the best of his ability. Not only for himself but for Jak when he finally decided he had enough sleep.

"Adventurer child. Welcome to the Parthenon, the heart of not only NorthClaw but to the entirety of this world. Come forward. I have much to discuss with you."