Two months after Kihet and Lily left for Vivrus, Xu busily reclaimed many lands from the Towers. The army of Shadows that constantly assaulted them had gradually decreased each week until it entirely stopped.

“Alright, time for our training, Rorola, Lulula! I want you two to fly a lap around the field as a warmup, okay?”

Two hatchlings hopped down the field with their stubby legs and spread their dark green feathered wings. Once they picked up speed, Lulula followed Rororla’s lead and took to the skies. As they weren’t comfortable leaving their trainer’s side, they flew low and circled around the plains.

Rorola was faster among the two but also more reckless. The tiny wyvern would always land face first and roll on the ground at full speed to reach his trainer first. Lulula on the other hand, always landed perfectly to avoid unnecessary injuries unlike her sibling.

“Ah geez! Rorola, are you okay? I told you specifically to be careful!”

Rorola whimpered as his trainer scolded him. He then saw a hand extended to him and slowly moved over its head giving him a gentle head pat.

“How are you going to carry me one day if you always hurt yourself?”

“Kua!”

“I know. You did a good job too, Lulula.”

Both hatchlings cuddled their trainer as she stroked their necks for a moment before their beaks turned to a figure marching their way. Lulula gave the person a curious look while Rorola put himself to the front and raised his chest, fanned out his wings to stop the visitor from approaching closer.

“Rorola, Lulula, stay. Stay.”

“They’re completely attached to you, Sayuri. You must’ve cared for them well.”

“Yes, sir. I treat them as if they were my children.”

“With the Oracle?”

“H-Huh?! Erm, I-!”

“I’m only teasing you, haha!”

“General Toudo, that’s not nice.”

The banter between them had the hatchlings confused as Lulula noticed Martha’s expression swayed a bit. She quietly crawled forward and took a bite at Toudo’s shin while he was distracted.

“Eouch!”

“Lulula, no! General, I’m sorry! Are you hurt?”

“Bahaha! I’m fine! Lulula’s just testing the strength of her jaws, ain’t that right?” Toudo reached down, giving her a scratch on the chin. “But once you get older, don’t bite me, alright? It’ll actually hurt.”

“Kueh!”

“I don’t know if she understands, but I’ll assume so. Off you go, better get your daily exercises done.”

Lulula shook her body and hopped to Sayuri’s side.

For today’s training, Sayuri had a contraption next to her that launches clay disc. With the help of ranch workers, the disc launcher was ready for its first shot.

“Rorola, you’re up.”

“Kua!”

Rorola dashed forward and flew to the skies as soon as he saw the disc zoomed over him. Embers formed between his jaws as his throat rapidly filled with hot burning air. Once enough pressure has built up, the Wyvern opened its maws and unleashed a small fireball shattered the disc before to flew too far.

Thinking about the reason he was scolded, Rorola glided towards Sayuri and carefully landed on the grass, hopping the rest of the way back. He still needed practice to minimize his landing distance.

“Good job!” Sayuri handed him a strip of jerky from her pouch and Rorola devoured it in one gulp, wagging his tail. “Lulula, it’s your turn.”

Martha, also known as Sayuri, was aware Lulula had great control maneuvering well in the tightest turns. However, her aim for her flame breath was always off. Sayuri adjusted the launcher accordingly to Lulula’s capabilities and held the lever. Unlike Rorola who destroyed the disc flying at full speed with pinpoint accuracy, Lulula was given a slower disc to shoot. It took an average of three fireballs before it hit the moving target.

“Good work, Lulula.”

“Kueh!” Lulula ate the prized jerky delicately as opposed to her brother.

“Sayuri, I must say you’ve already mastered being a tamer. It took five months for previous trainers to get one to calm down before they could begin training it.”

“Your compliment pleases me. It is due to the foundation of knowledge from the previous trainers. I am constantly revising and building upon existing methods.”

“As humble as always. You know, the soldiers gave you a nickname. The Wyvern whisperer. A bit generic, in my opinion.”

“At least the title isn’t more exaggerated. I’m simply a caretaker.”

“Oh right, any news of the third hatchling?”

“No. Nothing.” Sayuri shook her head. “It’s still being incubated. The egg’s not infertile either as sometimes there’s movement.”

“Isn’t it strange it wouldn’t hatch after so long?”

“Well, there’s no use to force it to hatch. Afterall, these two are already a handful for me.”

Toudo watched as Rorola tugged on Sayuri’s sleeve gently, nudging her to put another disc on the launcher. The two observed Rorola chase the disc curving in the air and caught it in his jaws. Lulula on the other hand stayed by Sayuri’s side and kept alerted towards the horizon.

“I wonder how Kihet and Lily will react once they’re fully trained.” Sayuri petted Lulula’s head. “I didn’t tell them about this.”

“How sly of you. By the way, the Oracle’s always in a bad mood. Are you sure that glare of his won’t scare the hatchlings?”

“I’m sure he will go back to his former self once he’s back.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“You think so?”

“For sure. If Lily, Kihet and I will travel around the world once they save it, Kihet will have to put a smile on his face.” Sayuri flashed a smile. “That being said, is that a letter from Lily?”

“Sure is. I didn’t open it yet, so make sure you read it out loud for my aged ears to listen too.”

“It will be my pleasure.”

----------------------------------------

Kihet and Lily decided to make their last round around Vigilgladis, doing last minute shopping. News of their victory against a Dracalefic Fly Lord spread through the capital as that made them the center of attention everywhere they went. The trophies he commissioned the smithy to turn into equipment made it the more obvious. Thankfully, Kihet didn’t have to endure the attention any longer as it was their last day before they travel to Stusis.

The only thing Kihet aimed for from the creature was consumable armaments. Underneath his cloak were vials of bottles as one batch leaked frosty air while the other was perfectly sealed.

Lily’s knee and elbow pads were made from the sturdiest part of the creature. On her right arm was a plated gauntlet made with the same material. Each time she moved her wrist, hairs between the joints over the back of her hand rubbed against each other and emitted small sparks of static stored in the crystal.

“This is it, isn’t it?”

“En. I’m going to miss the food here.”

As they were walking down through the palace halls towards the World Tree’s Heart, they encountered members from their hunt. Lily was greeted by Priqet and Yixy while Megith walked behind them next to Kihet.

“Yo, Kihet! I’m here to see you off!”

“You’re not going to try to go against our bet, are you?”

“I still have my pride. I know when I lose and when I win a bet. I really want to travel with you to find the others, but as you said, I’ll only hold you back.” She smacked his back. “Wow, I hit you with everything I got, and you didn’t budge. Not only your personality changed, but you must’ve also refined your body to be like Draigh’s.”

“Not really?”

“You got great muscles!” She squeezed his shoulders, measuring him. “Somehow, I can’t stop squeezing you.”

“Please stop before this sounds even more strange.”

Kihet felt someone was leering at them. As he looked to the front, he made eye contact with Lily.

“Are you going to stop?” Kihet asked.

“Sorry, sorry. I just can’t believe it. The Kihet back then was lazy and wasn’t as well built as you are now.” Megith laughed as her pace slowed. The confidence in her tone then faded and she suddenly gave him a tackle hug from behind.

“Megith?”

“I think it’s too soon for you to leave. We only had our proper reunion a few days ago. Every night I wondered what if we’re the only two Enuis left.”

“I’ll find the others. I promise. And when I come back, I’ll find Malth.”

“If you say so then I’ll believe you. You always come through when it counts and I’ll do what I can to dig up where my brother is.”

“Ahem. Holy Megith, I want to talk to you.” Lily suddenly demanded.

“What a coincidence. I also have somethings to tell you before you go. Anyways, go get em, Kihet! They’ll be a surprise waiting for you when you get there!”

“A surprise?”

As Kihet made his way to the front, he caught a glance of Lily’s expression. He must’ve imagined it as he thought he saw Lily’s expression turned cold for a second. He tried to listen to bits of the conversation behind him, but they were far back while Priqet and Yixy talked beside him which he couldn’t ignore to be disrespectful to them.

“Well, Oracle. It’s been a pleasure working with you. Before you come back, may I ask a little favor?”

“How little are you talking about?” Kihet raised a brow.

“Well, you know. Since Yixy and I never step foot outside of Vivrus, we were wondering if you would grab us some souvenirs from the places you travel.”

“If possible, could you collect herbs for me?” Yixy added.

“I could do that. I’m planning to test them in some recipes as well. Do you want my findings on them?”

“That would be helpful. Maybe I can find a herb that won’t make me feel sleepy during daytime.”

“What about you, Priqet?”

“I like shiny rocks!”

“So… crystals? Are you asking me to buy expensive crystals from vendors around the world?”

“No no. I prefer if you mined it. Most vendors have them processed and I like the ones mined raw. Tiny specimens would do well for my collection!”

“I never imagined you’d be interested in crystals. I’ll go mine some if I have time.”

“Thanks in advance!”

“No promises.”

“How heartless!”

The group marched deep underground and eventually met with Queen Elarinya standing next to their carriage ready to be pulled through the portal.

“Have you prepared sufficient supplies, Oracle?”

“Yeah. Lily and I are ready.”

“En! To Stusis we go!” Lily cheered. “By the way, what can we expect there?”

“Stusis is a volcanic area. They have uncanny valley of mountains everywhere. Some areas do contain an abundance of toxic gas. Do stay away from those them.” Elarinya answered.

“Toxic gas? Kihet, are you sure we can’t skip Stusis?”

“We’ll manage. I know a few tricks to detect it before we go near. Plus, if anything, the Scalemen there would know.”

“Thank you for bringing the Oracle’s light to us. It’s a shame a Hero in Vivrus hasn’t awaken despite of your stay.”

“To be honest, I don’t know the requirements of how a person’s chosen. I’ll have to look into it further.”

“Then might I ask you a favor before you go?”

“You want a souvenir too?”

Confused, Queen Elarinya turned around and studied Priqet and Yixy. It took one glance to read their faces to understand they also asked the Oracle a favor.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I prefer flowers from Sanctuary. I heard those are beautiful all year round.” She smiled. “As for my actual favor, I wish for you to bring someone along in your travels. I believe you wanted to accompany them, Aten?”

[Yes.]

All eyes looked towards the Dragonfly dragging a small sac towards the cart.

“H-hang on, your majesty!” Priqet waved his arms in objection. “Doesn’t Sir Aten have the Orphanage to tend to?”

“The title of director has been given to me!” Megith proudly pointed her thumb to herself. “And with the Queen’s help, I’ll make sure those children grow up strong and healthy!”

“Is it true?” Kihet asked.

“It has been all arranged.” Elarinya nodded.

“I meant if Megith can actually handle it.”

“Hey! Kihet!”

“Haha. Rest assured, I will support Holy Megith in anyway as long as I remain the ruler of Vivrus. Even then, my subordinates will take on the task if I am unable to.” Elarinya then pointed at Aten. “You see, this old fool waited centuries for someone to bring him outside of Vivrus. He wished to know how the origin of his curse came to.”

[Dispel it if possible.]

“The only clue we have was the encounter from that dungeon.” Yixy yawned. “If anything, there would be more clues out there.”

“Kihet, we should take him along! I’m curious to know!”

“I’m not against it, but…”

Looking at the to be party, the three of them used piercing attacks. Aten specializes at using spears while Lily’s main weapon was a bow and arrow. As for Kihet, he could use a variety of weapons to change his style of attack but is limited to what he carried.

“I would say his ability to not die would be useful. An extra person would be helpful.” Kihet muttered. “Aten, are you sure about this?”

[Yes.]

“Then Lily and I will be in your care. Is there anything else before we go?”

“There is.” Elarinya answered. “This may be our last chance we get to see face to face.”

“Because of Vivrus’ custom?” Lily asked.

“Correct. If the next time you visit and I am absent, I’ll make sure the next ruler will be someone you can count on be it I lose my claws and carapace. Know that I will pray for your success even if I stand within the beyond.”

“We had our arguments, but I’m glad we got a chance to meet. Thanks for taking care of us.” Kihet said.

“Likewise. I believe Holy Megith has a request now?”

“A hug!” Megith opened her arms and flew at Kihet.

“Hey, Megith!”

Suddenly she whispered into his ears.

“Earlier Tomoe asked a lot of questions about Sorah. I don’t trust her, and I don’t know what’s she’s planning. Be careful around her.”

Kihet’s eyes went wide. “What are you-?”

“And that’s that! Good luck on your journey, Kihet, Tomoe, Aten! You three better come back!”

It was as Elenora warned. Kihet quickly moved his hanging hand back to his side and remained speechless. He waved back at the farewell group to avoid suspicion as the carriage sank into the portal.

After Kihet and his party crossed the portal, the ring fell back into its slot.

“So, how about we tackle a quest, Yixy, Priqet?”

“You two head on to the guild. I wish to speak with her highness.” Priqet answered.

“Sounds serious. Are you feeling okay?” Yixy asked.

“Maybe I miss them already.” He shrugged.

“Then we’ll go on ahead and get ourselves a good adventure!” Megith cheered, pulling Yixy along.

After the girls exited the chamber and it was only the two of them left, Elarinya lowered herself next to Priqet to match his height.

“Are you sure about this? You could’ve joined them if you had announced it.”

“Your majesty, I still believe I’m not worthy of traveling with the Oracle.” Priqet removed one of his gauntlets. At the back of his hand contained a seal. “My participation against the corrupted hero was abysmal. It was Sir Aten that helped them. I know I need to grow stronger to use its powers to fight the Shadows. The next time we meet, I shall show them the result of my determination.”

“I will assist however I can, Vivrus’ hero.”