They stopped at the mouth of the canyon where it would lead them to Stusis’ grand volcano.
“You again?! Do not test us. One more step and we will send you to the beyond, Heretic!” A squadron of Dragonkins dropped from their posts and patrol aiming their weapons at Kihet.
Kihet knew if he openly attacked the guards, it could spark another conflict he was in no condition of fighting.
He was here because a few pages from the mysterious tome was suddenly filled. He studied what drawings and texts depicted in pages, but there wasn’t enough information to know what its purpose was for. Fortunately, it granted him a vital piece of information.
Initially, Kihet wanted to investigate the area to find clues where a Sanctum was. With the Acolyte defeated, he set his priority to locate Stusis’ world tree and help it bud.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to provoke them.” Lily whispered.
“Let’s see.”
Kihet stabbed the bottom of his firelance forward to test the guards’ reaction. The Dragonkins stated they would retaliate. Instead, they merely raised their weapons and looked hesitant. He continued testing their patience.
“Relax. I’m not here to cause trouble. Lily, we’re leaving.”
“En.”
With Lily’s support, Kihet hobbled away. He heard the guards sound surprised as he obediently left. Little did they know, he sent Aten to infiltrate behind their lines a few days ago to map out the area. It was determined around this time Kihet would distract the guards long enough for Aten to sneak back out.
They would return to the Scalemen camp to meet up.
Upon arrival, Yizdra greeted them. The Lizardman urged Kihet and Lily to follow her to meet with the chieftains to discuss their next move.
“Oracle, we’re grateful for all you’ve done. We would first like to express our gratitude for liberating Stusis from the Tower’s plague.” Following the Lizardman chieftain’s words, the three chieftains bowed.
“We have summoned you to relay our decision. It is regrettable the Scalemen will leave Stusis.”
“Where will all of you go?” Kihet asked.
“We are hoping to seek refuge in other countries.” The Naga answered. “It is risky to travel to Xu or Vivrus with such large numbers. Easul will not welcome us, and so, we wish to seek aid from Pamalyra.”
“Apologies in advance. However, Holy Draigh once mentioned envoys were dispatched to other countries as well. We hope to negotiate with the envoy there if given the chance.”
Although Pamalyra was not ideal, it was the best choice for the Scalemen. Pamalyra’s scorching hot desert mimicked Stusis’ temperatures. Only at nightfall would they have to worry about the freezing tundra conditions.
Irvan’s group came from Easul. The Alves would most likely deny Scalemen entry or execute them on sight.
However, travelling in Pamalyra had its own problems. Sure, the Scalemen could travelled by foot, but monsters swim underneath its sand. There were many slavers, pirates, and a giant sandstorm in the middle of Pamalyra. It would be ideal to secure a willing captain with a large vessel to transport hundreds of Scalemen.
“How many days did the Dragonkins give you?”
“Two weeks to gather our belongings and to head towards the nearest port.”
“Lily, call Tama here.”
“En.”
Moments later, the Mixrel popped in. Tama studied everyone’s expression, understanding the situation. She put on her merchant’s smile and rubbed her paws.
“I smell business~. What service may this stray provide for my humble customers?”
“Do you know anyone with a ship who can transport everyone?” Kihet asked.
“It can be arranged. However, Grumpy one, to ask a captain with one to ferry this many is a difficult feat. Base off my calculations, the Scalemen do not have enough funds even if you were to pay their fare for them.”
“Do you or do you not?”
“Nyie have a couple of contacts I can raise.”
“Convince any of them to the port we were dropped off to. You and I will negotiate for an affordable price.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“Name your price, but I will not hand over Alc’Bruk’s scale.”
“Hmm~.” Tama pondered silently. “Aha! If we successfully secure a vessel, I would like to have an audience to the Empress of Xu and the Queen of Vivrus when we visit them.”
“You’re scheming something, aren’t you?”
“Connections are like an investment that can be worth more than diamonds. If I could get a direct contract with royalties, my earnings will skyrocket!”
At very least, it was a harmless request. Kihet made sure to get Lily’s approval before agreeing to Tama’s price.
“Deal.”
“Pleasure dealing with you, Grumpy one. Nyi’ll be off to write down our contract before sending a message. With any luck, it will take them a week to arrive minimum.”
Hearing her honied words, the chieftains felt a sense of relief wash over them. That moment only lasted until Kihet turned his only eye back onto them.
“That being said, this is as much help my side can provide. As for escorting, supply, food, and other necessities, those will be your responsibility.” Kihet said.
“We understand. We have already sent able hunters and foragers to gather food for the journey as we speak.” The Tortoise chieftain said. “However, my last concern is the language barrier between the Scalemen and Beastmen. The few Scalemen who have learned to speak Pamarine are no longer with us or are still recuperating from the war.”
“My group and I will tag along. We’re forced to make a stop and I have personal matters in Pamalyra’s capital before heading back to Vivrus.”
“You have my eternal gratitude, Oracle.”
“Consider it paying my debt to you for letting me know a powerful shield exists. If it wasn’t for Ainig, we wouldn’t have made it.”
Thinking back, Ainig was sole reason of their victory. With the Pale Dragon’s blessing, he could block the Shaman’s summon while anyone else attempting the same feat were simply overpowered. Kihet needed a way to help Ainig awaken as a hero if he were to fight other Acolytes as strong as the Acolyte of Fury.
“One moment.” The Naga Chieftain hollered. “If I’m not mistaken, isn’t Krullu multilingual? I’ve heard rumors long ago he was seen communicating with Beastmen.”
“Him?” The Lizardman Chieftain scowled. “Forget it. Sure, his machinations contributed a great deal in the battle, but even the Oracle took a great deal of effort to convince him. I doubt he would be willing to do anything.”
“Speaking Krullu, where he?” Lily asked.
“That we do not know, first Hero. However, we are certain the Chameleon would flee at the first sight of danger. I can assure you he is alive.”
“Ainig might know.” Kihet shrugged. “Does anyone know where he is?”
“The Herald was last seen cleaning up Krullu’s workshop.” Yizdra chimed in.
“We’ll meet with him. Aten might take a while.”
Lily helped him stand and together, they walked through the encampment.
Busy bodies moved all around. Some were busy processing supplies in preparation of their exile, others dismantled the forge built at the side of the mountain.
Ainig and Salith were seen boxing up everything they moved out of Krullu’s workshop before the cavern collapsed. The Tortoise quietly sorted everything before Salith loaded the crates onto a cart.
“Kihet, you look better for worse. I’m sorry about your friend.” Salith said.
“If anything, I should be sorry about Carmyn. How are you holding up?”
“As good as I can be. There’s no use moping around even if I weren’t. Carmyn wouldn’t want that.” Salith reached back, handing some documents to him.
“What’s this?”
“Do you remember who I served before this mess?”
“The Queen of Rozzosea? Were you able to find her whereabouts?”
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“Yeah. Carmyn had a hidden message written on those documents. She hid in Pamalyra. Apparently, we need to get in contact with the Samark Family in Pamalyra’s capital city to meet her.”
“I see. We’re going there anyways.”
“Will you still be able to still fight?”
“I’ll have to even if I don’t know. But I’m alive. That’s all it matters.” Kihet lifted his arm, waving Lily to step forward. “Also, I never introduced the two of you since both of you are heroes.”
“Please to meet you. I’m Tomoe.” Lily bowed.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from Carmyn. Thanks for being good friends with her. The name’s Salith.”
While the girls introduced themselves to one another, Kihet decided to give Ainig a helping hand. He casted [Quagmire Sphere] to make the crates lightweight, able to load up Krullu’s belongings quickly.
Surprised by the sudden lightness, Ainig threw his hands up and discovered the objects hovering. A [Chain] slithered through the distorted space, packing wares tumbling out of the containers and guided the rest onto the back of the cart.
“O-Or-Oracle!”
“What’s on your mind?”
“Huh? I-I mean, n-nothing. No, I-I mean I don’t know.”
“Am I that scary to talk to? Be honest.”
“I… yes. You are.”
“At least you can speak up. Do you have any idea where Krullu is?”
“Sorry.” Ainig shook his head. “He and I wanted run away during the middle of the last fight. After it was over, I couldn’t find him. He must’ve ran away by himself.”
“There’s nowhere in Stusis he can run off to. Was there anywhere he mentioned he’d be going?”
“Krullu said he wanted to build a home in between Pamalyra and Sanctuary borders.”
“Seriously. Doesn’t he know there are Towers in Pamalyra and Sanctuary? Those countries are prowling with Tower monsters.” Kihet sighed. “One thing’s for sure, he’ll definitely come back to us.”
“Really?”
“He needs a ship to get through Pamalyra. Since he left everything here, I bet he doesn’t have money to pay for a fare. He’s not going anywhere. We’ll find him soon.”
Hearing that, Ainig’s eyes lit up with hope. The Tortoise smiled and in return, Kihet did too, putting a hand on Ainig’s shoulder before limping back towards Lily and Salith.
“Salith, do you two have time?”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s about the slave seal of yours. It’s about time to try and take it off once and for all. Aten should have contacted Alc’Bruk and Elius.”
----------------------------------------
Stusis’ skies were enveloped with eternal darkness under the cloud of smog lingering above the Great Wall. With the Pale Dragon revoking its title as Stusis’ light, no sunlight reached the lands. Seemingly, more rivers of bubbling magma formed across the land.
The air was silent but filled with a strange sense of tension. No one was hostile to one another, however Alc’Bruk was summoned to act as neutral mediator. After all, with Stusis now rightfully claimed by the Dragonkins, his alliance with Irvan’s group had ended.
Everyone felt tension on their skins as the Vivirian suddenly shifted. His antennas pointed towards a group of four making their way up the hill.
“You had the balls to call us here, Sinner.” Irvan spat. “You haven’t learned your lesson?”
Kihet put his hand out, stopping Lily from retaliating. “You don’t look too good yourself. Looks like Draigh had the last laugh giving you a broken nose.”
“You-!”
“Irvan. Stop.” Elius pulled him back. “Speak quickly, Faker. What did you call us here for?”
“Take off the slave crest you put on Salith.”
“And if we refuse? What’s stopping me from commanding her to kill you and take her back right now?”
“That’s right! Salith, kill him right now!” Irvan cheered.
The tattooed ring electrocuted Salith, forcing her to throw at punch at Kihet. Thankfully, Ainig was nearby to block it.
Haku drew his hidden dagger, leaping after Kihet. He held the dagger in reverse grip, bringing it down like a predator’s fang.
Suddenly, Alc’Bruk moved. His bat like wings propelled him forward, snatching the Ogre midair and slamming him onto the ground.
“Alc’Bruk, what are you doing?! Why are you helping them?!” Irvan questioned.
“I am helping no one. Our business concluded and what remains of our agreement is now between you and Crimson. Not mine.” Embers fluttered between his fangs. “I am here to ensure this negotiation proceeds with neither side harming the other.”
“Are you making an enemy out of me after I brought the Dragons victory?!”
“That is a question I shall impose back onto you. Throughout the battle with the Acolyte, you merely hid yourself in a trench until you saw the opportunity to seize victory. You do not possess the valor of a warrior, whelp.”
“Y-you…! If I’m not recovering right now, I would have cut you down!”
“Irvan!” Elius shouted.
“I can take that lizard!”
“Irvan, control yourself! You’re only making our situation worse! Salith, stop attacking the Fake! Lidian, don’t cast any spells! Haku, don’t do anything unnecessary!”
Realizing how the tables turned in one moment, Elius commanded his other teammates to stop acting out of line. If only they were more competent, he could have somehow talked his way out of this. Irvan’s recklessness only set him back further.
He observed Kihet’s calm face. “You planned for this didn’t you?”
“An old friend told me to be more calculating. I was hoping you’d just agree to my demands, and we can all walk away peacefully.”
“I have a few conditions.”
“I won’t allow it. You attacked us first. I think it’s only fair you should compensate for your actions. Don’t think of running away. Lily will shoot you and Aten can chase you down till the ends of the world if I want.”
Elius could feel his hands sweating. He already knew he walked into a trap, but Irvan arrogantly accepted to meet up in hopes there was a small chance to kill Kihet. Elius was there to salvage the aftermath of Irvan’s bad decision making.
“Let’s calm down and talk this through. You want to lift the seal from Salith, correct?”
“Just get to the point.”
“Simply put, none of us have the authority to lift it. We were able to give commands because Rozzosea’s king granted us permission. We’re not her owner.”
“How do I remove it?”
“From what I speculate, two methods. The first is to confront Rozzosea’s king and force him to release her. The second, find a slave trader who uses a similar art and have them remove it.”
“It’s… not fair! You’re always cheating! Why do you always get everything?!” Irvan jabbed his finger in Kihet’s direction. “You already have a sharpshooting who almost never misses, a monster who can’t die and a turtle with a Dragon’s Blessing!”
He was despicable, pitiful. Kihet didn’t know what Irvan meant by having everything since Irvan was the one who lived a cozy life back in the days. He was spoon fed, living in comfort and supported by the village while Kihet survived a rough life outside the village walls.
The only thing he knew Irvan was jealous because he was not chosen as the one to receive an Envoy Crest.
“I’m not waste any time hurling back insults at you.”
“I’m going to kill you.”
“Can you do that in this situation?” Kihet smirked. “You’re outnumbered, outpowered. I have Ainig and Alc’Bruk protecting me. Lily can put one right between your eyes. I can have Aten rip your head off your neck before you even know.”
“Irvan, don’t fall for his provocation.”
“He’s a coward! A Sinner! A Weakling! Fight me without anyone’s help for once! I’ll show you!”
“Look how you’re picking a fight against a handicapped person. I lost my right leg, and you took my left eye. You want to fight? Gouge out an eye and cut off one of your legs. Then we’ll fight.”
“Are you insane?! I’m not going to do that!”
“That’s too bad. I’ll continue hiding behind people so you can’t touch me. First, Rogus defected to my side. Now I’ll be taking Salith. You’re losing followers. Doesn’t that tell everyone you’re incompetent?”
“That’s it! YOU’RE DEAD!”
Irvan drew his sword and raced forward. Within four steps, the earth below him sunk and he fell into a pitfall.
“Irvan, this is my last warning to you. Control yourself.” Elius sighed. “Lidian, knock him out before he causes me more trouble.”
“Understood.”
The Fairy ignited a wick producing a familiar scent. After it was dropped down into the pitfall, Irvan’s shouting finally quiet down.
“Because Irvan’s made such a ruckus, give me the golden sword he carries.” Kihet demanded.
“Elius, you can’t!” Haku shouted. “It is a weapon my father entrusted to the Oracle!”
“Shut it.” Kihet aimed his firelance at Haku. “I really want to kill you for Shiba and Lily’s sake. Maybe I should demand your life instead.”
“Stop. No need to go that far.” Elius fished the golden sword out of the pit and the moment he presented it to Kihet, a [Chain], snatched it away. “Now you give me your word you will not harm us.”
“Two more things. Did the Acolyte drop anything after the battle?”
“The chromatic stone?”
“Crimson quickly demanded it and now it sits in its treasury.” Alc’Bruk answered.
“I see.”
“What’s the second thing?” Elius asked.
“Irvan. He sounds like a pain. Why do you travel with him?”
“He is the Oracle. He’s freed Easul from the Tower and for that, I’m indebted to him.”
“Are you sure Easul is really freed?”
“With absolute certainty. The Tower in Easul had been destroyed. Although we had not fought anything similar to an Acolyte there.”
“What about the world tree? Did Irvan light the Altar hidden within its roots?”
“Kihet, hang on! Is it fine to tell them that?!” Lily loudly whispered. “Won’t the Alves try to take it apart?”
“I doubt they’d break such a valuable monument.” Kihet assured. “I’ve already lit the one in Xu.”
“An Altar under the world tree, you say? We will have to investigate your claim. Which means, Stusis also has an Altar under its world tree.” Elius faced Alc’Bruk. “I’ve been wondering for a while. Where is the world tree located?”
“Where else than the harshest conditions of Stusis?”
The Grand Volcano.
[Inside magma?] Aten flashed his sign.
“No way! That means we can’t get to it!” Lily exclaimed.
“Many champions before me have taken the trial to earn Crimson’s blessing. Unfortunately, for you pig skinned folks, the moment you set foot in the volcano, your bodies will combust.”
Kihet wondered if [Repulsion] could direct the magma away and open a path. The only problem would be him surrounded by the scorching heat and a high chance of him being baked alive before he could find the Altar.
“Who dares seek the Sacred Sapling of the Everwarmth?”
The earth quaked. Their eyes locked onto the volcano violently erupting, spouting columns of black smog into the air.
A gigantic claw stretched out of the smoke and plunged onto the side of the volcano. A crocodilian head with many demonic like horns slithered into view. With a powerful flap of its wings, it pushed away the smokescreen revealing its crimson scales.
A rush of scorching wind mixed with ashes travelled down the mountain. Ainig quickly put up his defense to shield everyone from the avalanche.
“Crimson?!” Alc’Bruk called.
“A-A dragon?!” Ainig shrieked.
“It’s huge!” Lily gasped.
“It’s leaping at us!” Salith warned.
Crimson carried itself through the air and landed near them. Its titanic presence brought forth a mass of hot desert air radiating around it. Its ruby gemstone eyes locked onto the small group standing before it.
As the Elder Dragon’s jaws pried apart to speak, flames and ember sparked between its deadly fangs. Magma drooled down, scorching everything below it.
“Regretfully, the Everwarmth does not require ‘budding’. It is safe so long as the Volcano stand. No elements of the world will come to harm it.”
“But if you really want Stusis to be free, I need to get to the Altar.” Kihet argued.
“Stusis has already been liberated!” It bellowed. “The Oracle has delivered the final blow to the evil plaguing my mountains. There is no Altar you speak of.”
“If you would let me to take a look-.”
“You are not the Oracle who claimed me victory.”
Crimson’s deafening roar immediately silenced all forms of objection.
“I have been generous to offer you a timeline to avoid mass genocide against the Scalemen.” Crimson roared. “Do be mindful of your manners, False Beholder of the Creator’s Will. The Everwarmth lies in a sacred place for my Champions and I. No foreign entities shall taint my sacred palace.”
“What if they speak of the truth?” Alc’Bruk challenged with a question.
“Alc’Bruk, to think you dare to appear before me after returning with such humiliating results. Stusis may now belong to the Dragons, but your defeat tarnish all those who have been bestowed the title of Crimson’s Wrath. You do not deserve to have your voice heard.”
“I… I have no words.”
The Elder Dragon scoffed at the Dragonborn’s defeated expression. “And now you doubt the one who watched the Everwarmth for eons? Deplorable. I not know my reasons to lent you my blessing as this is what you amounted to.”
Alc’Bruk was known for his quick temper, but in front of Crimson, he did not dare retaliate.
“If any dare climb the volcano, I shall descend and annihilate all Scalemen immediately. Heed my warning for it shall be my last, else I shall burn all to cinders.”
No one dared to defy a revered legendary beast, especially when they’re all exhausted. Kihet hesitated to ask of Crimson about the Sanctum.
Crimson, the sovereign of fire. Its breath could instantly vaporize anything caught in it, its scales would deflect all their attacks, its long spiked tail could crush bodies, its fangs and claws would decimate every defense they had.
While it did not initiate a fight, everyone agreed to leave before the Elder Dragon’s patience plummeted. Under its watchful gaze, the Everwarmth, Stusis’ World Tree, will remain sealed away.