A majestic white dragonness stood atop a towering mountain, emanating an aura of divine grace that instilled a sense of reverence in all who beheld her. Her enigmatic expression revealed little of her thoughts as she surveyed the vast expanse of the mountain range. At her side stood Jon, the eldest disciple of Aether, his head respectfully bowed as he awaited the dragonness's words.
Immy, broke the silence with a question that cut through the stillness of the scene. Her voice carried a weight of authority and wisdom. "How goes the situation in Yadour?"
Jon, maintaining his humble posture, responded promptly, relaying the situation in Yadour. "Under your excellency's guidance, Halbor had successfully implemented the measures to stabilize the region. Everything aligned with your foresight, as the Demons had seized control of the northern territories and proclaimed independence. Concurrently, the elves had established their dominance over the eastern borders with Lumia. Meanwhile, the remnants of Yadour's royalty had been confined to a small territory in the south."
"Good, what of the others?" Immy's eyes, scanned the horizon as she inquired about the status of other regions under her watchful gaze. Jon, ever dutiful, provided the updates she sought.
"Lana, your excellency, continues her tireless efforts to restore order in Lumia, but it appears that the process requires more time and patience," Jon reported. He continued, "Rimor, having suffered their previous defeat, has chosen to isolate itself by sealing off its borders. Their current circumstances suggest a lack of immediate capacity to make further strategic moves. As for Tinada and Zasal, they have exercised caution and refrained from hasty actions, instead opting to maintain vigilant oversight over the unfolding events."
Immy's expression remained unchanged, but a glimmer of satisfaction danced in her eyes as she inquired about the progress of their emissaries.
"And the individuals we dispatched?" she inquired.
Jon's voice held a note of triumph as he replied, "The church has successfully established a firm presence in all of the nations, your excellency. None dared to impede our progress, as each ruler, including the Demons and Elves extended their welcome with open arms."
"Good, good." Immy nodded approvingly at the news and listened as Jon informed her about the head priest's request.
"The head priest has expressed a desire for a meeting to discuss the doctrine and establish the rules we should implement," Jon relayed.
Immy responded with a dismissive wave of her enormous tail before speaking, "Let them engage in their discussions first, and once they have reached a decision, present it to me. I will then determine whether it aligns with our intentions and if it should be implemented."
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"Your word is my command," Jon bowed in reverence.
Immy nodded in satisfaction, acknowledging his respect. "You are dismissed," she declared.
With one final bow, Jon turned and leapt off the towering mountain range, vanishing swiftly as he descended towards the ground. Immy paid no mind to his departure, instead tilting her head upward and gazing at the sky with a complex expression.
"It has been entertaining to remain here, but those three are united out there... Perhaps it is time for me to join them," she murmured contemplatively to herself.
****
Frustration seethed within me as I confronted Breta, unable to contain my annoyance. "Damn it Breta, that was too damn close! You nearly shaved my horn off!"I growled, my tone filled with irritation.
We had retreated to one of the floating platforms to replenish our depleted mana reserves and recuperate. The battle against the remaining Shades was nearing its end. Grandfather had disappeared, chasing after a larger monster into the distance. Meanwhile, Dralina had remained behind, alongside the Elders.
Breta stood there nonchalantly, as if oblivious to the close call. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she shrugged with a passive expression.
"Your spear you bastard, just earlier were you even aiming for the Shade? Cause it seems to me like you were aiming for my head!" I accused, my frustration mounting.
"Me? How could I do such a thing?" The Goddess responded, feigning hurt with an expression that failed to convince, her face devoid of any genuine emotion.
"Tsk," annoyance welled up within me, and I couldn't help but click my tongue in frustration. Closing my eyes, I focused my energy on healing the injuries accumulated from the intense battles we had fought.
Ynos, who was seated a short distance away, appeared to be in a worse state than the rest of us. His penchant for direct confrontations had taken its toll. Despite the formidable shield he deployed, it had its limitations. Nevertheless, my younger brother seemed unperturbed, rhythmically rubbing his claws against a large rock.
On the other hand, Sidus wore a distant expression on his face. I could sense the complexity of his emotions as his gaze fixated on the dark expanse of space in the distance.
Opening one eye, I directed my gaze towards him, my curiosity piqued. "What's on your mind?" I inquired, hoping to delve into his thoughts.
Taken aback by my question, Sidus stumbled for a moment before responding, "Uh, brother... I was just reminiscing about home."
A mischievous smirk crept across my face as I playfully prodded, "Oh, missing Immy, are we?"
Clearly flustered, his expression betrayed his attempt to deny it. "Ah? No! Why would I miss that idiot?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at his response, shaking my head in amusement. Sidus and Immy, despite their constant bickering, had an unspoken bond as twins. Their synergy in battle and their shared time back home, when they went, adventuring together were evidence of the closeness they shared, even if they wouldn't openly admit it.
'How adorable.'
"Well, I'm certain she'll grow tired of lingering in the mortal plane and will soon join us," I stated with confidence.
Sidus remained silent, but I could discern the subtle shifts in his emotions as he attempted to appear indifferent.
"However, it's our little Essie that we should be mindful of, brother," he interjected, diverting the topic.
Curiosity piqued, I inquired, "Oh, and why is that?"
A shiver coursed through Sidus as he hastily shook his head. "She's been undergoing intense training under Grandma, for all this time," he revealed, his voice tinged with unease.
For some reason, his words caused me to frown as I mumbled to myself, "Little Essie, although it's grandma we are talking about, still I don't think it'll be that bad... I hope not..."