As I sat miserably on Steel’s back, flying towards the edge of the continent and heading for the "Ashen Town," Elder Omono was reclining comfortably aboard the Parrot, a magical flying ship, leisurely enjoying some fruit as he soared towards Kenny Village.
The Mage Guild had long undervalued such magical tools. Most magical devices required magic stones to operate, and these stones, with their specific elemental properties, were not easy to find. Moreover, the early models of these tools had shockingly low conversion rates. It wasn’t until one particular president of the Mage Guild deeply researched magical tools and invented the Magic Converter, which allowed the efficient conversion of magic into power, that things changed. This development coincided with the Guild's discovery of a massive magic stone mine in a secret location on the Oran continent, causing an explosion of interest and research into magical tools.
The Parrot was one such tool, a magical flying vessel. It was also one of the faster ships in the Guild, equipped with an A++ grade magic converter that boasted an impressive 80% energy conversion rate. Not every elder-level mage had access to such advanced magical tools. Omono's position as the head of the Intelligence Division afforded him the privilege of owning one. In fact, the only faster flying ship was the White Falcon, currently in the hands of Lily, the Guild's Executive Vice President.
In addition to its speed, the Parrot could comfortably carry four people, making it one of the larger smaller-sized vessels. On this trip, Omono had brought along Yoo. As his assistant mage, Yoo was currently a mid-level mage but seemed on track to be promoted to senior mage soon.
---
Alin Mountains.
Yin and Yang, Steel’s parents, had expected their son to contact them using a communication orb shortly after awakening. However, two days passed with no contact. Growing increasingly anxious, Yin's motherly concern finally convinced Yang to activate their own communication orb. He infused it with magic, and the orb began to call out.
“Steel, are you there?”
After a brief delay, Steel’s voice came through. “Dad? Is that you? I’m here.”
“Where are you? Why didn’t you contact us after waking up?”
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“I’m… I’m… at… the… edge… of Or…” Steel's voice was faint, and the connection seemed unstable.
“What? Where are you?” Yang asked, growing alarmed.
“I’m… I… the Ashen…” Steel struggled to articulate, and then the connection abruptly cut off.
Yang poured more magic into the orb, but no response came from the other side. Yin, puzzled, asked, “What did our son say?”
“I couldn’t make it out. Either he’s too far away, or something is interfering with the signal,” Yang replied, equally confused.
“I heard him say ‘Ashen,’” Yin said.
“I heard that too. Could he be back where we parted ways? Ashen Town?” Yang wondered aloud.
“I’m worried about him,” Yin said, her concern deepening.
“He’ll be fine, dear. He’s a fully grown dragon now, after all. Plus, I can still sense that he’s with that sorcerer,” Yang reassured her.
“No, I don’t want to wait for him to find us. You didn’t even tell him where we are. Let’s go to him,” Yin insisted, her face full of worry.
Yang considered telling her not to overreact but decided against it. After all, they still needed to conduct Steel’s coming-of-age ceremony, so going to him wasn’t a bad idea. Given their speed, they could reach Ashen Town in a day. “Alright, if you’re that worried, let’s go together.”
Both dragons, being decisive creatures, immediately transformed into their dragon forms and took flight toward Ashen Town.
---
Sitting on Steel’s back, I suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of unease, as though a dark premonition loomed over me, casting a gloom across my heart.
---
Kenny Village.
Barok had just finished singing his newly composed song at the village church. The lyrics described how Steel the dragon had burned down Ash Village, leaving the gathered villagers in shock. As Barok sang the final verse, the crowd erupted into murmurs. Some began asking, “Honored Bard Barok, is what you said true?”
It had been so long since anyone had heard of a dragon destroying an entire village that many of the villagers were skeptical.
Before Barok could respond, Bishop Ken’s voice rang out. “My dear parishioners, it is true. Just moments ago, the knights I sent to investigate Ash Village returned with news. The entire village has been wiped out, with no survivors. The homes have been reduced to ash.”
The bishop continued somberly, “My dear people, greed is a sin. If the villagers of Ash had not allowed greed to take root in their hearts, would they have faced such a tragic end? Let us learn from their fate. Let us remember the teachings of the Holy Lord. Now, let us bow our heads in a moment of silence for the departed. Amen.” He made the sign of the cross.
The villagers stood and silently mourned, their hearts heavy with the weight of the bishop’s words.
After the silence, Bishop Ken beckoned Barok to him with a wave. Barok, unsure of the reason but knowing that the bishop had authority over him in the absence of higher-ranking officials from the Bard’s Guild, obediently followed him to the bishop's quarters.
Once inside, Bishop Ken spoke gravely. “Barok, Elder Omono from the Mage Guild is on his way here. He’s aboard a magical flying vessel and will arrive soon. I want you to stay and personally report everything you saw in Ash Village to him.”
Barok frowned slightly. “Elder Omono?”
“Yes, he’s the head of the Guild’s Intelligence Division and a true elder-level mage.”
Barok nodded. “Understood, Your Grace. I will wait at the inn for your summons.”
“Go ahead, my child,” Ken said kindly. “I’ll notify you once the elder arrives.”
Barok, saying nothing more, rose, bowed respectfully, and left the bishop’s quarters.
(To be continued)