At the Black Dragon hideout, everyone was doing their own thing, Vanessa was lying down on the couch wasting away, Luck was being his mischievous self, and Adelaide was watching Dak as he was doing some push-ups.

"Things have been rather quiet since the attack on the capital," Adelaide noted.

"Yeah, it's so boring," said Luck as he swung his fists. "I haven't fought anyone for several days."

"Hey, it's supposed to be a good thing when we're not needed," said Vanessa.

"I personally wish that there was something to do," said Dak.

"Then it's a good thing that I'm here," said Hiccup as he entered the room.

Dak immediately stopped and looked at Hiccup. "What you want me to do, Captain Hiccup?"

"I want you to accompany me to see an old friend," said Hiccup folding his arms. "I think it is about time we have those Anti-Magic weapons of yours appraised."

"Can I come with you as well?" Adelaide asked.

"Sure, why not," Hiccup shrugged and then smiled. "That if you don't mind going riding on the back of the dragon."

"Say what?" said Adelaide.

Moments later, Dak and Adelaide held on tight as they were sitting behind Hiccup on top of Toothless. Toothless was flying at an incredible speed, faster than any broom they had previously ridden on.

"Is this even safe?" Adelaide screamed.

"I've been riding on Toothless since I a little older than you," said Hiccup.

"That's not entirely reassuring!"

"So, where exactly are we going?" Dak asked.

"We're going to Calgrave," said Hiccup.

"And who exactly is this friend of yours?" Adelaide asked curiously.

"He's my old mentor."

Dak and Adelaide looked at one another.

They soon reached Calgrave, and Toothless landed near a blacksmiths shop.

"Your mentor is blacksmith?" said Adelaide.

"He was also my drill sergeant when I was a cadet," said Hiccup.

"Drill sergeant? Cadet?" Dak frowned.

"You mean he's a foreigner from your country," said Adelaide.

"Aye, the two of us made our way to this country after an uprising; we barely escaped with our lives," said Hiccup. "Now, let's go and meet him."

'I wonder what kind of guy this guy is?' said Dak looking curious. 'I mean, if he trained Captain Hiccup, he must be really strong.'

Hiccup opened the door, and they stepped in, and they could see a large figure standing at the forge and the sound of a hammer hitting hot metal.

"I'll be with you just a minute," he said, and his voice sounded familiar.

"Take your time," Hiccup smiled.

Adelaide looked around and saw that there was quite a collection of weapons, swords, axes and maces.

"I've never seen so many weapons in one place," she said.

"Not surprising, this country doesn't really use craft weapons," said Hiccup. "They would rather create their weapons from magic rather than channelling their magic through weapons."

"I didn't even realise there was possible," said Adelaide.

"Then it sounds like you got a lot to learn, lass," said the blacksmith as he made his way over to the counter.

Dak's eyes widened because he recognised him as Gobber. "I know you; you're that guy I met with my sister months ago."

"And I see you managed to get into the Magic Knights," said Gobber.

"I see you've already met one another," said Hiccup. "Dak… Adelaide… Allow me to introduce to you to Gobber Forgemaster or more commonly known as Gobber the Belch."

"Why do they call him that?" Dak asked.

"Well, that's because I—"

"How we get back to the matter why we hear," said Adelaide hotly.

"Fair enough," said Hiccup and looked at Gobber. "Gobber, I was wondering if you could take a look at Dak's Anti-Magic weapons."

"I was wondering when you would show," Gobber smiled. "Anti-Magic… I have to admit that a new one on me. I mean, I've heard of weakening spells, but a type of magic tables and neutralised magic itself."

"Here they are," said Dak as he pulled out both his blades and placed them on the counter.

Gobber placed goggles over his eyes and began to examine them closely. "Aye, I can definitely tell by looking at these that they weren't rusty or dirty originally. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the ease of the most well-crafted weapons I've ever seen in my life."

"So if they didn't originally look like this, what happened?" Hiccup asked.

"Don't rightly know, but I'd say that these blades are roughly 500 years old give-or-take a decade," said Gobber as he looked back at them.

"500?" Adelaide stared.

"Aye, these blades are certainly unique," said Gobber.

Hiccup frowned. "Anything else you can tell us?"

"Except that these blades were definitely crafted by magic, but how they managed to gain the power of Anti-Magic is beyond me."

"I see," said Hiccup stroking his beard. "Thanks for the help Gobber."

"Wish I can tell you more."

"While here, do you mind if I get my sword sharpened?" Hiccup asked.

"Help yourself," said Gobber.

Hiccup looked at Dak and Adelaide. "I won't be long, just don't touch anything."

"Yes, sir," they said.

Gobber watched as Hiccup made his way to the backroom and then looked at Dak and Adelaide.

"So you're Hiccup's new recruits, a boy without magic and Royal unable to control hers," he said, looking at them curiously. "Hiccup always did find oddities, but then again is a bit of an oddball himself, so I suppose it's to be expected."

"Captain Hiccup said that you were his mentor," said Dak looking at him curiously.

"Which would mean that your farm and yourself," said Adelaide looking at him suspiciously.

"That's right, born and bred in the Spade Kingdom," Gobber nodded.

"Spade?" said Adelaide looking at him, shocked. "Then how did you manage to get past the Strong Magic Region?"

It was common knowledge that the Spade Kingdom was the most northern and largest kingdom on the continent, but unlike the other kingdoms, it did not share a border. Instead, its borders were spread across the Strong Magic Region, making it almost impossible for them to invade or be invaded.

"I think you can thank Toothless here," said Gobber patting Toothless on the head. "According to Hiccup, he helped us cross the border, though I was unconscious at the time. I was roughly 15 years ago."

"So Captain Hiccup has been riding on Toothless since he was 13?" said Dak looking amazed.

"Don't you remember what the Captain said while we were flying away here? He said that he was flying on Toothless since he was a little older than we are," Adelaide reminded him.

"Three years to be exact," said Gobber. "In fact, it was roughly the same time that he lost his leg."

"I've been curious how did he lose his leg?" Dak asked.

"He's never told you?" said Gobber surprised.

"We know that he lost a mission he was leading, but that's about it," said Adelaide.

"Then take a seat, and I'll tell you the story," Gobber smiled.

Dak and Adelaide sat on two crates, and Gobber began his tail.

'The tale began 10 years ago; back then, Hiccup had only just joined the Magic Knights and was starting to make a name for himself,' said Gobber. 'Of course, peasants had only just recently started to join the Magic Knights, and there was only a few. Hiccup being a foreigner, was treated the very same as such he spent most of his time in the Forsaken Realm, but then that began to change.'

Julius, who was the captain of the Grey Deer back then, was taking part in a meeting with the other Magic Knight Captains. Instead of nine squads, there was only six, and all of them were still vying for power against one another.

Sitting at the head of the table was the 27th Wizard King Gabriel Goldhand; he was in his 60s at had long blonde hair that was starting to show some grey.

"I summon you all here because I recently received word that someone is poaching dragons in the Strong Magic Region," he said, looking at all of them.

"With all due respect, sir," said Spitelout, the Captain of the Silver Eagles, who bore a strong resemblance to Snotlout except that he was much taller. "What does this have to do with us? The Strong Magic Region is the neutral zone between Spade and us. Why would we care if dragons are being poached."

Atali, the Captain of the Blue Rose Knights, who had strawberry blonde hair narrowed her eyes. "Because dragons are the main reason why it was impossible to venture into the Strong Magic Region. But the dragon population in their dies down that would mean it will be easier for Spade to invade the other kingdoms."

"Precisely," said Gabriel. "We cannot allow that to happen; we presently know nothing of what has happened to Spade of the past five years since the revolt and murder of the Royal family. In fact, the only reason we even know about this is thanks to a member of Julius' squad."

"Assuming we can take the word of a foreigner," said Johann.

Spitelout narrowed his eyes and Julius. "Why you recruited a foreigner into your squad is beyond me?"

"Have a care, Spitelout," said Mogadon, Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, a muscular man with burning red hair. "That foreigner was able to best your son in combat. He may not have been born in this land, but he still to the same oath as the rest of us when he joined the Magic Knights."

"Gentlemen, I believe we're strained from the point," said Atali looking towards Gabriel. "I assume that you wish us to stop the poaching of the dragon population?"

"That I do, and I think it would be best if we create a small team made of different members of the Magic Knights," Gabriel advised.

"Magic Knights from different squads teaming up, I don't think that it has ever happened in our history," said Julius.

"For good reason," said Spitelout folding his arms. "We have always competed against one another. Our squads teaming up will sow mistrust."

"But if a single squad take this mission alone, the other Magic Knight squad will be furious," said Atali looking at Gabriel. "I believe his Majesty does not wish this infighting to grow out of control."

"There is already rumours of corruption within the Magic Knights," said Julius looking deeply troubled. "I've been getting reports of constant bandit attacks within the Forsaken and Common Realms."

"As such, the only ones will be going on this mission of those we can trust absolute," said Gabriel looking at them sternly.

"And who would you suggest leading such a team?" Mogadon asked curiously. "It would have to be someone with exceptional leadership skills, someone who has knowledge of the terrain, excellent survival skills and an expert in dragonology."

Julius looked at Gabriel. "There's only one person who fit that description."

Gabriel nodded. "Yes, Hiccup had will be leading this mission."

Spitelout immediately rose out of his seat, looking outraged. "The foreigner! You can't be serious?"

Gabriel looked at him. "Do you have anyone else better suited?"

"My son," said Spitelout.

"Your son has a monstrous ego, and he prefers to attack first and ask questions later," said Atali. "I personally do not have a problem with the boy; in fact, I recommend Astrid Hofferson to be his second-in-command."

"The two of them have worked together before?" Gabriel asked curiously.

"They've done a few missions together, and she speaks rather highly of him," said Atali.

"They would also need someone skilful in stealth and someone to assist in communications," said Julius. "Ragnar Keatson and Fishlegs Ingerman would be ideal to fit those positions."

Spitelout clenched his fist. "Three members of the Grey Deer, and no one is arguing?"

"They are the strongest squad. It only makes sense they have the most members of this team," said Mogadon. "I would normally invite my son to join him on this mission, but I'm afraid he's indisposed at the moment."

"Then it looks like it's up to House Jorgenson to represent the Royal family," Spitelout sneered. "As such, I will have my son joined the team."

"Just make sure that he follows orders," said Gabriel. "Now, does anyone else wish to offer their assistance?"

The captain of the Coral Peacocks merely shook his head, but Johann immediately sat up.

"I do have two members who will be eager to take part in such a mission," he said.

"Very well," said Gabriel looking at the squad captains. "Then I will leave it to you to brief your squadmates. Have them here in the capital by noon tomorrow that is all."

Back at the Grey Deer headquarters, Julius was bringing Hiccup, Fishlegs and Ragnar up to speed. Ragnar had chocolate brown eyes and hair and had a similar build to Hiccup.

"So you wish for us to venture into the Strong Magic Region to find these poachers?" said Ragnar.

"That is correct, and you will be joined by members from other squads, and Hiccup will be in charge of them," said Julius.

Hiccup looked deeply troubled. "Sir, you sure it's wise to have me a foreigner in charge of such a mission. I'm not saying that I'm not capable, but will everyone follow my orders?"

"I have the utmost faith in your abilities, but I can't stress the importance of finding these poachers and stopping," said Julius.

"I'm a bit more concerned that we're going to venture into the Strong Magic Region," said Fishlegs.

Hiccup nodded. "Fishlegs has a point, sir. I've only been there once, and that was during a full moon where the Strong Magic Region is at its weakest. The next full moon is a week away, surely would be wise to wait until then."

"The Wizard King wishes for this to be done now; we don't have time to wait," said Julius. "The three of you best get a good nights sleep because tomorrow you're heading out."

The three of them then saluted and left the room, and Hiccup was feeling uneasy.

"Me in charge of a teammate from other squad members," said Hiccup shaking his head. "Even the members of our squad still gives me a wide berth."

"That's not true; me and Fishlegs always help you when you need it," Ragnar pointed out.

"True, but Snotlout is going to be part of the team," Hiccup reminded him. "You know how much that guy hates me."

"It certainly didn't help that you humiliated him a few years ago," said Fishlegs.

"He asked for it," said Ragnar.

"And then there's Astrid," Hiccup continued.

"What's the problem with her?" Fishlegs frowned. "I mean, the two of you have worked together on missions before."

"True, but he has a slight crush on her," Ragnar smiled.

Hiccup immediately blushed. "That has nothing to do with it!"

Ragnar rolled his eyes. "Please, it has everything to do with it."

"Okay, I got a crush on her, but you name anyone who hasn't."

"She is beautiful," said Fishlegs.

"Who has turned down every single suitor in the most violent way possible," Ragnar pointed out. "And she's going to be your second-in-command."

"Don't remind me," Hiccup groaned.

"I am curious who the Purple Orcas will be sending," said Fishlegs.

"Just so long as they're not sending any other Snotlouts, it should be fine," said Ragnar.

"I'm actually surprised the sending anyone to help," said Hiccup. "They mostly do jobs inside the Royal Capital, and most of them are to assist nobles."

"Guess this dragon poaching really got their attention," said Ragnar.

"Anyway, we better do what the Captain said and get a good nights sleep," said Hiccup looking at the two of them. "We're going to need all the rest we can get."

The next day they arrived at the Royal Capital at Magic Knight headquarters, and there they met their team. They immediately recognised Astrid and Snotlout, but they saw a pair of twins, one male and the other female, wearing Purple Orcas robes.

"Look who decided to finally show up," said Snotlout folding his arms.

"We're not late," said Hiccup.

"You might as well be; I need you were the last ones to arrive."

"How about we get this mission underway and not argue," Astrid advised.

"So which one is supposed to be our team leader?" the male twin asked?

"No clue," said his sister.

"That would be me," said Hiccup looking at the two of them. "And you two are?"

"We're Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston," said the female twin proudly.

"The Captain hand-picked us for this mission," said Tuffnut scratching his head. "Though we have no idea why? I mean, we are only Junior Knights.

"How junior?" Ragnar asked.

"We're still at the bottom rank," said Ruffnut.

"You mean that the Purple Orcas sent to Junior Magic Knights at the lowest rank on this very important mission," said Snotlout in disbelief. "And I thought things were bad enough with this foreigner in charge."

"Let's just go through the mission," Hiccup sighed.

"We already know the mission," said Snotlout.

"Quiet," Astrid snapped.

"Why are you defending him?" Snotlout asked in disbelief. "I mean, he's a foreigner, and the rest of us are nobles and royals. Why should we take orders from him?"

"Actually, both me and my sister commoners," said Tuffnut raising his hand.

"Of course you are, but that's still better than a foreigner," said Snotlout.

"Snotlout, there are bigger things on the line and social standings," Ragnar glared. "We have a mission to safeguard the kingdom, and Hiccup is leading on this mission by the request of the Wizard King. Surely you're not going to question our commander-in-chief?"

"Shut up, Ragnar," Snotlout muttered.

"Back to the briefing," said Hiccup looking at them. "This team has been formed in order to investigate the source of the dragon poaching that's been going within the Strong Magic Region and put an end to it."

"Any idea where to start the search?" Astrid asked.

Hiccup looked at Fishlegs, and he nodded; a few moments later, projection of the Strong Magic Region appeared in front of them.

"We'll start right in the middle between both Clover and Spade," said Hiccup, pointing.

"Why there?" Snotlout asked, folding his arms.

"Because we believe the poacher is working for Spade, and it would be an ideal spot to set up camp," said Hiccup.

"Camp?" Snotlout groaned.

"What did you expect?" Astrid asked. "There's hardly going to be mansions in the Strong Magic Region?"

"But aren't there communities in certain areas like the Witches Forest?" Fishlegs asked.

"Yes, but all of them are extremely territorial," said Hiccup. "Besides, will know a handful of them, so I don't have the survive with our own wits."

"Which is another reason why Hiccup was put in charge of this mission," said Astrid. "Hiccup is the only one of us here who has actually had survival training."

"I'm not saying that it's going to be comfortable, but we should be able to survive out there," said Hiccup.

"So, how do we plan on getting to the Strong Magic Region?" Ruffnut asked.

"Are we going to fly there by broom?" Tuffnut asked.

Hiccup smiled and looked at Ragnar. "Actually, Ragnar is going to take us there."

Ragnar nodded and stepped forward. "Shadow Magic: Shadow Corridor!"

Suddenly appearing, Ragnar's shadow began to crawl its way in front of him and then it shot out of the ground and formed a doorway and inside, they could see a long dark corridor.

"Is that Spatial Magic?" Ruffnut asked.

"No, but spatial mage is on the only ones who can travel between destinations," Hiccup smiled. "Ragnar is able to travel through shadows, but he's also able to transport a small number of people to any desired location so long as the shadow."

"Impressive," said Astrid.

Ragnar looked at them. "Show we get going?"

With that, they began to enter the dark corridor, and their mission began.