To Luchux: Although it is already too late for me to do anymore adjustments, thanks anyway for giving me the information about the Cursed Series. I hope you continue to read my Fanfic despite its inaccuracies with the source material.
To dndkeg: You are absolutely right that Eugeo would normally reject having a harem. But since Alice is actually on board with the idea and is ok with sharing her man, she and the girls will be gradually convincing him of the idea in later chapters.
To BlazeBlade: I took a look at the internet and found out that the Queen did that to vent some of her anger and frustrations during her time stuck in her meetings with the other nations.
- It was only implied but it was said that it's the church who stole Itsuki's reward money after he finished that Quest he took by using the Legendary Replica with a disguised Church member. Itsuki developed a habit of trying to appear like a Robin Hood Vigilante by not revealing his true identity when facing some people. Which is why the Church succeeded in stealing his reward money.
- Not quite sure in Ren's case. In the anime he kinda lost the reward and Quest because he's the one responsible for the entire epidemic problem in the first place.
- You are one of my favorite reviewers that I look forward to reading for each update. So I was surprised that you didn't write any at the "Clash between Heroes" chapter. What do you think about it?
To Guest Squire Ann: Thank you for your kind words and I hope you continue to enjoy my story despite its flaws. After all, you are one of my favorite reviewers that I look forward to every time I update.
- You are partially correct with Eugeo gaining an ally. But he will only have occasional appearances which will be explained at this chapter.
To Dxhologram: Yup! The appearance that I chose for Rino to take is Miku from Date A Live!
- I wanted Rino to be a bit more special so I chose an appearance that hands down beats Myne and the other girls in the looks department. Not only did it make Rino a significant threat for Motoyasu's attention and affection. But her hair color being a bit similar to Melty only added fuel to her anger towards her.
To xaldreca: Thanks for all the advice. This is my very first Fanfiction ever so it's no surprise that my writing style can still be improved. I will try to implement your advice from here on out but I'm just too lazy to rewrite my earlier chapters in one sitting. I will try to address them little by little. I hope you continue to enjoy this story of mine despite it being littered with my flaws.
- Arthur has been trying to keep a low profile up until this point. With the enemy's powerbases in disarray thanks to the so called Angel Alice, Arthur will now have more freedom to speak even when in Castle Town.
- Some complained to me that I was using too much dialogue but I guess I can't please everyone. I will try to make a balance between dialogue and simple narrative paragraphs.
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As the party of five traveled up the mountain, Eugeo gave his instructions to his companions...
"When we face the dragon, try not to show any signs of hostility that can provoke it. So no drawing of your weapons and no sudden movements that might accidentally trigger any of it's instincts. Just prepare to close your eyes for a brief moment if I order you to since I will be using {Flash Sword}. Releasing a powerful blinding light that will temporarily daze it for a few seconds. Plenty of time for us to lure it towards a more favorable combative location."
"But I want to fight it!" Arthur angrily declares in a tantrum. Surprising both Eugeo and Alice as they never saw their adopted son act in such an irrational behavior before, "I hate dragons! I want to show it who's boss and sent it flying away!"
Noticing her beloved Hero's confusion, Anna volunteered to explain, "Filolials, Dragons as well as Griffins have always had an instinctive dislike towards each other. It was never really discovered how this rivalry started. But it's been a long known fact that the three species have been at war with each other for centuries. It's one of the reasons why the stables of their tamed counterparts always have to be built as far away from each other as possible to keep riots from happening."
Not wanting their son to one day fight a hopeless battle simply because of an inherent grudge. Alice and Eugeo quickly gave the young Filolial a small dose of parental talk.
"But mother?!"
'No buts young man! No reckless fighting against dragons... or any other opponent for that matter, that might be too much out of your league. Understood?!'
Somehow, Eugeo can easily imagine Alice in a newlywed's dress huffing with both hand on her hips as she chastised Arthur like that.
The young Filolial King seems to be struggling with his instincts and is still reluctant to obey. So Eugeo decided to throw a bone...
"Why don't I cook up a special meal just for you as a reward for listening to your mother."
Which the boy quickly agrees on, much to Alice's annoyance as she didn't approve of Eugeo's methods. But it goes to show that the power of the stomach is greater than the power of the mind when dealing with a Royal Filolial.
Rifana then asked about the couple's reluctance to slay dragons, something that Kirin and Anna also wanted to know about. So Eugeo proceeded to explain how Dragons acted like guardians back in his homeworld instead of mindless beast. Which is the reason why he doesn't want to kill one if it's not even necessary.
Who knows what the repercussions would be if this dragon happens to share a similar role in this world like the Dragons that Administrator killed back in Underworld.
Eugeo and company spent a little over two hours of traveling to reach the edge of the dragon's inner territory. It's pretty obvious that they're getting close since there are plenty of scorch marks, giant footprints, broken weapons, stray arrows and other evidence of battles that transpired here in the past. Most likely from Adventurers who tried to kill the dragon but failed to do so.
"ROOOOAAAAR!!!"
A loud, ferocious roar vibrated from within a nearby cave as the dragon's sharp hearing picks up the sound of approaching footsteps. Exiting its cave to reveal itself and face the intruders that dared to trespass into its territory. The dragon is an impressive sight as it's waaay bigger than the tamed dragons that the Integrity Knights ride on back in Centoria.
But just as Eugeo said before, he wanted to reason with it so he quickly gave the beast a quick scan with his Appraisal Skill. Informing him that this dragon has a Alignment Status.
Meaning, this dragon isn't a mindless beast that needs to be struck down. But an intelligent creature that is capable of sentient thought.
Holding up his empty hands to show that he isn't here looking for a fight. Going so far as to stab the Legendary Sword to the ground and leaving it there to prove his sincerity.
The dragon took a few steps forward so it can have a closer look on the intruders. Intrigued that the apparent leader of this party openly shown his unwillingness to fight him.
The dragon can tell from their auras that they are all a lot stronger than all the other Adventurers who came before them. The dragon growled slightly when it noticed the fat Filolial that the group is traveling with. But when the dragon squinted its eyes and noticed the Legendary Sword. It quickly realized the young man's identity.
What happens next is a bit of a surprising head scratcher. Although Eugeo, Alice and even Arthur were already half expecting it.
Because the dragon suddenly spoke!
"Are you by chance the new Legendary Sword Hero?"
Needless to say, the girls were very surprised to hear the Dragon actually having the ability to speak. Taking a few moments for them to calm down before they can converse properly again as Eugeo slowly reclaimed his Legendary Sword.
"Y-Yes! I am the current Sword Hero." Eugeo slightly stuttered while displaying the blade's blue jewel that signifies his status.
"I guess this isn't really the best way to hold a conversation... just give me a few seconds."
With that, the dragon displays that just like Arthur, he also have the ability to shapeshift as blue flames envelopes his entire body. The fire ball noticably become smaller and smaller as the dragon within morphs into a more human like form.
Once the transformation is complete, the blue flames disperse to reveal the dragon's new appearance.
Looking like a boy at his very early teens with fierce violet eyes and spikey white hair that looks like its slightly on fire. Wearing a light Kung Fu uniform with a mix of dark and soft color of blue. And as a testimony of his true nature, he has two black horns at the top of his head, his mouth full of razor sharp teeth and has a pair of metallic blue dragon wings at his back.
"My name is Gaelion, one of the very few benevolent Dragon Emperors in this world." the mighty dragon, in a very deceiving appearance, introduced himself as he approached the current Sword Hero and his party.
Prompting Eugeo to snap out of his stunned state and politely return the gesture. Introducing himself and gesturing to his companions one by one.
"My name is Eugeo Zuberg... This little guy over here is my noble steed Arthur. My fellow knight is Kirin Toudou. My trusted Snake Warrior is Anna Fidi. And my latest protege swordswoman is Rifana."
Gaelion nodded in acknowledgment as he already knew how much stronger these people are compared to all the weaklings who came before them. Arthur and the girls giving Eugeo appreciative glances for the Hero's silent complements.
"I know you have questions to ask, and to be honest, I also have some of my own. So why don't we discuss these things and other important matters inside my den."
All of Eugeo's companions, especially Arthur, hesitated to trust the dragon's invitation. The girls all heard of the stories of just how much destruction a dragon can cause if provoked. But they soon decided to trust on Eugeo's instincts and Alice's assuring words. Especially when the two mentioned that Gaelion is regarded as a 'Neutral Good' in their Appraisal Scan.
An awkward silence ensues as they entered the cave's entrance and walked along its chambers. So Gaelion decided to help by saying something to break the ice...
"Make sure your pet chicken doesn't leave a mess now would you."
"CHICKEN!!! I'm a Filolial King you stupid-Mmmppph!" Arthur reacted like he expected and was only silenced when Eugeo and all the girls grabbed the insulted angry boy and covered his mouth shut. Much to Gaelion's great amusement as his cackling laughter echoed throughout the caves. Strangely enough, seeing the disguised Dragon Emperor laughing at the reaction he got from Arthur actually loosen up the tension that was hanging in the air.
When they arrived at the dragon's den, Eugeo and his companions couldn't help but gasp at what they saw. Scattered all over the chambers are golden coins, precious gems and even a few furniture that is decorated by gold and other precious metals!
When Eugeo asked about it, Rifana explained that dragons have a habit of collecting treasures and other precious items and storing them in their chosen dens.
'I always wondered why the Dragon in the End Mountains back in Rulid had treasures in his lair.' Alice mentally mumbles in realization.
'I guess this answers that questions.' Eugeo couldn't help but chuckle as one of their childhood mysteries has finally been solved after all these years.
But what caught Eugeo's attention the most are the countless dragon scales, fangs, claws and horns that littered among the treasures!
'Sir Gaelion probably shedded them during his molting seasons.' Alice mentally mumbled as they observed all the very exotic materials, 'You should really absorb a few of these while storing a chunk of them in your inventory for later. I highly doubt Sir Gaelion would mind.'
Eugeo nodded with a grin as he will no doubt unlock some really powerful Swords after this!
"Eeehh!" a small shriek is heard as the Sword Hero and everyone else turned to see a young Dog Demi-Human who is now hiding behind some of the piled up treasures.
"Who are all of these people papa?!"
Gaelion chuckled while ignoring the question. Grabbing the back of the girl's neck and forcibly pulled her out of her hiding place. Fully exposing the girl and presenting her to his guest with her feet suspended a few inches above the ground.
The child has unruly, pale blond hair that reached just above her shoulders with a pair of dog ears and a somewhat fluffy tail of the same color. Her blue and green clothes being slightly faded but still neat enough to be worn.
"This little squirt over here is named Wyndia. She was being chased by some very bad people shortly after she became an orphan so I decided to save her and take her in as my adopted daughter. She's a cutie isn't she?" the disguised dragon introduced with a toothy grin as he began pinching one of Wyndia's cheeks.
"Daddy!" the little Dog Demi-Human whined as she struggled to break free from his hold, "Stop this right now!"
It is this genuinely cute father and daughter moment that Gaelion and Wyndia are having that fully convinced Eugeo and his companions. They could actually relax their guard around this particular dragon.
Once they all took their seats on the few furniture that Gaelion possessed in his treasury, they all started their discussions. Wyndia, being the extremely shy and isolated girl that she is, stayed quiet for the most part... but she did start to loosen up a little and got along with Arthur when the young Filolial asked if they can be friends.
It was during these conversations that Gaelion revealed a surprising bit about himself. He told them that he was raised by one of the previous Legendary Sword Heroes. Greatly explaining the reason why Gaelion has been very polite and docile towards Eugeo throughout their interactions compared to what he would normally do against other intruders.
"My memories of the hero who raised me is a bit fuzzy now since it has been a few hundred years. But I can still recall that the Sword Hero is female. She has the purest golden blonde hair, has a ravenous apatite and she happens to have a serious romantic relationship with the Bow Hero of the time."
'Wait. Could this be the very same Sword Hero and Bow Hero who started that Emiya restaurant business? Like the one back in the capital?' Alice mentally commented.
'They just might be.' Eugeo chuckled in reply.
"It's too bad that you ended up with a plain Filolial instead of a mighty dragon like me. After all, a dragon is several times more useful than a Filolial as far as long distance traveling goes." Gaelion jabbed with toothy grin.
"What did you say?!" Unsurprisingly offending Arthur for the insult and once again causing a ruckus. Much to the dragon's amusement as he once again cackles in mischievous glee.
"That maybe so, a dragon may have been several times more useful than a Filolial. After all, dragon riding is the main form of transportation that the Integrity Knights used back home..."
Arthur looked like he had just been slapped...hard... when he heard his foster father's words. The girls were ready to give Eugeo one heck of a scolding for hurting the poor boy's feelings. That is, until the Hero finished his sentence...
"But I will never replace Arthur. He's my son in all but blood and that makes him priceless." placing his hand on top of the boy's head, as he continued, "So if it isn't too much to ask, can you please stop bothering Arthur?"
Arthur's mood made a full 180 as he beamed in happiness and pride for his father's declaration. The same thing could be said to the girls as they smiled at their chosen Hero's words.
But much to their surprise, Gaelion just laughed. "Hahahahahaha! Now that's what I'm talking about! Looks like you got a spine in you! You may have a really long way to go before you reach my mother's level of strength. But you're already making great progress as far as I'm concerned."
"T-Thank you for your kind words. But putting that issue out of the way, I just had to ask. Do you by chance happen to know about the Strengthening Method your mother used during her time?"
"Strengthening Method? What do you mean by that?" the dragon in human skin tilted his head in confusion.
"Oh. I guess you don't know about it then. Well, never mind." Deciding not to dwell on it, Eugeo and the girls instead asked for what he can remember about his times with his Heroic parent.
Wanting to switch to more pleasant topics, the Dragon Emperor spent the next hour sharing some funny stories focusing on his 'mother's' antics. Reminiscing some of the most hilarious and memorable moments that he can recall about her.
"Seriously! Master Eugeo's predecessor is like THAT!" Anna's melodious laughter echoed through the cave along with the rest of the party, even Arthur, as Gaelion told them one specific trait of the Hero who raised him.
"It's an undeniable truth. She literally has a black hole for a stomach as she can actually out eat everyone. Even ME for that matter whenever she got really hungry! Especially if her boyfriend, the Bow Hero, is the one who cooks the food." Gaelion confirmed with a rumbling chuckle.
"I guess even the great Cardinal Heroes have their own goofy sides." Kirin commented as she continued to laugh also.
"That is very true." the dragon nodded as he crossed his arms and leers at the current Sword Hero's company, "I guess Sir Eugeo here ended up with the more common quirk among the Cardinal Heroes. Already having three beautiful Mates to have babies with in just two months?! You sure work fast Sir Eugeo."
With the excemption of Arthur who is still a bit clueless about love, everyone else blushed a bright crimson as Eugeo loudly protested that his party members are definitely not potential love interests! Something Gaelion didn't believe for a second!
Especially since the Dragon still remembers the very smitten look his former master had for the Bow Hero during his younger days. The current Sword Hero's companions are all showing very similar signs to his 'mother' of being in love.
So for quite some time, everyone had a great time sharing some stories with each other.
When it's Eugeo's turn to share, he told everyone a few things about his former world. Gaelion felt quite happy when he mentions about how dragons are highly respected. How they are regarded as guardians of humanity instead of being seen as monsters like the people of this world does. Especially by the people of Melromarc.
But things started to get more serious again when Gaelion informed everyone about his job as Dragon Emperor.
"My mother left me two duties for me to fulfill. My 1st duty is to fight against the Wave's of Catastrophe that do not occur in any of the human or demi-human nations and settlements."
Pretty much like what a certain Alpha Filolial Queen is doing which Gaelion chose to not mentioning.
"My 2nd duty is to keep other potential Dragon Emperors on a tight leash."
"Other potential Dragon Emperors?"
"Simply put... they are dragons who grew powerful enough to either develope or obtain a Mana Fragment from the original Dragon Emperor. The only problem is that, more often than not, fledgling Dragon Emperors go berserk when their bodies could no longer handle the immense power of the Mana Fragment. I'm actually one of the very, very few exemptions. Since I was raised by a Hero, I received some degree of protection from going out of control unlike all the other dragons."
Eugeo, the girls and even Arthur looked at Gaelion with great admiration. That is some serious dedication and loyalty to his mother even after so much time has already passed.
Deeming their new friend to be trustworthy, Eugeo decided to share with Gaelion the important events that happened to him ever since he arrived in this world...
Him unlocking the Spirit within his Legendary Weapon shortly after being summoned...
The scandal that caused a great divide to form between the other Heroes that occurred the very next day...
The ominous sword that he accidentally unlocked in his moment of extreme anger during Anna and Rifana's rescue...
The King's further attempts to mess with the Shield Hero...
...and finally, as to why he came to his nest in the first place.
The Dragon Emperor is understandably upset. Not only for all the possible repercussions that will result from this divide between the heroes... but if things have been a bit different and the current Sword Hero is so easily manipulated...
Gaelion shook his head as he didn't want to think about it.
The reasonable reptile praised Eugeo for awakening the Sword Spirit so quickly just like his 'mother'. Although unlike Alice who wants to manifest as a human being, the Sword Spirit of his 'mother's' was already content to just giving her advice. So the Spirit never developed a body like Alice did and remained a secret to the common folks.
The dragon then profusely warns Eugeo about the dangers of using the black sword that he accidentally unlocked.
Warning Eugeo that his 'mother' lost control of herself once when she was forced to use it in a battle. It became so bad that she can no longer tell the difference between friend or foe. Reaching to the point where she had to be restrained by all the other Cardinal Heroes before her beloved Bow Hero manages to snap her out of it.
He could only count his lucky stars that Eugeo is already doing his part to reunite the other Heroes and deciding to NOT use the cursed series unless absolutely necessary. Also praising the fact that he did not believe in the lies from the Idiot King and Corrupted Nobleman who seriously tried to taint the Sword Hero's honor.
Both of the past and the present!
"Sir Eugeo straight up told the Nobleman that he won't kill you but simply try to force you to find a different home." Kirin assured as she and everyone else took a few steps backwards. Largely because Gaelion is unconsciously radiating a lot of heat which is being fueled by his anger. Causing all of them to sweat.
Finally, Gaelion let out a very frustrated sigh as he loudly spoke to himself, "Well... I am starting to get really annoyed with that Noble's minions constantly trying to steal my treasures as well as to kidnap my daughter. So I guess leaving this place and finding a new home sounds like a good idea."
With a decision made, Gaelion used his own version of storage magic to collect all of his treasures while leaving behind his old sheddings. Telling Eugeo that they are all free to do what they wished with them as they worthless to him but are considered very valuable materials to humans.
Exiting the cave, Gaelion and Wyndia bade their farewells. The Dragon Emperor reverting back to his full form with the girl now riding on top of his head in preparation for a long distant travel.
"We will no doubt meet again everyone. So take care until the next time we cross paths."
"Goodbye everyone! I know our time has been short but I hope to get to know all of you better the next time we meet!" Wyndia says as she is now less scared of Eugeo and the others since they have shown to be good people. The fact that Eugeo is the Sword Hero also helps.
Eugeo, Kirin, Anna, Rifana and even Arthur were all saying their goodbyes when the dragon suddenly remembered something important just when he was preparing for take off...
"Ohhh... I almost forgot!"
"It's a really good thing I remembered to register Mirso Village as a [Teleport Point]." Eugeo slightly groaned as he started the unexpected chore of absorbing the dragon parts that Arthur and the girls gathered for him just a few minutes earlier.
"Yeah. Otherwise, we would be forced to waste the rest of this entire day just traveling back there." Kirin commented as she and Rifana worked together to break some of the larger dragon claws and dragon fangs into smaller, manageable pieces.
"Hey Master Eugeo? Are you absolutely sure that you want to just give away the rest if these Dragon parts to those villagers?" Anna asked as she loaded an armful of dragon scales inside Arthur's carriage for easier distribution later, "After all, you could get a lot, and I really do mean a lot... of money if you sell these materials to any of the major ruling countries."
"Yes, I'm sure." Eugeo firmly nodded, "I already stored a chunk of them in my Sword Inventory for Erhard to work on for you and Rifana's new armor." Anna and Rifana perked up when they heard that.
"I even managed to put aside a few to share with Naofumi and the rest of the other Heroes if they ever happen to pass through Mirso village." Eugeo smiles to himself as he assures everyone about his decision, "Besides... They are going to need these materials far more than I ever will if Gaelion's foresight actually comes true."
Kirin, Rifana and Anna all nodded in understanding as they all went back to work while Arthur wanders around to collect the processed materials into his carriage. All of them recalling the final words the somewhat peaceful dragon said before he flew away to look for a new home.
The warning that Gaelion left behind is that there is a chance that his sudden disappearance will cause a shift in the monster ecosystem.
There's a high possibility that some other powerful beast or even a whole group of lesser monsters would arrive to fill the void that the Dragon Emperor left behind after his departure. And unlike the benevolent Dragon who left the nearby human settlements alone unless provoked. The replacing monsters might be more aggressive and attack nearby villages for no real reason.
So Eugeo and Alice agreed that they will only take a small fraction of the valuable Dragon materials for themselves while leaving behind the rest for the people of Mirso Village to use. Delivering a chunk of it to the villagers so they will have the resources to start preparations after being warned about the possible threat.
They won't be seeing Naofumi or any of the other Heroes for a week or more since they will be leaving the country to fight Siltvelt's Wave. So under Alice's suggestion, they will request the Mirso Village Head to put aside a portion of the dragon parts to be handed over to any of the other Heroes who happens to pass through their village. Although it's more for Naofumi's sake than Motoyasu and Itsuki. It's the Shielder who needs his help more after all.
With everyone content and in agreement with his course of action, Eugeo continued to absorb the sizable pile of dragon materials in front of him. Unlocking sword forms and mastering a few of them thanks to the repetitions.
Saving the very best...
and slightly disgusting piece for last...
Eugeo finally absorbed the pebble sized purple crystal that Gaelion vomited out for the Sword Hero to take.
Thus, completing the entire Dragon series.
[Dragon Talon Sword Unlocked]
[Dragon Scale Sword Unlocked]
[Dragon Fang Sword Unlocked]
[Dragon Horn Sword Unlocked]
[Dragon Meat Sword Unlocked]
[Dragon Bone Sword Unlocked]
[Dragon Emperor Fragment Sword Unlocked]
¥
{Dragon Series Complete}
[? ? ? ? ? Unlocked]
[Quality: Mystical - Base Attack: 200]
[Mastery: 0/250 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Emperor Inferno Slash - Lv. 0]
[Extra Equip Bonus: Fire Immunity, Magic Resistance Up (Very High), Slash Resistance Up (High) Piercing Resistance Up (High), Blunt Resistance Up (High)]
Level 120 Required
Eugeo and Alice were both stunned when they saw the Weapon Skill and all of the powerful Stat boosters that he will get once he reaches the level requirement of this unknown sword. Thanks to all these defense bonuses, this sword practically turns Eugeo into a walking tank despite not being the Shield Hero!
Once they managed to calm down, the couple realized that they received only one Weapon Skill called Dragon Halo Blade which came from the Dragon Emperor Fragment.
While all the other dragon parts didn't give any Weapon Skills. They provided him a mind boggling amount of Status Boosters that outclasses all the other monster materials that he has ever absorbed. Even the ones that he got from Melromarc's Wave Boss!
Making this a magnificent find and well worth endeavor indeed despite not being able to use them yet.
So after spending the rest of the morning and the majority of the afternoon gathering and processing Dragon materials, everyone finally climbed aboard Arthur's carriage as Eugeo uses his Teleportation Skill for the very first time...
"Transport Sword! Mirso Village!"
By his command, the blue gem of the Legendary Sword shines brightly as a familiar golden light envelopes Eugeo and his party along with their belongings. All of them disappearing in a flash of light as they got teleported away.
Needless to say, the Sword Hero's grand return to Mirso Village by teleportation caused quite the turmoil.
The villagers were delighted when they received the news that the dragon that has been causing them much worry is now gone. Successfully driven away by the 'Honorable Sword Hero'. But that enthusiasm didn't last for long as Eugeo warned them about the possible repercussion of his actions. Causing much fear among the populace.
Fortunately for them, they discovered that the Sword Hero and his companions planned ahead by providing them with resources to kickstart their preparations.
Many Adventurers will no doubt flock to Mirso village once they advertise the dragon materials to the Guild. Which will in turn give them the ability to sell and then hire them to fight the possible danger that is about to come. A few villagers even suggested to invite Blacksmiths to come over as well since they will be very tempted by the prospect of creating powerful weapons from the dragon materials.
Both Eugeo and Alice felt a little confused when they saw how much everyone took his words seriously. Truth to be told, the Couple were both fully expecting some of the people to not listen to his warnings.
But when he asked about it with Kirin, Anna and Rifana, they pretty much said the same thing...
"You are a Hero. Of course they will trust and believe what you say. Especially if it is a warning."
It's during this very instance that Eugeo and Alice saw just how much the citizens of this world trusted the Cardinal Heroes. Causing much worry for Eugeo's peace of mind when he realized something important.
"I think I just made a mistake." He mumbles to himself.
Eugeo had no way of knowing just how badly the two of his fellow Heroes would mess up with their acts of Heroism until a few weeks later.
After warning the people of the possible danger and giving them the resources to kickstart preparations, Eugeo and his party quickly left to reach the mountain top. Eugeo reminding everyone that they have about 4 days before Siltvelt's Wave arrives, so they have to make this official Guild Quest brief.
So they decided to leave the village immediately and to just sleep in a relatively safe area that he found with [Map Projection] once the day grows dark. This became a BIT of a challenge because temperatures started dropping as they went higher and higher up. To the point that some snow can now be visible on the mountain soil.
Erecting their tents and starting a fire isn't really a good idea since the tents were not designed to withstand the cold and the fire might attract monsters. Which is why everyone agreed to squeeze inside the carriage for the additional warmth the insulated wood and their own body heat provided.
The only problem is... well... the girls took this as another opportunity to display their interest for the noble Sword Hero. Leading to very mixed results!
As Eugeo nearly had a heart attack out of sheer embarrassment when he woke up and opens his eyes that very next morning.
Since the first thing the Sword Hero saw upon opening his eyes is the barely concealed breast of one Anna Fidi who's tightly hugging his head! To make things even worse, he realizes that not only Anna, but Kirin and Rifana are both hugging him also in the most questionable ways!
So with great care and a significant amount of willpower...
The Sword Hero managed to stay calm and ever so slowly untangle himself from the other girls' grips. Eugeo could only count his lucky stars that Alice seemed to still be asleep within the Legendary Sword. Because he has absolutely no idea how to explain himself if she ever saw and mistakenly thought he's doing such a dishonorable act!
Manipulating his Stacia Window and replacing the enchanted pajamas that Mirso Village gifted to him and the girls with his full [Lion's Pride Armor] , he quickly exited the carriage.
Jumping out and taking a few steps away. Observing the slightly snowy grounds and breathing in the cold morning air to cool himself down of the hyper blushing state that the girls have 'accidentally' caused. Taking a few deep breaths to slow down the rapid beating of his heart.
Shaking his head and lightly slapping his face a few times in an attempt to forget about the really stimulating image of all the girls in his party in their warm yet admittedly alluring nightwear.
Just what were the villagers even thinking when they gifted those clothes to the girls!
'Stay cool Eugeo! You already have the girl that you wish to spend the rest of your life with who's just waiting to be fully freed. So no cheating!'
Poor, clueless Eugeo had no idea that Alice has been awake the entire time to witness the whole thing. Her giggles and laughter echoing all over the mindscape with the only reason Eugeo didn't hear her is because she slightly loosened their mental connection.
She is definitely going to tease her boyfriend at the best chance that she gets. Seeing Eugeo all flustered and embarrassed like that is just too amusing to pass up! Especially since she also had the bright idea to record the entire fiasco on Magic Orb recording!
"Good morning father." Arthur cheerfully greeted, slightly startling Eugeo as the boy in full Filolial form approached him. Carrying several corpses of some mountain goat and snow tiger type monsters at his back.
"Good morning to you too Arthur." Eugeo replies with a warm smile as he pats and ruffles the young Filolial's head. Just the way that Arthur loves so much.
Thanks to his thick coat of feathers, Arthur is almost completely immune to the cold temperatures of the mountain top. So the young boy chose to stay in his Filolial form so he can safely spend the night sleeping outside the carriage instead of squeezing inside the already very crowded carriage.
"I see you have been busy." Eugeo glanced at the baggage his adopted son is carrying.
"You promised to cook me some really yummy foods remember! We didn't really had the chance to make some good dinner last night so..." Arthur replies with some hopeful puppy dog eyes which Eugeo is completely defenseless against. Seriously, how can this bird make his beak quiver like that.
"Hahaha... okay, okay." Eugeo laughed softly while waving his hands for Arthur to stop it, "Just give me a few minutes to absorb some of these monsters. Why don't you go and wake the girls up once I start cooking some yummy food for breakfast."
"Hooray!" Arthur cheered with a fist pump as he transforms back to his humanoid form and skipping over to his carriage. Dropping the monster corpses that he was carrying.
Eugeo then went on to absorb them and received...
[Ram Horn Sword Unlocked]
[Quality: Medium - Base Attack: 75]
[Mastery: 0/90 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Horn Smash - Lv. 0]
Level 35 Required
[Ram Hoove Sword Unlocked]
[Quality: Medium - Base Attack: 65]
[Mastery: 0/75 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Climbing Ability Up (High) - Lv. 0]
Level 30 Required
[Ram Wool Sword Unlocked]
[Quality: Medium - Base Attack: 0]
[Mastery: 0/35 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Wool Growth - Lv. 0]
[Extra Equip Bonus: Freezing Debuff Resistance - Lv. 0]
Level 20 Required
[Snow Tiger Fang Sword Unlocked]
[Quality: Medium - Base Attack: 85]
[Mastery: 0/100 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Predator's Roar - Lv. 0]
Level 37 Required
[Snow Tiger Hide Sword Unlocked]
[Quality: Medium - Base Attack: 55]
[Mastery: 0/75 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Stealth Ability Up (Medium) - Lv. 0]
Level 35 Required
While most of the monster parts only gave some small Status Boosters like usual. Eugeo and Alice couldn't help but admire these convenient new bonuses that he unlocked for the situation at hand. So with Alice's insistence, Eugeo transformed his legendary blade into the [Ram Wool Sword].
It goes without saying just by its appearance alone that it's absolutely useless in a fight. The sword looks more like a long, white, fluffy sword pillow that a child would hug in their sleep than anything else!
But for their battle against the cold however... it's a real life saver.
Kirin, Anna and Rifana aimed confused looks at their beloved hero when they started eating breakfast. More particularly at the cute sword pillow that he currently has equipped. Their confusion soon turned to amazement when Eugeo approached them one by one and used {Wool Growth} on their gear. Temporarily providing them some resistance to the cold environment.
"There! Now you girls won't be bothered by the cold for the next several hours." Eugeo proudly declares with a smile at a job well done.
"Thank you Sir/Master Eugeo!" the girls said with great enthusiasm as they check themselves out and struck a few poses with their modified equipment.
"Y-you're all very welcome." Eugeo stuttered with a blush while looking away. Since the fluffy wool designs had the unexpected side effect of making all the girls look even cuter than normal.
'I see Gaelion is right. You really are making a harem for yourself.' Alice said while making her voice sound like she's upset.
'Alice! Please don't even joke about that!' Eugeo mentally screamed in embarrassment by the mere implication of what Gaelion said.
While Arthur kept on eating his reward food without a care, the girls all watched in sly amusement as they have a rough guess on what is going on inside their beloved Hero's head.
"Watching Master Eugeo's embarrassed expressions is just so funny to watch." Rifana softly giggled to Kirin and Rifana who are more than quick to agree.
PLEASE READ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- I deeply apologize to all of you readers, especially those who have gotten used to my weekly updates. But my rate of releasing new chapters will be less frequent from now on. I couldn't enjoy playing my favorite videogames or other activities anymore since I was just too busy thinking of ideas for this story.
So starting today, my Updates will come for every 2 weeks. 3 weeks at the worst.
I hope all of you understand.
- I know fully well that the Dragon in the anime is relatively weak since the Stooge Sword Hero Ren managed to kill it. So I have made a big change on the Dragon's power level and his significance to the world. If Ren tried killing THIS version of Gaelion, he would have undoubtedly lost badly and probably got his entire party killed in the process.
Eugeo can deal a crippling blow to Gaelion if he dares to use Release Recollection but will inevitably forced to escape because he's not strong enough to kill him.
- A dragon's memory isn't as bad as a Filolial's, so Gaelion is still able to remember his Heroic mother. Although the fact that I made Gaelion younger than Fitoria also helps.
- I will be making another Flashback chapter focusing on Naofumi's side of the story in a later update. Maybe cutting it into two parts so it won't be too summarized and compressed.
As always, thank you for all the reviews, favorites and follows. I'm open for compatible suggestions and any advice that you readers could give. As for those nasty Reviewers who loves to Insult us authors, please just leave us alone.
Stay safe from the Coronovirus!