[Notice]
I do apologize for the sudden lateness and the somewhat "meh" chapter since lots of things has occured IRL. Such as working overnight and most important, bedridden which cause my energy drop down to nothing. I will add [Support] in the next chapter and stay on schedule, hopefully.
Act III
Preparations
Morning came into Alteria, the sun hanging on the horizon and the mighty rays striking through the windows to let anyone know of its presence. Such presence made Ion wake up from the sun rays and the sound of the rooster waking everyone at the sight of the morning. He lifts his upper body to began stretching to get ready for today's Dragon trial and felt something next to him which cause him to glance to his left to see Casca. A smile appeared on his face to see his cute little sister sleeping so peacefully and enjoying the sleep last night since he sleeps with one of his siblings. As much as he didn't want to wake her up, Ions need to get a move on with the progress of his trial and softly shake Casca's body to wake her up.
"Sis, wake up." Ion softly spoke.
"Five more minutes..." Casca grunt.
Ion sight at her responds to make Casca slowly open his eyes to see Ion and waking her up instantly. She remembers the Dragon Trial his brother must do and need to prepare herself to help him with such ordeal. Casca quickly bolts from the bed to clean herself and starting on combing her hair for the travel they must do.
"Oh..good morning." Ion spoke, slightly surprise.
Ion didn't expect Casca to wake up so suddenly since she looks so relax in his bed and quite impresses since she seems eager to go with him.
"Morning big brother, I will be down in a bit so why don't you prepare yourself and get everyone together." Casca reply.
Of course, Casca is more focus on helping his big brother and not becoming a nuisance to him since she really likes him. This is their first day and yet Casca wants to spend more time together and not become a problem. Ion smile at her instruction to approach her from behind which Casca could see from the window and gently pat her shoulder.
"Very well, I will do that and for the meantime, you do whatever you must do to remain calm. There no rush here, we need to be collected during the time of crisis and in battle." Ion advice.
Casca nod to his words of wisdom and Ion start walking down into the door leaving her alone in his room. She resumes on her combing of her until Casca pause and feels a bit afraid since his handshake with nervous.
What do you think of me...after I told you of my "problem"
With that out of his mind of worry, Ion descends down the stairs to reach the front door of the castle to see but his path has a detour to see a woman eating in the barracks. Normally, this place is where soldier come to eat before or after a long journey across Xenia continent and this red-haired young woman is eating by her lonesome. The girl has an Alteria cavalier light armor but it had a different color which is green and white being the stripes. An odd color choice which caught the eyes of Ion and approaches the girl as she eats. His footstep can be heard as her head turn to see Ion and stand up to realize who he is since the king has mentioned him before.
"Good morning your highness." She greets.
Ion could tell that she looks quite strict as she posed for him as any other soldier would in the presence of royalty but Ion didn't care for such custom and gesture her to be at ease. Still, she knew of him which made him even more curious as to who this person truly is besides being a friend in arms and eating alone.
"At ease soldier, how do you know of me?" Ion asks, curious.
"Your-The king has told me of you, Ion, and I am the retainer of Casca, sir. My name is Dorinda, daughter of sir Selwyn." Dorinda introduced.
Ion remains silent as she mentions of sir Selwyn and also proudly being his daughter which did nab him. He has heard rumor of Sir Selwyn failing on his first liege and people belittle him just by one fail mission he has done. Even so, Ion wasn't going to judge neither him nor his daughter since she looks quite capable of protecting his little sister. Ion smile to ease the tension between them and him reflecting a bit of his father since he didn't mean halt during her introduction.
"I see, my little sister mentioned you during the yesterday meeting which made me want to meet you. I do apologize for not getting to that and you don't have to be formal around me, I would like for you to relax during the travel as well since we are operating together." Ion smile.
"Oh okay, after I see you approaching me, you have a presence that screams formality and I got nervous since you look like you are going to punish me which is shameful.." Dorinda sight, sadly.
"Hehe...yeah, I do get that a lot." Ion chuckles weakly, "Now that introductions are out of the way, why are you eating alone?" Ion wonders.
Ion's eyes glance toward the breakfast meal halfway done and the other not eating which she looks a bit angry at the result. The pout face follows by her arms crossing as she spoke about the problem and the sole reason she is alone right now.
"I told everyone to come to eat but everyone took their free time to sleep more which is a bad thing in my opinion. Breakfast is an important meal before any other; in fact, breakfast is the meal of the god!" Dorinda explain.
"E-Excuse me?..." Ion question, puzzle.
Ion is taken back by her sudden speech about breakfast and her personality becoming so eager of breakfast. Dorinda appears stern and strict but yet, she looks so happy talking about breakfast that it made Ion so confused by the quick 180.
"Your Highness, have you eating any yet? Because you can't skip breakfast! Breakfast is part of a nutritious balance and it is good for you in the incoming battle of our journey." Dorinda explains.
"Well...I.." Ion spoke, hesitating.
"Ion!"
Ion turns around to see Twilight calling him out and approaching him after finding him inside of the barrack. Ion feeling a bit calm due to Dorinda's addiction to breakfast that saves him and not knowing what will happen if he told the truth.
"Hello Twilight, it has being a while seeing the last time we saw each other. What's the matter?" Ion asks, smiling.
"It has, hasn't it? I thought I pick you up early since I don't want you to chase after problems like you always do and get hurt." Twilight reply.
Ion blush at Twilight reply since she has always prevented him from helping other and he couldn't help himself since his body react on impulse to help anyone.
"I am not a childlike before Twilight, I am a man and I can protect myself," Ion spoke, blushing.
Twilight giggles at Ion for a moment until she took notice of Dorinda from behind him and smile to see her new companion on this travel. Both of them already knowing of each other since they stumble a few time and making her aware of the short time they have before the departure.
"Hello Dorinda, have you finished with your breakfast already? We need to leave in a moment." Twilight point.
"R-Really?" Dorinda gasp.
Dorinda quickly resumes with her meal as Ion sight at the strange personality she has but he didn't mind it and she is with his little sister so that made him feel happy. With that out of the way, Ion and Twilight head out of the barracks to follow up toward the main entrance to meet with Joan. A little reminder nag at him as Ion remember those monster that attacks the village and turning to face Twilight since she may know of their existence which she purposely hides the facts.
"Tell me Twilight, are you hiding something from me?" Ion asks, seriously.
This sudden question made Twilight feel a bit nervous since Joan did mention of the attack on the village and Ion angry for trying to hide the existence of the Harbingers. Regardless of the facts, Twilight sight due for her not able to hide the details any longer and Ion will eventually find out more about them but still, Twilight always look for his safety above all.
"Even if I do know something, what are you going to do with it? Are you going to charge all over Xenia to help other and more importantly, get yourself in trouble like you always do? I am doing what's best for you, Ion. Keeping that information is an order and for your best interest." Twilight explains.
"Best interest? If man shout for help and scream fill our outer wall, would you still remain firm with such resolve? Because I will not! I won't stand here knowing that my people are getting hurt by these beasts and close my eyes and plug my ear to pretend that it isn't my concern." Ion spoke, slightly angry.
Twilight remain quiet as she stops to think about it while Ion glare at her for hiding and pretending it was okay to ignore other's people safety. Ion wasn't mad at her since she always did her job pretty perfectly and too perfectly that can sometimes get in his way of helping others. He let a soft sight from seeing Twilight looking down in a shame for hiding that and looking to see a few servants look at them with worry. Ion scratching his head for raising his voice at Twilight a bit and not understanding from her perspective of things so he took a deep breath.
"Listen, I know you mean well and you being there for me from the very beginning which I do appreciate don't get me wrong but..." Ion pause, "You should think of helping others, you know? You can still be by my side and do your job but you can add more people to your safety circle, right? That alone will make me happy and you won't be alone on doing the protection." Ion smile.
Twilight raised her head to smile at Ion trying to cheer her up and resume on walking toward the foremost door of the castle. In reality, Twilight looks pretty with a smile and it did make Ion feel happy as well knowing that his retainer is a capable woman and scary as well.
"Thanks, Ion, I will do my best for you and the new vision you have for Alteria but, you will have to endure struggle to get there." Twilight chuckles happily.
"You are saying that now? All my life struggles with you, Twilight." Ion chuckles.
Two friends laughing joyfully toward the door and enjoying their time together like always. They arrive outside of the castle to see Joan and Leon talking among each other since they are the only one here. It seems only Casca and Dorinda are the two people left before leaving for their quest.
"I tell you, sleeping inside the castle is quite something.." Joan mutters.
Ion could hear Joan's voice while he descends the stairs and not realizing that Ion is slowly approaching him from behind since he is too engrossed on their small talk.
"Quite so, the king has made sure everyone in the castle can live happily and without any hesitation of being judged based on status. Even servant like myself does live a luxury life thanks to his unboundless kindness and one of the many reasons he will risk our own lives to protect him and their children." Leon explains, firmly.
Joan is surprised to hear such commitment for the king of Alteria and wanting to meet Ion's father in person since it piques his curiosity. It does remind him of Ion's goodness so he has lots of respect and giving him the chance to prove himself while exploring the outside world which was out of his reach until now.
"Are you ready Joan?" Ion asks.
His hand touching his shoulder made his body jump with shock and turning around to see Ion with Twilight who is giggling at his act.
Joan sight, "Yeah...but you shouldn't walk behind a guy who is thinking so deeply, you almost gave me a heart attack.." Joan mutters.
"I apologize, I did notice you were talking with Leon so touching you was the right call or so I thought anyway." Ion apologizes.
"It looks like you made it on time Joan, now we can wait for the other two and we should start walking toward the forest." Twilight instructs.
Joan became puzzled at the notice of walking to the forest rather than using the wagon to get there and question it.
"Walk? Is there a problem using a wagon or horse to traverse the forest?" Joan wonders.
Twilight and Ion's eyes meet each other since Joan doesn't know about the forest which holds the Volcano of Archi. Twilight nod to Ion to explain the details to him since he is the only one not fully knowing of the laws there and that Ignis control that area which is quite dangerous if you don't know Ignis's law.
"We can't use wagon to travel there nor use too many horses or charge ahead too fast since that's Ignis's rule in the forest. This is why that forest is called the Serena Forest due to that Law and also because Ignis live in there too. It would be unwise to unheeded his warning and get on his bad side." Ion explains.
Joan gulps at the thought of a dragon living inside of that forest and finally seeing what made it even more dangerous. Now fully realizing that they will fight something so powerful and dangerous made Joan feel a bit nervous but, Joan needs to be brave. After all, this is his big chance to prove himself and to the other in the village that a common guy can do the impossible. His hand clenching hard to stop his shaking and hearing the door open to change the subject. Everyone turned toward the noise to see Dorinda and Casca entering outside while Casca wave at them happily. Casca rush toward the group as she tackles hug Twilight which she easily catches her and gently pat head her.
"I know, I know, I miss you too young princess." Twilight smiled.
"It has been so long since I seeing you, Twilight! Can you transform into a dragon for me?" Casca smile.
Dorinda walk down the stair with a smile to see her mistress smiling and enjoying her time with the group of her eldest brother. Her eyes face Twilight as they nod to each other and greeting each other since they are friend due to their job.
"Hello Twilight, how is training with the newcomer has been treating you?" Dorinda asks.
"You know~ the same and people throw into the wall." Twilight smile.
Twilight gently put down the young heir down as everyone has finally gathered outside and ready to head out to meet Ignis for the first time. Ion looks into the direction of the Serena Forest and looking into it as he imagines the difficulty his grandfather endure to have all of the legendary dragons to his side. Joan, Casca, Twilight and Dorinda are the main group on helping with Ion's Dragon Trial which will put them on the test.
"Your Highness, I advise you to visit the shop at the entrance of Alteria to get your small army the require weaponry and sundries for the incoming battles." Leon suggests.
Leon walks to Ion to give him a large amount of gold coinage which he immediately knows that his father is giving him a safety precaution. The 5,000 G on the pouch is enough to make the necessary preparation and gladly take the cash from his father.
"Your father is just a bit worry so he has given you that much but if I have to be honest, He seems to want to give you more but I had to stop him." Leon chuckles.
"Father is just worried about us, only the more reason I have to success on this Trial and brings everyone back home safe. No worry Leon, I will take care of myself and the other so I promise I will come back here in one piece." Ion smile.
Leon became relax knowing that Ion is going to take the important regards by bringing the good news to his father and Joan took notice of this since he images Leon was coming along on this trip.
"You aren't coming with us Leon?" Joan asks.
"I have to stay here with the king since this is his order so you have to stay strong Mr. Joan, and protect Ion for any trouble with Ms. Twilight." Leon reply.
Twilight smile, "We will Leon, just don't get to worry about his safety and rest at the castle. You have done a marvelous job taking care of him by your lonesome so a long rest sounds perfect right now." Twilight explains.
Leon smile to see Ion's retainers ready to give their life for him and not feeling any worry at all since they look capable of doing so. Without any worry on his mind, Leon departs from the perimeter and enters the castle to let Ion's adventure start.
"So, are we going to shop? I always want to buy something nice and pretty." Casca smile.
"Now, now Casca, we need to buy only stuff that relates to the battlefield like weapons, potion and other special deal. Leon never mentions a normal shop and the only thing outside of Alteria is a wagon to prepare the army before heading out." Dorinda describe.
Casca frown at the explanation which made her feel less excited to shop for weapon and knowing of that shop since she looks like she went there before. Of course, Ion and Casca lack such knowledge due to their closure of this kingdom and from each other. Ion took the opportunity to shop in there to see what they could buy and he can use a lance beside his swords so that could prove useful.
"Very well, why don't you lead us to this shop Leon spoke of and get the stuff that we need." Ion spoke.
Dorinda nod to his order to take the lead of the group and walking out of Alteria to reach the outer wall of it. A small house lies close to the entrance by taking a small path toward the nearby forest and mere seconds to reach their destination. From there, the shop show weapons of every style on the front counter and Dorinda arrive to shake the string hanging from the ceiling to hear a ringing sound. A bell hanging from the top can be seeing and seeing a woman approaching them with a smile on her face for the customers.
"Welcome Dorinda, what can I get for you today?" The woman asks.
"I came here with the rest of the guy so that will take a while and we are here on a big mission coming from the heir of the king, Ion and his little sister Casca." Dorinda inform.
Her eyes widen from hearing about the presence of two royalty and knowing of them since all of Alteria knew of their names well. The Shopkeeper's eyes glance at the two and bowing slightly to show respect which causes Ion to intervene with such casual greeting.
"There no need for that, we are simple customers so please raise your head and no need for such formality just because of my status." Ion spoke.
"You are kind your highness, I will follow such words and treat you as normal as I can." She replies, "Take a long around to find anything you like and ask me anything for anything that piques your interest." She adds.
"Alright! Thanks, I am sure we can find something to buy and we will ask if we are curious." Casca smile.
The woman smile after seeing Casca's smile since she felt a calm knowing that the two heirs of the throne aren't bad people or taking advantage of their titles. Ion didn't waste a second on looking around the place and thinking on what do buy to help his small army success on this Dragon Trial.
Bronze Sword Lv. E Mt 3 Hit 100 Crit 0 RNG 1 Usage 50 Cost 350G
Inexpensive, but low in power.
Bronze Lance Lv. E Mt 3 Hit 90 Crit 0 RNG 1 Usage 50 Cost 350G
Inexpensive, but low in power.
Bronze Axe Lv. E Mt 4 Hit 80 Crit 0 RNG1 Usage 50 Cost 350G
Inexpensive, but low in power.
Bronze Bow Lv. E Mt 3 Hit 90 Crit 0 RNG 1-2 Usage 50 Cost 350G
Inexpensive, but low in power.
Fire Lv. E Mt 2 Hit 90 Crit 0 RNG 1-2 Usage 45 Cost 540G
Standard fire magic.
Thunder Lv. E Mt 3 Hit 80 Crit 5 RNG 1-2 Usage 45 Cost 540G
Standard thunder magic.
Wind Lv. E Mt 1 Hit 100 Crit 0 RNG 1-2 Usage 45 Cost 540G
Standard wind magic.
Heal Lv. E RNG 1 Usage 30 Cost 600G
Restores an adjacent ally's HP.
Act III END