The Dragonborn Overlord of the New World

by nolalothcaragascint1

[Overlord AU/Canon Divergence. No Ainz or Nazarick] [Slow burn] Guild Master Tiberius of the Sanguine Dragons has spent the last 12 years adventuring throughout the nine worlds of YGGDRASIL. But now the game servers are shutting down. What happens when he inadvertently remains behind during the shut down? How will Tiberius react when finds himself in a New World?

5. Chapter III

Chapter III

The World Outside

The weather outside the mountain was quite pleasant.

A cool and gentle breeze wafted across the mountain plateau, softly licking at the dragonoid's golden scales. While far overhead the sun, the real sun, shone brightly. Its radiant heat kissed his scales, restoring to him any warmth stolen by the breeze.

Standing upon the open balcony enjoying the splendid view was the dragonoid ruler of the mountain.

Tiberius' eyes scanned across the horizon taking in the sights of the day. When last he had seen what lay before his mountain home, it had been at night. His dark vision ability had allowed him to see much of the landscapes than he otherwise would. But it had still been hampered.

Now, under the light of the sun, he could take it all in.

He watched as the sunlight glinted upon the peaks of the snow-capped mountains far in the distance.

How the verdant forest surrounded the mountain, yet did not encroach upon the horseshoe-shaped valley which sat before Týrnaust's southern face. It stretched out like a sea of green. Gentle air currents caused the lush foliage to bow and sway simulating ripples and waves.

With such keen vision, Tiberius had little trouble in spotting the tiny forms of birds, real birds, as they flitted amongst the treetops. While high overhead, he could see the larger forms of birds of prey. These hawks, or perhaps falcons, seemed to glide so effortlessly through the sky. Riding the thermal updrafts to sail amongst the fluffy white clouds.

Upon these updrafts was carried the scent of this world, fresh and uncorrupted. The heady aromatic scent of grass, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the strong odor of pine.

The air here was so clean.

Gone were the suffocating smog banks that flowed through the cityscape, threatening to choke any without a proper respirator equipped. Dark and dingy clouds that marked their passing with an oily chemical residue that clung to any exposed surface.

Overhead, the fluffy white clouds drifted lazily on the winds across the idyllic blue sky without care for their destination. These were so different from the heavy black clouds that so commonly filled the poisoned sky and blotted out the sun back on earth. Clouds whose presence was always an ill omen, sending people running for shelter from what followed. The rains were a wash of acid that would burn bare flesh and eat through thinner materials lacking a protective coating – including clothing. Even when the downpour had passed it was not safe for the noxious fumes that lingered as the waters dried.

This world was entirely different.

It was a world unspoiled by the industry and machinations of mankind.

As he continued to gaze at the vista before him, it bestowed a firm sense of wonder. It was a feeling Tiberius hadn't felt since his early days exploring YGGDRASIL. Just like then, the dragonoid felt that he could spend endless hours just watching the clouds.

Alas, there was work to be done.

Pulling himself away from his idle musings, Tiberius reluctantly turned away and continued on his way. Passing beneath the triumphal arch and crossing the courtyard, he made his way toward the colossal form of the Rotunda.

Within the confines of the white marble building, the air was cool and still. Following the emerald carpet, he passed through the foyer and entered the Throne Room.

Here Tiberius took note of the room's two occupants. The Chief Attendant and the little kobold bard stood together at the base of the multi-tiered throne podium.

"Good morning, my liege," Mathias offered his greeting with a customary deep bow.

"Yes, Kip wishes master well mornin' too," the kobold spoke in his raspy voice. A wide smile spread across his muzzle. While behind Kip, his sinewy tail wagged in a rather canine-like fashion.

"Mathias, Kip," the dragonoid nodded in acknowledgment, "I hope the two of you are doing well."

"Indeed, we could not be better," the kobold nodded enthusiastically in agreement with the other male's words, "We thank you for inquiring."

"I could not help but notice it's only the two of you here. Do you know where Yuliana might be?"

"I believe Lady Yuliana has gone ahead to await your arrival at the doors of the Council Chamber," the tall fae creature replied, "Alongside the Guardians of the Fifth and Eighth Floors and the Premier Diviner."

The dragonoid was mildly surprised. Given her earlier hesitation about his suggestion, he had expected to find her and the others waiting patiently in the Throne Room.

"Well, in that case, I should be going to meet them." Tiberius turned taking several strides before pausing and turning back, "Mathias, as the Chief Attendant, I believe your presence may prove useful."

"Of course, my lord," the fae abomination nodded and with a brisk stride fell in behind his master.

No sooner had the pair prepared to leave when a soft whimper echoed throughout the chamber. Pivoting, their collective gaze fell upon the diminutive reptilian bard.

Kip stood on the lowest step of the throne platform, his head was held low and his lengthy tail was curled close about his feet. His large silver eyes stared up at the pair with a sorrowful gaze. Absentmindedly the kobold fidgeted with his hands. This was a habit that the dragonoid noted he did often enough that he wondered if it was perhaps a nervous tick.

A mere glance was enough to discern the meaning behind the reptilian's pitiful display. The dragonoid released a small sigh.

"Very well, Kip. You may join us as well."

In the blink of an eye, the kobold's once somber mood performed a full reversal. His scaly lips parted in a wide toothy grin and his eyes again seemed to twinkle in the light. With a small hop, Kip scurried to his master's side.

So it was the dragonoid with the stoic assistant and an enthusiastic bard for company, turned toward the side corridor. As the trio entered the dim hall, Tiberius was confronted by the narrow passageway of the winding staircase. The sight of which was almost enough to make him regret his choice of a meeting place. But there was nothing to be done about it.

Lowering his head, the dragonoid assumed a slightly hunched posture, and then with Mathias and Kip in tow, began to ascend the stairs.

After a minute of climbing the end was in sight, and for Tiberius, it couldn't have come sooner.

Reaching the top stair, the dragonoid stepped into the hall outside the Council Chamber, and much to his delight he no longer had to stoop. Upon his entry into the corridor, the eyes of the four individuals turned to him.

Yuliana stood at the forefront of the little group with Aeon and Koraboros standing together just over her shoulder. As he had done previously, Nido again chose to stand apart from the others. The middle-aged man stood against the wall with staff in hand, his singular eye closed and a look of calm contemplation on his face.

Drawing nearer, Tiberius almost feel the air of apprehension that seemed to hang over the group. As they stood before the doors to the previously off-limits chamber. It could best be likened to waiting for admission into an exclusive club. It was one thing to be aware of the club's existence but something else entirely different to be made a club member.

Stopping before the ivory double doors, the dragonoid was met with bows from the gathered NPCs. He pressed his palms flat against the wooden surface and applied moderate pressure.

Without protest, the doors swung open, granting the group entry into the room.

They stepped into a spacious rectangular chamber with a soaring vaulted ceiling. The floor gleamed with the polished beauty of lacquered redwood, setting the stage for the grand spectacle within. A splendid scarlet rug, adorned with intricate golden swirls, ran along the center of the room, guiding the way further in. Suspended high above, multicoloured paper lanterns, gently swayed and danced against a backdrop of the blue granite ceiling, casting a soft and enchanting glow that illuminated every corner of the chamber.

The room's eastern and western walls were flanked by tiered grandstands. Each tier stood elevated three feet above the previous, requiring a short staircase for access. Crafted from dark rosewood, the grandstands had been lovingly lacquered and polished to a near-mirror shine. Along the length of each tier, long pews were covered by plush cushions of emerald green velvet with delicate silver trim. It was on these inviting bleachers that the esteemed members of the Sanguine Dragons guild would gather, taking their rightful places during various guild meetings and events.

At the heart of the room, cradled between the two grandstands, sat a magnificent long rectangular conference table. Crafted from sleek black marble, the stone's surface was adorned with crystal-like speckles that glistened like stars in the vast expanse of space when struck by the light. Twenty ornate high-backed chairs encircled the imposing table, ten on each side. Each chair was a masterpiece of design, its seat and back lavishly cushioned with regal purple fabric, elegantly trimmed with threads of shimmering gold. These were the coveted seats reserved for the esteemed officers of the guild.

At the head of the table, an opulent chair awaited, reserved exclusively for the esteemed Guild Master.

This chair was a sight to behold, adorned with lavish details fit for a ruler. Gilded with shimmering gold leaf, its legs were masterfully carved to resemble the sinewy form of a dragon's limb, exuding an aura of power and authority. The armrests, fashioned like scaled serpents. Crowning the high-backed chair was a glorious wolf head, its expression alert, ears perked, and eyes wide with intelligence. The regal creature seemed to command respect and reverence. Adorned with silver horns encircled by golden rings, adorned with diamond-shaped pieces of auroracite, the wolf head was a symbol of the Guild Master's strength and wisdom.

This chair had once been a prized purchase, procured from the YGGDRASIL auction house for its cool and imposing appearance. However, as Tiberius looked upon it now, he couldn't help but acknowledge that the chair had come at an exorbitant price. The gaudy throne no longer held the same appeal to him. While it still retained an air of grandeur, it no longer resonated with his evolving taste and sensibilities.

With a confident gait, the dragonoid strode into the Council Chamber, displaying no hint of hesitation. For him, this room was merely one of many within the guild base. It served a straightforward purpose, providing a space for the guild's members to engage in meaningful discussions.

Tiberius made his way across the room, the short distance he covered brought him to the head of the table, where he settled into his designated seat. The NPCs, however, stayed back, maintaining their statuesque positions, barely budging an inch.

Bound together by an invisible tether of curiosity, the small group stood at the threshold, their collective gaze sweeping across the expanse of the room. Their eyes wandered, occasionally pausing, as if captivated by some unseen sight, before resuming their exploration.

Tiberius observed their behavior, their unwavering focus on the grandstands, and it stirred a sense of intrigue within him. It was as if they were beholding something beyond his perception, a realm of mystery hidden from his own sight. The intensity of their stares hinted at a connection with something he couldn't grasp.

Tiberius extended his arm, gesturing for the others to follow him into the Council Chamber.

As one, the group inhaled a collective breath, their anticipation palpable as they took their first cautious steps into the room. With deliberate and measured movements, they ventured further, as though treading upon hallowed ground or entering the sanctum of an ancient temple.

The dragonoid eyed them curiously, watching closely as they approached. As the NPCs reached the far end of the table, the group split.

Yuliana, Aeon, and Nido took the third, seventh, and tenth seats on the left side. While Koraboros and Mathias moved along the right to take the sixth and first chairs. Little Kip, however, didn't choose any seat and instead moved to take his place standing on Tiberius' left at the head of the table.

The choice of seating arrangements was something that struck the dragonoid.

Very weird. I wonder why they chose those seats. I mean do they somehow know which seats their creators had? Or is it just a coincidence that they happened to pick those?

"Please, be seated," the dragonoid gestured.

Continuing to adhere to formal protocols, the NPCs remained standing until their master had taken his seat before mirroring the act themselves.

"Now before we begin," Tiberius addressed the gathering, "I would like to apologize for my previous absence. It was unintended but it would seem that I had been left rather drained."

At the mention of their master's recent troubles, the collective expressions grew pensive.

"Perhaps the shifting between worlds has somehow drained your strength, my lord. If that is the case then perhaps it would be best for you to rest longer and properly regain your energies."

Tiberius listened to the accented words of the Fifth Floor Guardian while he surveyed the others. Of them, three had proved difficult for the dragonoid to read. Mathias by way of his fleshless skull was by its very nature not expressive. Nido continued to remain as impassive as ever with his signature stoicism on display. While the face of the seraphim, Aeon, was hidden by the shadows of the enchanted barbute helm he wore.

Conversely, the other two were far easier to gain a bearing on.

Kip wore his emotions on his veritable sleeve. His anxiety levels were again on display as he fidgeted with his hands and his tail flexed in time. This behaviour, however, was not unexpected from the kobold bard.

As for the beauty who sat two chairs down on the dragonoid's left. She was certainly better at maintaining her composure than the small reptilian bard. But Yuliana could not compare with the other three and appeared to be somewhere in the middle.

"Yuliana, something you wish to add?"

The Guardian Overseer bit her lip as she held her tongue. For the moment at least but then spoke.

"Koraboros does put forth a fair point, my lord. Your welfare is our primary concern. And given the events of recent, would it not be best for you to continue to recuperate? After all, how can we be sure there are no other ill effects?"

The dragonoid listened to and considered her words. Maybe he should take his time and ensure he was fully recovered. Though he had felt fine since he had awoken - aside from the sore neck.

Yet perhaps they were right. This whole situation was probably as far from normal as you could get. As such there were bound to be plenty of unknowns that followed along with it. He was in an entirely different world, in an entirely different body. But who was to say that during the transition something hadn't happened to him?

What if his stats had been altered? Could some kind of debuff have been placed on him to affect his energy levels? What if every time he fell asleep, it would be for a day or more? Sleeping for such long intervals was a problem that the dragonoid could not afford to have.

Clearing his throat, Tiberius nodded, acknowledging their shared sentiments.

"Very well, I concede your point. Therefore to alleviate your concerns after this meeting is concluded, I shall speak with Neeshka. Will that be an acceptable compromise?"

"Yes, I do believe so."

The Guardian Overseer's words received a round of nods from the other NPCs.

"Good," the dragonoid adjusted his position, "Now to begin. Yuliana, I trust you have been diligent in carrying out my previous orders. How does the audit of our current holdings progress?"

Being addressed, the beautiful female rose from her seat. In the process, she produced a compilation of papers that the dragonoid was certain she didn't have a moment ago.

"As per your commands, I have begun taking inventory of the Great Treasury and the various storage cells throughout the mountain. However, given the rather extensive size and scope of the treasury. It shall take some time to fully catalog it all."

She paused to flip through several pages, her jade-coloured eyes scanning over whatever print was on the page.

"Though early estimates show that Týrnaust's resources far outstrip the current levels of expenditure. To this end, we could effectively operate under this elevated alert status for many more decades to come before we begin to see an appreciatable impact."

"Thank you, Yuliana. These resources will serve us well. However, we will need to seek out ways to recover our losses. I do not feel comfortable relying solely on our holdings with no contingency plan in place."

At his praise, the raven-haired beauty gave a heartfelt smile and performed a graceful half-curtsey before returning to her seat.

Tiberius' gaze then shifted further down the length of the table.

"Aeon, what do you have to report?"

The Seraphim rose, his heavy armour clanking in the quiet of the room.

"The mountain is secured and remains on high alert status as directed. I have coordinated with my compatriots, Lady Yuliana and Sir Koraboros, and have begun to send out expeditionary scouts into the great forest that surrounds Týrnaust. As of yet, there have been no indications of intruders within the established perimeter. Furthermore, under the recommendation of Sir Koraboros, I have ordered creatures such as mimics to be stationed within the forest to serve as sentries."

"I see," the dragonoid leaned forward, placing his elbows on the polished stone tabletop, he rested his lower jaw on the interwoven fingers of his hands. "The sentries will essentially be acting as an early warning system should any enemies appear. An impressive show of initiative. Though we must take care that any enemy does not detect them and thus we lose the advantage."

Wow, they really stepped up with that idea. And if we have an early warning system in place that means we can lower the alert status. Best to not burn through resources when we don't have to.

"With such measures, I believe we can afford to lower the alert status of the mountain back to more moderate levels."

"But my liege, are you sure that such action is warranted? There is still much the area that we have yet to survey."

"I do not see why not. The surveys have shown a distinct lack of threats within our vicinity. And by your own admission, we now have lookouts posted to warn us of any trespassers. Remember, the lowering of the Týrnaust's status does not mean becoming complacent."

"By your command," the Seraphim gave a deep nod of understanding before lowering himself back to his chair.

"Now then, Nido, Koraboros. What progress have you made in your divinations?"

The deva turned his head, the polished gold of his eye patch reflecting the soft light of the room, while he directed his singular bright blue eye to his demonic compatriot. After receiving a nod from Koraboros, the Premier Diviner rose from his seat.

"As directed, I started with the mountain at the center of the search I moved outward in concentric circles. To that end, I have managed to map much of the surrounding woodlands and partially the foothills of the nearby mountains."

From beneath the heavy white-furred cloak, Nido produced a bound roll of what appeared to be parchment. He then turned and extended his arm, offering up the bundle to his master.

Before the dragonoid could rise from his seat, a low grunt came from his right.

Mathias cleared his throat once more, the pinpricks of light within empty eyesockets locked onto the small reptilian bard standing on the opposite side of their master.

A moment or two passed by before Kip let out a sharp yelp.

"Oh, yess."

Snapping into action, the kobold's clawed feet pattered on the scarlet run, although muffled by the soft surface, as he scampered to the far end of the table. Here, Kip paused before the larger figure of the Premier Diviner, raising his arms and holding his hands up.

The deva inclined his head before gently placing the rolled parchment into the bard's waiting hands. The diminutive reptile smiled in gratitude before turning back and racing back to the head of the table.

"Ah, for you, master."

Kip's silver eyes shone with eager glee as he held out his paper cargo.

"Thank you, Kip."

The dragonoid offered the kobold a small smile of appreciation and took the offered item. With a look of curiosity, Tiberius shifted his gaze to the Orrery Keeper.

"Do forgive the crudity of the illustration, this is but only a rough draft. Once I have a more complete understanding of the area, I shall refine the work."

Placing the parcel on the table before, the dragonoid unrolled the paper.

As the parchment was unfurled, its true size became evident, stretching a generous thirty-six inches across and twenty inches tall. A meticulously drawn grid pattern adorned the paper, neatly dividing it into numerous tiny squares. In the center square, a detailed sketch of the majestic mountain, "Týrnaust," graced the parchment, adorned with fanciful calligraphy that served as its label. Encircling the mountain were identical shapes that undoubtedly represented the lush and dense forests surrounding the towering peak.

Leaving the mountain behind, the dragonoid scanned over the rest of the page.

To the northwest of Týrnaust, a long line of wedge-shaped markings denoted the nearby mountain chain. Not terribly far from the mountain, but still, at a significant distance, a large oblong shape resembling a kidney shape represented a "large body of water." On the opposite side of Týrnaust, toward the far eastern horizon, the dense forest began to thin out. The intricate drawings of the tree clusters grew less numerous, making way for countless hatch marks that now depicted the sprawling "Tall Grasslands."

However, beyond these marked regions, the parchment remained mostly empty. The uncharted territories to the north and south, as well as the vast unexplored areas beyond the mountain formation and grasslands, were left blank, holding secrets yet to be unveiled.

Overall it was an effective, though rudimentary, map of the world beyond the walls of Týrnaust.

However, as the dragonoid studied the map his attention was captured by a pair of markings that lay to the south. A straight line could almost be drawn between the mountain and what appeared to be a crude interpretation of a house. While the other was a grouping of these simplistic houses and lay to the south-southwest.

At the forthcoming prospect, the dragonoid lifted his head, his flame-coloured eyes settling on the stoic deva.

For his part, Nido stood unwavering under his master's inquisitive gaze. Then as if fully anticipating an unspoken question he answered.

"Those markers represent the two locations I have thus far found to be inhabited."

The news of this discovery nearly floored Tiberius, his eyes returning to the chart laid out before him. He had been open to the possibility that they would at some point discover signs of life in this new world. But to find it so quickly and in relatively close proximity was just surprising. Was it a coincidence? Or did whatever had brought him and the NPCs to this world knowingly place them here?

Either way, the gears of his mind turned with new questions.

Just who were these people and what were they like? Were they even human? Or were they something else? In most fantasy worlds, there is no shortage of non-humans, after all, he needed only to think back on the 700+ races YGGDRASIL had on offer.

All these questions and so many more were boiled down to just one simple statement that left the dragonoid's lips.

"Tell me."

Nido nodded the affirmative, "The smaller of the two inhabited hubs I discovered first. And upon its detection, I immediately notified Koraboros of my findings."

As if on cue, the regally dressed Demon Lord rose from his seat.

"Indeed, he did, my lord. After making my way to the Orrery, I conferred with Nido as to the nature of his discovery. Then through the use of the scrying crystal, we observed the location for some time." The Demon Lord paused briefly before continuing, "However, it could not provide us with all the information we required. So to ascertain a more detailed understanding we made use of the cover of night to dispatch a troupe of Shadow Demons to conduct a more in-depth investigation."

"What have they learned?"

It came as no surprise to Tiberius when Koraboros too produced a stack of papers from seemingly nowhere.

When he made an offering of these papers for the dragonoid's study. It was the fae butler who now rose, taking several steps he took the stack in hand before he turned back. Then with the report in hand, Mathias placed the papers on the table before Tiberius and retook his seat.

No sooner had the documents been placed for him than Tiberius began to sift through their contents. The bundle was made of several smaller stacks, each bound by a thin lace of cordage. Every page was nearly filled to the brim with text discussing a myriad of subjects.

These reports are rather thorough. I mean he even recorded the time down to the second of each observation. He also made charts that break down the population.

"Impressive," the dragonoid hummed as he skimmed over the many pages, "But for the sake of the others here today. Koraboros, would you summarize your findings."

"Of course," the Demon Lord gave a sharp grin, "The location to our immediate south is a human village situated on the border between the forest and the grasslands. The village itself consists of basic stone and wooden structures, and a number of well-used earthen roads that lead into and out of the village.

"Reports from the Shadow Demons indicate that the number of humans present is approximately one hundred twenty. They can be further divided into twenty-five familial units. Primarily they appear to be farmers that work in nearby fields. A closer inspection of their homes reveals that a small number of them serve as hunters, making excursions into the forest. However, as a whole, the villagers seem to have an avoidance of the forest. Furthermore, there appear to be no soldiers amidst their numbers, thus as to be expected their overall combat capabilities are low to non-existent.

"Upon the Shadow Demon's completion of their survey, I assigned them to follow the roads. To increase their effectiveness, per Nido's idea, we divided them into groups of two and directed each group to follow a separate pathway."

"Excellent, a sound plan, Koraboros. I take it that is how the second site was located."

"The honour there belongs to my esteemed colleague," the Demon Lord bowed and motioned to Orrery Keeper across the table.

Though the expression on the deva's weathered face remained seemingly set in stone. The same could not be said for his eye, the crystal blue of his good eye appeared to gleam in the light.

"Oh," the dragonoid turned to the Premier Diviner with interest.

"It was a simple matter, my lord. Examining the various pathways, I noticed the road leading to the southwest appeared to be the best preserved. This would indicate it saw the most traffic with enough regularity that proper maintenance was deemed warranted by those tasked with its care. Thus I merely followed it to the logical conclusion, which meant that this road would lead to another settlement."

Nido paused momentarily.

"As for the second location, it could best be described as a fortress city. Given its apparent scope, we estimate that it supports a population on the order of ten thousand or more."

"Have we any details beyond that?" Tiberius questioned, his eyes not leaving the map.

Koraboros adjusted his posture before answering.

"I am afraid we do not, my liege. Given the number of inhabitants, this municipality supports and the obvious sophistication over those of their village-bound kin. I felt it best for the Shadow Demons to not enter right away."

The dragonoid leaned back from the black marble conference table before he ran his thumb along his lower jaw.

"Prudent, a city of that size and wealth could assuredly afford far greater defenses than a backwater village. It is also possible they could have the means to detect and counter infiltrators like the Shadow Demons." Tiberius' gaze shifted between the stoic deva and the Demon Lord, "The two of you have done an excellent job."

"Your words of praise are most kind," Koraboros responded.

From his seat, Nido remained silent, but again his eye twinkled in his reserved glee.

As silence descended over the room's inhabitants, the dragonoid continued to ruminate.

So, now we know we're not alone here after all and they're human too. Which is good, I'd probably have an easier time communicating with them than to say if they were one of the more abstract races, like that fungal race back in YGGDRASIL.

Tiberius crossed his arms as he came to his next question.

So then, what should my next move be?

The dragonoid idled and turned his eyes toward the high ceiling. Absentmindedly following the movement of the paper lanterns overhead.

I guess if you think about it there really is only one course of action. We can't stay holed up in the mountain forever so we'll have to make contact with them. Besides, we need information if we're going to make any kind of headway in this world and it will be a good test of the local's disposition. And who knows, they may even have some answers.

With a slow blink, Tiberius shifted and rose from his chair.

"I wish to thank you all for your efforts in this matter I have tasked you with. Particularly in lieu of my unplanned absence."

"Such commendation is unnecessary. We merely sought to fulfill your wishes, my lord."

"Yes, our service to you is rewards enough."

The iron-like tones of Aeon joined those put forth by his infernal companion.

For her part, the Guardian Overseer shared a smile as she turned to her dragonoid master.

"What they say is true. Your will is all that matters to us and it is our most esteemed pleasure to see it made manifest."

"You all have my gratitude nonetheless," the dragonoid inclined his head to his gathered subordinates in place of a full bow, "Now, as to the matter of the human settlements. Simple observation can only provide us with a limited scope of information. To this end, I have decided to seize the initiative and establish contact with these villagers myself."

The levity that once filled the room seemed to suddenly evaporate as a tenuous stillness filled the void.

"Surely you jest, sire."

Aeon's once firm and commanding tone was gone, now replaced by one of incredulity for his master's words.

"I do not, Aeon."

"But master, would you not reconsider?"

"I must agree, Lord Tiberius. Making contact at this junction may be ill-advised. Perhaps after we had more time to study these humans."

The NPCs continued to voice their shared sentiments about the current topic. However, the dragonoid paid them little mind, for his attention was on the fashionably dressed bard standing at his side.

Kip edged closer with measured steps.

"Yess, master. It is not safe goings there alone. What if they want to fight? What if they be strong and you get hurt?"

Something within the dragonoid roused itself at the kobold's words and a low rumbling growl was its response.

"What are you implying? That I am weak? That I am incapable of defending myself? Is that what you all think?!"

Kip flinched seeing the sudden change in his master's demeanor and hearing the harshness of his words. Hunching his back, he lowered his head in submission, and to make himself less of a target for the dragonoid's ire. The bard backed away meekly before taking shelter behind a nearby chair.

"No, of course not," Yuliana attempted to placate the simmering anger of the dragonoid.

"Then just what are you suggesting?"

"You said so yourself, my lord," Koraboros' accented voice sliced through the tension, "We do not know enough about the peoples of this world. Observation has not shown us the full extent of their capabilities. It is entirely possible they may very well possess some hidden skill set that could pose a danger. Therefore the only logical conclusion would be to bring along protection when facing an unknown situation."

Before silence could again set in, another spoke.

"Assuage your worries, my lord."

It was Mathias who spoke, the stern serenity found within his voice seemed to reach through the haze of anger and reach Tiberius.

"You are the one chosen by the Creators themselves to lead them. You are the greatest of their number. There are none who dwell within Týrnaust that would doubt your strength. We are only concerned for you. It is in the nature of the created to protect their creator, is it not?"

The fog that had clouded his judgment faded and a sense of calm was restored within Tiberius.

They're right. There are too many unknowns in this situation and they were only expressing their concerns for me. So why did I get so angry about it?

Tiberius released a brooding sigh and allowed his posture to relax.

"Very well, I understand. The plan to make contact with the humans will continue, however, I shall not go alone."

He became contemplative.

But who should I take with me? I could take one of the Valkyries but what if they're not strong enough should we have to fight? Aeon and Naziah are out, their angelic appearance would only draw attention and questions. The same goes for Lyleth. Koraboros could fit in, but he is a Demon Lord. So it might not be the best to put him around regular people. I don't know enough about Mathias' abilities to bring him and Nido is needed here. Kip's abilities are meant for group support. So, I guess that leaves only one choice really.

Turning his head, the dragonoid focused his gaze on the Guardian Overseer.

"Yuliana, would you be willing to accompany me on this outing?"

At his words, a pleased expression overtook her features.

"Yes, of course," Yuliana hastily replied, "I shall join you and I pledge myself wholly unto you. I shall protect you even to the cost of my life."

Hearing the raven-haired beauty make such a declaration while entertaining the possibility of her demise caused a knot to form in the pit of his stomach.

"I doubt such a thing will come to pass," Tiberius attempted to downplay the unpleasant thought, "Just be ready when I call upon you."

"I shall, Lord Tiberius," Yuliana nodded deeply.

"Aeon, Koraboros, I want the two of you to also be prepared should we require reinforcements." The angel and demon nodded affirmatively, "Then unless there is any further business to discuss, this meeting is adjourned."

Together the NPCs rose from their ornate seats and bowed low to the golden-scaled dragonoid.

Tiberius performed a half-bow in response before pivoting on his heel and rounding the table. He strode along the side of the long conference table, in his passing the Guardians remained effectively motionless. Only their heads and eyes moved as they tracked the movements of their master.

As the chamber's doors closed, signaling the dragonoid's departure, did the group become animated once more. Now the group's collective focus turned to the Guardian Overseer.

Leisurely Koraboros returned to his seat, he rested his elbow on the tabletop and placed his chin on an upturned palm while he gazed at his immediate superior through the loose tresses of his dark hair.

"You do realize the severity of the task which has been placed upon you?"

The Demon Lord's accented words were firm yet warm in their meaning.

"Of course I do," shifting, Yuliana met his calculating gaze with her own hardened stare, "Just as any who follow the Supreme Beings and reside within this mountain do."

"It is always easy to make such claims of one's convictions when they have yet to be put to the grindstone," the Seraphim recited, "However, it is something different to affirm those convictions in the face of adversity."

To hear another of her fellow guardian's voice their apparent doubts provoked the Guardian Overseer. Clenching her fists, Yuliana turned to glare sharply at the armoured figure of Aeon.

"Do you now also doubt my ability to carry out my duty?"

"We are not doubting your ability. Nor are we questioning your devotion. We simply wish to impress upon you the true weight of the position in which you find yourself."

The casual attitude of the Demon Lord quickly disappeared, replaced by one of seriousness as he straightened himself.

"The Supreme One is the heart of the mountain, the very soul of Týrnaust. And without Lord Tiberius' guidance, I fear all would crumble around us."

"Now, now my friends. There is no need for a show of hostilities. Not here, not in this place." Mathias' calm voice filled the air, "Here the Creators met to solve their problems, not to do battle. Can we not do the same?"

The words of the fae abomination hung heavily over the heads of the others.

"Your words are true," Aeon bowed his head in concession, "Such sacrilegious actions mar the sanctity of this space."

"While I do not necessarily bow to such pious constraints. I shall nevertheless agree with the sentiments. This is not the place to hold such talks." The Demon Lord rose from his seat.

Yuliana sighed briefly.

"Again, Mathias you are the voice of reason. I thank you."

The Guardian Overseer turned her head, her eyes falling to the now vacant seat at the head of the table. There they lingered for a time before she addressed her fellows.

"I understand and share your fears for the master's wellbeing. He is all that remains of those beings who breathed life into us. We must not… cannot, allow any harm to befall him." Yuliana's tone hardened as she continued, "To any who would wish to stand against his glory. We shall see them brought low. And on their knees, they will beg for oblivion."

Bound within her words were the strength and will to make them a reality. They were words that matched the feelings and thoughts of all those present. So it was at that moment that a wordless vow was agreed upon and signified by only a silent, solemn nod.

"Now, let us prepare."

o – o – o – o

The dragonoid strode upon the cobblestone streets as he made his way through the cityscape of the Ninth Floor.

His destination was not his quarters, at least not yet. No, his goal was situated more toward the center of the level. On his journey, he passed by many of the decorative venues his friends had created to fill this floor.

Before Tiberius stood the awe-inspiring Euphoria Bathhouse, a sight to behold with its opulent palace-like exterior towering over him.

The grand structure was unmistakable, adorned with a multitude of captivating water features that adorned its walls. From the simplest fountains, where water gently cascaded down textured surfaces, to the more intricate sculptures that seamlessly incorporated water into their design. Water sprites wept, and various fish species playfully spouted water from their mouths, creating a mesmerizing symphony of liquid artistry.

At the very entrance of the Bathhouse, a magnificent fountain took center stage. Here, a majestic water dragon, captured in stone, perched upon an exquisitely ornate pedestal. Its mighty jaws were parted, releasing a powerful jet of water that gracefully arced above the statue. The water then descended like a graceful rain, showering the marble figures of playful fauns and mischievous satyrs dancing around the base. Some of these delightful figures carried round jugs, from which water joyously poured forth, adding to the mesmerizing display within the collecting pool below.

Further on, the Great Forge, an enigmatic structure, stood in stark contrast to its more classically styled counterparts. Resembling the cooling towers of old nuclear power plants, its unconventional design was sure to draw attention. As Tiberius passed the wide entrance, he could glimpse what awaited inside – an intense fiery glow emanating from within the forge. The rhythmic bellows breathed life into the heart of the Great Forge, adding to the symphony of sounds that filled the air. The metallic clangs and hissing of molten metal forged a harmonious chorus, echoing through the area as if the very building were alive. The Great Forge was more than a mere building; it was the beating heart of craftsmanship and creation within the guild, where the transformative powers of fire and metal converged to shape the extraordinary creations.

As Tiberius continued his journey through the floor, a delightful scene unfolded before him. Several of the floor's resident nymph caretakers had congregated at one of the medieval-style taverns. The sounds of animated conversations and laughter wafted through the air, escaping through open doors and windows, creating a lively atmosphere that seemed to beckon passersby to join in the merriment. The camaraderie of the nymphs filled the air with an infectious sense of joy, and the tavern's warm glow hinted at the tales and laughter shared within. It was a heartening sight, a reminder that amidst the grandeur of the guild base, the bonds of friendship and fellowship were cherished, and moments of simple revelry were equally valued.

Now, it should be this way.

A few turns later, Tiberius stood before his destination.

Amidst the urbanized surroundings, a surprising sight stood tall – a house that seemed to belong to a world of fantasy woodland cottages.

This whimsical two-story structure delighted the eyes. Its golden thatched roof was crowned by a sturdy chimney of grey stone, from which gentle plumes of white smoke danced toward the sky. The lower walls were adorned with speckled stones covered in lush green lichen, while leafy vines gracefully wound their way up, as if embracing the cottage in a verdant hug. Above, the walls of the upper floor displayed a soft khaki hue, their plaster-covered wood adding to the cottage's charm.

Large picture windows adorned the front of the home, inviting ample natural light into its heart. Beneath each windowsill, a delightful trough brimmed with an array of colourful flowers, their vibrant petals adding a splash of nature's palette to the cottage's quaint exterior.

The picturesque cottage nestled on a lush parcel of land, where vibrant green grass extended gracefully in all directions, spanning fifty feet from the cottage walls. A pristine white picket fence encircled the manicured lawn, creating a boundary that seemed to shield this haven from the outside world, creating a true paradise within.

A wrought iron archway framed the gate, adorned with metal vines that added an enchanting touch to the entrance. Meandering along the path leading to the cottage were flat river rocks, each one carefully placed, forming a delightful and inviting walkway.

At the end of this scenic garden path, a captivating pergola stood, its dark wood covered in an embrace of woody vines. Underneath this natural canopy, a rustic walnut door awaited, graced with a stained glass window in the shape of a heart. As if inviting all who approached to step into a place of warmth and love, the charming cottage beckoned with open arms to anyone fortunate enough to venture into its tranquil embrace.

Striding up to the door, the dragonoid cleared his throat, hesitated, then knocked three times.

A few moments ticked by as Tiberius waited for the home's occupant. Then from inside the dwelling, he could hear the sounds of movement.

Then came the tale-tell click of the latch and the creak of the hinges as the door began to move. Slowly it swung wide to reveal a glimpse of the cozy-looking interior and standing before it was the resident of this cottage.

"Oh, Lord Tiberius," a cheery and feminine voice greeted him.

For this was Neeshka, the Great Healer of Týrnaust.

Like the others, Neeshka was something out of the norm. She belonged to a heteromorphic race called Chimeras, meaning that her body was crafted from an amalgamation of other creatures.

Neeshka, a remarkable chimera, stood just over six feet tall, boasting a well-proportioned and mature womanly figure, covered entirely in a layer of soft, fluffy white fur.

Her striking head resembled that of a deer, graced with a pair of short, recurved horns atop her skull and long, droopy ears cascading down to her shoulders. But upon closer inspection, one would notice that her muzzle held a distinctive carnivorous allure rather than the gentle traits of a herbivore. A broad and robust structure, akin to a carnivore's, adorned her face, with a dog-like nose pad and pronounced canines that peered past her lips, hinting at her fierce nature. Soft lavender irises with feline pupils completed her captivating gaze, transforming from wide circles in the darkness to slits in the light. The presence of long, feminine eyelashes added to her allure, enhancing her enigmatic charm.

The most striking feature of Neeshka's unique form was her extraordinary tail. Instead of a conventional cervine tail, she possessed a long, scale-covered appendage that ended in the captivating visage of a cobra. It seemed as though a serpent had been seamlessly fused to her lower spine, creating a sight that demanded attention.

As she moved gracefully, her robe revealing glimpses of her fluffy-furred four-toed lion feet, Neeshka embodied a captivating blend of elegance and wild beauty, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness her presence.

In the way of garments, Neeshka was clothed in a set of cleric's robes.

Upon her body was a simple gown of lilac cloth that fell to her ankles and was cinched around her waist by a crimson sash. A white heart with the Rod of Asclepius at its center was embroidered on the abdomen. Over this, she wore a hooded robe of white gold with darker amber-gold piping along its edges. This robe was slightly shorter than the gown on which it sat, only coming to her knees. The sleeves were loose and billowy while the shoulders were padded. This padding was layered in such a way as to create an allusion to angelic wings.

Around the chimera's neck was hung a platinum chain that glittered in the light. Attached to the chain was a pendant of gold shaped like a set of wings, at its center a heart-shaped gemstone that shone with a kaleidoscope of colours.

Neeshka's lips pulled tight in a warm smile as she bowed.

"It is an unexpected visit, my lord. To what do I owe the honour?"

"Hello, Neeshka. It seems I am in need of your services."

The female chimera nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for the dragonoid to enter her home.

The lower height of the door frame was something Tiberius was mindful of as he ducked to cross the threshold.

Inside the cottage was pretty much as one would expect.

After a short foyer, the entrance opened up to the main room. It was a fairly spacious room that spanned the width of the home.

On the northern wall, a fireplace above which was mounted a mantled, atop which sat many small knick-knacks. Lying before the hearth was a plush azure ovoid rug. Nearby, a sturdy-looking rocking chair, basic in its design and crafted from a fine redwood. Beside the rocking chair was a short table, on which rested a book. The book lay open with the pages resting on the tabletop, this suggested that he had interrupted Neeshka in reading.

A thick cushioned sofa sat behind a short and stout coffee table while an equally large comfy chair. Both with floral patterns. The wall behind these simple furnishings was covered in shelving. Each tier of the shelves had been crammed to the brim with a myriad of books. There were so many that there were a number of smaller book piles littering the floor before the shelves.

To occupy the otherwise empty space on the remaining walls, they had been adorned with paintings. Many depicted peaceful scenes of nature. However, there was one painting that stood out amongst the others.

Hung over the fireplace, in a place of honour, was the image of Neeshka's creator, Ogremlin. The image of the fairy was without a doubt a screen capture with an integrated filter to make it appear as an oil painting.

The most outstanding feature was the staircase on the western wall that led to the cottage's upper floor. Upstairs, Tiberius could only assume would be the chimera's bedroom, and perhaps, a bathroom. Not far from the stairs was a small kitchenette, complete with cupboards, a sink, and a wood-burning stove.

After ushering the dragonoid inside, Neeshka lingered by the door for a moment before joining him in the living room.

As Tiberius stood in the middle of the room, he was unsure of just what to do. The situation was different from any other time he'd previously visited the healer.

In YGGDRASIL, Neeshka's interactions were as limited as any other NPC. She was governed by a basic set of AI routines and a player would only need to give the proper verbal commands. But there was also the alternative of using the in-game menus to make selections.

But now, with Neeshka having awakened, so to speak, and joined the ranks of the living with the others. There were no menus or simple commands to give.

As the dragonoid's whirling mind kept him preoccupied. Neeshka had maneuvered past her large house guest and taken a seat on the comfy chair. Extending her arm, she beckoned him to join her.

So Tiberius did. His armour clanked and the floorboards creaked under his weight as he moved across the room. He paused for a moment, looking down at the thickly cushioned sofa. Unsure, he turned and looked at the seated female. She only smiled at him and nodded.

The dragonoid turned about, and ever so carefully he lowered himself down onto the sofa. As the cushion grew thinner beneath him, his worries equally grew. But the piece of furniture was more robust than he had given it credit.

So it was he sat upon the floral-patterned couch, his hands clasped and resting in his lap.

"So, Lord Tiberius, how may I be of service to you?"

Neeshka was soft-spoken, her voice filled with the warm and caring tones a mother would use. The act of simply listening to her speak was rather soothing for the dragonoid.

Tiberius opened his mouth to speak, only to close it a moment later.

"Before we begin, I have a question for you, Neeshka."

The white-furred chimera cocked her head to the side as she looked at him inquisitively.

"Have you been informed of the predicament in which Týrnaust has currently found itself?"

Neeshka nodded gently, "I have indeed, my lord. As has all who dwell within the mountain. Well, at least to the best of my knowledge that is."

"Well, then… that's good. I needn't explain further on that."

"You might be surprised how fast gossip can travel amongst the Nymphs," she gave a small giggle.

The dragonoid nodded.

"So to the matter at hand then. You see when we first arrived in this new world I had assumed that I was unaffected." Apart from the fact that I had been transformed into this and all of you NPCs had come to life. "However, that may not have been true. Seeing as I have spent the last two days asleep. Such a thing makes me wonder if perhaps I had been affected. So I would like for you to examine me and determine if that is the case."

The soft smile Neeshka had been wearing this whole time vanished and her expression turned serious at his words.

Lifting her arm, Neeshka lay her hand on her bosom over her heart. "Then as a healer, I shall endeavor to find the cause of your troubles."

There was a small pause and the stern air the chimera wore about her crumbled. Replaced by one of bashfulness as she averted her gaze from the armoured figure before her.

"B-but first, I must ask that you remove your armour and clothing for the examination. Uh, please."

The way her tone had taken a drastic U-turn from the self-confident lady with plenty of resolve to the withdrawn schoolgirl was surprising. After all, what reason did she have to be embarrassed? If anyone had the right to be embarrassed it should be he, shouldn't it?

Nevertheless, her request was valid and completely understandable. After all, was it not a common occurrence to be required to remove some article of clothing during a visit to a doctor?

Slowly Tiberius rose from his place on the sofa and began to fiddle with the buckled straps on the side of his cuirass. However, the process was quickly brought to a halt as he realized a particular obstacle that stood in the way of its removal.

His wings.

So it was Tiberius closed his eyes and followed in the manner of the experimentations he'd performed within his quarters. With a slow, deep breath, he began to concentrate on the webbed appendages sprouting from his back. Just as on that night, the wings started to atrophy and recede. In the span of a few short moments, his wings had vanished from sight.

Now, without that impediment out of the way. He came to the tedious procedure of removing the numerous armour plates.

As he again set about undoing one strap and buckle, Tiberius glanced at the waiting healer.

"Neeshka, would it be too much if I asked for your assistance with this?"

The white-furred chimera's lavender eyes widened at his request. Inclining her, Neeshka pressed her chin to her bountiful chest and cast her eyes to the side in an attempt to avoid making eye contact.

"It would be my honour to assist you."

Neeshka's voice was soft and hesitant, little more than a shy whisper. To hear such a response left the dragonoid perplexed.

I just asked her to help take my armour off. And she's acting as though I just asked her to go on a date.

Rising from her comfy chair, she stepped up to Tiberius, taking her place at his side. Then reaching out, her deft hands set to work on the nearest buckle. The strap was loosened and Neeshka moved on to the next.

With the tension loosened, the dragonoid gripped the chest plate and slowly lifted it over his head. No sooner was the armoured piece removed than Neeshka was maneuvering to take it from him.

Tiberius let the healer take the piece off his hands without complaint. He then watched as the chimeric female simply held the piece. The chest plate seemed almost comically large to her smaller frame. She stood, her eyes scanning over the inlays while her fingers traced over the metallic surface. After a moment, she turned away and gently laid the chest piece on the thick sofa cushion.

As she returned to her master's side, the pair repeated the process several more times.

A buckle would be undone, a strap loosened, and another piece of the dragonoid's armour would come away to join the others on the sofa. With the aid of an extra pair of hands, the time for this task was greatly reduced.

With the dragonoid now bereft of his metallic carapace and the padded jacket, he came to the next part of the task.

Swallowing hard, the dragonoid mustered his nerve and hesitantly took hold of his shirt. Then drew the material up and over his head before tossing it aside to rest with armour on the couch. But when it came to him removing his pants, he stopped. His hands froze up gripping the drawstrings.

Okay, there's nothing to it. It's just a doctor's visit, right? Except the doctor is a six-foot animal person. Just gotta focus and get through this. The sooner it's done the sooner I can get my clothes back.

Drawing in a breath, Tiberius hastily tugged the drawstrings and then just as quickly pushed the trousers down his legs. As he stepped out of the crumpled apparel, the dragonoid stooped down and retrieved his pants before they too joined his shirt and armour.

Now garbed in just his undergarments with his golden scales shimmering in the soft interior light, Tiberius stood in silence with his hands held before him as if to maintain some level of decency.

Turning at the waist, he looked to his left and back to the room's other occupant.

The female chimera stood about an arm's length away. Her eyes were wide as she stared at him. Flexing his hands, the dragonoid began to feel a tinge of self-consciousness creep into him. Clearing his throat jarred the healer back to her senses as she blinked rapidly, then turned and moved away. Making her way to the kitchenette, Neeshka retrieved a sturdy-looking wooden stool and placed it down toward the center of the room.

Understanding what she intended, Tiberius strode forwards and took a seat on the stool. This placed him at a more comfortable height for the healer to assess him.

Neeshka made slow circles about the dragonoid, her eyes scanning over his body in the process. Occasionally, she would pause and lean in for a closer inspection. Other times she merely cupped her chin and hummed to herself.

In the process of the exam, she took his limbs in her hands and manipulated them to test the joints and to ensure a proper range of motion. At another point, she had the dragonoid open his jaws so that she could inspect his teeth. She even looked over his eyes and ears. Once those rudimentary tests had been completed, the chimeric healer asked for him to again manifest his wings. After a moment of waiting Tiberius' wings were made real again. Measurements were taken, the leathery membrane scrutinized, and the joint's articulation checked.

As to be expected, there was a battery of questions that accompanied the physical exam. Mostly the questions consisted of routine things such as has he experienced any unexplained pains and other such inquiries. Throughout the healer performed her craft with a thorough but warm demeanor.

While Tiberius felt little issue with her means of assessment. However, when it came time to check on his heart and lungs, this was a different story.

The chimera circled around him to disappear from his sight. Once behind the larger dragonoid, Neeshka straddled his tail and laid her hands upon his shoulders before leaning forward to press herself against him.

The feeling of the robed female pressing her body flat against his back sent a jolt through Tiberius. Taken aback by the sudden and unanticipated act, the dragonoid's body went stark still, his muscles tensed and he sat there on the wooden stool rigid as a statue.

Shifting, Neeshka lifted her muzzle to rest beside Tiberius' ear. Or at least what passed for an ear.

Positioned slightly higher than a human ear would be, there was an unassuming fold in the thick scales. Tucked away beneath that fold was a narrow slit that served as the opening for his ear canal.

"You should relax, master," Neeshka spoke in a hushed tone like how one would speak to a child.

"Uh… yes, of course," the dragonoid rolled his eyes.

Relax?! Yeah, that's easy for you to say. You try relaxing when you have a pair of THOSE pressing against your back. Especially when it's been so long since I was this close to a girl.

Turning her head to the side, Neeshka lifted a floppy ear she lay her head on his back.

"Now, Lord Tiberius, take a deep breath, hold it, count to three, and then breathe out slowly."

The dragonoid nodded and complied with her instructions.

Drawing in a deep breath, his chest expanded. However, not at the same level as it had previously during his feat in the Grand Arena. He held the lungful of air for several seconds before gradually releasing his pent-up breath. As the air left his body, Tiberius felt his body sag with it.

"Good," the healer smiled, "Now, repeat."

So he did.

"One more time."

As he sat upon the stool, listening to Neeshka's dulcet tones, it did much to lull the dragonoid into a deeply relaxed state. A rather pleasant sense of warmth spread throughout his body, and not all of it was because of the warm-furred body of the female currently embracing his back.

In this tranquil state of mind, old and forgotten memories of days long gone by bubbled up in his subconscious. Memories of times in his youth when his mother would show him such care.

This shift in the dragonoid's mood was not lost on the healer.

"Are you okay, my lord?"

A low and relaxed hmmm seemed to be the only response that Tiberius was capable of at the moment.

Drawing back from the larger male figure, Neeshka looked over his face, noting the closed eyes and the placid expression worn on his draconic visage.

I am glad I can help you to relax.

The female chimera's smile grew while she remained in the embrace for several moments longer before she pulled away. Moving to the side, Neeshka came to stand before the seated, and seemingly sedate, dragonoid.

"I am quite pleased to say that nothing appears to be wrong with you," Neeshka clasped her hands together before her, "Well, physically speaking that is. However, I cannot rule out any magically created ill effects."

The dragonoid's brain swam through a thick comforting haze, though he was still vaguely aware of her words. While through half-lidded eyes, Tiberius watched the healer as she moved.

Standing before him, Neeshka closed her eyes and lifted her right arm, her hand opened and palm hovering mere inches from the dragonoid's chest. Her mouth moved, however, what she said was lost on Tiberius' addled mind.

There came a burst of light as both he and the chimera were engulfed in a golden aura. The soft glow persisted for several moments before its intensity began to fade. When the aura had dissipated entirely, Neeshka allowed her arm to return to her side.

Opening her eyelids, she looked at him with twinkling lavender eyes, "Good news, my lord. There does not seem to be any magical maladies present."

"Hmm, that's good," a low rumble of deliberation came from the dragonoid's chest, "But does that mean its allotted time has passed? Or maybe you were unable to detect it."

The white-furred physician wrapped an arm about her midsection while she cupped her chin with her free hand.

"Given the circumstances, I can't say for sure that such a possibility doesn't exist. In this new world, there may be magics that are beyond my ability to detect. However, Lord Tiberius, I do believe there is a far more plausible explanation available to us."

This pulled the dragonoid from the melancholy that he had begun to sink. His flame-coloured eyes looking at the healer as she offered him a compassionate smile.

"In the course of the exam, I noted subtle variations in your vitals and the change in your overall demeanor. So, in my opinion, the answer is simple, you were merely tired. Well, exhausted to be more specific."

Neeshka's explanation left the dragonoid speechless and he could only away in response.

Could the answer to his predicament really have been so easy a diagnosis? Could that really be all there was to it?

But as Tiberius deliberated it began to make some amount of sense.

Before this whole… transference for lack of a better understanding, he had been basically running fumes. Marathon sessions were no secret and he had indulged in more than his fair share. His very last session had nearly lasted for a full sixty-six hours.

During those long hours, he had found himself nearly nodding off and surely would have if not for his stockpile of stimulants. Looking back, he was kind of surprised given his frequent use of stimulants for work, he was surprised he hadn't built up a greater tolerance.

So it made perfect sense, even with that nap he had before this whole situation, it would not have been enough to offset the deficit.

When Tiberius again let his gaze turn to the white-furred chimera, she wore the same comforting smile. Her rather prominent set of canines did little to detract from it. Neeshka's violet eyes shone bright, while her long and fluffy ears framed her cervine-like face.

This gave her an almost puppy-like innocence.

Breaking the silence, the dragonoid spoke first.

"Well, then I am sorry to have wasted your time over such a simple matter, Neeshka."

She shook her head, "I must disagree with you. Your health will always be my topmost concern. Even in a matter so trivial as a common cold or a stubbed toe." The healer let out a brief giggle, "Besides any time I am allowed to spend in your presence can never be said to be wasted."

The feeling of such praise was still an unfamiliar one and the dragonoid averted his gaze. Instead, he turned his focus to the crumpled articles of his clothing and armour resting upon the sofa nearby.

Neeshka had arranged the full plate suit in such a manner that one might be forgiven to think that there was another occupant in the room lying upon that couch.

But seeing his pants and shirt lying in a heap served as a reminder of the current status of his attire.

Rising from his place on the stool, Tiberius traversed the few steps to the sofa. Bending at the waist, he reached out to take his pants in hand. Then holding them before him, the dragonoid began the process of redressing.

All the while, he was keenly aware of the chimera's eyes watching his every move. Once he again had his clothing in proper order, Tiberius extended his hand and ran a taloned finger over the design on the chest piece.

"Neeshka," Tiberius shifted, looking to the healer over his shoulder, "May I ask one more favour of you?"

"Yes, of course."

"Can you help me put all this back on?" Tiberius asked with a sheepish grin.

The dragonoid's answer came in a happy smile and a brief nod. Yet again Tiberius was thankful for the extra hands speeding along the redonning of his armour.

As the front door swung open, the dragonoid paused, taking a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the brighter exterior. Stepping outside, he turned to look back to the white-furred chimera who stood at the threshold.

"Thank you again, Neeshka."

The healer gracefully bowed, "It was my pleasure to assist you, Lord Tiberius. Please, do come again should there be anything you need."

The dragonoid inclined his head in a bow then turned away and followed the stone pathway through the garden. As he reached the edge of this little slice of green, Tiberius looked back and watched as Neeshka waved at him before closing the door to her home.

Heh, maybe she was right and I just needed to rest. I certainly feel much better now.

The dragonoid stretched, feeling the distinct lack of tension in the muscles throughout his body.

Just being around her surely helped me out. It was so soothing. Guess the title of The Doting Mother was justified after all.

o – o – o – o

Tiberius stood on the marble balcony, his head tilted back as he gazed at the sky overhead.

Since his visit with Neeshka, he'd been feeling quite revitalized. Even just basking in the warmth of the sun felt different, oddly warmer. While some might have seen being so relaxed as problematic given the pending mission. However, being in a peaceful mindset was far a better thing as he would be able to think clearly than if he wound up tight like a spring.

After departing the healer's home, the dragonoid had briefly visited his quarters. There he had spent a fair amount of time seated behind his desk in the study. Within his mind, Tiberius reviewed the information given to him about the village as he began to envision a variety of scenarios. From a peaceful meeting to open hostilities, they played out in his head and he planned accordingly for each.

But that's the problem with the unknown, you can't really plan for it.

So it was that the dragonoid's thoughts dwelled heavily on this, his first excursion from the safety of the mountain and into the unknown of this new world.

In an almost absentminded fashion, Tiberius fiddled with the bejeweled pendant that was hung about his neck by a silver and gold mottled chain. The metal chain on which it resided was simple titanite, the tale-tell Damascus patterning in the metal serving as an indicator.

The pendant itself was crafted from the scale of a mythic-class monster, a Prismatic Celestial Dragon. Infused with the surface of the shimmering metallic scale were four gemstones: zircrmorite, ilvnolite, ullrsonite, and warihmite, one situated at each of the four cardinal directions. Each was a flawless cut stone that shone with the utmost brilliance.

Residing at the center of this gemstone arrangement was yet one more. This was a special stone that glowed a magnificent scarlet colour that seemed to almost pulsate, much like a heartbeat. This particular gemstone was what was referred to as a Life Gem.

Within YGGDRASIL, Life Gems could only be created by an alchemist of the highest caliber. The process involved the mixing of the blood of a powerful creature -a Prismatic Celestial Dragon in this particular case- with the essence of the gem's recipient. This concoction would then be infused with a soul stone. The purpose was that Life Gems would confer special buffs and abilities. Though the strength and type of which were dependent on the creature that had been used in its creation.

These precious ingredients had been brought together to create an extraordinary item, an Amulet of Supremacy.

An Amulet of Supremacy was probably one of the ultimate expressions in craftsmanship.

With its power to maximize its wearer's natural attributes. Everything from strength and stamina to health and mana would all be increased to the fullest potential. If properly utilized it could be used to boost stats beyond YGGDRASIL's imposed player limits.

Conversely, it was because of this boosting ability that some players within YGGDRASIL felt it disruptive. Some even went so far as to place the Amulet of Supremacy alongside the likes of the World Class Items as balance breaking.

But Tiberius always felt that the comparison between a player-made object versus items created by the devs to be world breaking was unequivocal.

Fortunately, it was a sentiment shared by many others. As many would cite the tremendous costs, prohibitive requirements, and the low chances of successful creation kept the Amulet of Supremacy from being a widespread problem. This left its status hovering somewhere just below guild weapons on the power tier scale.

If the dragonoid was to make a cost evaluation, then this amulet was the single most valuable item in his possession. Having cost him two hundred fifty million in YGGDRASIL gold alone.

As such, its usage was not something that Tiberius took lightly.

He had been so worried about the possibility of its loss that it rarely ever left the guild's treasure storage. Though there had been some particularly vicious duels where the amulet's presence had given him the edge. However, it was not without risk.

Should the dragonoid have lost the duel or been taken down by a PKer, he would have likely lost his most expensive piece of equipment in addition to the typical costs of XP.

Yet the amulet would be a waste for the vast majority of players as to use it there were requirements to be met. Firstly, the player had to be a dragonoid with a maxed racial level as well as being maxed player level. Then they had to have unlocked the special job class that would allow its use.

Should a player not meeting these specifications attempt to don the amulet, the player would then fall victim to the amulet's defensive instant death magic. At which point it might be possible to simply recover it from their corpse.

But the majority of YGGDRASIL's player base was not foolish enough to mess with something they did not understand. So it would be far more likely the victor would have ransomed the trinket back to Tiberius for an exorbitant fee.

Or worse, the other player could've sold the amulet on the in-game auction house.

Either option would have been a dreadful blow to its owner.

Nevertheless, in the face of the unknowns present in this new world. Tiberius was not about to face those dangers without taking every advantage he could.

The sounds of approaching footsteps brought him back to the present.

Tucking the pendant beneath his chest plate, the dragonoid straightened his posture as he turned, his gaze traveling to the triumphal arch that stood as the balcony's silent sentinel.

A small procession of individuals soon emerged from the legs of the arch.

At the head of this parade strode the Guardian Overseer, Yuliana. Having forgone her usual attire, she had now donned a set of full plate armour.

The armour's appearance was rather nondescript, betraying no indication of whether its wearer was male or female. From what Tiberius could recall, the armour was made of a distinct three-layer protection system.

The armour's base was a black bodysuit that insulated the wearer from environmental damage such as heat or cold. The second layer was one of padding that served to further diminish any physical impact. Then there was the final exterior layer, these were the various metal plates the colour of tarnished silver. Into this plate mail suit was woven a myriad of magical protections, including the enhancing of the wearer's strength and speed.

The most noticeable feature of the armour was the helmet, which Yuliana currently carried in the crook of her arm.

The helmet was crafted from the same unique metal that made up the rest of the suit. But that was not what made it special.

The helmet's face mask had been fashioned into the form of a beautiful woman. Within her eyes were laid jeweled lenses crafted from blue sapphires. The main body of the helm was molded into six thick-bodied serpents. The snakes were swept backward along the scalp, like hair. Each was intricately detailed with small scales and faint pattern markings. Four of the serpents hung down to cover the back of the neck, while the outer snakes were draped across the front of the shoulders.

The design had taken its inspiration from ancient Greek tales and had led to the name it had been blessed with. Rather aptly it was called the Medusa Armour.

Following in her wake, Tiberius could see the tall golden armoured form of Aeon, and striding beside him was Koraboros, still garbed in his usual regality. Then trailing behind the three guardians were the Valkyries.

Upon reaching the dragonoid, the group came to a halt and knelt. The sound of their armoured knees meeting the stone produced a sharp metallic clank.

Tiberius gazed at the Guardian Overseer, "I take it you are ready to proceed, Yuliana?"

"I am, my lord. Yet I would again like to take the moment to voice my opposition to this undertaking without the aid of a larger retinue."

The dragonoid shook his head, "I understand your objections. While a larger force would provide better protection, it would also hinder us. We would be far more conspicuous and attract more attention. Furthermore, Yuliana, the sight of any large and unknown group of warriors would no doubt be cause for great concern. They may misinterpret our intentions as being hostile and thus not allow us to complete our objectives."

The raven-haired female lifted her head, her jade eyes meeting Tiberius' own.

"Once again, you demonstrate your superiority."

Tiberius nodded before shifting his focus.

"Aeon, Koraboros," at the calling of their names, the knelt angel and demon raised their bowed heads, "The possibility of hostility does still exist, as does the chance that these humans may pose a danger. Make sure that both of you are ready to act should we require your assistance."

"We shall be ready to heed your summons at a moment's notice."

"Indeed, you need only to signal, my liege."

"Very good," the dragonoid turned back to the horizon, "Yuliana, let us be off."

"Lord Tiberius, may I inquire as to how we shall be traveling? Shall we be arriving by way of teleportation? Or perhaps through a [Gate] spell?"

"No," he replied with a shake of his head, "There may be a means of blocking teleportation magic, or worse intercepting it, at play in this world. Thus to allow us the safety of stealth, I have decided that we will fly there."

Yuliana nodded, then watched as the golden-scaled dragonoid made his way to the balcony's edge. She hesitated to follow him momentarily and instead turned to look back at her comrades. On their faces, she could see and feel the emotions at play.

The Valkyries looked not at her, but past her, to their master with expressions of longing. He hadn't yet left the mountain and already they missed him. It was a feeling that Yuliana could sympathize with. Whenever the Creators departed Týrnaust, she too had felt the absence of their comforting presence.

Looking away, her gaze then turned to her fellow Floor Guardians.

Aeon remained impassive, his face hidden in the impenetrable shadows of the enchanted helm he wore. But she could feel the pressure he exerted, the seraphim was just as concerned as anyone.

Koraboros, by contrast, was far easier to read.

The Demon Lord stared straight at her with an unblinking gaze. His crimson catlike eyes were hard and dangerous. While his serious demeanor was no doubt done to remind her of the significance of what was to come.

But she needed no reminder.

With a stoic nod, the Guardian Overseer silently reaffirmed the vow that they had all shared within the sacred grounds of the Council Chamber.

Pivoting on her heel, Yuliana steeled her nerve and strode after the armoured dragonoid.

Tiberius stood near the balcony's edge, mere feet from the sheer drop-off. His flame-coloured eyes were fixed on the horizon, doing his best to look anywhere but down. Yet occasionally he couldn't help but sneak a glance.

Okay, I got this. It's just like back in the arena… only several thousand feet higher. Just gotta open my wings, catch the air, and then flaaa… Shit! Has it always been that far down?

The dragonoid could feel his heart thundering within the confines of his broad chest. His muscles tightened with the sudden rush of adrenaline that flowed through his veins.

"Is something the matter, Lord Tiberius?"

The dragonoid swallowed as he cast his gaze over his shoulder to the armoured female.

"No, no. I was simply taking a moment to enjoy the view," the dragonoid answered hoping that Yuliana would not see through his lie. Thinking quickly, he moved to change the subject, "Oh, Yuliana, how do you intend to follow me? If you need I am sure there are some Amulets of Flight within the treasury. I could go and procure one for you."

The female Guardian smiled brightly, "I thank you for your consideration, Lord Tiberius. However, that will not be necessary. I am capable of utilizing the full extent of my magical abilities even whilst wearing this armour. And the [Fly] spell is amongst my available spells."

"Great," he muttered sarcastically.

Without another reason to delay, Tiberius swallowed hard as he found his mouth suddenly rather dry.

The dragonoid stared hard at the last few feet that lay between him and the several thousand-foot plunge that waited beyond. Tentatively he took a step, then another, and another until he stood upon the edge. Subconsciously his toes curled attempting to dig his talons into the stone for a grip.

Unfurling his wings to their full width, he took a deep breath.

One… Two… Three!

Reaching the end of the countdown, Tiberius squeezed his eyes shut before leaning forwards and allowing gravity to take hold as he disappeared over the precipice.

Immediately the dragonoid was grateful he did not have anything for some time as he felt his stomach lurch, seemingly lodging itself firmly in his throat. While he thought that his heart might explode as it hammered away within his chest as he plummeted through the air. The howling of the wind reverberating in his ears was near deafening as it whipped past his head.

Forcing his eyelids apart, Tiberius made a discovery. Shielding his eyes was a transparent nictitating membrane that functioned much like a built-in set of goggles. Regularly he might have found this to be of more interest, had he not found himself currently hurtling toward the earth.

In particular, it looked like he would soon be making an impression on the stone bridge that lay before the Grand Gatehouse.

As he had learned to do in the arena, Tiberius gave himself over to his now screaming instincts.

Before rational thought could comprehend what needed to be done. His body was already acting on its own accord.

The muscles of his body contracted, holding his body rigid as his arms lay against his sides. His wings braced themselves, robotically changing their angle of attack for maximum efficiency. The leathery wing membrane was stretched tight to catch the wind beneath it. Behind him, the dragonoid's great tail acted as a rudder, directing the air to help steer.

Tiberius shifted his weight pulling himself out of the steep dive and aimed toward the sky. The muscles of his back and shoulders set to work making his wings flap mightily to push him aloft. The effort was aided by the powerful updrafts that came off the mountain's craggy face.

A familiar gleeful smile crept across Tiberius' scaled lips.

There came a moment of surprise when the armoured form of Yuliana settled into position to the dragonoid's left. He was ashamed to say that he had momentarily forgotten about her.

The Guardian Overseer had donned the armour's helmet and now looked at him from behind the sapphire lenses. She nodded in acknowledgment and then followed as the armoured dragonoid performed a wide arc and turned southwards.

Tiberius looked back at Týrnaust, watching as the mountain receded before his gaze settled on the horizon. So it was the dragonoid and his female companion who flew through the sky on a course that led to the future.

o – o – o – o

Soaring through the sky above the new world was a peaceful experience, with nothing but fluffy clouds and the occasional high-flying bird of prey for company.

It had been a while since the pair's departure from Týrnaust and the journey so far had been rather serene. This, of course, meant there was nothing to do but enjoy the scenery along the way. Witnessing the vast stretches of the woodlands that surrounded his mountain home passing beneath him, allowed Tiberius to truly appreciate the impressive scale of this place.

Throughout the expedition, the pair had kept to the higher altitudes. This choice provided the best chance of remaining undetected while allowing them to scout the largest area possible.

Looking ahead, Tiberius could see the pair's destination starting to come into view.

After several leagues, the forest began to thin and give way to open fields. It was there amongst those fields that the dragonoid's keen eyes could discern the shapes of buildings, the human village.

Tiberius turned his head, looking at the armoured figure of his escort. Extending his arm, he motioned to gain the attention of the Guardian Overseer. The turn of her head was subtle, but it was enough to tell Tiberius he had succeeded. Then his arm moved again, gesturing to a small clearing within the thick foliage below.

Yuliana nodded and continued to move in unison with her master.

Together the two armoured individuals adjust their course and began to descend to the waiting glade.

The dragonoid was the first to reach the clearing. His wings heaved sending out great gusts of air to rustle the leaves. As he touched down, the lush grass felt cool and the ground soft beneath his feet, so soft that his clawed toes easily dug into the surface. It was a definite change from the hard stone floors of the mountain.

Tiberius blinked several times, each time serving to remoisten and clean the clear membrane that had protected his eyes. On the last blink, the nictitating membrane retracted to leave his vision unobstructed.

"Master," Yuliana called out as her feet were met with the grass-covered earth, "Why did we land? The human village is still some distance away."

"It's not far now, perhaps a mile or two at most. And I felt it would be best to change my appearance before we meet the village's inhabitants."

"P-preposterous!" the Guardian Overseer bristled at his words, "Why should one of the Supreme Beings be forced to hide his magnificence? To accommodate these lesser beings?"

A small smile was at play on the dragonoid's scaled lips.

"I do appreciate your sentiments, Yuliana. However, I rather doubt the people would react well to seeing an armed and armoured bipedal dragon simply moving in their midst."

"But they must. It is the natural order of things, the weak bow before the strong. As such these humans will learn to accept their place or die where they stand."

The armoured female's words were accompanied by the placing of a gauntleted hand upon the hilt of one of the twin sabers that hung on her waist.

The dragonoid turned, regarding the Guardian Overseer for a moment. After listening to Yuliana speak with soft tones during his time, to her now speak with such a harsh and ruthless manner, left Tiberius taken aback.

"Yuliana," Tiberius calmly approached, "We came here to learn about the people of this world and to gather information. We did not come here to conquer, but if a fight is inevitable then so be it. So until then, I wish to avoid drawing undue attention to ourselves, if possible. Is that understood?"

The Guardian stiffened then bowed, "By your will."

The dragonoid's gaze lingered on her for several long moments, ensuring that she understood his words before he turned away.

Yuliana listened as her master gave a huff of satisfaction then watched as he moved away. With several long strides, he'd placed a fair distance between them. Coming to a stop, he stood idly for a time, the only movements forthcoming were the occasional flick of his tail in the lush grass.

As time passed, she felt the urge to inquire of her master just what it was they were waiting for. However, the Guardian Overseer held her tongue. After all, she had already displeased him once with her words, she would not do that a second time.

So it was the pair stood in silence with only the gentle rustle of the foliage around them.

Then as she was observing the clearing, something caught her attention.

The air surrounding the dragonoid grew denser, creating a haze that obscured her view of him. Like a miasma, this fog thickened and turned darker until just a silhouette of her master remained.

At first, the sight of this did well to unnerve the Guardian Overseer, who hadn't been expecting such a thing to happen. Yet before she could react to see to the dragonoid's wellbeing the fog faded to leave behind the now altered Lord of Týrnaust.

Where once had stood an eight-and-a-half-foot tall golden-scaled dragonoid, now stood a humble human.

Yuliana stood back watching as her master turned to face her.

Gone was the draconic visage that she had idolized as the epitome of perfection. Yet while his appearance was drastically changed, Yuliana could still see the hints of his true self shining through this human façade.

His face still bore the same symmetry and strong masculine features that approximated his draconic beauty. His steely blue eyes still possessed the same intensity that captivated her and sent shivers down her spine.

Gazing at him, the Guardian felt a deep sense of pride welling up within her. To be so trusted by the master that he would allow her the honour of being the first to witness his transformation. Furthermore, the longer Yuliana looked upon him, the more she came to find that even in this far lesser form he was still rather handsome to behold.

However, deep down the raven-haired beauty didn't like it.

This was not her master, this was but an illusion he had adopted. Yet the truth of his existence remained unaffected. No matter the form he took, Tiberius would always be the undisputed Lord of Týrnaust and master to all that sheltered within its walls. To view him as anything less was unbecoming, even bordering on blasphemous.

Still, she could not deny her feelings on the subject. Looking upon this disguise left Guardian Overseer with a sense of longing to once again lay her eyes on his true face.

"Yuliana, are you okay?"

The dragonoid's voice had lost much of its former resonance. But it had lost none of its potency. Hearing it immediately brought the armoured female back from her thoughts.

"Whatever do you mean, my lord?" Yuliana feigned her ignorance.

"You seemed rather distracted a moment ago," the now-human Tiberius approached his companion, a gentle expression of concern showing on his features. "I asked if you were ready to go and you just sort of spaced out."

"I apologize," Yuliana hurriedly replied, thankful that her master could not see her blushing face behind her helmet, "I was simply thinking of our impending meeting with the humans."

Tiberius remained silent, merely observing the Guardian.

I hope she's doing all right with all this. I mean this is the first time she's been away from the mountain. She doesn't seem overtly nervous about it but she could be just putting on a brave face for my sake. I know she's bothered by the fact it's just the two of us here without an army at my back. I guess I should finish up so we can get through this and get home.

Tiberius pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind and instead turned his focus back to current affairs.

He extended his arm as if to take hold of something before him. In doing so the dragonoid felt a discernable level of resistance in the air. Then as his limb passed some unseen barrier, he watched as his hand and forearm appeared to dematerialize into the ether leaving him with but a stump.

Had it not been for his brief experimentation with the wardrobe in his quarters, Tiberius would surely have been overcome with panic at this point.

It was odd to see his arm vanish from his sight, and yet still be able to retain all sensation from the missing limb.

Just as what happened with the wardrobe, an imaginary menu opened within his mind's eye, and the full contents of his personal inventory became known.

With a flick of his unseen wrist upwards or downwards, the imagined menu would move in accordance. Moving his hand as if to brush something away would change the menu category that he was seeing.

Currently, it seemed the category was confined to magical items.

The names of a plethora of scrolls, a wide assortment of wands, enchanted amulets, and all manner of potions flooded his mind. Items of healing, items for defense, and any number of items for offense all waited within this pocket dimension.

He moved his hand and a new category came into the forefront of his psyche. This intrinsic link between him and those items within his inventory reminded him heavily of the connection shared by him and his abilities.

Interestingly if his focus should linger on any particular name, he was met with an image of the item projected into his consciousness.

The imagery of clothing and armours popped into existence within his head alongside things like gems, pelts, and rare crafting materials. No sooner had one image formed than he brushed it aside and a new one took its place.

Finally, the names of those items he sought came to mind.

Making his first selection, Tiberius drew back his arm from the invisible void that held his limb.

As his hand again became manifest, the dragonoid's eyes were drawn to the object held within his grasp.

It was a helmet, crafted of the same Star Silver as the rest of the armour he currently wore. Its unique design fit well with the armour's wolven motif.

Crafted in the form of a wolf's head, this exquisite creation displayed remarkable attention to detail, almost lifelike in quality. The fur seemed to sway in an imaginary breeze, etched with swirls and ruffles, while the dimpled texture of the nose pad and the whiskers added to its realism. Glinting in the sunlight, ruby lenses adorned the eyes, and the tips of sharp fangs peeked out from beneath the lips.

However, this creature bore more than just wolfish features; there were glimpses of draconic traits as well. Adorning the canine snout were four horns, graduating in size from an inch-tall horn to the smallest one behind it. A row of broad scales lined the bridge of the muzzle, adding an intriguing touch. Crown-like spines projected from between the wolven ears, the longest of which extended nearly six inches, completing the striking and majestic appearance of this unique amalgamation.

The dragonoid inspected the helmet in his hands, he rubbed his thumbs over the wavy pattern of the fur mold into the gleaming surface. Then turning the helmet around, he hoisted it above his head before slowly lowering it down upon his brow.

The feel of the interior was surprisingly comfortable if snug fit, attributed to the layer of padding within. While he had expected the ruby lenses to provide him with a scarlet tint to the world outside, he was pleasantly surprised to find he was wrong. Instead, it appeared they did no such thing. But in wearing the helmet, he was most thankful to find the helmet was well-ventilated. This was a major advantage as it kept the interior from becoming unpleasantly stifling.

With the helmet situated comfortably on his head, the dragonoid again extended his arm. This time the limb spent considerably less time in the ethereal inventory space than before.

Withdrawing his arm, Tiberius looked over the object he had brought into reality.

A longsword sheathed in hydra leather which had been dyed a deep ocean blue hung from a matching belt. With ease, the belt was cinched about the dragonoid's armoured waist. In doing so he made sure the sword hilt was positioned properly on his left.

In a test, Tiberius reached across, grasping the sword hilt, and drew the blade from its scabbard with a smooth motion.

Holding the longsword out before him, the dragonoid examined it.

The hilt was crafted from dragon bone and made into a flattened oval. This shape fit well within his hand and aids in keeping the blade's edge alignment for a strike. Wrapping the grip was the hide taken from the Celestial Dragon, the scales shimmered in the light with their pearlescent translucency.

Crowning the hilt was a pommel crafted to resemble a crown of tall spires. Nestled in the grip of these spikes was a special gemstone. The gem was teardrop in shape and a rich amber-orange colour that appeared to flicker akin to a candle flame.

What made this particular gemstone special was that it was a Binding Bloodgem.

These gems were rare and only craftable by players who had unlocked the highest tier of the alchemist job class. The gemstone when embedded in a piece of equipment would imbue a stat boost but also bind that piece to its owner. This effectively would make it impossible to lose the item and in the case of weapons, it made them summonable.

This Binding Bloodgem was crafted using the blood of the World Enemy, the Devourer of the nine worlds. This was the incredibly powerful final boss monster of YGGDRASIL's main quest line. It was a monster that was said to be –though never confirmed- to be well above the level 100 cap. Rumors had it being up around 200 or even 300.

But what was known, was that conquering this creature required the full power of a well-equipped guild.

Every member of the Sanguine Dragons possessed one of these gems. Crafted for them by the guild member, GiftedTerror, as a celebratory gift.

Further up the longsword's crossguard was cast from a golden metal and extended five inches beyond the blade edge. Each quillon was twisted into a spiral and the ends were capped with a snarling wolf's head. The center of the guard was formed to resemble that of a dragon's skull from which the blade projected like a bout of deadly flame.

The blade itself was the real eye-catcher of the piece.

Measuring some forty-six inches in length, the longsword's blade was constructed from metal with a deep scarlet colouration. So dark was the tinge that it appeared almost black. From the crossguard to the first third of the length, the blade possessed a slight undulating wave reminiscent of a flamberge. The remaining two-thirds of the blade was as straight as an arrow.

Traversing the blade's length was the unique fuller. The metal along this groove glowed, as if white-hot, and seemed to flow down the length of the blade like a river of molten metal. All along the blade core were splinters, branches that appeared like glowing cracks in the blade.

This was the dragonoid's weapon of choice, the longsword Severance as he had dubbed it in a touch of irony, and like the rest of his gear, this sword was on par with a divine class item.

Gripping the sword hilt with both hands, the dragonoid gave the sword a few practice swings. With every swing, a satisfying swish followed as the blade cut through the air. Pleased with this, Tiberius returned the longsword to its sheath.

Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. So I guess it's time to get going.

Tiberius turned to his companion.

"Yuliana, are you ready?" the armoured Guardian nodded, "Then let's be off."

o – o – o – o

The afternoon sun hung in the sky overhead as Tiberius and Yuliana drew closer to their destination.

Moving with a leisurely pace, the duo made their way through the woodland. As they drew nearer, the dragonoid took notice of the growing sparsity of the foliage in the dense forest.

Here trees and bushes gave way to flat and open ground and not far away the grounds had been worked. Native grasses had been plowed under and in their place were cultivated crops, all sitting in orderly furrows in the earth. Some of the fields bore older, more mature plants, wheat from the looks of it, easily coming up to waist height. While others were little more than fresh green sprouts and freshly tilled soil.

The dragonoid and his escort paused on the outskirts of these fields, their eyes tracking the movements of the field's workers as they went about their tasks.

From what the pair could observe, the situation corresponded with the information Koraboros and Nido had provided. By all accounts, this seemed to be nothing more than a simple farming village.

There came a call from one of the farmers, attracting the attention of the others. Throughout the field, people stopped their work and turned to stare in the direction of the shout before turning to face the strangers. A few of the laborers had gone so far as to drop their tools and hastily retreated toward the village.

No doubt they were going to forewarn the rest of the village inhabitants of the newcomers.

Taking a breath, Tiberius mustered his courage and began to approach the village. He and Yuliana strode along the dirt trail that ran between the crops, keenly aware of their every move being monitored by the curious and cautious onlookers.

So long as they kept their distance the dragonoid was content to ignore them. However, the same could not be said for the Guardian Overseer. Her helmet-clad head was in a near-constant state of motion as she tracked the movements of the humans around them. Her right hand gripped tightly the hilt of one of her sabers.

Ahead of the pair, near the outlying buildings more people had begun to gather. Before long it was a small crowd, consisting mainly it seemed of men. Some were young, perhaps in their teens, while others were probably double that. While most stood looking on, a number of them still carried with them various farm implements such as scythes, and garden hoes, and a few held pitchforks. Perhaps these people had in their rush to see these newcomers, simply forgotten to lay them down and instead brought them. However, as Tiberius observed the way some gripped the items, it was clear they had brought them on purpose. Maybe they were distrusting of strangers and thought that a show of force may deter any ill-mannered guests.

Deciding not to rouse any ire and thus hamper his goal of this meeting. The dragonoid stopped several yards from the gathered villagers. An action that was repeated by his escort.

As each regarded the other, silence hung over them.

The villagers looked at him with work-worn faces, their bronzed complexions glistened with sweat while smudges of dirt marred their clothing. Overall the group's disposition remained stoic as they continued to stare at the pair of strangers.

Clearing his throat, Tiberius spoke, "Hello. I hope my companion and I are not disrupting you. But we have some questions we were wondering if you could answer."

The villagers continued to gaze at him passively, unfazed by his statement. Though, looking on it appeared that it had sparked some conversations as villagers leaned into each other to whisper.

However, it was their lack of reply that struck a chord with the dragonoid and prompted a thought he had yet to consider.

Ah crap, please tell me these people understand me. This is really something I should have asked Nido and Koraboros about before we left. Of all the ways I thought this could go, having to play charades was not one of them. Oh, I hope it doesn't come to that.

As moments ticked by, the dragonoid began to worry that it might just come down to playing a round of charades. The villagers started to move, people parted ways creating a divide among the group. As people moved aside, an older man strode between them on his approach.

The man bore the sun-kissed complexion common among the villagers. Weathered by age, his face showcased heavy wrinkles, suggesting he was around fifty years old. Remarkably stout, his physique spoke of a lifetime of labor in the fields. Salt-and-pepper grey streaked through his short dark hair, adding to his distinguished appearance.

His clothing was rather basic, consisting of a long-sleeved white undershirt and a short-sleeved overshirt that fell to mid-thigh. He wore a pair of earthen-toned trousers and dark leather shoes that covered his feet.

With the reverence the other villagers showed this man, it was clear to see that he was someone of authority.

"Greetings strangers," the man offered his words in a gruff yet friendly tone, "May I ask who you are and what brings two such as yourselves to our humble village?"

As he spoke, something about the man's manner of speech caught the attention of Tiberius.

It appeared the words did not align with the movements of his lips as he spoke. In effect, this reminded the dragonoid of watching a foreign film and how the dubbed voices were out of sync creating this phenomenon.

Strange. I wonder if there's some kind of translation magic being used here.

"I am Tiberius, and this is my companion, Yuliana," the dragonoid motioned to himself and then to the armoured female. "As for what brings us here. We ventured from the roads some time ago and got turned around in the forest. It was lucky that we came this way to happen across your village. I assume that you are in charge here, could you tell us where we are?"

The older gentleman nodded.

"Yes, I am Wyllam Ostur, Chief of Carne Village."

Now he at least had a name for this place; however, that did little good when he knew nothing else. Tiberius hesitated momentarily as he tried to craft a believable reply.

"I'm afraid, I am not familiar with this place. Do you have a map by any chance? That way we may be able to regain our bearings."

The Chief regarded the pair for a long moment, then nodded.

"Yes, we do. Please follow me."

Without waiting for a reply, the village chieftain turned and proceeded back the way he'd come. Seeing little choice in the matter, the two armoured newcomers followed close behind.

At their passing, the group widened its divide, placing plenty of space between themselves and these strangers. Their eyes showcased both curiosity and apprehension.

As the older man led the dragonoid through the community, he took the opportunity to gain a better understanding of these people.

The houses were basic stone and mortar with thatched roofs of straw. The majority of these buildings were single story. However, there were a couple that had the addition of a second level. The visual design was quite reminiscent of the medieval fantasy aesthetic that YGGDRASIL had used.

It seemed that word had spread as more and more of the parish's inhabitants came out to see them. Men, women, and children stood to the side, their eyes intently following the newcomers and the chief.

While the adults seemed content to simply look on. The younger members of the crowd gazed on with inquisitive expressions as they shared excited chatter.

Proceeding through the village, the trio crossed a small plaza and made their way toward a particular building.

Standing by the opened door was an older woman.

Chief Wyllam strode ahead of the armoured duo to join the woman at the door.

"This is my wife, Annora."

The woman, appearing similar in age to her husband, displayed glimpses of her former beauty despite the passage of time. Her soot-black hair, still glossy and shoulder-length, reflected her vitality. Like the other villagers, her sun-darkened skin suggested an active life outdoors. However, there was an air of gloom about her as she observed the strangers.

Perhaps she just did not like the idea of having guests.

"Come," Chief Wyllam gestured toward the open door, "We can talk more inside."

The man's wife was the first to enter the diffusely lit interior and he followed shortly after.

Setting foot inside the couple's home, Tiberius took a moment to look the place over.

Their home consisted of a single large room with a single door on the wall opposite the entrance. Most likely this led to the bedroom. There was a pair of windows on the eastern wall. Currently, the shutters were opened, allowing for the outside sunlight to illuminate the little space.

On the left, the room had been arranged to act as the kitchen. Several baskets sat upon the countertops, one seemed to contain several loaves of bread and another was filled with fresh vegetables. The last basket was of the most interest for a tantalizing aroma of seasoned meats wafted up to meet the dragonoid's nose.

The rest of the room was rather sparsely furnished.

An old rocking chair with a green shawl draped over its tall back. An old but comfortable-looking chair sat opposite the rocking chair. A fireplace sat between them and on the mantle sat several oil-burning lamps. At the center of the room sat a well-worn table surrounded by four equally worn chairs. There was also a tall bookshelf that held a few books and several rolls of parchment.

Everything about the room's furnishings was entirely handcrafted. There was not a single object that looked to have seen the touch of a machine.

They don't seem to have much in the way of technology here. Guess it makes sense, after all, seeing as they're just farmers from a small hamlet.

While the chief's wife, Annora, took a seat at the table. Her husband strode across the room to the bookshelf. Reaching up, he removed something from the topmost shelf, a roll of paper, and then he turned and approached the table.

As he placed the parchment on the old wooden surface, Chief Wyllam motioned to the vacant seats across from him and his wife.

"Please, take a seat. I'm sure after such a long journey you would like a chance to get off your feet."A slight frown crept over his lips as he eyed the chairs, "I am sorry we can't offer you something more comfortable."

"This will do fine," the dragonoid reassured the older male.

Rounding the table, Tiberius slid one of the chairs back from the table before carefully lowering himself to take a seat. The aged wood of the chair creaked dangerously beneath the weight of this armoured individual. For a moment the dragonoid was left with a feeling of unease as to whether or not this chair would hold him.

Yet it held firm.

"Would you like something to drink?" it was Annora who spoke, offering a small smile.

"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. But no, we don't wish to impose."

The sounds of footsteps pulled the group's focus as they watched the armoured female stride across the room to join her master. But she made no move to be seated herself.

Tiberius glanced at Yuliana from his seat.

Is she just gonna stand there the whole time? I guess I could ask her to sit down. But she would just take that as an order and follow it because I said it.

It seemed that the Guardian's choice did not go unnoticed by the room's other occupants. The married couple stared up at her, puzzlement clear on their faces.

"Don't mind her," Tiberius attempted to steer the conversation, "I take it that is the map you spoke of?"

"Oh, uh, yes it is."

Rising from his seat, the Chief unfurled the roll of paper on the tabletop.

In reaction, Tiberius leaned forward in curiosity. His eyes scanned over the markings on the page from behind the ruby lenses of his helmet.

The map's layout was rather like that of the rough draft that Nido had presented to him during the meeting. Only this map had been produced by one more artistically inclined, containing far more and with a stylistic flourish.

Even with his limited understanding of cartography, Tiberius was able to identify many of the familiar features stenciled on the paper.

The great mountain chain that lay to the northwest of Týrnaust, the large lake that sat near the mountains, and the plentiful grasslands. But there were many things present that he did not know of.

Plentiful blue inked lines were squiggled across the page as stand-ins for the rivers and streams. Thick black lines denoted main roads from which simplistic dotted lines would branch off to represent the lesser-used trails, or in some cases the rare backwoods paths.

Beyond this, there was so much more.

It was dizzying to see the scale of this new world laid out before him. It easily dwarfed any of the realms of YGGDRASIL.

But what really caught the dragonoid's eye were the words that accompanied the various landforms printed on the paper. It was at that moment he was most thankful for the helmet he wore.

Behind that wolven mask, his brow was furrowed, his jaw clenched, and his eyes squinted as Tiberius stared at the words utterly dumbfounded.

Damn it! I can't read any of this! It might as well just be squiggles on the paper to me. I had hoped that since the language is translated it might've worked on writing too. But oh no, that would be too easy. Now, what am I supposed to do?!

From inside his helmet, Tiberius lifted his gaze and looked at the older couple seated across from him. The chief and his wife were watching him patiently and from them, he was given the impression the pair were waiting on him to speak first. It made sense given he had spoken of having questions earlier.

They don't know I can't read any of this. I bet they think I am just making plans or something like that. And I can't just tell them the truth. It would be a dead giveaway that I'm not from here. I guess it's time to borrow a page from an old friend, "When in doubt, bluff."

Raising his arm, the dragonoid cupped the lower jaw of his wolf-shaped helmet. An act to make the elderly couple wonder and thus prompt them to act first.

"Is there something the matter?"

Success, his ploy had worked.

"No, no. It's just that I am unsure of where we should proceed from here," Tiberius kept his tone nonchalant, after all, he wanted to seem normal. "Given how long it's been that I doubt our original plans are still obtainable. So then it would seem that we have no particular destination in mind. As such we would be open to any recommendations, you may have."

The older male across the table regarded his guest with an expression that was a mixture of disbelief and marked interest. This was a look that was equally shared by his wife seated next to him.

For someone of such an obviously higher social status to be so cordial when talking to common folk and go so far as to ask them their opinions, it just wasn't the norm. For a time, Wyllam wondered if this was a trick of some kind.

There were plenty of rumours abound of how nobles would sometimes try to trick people into revealing things through conversation. However, that was not the impression he got from either of these two armoured individuals.

It was the soft clink of the man's armour as he shifted on his chair that pulled the married couple back from their thoughts.

"Oh, umm… Well, I guess that would depend on what it is that you seek."

The chief cast his gaze to the map before him.

"If it's coin you're after, then you could head to the east and to the Baharuth Empire. I've heard tales from travelers of the great arena in the capital where they hold gladiatorial exhibitions. Many people place bets on the outcome, so you could make some coin that way. Though I am not sure if they're open to sign-ups,"

As he spoke, Wyllam tapped his finger on the corresponding mark on the map. The older male then traced his finger along a thick black line across the map before stopping.

"Though if that's not to your liking, you could always head toward E-Rantel. The Adventurer's Guild there is always open to new members."

The mention of this grabbed Tiberius' attention as he leaned in closer before speaking.

"An Adventurer's Guild?"

"Oh aye," the chief nodded, "They employ teams of mercenaries who collect bounties for hunting the local monsters. It's because of their efforts that the roads are kept clear of beasts so that we can trade so freely with E-Rantel."

The conversation flowed through several different topics before turning back to the map.

The dragonoid would select a point on the map and inquire about that being a destination. In response, Chief Wyllam would then provide him with reasons why or why not to go there. However, as the distance from Carne Village increased there was a proportional decrease in the information the man could give.

Even still, what information the chief provided was enough for the dragonoid to gain new insight into this world.

Firstly, the dragonoid was told of the local region and of the dispute between the two rival kingdoms in the area.

To the west of the Azerlisia Mountains –the proper name of the nearby mountain range- lay the Kingdom of Re-Estize. Or more commonly known as The Kingdom. While to the east beyond the great prairie was the Empire of Baharuth.

These two nation-states have shared a long-standing animosity between them. Their hostilities usually came in the form of bans and tariffs on trade. This ultimately culminated in open conflict between the two. Every year the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire would muster their armies and clash on their chosen battlefield. By chance, their choice of battlefield lay not far to the south, a large barren plain known as the Katze Plains.

Further discussion revealed that the Azerlisia Mountains and the Great Forest of Tob which surrounded the chain belonged to neither nation officially.

This was good news as Tiberius considered it.

For this meant that Týrnaust was not situated on claimed land and by extension should afford them some anonymity.

Pointing to the space on the map to the south of Re-Estize, the chief explained this was the nation of the Slane Theocracy.

While he wasn't very versed in the subject, Chief Wyllam still shared what little he knew.

The Slane Theocracy was a deeply religious nation and rather on the insular side, preferring to keep to themselves rather than mix with others. They were also very human-centric in their beliefs, often showcasing a clear disdain for all non-humans. The level of which would increase the less human the individual was. Those non-humans like elves were often taken as slaves while all others were exterminated.

By this point in their conversation, the older human's knowledge was beginning to run low, and many questions were answered with a shrug.

"I'm afraid that's all I can tell you," Chief Wyllam leaned back in his chair, "I'm sorry that I can't be of more help. But I didn't travel much in my youth and what I know I learned from listening to the passing traders."

"No, it's quite alright," Tiberius straightened his posture, "In fact, you've been a tremendous help to us. To this end allow me to repay you."

The older couple looked on curiously as the armoured figure raised his arm. Then before their eyes, half of his limb appeared to simply vanish in mid-air. The suddenness of this act shocked the husband and wife who'd not been prepared to see such a sight. But before either could raise their voice in alarm the man's arm was returned to the world, seemingly no worse for the act.

"Here," the dragonoid stretched forth his arm and from his gauntleted hand deposited a small stack of coins atop the map. "Payment for your services. I'm sorry they're the only currency I have with me, so I do hope you'll find them acceptable."

Both the husband and wife gawked only at the coins their guest had placed before them.

In total, the stack contained six coins and all shone with golden brilliance as if they'd been freshly polished.

"If it's not enough, I have more."

"N-not enough…" Chief Wyllam's voice trailed off in disbelief. Reaching out, he took the topmost coin from the stack and looked it over in his hand.

The coin was uniform in thickness and its edges were impeccably circular. To his scrutinizing eye, there appeared no signs of imperfection on the surface with its crisp clean imprint.

On the face of the coin was the profile image of a stunningly beautiful woman. She wore a serene expression on her face and behind her was the silhouette of a crescent moon. Following the edge of the coin was writing in a language the likes of which Wyllam had not seen before.

He flipped the coin over to the reverse side.

Here there was a different image. At the coin's center was what looked to be a mighty tree with exposed roots. The tree's limbs were naked save for nine tiny leaves which he could barely see. Encircling the coin's border was some manner of serpentine beast. The creature was exquisitely detailed with its scales and below its belly was more strange lettering.

Feeling the coin in his hand, he was rather surprised by the substantial weight it possessed. This weight inclined Wyllam to trust that the coin and its brethren were genuine.

However, he didn't get through life by just making assumptions. It was still entirely possible the coins were forgeries.

Turning to his wife, a simple look was all that was needed to convey his message.

Rising from her seat, Annora turned away from the old table and strode the short distance to the bookshelf where she retrieved a small wooden chest. Returning to the table, she placed the box down on the tabletop.

Opening the lid, she pulled out a small balance scale and set it aside before she retrieved an unassuming pouch. As she turned to hold out her hand into which her husband deposited the coin he held.

What followed was a simple procedure.

Annora held the coin in her hand for a moment before depositing it upon one of the two suspended plates of the scale. Then she turned to the unbothered pouch and sank her hand inside. As she rummaged within, the clink of metal could be heard.

Removing her hand from the sack, she produced a small cylinder of dark metal. Holding the cylinder, the chief's wife eyed the gold coin on the plate and seeming satisfied with her selection placed the dark metal weight on the opposite plate.

With the second plate now occupied, the plate with the coin rose into the air as the other sank toward the tabletop. However, the coin only moved so far necessitating the addition of another weighted cylinder to the second plate. This time the plate rose higher until both plates were suspended in equal balance.

"Your coin is twice the weight of a regular gold piece," Annora mused before she removed the coin from the scale and held it before her eye, "Perhaps we should scratch the surface to be sure of its purity. Or we could…"

"You're being rude, Annora," the woman's husband interjected, "Please forgive my wife. She doesn't mean any insult. It's just…"

The dragonoid raised his hand to quell the man's reservations.

"It's quite alright and I understand your skepticism. But please feel free to perform whatever tests you wish. The coins are yours to do with as you please."

"No, no, no, we couldn't possibly accept such an offer," the older man's tone was unsteady, "Just the gold content alone is far too much. But with those etchings, I dare say that these aren't a currency at all. But a work of art from a master craftsman."

He plucked the coin from his wife's palm and carefully returned the gold piece to the stack with its brethren.

Tiberius remained impassive as he sat on that rickety chair.

"Where I am from we do not take back a payment given for services rendered."

"But surely…"

"Ungrateful wretches!" The unforgiving words erupted from the Guardian Overseer as she bristled with anger. "You would dare to refuse a gift from Lord Tiberius! To mock his benevolence, I should…"

The elderly couple shrank away at the terror instilled by this armoured individual. It was a fear that was all the more heightened when they beheld a hand clasping upon the hilt of a saber.

"Yuliana! That's enough."

Chief Wyllam and his wife were rattled by the commanding tone as the armoured male spoke. But more than that it was as if a great pressure was exerted upon them, some unseen force that threatened to crush them to the floor.

The command succeeded as the Guardian Overseer froze immediately before falling to one knee.

"Forgive me, my lord."

Tiberius rose from the old chair, the wood again creaking though this time seemingly in gratitude for the removal of the weight.

"I must apologize for this display. She is my aid and as such, she can be rather protective. Again, I thank you and your wife for the assistance you have given."

From their seats, the married couple watched as their guest rose and the silver wolf's head he wore nodded to them. Then he turned and together with his aid, strode toward the door. There was no hesitation as he opened the door and stepped through.

Even after the departure of the two armoured individuals, Wyllam and Annora felt compelled to remain in their seats. Together their gaze fell upon the stack of six coins resting on the map before them.

As the gold sparkled, their minds were dominated by two questions.

Just who were these people? And how could they have parted so easily with such a bounty?

The implications almost boggled the mind.

o – o – o – o

As the door shut behind him, the dragonoid could not help but release a sigh of relief.

Well, that didn't exactly as I had hoped. Thankfully, they weren't too suspicious of my story and we got some good intel out of it. But it wasn't terrible either, apart from Yuliana's little outburst that is. That could've been a disaster. Guess we'll have to work on that. But overall I'd say this was a success.

As he reflected on the tensions that he felt throughout this reminded him of time spent dealing with clients. But also of the thrill, he received when negotiating with other guild leaders in YGGDRASIL.

"Master?"

The dragonoid turned upon hearing the gentle tone and eyed the Guardian Overseer curiously as she bowed her head.

"Forgive me for my actions therein. I did not mean to offend you. Though I do not understand, why did you allow those humans to impugn your generosity?"

"As I stated, their mistrust was understandable. Besides that, it's possible they shared a similar disposition to handouts as some of my fellows."

The mention of the other Creators roused Yuliana's curiosity as it was a chance to learn more about the enigmatic group.

"By what do you mean, my lord?"

"Amongst the Sanguine Dragons, there are those that would lend aid to others but would not accept charity themselves."

"But why?"

"They believed that they should earn something through their own efforts. Rather than having it handed to them."

"I see," Yuliana's tone reflected her interest, "Then I thank you for enlightening me and furthering my understanding of the Supreme Beings."

"Of course."

With the main purpose for their visit now accomplished, Tiberius wasn't sure what to do next. Instead, he found himself moving aimlessly as he strode through the village square.

It was apparent that much of the former excitement of their arrival had died down. Most of the villagers were content to go about their routines as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred today. Yet, there were still those few who would pause and spare a glance at the armoured duo. Some of them shared whispers with their neighbor at their passing.

The dragonoid paid them no mind as he continued to observe the village residents.

For he was far too caught up in the marvel of it all.

Back in YGGDRASIL, there were villages, towns, and cities scattered across the landscapes of the nine worlds. Each one was filled with NPC inhabitants to better immerse players in the world in which they adventured.

However, those inhabitants were nothing more than simulations, and computer code in a game.

Their daily lives governed by an AI program. A program that dictated everything for them: when to wake, when to eat, when to work, and when to sleep. All in an effort to create a facsimile of life.

But not here. Not in this world.

These were real people!

Real people with real lives to live. They chose what they wanted to do and when they wanted to do it. All of their own free will.

As he thought of this, Tiberius' eyes followed a group of the village children as they ran about playing a game of tag.

The kids raced along the dirt streets and darted between houses. They would disappear down the alleys for a moment or two before reemerging. Some of them wove their way amongst the adults, leaping and nimbly dodging each other's advances, only to earn an irate fist shake or a harsh word of caution.

Throughout their play, laughter rang out as they called out to one another in their shared revelry. Being rambunctious children it came as no surprise the reaction seeing the two armoured strangers provoked.

Playtime seemed to come to an abrupt end as the children quickly began to assemble. The group of youngsters stood across the village square. They giggled and whispered with some taking to pointing, all while their eyes were glued to the village visitors.

Yet it seemed none were brave enough to approach.

That is until one child broke from the pack, much to the shock of their friends, making a hasty beeline for the two armoured figures.

"Mister! Hey mister," the youngster's voice carried across the open air.

The child was a young girl, her teen years still some time off, but surely not too far from them. Her face shone with mirth and her brown eyes twinkled brightly in the daylight. The twin streamers of her rust-coloured pigtails fluttered and flopped about with her energetic movements.

She wore a blue linen dress that came down to below the knee with a red kerchief draped over her shoulders and tied into a bow in front. As the sunlight glinted off the brass buckle on the straps of her leather shoes.

As the girl drew closer, the Guardian Overseer stepped forwards, in an attempt to place herself between the child and her master. At the same time, her hand came to rest on a saber hilt.

Seeing this the dragonoid interceded, and he extended his arm in a gesture for Yuliana to hold her position.

"Hey, you're the newcomers, right?! So cool," the girl's voice was dripping with her enthusiasm, "Are you two adventurers? Where are you from? Have you fought many monsters? I bet you have."

The child paused only to take a breath before a near-endless fount of questions flowed from her mouth.

"Easy," Tiberius held his hand up in an endeavor to calm the girl, "Let's start again, slowly this time. What is your name?"

The girl pouted for a moment before smiling, "My name is Nemu."

"Well, then, it's good to meet you, Nemu. I am Tiberius and this…" he pivoted at his waist and gestured to his Guardian escort, "Is my companion, Yuliana. And to answer your questions. I guess you could say that we are adventurers and yes, I have fought with monsters before."

"Oh, so cool."

Upon hearing the girl use that phrase for a second time, the dragonoid arched his brow beneath his helmet. It seemed so alien to hear someone speak such words in what was essentially a medieval fantasy world.

"Your armour looks so awesome. I bet it was really expensive."

Again, Tiberius regarded the girl's choice of words.

I wonder if this is part of whatever magic is doing the translating. Maybe I hear her saying one thing but she's really saying another. And if that's the case, I wonder what I sound like to them.

"So what kind of monsters have you fought? Did'ya ever fight a dragon? Huh, did'ya?"

"Well, I…"

"Nemu!"

A feminine voice rang out interrupting the pair before the conversation could continue.

After hearing this voice, the life seemed to drain from the young girl. Quickly she cast her eyes to the ground before slowly turning to face the direction of the caller.

His own curiosity piqued, Tiberius shifted to follow Nemu's gaze to the young woman striding toward their little group.

The young lady appeared to be in her mid to late teens, with a pleasantly light complexion, which was somewhat surprising considering she likely spent a considerable amount of time outdoors. Her face was undeniably attractive, adorned with fine features and expressive brown eyes, exuding a natural charm. Atop her head sat a honey-blonde mane of hair that reached down to the middle of her back, but she often kept it tied up in a single-braided ponytail, which gracefully draped over her shoulder. The front and sides of her hair were left untouched, cascading freely.

Observing her, the dragonoid couldn't help but find it peculiar that a girl with such refined and noble-like features resided in a humble farming village. If this were still a game, there would likely be a quest centered around her, perhaps involving her as a long-lost daughter of some noble or a hidden princess in disguise.

Her choice of clothing was modest and practical. She wore a soft cream-coloured long-sleeved undershirt beneath an earth-toned jacket with a unique design. Instead of conventional closures like buttons or zippers, the jacket used a pair of straps – one wrapped around her midriff and the other positioned across her collarbones. This unconventional style elegantly accentuated her ample bust. Her attire continued with a long goldenrod skirt that gracefully reached her ankles, complemented by a sash of red and gold draped over it.

She approached with a determined stride, her eyes focused solely on the young Nemu.

"Nemu, I've been looking all over for you," the teenage female stared down at the young girl, "Mom said you took off again and you didn't even finish your chores. You know you're supposed to finish before you run off to play."

Beneath her sister's ardent stare and her admonishing words, Nemu wilted. Her shoulders were hunched and her head hung low, her eyes were affixed to the ground beneath her feet.

Seeing this the older sibling sighed heavily before giving a shake of her head and resting her hands on her hips.

Throughout the exchange, the presence of the two armoured strangers seemed to go unnoticed as she focused on her little sister. That was until the dragonoid cleared his throat reminding the two girls of their existence.

The older sister grew flustered, "Oh goodness, I'm so sorry. That was rude of me. My name is Enri Emmot," she performed a small curtsey, "And this is my little sister. I do hope she hasn't been bothering you. It's just she tends to get rather excited around visitors. Particularly if they're adventurers."

"A pleasure to meet you, Enri Emmot."

Tiberius greeted the teen with a small bow, an action that caused the girl's cheeks to turn a rosy shade of pink.

"As for your sister, she's been no trouble. In fact, her enthusiasm has been rather entertaining."

Those words seemed to lift the smaller girl's spirits, if only a little bit, as she offered a smile of her own.

"Well, I'm glad to meet you. But, uh, I really must be seeing my sister home."

Enri bowed her head before turning and striding away, only to pause as she looked back at her sibling.

"Come on, Nemu."

The smaller girl waved and mumbled a quick farewell before she performed an about-face and trailed after her older sister. Although her steps were far from the gleeful movements which she once possessed.

Tiberius continued to watch as the two girls moved off until they disappeared from his view.

"Yuliana, I believe we've learned all we can for now. Let's head home."

"Yes, Lord Tiberius."

As the Guardian Overseer replied, the dragonoid couldn't help but take notice of her more cheerful tone.

She must be anxious to return.

Pivoting on his heel, Tiberius began to retrace the path that the chief had led him on. However, he soon stopped after realizing that he was alone. His head swiveled, looking back to his female companion.

"Yuliana?"

"Lord Tiberius, if I may ask. If we have completed our task why then are we not using a [Gate] or [Fly] spell to return home?"

Tiberius hesitated a moment before answering, his voice lowered to negate the chances of another overhearing.

"I don't wish to cause a disturbance amongst the villagers." The dragonoid made a show of looking about their surroundings, "Tell me, Yuliana, did you notice any signs of magic within the village?"

"No, I did not."

"Neither have I. It could be that perhaps magic is not widespread and is more of a rarity. If so, then any use of magic on our part would only serve to attract more attention than we already have."

"But my lord, once we have left the village what does it matter?"

This particular question left the dragonoid wondering himself. After all, she did have a valid point.

What did it matter if they were to use magic now since there was no plan to return? But what if they were to come back? Would the use of magic now cause trouble for them later?

"Because… village will serve as a point of contact for us. More so we have developed a rapport with the humans here. As such we can make further use of them should we require more information in the future."

"I see," the Guardian Overseer reflected on his words, "I had not considered the option of returning, nor the possibility of future usage of these humans. Forgive me."

"It's quite all right. But come once we return to the clearing we will be free to utilize magic once more."

Falling behind her master, Yuliana this time followed as he led the way out of the small hamlet.

The passing of the two strangers attracted little attention this time. Many of the villagers merely glanced their way before returning to their work. While others offered a quick wave or a word to bid farewell.

This was a relief to the dragonoid as he much preferred to not have so many eyes upon him and Yuliana.

Without the crowds and the elderly escort, the passage through the village seemed to go much quicker, and it wasn't long before the pair found themselves again striding amongst the fields of crops. This time the fields of tilled earth were pretty well emptied of workers save for a few stragglers. Yet even they seemed to be in the process of leaving. They strode with tools in hand or slung over their shoulder as they moved through the crops and back toward the village.

The distance between the village and the forest was covered in little time. Once more Tiberius and his Guardian chaperon found themselves sheltered beneath the thick canopy of tall trees.

Knowing that it would take some time to reach the clearing at the slow pace which they strode. Tiberius decided to make use of the time to think back on the knowledge imparted to him from their visit.

He considered what he had learned of the various kingdoms that occupied this land. This in turn led him to wonder just how these people would react to the presence of Týrnaust and its inhabitants.

But as he moved through the dense woodland, the dragonoid's thoughts turned more to the words Chief Wyllam had shared with him. Of the Adventurer's Guild and their task of dealing with the monsters of the world.

I wonder what classifies as a monster to them. Does the guild have some criteria or is it just any non-human? Would they see me as a monster?

These were the kinds of questions that he would ponder once he returned to his mountain home.

But it was through this mention of monsters that he recalled his surroundings. This, Forest of Tob as it was called, according to the old man this forest had earned a fearsome reputation for the wide variety of powerful creatures that called this place home. Yet, for a place supposedly crawling with monsters, there had been a distinct lack of monsters.

I guess the Chief may have been exaggerating. Or maybe it's because we're so close to the edge of the forest. Maybe if we went deeper then we might find something. He shook his head at the idea. No, that can wait for…

Tiberius' internal dialogue was soon interrupted.

The winds had shifted abruptly and now came from the east. But it was not this that caused the armoured dragonoid to freeze in his tracks. Behind the wolf-shaped helmet, his eyes widened as pupils dilated, and nostrils flared with a deep intake of the air.

For it was what was carried upon the breeze that had pulled him so.

An aroma, strong on the wind, which the dragonoid's keen sense of smell had no difficulty detecting. It was an acidic smell, an odor that burnt his nose and was one he was quite familiar with. After all, back on earth, it was common enough with such turmoil and pollution. It was the scent of smoke.

The sudden appearance of such a strong smell of smoke was enough to steal his focus. It was, however, the fragrance that accompanied the first which truly held him.

Though far more subtle its effect on him was intensely felt.

Powerful, tangy, and almost metallic in its description. Tiberius could practically taste it on his tongue. In fact, he had once before already, and quite recently it was too.

"Master?" the Guardian Overseer asked hesitantly.

"Yuliana, do you smell that?"

There was a pause, and the dragonoid listened as his escort took several deep breaths.

"I do, my lord."

Tiberius took in another great lungful of air and he felt a jolt pass through his body as if he inhaled more of this tantalizing aroma. With the feeling, his heart rate increased, and his muscles grew tense like coiled springs. It was as if his body was priming itself in anticipation of whatever this scent had awoken in his instincts.

Curious as to the cause, the dragonoid shifted on the heel of his right foot. He turned quickly in the direction of the winds. Here his eyes scanned his surroundings from behind ruby lenses.

Through the small gaps in the foliage canopy, he spied the source. There in the distance, wispy trails of black smoke rose high into the sky above.

The dragonoid squinted as if doing so might somehow reveal to him the cause. But it was an unneeded action, as for the direction and distance there was little doubt as to the origin.

Had there been an accident? Had someone's afternoon cooking gotten out of hand? But that would not explain the presence of the second scent which had sent a shiver down his spine.

"Yuliana," Tiberius uttered with a tone of urgency, "We're going back!"

Clenching his fists, the dragonoid began to move. He did not wait for a response from his companion. As he instead, strode with a pace that ever quickened with each passing step.

Inside him, the confusion had taken form. An unexplained knot had grown deep in the pit of his stomach and its presence urged him onwards.