003: The Terror of Tal'Dorei part 2

"Best finish making camp. A storm is brewing on the horizon."

In the Tal'Dorei countryside, approximately ten kilometers from the capital city of Emon, a small encampment of soldiers flying the banner of Emon gathered around a large, crackling fire. The soldiers, a mix of men and women, stood tense, their nerves frayed, as the atmosphere brimmed with a subtle yet pervasive dread. The rhythmic sound of swords being sharpened, and the metallic clang of shields being polished echoed through the camp, while trebuchets were meticulously primed and loaded for the impending conflict.

For an encampment housing up to 150 warriors, an eerie silence pervaded, broken only by the distant chittering of insects hidden within the shadows of the surrounding woods. Despite the general's rousing speech earlier, as soon as he retired to his tent, the anxious feeling crept back into the hearts of the 'Arms of Emon.'

Inside the general's tent, the largest and most opulent in the encampment, stood a large, rotund man clad in pristine armour that seemed untouched by the ravages of recent combat. He stared intently at his reflection, focusing on a new detail that marred his visage—a small, slashing scar beneath his right eye.

'To think those bastards scarred me!' the general fumed, more enraged by the identity of his assailants than the injury itself. 'If Thordak learns I was injured by a mere mouse, he would surely kill me for such weakness.' In a fit of anger, General Krieg punched the mirror, shattering it into countless pieces. "Damn those mice," he muttered, his voice a low growl, as he wished for the opportunity to kill them again.

As a natural storm began to form nearby, the general's expression shifted from annoyance to one of malicious glee. 'With the destruction of this battalion, the mouse will have no choice but to dispatch his full army soon,' General Krieg thought, a sinister chuckle escaping his lips as he contemplated the chaos to come.

The following day in the capital city of Emon, the sun shone brightly over the bustling streets, casting a warm glow on the cobblestones. Citizens, blissfully unaware of the looming threat, went about their lives, basking in the prosperity that the city had long enjoyed. However, within the opulent walls of the palace, a starkly different atmosphere prevailed.

General Krieg stood before Sovereign Uriel and his council, his once-immaculate armour now tarnished with scorch marks, dirt, and a heavily dented chest plate. His hair was matted with mud and dried sweat, and his cape hung in tatters. The general's appearance alone spoke volumes of the dire news he bore.

"Sire, I have urgent news," Krieg announced, bowing deeply before the sovereign. "I report that the 52nd battalion is lost; we were attacked by the beast."

The council members exchanged shocked glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"It flew in from the southwest," Krieg continued.

"Shale Steps?" Allura muttered, a flicker of concern crossing her face as she recalled the mercenaries she had dispatched there just days ago.

Uriel sat upright, alarmed by the mention of a destroyed battalion. "The beast?! Did you see it, could you identify it?"

"The beast is a blue dragon, sire. Only a few of us managed to escape," Krieg replied solemnly.

"By the gods," Uriel breathed, his tone grave. He turned to Lady Allura and Lady Kima, his chieftain of the arcane and a seasoned warrior. "You have dealt with such creatures in the past, no? How do we fight it?"

Allura paused, choosing her words carefully. "That was years ago, sire, and it was a red dragon we tangled with."

"Dragons, regardless of their colour, are powerful, intelligent, and calculating creatures," Kima added. "You're better off fighting a bear, completely naked, with no tools or magic."

"I will return to my tower and work on the mystic wards of old to protect Emon from all outside threats until the dragon is dealt with," Allura declared.

Uriel nodded, his responsibility to the citizens weighing heavily on his shoulders.

The grand doors creaked open, drawing the attention of the sovereign and council as a familiar dark elf entered the halls.

"Ah, Sir Finch," Krieg called out to his fellow councilman. "Finally finished with your skulking about to come to work."

Finch fixed Krieg with a scathing stare. "I've been gathering intelligence, something you clearly lack at this moment," he retorted, a smirk playing on his lips. "I was conducting interviews with the survivors you returned with this morning, and it seems that band of fools you championed have gone missing. I'm just going to assume you've sent Vox Machina to their doom."

"Doom!?" came the booming voice of Scanlan, the loudmouth bard, from behind Finch. The dark elf turned; his smirk replaced by a frown. "We don't know the meaning of the word."

As Vox Machina entered the room, their presence was palpable. Grog's clarification, Percy's dry response, and Naruto's eye roll highlighted their camaraderie.

"Sovereign, hold onto your crown," Scanlan announced. "We've discovered that the blighted creature plaguing your kingdom is none other than a Blue Dragon!"

"We know," the council and king replied in unison.

"Huh, well that was creepy; they even matched pitch," Naruto muttered to himself.

"Did you manage to kill it?" Allura inquired, relieved to see them alive.

Naruto stood between Percy and Vax, with Vex on the other side of her twin, who looked faint. 'Her dragon locator is acting up again,' he thought.

"I wouldn't say kill, really," Keyleth admitted.

"We're still working that part out," Pike clarified.

Krieg chuckled, looking down on the mercenaries. "I can't believe you made it out alive. The beast killed most of my men last night. How did you all survive?"

"Ah, ah, ah, trade secrets, Kreigy," Scanlan quipped.

"We hid, and it flew away," Percy answered honestly.

Naruto scoffed. "Old man Uriel," he called out, ignoring the gasps from those shocked by his informal address of the ruler.

"It's your majesty!" Finch shouted before taking a half step back, his jaw dropping as Naruto put up a middle finger in his direction. "The insolence!"

"Enough! I tire of this bickering, young man say your piece and be done with it." Uriel interrupted his minister causing more of scene than need.

"Here's what really happened. We had that overgrown lizard on the ropes, knocked it from pillar to post, and as soon as we made it bleed, it had to drop a mountain on us and escape." He locked eyes with Finch, then glanced at Krieg, Allura, Kima, and Uriel. 'I don't know which one of you is working for the dragon, but we're going to find out,' he thought. "For our first encounter with a dragon, I was left severely wanting. Bitch-ass dragon."

Uriel just looked amused at the young man before glancing at Emon's mistress of all things arcana related. "Reminds you of a certain someone doesn't he." The sovereign spoke as Allura blushed while Kima smirked slightly.

"Sire," Allura half whispered.

"No, he's right you were a little hellion in the early days." Kima added as she ignored the betrayed look from her partner and fellow council member.

Keyleth looked on in surprise. 'He's younger than Pike and I but he is so confident in his own abilities, and us.' The druid continued to watch in awe of the whiskered blonde.

'I swear only Scanlan and Naruto could address royalty like this.' Percy thought as he watched the Uzumaki make a scene.

"Erm Pikey, what is he doing?" Grog half-whispered.

"Shhh," Vax'ildan hushed Grog, preventing Pike from responding as he had already clued into what Naruto was doing. 'If there is an ally of the dragon in this room, Uzumaki's diatribe should piss them off.'

Vex and Percy also caught on quickly while Scanlan could smell a lie from a mile away.

On the same level as the council members, Krieg clenched his fists tightly before schooling his features and letting out a hearty smile. While most were fooled, Finch had his own suspicions, and Lady Kima was staring at the blonde general's back. 'Maybe he is hiding that he's hurt by the loss of his men?' the warrior halfling thought, but her own experience as a warrior was telling her something was quite not right about the General's performance.

Back on the ground level where the mercenaries and Finch stood.

"These fools are clearly useless, sire," Finch said as he turned toward his liege lord. "Perhaps if we made an offering to the dragon? Maybe gold in exchange for peace."

"Why don't we shake its hand and offer it a pint while we're at it," Vax spoke up, sarcasm dripping from his mouth.

"That's your plan—offer it gold?" Naruto said with an incredulous look on his face. "After it's murdered your citizens, I did not know that's the type of kingdom we're in," the whiskered teen responded.

"A dragon cannot be bartered with; if it desires Emon's destruction, it will not relent," Vax explained in a more professional fashion, as she is the only member of Vox Machina to study dragons so extensively.

"You heard her, sire," Krieg said as he turned to Uriel. "You know what must be done."

"If you send the entire army out to confront the dragon, what is going to stop it from just heading toward the city? We would be helpless, like sitting ducks on the shore of a pond," Kima explained in worry.

"What would you have me do!" Uriel snapped. "Burn more farmland and let it starve us out in a few months?" Uriel then turned to Finch. "Should I reward this beast with gold and fineries to thank it for its service in massacring innocents?" the sovereign shouted before standing up from his throne. "No, we shall bring the fight to the beast on our terms. General, make ready the entirety of the 'Arms' for deployment at dawn."

The general just nodded.

"Sire, as you know—"

"I have made my decision, Lady Kima." Uriel's tone was short and clipped as the councilwoman's jaw snapped shut.

"Yes, sire."

"And General, tell the men to drink and eat hearty tonight."

"Of course, sire," Krieg responded as he turned to leave the hall. "The Arms of Emon will ride out at dawn."

"This council has adjourned."

With those final words, the guards began shuffling the only people who didn't belong in the courtroom out of the palace.

One of the guards grabbed hold of Pike, which was promptly knocked away by Grog, who growled at the man.

"Grog, cool it. Remember what Pike says about grabby arseholes," Naruto spoke up, saving this guard's life.

"Don't kill it before we do," Scanlan chuckled nervously, thinking that they might lose the payment for this job. "Your offer is still on the table, right?"

"Come on, Scanlan, we got some shit to work through," Naruto said as he grabbed the back of the bard's shirt and began dragging him backward toward the exit.

As Vox Machina made to the exit they all heard hushed whispers of "who's a good boy, yes you're a good boy."

"Sounds like Trinket's made some new friends." Percy stated as they watched the doormen away from their normal positions scratching and petting the bear even though they stopped as soon as their group came through the doors.

"Trinket is great with animals." Vex'ahlia laughed slightly as their crew came to the top of the stairs. "Alright, I have a plan."

The morning sun filtered through the bustling streets of Emon, casting a warm glow on the cobblestones as Pike, Naruto, and Vax'ildan made their way to their favourite magical merchant. Gilmore's Glorious Goods, renowned for its magical artifacts and arcane knowledge, stood as a beacon for adventurers seeking aid in their quests.

As they entered the shop, a small bell chimed, announcing their arrival. The interior was a kaleidoscope of colours and curiosities, with shelves lined with potions, scrolls, and enchanted trinkets. The air was thick with the scent of incense, adding an air of mystique to the establishment.

"Welcome, welcome!" came the exuberant voice of Shaun Gilmore, the shop's charismatic proprietor. He emerged from behind a curtain, his robes flowing with each step. "You have entered a realm of mystery, of magic, of marvel. Welcome to Gilmore's Glorious Goods!" Sparks of purple and neon blues flashed in the air around him, adding to the dramatic entrance.

"Enchanted curios and magical artifacts at discounted prices, I take gold, silver, platinum." Gilmore paused, a smile never leaving his face. "Why, if it isn't the mysterious Vax'ildan?" He chuckled, drawing the half-elf into a big hug. "I was hoping you would swing back through again." The flashy owner planted two welcoming kisses on Vax's cheek.

Vax'ildan laughed at the warm embrace. "Glad to see you've not lost any of your charm, Gilmore."

"Oh, listen to you," Gilmore pulled back slightly. "Don't. Stop. I can't take it." He flirted before leaning closer. "I've missed your visits."

"Ehem," Pike cleared her throat, grabbing their attention. "Hi."

"Sup, Gilmore, as dashing as ever." Naruto nodded in the man's direction. "Ignore the awkward one," he teased, lightly bumping Pike with his hip.

"You know I try, darling," Gilmore responded with a warm smile. "So, are we here for business or pleasure?" He spun around, walking further into the store.

"Business, I'm afraid," Vax spoke over the puffs of magic surrounding them.

Books floated off shelves, potions appeared, and mystical tools materialized. One item caught Pike's attention; "Tusk Love" opened right in the middle of an intimate scene.

'Hmmm?' the holy woman began to read.

"We need information on blue dragons," Vax said in a weary tone.

"Preferably something sharp and pointy, pretty please," Naruto added.

"Well, for 20,000 gold, I'll sell you this." Gilmore waved his hand with arcane flair, making a lance appear. "A magic lance of dragon slaying, a fantastic bargain if I do say so myself."

"Oh, hell yes," Naruto said, eyeing the lance.

Vax let out an awkward laugh. "We presently can't afford such a weapon. But perhaps some advice for a tiny fee."

"Depends, hopefully what you're offering isn't too tiny."

Vax fished into his cloak, pulling out two silver coins and dropping them on the table.

"Well, then again, size isn't everything," Gilmore quipped, chuckling to hide his disappointment.

"We need to know if blue dragons have any specific weaknesses."

"Weaknesses, eh?" Gilmore paused. "For starters, they are egomaniacs. Dragons of any colour are proud, but blues believe they are superior to all, even if outmatched. They hate being insulted and have tremendous vanity." He chuckled. "Not that I can relate."

Naruto shuffled next to Pike, crouching beside her. "Did they forget that we're here too?" he whispered as Gilmore resumed flirting.

Pike blushed, turning away from the book and zipping to the desk.

'Huh?' Naruto thought in confusion before glancing at the book. 'Ahh, that makes sense.' The former shinobi, though younger than everyone else in Vox Machina, had been on a training trip with Jiraiya, which entailed visiting brothels while he wrote his smut. 'Note to self: check if any of those transcripts survived the journey.'

"Hi," Pike said, tearing her gaze away from the book and popping up at the table. "Is there any way to stop them?"

"Honestly, there is no simple way to kill a dragon. They're dragons for a reason." Gilmore snapped his fingers, and with a flash of arcana, a book appeared before them. "Even in tomes of old, tales of their destruction are largely poetic drivel."

Blowing the dust off the book, causing Pike to cough, Gilmore opened the tome. "Ah, the wyrm shall only find defeat, in the gorge where twin rivers meet."

"Is it a poem or a riddle?" Pike asked.

"See, it's cute but not all that reliable."

"Back to plan A it is then," Naruto said, clenching his right hand.

"If this is plan B, I'm curious what was plan A?" Gilmore asked.

"Oh, hit it really, really hard and see if it gets back up."

Externally, Gilmore didn't react, just smiled at the simplistic plan. 'To think he is fearless or foolish enough to try. The whole lot of them are brave fools, but I do love that about them,' Gilmore thought.

"In the end, useless," Vax said.

"While dragon anatomy might sound exciting and draw many a scholar, many would end up in the dragon's belly," Gilmore said, sitting back in his chair. "Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but you get what you pay for."

"Gilmore, this is all very helpful, even the bullshit," Vax chuckled. "If we survive this, I'll owe you dinner."

Gilmore's eyes turned sharp. "Oh, you will owe me more than that, my handsome half-elf," he flirted again.

'And that's three times,' Naruto thought. "Come on, lovebirds."

"Naruto's right, you two. Foreplay is over," Pike stepped in, leading Vax away. "We should probably go find the others."

It was somewhere between late morning and early afternoon, and the city of Emon was bustling with activity. The Arms of Emon were rapidly organizing for tomorrow's excursion, adding to the city's vibrant energy. Amidst the commotion, Scanlan bumped into Pike, Naruto, and Vax'ildan as they made their way back from collecting the others.

"Look, I don't know whose house this is, but you don't skulk into your own home," Scanlan argued as the group found Grog still scouting the building out.

"Here you go, big guy, as promised—one sandwich." The bard handed the goliath his snack, a grin on his face.

"You had time for a food run?" Vex'ahlia asked with an arched brow, her skepticism evident.

"And not get the rest of us a little something? For shame," Naruto chimed in, feigning indignation.

"Hey, you've got the gold for excess food? No? Then all of you shush," Scanlan retorted, waving them off.

The motley crew entered the courtyard and headed to the door made of pristine marble, adorned with a large, ornate golden lock positioned in the middle. After Scanlan's attempt to open it failed, Naruto sat down next to Grog, who was happily munching on his sandwich. The pair were soon joined by the other non-arcane users, including the twins and Percy.

While Vax began explaining Gilmore's information, Naruto looked up to the sky and began cloud watching as Scanlan started strumming his lute.

"Open your back door, baby," the gnome sang, violet streams of arcana swirling around the instrument. "Loosen your hinges, I'll show you my key." Scanlan finished the tune, zapping the built-up magic into the lock.

"Ladies and Grog, behold this marvel." Scanlan declared confidently as he pushed against the door, only to find it still locked. "Damn, this normally works."

Naruto glanced over from his cloud watching and witnessed the result of Scanlan's magical failure. "Hey, Scanlan, performance issues much? But then I hear it's common in men around their senior years," the blonde teased, laughing at the dirty look and middle finger sent his way.

"What if I melt the lock by heating the metal?" Keyleth suggested, pointing her staff at the golden lock. As it heated up, an unsuspecting Scanlan, who had one hand on the door, recoiled after being burned.

"Gah, what the shit, Keyleth!" Scanlan cursed, blowing on his hand to cool it.

By the locked door, Pike had one hand out towards the lock and the other on her forehead, glowing a tarnished gold. "I can't sense anything magical or mystical about this lock."

"Can you people do nothing right? It's just a damn door," Vex'ahlia snapped, annoyed by the lack of progress. Standing guard was boring and tedious.

Vax huffed and walked by Grog, pulling out a small olive stick that had held the sandwich together. He strolled past the three mages, pulling off the olives and eating them. Putting his ear to the door, he lightly placed the pick into the lock. With a few twists of his wrist, both heavy doors swung wide open. "See, all it takes is a bit of finesse. Amateurs," the rogue insulted before walking ahead, leaving pouting mages behind.

"That was my toothpick," Grog complained as the contents of his sandwich spilled out.

As the group entered the manor, they were overwhelmed by the size of the place and the gaudiness of the decor. The opulence was almost blinding, with gilded fixtures and luxurious furnishings filling every corner.

"Whoa, this place is fancy," Keyleth exclaimed, her eyes wide with awe.

"Apparently, it's the general's place," Percy said, pointing to a giant self-portrait of the man hanging over the stairs. "The man has dreadful taste in art."

"Most nobles do," Naruto chimed in unhelpfully. "Or we're in the home of the most hardcore fangirls." The blonde added, causing Vex and Vax to shudder involuntarily as they recalled a time when elves tried to suck up to them, hoping to curry favour with their parents.

"If it's Kreig's home, I bet Finch is here to assassinate his ass before the full deployment," Scanlan offered, his tone laced with intrigue.

"Pretty sure that was everyone's conclusion, buddy," Naruto spoke out before turning to the lady with the plan. "Now what do we do?"

"How about splitting the party?" Vex suggested, turning to Scanlan, Percy, and Keyleth. "Why don't you three start with the second floor?" She then turned to Naruto, Pike, and Grog. "You guys get the attic, and Vax and I will stay down here."

"Or, sister, we can all go downstairs and check the hidden cellar," Vax suggested, pulling the rug covering the floor aside.

Naruto thought to himself, 'The last time they split the party, they got jumped. While we won and survived the ambush, it wasn't all that fun.'

Vex just nodded before turning to the grizzly mascot. "Trinket, darling stay here and guard the entrance."

Trinket just roared in acceptance before marching out of the ornate doors and began eating the remains of Grogs lunch much to the goliath's dismay.

Further in the bowels of the manor, deep in the cellar, a cloaked Finch stood grabbing scrolls and parchments stuffing them into his satchel.

"AHA!" Scanlan voice rang out alert the minister to their presence. "We caught you blue handed chicken humper." The bard insulted as Vox Machina already had their weapons drawn. "Drop the blade," he ordered.

"What no, you don't understand," Finch loud whispered. "I'm not stealing anything."

"Of course you're not, and that sword isn't meant for General Kreig's head." Pike accused.

"Pike I think it is." Grog said as he squatted down beside the girl to whisper.

Naruto just laughed quietly 'I can never tell if that man is a complete baka or a comedic genius.'

"You must listen to me these documents are evidence, they must be brought to the council." Finch said while pointing at the bag. "General Kreig is planning t- GAHHH." The dark elf could not finish his sentence as a sword burst through his chest. Blood began to pool around the wound before the sword was shove even deeper before it was ripped out and minister fell to his knees.

Vox Machina stood in shock, even the rogues and Naruto failed to notice another presence before them. "What the?!" Vex exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief as sweat began to form on her brow. A familiar figure stepped out of the shadows, smirking—a figure they all recognized. 'The ringing is back,' she thought, a sense of dread washing over her.

"Kreig!" Naruto and Vax shouted simultaneously, their voices echoing in the dark damp cellar.

"Nice bloody technique," the half-elf praised, unable to hide his admiration.

"I know, right…How the hell do you sneak in full clunky-ass plated armour?" Naruto added, equally impressed.

The older blonde remained silent, his smirk never wavering as he regarded the group of mercenaries. 'Something is wrong here,' Naruto thought. "Shouldn't you be at the garrison at this time?" he asked, suspicion lacing his words.

"Oh no," Vex whispered, her voice trembling as she was struck by a sudden realization. She dropped her bow, falling backward into her brother's arms. "He's in league with the drag—"

"Of course, it was me," Kreig interrupted, swinging his sword and flicking the blood off the blade, sending droplets around the room. "I championed you because you're a bunch of witless oafs who no one really gives a shit about." He raised his sword towards the group. "You've been luc—"

The man was interrupted by Naruto, who had already crossed the room and swung his axe in a powerful arc, aiming for a crosscut from hip to shoulder. "The moment you point your blade at my friends, you're my enemy," Naruto growled, just before a metallic clang echoed as sword edge met axe edge.

"You've got no idea what you've gotten yourselves into," Krieg snapped, batting Naruto away before deftly deflecting Vax's daggers. With a fluid motion, he retreated into the darkness, leaving no trace of his presence.

"Finesse, huh?" Keyleth quipped, causing Vax to stumble at his own words being used against him.

Despite the situation, Naruto smiled. "Looks like the Ashari got some bite to her," he praised, standing straight and reattaching his axe to its holster on his back. His smile dimmed as his expression turned serious. "Krieg is heavy. Much heavier than he looks. The man's got power behind that swing, so unless you're Grog or me, do not try to match that man for strength. Preferably, just don't let him hit you regardless," Naruto warned, cracking his neck and releasing a breath.

Vox Machina nodded as Vax and Vex led the charge into the next and only available room. "Krieg!" they shouted in unison, only to find the room empty.

"He's gone?" Scanlan spoke up, disbelief in his voice.

"An astute observation," Percy snarked, placing his pepperbox away. "There must be a hidden exit or trap door. Fan out and look for some kind of fulcrum."

"Wait, you mean a fuck room?" Grog asked, his confusion evident.

Pike frowned while Vax chuckled. "I mean, that's what I heard," the roguish half-elf stated with a smirk.

"A lever or a button of some kind. Eurgh, Grog, go stand over there," the gunslinger pointed to the far side of the room, "and don't break anything."

Pike began to pray as she reached for her necklace, her eyes radiating the gold of the Everlight. She could sense the magical items adorning the shelves. "Almost everything in this place is a magical item. Guys, where the hell do we even start?"

As the twins and the rest of Vox Machina entered the seemingly empty room to investigate, Naruto walked over to Finch, snatching up the satchel containing the so-called evidence. "Oi, Grog, lemme borrow the bag of holding for a second."

The half-giant chucked it over without a second thought, his attention captivated by a dragon lady portrait.

"Grog, you're being gross," Keyleth exclaimed, launching the nearest object at the back of the goliath's head.

"Thanks," Naruto said as he caught the bag, opened it, and placed Finch's satchel inside. 'That should cover our backs if guards show up and we're here with two dead ministers at our feet,' he thought as a book flew past his face, bounced off Grog's head, and phased into the portrait.

"Ohh, Keyleth, you found it!" Pike praised. "It's a portal."

"Nice one, Key," Vax praised. "Brilliant, really."

Keyleth blushed under the praise. "Oh, it was nothing."

"She threw a book at a head. It was nothing," Vex'ahlia snapped at her brother's flirting.

"Scanlan, lookit, my hands are in the booty," Grog cried out with a grin. "Man, this is so cool."

"Look, before we go in there, we need a plan. We need to do this as a team, alright?" Vex said as she walked to the centre of the room. "Organized, as one."

"Puh-lease, we don't do organized," Scanlan lightly scoffed. "Look at us, we're Vox Machina. We fuck shit up."

"Can we at least try?" Vex said, letting out a tired sigh.

"I think he may be expecting the organized approach. I say we add some chaos into the mix," Naruto suggested.

"Can we just go already?" Vax said, his impatience getting the better of him as he walked ahead and began pushing Grog through. "Lead the way, big man."

Vex'ahlia let out a frustrated growl before she and the others entered the portal.

"You know what, guys? I'm going to keep a lookout, so it's better if I wei—" Scanlan tried to explain before two arms, one belonging to Vax and the other to Naruto, grabbed onto the back of the bard's collar and dragged him in through the they emerged from the other side of the lime green portal, Vox Machina was greeted by an insidious chill that sent shivers down their spines. Keyleth gasped, rubbing her arms in a futile attempt to warm up. "So cold," she murmured, her breath visible in the frigid air. The young druid looked around, taking in the expansive cave that loomed before them. "What is this place?"

"High in the mountains, I'd say," Vex'ahlia responded, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to catch her breath.

"Wherever we are, it's far from Emon," Vax spoke up from the rear, his tone serious as he surveyed their surroundings.

"What is that?" Naruto asked, his sharp eyes catching specs of golden light reflecting in the air.

The crew moved cautiously to a ridge and peered down into a vast horde of gold and treasure, filling nearly every inch of the cavern. Mounds of glittering riches sparkled in the dim light, casting a mesmerizing glow.

Vex'ahlia and Naruto's eyes widened first—one who believed wealth would show worth, the other who had learned early on in life that money was a means of survival. Soon, Pike, Scanlan, and Grog joined them, their expressions shifting from shock to delight as they beheld the wealth and magical items scattered throughout the valley.

"What the hell does Uriel pay this man?" Naruto asked, incredulity lacing his voice.

"Gold!" Vex cheered, her excitement infectious as she joined Grog, Pike, and Scanlan, who dashed further into the treasure.

"Seems a little excessive for a council member," Percy commented, his brow furrowing in skepticism.

"It seems excessive for anyone," Vax added, a smirk tugging at his lips as he took in the fortune before them.

Scanlan dove into a small mound, sifting through its contents. "Magic scrolls?! Jewels! Potions! And is this a troll dick?" he exclaimed, tossing the last item far away with a look of disgust.

"Think of all the ale we can buy!" Grog shouted, his eyes gleaming with excitement as Naruto tossed him the Bag of Holding. Vax'ildan began pouring gold into it, the sound of clinking coins echoing in the cavern.

"Buddies, we can be drunk for weeks!" Pike cheered, her enthusiasm palpable.

"Days even!" Grog echoed, his voice booming.

Naruto laughed, but his amusement was short-lived as he glanced around the hoard. "Vex!" he shouted, grabbing the ranger's attention. The moment she turned, realization dawned on both of them.

"Forget Uriel's poultry payment; we're rich!" Scanlan sang, sprawled out in a pile of gold.

"Wait, everyone stop. This gold did not just fall from the fucking sky!" Vex'ahlia shouted, interrupting the pre-celebration. "This is a hoard! A dragon's hoard!"

"So, we're in the dragon's lair," Naruto stated, summoning his axe to his hand, his demeanor shifting to one of readiness.

Keyleth wandered slightly away from the group, less entranced by the gold. She spotted some unique obsidian-like gems embedded in a rock surface. "Wow, those are pretty," she thought, moving closer. But as she did, an unsettling wave washed over her, an almost malevolent presence emanating from the stones. "But they also feel almost malevolent."

As soon as the words left Keyleth's mouth, the obsidian seemed to come alive. A yellowish-green draconic iris opened, focusing on the elven mage. "Intruders!" a guttural voice erupted, echoing through the cavern. The stone housing the obsidian gems cracked and collapsed.

Keyleth quickly backed away. "I didn't do that," she declared, glancing down. "Did I?" she questioned herself. "Nope, definitely didn't do that!" she called out with conviction.

"Everyone, get ready for a fight!" Naruto shouted, his eyes darting around, searching for any sign of man or beast.

Vex'ahlia felt the ringing return, causing her to hunch over in pain.

"I must say, I'm impressed," Kreig's voice echoed from above, each step eerily silent. "To tell you the truth, I thought you would die the very moment you met the mighty Brimscythe," he paused, a smug satisfaction in his tone. "But then again, I guess some vermin are harder to kill than others."

"Them's some fighting words, bastard!" Naruto shouted, leveling his axe at the blonde general.

"You wanted Uriel to send out his army! Outside of Emon, leaving it completely defenseless! So your dragon friend can lay it to waste!" Vex'ahlia accused, recovering from her migraine.

"The age of man is coming to an end," Kreig sneered. "The era where humanity's dreams shall be left in ruin." He stepped forward, leaning over the edge, looking down on all of them. "There was a time when dragons ruled Tal'Dorei, when we ruled the entire world."

"Did he just say 'we'?" Percy asked, incredulous.

Naruto's heart began to race. "Oi! You bastard! The era of dreams is over!" he shouted.

"That's the bit you're focusing on?" Percy said, incredulous, glancing at Naruto.

Before any more words could be exchanged, lightning began escaping from Kreig's eyes. His body thrashed in his armor, morphing and shifting. He grew exponentially, his transformation violent and shocking. The general ripped out of his armor, sprouting wings and building muscle mass in moments.

"I'll show the bastard," Naruto snarled, preparing to move.

The beast roared, flapping its wings to take flight.

"Didn't expect this, did ya, Vex?" Scanlan snarked, fear lacing his voice.

The dragon flew high, stretching its wings wide, hovering for a moment.

'Did it just T-pose on us?' Naruto thought idly as the dragon moved among the stalactites on the cavern ceiling, securing its tail around a third. The former Kreig and current Brimscythe roared, his neck lighting up. "Move now!" Naruto shouted, recognizing the telltale sign of a breath attack—the glow a beacon in the cave's natural darkness.

Vox Machina reacted immediately, scattering as a flash later their original position was blasted by a powerful bolt from the dragon's mouth.

Percy, Grog, and Pike leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the initial blast. But as Grog came to a skidding stop, he placed one hand on the gold-covered floor at the exact moment an electric current coursed through him, causing him to slump over.

"Grog, are you okay?" Percy asked, keeping an eye out for any more breath attacks coming their way.

"Um, no," Grog huffed as he lay down, clearly dazed.

"Coming, buddies! Be with you in a moment!" Pike called out, rushing to help.

The initial flash of blue caused Keyleth to freeze, unable to move quickly enough to feel for any nearby plant life. Just then, Naruto swept her off her feet, holding her close as he dove and flipped out of the way of the initial blast, leaping off mounds of gold.

"You be my rearview; let me know what's coming," Naruto said, shifting Keyleth's weight in his arms.

"Right," she nodded, regaining her confidence and watching his back. But as soon as she looked back, she spotted the beacon in the distance, the neck pulsating blue. "It's coming!" Keyleth shouted, her voice urgent.

"Hold on tight!" Naruto called, and as he leapt from a closed treasure chest, he changed direction almost instantly, aiming for a ridge that offered some decent cover.

One second later, the electric breath ripped through their former position.

Meanwhile, Vax'ildan took a hit from the area damage caused by a collapsing stalagmite. Vex'ahlia was a little faster in that moment, skidding around the remains of the rock formation before unleashing a fire arrow that flew true, striking the dragon in the abdomen and exploding upon impact.

"Ha!" Brimschythe laughed, taunting them further. "A tickle! Let me return the favor."

Vex'ahlia looked toward the dragon as Vax pulled himself out of the rubble. "Oh shit."

Up on a different ridge, Naruto was checking over Keyleth to ensure she wasn't hurt. "Naruto, I'm fine! Go help the others," Keyleth insisted. "I know how much you want to fight that thing."

"Fine, but take your time, catch your breath, and then swoop in and save the day with some broken-ass spell or something," Naruto encouraged her. Hearing the chaos Brimschythe was causing, he added, "Got to go—wish me luck." He turned and ran toward the edge.

The Uzumaki didn't stop at the edge; he leapt as high as he could muster, his axe already falling back into his hands. He had to drop it to grab Keyleth and run. 'There you are,' Naruto whispered before snarling at the dragon as he leapt from its perch, trying to stomp on Scanlan and Pike. When it missed, he shouted, "I don't think so!" as he chambered his arm back to throw.

The weapon flew like a runaway buzzsaw, slicing a chunk of scales off the dragon's tail and deflecting the strike that would have whipped Pike away. As Pike recovered, Naruto's Leviathan got lodged into a nearby wall. Brimschythe's tail now had a small chunk missing, blood dripping from the wound.

Brimschythe hissed in pain but continued unabated. "Fools! I'll devour you all!"

Scanlan, in his bid to reach higher ground after almost being smashed under a dragon's claw, slipped on a pile of gold. 'Oh shit! Gold, how could you?' Scanlan thought as the dragon's hefty footsteps stopped just overhead. He looked up and saw death looming.

A dragon's maw and eyes exploded with power and lightning. "Pike!? Pike!? Pike!?" Scanlan screamed as he ran from the lightning blast that crackled behind him, growing closer. The bard leapt forward, dodging the initial blast, but he wasn't able to move before a second blast came down. At the very last moment, Pike leapt into the fray, raising a light shield to hold back the lightning blast for a few moments before her shield cracked under the immense power, knocking both her and Scanlan away.

Naruto skidded to a stop, raising his hand as the axe ripped itself free from the wall it was lodged in. 'Fuck, Pike and Scanlan,' the former shinobi cursed as he saw the two halflings too stunned to move after being hit by that last blast.

Naruto quickly threw his axe down, lodging the weapon deep into the ground before roaring as loud as he could. "COME ON THEN, LET US AVE IT!" he bellowed, drawing the beast's attention onto him.

As the dragon turned, it spotted the loud kid who had run his mouth earlier. "You!" Brimschythe snarled, charging toward the teen. "I'm going to gobble you up and shit out your soul!"

"You ain't got the stones," Naruto shot back, ripping his axe out of the ground. The weapon brought up a large chunk of rock with it. Muscles straining, the former shinobi swung the makeshift sledgehammer, cracking the rock against the dragon's lower mandible and sending its head snapping backward. Almost in the same instant, Brimschythe swung a balled-up claw, smashing into Naruto.

"GAH!" Naruto cried out as spittle flew from his mouth, sent careening through the air before crashing down next to Pike and Scanlan, who were starting to stir as they noticed the gold melting from the dragon's power.

"Uoof!" Naruto winced and grunted as he landed. "Thanks for the catch, Scanlan."

"No problem, just get off me," Scanlan wheezed as Naruto shuffled off to the side. He stood, his legs wobbling before he fell onto his backside.

"Fucker got me good," Naruto cursed, his vision spinning from the short flight and crash landing.

"Hold on, Naruto," Pike said as she moved to help and heal him.

Not liking that he had been injured twice more in this fight, Brimschythe decided to stay high above the molten hoard. He spotted some movement among the rubble and began to charge another breath attack.

"Look out!" Keyleth called, channeling her arcana. Vines grew from her staff, wrapping around Percy and Grog, pulling them both out of the way of the impending blast.

"Vax!" Percy shouted as he continued running, aiming his pepperbox before firing at the dragon flying overhead. "Did you get anything useful from Gilmore's, or did you flirt the entire time?"

Vax quickly realised he had only shared that information with Vex. "Oh right, right," Vex tried to remember what Gilmore had said.

"They're vain, greedy, egotistical," Vax replied before he and Vex had to leap off another ridge to avoid being bowled over by the charging form of Brimscythe.

"So, nothing new then," Percy quipped as he got back on his feet after dodging yet another wild blast of lightning.

Grog rose, gripping his massive battle axe, his eyes narrowing as he growled and leaped into the air, aiming for Brimscythe. But the dragon easily sidestepped the goliath's assault, leaving Grog's axe to cleave through empty space.

"It doesn't matter, dick, if he stays in the air!" Pike shouted as she re-joined the fray, her holy light flickering around her.

Vax took cover, his eyes sharp as he watched the dragon. As Brimscythe charged up another lightning blast, Vax noticed something—the dragon's neck began to glow just before it fired. 'Where the twin rivers meet,' the rogue recalled, an idea sparking in his mind. "It can't be," he whispered before turning urgently toward his sister. "Vex! It's the neck! Do you see that? We need to get him grounded!"

A bolt of lightning struck between the twins, the energy crackling around the stalagmites that shielded them.

"I hear you! Let's move!" Vex'ahlia ordered, and the two made a break for it, running along another ridge, dodging blasts of destructive energy. They regrouped with the rest of Vox Machina, breathless but determined. "I've got another plan!" the archer called out.

"Great, another one," Scanlan snarked, his usual bravado barely masking his fear.

"Shut up!" Vex snapped back, determination in her voice.

"Well, it's better than nothing," Percy defended her, before the group saw the dragon preparing another deadly strike.

"Move, dickhead!" Naruto yelled, scooping Scanlan up under his arm as Grog hoisted Pike onto his back. The rest of the team bolted, dodging debris as lightning tore apart the ceiling, sending stalactites crashing down.

"Okay, maybe for once you're right," Vex admitted as they ran, narrowly avoiding falling rocks. "We don't fight as one. But maybe we do what we do best."

"What? But we have no best!" Keyleth cried out, panic edging her voice.

"Oh, fuck, look out!" Pike screamed as Grog slid under a massive chunk of rock, saving them from being crushed.

"Shit, let's move!" Vex called out, leading them into a small chasm that provided temporary cover. The rubble caused a thick smoke screen, obscuring them from the dragon's view. Brimscythe chuckled, his voice echoing with menace and arrogance.

Under the cover of rock and dust, Vox Machina huddled together, breathing hard.

"So, what's the play? Go out and scream, 'Hey, dragon man, we don't know what the fuck we're doing'?" Scanlan asked, his tone half-serious.

Vex'ahlia simply nodded before turning to Naruto. "Sometimes you just gotta add a bit of chaos to the mix."

"Damn straight," Naruto grinned, his eyes alight with wild energy. The others caught onto the plan, setting about getting into position under the cover of destruction. But before they fully split up, Naruto placed a reassuring hand on Keyleth's shoulder as she hesitated. "You got this," he said with a confident smirk that showed off one dimple peeking through his whiskered marked face.

Keyleth blushed briefly before her face set into a determined expression, nodding as she focused her magic.

Meanwhile, Brimscythe circled above the dust and smoke, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can hide in my lair?" he roared. But as the dust cleared, he saw Vox Machina standing defiantly on a pillar.

"Hey, taint smear!" Grog shoved Percy aside, stepping forward to insult the beast.

"You're in my way again, you ape!" Percy snapped, glaring at the goliath.

Grog turned on the gunslinger, his eyes narrowing. "What did you call me? Maybe I'll squash you too."

"As if either of you could kill anything," Vax joined in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "One's a preening, pea-coated peacock, and the other's a witless goon."

Brimscythe watched their bickering, his confusion and ire only growing.

"Oh, please, if the four of you would just shut up already and let me kill this inflated windbag!" Vex shouted, drawing her bow back.

"Kill me?" the dragon scoffed, descending closer to the group. "I am the Iron Storm! You're nothing but mice!" Brimscythe roared, unleashing a devastating blast of lightning. Vox Machina screamed in pain as the bolt struck, kicking up a cloud of dust.

As the dust began to settle, Brimscythe blinked in disbelief. The shadows of Vox Machina were still standing. 'No...?' he thought, flapping his wings to clear the air, only to find the group had vanished, leaving behind only purple mist. "Impossible!"

"Ahem," Scanlan cleared his throat, drawing the dragon's attention to the opposite side of the cavern. "Gotcha," the bard smirked before snapping his fingers. 'It's showtime,' he thought.

"Now!" Vex'ahlia shouted.

Keyleth and Percy charged at the dragon from either side as Brimscythe tried to take flight, seeking the safety of the skies.

"Come on, come on, you got this, Keyleth," the druid whispered to herself, focusing her mana. A flash of Naruto's encouraging smile steeled her resolve. She stumbled briefly, then unleashed a torrent of thick, thorn-covered vines that latched onto Brimscythe's wing, tearing into the dragon's flesh.

Brimscythe roared in frustration, trying to break free, only to find an ethereal chain wrapped around his foreclaw. His draconic eyes followed the chain up through the darkness, finding Naruto hidden some distance away, his whiskered face twisted in concentration. 'That little shite!' Brimscythe raged, trying to pull free, but the chain held firm. "What is this?"

As the vines tightened around Brimscythe's wing, Percy aimed his pepperbox and unleashed a volley of bullets that shattered more stalactites, pinning the dragon's other wing to the ground. Between the three of them, they had successfully grounded the beast. Naruto released his chain, exhausted from the effort, but satisfied that the dragon was restrained.

Vax saw his moment and dashed from cover. 'Shit, I've got some ground to cover!' he cursed as he sprinted towards Brimscythe. But the dragon spotted him, the twin rivers of lightning in its maw beginning to charge.

"Not so fast!" Naruto shouted, launching his axe, its runes glowing with power. The axe flew true, embedding itself deep into the dragon's eye, freezing the organ solid. Brimscythe thrashed in agony, his aim faltering as the lightning bolt he unleashed missed Vax, tearing through the mountain and allowing sunlight to pierce the darkness.

"Holy fuck, I'm alive," Vax gasped, continuing his run. But shadows loomed above him as more rocks collapsed. 'I can't dodge this one,' he thought in despair, before a purple magical fist appeared, smashing the boulder into smithereens.

"SCANLAN'S HAND!" the bard's voice rang out through the chaos as the giant purple fist scooped Vax up, mimicking Scanlan's movements as it flung him the rest of the way towards Brimscythe.

Vax'ildan took it in stride, running across the falling debris before leaping high above the downed dragon, Naruto's axe still lodged in its frozen eye. Drawing his knives, Vax thought, 'This is for the kid and his family!' as he plunged the blades into the dragon's thick hide, letting gravity drag them down the beast's neck, slicing the point where the twin rivers met wide open.

Brimscythe roared in agony, blood pouring from every wound, staining the ice that encased his eye. 'I underestimated them… I'll kill these bastards, but my eye is lost!' the dragon thought, furious at the injury. 'Damn mice!'

Further back, Pike held up her amulet, blessing the arrow that Vex had nocked. "Light him up, Vex!" the holy warrior called out, her voice ringing with divine power.

Vex'ahlia smirked, her eyes locked on the gash Vax had left open. "Thanks, Pike!" she called back, releasing the arrow. It flew true, glowing with the golden light of the Everlight, striking Brimscythe dead in the wound and exploding with power. The dragon collapsed, his strength failing.

'The end is near,' Naruto thought as he watched the dragon falter. "Hey, Keyleth, wanna give me a little boost?"

The druid hesitated for only a moment before understanding. She nodded, focusing her magic as Naruto dashed towards the dragon.

As Brimscythe thrashed about, snarling bloody vengeance,. "I WILL SUNDER YOUR BONES." The dragon snarled bloody vengeance.

"Look who's nice and low." Vex offered, to the physically strongest member of the crew.

Grog just sneered at first before smirking. "I would like to RAGE!" As the half giant roared his muscles seeming got even bigger as the ground beneath his feet cracked.

At the same time coming from a different direction Naruto was running at full speed towards the beast, he heard Grog's famous roar. "Let's get active then!" Naruto shouted as he clasped his hands together creating two echoes of himself in front of his path, standing side by side.

The former shinobi used is agility and power to leap between the two echoes' placing his hand on either shoulder or springing forward and upward. The two echoes didn't stop there as the mimicked each other's movement raising up their own feet, chambering their legs before lashing out striking the soles of the original's boots sending him flying high in the air above dragon whilst it was focused on Grog, in front of him.

Grog had leapt once and had already cleared half the distance towards the dragon.

Naruto twitched his wrist ripping his leviathan axe free from Brimscythe's eye shattering the ice allowing blood to final pour from the wound.

"Keyleth now!" Naruto roared as his axe returned to his hand its blue runes glowing brightly.

"Right!" Keyleth said as she raised her hand and focused on air and ice magic and channelling the power into Naruto's axe.

To Naruto his Leviathan axe began being overcome with ice empowered by Keyleth's arcana flowing through it. "Oi dickheads behold the power of two hands!" the former shinobi shouted as he placed his free hand on the axe handle while allowing gravity to do its job and drag him down.

To the onlookers it only lasted a second.

The goliath in two bounds had his battle axe raised high.

The dragon had it jaws ready to devour the half giant.

The human had placed two hands on a magically empowered Ice shard in the form of an axe or a giant guillotine above the dragon's neck.

After that second had passed Grog's axe was buried deep in the dragon's skull. And Naruto swung with all his might having cleaved through its neck simultaneously decapitating the Brimscythe in a single slash. Resulting in a giant electrical discharge that shook the entire cavern.

As the smoke cleared only Naruto and Grog remained standing as the dragon had its snout split down the middle and its head removed from its body. The two warriors stood there with smoke and electricity dancing off their skin.

Grog turned to the Vex and Pike. "Is he dead now?" the half giant asked completely drained from that range.

"We did that," Keyleth cheered. "That was us!"

"Well, it seems being a bunch of arseholes does have its own merits." Percy spoke up with a smile.

Naruto just looked down at the dragon. 'Apparently you're not even the strongest out your own species but your scales were pretty tough, I'll give you that.'

As grog reached for a dragon tooth Naruto jumped down from the dragon skull as the half giant snatched a tooth. "Evidence." He declared.

"You know you're a lot smarter than we give you credit for." Scanlan praised.

"Grog open up the bag really quickly," Naruto requested, and the half giant just nodded as he stuffed the tooth in his belt before opening the bag as wide as possible.

Naruto summoned another chain a whipped towards the fallen skull and flung towards Grog.

"Will that even fit." Percy asked.

"I will make it fit and trust me when I say, you will thank me later."

While both Grog and Naruto attempted to stuff the dragon head into the bag of holding the others took a second to catch their breath.

"We're actually alive." Vax said as he walked up and hugged his sister.

"And we took down a dragon!" Vex'ahlia as she released a breath she did not realise she was holding.

"Anyone need healing?" Pike called out just encase anyone got seriously hurt.

"Gotcha and stay in there." Naruto cheered at somehow getting the dragon head into the bag.

But before another word could be spoken the world began to shake as the cave began to collapse.

"Exit strategy?" Keyleth asked in fear.

"Run!" Vex shouted as she scooped up as much gold as she could in her arms and made a mad dash back towards the portal with the other following afterwards at full pace.

As they made it back to Emon through the portal that led them back into General Kriegs manor, the looted most of the magical items in the place before reporting in the crown. Bring the evidence Naruto took off Finch's body along with Grogs dragon tooth that the council magically checked to see which creature it belonged to.

"Vox Machina!" Uriel voice filled the room as the mercenary band stood before the council. "For your selfless heroism, I claim you all protectors of the realm." The sovereign spoke leaving shocked looks on the faces of Vox Machina before he drew his sword. "And honorary members of the council of Tal'Dorei."

Each member even the infamous motor mouths Scanlan and Naruto were both left speechless.

"I know, I can hardly believe myself," Uriel chuckled as did the rest of the council including Ladies Kima and Allura.

"Oh, how I've missed respectability," Percy said smiling as he began fixing his tie.

"I'm an arse kicking orphan I don't the first thing about being noble," Naruto spoke in a harsh whisper.

"Yes, yes, yes that's all fine and good but what about what we were promised?" Vex'ahlia spoke up not really sure to do with all these titles they are handing out.

The golden box that Krieg showed them at the start of this whole thing was placed at Vox Machina's feet.

Vex, Vax, Naruto and Scanlan were the first to move and seemingly teleported in front of the prize.

"There we are." The archer spoke as she reached for the main handle.

"Ah ha payday baby." Scanlan sang.

Naruto and Vax just fist bumped each other, while smirking away.

As Vex fully opened the box, Scanlan reached and pulled out a set of keys and a rolled-up parchment. "Umm, where's our reward?" the bard asked.

"You're holding it," the sovereign announced. "The deed to your new keep here in Emon."

"But, but Scanlan?" Naruto couldn't get out the words.

"We need our protectors close at hand, to you know protect." The sovereign finished explaining.

Grog, Percy, Pike and Keyleth just where happy to be heroes and have a place to call home.

"And hypothetically if we were to sell the place how much do you think," the bard paused as he saw the looks from the nobles of Emon. "Shutting up now." Scanlan's mouth shut with a click.

Vax turned to his twin with a smile on his face. "Sister, we've got something to call our own now."

Vex smiled softly at her brother as the two shared a soft moment. "

"Wait till I tell my father," Keyleth slid in next to her fellow elves, "Aww the ashari will never believe this." The druid continued to talk as she wrapped the twins in a one-armed hug each. "And I'm ruining a moment, aren't I." the redhead let go of the pair and looked towards the others. "I'm just going to go over there." Keyleth before zipping away under the scowl of the huntress.

"As protectors you must understand, the threat is far from over." The sovereign paused before looking towards Naruto. "The evidence you provided leads us to believe Krieg was part of a larger more nefarious plot."

"More dragons?" Naruto asked as his head perked up.

"I hope not," Percy grumbled at the thought of messing with dragons anytime soon.

"As such I have arranged an important banquet to occur in over the next few days, to discuss the security of the realm." Uriel paused before smiling down at his new champions. "While serious topics will be discussed, it still should be a delight. We, have a wonderful cook."

"We trust that you will all attend, in fact I'm pretty sure there are dignitaries on their way into the city as we speak." Allura clarified as she smiled prettily at the champions.

"I don't know why you guys look so surprised the reward did state that the land would be chosen for you." Lady Kima spoke up as Scanlan began chuckling awkwardly.

"Scanlan, please tell me you read that flyer fully." Vax asked as Vex and Naruto coined onto what he meant.

The bard scrambled for the flyer and began to read. "Oh, right here under reward, it says depending on completion may receive titles and land." Scanlan finished before glancing over his shoulder only to Naruto and Vex shaking with rage.

"Come here gnome!" Naruto shouted as he dived at the gnome who squawked and ran off leaving the throne laughing at the pairs antics minus Percy who was embarrassed once more the pair, "I'm gonna use your chest hair to ring sting you're lute!"

The End

Up next

The Clasp of Emon

A.N

So thoughts?

felt like I had to cover so much in this pretty sure near an. undergrad diss length with how many words I typed

Do we like Naruto's use of his abilities so far.

Next chapter Naruto and Vax may go on on a short quest before the banquet

did we like the fight between the General and Vox Machina?

also if i have to lightning breath/blast one more time i may through the whole mac out the window.

We've got a dragon skull i wonder how much materials we getting from this thing?

We met Gilmore a fan favourite i know hopefully i did him justice but nothing will beat og or the series.

might introduce Cassie next chapter

now dont think ive done a chapter this long in a long time but for boss battles they are going to be chunky chapters.

are we liking the interactions between the party?

sorry had to make few tweaks so updated woohoo

Anyways leave a review as it feeds my engine of creation

Stay Chilling Y'all