Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 121: The Hunters Depart

Rikuto calls out, “Enter,” when a knock comes at his office door. He’s currently working on financial records to restore Mornistae’s finances. He had to sell additional treasures and more of the kingdom’s stockpile of crops and ores, which he thankfully got a good price for. With the Grand Duchy being invaded by Daniel’s forces, he’ll have to make due with the current number of reloads for the void artillery, and he has gathered a rather large defensive force.

About a third of the second wave were able to flee, and they confirmed Rikuto’s fears; Daniel equipped demon-kin with rifles and pistols, vastly increasing their per-soldier effectiveness. The heaviest armor even the strongest boruans can wear is only effective at defending against the pistols. Rikuto had hoped that battlemages would be able to protect portions of the army with magic barriers partnered with powerful area spells to try to wipe out the enemy squads as quickly as possible, since their numbers are actually quite low.

The otherworlder king wishes he could see the battlefield himself. The survivors described craters on the battlefield. It could have been explosion spells or some other kind of high-impact magic just as easily as it could have been any number of explosives that Daniel could have created.

What’s the worst thing he could make? Could he make missiles? Or rockets? I guess anything’s possible. The scouts that returned from Twilight said they had rudimentary cannons on the walls, from what they described.

He sighs as he massages his temples. He looks up, noticing the person who enters is none other than King Father Greydald, who made Rikuto king in order to grant him authority to implement his otherworldly policies unimpeded.

Rikuto bolts to his feet. “Your Majesty, my apologies…”

“Nevermind that. I’m here for word of my daughters.” Greydald’s tone is cold. At first, he spent most of his time trying to console the Queen Mother Orphialxia, which kept them out of Rikuto’s hair, as bad as that is to think.

But, now he’s trying to be more active in figuring out what’s giving Rikuto trouble. And, as if that isn’t nerve-wracking enough, the Grand Prince of the Empire, Yaulander kos Strylaph, ‘requested’ an audience with Rikuto for some reason that he didn’t elaborate on over written message. So, Rikuto has to prepare the fanfare and a feast for a couple of days from the present. He also has to set up beacons and additional security to make sure Daniel’s forces don’t attack during the audience.

For now, Rikuto has to answer to his predecessor and father-in-law. “Your Majesty, Daniel hasn’t made any demands or threats, so I’ve been trying to establish negotiations with his soldiers, but they’ve been refusing all parlay.”

Greydald collapses into the cushioned chair across from Rikuto’s desk, groaning as he clutches his head. “I can’t believe I allowed this to happen… I thought I was doing right by my daughters by giving them more leeway than Orphialxia’s family did in her youth.”

Rikuto is quiet for a moment. He replies, “In your own defense, your Majesty, Japan allows a great deal more freedom for women than anywhere I’ve seen in this world. Women own companies, serve in the military at all levels, and generally determine the course of their own lives. Freedom comes with risks, but the payoff is much greater.”

Greydald sighs. “And yet, both of my daughters are now hostage to Daniel.” The middle-aged man shakes his head as he stares at the ceiling. “I truly believed he was a decent person. I should have listened to the nobles pushing for execution.” He clenches his fingers against the armrests of the chair. “I was just thankful that Erimaya was safe… And now both she and Heralesse…” He grits his teeth, unable to continue the sentence.

Rikuto is unsure how he feels. He has been hearing similar rumors going around about Daniel as were spreading when he saved Erimaya’s life. He has a slave harem of demon-kin, he lays with goblins, and Hekate is an underage girl proudly expressing her romantic relationship to Daniel. It’s not as frowned upon in this world, since Erimaya was betrothed shortly after her tenth birthday, but the stories indicate that Daniel is not showing any restraint with his harem.

That said, Rikuto would be lying if he said he wasn’t simply envious of the fact that Daniel has a harem, and it would be easy to conflate the fact that he does with the notion of him being lecherous towards children, which is the sticking point for the Japanese man. As frustrating as it is that Daniel has done what he has in regards to the nukes by even creating them, let alone using them in this world, it’s not in his personality to be particularly lecherous. Daniel could keep a straight face even when Wenlianna touched him for various reasons, including innocent friendly touches, humor, and experimentation. Rikuto doesn’t know if he could remain stoic with a girl as beautiful as Wenlianna touching him. It took a lot of focus for him to resist squirming and blushing when Heralesse would get close.

In truth, Rikuto knows that Erimaya fled to Daniel for fear of the assassins that tried to kill her once, and because she feels a sense of loyalty to Daniel for saving her life. The Japanese man doubts his American counterpart will do anything inappropriate to her, since investigators that have gone to Fort Peony report that many of the women believe he is gay, since he didn’t do anything to anyone there.

Rikuto finally replies, “Daniel won’t harm them. They’re more useful to him as hostages. Especially if he can brainwash them into supporting him.”

Greydald looks at Rikuto as if his face just turned upside down. The otherworlder explains, “On Earth, there was a condition hostages would suffer from called ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, named after bank robbers… er, thieves, took hostages, and the hostages actually worked with the thieves to sabotage rescue efforts.”

“Is it… some sort of brainwashing magic?”

“No. It’s believed to be some sort of survival mechanism in human instincts, I think. Uh, default… automatic behaviors. They fool themselves into thinking they need the thieves for survival, since cooperation leads to better treatment.”

“I… I don’t understand…”

“I know. It’s hard to explain without anything to compare to. But, like I said, Daniel almost certainly knows about it as well, so he’d be more likely to try to fool the girls into helping him achieve his goals.”

“Wh-What if he…?” The former king clutches his head.

The Japanese man sighs. It’s understandable, but he’s distracting Rikuto with the same fears day in and day out. “If they are harmed or dishonored in any way, your Majesty, I will see to it that the full might of justice is brought down on Daniel and his allies. Please trust me. I believe, or I hope at least, that the Grand Prince is coming to discuss a joint effort to defeat Daniel once and for all.”

Greydald nods. “You have my support, Rikuto. Just… please, bring back my daughters safely.”

“I will.”

In just a couple day’s time, Rikuto will learn the purpose of the Grand Prince of the Empire’s visit.

And, it won’t have crossed the otherworlder’s mind at all.

***

Gwenesphia, Treia, and Veiranoei escort Daniel and Hekate into Kalegrynten’s private home, which is a rather modest estate, given that he’s the leader of all of Mattarglos. The Grand Premier agreed to host the meeting between Daniel and Gwenesphia’s family.

Following the five are Neith and Doephluev. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Hekate looks around at the numerous rooms in the infinitesimally smaller homestead than the Citadel. It’s a cozy place, and much larger than the home Daniel owned on Earth; easily large enough to house a rather large family with at least one generation of extended family, if need be, by the looks of it. “Daniel? Do you think the Citadel is too big?”

The human mechanic chuckles. “Don’t let Xyreko hear you ask that.”

“It’s too big for us, but it wasn’t built for wee-people like humans and gatonines,” replies Gwenesphia playfully. “My family’s estate is a bit smaller than this, but this is on the smaller side from someone of the Grand Premier’s rank.”

“Definitely, especially given the other kingdoms,” confirms Treia. “And don’t even get me started on the Empire.”

“I know!” exclaims Hekate. “All those big houses in the Capital were crazy!”

“And the littlest Empress commands the biggest castle,” states Doephluev bluntly.

Hekate shoots a glare over her shoulder, retorting coldly, “Servants are to be unseen and unheard, Doephluev.

“As you can see, I am a lady-in-waiting today, your Greatness,” replies the former assassin, referring to her formal lady’s dress Daniel bought from Aramellianna’s tailor for her.

“Waiting for what?” asks Hekate sarcastically. But, she just teed herself up for Doephluev.

The archoneldwyn woman smiles, retorting fearlessly, “Waiting to be the Empress, of course.”

“Oh for f-...” grumbles Daniel, reacting quickly enough to snatch Hekate’s arm to keep her facing forward. “Don’t be baited, Hekate. Doephluev, please play nice.”

Hekate huffs and grumbles, while Doephluev replies sweetly, “As you wish, my Love.”

The others nervously tried to stay out of the bickering, since Doephluev mostly focuses her instigating on Hekate, and the feldrok Empress often runs the risk of snapping. Plus, Daniel stands the most chance of being able to defuse the situation, rather than escalating it.

Kalegrynten’s servant, who is leading the way, guides the group to the drawing room, where the Grand Premier is already entertaining the baron and his family.

“Ahhh! Yes! Come in! Come in! Baron, I'd like you to meet… oh, uh, apologies, Your Grace.” The Grand Premier halts himself when he notices Gwenesphia soften her expression. He clears his throat and backs away. The maneuver surprises the gatonine woman a bit, but she makes a warm greeting, “Father.”

“Gwenesphia.” The young woman hugs her family to greet them, adding “Thank You, Grand Premier.” Kalegrynten bows his head respectfully, having taken the opportunity to greet his granddaughter.

Gwenesphia then introduces everyone. “Your Greatness, please allow me to begin with my family.” Daniel notices the elder of the two brothers and Gwenesphia’s sister twist their faces in confusion when Gwenesphia defers to Hekate. The young feldrok empress looks no older than twelve, even though she recently turned sixteen. Fortunately, unlike the scrawny little gremlin Daniel found, she looks like a healthy twelve year old instead of an emaciated corpse that doesn’t know it’s dead yet.

Gwenesphia doesn’t seem to have noticed the look her siblings gave, and she starts with her father. “This is my father, Baron Goelselmo of Honeydip.”

The baron dips his head. Like Kalegrynten, whose head looks a little lopsided with his nubbed ear, Goelselmo has many scars of battle denoting a long life of defending his territory and the people of Mattarglos. “I am he. I suspect our family name has come up in jest.”

Hekate shakes her head, replying respectfully, “No. I have no idea what you mean. In all honesty, I never asked, since before anything else, Gwen is my friend.” The feldrok girl looks up at Daniel. “Should it be funny?”

“I’m not sure.” They both look at Gwenesphia, who blushes. “I-I’ll… explain later.” She then continues the introduction. “My mother, Erue, my brothers, Kuboen and Lyrtef, and my sister, Peiburi.”

The two gatonine women both bow their heads respectfully, though Peiburi is a little unsure about Gwenesphia’s companions. Lyrtef replies politely, “A pleasure to meet you.”

Kuboen says nothing for now.

Gwenesphia continues, “Everyone, please allow me to introduce her Greatness, Hekate fell Lawson, Empress of the Fievegal, and Daniel, the Emperor.”

Hekate curtsies with a surprising level of practiced grace, even though she’s the Empress. Regardless, she learned it from Erimaya, and the feldrok empress is set on using her newly learned skill. “I am Hekate. It’s my pleasure to meet Gwen’s family.”

Gwenesphia smiles, adding, “And, this is Treia, who served with me at Peony, Veiranoei, Lord Kalegrynten’s granddaughter, and Sir Neith and Lady Doephluev, who serve Daniel.”

Neith bows, while Treia, Veiranoei, and Doephluev all curtsy skillfully, since Hekate did so. Daniel makes a note to tease Treia, since she almost never wears a dress of any kind, and he was fine with her wearing pants underneath her current one, rather than typical bloomers, since it makes her more comfortable. The dresses Treia and Gwenesphia are wearing are relatively modest combination of a european-style tea party dress and a Japanese kimono with the ‘obi’ waist wrap tied in a noticeable bow with two colors for each of them. The dresses are easy to move around in, comfortable to wear, but still stand out in a room. Doephluev’s, being from the Stalvaltan tailor, is of the Mornistae-style of dress that looks like a fair bit like a Tudor-style dress with a solid pattern for the outer part of the dress with the under-skirt patterned with golden patterns subtly representing the six elements of magic with their various shapes. Veiranoei is wearing a Mattarglos-style gown, which reminds Daniel of a ‘petal dress’, but with a heavy fur-lined mantle hanging on her shoulders.

Goelselmo remarks, “Daniel?”

“Y-Yes, Father.” The youngest Honeydip daughter correctly recognized what her father was asking.

The baron looks at the other three women accompanying Daniel as apparent equals, as well as the lady in waiting. He then resumes sizing up Daniel.

“Gwenesphia mentioned that you have… an abundant appetite.”

“F-Father, please…”

“What father would approve of his daughter’s suitor being a man with more than one intimate partner?”

Hekate retorts, “Gwen isn’t a hostage. And, I’m glad to have her around.”

“Hmm…”

Daniel adds, “I wouldn’t consider it if I wasn’t in the position I’m in. You can thank the Dragon Empresses for starting it.” Hekate nods, while Kuboen is noticeably disgusted, and Peiburi looks at her younger sister, but Gwenesphia doesn’t let it bother her. She had prepared herself to share Daniel with Treia, and accepted the arrangement as it is because the dragons are very welcoming and actively encourage Daniel to almost literally ‘conquer the whole world’, in that sense, in spite of the obvious consequences that would entail. She adds gently, “Daniel treats me very well, and I want for nothing, except maybe a little more attention. But, there are ways around that.” She smiles warmly.

Erue, Gwenesphia’s mother, asks, “I was wondering if what I heard was true. Are the Dragon Empresses not feeling well? I had hoped to speak with her Grace Ryuogriar after hearing about her from a dear friend this past evening.”

Hekate answers, “If all of Daniel’s m-... Consorts came, this would be a very crowded affair. Plus, they won’t be a primary part of the mission.”

Though Kuboen seems to be fuming, shooting his sister glances each time Daniel’s harem is talked about, the rest of Gwenesphia’s family seems to be able to accept it well enough. Peiburi disapproves as well, but she mostly seems a little jealous more than protective of her sister. Her sister has become an Empress out of nowhere simply by following a strange man into the Demon Wildlands, as far as they knew.

But, the baron relaxes a little. “Gwenesphia mentioned it when she set up this meeting, but will you really include us in the subjugation of Rohgattabor?”

Hekate, the official ruler of the Fievegal, is the one to answer. “Yes. It changes our strategy, since we’ll have to be extra careful, but your family deserves revenge. Our plan is to lure it out of the water and disable its magic. Then, we corner it and slay it.”

“No offense, your… uh, Greatness,” interjects Lyrtef, the third eldest son of the Honeydip family. “But, is it really as simple as you make it sound?”

Hekate replies, “It won’t be easy, but we have a method for each step.”

“How do you intend to disable its magic?” asks Peiburi just before her father can ask the same. “Its own spells are very strong. None of the mages sent before could remain close enough to cast a disabling spell.”

The feldrok empress grins. “The technique is a bit of a trade secret, but the simple answer is this:” She gestures at Daniel as if presenting a work of art. “We have the Harbinger of Calamity.”

Gwenesphia’s family all drop their jaws, and Kalegrynten chuckles. They glance at him, and then at Gwenesphia.

The youngest Honeydip daughter chuckles sheepishly. “Heh heh… Did I leave that part out? He’s the rumored Harbinger of Calamity that the Demon Covenant fear.”

The first words of response are a sour retort from Kuboen. “Or marries, it seems.”

“Kuboen!” snaps Gwenesphia.

Hekate defends herself calmly. “I was a slave until Daniel gifted me the Citadel and we founded the Fievegal.”

“I don’t find that surprising. Even the demons wouldn’t know what race you are.”

“Kuboen! That’s over the line!” yells his younger sister.

“Show a little respect, son,” replies the baroness as well. Kalegrynten is just about to say something as well, when Kuboen adds caustically, “The ‘Fievegal’ isn’t recognized by the Empire as a legitimate entity, and it isn’t even officially recognized by Mattarglos yet. He’s a man who collects women like they’re nothing more than paintings, including child wives.”

“Baron,” warns Kalegrynten to the father of the family, but Hekate states, “It’s fine. I’m the last of my kind. And, it doesn’t matter. Before and after anything else, I am Hekate. Whether you like it or not, this is my mission. If you don’t want to participate, then we get to go with the easier method.”

Everyone looks at Kuboen for his response. No one is siding with him, since she’s not wrong about the mission, and it’s the Honeydip family’s honor on the line.

Kuboen huffs and storms off. Everyone watches him leave, and Erue apologizes, “Please forgive him, your Greatness.”

Hekate replies proudly, “It’s fine, Baroness. He’s not wrong. We’re not officially recognized, which is why we’re willing to help Mattarglos with some problems to benefit both of our nations.”

The Grand Premier sighs. “And, we’re very thankful, your Greatness. Are you sure you want to take on Rohgattabor, though? It’s a great deal of danger that benefits us more than you.”

Daniel takes the reins on this one. “Geirahoel insists that we take a larger portion of the meat this time for our own benefit. Apparently, mantarouck is especially tasty.”

Goelselmo chuckles. “Indeed it is. I wouldn’t say it’s worth hunting them like wild boars or strutherhens.”

“You haven’t seen the Fievegal in action,” replies Treia warmly.

“Will we even be able to help?” asks Peiburi.

Neith replies, “If your people assist us and cooperate, we’ll be able to take it down with less damage to the monster’s hide. And, if we should find ourselves in trouble, myself and a few others that will be with us shall defend the hunting party.”

“The only problem is,” starts Hekate. She finishes her point without words by looking in the direction Kuboen went.

Gwenesphia says with a little disappointment, “I’ll talk to him.”

“Remember, he has to cooperate with us. He’ll be in danger if he refuses to work with us.”

The gatonine woman nods. “Yes, of course.” She walks quickly in the direction her elder brother went.

Daniel then says, “Now then, we’ll give you a basic rundown of the plan if you have time now. We’ll need you to consider whether or not you’ll be able to do what we’re expecting, and we’ll adjust from there.” Daniel then looks to Kalegrynten. “With your permission, Kalegrynten, I’d like a map that focuses on the area around the lake where Rohgattabor resides.”

“Of course, Daniel. I’ll gather experts on the area.”

“We’re familiar with the area from range,” replies Lyrtef. “At least, the portion of the lake that enters Father’s Barony.”

Peiburi nods in agreement. “There’s a nice cliff that overlooks the lake.”

“That’s actually very helpful.” Daniel looks at Hekate after saying this, and she thinks for a moment.

“Oh! We can have the dragons stand by on the cliff-side to watch over us!”

Daniel smiles. “It'll put them at ease at the very least.”

From there, Daniel and Hekate explain the plan, and Treia and Gwenesphia supplement information for them. Gwenesphia’s family members help explain the area of their territory and the layout of the lakeshore where there's enough room to draw it out.

Hekate asks Neith, “Can you make another wall like you did during the siege?”

The grey knight nods. “Certainly. I’d recommend drawing the monster out onto dry land. It’ll be extremely difficult for me to establish the runes in the water. Especially prior to trying to lure the beast.”

Daniel nods. “Hunting an animal isn’t so different from preparing for battle. If you set the trap too early, or the enemy catches you in the act of setting the trap, they will be likely to avoid it, even if they don’t know what they’re looking at.”

Neith nods in agreement. Doephluev points out, “A disturbance on the water’s surface will likely draw other mantaroucks and any other predatory beasts in the water. We’ll need to be alert and careful of the water’s edge, my Love.”

“And, you’re sure your devices will disable its magic?” asks Goelselmo. “It has many abilities it has learned with age.”

Doephluev replies bluntly, “It worked on a dragon.”

As the gatonine family is dumbfounded once more, Gwenesphia returns. She admits softly, “Kuboen will follow Father’s orders. I’ve tried to make sure he is fully aware that no one else will be responsible if he is harmed after disobeying the plan.”

Daniel nods. “Thank you, Gwen.”

She approaches and takes position alongside Daniel with a soft smile, though it’s obvious that she’s hiding something.

The human mechanic asks quietly, “Is something wrong, Gwen?”

She looks at him, surprised. “Oh… Uh…” She looks at her family, and then at the other consorts that accompanied her. Veiranoei and Kalegrynten, while definitely allies, aren’t quite Daniel’s inner circle. Veiranoei, after all, is a consort in name only.

She decides to answer, saying softly, “Kuboen… insists that… I not waste my time with you. After the mission, he’d like me to return home and find… ‘a proper husband…’.”

Hekate remains silent, as do the others.

Gwenesphia adds urgently, “Daniel, I…”

“I made you a promise, Gwen. I suppose I’ll have to prove why I am the Harbinger of Calamity to remove his doubts.”

Daniel’s companions, as well as Kalegrynten, beam at his declaration.

But, one other person disapproves as much as Daniel wants to cringe himself.

“{You can’t be serious, Daniel…}”

No, but it sounded like the right thing to say in my head, thinks Daniel in retort. Kaeralegier groans telepathically, and he looks down at the sword at his hip. He’d go to Mornistae right away for the relic if he wasn’t afraid of Rikuto’s weapon. He doesn’t know how quickly it can fire, and according to Ahok, there are two of the void artillery units that were built while she was in Mornistae. And, because a man named Count Baumalde was part of the construction and spell-creation, it’s possible more have been built.

Fortunately, diamonds the size of enhanced magic crystals are exceedingly rare, and Aramellianna believes that there aren’t enough naturally mined jewels in the entire eastern half of the continent to compare to the volume of ‘enhanced magic crystals’ the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy has produced. At most, they would be able to arm two -maybe three- more void artillery units.

Gwenesphia hugs Daniel. Peiburi is unimpressed, while Goelselmo and Erue watch the scene with a cautious skepticism of protective parents. Daniel suspects that Gwenesphia is guarded by the divine protection of being the youngest child. She can get away with choosing a man with other consorts because she is spoiled as the youngest daughter, but also not burdened with a great deal of responsibility since the young woman is the seventh of seven and won’t inherit the Barony or significant assets.

With Daniel, she is an Empress of a rising power in the world, and if her new family members can keep their word, she’ll be directly responsible for bringing low one of the greatest banes of Mattarglos that has ever lived.

***

Magnir surveys the two knights of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy who volunteered for his mission. Both of them are capable of casting spells as Stalvaltan Battle Mages, but one is the sorcery specialist, while the other is a weapons specialist as their primary roles.

The knights are relatively calm, though Magnir knows they’re tense. He’s in his true form, towering over them as a monstrous blue dragon. Daniel said that he’s pretty sure the late Grand Duke formed the Stalvaltan Guard with the hope of reducing the number of soldiers needed to defeat a dragon. From what he has seen, he believes a few of the Stalvaltan battle mages could take Magnir in a fight. He’ll never be as strong as Neith or the Dragon Empresses, but he is still a dragon, and now he is an Einherjar. He is a knight of the Fievegal; the greatest empire in the world of Zenkon.

Aramellianna approaches with her daughters, minus Wenlianna, as well as a few more knights in her service. The Grand Duchess walks fearlessly and with confidence into the courtyard where the three knights departing on the mission are, but the same can’t be said of the four daughters, who see Magnir and come to a halt. The knights, likewise, recoil, shuffling in an arc away from the dragon.

Yormolett squeaks, “M-Mother-...!”

Magnir watches the Grand Duchess, who hasn’t looked at him. She comes to a stop gracefully in between him and the two knights, and she takes a breath. The blue knight cocks his head. He realizes that she’s summoning her courage, and she turns crisply to face him. The matron of the house of Stalvaltan looks up at the dragon, trembling a little, but holding her composure overall.

“Sir Magnir… Apologies. We… easterners are not used to seeing dragons in person.”

“No offense taken, your Grace,” replies the dragon as gently as he can, aware of his deep and intimidating voice in his true form.

“These men will be your mission companions, chosen from among my personal guard. Sir Helbeit of Dryrun and Sir Resken of Valleygate. Gentlemen, my lovely daughters, this is Sir Magnir of…” She pauses. “Apologies, Sir Magnir. I know not from whence you hail.”

The blue dragon replies, “I was knighted and hail now from the Citadel, your Grace.”

“Very well, Sir Magnir of the Citadel.” She then faces the two human-kin knights; one human and one shenwulf, respective to their introductions. “Sir Helbeit, Sir Resken; Sir Magnir is not a beast of burden. He is not a steed, nor a squire. He is a knight of the Citadel, and as such, will be treated with respect.”

The two knights immediately kneel. “Your Grace,” replies the shenwulf Resken. “We go on this mission knowing we are the subordinates, and that the honor of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy rests upon our shoulders. I swear I shall not stain the dignity and trust of your illustrious Majesty.”

“I swear I shall not dishonor or disrespect our allies or the lands for which we fight, your most enlightened Highness,” adds the human Helbeit

She nods proudly, then turning to face Magnir once more. “Sir Magnir, do you accept these men?”

Magnir nods his gigantic reptilian head gently. “Yes. I shall bear the three of us to a place close to the last known location of our target, and we shall investigate from there. I swear on my life that I will not abandon those who show faith and honor towards me.”

“Good.”

Daniel appears as well, walking with Hekate and the Dragon Empresses. The five stop before Magnir and the others. “We’ll be on mission starting tomorrow as well, so I want to see you off,” starts Daniel. “I can’t stress it enough; accomplish the goals, but your highest priority is safety. If you gather nothing, that is not a failure.”

“You're potentially looking for an unknown dragon,” adds Ryuogriar sternly. “Even with your stealth magic, it could detect you if you are careless. Your mission, more than anything but safety, is to remove the mystery. Fly fast and avoid detection. If you are caught up in battle, fight to flee and signal for aid.”

Hekate nods. “We will drop the mission to defeat Roggy if you need help. So, make me proud by doing your job, not by being heroes.”

The three knights, a dragon in true form, a human, and a shenwulf, all bow their heads. “Yes, your Greatness, your Graces.”

The day has come. Two missions to face the remaining legendary monsters of Mattarglos are about to begin.

***