Page 421
Story: The Dragon of Dreams
Late Evening - Mid Winter : Eikasía | Eastern Bahamut
-----
"Hmm..." Leaning forward and inspecting my expression as we walked down the hall to leave the colosseum, Hera gave me an odd look that could only be described as a mix of scrutiny and curiosity.
Being a look that she had been giving me since the moment the fight ended, I knew why she was doing it, but at the same time couldn't help but be discomforted by it. "How long are you just gonna stare like that?" Matching her gaze with mine, her pupils were quick to relax and widen.
"As long as it takes for me to get a read on you."
Tilting my head, a somewhat playful smile came to my face. "I'm not sure there is much to read, Krystallo did well."
Pulling her head back, she raised it with some scrutiny. "Well enough for you to scar her with knowledge?"
-Well...- Almost instantly my expression settled. "It won't be that bad. I don't plan on revealing that much just yet."
"Right.. just a peek, you said?" Not believing me, she was quick to probe. "So, what would you consider 'just a peek' that wouldn't scar her, or make her thirst to know more?"
Looking ahead of us as we walked out under the starry, dragon-filled sky, I spoke freely. "I'll tell her the truth about Bahamut, that he was really a human who tricked and manipulated the draconic race into weakening themselves till they were one step from extinction."
"You don't think that's too much to dive into head-first?"
Shaking my head, I took a moment to find a spot to wait in the merchant plaza just outside the colosseum before continuing.
"The truth will eventually reach the public, and since she will likely be working closely with us and the cabinet whether she follows my path or my mother's, it might help her understand the reasons for our 'reforms'. "
"Hm..." Idly following me, Hera immediately sank into thought with a bit of worry.
"Even if she decides to not follow the path I show her, which I doubt, but would prefer, seeing the truth through Bahamut's manipulation will help her in the future."
Hera was quick to nod in agreement. "You aren't wrong, but you do need to be careful. Just as it can help her, that kind of knowledge can also be a curse. You should be careful with what you choose to reveal about that."
"Yeah, I know." Although I also wanted to take her to Bahamut's nest in the Library of Eternity and show her everything, since to me, that was still just a peek, I knew it would be too much for her to jump right into.
For now, all I had to do was crack the door to let a little light through. -I just hope she doesnt blind herself with curiosity...- I wanted her to make the decision for herself, using reason rather than impulse to decide what path to take.
But whether she would do that or not.. I couldn't be certain.
Eventually finding a place to sit in the plaza, near some merchant stalls, Hera and I briefly discussed what exactly we each wanted to reveal to the public in regards to the draconic races origin and history before Krystallo finally started coming out and we set the conversation aside.
But surprisingly, as we got up, ready to greet her and leave for dinner, we found that she wasn't alone.
She was talking to the young Epómeno, looking somewhat discomforted, before the young girl set her eyes on me and froze. -Hm?-
Watching a bright gleam slowly grow in the girl's eyes as her gaze drifted around Hera and me, it didn't take long to realize why her gaze glowed with fascination and awe. -She must have sensitive eyes...-
She was looking at our auras, watching as the space between Hera and I seemed to almost morph and bend as our auras clashed and blended with one another.
But while the sight froze her for a moment, it didn't take her long to turn to Krystallo in a hurry.
"Stay here for a second, this couple was in the stands to watch a bunch of fights, and they both have auras larger, thicker, and more controlled than anything I've ever seen. I need to at least introduce myself."
Krystallo immediately turned perturbed. "Ah- Uh, w-wait, they-"
But the girl didn't listen at all, quickly crossing the merchants' plaza before coming up to us somewhat anxiously.
"S-Sir! M-Miss!" The closer she got to us, the more flustered she became, before she finally threw herself into a bow, unable to keep her eyes on us.
"M-My name is Alyssa Epómeno, I saw you both watching from the stands during a number of fights and couldn't help but admire the beautiful displays you provided those who had the eyes to see it. "
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Hera was quick to smile somewhat warmly. "Hoho~, we didn't do it on purpose, but I appreciate the flattery. If I may ask though, what is the display you saw?"
Knowing she was testing her eyes, the girl almost immediately looked up and went wide-eyed, trying to take it in all at once even though it seemed to be uncomfortable for her. "I-I... I see the space where the sky meets the stars."
Hera and I both instantly took on looks of shock. -What the...- It was a response that was far more profound than perhaps even she realized.
It even caught Hera's interest. "Little miss, what exactly do you mean like that?"
For a girl that had no understanding of outer space, she quickly tilted her head to try and find the words. "Like.. the transition from day to night.. that time where the sky darkens and the night sky shows itself. It looks as if the space between you is.. the embodiment of that transition."
-Wow...- I was honestly at a loss for words. "You went to the Academy before it was destroyed, right?"
She instantly nodded with pride.
"What was the favorite thing you studied there?"
"Theoretical magic! Or world theory."
-World theory?- It was a subject I hadn't actually heard of. "If you could remind me what world theory studies exactly? It's been quite some time since I was in school."
Her eyes immediately started glowing with excitement.
"I-It's the study of how the world works!
For the most part, it was all theoretical and was an optional class, but it went over concepts of how the world could work that really racked my brain.
Most of class time was spent trying to disprove theories proposed by other students and professors. "
-Huh... That sounds fun...- But also sounded a lot like a theoretical 'natural science' class. "Did you take that class as well, Krystallo?"
Alyssa immediately tensed before looking back at Krystallo nonchalantly walking up to us.
"No, the year I finally qualified to take the class, the academy got eviscerated by a certain someone."
But while she spoke casually, it made Alyssa look horrified. "Krystallo.. do you know these two?"
Krystallo was quick to nod with a sigh of both annoyance and relief. "That is my brother, the one you mentioned you wanted to-" *Pompf* Before she could finish talking, Alyssa's wing snapped out and shut her mouth.
Using magic, she was quick to speak just to Krystallo, not realizing Hera and I could hear it clear as day. "What we discussed earlier, please act like I never said anything..." Giving Hera a glance, she rather quickly broke into a cold sweat.
But it just made her burst out laughing. "Pft-Hahaha, it's okay, sweetie. Misunderstandings are bound to happen."
Feeling the awkwardness in the air, I was quick to interject. "In any case, I wasn't aware that you and Krystallo were friends, did you happen to meet at the Academy, or perhaps in the cabinet?"
Alyssa was quick to shake her head. "I just took a guess that she was Krystallo in disguise based of how my mother described her, and more specifically, her magic.
I-I was just hoping to come out and meet you in hopes that I could form more connections with the next generation of Ragnaroks.
" Bowing her head, she let out several controlled breaths, likely in hopes of easing her nerves.
"Well then, it was a pleasure to meet you, Alyssa. If you decide you'd like to continue your studies in 'world theory', do let me know. Siratha is going to be studying a much more.. physically grounded version of 'world theory', if that's something you wish to explore."
"S-Siratha?!" She immediately exploded with excitement. "I-Is there any way I could give it a try without really committing to anything? My mother recommended that I spend a few dozen years outside of the nest exploring the world before I commit to anything, but..."
Nodding, I found her concerns almost funny. "Just tell your parents to reach out to Hera when you want to do it and we can set it up, alright?"
Hera was quick to nod as well. "You can also just drop by my office. I'm not always there, but if you leave one of the maids a letter, they can relay it to me."
Finally recognizing who Hera was, she once again tensed with a mix of embarrassment and panic, before desperately trying to hide it. "I-In that case, I will do just that. I apologize if I happened to intrude on your night out, but I will do my best to get in contact soon."
"I'll look forward to it." Smiling somewhat warmly, Hera was quick to send her off before continuing some idle chatter with Krystallo and taking to the air.
After a string of long days of stress and training, Krystallo was starving, and honestly, I could use some good food too, so rather than simply going to some place nearby, we took to the skies and flew out toward the coast where a small restaurant Hera had recently frequented was.
According to her, they had some incredible food, it was secluded, and it had a great view.
In other words, it would be the perfect spot to have 'that' discussion with Krystallo.
But what we didn't expect was for her to be so tired. As soon as we finished dinner at the small place on the water, she fell asleep with the sound of crashing waves reminding her of home.
Perhaps that was for the better though. When she did eventually wake up, she was far less tense than she was prior to her nap, so it made things go a little easier–keeping her level-headed and rational.
Even if, regardless of having a more rational state mind, it was a bit of a.. rude awakening for her...
*Crash* *Splash* Sitting on the sandy beach as the waves crashed before her, sending up a mist that glistened in the light of the morning sun, she stared at the sunrise with a dark expression and motionless tail.
"So.. you mean to tell me that Bahamut..
the god every dragon hails.. wasn't even a dragon. .?"
Read up to 5 chapters ahead of schedule, and get early access to artwork on My Patreon!
(In case Embedded Link doesn't work: /TDOD )
-------------
Also, please feel free to check out our discord for all updates related to TDOD releases! https://discord.gg/Dv7G5bQD4v
All are welcome!
---
Also if you are looking for a new story, check out my new novel! The System's Harvester
On RR and SH
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88
- Page 89
- Page 90
- Page 91
- Page 92
- Page 93
- Page 94
- Page 95
- Page 96
- Page 97
- Page 98
- Page 99
- Page 100
- Page 101
- Page 102
- Page 103
- Page 104
- Page 105
- Page 106
- Page 107
- Page 108
- Page 109
- Page 110
- Page 111
- Page 112
- Page 113
- Page 114
- Page 115
- Page 116
- Page 117
- Page 118
- Page 119
- Page 120
- Page 121
- Page 122
- Page 123
- Page 124
- Page 125
- Page 126
- Page 127
- Page 128
- Page 129
- Page 130
- Page 131
- Page 132
- Page 133
- Page 134
- Page 135
- Page 136
- Page 137
- Page 138
- Page 139
- Page 140
- Page 141
- Page 142
- Page 143
- Page 144
- Page 145
- Page 146
- Page 147
- Page 148
- Page 149
- Page 150
- Page 151
- Page 152
- Page 153
- Page 154
- Page 155
- Page 156
- Page 157
- Page 158
- Page 159
- Page 160
- Page 161
- Page 162
- Page 163
- Page 164
- Page 165
- Page 166
- Page 167
- Page 168
- Page 169
- Page 170
- Page 171
- Page 172
- Page 173
- Page 174
- Page 175
- Page 176
- Page 177
- Page 178
- Page 179
- Page 180
- Page 181
- Page 182
- Page 183
- Page 184
- Page 185
- Page 186
- Page 187
- Page 188
- Page 189
- Page 190
- Page 191
- Page 192
- Page 193
- Page 194
- Page 195
- Page 196
- Page 197
- Page 198
- Page 199
- Page 200
- Page 201
- Page 202
- Page 203
- Page 204
- Page 205
- Page 206
- Page 207
- Page 208
- Page 209
- Page 210
- Page 211
- Page 212
- Page 213
- Page 214
- Page 215
- Page 216
- Page 217
- Page 218
- Page 219
- Page 220
- Page 221
- Page 222
- Page 223
- Page 224
- Page 225
- Page 226
- Page 227
- Page 228
- Page 229
- Page 230
- Page 231
- Page 232
- Page 233
- Page 234
- Page 235
- Page 236
- Page 237
- Page 238
- Page 239
- Page 240
- Page 241
- Page 242
- Page 243
- Page 244
- Page 245
- Page 246
- Page 247
- Page 248
- Page 249
- Page 250
- Page 251
- Page 252
- Page 253
- Page 254
- Page 255
- Page 256
- Page 257
- Page 258
- Page 259
- Page 260
- Page 261
- Page 262
- Page 263
- Page 264
- Page 265
- Page 266
- Page 267
- Page 268
- Page 269
- Page 270
- Page 271
- Page 272
- Page 273
- Page 274
- Page 275
- Page 276
- Page 277
- Page 278
- Page 279
- Page 280
- Page 281
- Page 282
- Page 283
- Page 284
- Page 285
- Page 286
- Page 287
- Page 288
- Page 289
- Page 290
- Page 291
- Page 292
- Page 293
- Page 294
- Page 295
- Page 296
- Page 297
- Page 298
- Page 299
- Page 300
- Page 301
- Page 302
- Page 303
- Page 304
- Page 305
- Page 306
- Page 307
- Page 308
- Page 309
- Page 310
- Page 311
- Page 312
- Page 313
- Page 314
- Page 315
- Page 316
- Page 317
- Page 318
- Page 319
- Page 320
- Page 321
- Page 322
- Page 323
- Page 324
- Page 325
- Page 326
- Page 327
- Page 328
- Page 329
- Page 330
- Page 331
- Page 332
- Page 333
- Page 334
- Page 335
- Page 336
- Page 337
- Page 338
- Page 339
- Page 340
- Page 341
- Page 342
- Page 343
- Page 344
- Page 345
- Page 346
- Page 347
- Page 348
- Page 349
- Page 350
- Page 351
- Page 352
- Page 353
- Page 354
- Page 355
- Page 356
- Page 357
- Page 358
- Page 359
- Page 360
- Page 361
- Page 362
- Page 363
- Page 364
- Page 365
- Page 366
- Page 367
- Page 368
- Page 369
- Page 370
- Page 371
- Page 372
- Page 373
- Page 374
- Page 375
- Page 376
- Page 377
- Page 378
- Page 379
- Page 380
- Page 381
- Page 382
- Page 383
- Page 384
- Page 385
- Page 386
- Page 387
- Page 388
- Page 389
- Page 390
- Page 391
- Page 392
- Page 393
- Page 394
- Page 395
- Page 396
- Page 397
- Page 398
- Page 399
- Page 400
- Page 401
- Page 402
- Page 403
- Page 404
- Page 405
- Page 406
- Page 407
- Page 408
- Page 409
- Page 410
- Page 411
- Page 412
- Page 413
- Page 414
- Page 415
- Page 416
- Page 417
- Page 418
- Page 419
- Page 420
- Page 421 (Reading here)
- Page 422
- Page 423
- Page 424
- Page 425
- Page 426
- Page 427
- Page 428
- Page 429
- Page 430
- Page 431
- Page 432
- Page 433
- Page 434
- Page 435
- Page 436
- Page 437
- Page 438
- Page 439
- Page 440
- Page 441
- Page 442
- Page 443
- Page 444