Chapter 36: Arc 2 – Epilogue: A Night to Remember and The Road Once More

Am I dreaming right now? I have to be...

 

I'm currently in my original size in a large room with a beautiful balcony overlooking the town.

I'm standing outside in the balcony enjoying the cool evening breeze and a relaxing view of the town... or I should be if I wasn't so fucking nervous!

I'm in a girl's room! Not just any room but Ellen's room! Holy crap!

 

Taking a look, it's a humbly decorated room with only the necessary furnishings.

 

Although I don't see anything that could be considered 'girly', I can smell Ellen's scent all over. Ahh... gaah!... somehow it makes me feel like a deviant...

 

"Hm hm hm... Camus, what's wrong? Don't tell me you're actually nervous?"

 

Ellen came back from the bathroom and looks absolutely lovely in a robe... Yes! I'm incredibly nervous right now! I know completely next to nothing about romance and those protagonists I've read in most of my novels basically had 'easy mode' handed to them!

 

"Camus... come... sit down."

 

Like I dog, I obeyed and sat on a chair facing her on the bed. Everything in my body feels so mechanical right now.

 

"I want to know... are you simply just a dragon? I know you've already told me a bit about yourself, but... I'd just like to know more..."

 

When she asked me this... I found that she really did just want to have a discussion... I feel not only stupid, but really guilty.

 

"It's a long story..."

"I have the time to listen..."

"Well... alright."

 

I believe my feelings for Ellen are real, so before her, there was nothing I wanted to hide.

So, I told her everything... from the time I hatched, to when I met my dad and journeyed out.

Last time I only told the others about the message I received and a bit about Nabolros, but this time I even told her about Ellara's history. I don't know how long I spoke, but the candle at the side was more than halfway gone.

 

"That's... quite a lot..."

"Yeah..."

 

After an awkward pause, I decided to ask Ellen about herself.

 

"Me? Well... as you noticed, I'm a half-giant. My mother was a true giant, while my father was a human. Don't ask me how it worked out between them since I have absolutely no idea... ha ha..."

 

She then told me about her tribe, and the ways of the giant people. From what I could understand, they are similar to dwarves where they are blessed with great craftsmanship while possessing a warrior's spirit similar to the orcs. They are also very nomadic, never staying in one place. It sounds amazing to be honest, but since they were a shy race, they rarely show themselves.

According to Ellen, they had great lifespans, but it was hard for their race to reproduce so they rarely had children. When she was born, despite being a half, she was loved. She never met her father, but she was told that he was a great warrior and he had died fighting for their tribe during a Monster Wave.

The giants were few, and her mother was pregnant with her then, so it was left to her father to fight in her mother's place.

I also heard about how she received her blessing and as it turned out, she was caught in a landslide and was buried alive, but she heard a voice that gave her strength and soon she was easily able to move the earth. When she got herself out, she saw a figure that seemed similar to my own but quickly vanished. That's why she didn't detest me the first time we met.

It sounds very suspicious, but it looks like I'll have to thank the Earth Dragon God when I meet him.

Anyways, after she came of age, it was a rite in her tribe for the child to go out into the world and travel once they were old enough.

They are given a weapon by their parents as a gift, and with it they must carve their path. Only when they sense the 'call' of home do they return to the tribe. The giants seem to have a biological compass that allows them to always find their tribe. Also, whether they choose to stay or travel again is their choice.

 

"And now you know about me as well... although I can hardly compare to your amazing story."

"Nonsense. I found your story to quite interesting. Especially the part where you received your blessing."

"Mhm... well, now that we've heard each other stories, you can say we've become closer now..."

 

Ellen says so in a smile that just made me gulp... hard. Soon, however, a sad look appeared on her face.

 

"Since you now know about my people and our traditions, you should now understand... that I won't be able to join you in your current journey..."

"Wait... are you saying it's the 'call' for home?"

"Well... not exactly... but I did just lose my father's hammer so I'll need to properly apologize to mother. That and it's also important I inform them... about you."

 

Ah... it's that right? She needs to tell her mother about me... somehow that just made me even more nervous... would she accept her daughter going out with a dragon? Somehow it's hard to imagine the result...

 

"Now that we know we won't be seeing each other for a while... Camus... I want to remember you for all that you are...you know what happens next, right?"

 

Wait... gulp... really!? Ellen's looking at me in such a lascivious manner while obviously displaying her 'weapons', so it is what I think, right!?

 

"After all... it should be obvious what it means when a woman invites a man to their bedroom... "

 

Slowly, Ellen got up from the bed and while shaking her hips, sat on my lap while facing me. My tail is doing mad swings about now.

 

"Hm hm hm... well then. Let's see how much of a dragon you are in bed."

...

NSFW: Ellen

...

That... was amazing...

That's the only word I could use to describe that night.

It's currently late in the morning and Ellen's still nestled in my arms. I took every moment to take in her scent as if I was afraid I would forget it. I'd do it again with her if I could, but currently I can sense her heavy breaths so I held myself back and let her rest.

 

"Camus..."

 

Hmm? Is she awake? I can feel her hand gently brushing on my face.

 

"When you go... please... take it easy with other women..."

 

... Eh?

 

"From your story last night... you probably don't know... but... Dragons... will normally take in more mates... they need to... you're still not satisfied, aren't you?... once I've accepted to be yours...I've already resolved myself for that, but... if you do find others... please... be more gentle... otherwise... if it wasn't me... they might break..."

 

... this... I don't know what to say... why is it established that I'll cheat on her? I'm way more strong willed than that! How do you think I stayed a virgin for more than 20 years in my previous life?

 

"Please... promise me... Camus..."

"Please rest assured, Ellen's the only one for me."

"Hm hm... oh Camus... I'm happy to hear you say that... but... with time... you'll understand..."

 

...that sounds really ominous. But, there's no way I'll cheat on, Ellen. I refuse to become scum.

 

...

 

"Well... I guess it's time."

 

I've been preparing for my journey for three days since the first night with Ellen and it has been quite an amazing three days as well as I had fun with everyone. Currently, we were standing outside of the northern gate of Orgo.

Mr. Kholdrum had plans for a business trip to the city of Llorden in the north. Since it's along the way to the capital, I decided to escort him there. He was thrilled of course considering he knows of my feats and capabilities.

I also remember that the All-Treasure Pavilion was in Llorden. As advised by Gren, meeting the owner there should help me contact the right people in the capital.

Seeing that everything was in order, I looked back to see my friends one more time.

 

"Take care, Camus. We'll be here to keep the town safe. If time allows it, we'll meet again." <Dustin>

"*sniff* Get goin' already ya' big lug." <Lawrence>

"May the Gods of Light and Life watch over your journey." <Silvi>

"Gregor prays for friend Camus' safe journey."

"In the future, I'll need to go and see my parents to learn about the family business, so if we ever cross paths, do stop by and chat." <Angela>

"... be safe." <Alma>

 

Everyone gave me warm smiles as I was about to set off. As a gift, I each gave them better equipment forged for elite mages and knights that was in the ring's storage. I also gave them another special gift that'll ensure their safety should they ever face extreme danger. It's a special accessory with a unique enchantmen that was made for the Ellaran nobles and royalty, so its lifesaving measures are extroardinary.

Ellen's of course was extra special. It was made specifically for the King, and I only have a very few of. That's how much she means to me.

I also gave her a new weapon, another hammer. It's one I made myself using what little Obisidian ore I had along with some melted Obsidian equipment. It's quite heavy, but I made sure to enchant it with a spell to lower its weight. The same one used on World Breaker. She looked really happy when she got it and was even giving me heated looks... to the point it looked as if she received an engagement ring or something.

 

"Camus..."

 

When she called, I looked at her lovingly. I really wish she could join me, but I know her matters are very important.

 

"Once I'm done with my own journey, I'll come find you. I know I will since I already consider your heart to be my new 'home.'"

 

If this was the old me, I'd have probably cringed, but hearing it now coming from Ellen only made my heart grow warmer and my mood feel lighter.

 

"Even if you don't then I will. Nothing will stop me from being with you again." <Camus>

 

After saying that, she gave me a wonderful smile that made my chest go all fuzzy.

 

On a last note, Glenn wasn't around. That brat... I received a letter from the Guild today that came from him letting me know that he set off on his own journey as well. He said some nonsense about not being able to grow properly if he gets used to fighting alongside me. Hah! I bet he just wanted to avoid my punishment! But well... I do understand where he's coming from.

He also mentioned that he plans on going to his parents' homeland to learn more about them. Apparently, he took Bolgruk along with him for the ride. What's this about getting used to fighting on your own? You just traded me off for another! I'll have to teach that brat a lesson the next time we meet.

Mr. Kholdrum soon gave the signal that he was ready, so I hoisted myself onto Fenril's back while he was in his original form.

I once more look back towards everyone and waved. Heh, I even noticed Gren in the distance. He could have shown himself to at least say a few words, but I guess he might be embarrassed that he'd end up becoming too emotional.

As for now, I've set off once again. I look forward to the start of a new journey!

 

...

 

"Are you sure you don't want to go with him?"

 

On a hill overlooking the road, there sat a boy alongside a half-orc looking towards a caravan and the mounted wyrmwolf and its rider. Glenn nestled his face on his hand as he gave a warm smile.

 

"It's alright. Sir Camus has been good to me and although he can get a little overboard, he's a great teacher as well. But... in order for me achieve my dream, I think it's necessary to forge my own path."

"I see... and what is this dream?"

"At first... to become an adventurer... but now I realize that was only a means to an end. My real dream is to become as great as my mom and dad. But in order to do so, I think I need to learn more about where they come from. I know about sir Camus' goal, but it lies opposite of the place I need to go, beyond the Easterm Great Sea of Trees... to the land of the Twin Suns, Yatamayanu."

"A great dream... and one I can relate to. I too want to become renowned throughout the land. In that way I hope my tribesmen hear of me so that they would finally welcome me back... regarding dreams... I'm curious..."

"About what?"

"About what you keep mentioning in your sleep... what's this 'Full Course Hell’s Special' that I keep hearing you mutter about?"

 

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When those words fell upon Glenn's ears, he suddenly froze then slowly shuddered while sweating buckets. Paralyzed and gradually losing consciousness, the last thing he heard was Bolgruk's panicked screams... and Camus' laughter...

 

...

 

In the far northern regions of the continent of Paluvia, beyond the Darkfire Mountains, exists a frigid winter land. In this frozen world of harshness and death lies the most powerful civilization in the continent, the Grand Empire of Zalgervia, the Land of Eternal Winter.

This is the land ruled by the one most feared by the entire continent, the Devil Emperor, ruler and most powerful of all the Mahjin-kai.

All those under the influence of the Devil Emperor are gifted with incredible magic. However, there was but one exception.

Grand Magister Anzelmus Mordecaiah… the greatest scientist and sole non-majikashi among the Emperor’s most trusted officials… did not posses any magic. Yet, how was he able to obtain such a position?

The answer lies in his genius. Despite possessing no magic and being one of the lower races, he possessed an incredible mind that brought forth an industrial revolution to the Mahjin-kai’s civilization.

Through his tireless research, he has created machines and incredible inventions the likes of which the Mahjin-kai and many others could never imagine. With the aid of magic, so many of nature’s secrets had been laid bare before him. Because of his efforts, he was able to provide the Empire a height of technology that allowed it to conquer the entirety of the northern continent and bring it under its rule.

It has been many years since Zalgervia has become the north’s sole existing power, and with time even Anzelmus has stopped being able to make great achievements with machines. Progress for him appeared to have reached an end. However, he didn’t despair and decided to focus his attention to another aspect of nature that he believes could be controlled… life itself.

Because of the nature of his new research as well as him having crossed many levels of taboo, a great number of his students and colleagues left him. Some even claimed that his stagnation with technological advancement drove him mad. With the weight of his achievements still vast, none could go against him, and was left mostly alone. However, it was also said that powerful individuals, one of them possibly being the Emperor himself, secretly supported him. So with this, it can be said that opposition to his unreasonable requests and vile experiments were virtually non-existent.

In a room of black stone located far beneath the earth, here stood a pale old man with long gray hair slicked to the back, short pointed ears, a monocle in one eye, and a long nose that almost appeared like a beak of a bird along with his sharp chin. He wore simple gray robes with gold ornamental designs that appeared more like a lab coat draped over his body. His grey eyes showed a tired look that appeared aged, unfeeling, and filled with knowledge… but if observed for a time one might be able to discover… a hint of madness.

This man was Grand Magister Anzelmus Mordecaiah, the Zalgervian Empire’s greatest scientist and hero inventor. The man who helped the Devil Emperor bring all of the northern continent under one rule.

What can only be discerned through the few lamp crystals is that he appears to be tossing scraps to the darkness over a platform linked by a narrow path. If one didn’t know better, it would look as if an old man was standing over a flat bridge and tossing scraps to fish in pond. Only instead of a pond, it was a dark pit, the contents of which were indiscernible… but if one were to observe, indescribable silhouettes could be seen moving here and there.

 

Soon, he heard footsteps resounding from behind him.

 

‘Hmm… I don’t remember having any appointments today… oh, then could it be perhaps ‘that’!’

 

The edges of his lips curled up ever so slightly. He then turned around half his body slightly to see who would be seeing him. Within his gaze, he saw two men wearing the same armored leather with their heads covered entirely of cloth showing only a small hole making their faces hard to determine, and between them was a voluptuous scantily clad woman.

She wore long leather leggings, micro shorts, shoulder-less sleeves attached to what barely counts as a tight leather band wrapped around her voluminous chest, and a long scarf. She had messy short dirty-blonde hair, and a black eye patch covering one eye that appeared to have a scar peaking out from the patch. On her back just above her bottom, were two flintlock-like guns attached to holsters positioned like a cross.

Indeed, it was the woman whom he expected. Excited but barely showing it, he turned completely to face the woman who stood within the room just before the narrow path.

 

“You are here at last… can I take it that you have succeeded in the task I requested?”

 

She then made to show a small red gem that was hidden behind her eye patch. Seeing the object, his smile slightly grew wider.

 

“… I have succeeded. But I’ve lost too many of my people. Your information was flawed.”

 

It didn’t matter to Anzelmus how many people she lost, but her tone towards him made him frown a bit. After returning the gem within her eye patch, her next words then confirmed what he thought.

 

“I require three times the promised pay. It was agreed I would perform the task under the premise that the information you provided was correct. However, it was not. I and my people require compensation.”

 

Anzelmus could only sigh. Again, it was another fool seeking compensation. How was he to know about all the risks involved with such tasks?

 

‘All she needed to do was procure a bloodstone from the Black Reaches of the underground world. I just told her a place she was likely to find an Elder Vampire to take the bloodstone from and that was all. Now she has the gall to complain? Again, another greedy fool who simply thinks she can change the agreed contract.‘

 

As Anzelmus was complaining in his thoughts, the woman continued to speak.

 

“You said it was an Elder but what we encountered was a Noble… it took more of my people to take down and this is a purer bloodstone. If you want it, like I said, three times the pay.”

 

Hearing this, Anzelmus couldn’t help but perk up his ears.

 

‘A purer sample? Well, well… it looks like she’s brought me something worthwhile after all. But three times the pay… hmm…’

 

Suddenly he had a thought. With it, his lips slightly formed another smile; only… this one appeared more sinister.

 

“Alright then… your reward is currently with me, so if you can take it from me, I’ll consider tripling your reward.”

 

After he said this, the woman became very upset. She motioned her men to stay still as she approached the old man and made to cross the small pathway. She looked down, careful of what could lay in the dark, but if the old man can stand there and not worry, why should she?

Before she reached where Anzelmus stood, she pulled out her guns and pointed them at him.

 

“I tire of your games old man. Give us our pay.”

 

She was on guard from whatever could come from the pit as she pointed her guns, but she soon noticed Anzelmus’ smiling face turning into a wide grin.

 

“Unfortunately, you failed!”

 

Despite only standing still with his arms behind his back, after exclaiming this line, she clearly saw the madness within his eyes, which froze her for merely a second in time.

 

“Atentu!”

 

She reacted immediately and jumped when she heard her men call her from behind with their language, but unfortunately… by jumping, she had deliberately delivered herself to what was waiting for her.

 

“Hrng! What!?”

 

Long fleshy tendrils coiled around her arms and legs holding her in place in the air. Never did she expect that what she should have been wary of was not below… but above.

In the ceiling directly above the entrance to the narrow pathway, was giant mass of pulsating flesh in the shape of a cocoon. It undulated like the skin of an earthworm; while on its sides were an uncountable number of coiled tendrils like the ones holding her. Another tendril soon wrapped itself over her mouth.

 

Her men acted fast and charged down the narrow path while pulling out daggers hidden in their backs. Before they could reach their mistress, however, something from the shadows below lunged at each of them from the sides bringing them to the darkness below.

The last thing could be heard were their screams, which preceded the noises of crunched bone and torn flesh.

 

Soon the tendrils brought her closer to Anzelmus.

 

“Such a pity… you were so close too… but, fools will be fools. Now, normally you would join the fates of your late comrades… but it seems my experimental subject has taken an interest in you.”

 

As he said this, the tendrils slowly coiled around her body and wriggled about as if they tried to feel around what she is.

Soon, a part of the giant flesh cocoon opened like a massive maw and from it came out its ‘tongue’. The tip of the ‘tongue’ was shaped like a gangly humanoid attached to a fleshy scale-less snake.

It had six arms with three large clawed fingers at the end. As for the head, it was long, oblongated, earless, and with tiny tendrils dangling at the sides like mock hair. The creature’s eyes were large and round, appearing like large glass beads. It had no nose and the area where its mouth should be looked like it was covered by a flap of flesh.

This creature was currently staring at her alongside Anzelmus, as if they were comrades.

 

“This here is Subject #18. Now, there are many ways to use you as a sample, but since my friend here has taken an interest in you then it’s possible I may be able to acquire more experimental samples in the process… provided that you pass this new test, of course.

If you succeed, then we all win. Not only will I acquire more samples, Subject #18 will be satisfied, and you… will get to live.”

 

Upon saying this, she now clearly saw the madness showing on his face and understood that this man before her… was a monster. But now another monster came before her vision.

The flap that should have been its mouth soon opened through a well hidden vertical slit in the lower jaw to reveal a fleshy maw filled with worm-like hairs and misshapen human teeth. In the center, which should be its throat was a deformed hole with something lurking within. Below its abdomen where the body is ‘attached’ to the snake another slit opened to reveal a grotesque colony of anemone.

Realizing what this creature intends to do, she starting flailing like mad. She wanted to bite her own tongue, but the tendril wrapped around her neck kept her mouth tightly closed shut.

 

In a flash, as the tendril around her neck released her she tried to scream while biting her own tongue, but as if expecting the action the creature was already upon her. Grabbing her head with one pair of hands, it forced something from its hole down her throat while its maw wrapped over the sides of her face enclosing almost half her head with the flaps that served as its lower jaw. Muffled cries were soon replaced by squelching as the creature grabbed all her limbs with its free hands and in the blink of an eye, took her into the cocoon.

 

“That was the first test… now, we see if you pass the next.”

 

With an indifferent face, Anzelmus cupped one of his ears and closed his eyes to listen for something.

 

*squelch**suck**squish*

 

“Mhmm… yes…”

 

*suck**squish**squelch*

 

“Oho… it seems she’s passed the second test. If she had failed, I’d be hearing crunching and tearing noises by now. Splendid. It seems I’ll soon have more experimental samples to conduct tests with if she passes the last test… Oh, I almost forgot. Could you please toss me her eye patch?”

 

A spitting sound could be heard from the cocoon as an eye patch along with several pieces of clothing fell on the ground covered in fluids.

 

“Ah… here it is…”

 

Anzelmus took the eye patch and found the bloodstone hidden in a small pocket at the back.

 

“Sigh… how troublesome… well, in the end I can’t complain since not only do I not have to pay, but I also received a new test subject, and possibly more samples. I was going to ask her to acquire some for me, but who’d have expected that she’d offer herself? Of course, how can I refuse such a generous offer.”

 

He chuckled to himself after morbidly spouting about the irony and soon made to check the bloodstone.

But before he could thoroughly inspect it, he soon heard another footstep… only this time it sounded more disturbed than the calm pacing his earlier guests made.

 

“Master Anzelmus, it’s serious! We’ve lost contact with Merik, one of the four! His crystal was shattered!”

 

‘One of the four? Could it be!?’

 

Anzelmus’ eyes for the first time, brightened, and his face curved into a full smile.

 

“Where was his last contact?”

 

“In the far south… a little more to the west… in an area ruled by the Kingdom of Argodia.”

 

‘Indeed it is! Hohoho! The prediction wasn’t off! The Beast of Calamity would be born in the lands to the south, near the Plains of Death. This cannot be a coincidence!

To completely annihilate one of the four to the point that they couldn’t even send a message with all the countermeasures I’ve prepared… only a being on the level of our Lord would be capable of such a feat. It happened in a domain far from the other powers, so it can only be the Beast.’

 

Anzelmus gently walked towards another room and as he opened the doors, he gave out instructions.

 

“Send out the Reaver Hounds… tell them to find any suspicious trail… and once they find the source, keep tracking it. Once we’ve confirmed it to be our target, we can then send the Unua Espada.”

 

The man gave a salute as he left immediately to perform his task. Anzelmus then looked towards his collection of samples with meaningful eyes.

 

“At last… my greatest creation… will soon be accomplished.”

 

A tear fell from his eyes and soundlessly fell onto the table. On the table was a splayed out dissected humanoid that was part reptilian. Along the walls, in glass containers, and even the ceiling… the entire room was surrounded by dissected humanoids with ‘dragon’ like appearances.

 

Lost in his revelry, soon only the sounds of Anzelmus’ laughter remained.

 

 

End of Arc 2: Journey to the New World

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