The Unrivaled Holder: Rise of the Dragon Monarch

Chapter 16: The Continent of Adventurers: Asnor Part 6

Eldrin: "The raid will be led by some of the most formidable individuals on the continent. They will return soon as they have already accomplished what they had to do. Their team consists of:

Chad, the Dragon Hunter, renowned for his prowess and unwavering determination. He has a reputation for taking down the mightiest of wyverns and dragons.

"Ronan, the Death's Whisperer, the most agile assassin known. His skills in stealth and assassination are unparalleled. He is a ghost in the shadows, capable of striking from the unseen.

"Adrian, the Arcane Sovereign, the greatest mage in the continent. His mastery over arcane arts is unmatched, making him a formidable force in any confrontation."

"Cedrick, the Iron Vanguard, known for his unparalleled strength and defensive prowess. His impenetrable armor and steadfast bravery make him the perfect frontline defender in any battle."

Ingi nodded. "If they are willing to help us locatingthe him, it will give us a boost on finding him right away."

After several days of meticulous crafting, Eldrin finally unveiled the new orb designed to measure the magicores of Fafnir, Ingi, and Craig. The orb shimmered with intricate runes etched deep into its surface, radiating a faint but unmistakable hum of ancient power.

One by one, they approached the orb. Fafnir placed his hands on it first. The orb pulsed violently, glowing with a brilliant intensity before dimming and eventually shattering into fragments. Eldrin's eyes widened in disbelief.

"This... this is beyond anything I've seen," Eldrin muttered, pacing the room. "The orb couldn't contain the power—it's not that it failed, but rather, your strength exceeds even the boundaries I anticipated."

Ingi stepped forward next, his calm demeanor masking the immense energy emanating from him. When his hands touched the new orb, it flickered chaotically before stabilizing, though its glow reached far beyond its usual capacity. Eldrin quickly pulled out a quill, scribbling down notes frantically.

Finally, I stepped up, hesitantly placing my hands on the orb. To everyone's surprise, the reaction was equally profound. Although he was human, the orb struggled to process his unique essence, crackling with energy until it too became unstable and dimmed.

Eldrin shook his head, awestruck. "The three of you... Your magicores are unlike anything recorded. If word of this spreads, it will undoubtedly attract unwanted attention—those who might see your power as a threat or a prize. I urge you to keep this a closely guarded secret."

The gravity of Eldrin's warning settled over the group, but their focus soon returned to the primary objective: finding Zarathorak.


News from the Raid

Two weeks later, news arrived that the raid team—Chad, Ronan, Adrian, and Cedrick—had successfully pinpointed Zarathorak's exact location. The Blood Dragon resided in the heart of the Veldros Caverns, a labyrinthine network of tunnels hidden within the borderlands of Westeros and Asnor. The raid team's efforts had cost them dearly, with several of their allies wounded in the process, but their mission had been a success.

Eldrin gathered Fafnir, Ingi, and I in the Guild's central chamber, where maps and reports from the raid were spread across a large table. With a serious expression, he motioned for them to sit.

"You now have the information you need to locate Zarathorak," Eldrin began. "But before you set out, there is someone I need you to meet."

Meeting the Strongest Adventurers

Eldrin led the group down a spiral staircase to a hidden chamber beneath the Guild Hall. The air grew cooler, and the faint hum of enchantments reverberated through the walls. At the chamber's center stood a group of individuals whose very presence exuded power.

The first was Chad, the Dragon Hunter, his armor gleaming with intricate designs of slain wyverns. His gaze was sharp and assessing, like a predator sizing up his prey.

Beside him was Ronan, the Death's Whisperer, cloaked in shadows that seemed to move with him. His eyes gleamed with a deadly precision, and his movements were almost unnaturally quiet.

Adrian, the Arcane Sovereign, stood with an aura of command. His staff pulsed with raw magical energy, and his robes shimmered as if they contained galaxies within their fabric.

Finally, Cedrick, the Iron Vanguard, loomed over them all, his massive frame encased in armor that looked both impenetrable and surprisingly elegant. A massive shield rested against his side, its surface engraved with glowing runes of protection.

Eldrin gestured toward the group. "These are the strongest adventurers on the continent. They will aid you in your quest to find Zarathorak, though their involvement will come with its own risks. You must convince them that your cause is worth their time."

Chad stepped forward, his voice gruff but direct. "We've faced demons, beasts, and nightmares alike. If we're going to risk our lives for you, I need to know why Zarathorak matters so much to you. Why him, of all beings?"

Fafnir stepped forward, his face carefully composed. Revealing the truth about their identities as dragons was too dangerous; it could provoke distrust, disbelief, or worse. He decided to stick to a partial truth, threading a story together carefully.

"During a fight with a demon in the Netherlands," Fafnir began, his voice calm and measured, "I was cursed. This stigmata binds me to the demon and grows stronger by the day. It's not a curse that can be undone by conventional means. Zarathorak's name came up in ancient texts as someone with the power to dispel even the most potent curses. He may be my last hope."

I and Ingi stood silently beside him, their expressions firm, backing Fafnir's explanation without hesitation.

Ronan raised an eyebrow, his voice a soft but cutting whisper. "A demon's curse is no small thing. And yet, why should Zarathorak—of all creatures—be your savior? What's your connection to him?"

Fafnir paused, measuring his words. "I've spent years studying cursed magic and its origins. Zarathorak's knowledge surpasses even the most renowned scholars. I have no connection to him, only the faintest hope that he might help me. It's not an ideal solution, but it's all I have left to try."

The room fell silent as the adventurers exchanged skeptical glances. Adrian studied Fafnir closely, his sharp eyes probing for any sign of deceit. "You speak of Zarathorak as though he's merely a wise hermit," Adrian said. "But you understand that he's a Blood Dragon, yes? A being of immense power and pride. Even if you find him, what makes you think he'll help you?"

"We don't know if he will," Fafnir admitted, his voice steady despite the tension in the room. "But we have to try. If there's even a chance, I'm willing to take it."

Adrian held his gaze for a long moment before nodding slowly.

Cedrick crossed his arms, his deep voice breaking the quiet. "I'll be blunt. This journey will be dangerous, and we can only lead you so far. Beyond the mouth of the cave where Zarathorak resides, you'll be on your own. No reinforcements. No rescue. Do you understand the risks you're taking?"

Fafnir nodded resolutely. "We understand. We're prepared to face whatever awaits us."

After a moment of deliberation, Chad glanced at the others before stepping forward. "Fine. We'll guide you to the entrance of Veldros Caverns. After that, it's up to you. But don't expect us to come running if you bite off more than you can chew."

Ronan smirked faintly. "Let's just hope the Blood Dragon is in a cooperative mood when you find him. Otherwise, this curse will be the least of your worries."

Eldrin stepped forward, a look of relief crossing his face. "Thank you, all of you. Their cause is worth your efforts, I assure you."

With that, the strongest adventurers turned to prepare for the journey ahead. Though Fafnir, Ingi, and me had secured their aid, a gnawing sense of unease lingered.