Dragon Quest [35th]

[The Real Story Begins]

**Dragon Quest 35: The War of Storms (Continued)**

With the battle against the Goliath Spider behind them, Maverick and his crew began to regroup. The rain was still pouring, the dark clouds above swirling as if reflecting the turmoil in the world below. The crew exchanged glances, their adrenaline slowly ebbing away, replaced by a mix of relief and exhaustion.

"We should head back to the village," Maverick said, his voice firm. "This victory won't go unnoticed. The monsters will start to retaliate soon enough."

The crew nodded in agreement. They knew that the presence of such a powerful monster so close to their territory meant something larger was at play. The balance of power was shifting, and they needed to be ready for whatever came next.

As they began their journey back to the village, Maverick walked at the front of the group, leading them through the rain-soaked forest. His mind was racing with thoughts of what was to come. They had faced many challenges before, but this felt different. The world seemed to be on the brink of something much larger than any of them had ever imagined.

When they reached the village, the atmosphere was tense. The villagers, who had seen the battle from afar, looked at the crew with a mixture of fear and awe. They knew that Maverick and his team were powerful, but the presence of such a high-level monster so close to their homes had them on edge.

Maverick’s eyes scanned the crowd, and he noticed a group of guards approaching. Their armor gleamed even in the dim light, and their expressions were grave.

"The King and Queen request your presence, Maverick," the captain of the guard announced, his voice carrying authority. "Immediately."

The crew exchanged curious looks. It wasn’t often that they were summoned directly to the castle, especially not by both the King and Queen.

Maverick nodded. "We’ll go at once."

The guards led them through the village, up the cobblestone path that wound toward the towering castle on the hill. The rain continued to fall, soaking their clothes and making the journey feel even more ominous.

As they entered the grand hall of the castle, the crew was greeted by the sight of the King and Queen seated on their thrones. The King, a tall man with a stern expression, wore a crown of gold and emeralds, while the Queen, elegant and regal, had an air of wisdom about her that made her presence commanding.

"Maverick," the Queen said, her voice calm yet filled with a sense of urgency. "We have been watching your progress closely. You and your crew have shown great bravery and skill in defending our lands."

Maverick inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. We fight to protect the kingdom and its people."

The King leaned forward, his eyes intense. "But the monsters you’ve been facing are merely the beginning. There is a darkness spreading across the land, one that threatens to consume everything. You have proven yourself capable, but now, the real battle begins."

The Queen nodded in agreement. "You must be prepared for what lies ahead. The war is not just with the monsters you see, but with forces much more dangerous and cunning. You will need to seek out allies, uncover ancient secrets, and wield powers beyond what you currently possess."

Maverick felt the weight of their words. This was no longer just about slaying monsters and ranking up. This was a war for the very survival of their world.

"The time has come," the Queen continued, "for you and your crew to step into your true roles as protectors of this realm. The journey you embark on now will define the fate of all who live here."

Maverick nodded solemnly, his grip tightening on the hilt of *Remark*. "We won’t fail."

The King rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over the crew. "Then go forth, Maverick. Lead your crew into the unknown, face the challenges that await, and return only when you have secured the safety of our kingdom."

As Maverick and his crew turned to leave the castle, a sense of purpose filled them. The battles they had fought up until now had been mere preparation. They were about to step into a conflict that would test their strength, courage, and resolve in ways they had never imagined.

And so, with the rain still falling and the storm clouds gathering, Maverick and his crew set out once more. But this time, they knew that the stakes were higher than ever. The true story was just beginning, and the fate of their world rested in their hands.

This was the start of Dragon Quest 35—the beginning of an epic journey that would take them to the ends of the earth and beyond. The real story was about to unfold.