Epilogue

Author’s note: Please note that the conversation between the Cardinal of Fire and the Blue Sky Dragon Lord at the end of Chapter 3 Part 2 had been significantly altered (on 11/11/18), to both better reflect Berenice’s and Theocracy attitude towards the Councilors of the Argland State and to make this part work (ie. they only discuss the face value of the theocracy gathering forces to fight Jaldabaoth, the true purpose of attacking SK isn’t mentioned.)

***

A robed figure moved slowly toward the cave’s entrance. A sound of some huge beast snoring could be heard periodically. However, the shadowy figure did not seem to be alarmed at all. It entered the cave and proceeded further. Inside, a majestic beast slept curled up like a kitten. However, the sight of a sparkling, white dragon did not deter the intruder, who made it about half-way from the entrance before the beast awoke.

Tsaindoruks Vaision, more commonly known as the Platinum Dragon Lord stirred awake from his sleep. Casting a quick glance around the cave, he immediately spotted the robed figure in the middle of it. Under his straining eyes, he recognized the familiar features, even before the figure removed the hood covering her face.

“You seem to be intent on trying to make it all the way to me before I wake up,” he snorted.

“I might as well enjoy this challenge, if I am visiting you anyway,” Rigrit replied with a smile.

“You just might manage it, especially seeing how our meetings have become much more frequent as well.”

“These are very interesting times, and seeing how you just sit here, it falls unto me to keep you up to date on the news,” Rigrit laughed.

“Then, what brought you here today? Have you found more information regarding items like the Armor of Reinforcement that Red Drop possess?”

“Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to make much progress on that front. The various events surrounding the Sorcerer Kingdom have proven to be rather distracting. Although, I did hear from Blue Rose that Pluton Ainzach, the guild master of the Adventurer’s Guild in E-Rantel has a very interesting short sword – its faintly translucent blade is made of some kind of a blue crystal metal and it is It was wreathed in a billowing mist effect.”

“Oh, that sounds very unusual. Do you know where he had acquired such a weapon?” Tsar asked, perking up with interest.

“It was given to him by the Sorcerer King.”

“Did the guild master accomplish some great fit for the Sorcerer King?”

“Not that I could find out. According to Pluton, the weapon was given to him as a gesture of appreciation for the work he had done as the Guild Master of the new Adventurer’s Guild,” Rigrit explained.

“Hmm, to give out such an interesting weapon for something so simple. The Sorcerer King clearly isn’t lacking in such weapons.”

For a moment Tsar was deep in thought.

“It would seem my instincts were correct, the tremors which shake this world have come again. There should only be one possibility for someone to possess a large number of such items – the one in question is a player,” he concluded.

“You don’t think the Sorcerer King could be a relic of the past? It seems most of his servants are either immortal or long-lived species and his home, the Great Tomb of Nazarick, was apparently buried in the middle of nowhere,” Rigrit asked.

“How could such a powerful being, with a host of powerful servants not leave any legends behind? Even if supposing that his time was before the age of the Dragons, it is still highly unlikely. Plus, he wields the same tainted magic as the Six Great Gods and others who came after them. How could he master this magic in just six hundred years, while remaining in a complete seclusion?” Tsar shook his head dismissively. “It’s much more likely that he is a player, who came to this world with his guild base, much like the Eight Greed Kings had.”

“However, unlike the Greed Kings, he has not displayed the arrogance of the strong, nor has he gone on a killing spree like them.”

“Indeed, he seems to be much more sensible in his actions. Still, as an undead, he will never die of old age, and his very existence poses a huge threat to this world,” he said in a grave voice.

“Then, what do you plan to do?”

“For the time being, I am content in observing his actions. So long as he doesn’t use his power to attack others, there is no reason to do anything. Although, I’d like to gather more information about his servants.”

“In that case, you should find the news I bring quite interesting,” Rigrit informed him.

She looked around the cave before picking a flat stone on the floor. She used it as a seat while heaving a sigh.

“What? I am an old lady, you know,” she chuckled at the look the dragon gave her. “Anyway, did you know that the Slane Theocracy is gathering allies to create a strike force, which will assist the Sorcerer Kingdom in fighting Jaldabaoth?”

“Yes, one of their Cardinals came to Argland Council State and talked to Suveria Myronsilk about it.”

“The Blue Sky Dragon Lord? I see. Then, what was the Councilors decision?”

“The demon sounds like a troublesome existence, but for the time being, there is no need for us to jump into it. Plus, I don’t trust the Theocracy enough to ally with them when I don’t need to,” Tsar explained.

“Is that all you know about this strike force of theirs?”

“Why? Is there something more to it? Suveria tried to probe further but didn’t get far. Then again, knowing how he views the Theocracy, he was probably mocking the Cardinal the whole time. Not exactly the kind of behavior that would make the other party open up about any schemes they might be planning.”

“You say that as if you would do better in his place,” Rigrit laughed.

Tsar gave her a stern look, but she just brushed it off. The old woman knew very well that Tsar despised the Slane Theocracy even more than the Blue Sky Dragon Lord. When the budding thirteen heroes came to them for help, the Theocracy refused to send out any fighters, despite possessing several powerful individuals. What’s more, the attitude the Theocracy displayed caused all of the heroes to loathe them.

“Your intuition was correct – there is more to their plan,” Rigrit said. “The whole allied forces is nothing but a sham. The true goal behind this strike force is to take down the Sorcerer Kingdom.”

“Heh, I knew they couldn’t possibly ally with an undead. Do you have any details?” Tsar asked curiously.

“The Theocracy has also approached Blue Rose, which is how I know these things. Apparently, they are still gathering allies. Can you imagine, they even asked Evileye to get in touch with me, hoping that I would join,” Rigrit let out a laugh.

“I take it you aren’t interested?”

“Fighting bravely against the evils of this world, trying to bring peace to the land. I am too old for this stuff, better to let the young ones take the lead,” she smiled.

“Oh? So Blue Rose decided to join?”

“It’s because of that adventurer, Momon. Apparently he decided to join, and of course, once she found out the cry-baby had to join too. It’s all she talked to me about.”

“Momon? Another interesting character. Is he really so amazing?”

“I don’t think any human can live up to the image the cry-baby had painted. I suppose it’s a new emotion for her. Still, I am surprised she had fallen so in love with him,” Rigrit chuckled.

Tsar barred his teeth in a smile as well. Evileye’s story was a tragic one, it is good that she can experience love after all these years. Still, Momon is… suspicious, the dragon thought.

“What do you know about Momon?”

“Worried that he will break her undead heart?” Rigrit asked.

“His appearance is rather suspicious. He claims to be a God-kin from the bloodline of the Eight Greed Kings, but how could he remain unknown? Supposedly, he lived in a secluded estate in the south. Yet, no one had ever heard of him nor of his ancestors. Not to mention that he had appeared around the same time as the Sorcerer King, that vampire and Jaldabaoth.”

“Well, his story is that his estate was destroyed by a vampire which he chased all the way to E-Rantel, where he became an adventurer to make gathering information easier. We also know that Jaldabaoth broke his seal and allied with said vampire around this time, which caused the Sorcerer King to awaken from his slumber,” Rigrit rattled off all of the information she knew on the subject.

Tsar laughed. She had already told him this before, but after spending a long time thinking about it, he was convinced it was at least partially a lie.

“That does make for a good story. But, if we assume that the undead king is a player, then doesn’t it make the story about Jaldabaoth a lie? At the very least the whole deal with him being sealed long ago. At best, he should be one of the undead’s servants who chose to rebel after coming to this world,” Tsar explained.

“If that’s the case, then it makes sense for the undead to fabricate a story in order to distance himself from such a servant,” Rigrit nodded.

“Which leaves Momon. Is he truly who he claims to be, or is he somehow involved with the undead?”

“Who can say for sure?”

“Indeed. That’s why I have chosen to observe the situation without taking any actions. There are simply too many unknowns and what-ifs,” Tsar said.

Rigrit shrugged and glanced around, her eyes settling on a full suit of plate armor.

“That is the kind of distrust that had me calling that suit of armor my “friend,”” she smiled as she recalled their adventures.

“I feel my paranoia is much more justified this time,” Tsar replied while thinking how he’ll never live down his past actions.

“Anyway, I got too distracted by recalling the cry-babies endless praise for Momon,” Rigrit began. “As I was saying, the Theocracy plans to use the strike force they gather to attack the Sorcerer Kingdom. More specifically, as per their agreement with the undead’s nation, their fighters will be led inside the Great Tomb of Nazarick – the undead king’s home. There they will assess the situation and choose an opportune time to launch a surprise attack,” Rigrit explained.

Hmm, given that Sorcerer Kingdom’s mass of undead, plus the power of other servants, attacking from the inside is a much better move than charging from the front. Of course, it could also be used as a trap…

“And you think this is a good time for me to take action?”

“Of course. You can get close to both Momon and the Sorcerer King’s servants. Isn’t that what you wanted?” Rigrit asked.

“True. And, this way I could keep an eye on Evileye, and warn her if my suspicions about Momon get confirmed,” Tsar nodded to himself, feeling satisfied with his decision.

“Good. I’ll contact Blue Rose, and will have them inform the Theocracy about a new member,” Rigrit said.

The two of them agreed that Tsar will be notified about the time and place of the meeting for the Theocracy’s strike force, which should be taking place some nine months from now. Afterward, they chatted for a short while before Rigrit departed.

Along once again, Tsar curled up in a comfortable position and began to fall asleep.

I guess it’s time for Sir Armoreth to wander the lands once more, he thought as his mind drifted into the world of dreams.

 

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