Chapter 7: A dramatic entrance

The world known to the people in this place is formed by the L’arc continent, where are at right now, and a continent filled with dragons and its variations- the Darki continent, a continent filled with massive mountains, the shortest mountain being as tall as the 10 tallest mountains in the L’arc continent put together. the dragons in that continent mostly live in small 2 to 3 dragon families and each family have control over a mountain. there are no kingdoms unlike in the L’arc continent. Until the previous war against the demons, there were 6 kingdoms in this place, each belonging to a different race:

The Elven kingdom, managed by Yaksha which suffered the biggest losses stopped being called ‘Kingdom’ after being reduced to a citadel’s worth of population.

The Human kingdom, managed by the self-called Emperor Markson VI is by far the biggest kingdom in this continent, having under its wing ¼ of the territory suitable for life, around 1 part out 9 of the land in the continent.

The Murloc kingdom, which has its inhabitants living in the seashore areas in both the L’arc and Darki continents, along with the sea in between these two. they have by far the biggest population, but the Murlocs, having no enemies and no need to fight for land don’t have any major conflicts with other races.

The Beastmen have no land to call their own anymore, their whole race is now acting as a company specialized in trading wares all over the continent.

The Naga and Lizardmen are fairly new evolved races with a very short history and as a result, a very small territory, yet they share grief and joy and live and die for each other. that said, though, their territory is still bigger than the elves’ even if their culture is not as advanced.

Many other races exist in the continent but most stay hidden, for example, the vampires, who hide inside of the human kingdom, or the Karfi, white quadrupedal beasts covered in fur who live in the snow lands at the south, which are inhabitable by any other evolved race.

While speaking to myself this guy wakes up.

“Ugh… How long was I gone for? Hmm? aAH!” (Rize)

“Chill son, you were passed out for a good 3 hours or so, glad you didn’t puke on my back, or fall to your death by rolling around” (Doraig)

“...” (Rize)

“...” (Doraig)

“So… to Parlor town. Remember, wait for me to get you a pass and notify the city guard because I'd gladly avoid running all over the place while trying to fix up the misunderstanding” (Rize)

“...fine.” (Doraig)

Man, aren’t there any skills to transform into a bipedal species? this is getting annoying.

Skill Points Insufficient: Transmogrification - 150 skill points necessary

Wow fuck that, not even going to bother.

“Oh yeah Rize, I still have some skill points available, any suggestions?” (Doraig)

“Well, you’re pretty much going to be the dedicated ranged DPS mage, maybe a barrier?”

Hmm let's see, Mr. System how much for a Magic Barrier?

Skill Points Insufficient: Magic Barrier - 35 skill points necessary

“No can’t do, need 35 but got 9. Can’t get it anytime soon” (Doraig)

“...Damn glass cannon dragon, how does that even make sense” (Rize)

“Hey! watch the words bro, you think I was used to fighting all over the place before we met?” (Doraig)

“Well, I don’t really know all that much about you but whatever… How about an Area of effect skill? Meteor shower or something similar”

Hmm, that sounds freaking awesome, I might hit Rize or someone else though with something like that… how about a 45-degree volley breath?

Skill Points sufficient: Minor Destruction Ray - 5 Skill points. Confirm?

that’s the one man! Confirm!

Skill Learned: Minor Destruction Ray

“Alright, I got a laser beam, look at this!”

‘Minor Destruction Ray’

“Pfft” (Rize)

“...” (Doraig)

Ookay, calm down me…

“i-I’m sure it’s because it’s level 1” (Doraig)

“Fucking hope so, don’t think you can do much with the equivalent of the Mage’s Flashlight” (Rize)

“Shut up man, by the way, we’re getting there” (Doraig)

Off in the distance an extremely big city, yes, city and not a town as Rize had told me. This guy has no clue what the difference between a village, a city, a citadel and a kingdom is… next thing you know the Darki continent is as big as his elven citadel.

An extremely big building in the middle, which I assume is either the adventurers association or the city hall, on the outskirts of the city is farmland, and there are 4 roads connecting north, south, east and west with who knows what other places in the continent.

For now, we lower our altitude and Rize gets off my back. we are currently on the south side of the city

“Alright, wait here for an hour or so” (Rize)

“Roger that Sir!” (Doraig)

I say while giving a military salute with my front paw.

“Pfft, idiot” (Rize)

Hmm, I’m not sure of what I can do while I wait.

15 minutes later

Mmm? I hear yelling and sword clanking, wonder what’s up.

‘Fly’

Oh wow, these things happen in real life? a band of 6 bandits assaulting a carriage, the butler or something goes out to try and defend the master? this is straight out of a novel. Oh wow, I need some popcorn, that butler is taking on 3 at a time in close quarters. Huh, not bad.

5 Minutes Before, Butler’s Perspective.

“It’s okay Madam, we are 10 minutes away from the city, you will be able to meet Sir Harliq by noon” (Butler)

“I know that Rob, it’s just… is this fine? shouldn’t this by just a story for a novel? a commoner marrying a prince? I'm sure he can find someone much better” (Madam)

“Don’t be like that, even if not seen all the time, this does happen. the kingdom is inherited by blood and more importantly, what is the point in doing a political marriage? a noble’s wealth is a drop inside of a bucket to the king’s lineage” (Rob)

“...still, what does he see in me? I just…” (Madam)

The carriage stopped?

“Wait here Madam, I'll go take a look” (Rob)

“What is happening Rob?” (Madam)

“Just stay quiet for a moment Madam” (Rob)

I open the door and what greets me is 6 people, thieves, most likely.

“You people, don’t you have anything better to do?” (Rob)

“Shut up, you trifling butler. Get the lady out and we may just let you out alive, to get executed by the prince, that is” (Thief #1)

“Hahahaha!” (Thieves #2-#6)

“You- who are you people?” (Rob)

“Take a guess, pal” (Thief #1)

“Did a noble send you? which one was it!? the kingdom will reward you greatly for speaking out” (Rob)

“You think we’d take on this much risk for just gold? Dream on!” (Thief #2)

“What kind of moron would forsake life for just money!” (Thief #4)

“Then, what did they promise you!? (Rob)

“Not much, just a certain orb and a certain Necklace. we know for a fact the kingdom doesn’t have it, so you can’t expect to buy us” (Thief #1)

A certain orb… a certain necklace?

“Enough, come fight me here!” (Rob)

I take my sword out and hold it with my left, I close the distance enough so I just have to fight 3 at a time.

the first and second close in and aim at my chest and groin respectively. I parry the hit going for my groin with my sword while deviating the one going for my chest with my right hand.

Tch- hurts a lot.

I turn around and meet the third one head on in a short clash, followed by his dagger parrying my follow up attack and I prepare for the next 3-man clash.

My hand - still good.

Energy - still good.

the next clash is here. all 3 are closing in together, I ‘Windstep’ and drop on my knees to dodge all 3 attacks, push forward in between the daggers and arms, and ‘Slash’

“Agh” (Thief #2)

that’s one.

“Son of a-” (Thieves #1 and #4)

“You fu-” (Thief #5)

#6 takes #2’s place, closes the gap but I won’t let you do as you wish, asshole. I “Windstep” into him, dealing an attack coming to him from the 10 pm direction and-

“You parried that!?” (Rob)

“Of course I did, bastard” (Thief #6)

why are you grinning you piece-

“Gah” (Rob)

#1 got my right shoulder from the back.

“Ahh you bunch of bitches can’t play fair can you!?” (Rob)

“no. Sorry but we need the reward desperately” (Thief #5)

Damn it, my balance is fucked now that my right arm is unusable. What to do?

“Stop it! the one you’re aiming for is me right?” (Madam)

“You can’t, lady Seras! (Rob)

“You are very kind hearted, lady. But I'm sorry, what we need is more important than any life, including our own” (Thief #1)

“Stop it! we’re still fighting!!” (Rob)

“Drop it, man, you can’t even fight 1 on 3, let alone 1 against 5 now that you’re hurt” (Thief #4)

I watch as #2 approaches Lady Seras.

Then he stabs her, starting from the neck upwards into the brain.

Grief overcomes me. and I lose my consciousness.

Present, back to Doraig

Daaaaamn, that was a really cool fight. no knight in white shining armor, though.

Oh, they’re leaving after putting the body of the lady and of the dead guy inside the carriage. they left the butler’s and the driver's bodies on the road tho.

Mmm? The Butler seems to be still alive, let’s take a look!

Oh boy, he seems pretty badly hurt huh. it seems the dagger the guys were using had some sort of Paralyzing poison?

Should I leave this guy here? he seemed pretty good with the sword, though, maybe we can fill one of the spots right now, I gotta take him to Rize for him to be healed, though. I do believe he is in dire need of a Kite shield to be useful, though, but overall he seems to have good potential.

For now, I put Mr. Buts on my back using my paws, so I can carry him around safely.

In case you didn’t notice, I refer to people depending on the feel they give me, which usually is in accordance to how old they are in proportion to how old they can get. so Rize is still a kid, Yaksha should be middle aged but since I thought he was an elf I'll still refer to him as a senior.

This guy seems middle aged with a few wrinkles on his forehead, so Mr. it is for now.

speaking of which, isn’t this guy getting whiter than he was already? oh boy, don’t die on me yet Mr. let’s see…

Yo! System! Any type of heal I can get with a measly 4 skill points?

Skill Points sufficient: Paralysis Heal - 4 Skill points. Confirm?

I… guess that will have to do for now. Confirm!

Skill Learned: Paralysis Heal

Okay, let’s go! ‘Paralysis Heal’

Some time later

“Ugh…” (Rob)

“Yo!” (Doraig)

“Huh? HUH? i… I must be dreaming or I just slept the first half of my reincarnated life” (Rob)

“That doesn’t even make any sense, Mr.” (Doraig)

“...Where am I?” (Rob)

“Just about next to where those guys left you on the ground cooking sunny side up” (Doraig)

“You saw all that? why didn’t you help!?” (Rob)

“Do I look like a knight in shining armor to you? (Doraig)

Tche, I’m not the nanny of the human race, fuckers won’t even let me into their cities without a check and you want me to play hero for them.

“But-” (Rob)

“But what? don’t blame me for your weakness. if I wasn’t there who would you have blamed then? the world? no, of course not. then what’s the point in blaming a passerby who has no connection to you?” (Doraig)

“...” (Rob)

“I… I'm sorry, you’re right. you’re not of my kin, neither are you a friend. did you cure my Paralysis? I lost my head, I didn’t even thank you. at least now my vitality regeneration is kicking in” (Rob)

“well, yeah. I saw your potential, human. I am called Doraig, currently looking for a meat shield to farm some dangerous zones with. What level are you right now?”

“you wha-? eh? wait, hold on. slower”

“...” (Doraig)

“my name is Robin Caster. I’m only level 9 right now, as I spent most of my life training on the way of the sword in the academy. but now that I've let my Master down I have two options” (Rob)

“You die on the guillotine or you run, I imagine?” (Doraig)

“Yes, that is why I must go to the city and let the prince know I've failed to protect his fiance” (Rob)

“You… why would you choose to die? you had no chance against 6 experts!” (Doraig)

“Even still, I failed. and now the prince will grief for who know how long” (Rob)

“You… Moron!” (Doraig)

“What am I supposed to do then! have no morals? just run away from my responsibilities!? be a runaway for the rest of my life!?” (Rob)

“No, you idiot! you treasure the life that was spared! you get stronger, so that you may never fail to protect anyone again, both yourself and whoever you wish to protect!” (Doraig)

“But…” (Rob)

“Get stronger! get to the truth, understand what lead those 6 people to risk their everything! if you have some balls in between those legs have them producing some testosterone! don’t take the easy way out!” (Doraig)

“How is deciding to forfeit my life to atone for my sins taking the easy way out!?” (Rob)

“Stupid! you only want to die so you can get away from the grief, don’t you!?” (Doraig)

“...” (Rob)

I like that look. now we’re talking!

“Good!” (Doraig)

“...Why are you guys yelling?” (Rize)

“Oh hey Rize, did you get permission? I found us the tank” (Doraig)

Praise me, kid! Hohoho!

“I… did yeah… so… do you mind giving me a proper explanation?” (Rize)

“Well, grab some popcorn cuz this is straight out of a novel…” (Doraig)

25 Minutes later

“...” (Rob)

“I understand now. it’s a pleasure to meet you, Robin” (Rize)

“The pleasure is mine, your name is Rize? or just a nickname?” (Rob)

“My name is Rize, yeah. so Robin, did those guys have any clues regarding what they were looking for?” (Rize)

“Hmm… well, not much honestly. the only hints I have are that they considered their rewards worth more than any amount of gold and even their lives” (Rob)

“Did they mention what the reward was?” (Rize)

“Well… they only said it was a necklace and an orb, nothing else I think… oh yeah, they said the kingdom had 0 chance of possessing similar items.” (Rob)

“Hmm… that sounds like at least a pair of Uniques items, but there are countless Uniques and higher tiered items” (Doraig)

“Would you give up your life and that of your 5 brothers for a pair of Uniques?” (Rize)

“No… I don’t think so at least” (Doraig)

“Exactly. so we can assume it’s at least higher than that. how much, though? depending on that we can lower the results by a big margin” (Rize)

“You guys… who are you?” (Rob)

“Son of the Elven King” (Rize)

“Just a random traveler Dragon” (Doraig)

“...what did I get myself into...” (Rob)

“Anyways. Let’s get moving, I'm kind of hungry right now” (Doraig)

“Alright” (Rize)

“Should I hide my face?” (Rob)

“Hmm… Here, put this on!” (Doraig)

I gave him the robe to wear for the moment.

“U-Unique!?” (Rob)

“I’m just lending you that, your build isn’t really made for it anyways, and we will get a lot more Uniques while we level up” (Doraig)

“Where the hell are we jumping into…” (Rob)

“Yes.” (Doraig)

“What?” (Rob)

“What?” (Doraig)

“I swear Doraig is a contagious disease…” (Rize)

“Did you say something Rize?” (Doraig)

“Just your imagination” (Rize)

let’s talk some plans with the guys while nearing the city.

“So... looking at the robe I imagine Doraig is some kind of mage, while you are an elf, so… assassin I assume?” (Rob)

“Well, that’s racist but yeah, that’s pretty much what we have for now. Rize is more of a rogue, though, as his weapon is a ranged single target weapon” (Doraig)

“Hmm…” (Rob)

“What do you think, Robin?” (Rize)

“Well, I heard Doraig saying he expected me to be the meat shield, so we are lacking a dedicated healer and a support, I guess? an off-tank might be good too”

“Rize can kind of heal but I guess someone specialized in healing will be good” (Doraig)

“Kind of? you would have died had I not been there…” (Rize)

“A-anyways, I think we will get you a big ass shield instead of getting an off tank. remember we are going to get Uniques and we may be better off without the infighting over loot” (Doraig)

“True. I assume you won’t expect me to go without a proper healer, at least? even if I desired to die before it doesn’t mean I'll gift my life to the wilderness” (Rob)

“We will obviously get one, lest we get completely destroyed in hell” (Rize)

“Wait, hold on, that was for real?” (Rob)

“Of course” (Doraig)

“...Can I just go to the prince and get beheaded?” (Rob)

“Nope!” (Doraig & Rize)

And look at that, we’re at the City.