Drakonis Growing Reputation

When Uravis joined the others, still feeling slightly guilty for leaving Claire. Ivie raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed, "Took your time, Didn't you?"

Uravis ignored her sarcasm, his mind still on Claire. He knew he had to come back to her, no matter what it costs. He had to keep to his promise. The real world didn't matter anymore, if there was a way to go back then the universe would provide a way.

For now, he had to get stronger for the dangers and challenges that lay ahead.

Arin tapped him on the back, earning both Drakonis and Ivie's attention.

"Ready to head out? We have a long journey ahead."

Uravis, clutched the back on his shoulder, his eyes searching for a means of transportation. "Are we going on foot?" he asked, still searching for a car or bus close by, but when he heard the sounds of galloping he sighed.

"Medieval times, great," he mumbled to himself and turned with the others to where the galloping came from.

Three animals showed up, a dragon, A massive monitor lizard with an armour and a scorpion. 'It's like I got sucked into my game,' Uravis thought out of excitement and picked the first animal that came to him.

"I want the scorpion!" he announced, raising his hands to show what he wanted. The others glanced at him with shock, their eyes showing how terrified they were.

"Drakonis," Arin called lowly as he took a step closer to him, and threw his arms around Drakonis' shoulder. "You know how dangerous that thing is right? We don't even use it for transportation."

Uravis nodded frantically, his excitement doubling the more he waited, "I picked it, you guys could ride the rest," he answered and wriggled out of Arin's hold, he made his way to the scorpion, it's completely silver eyes gazing down at Uravis fiercely.

"What's up big guy?" Uravis asked, dropping the gentleman accent and changing it back to his real life tone, his baritone voice ringing a bell in the ears of the scorpion. It understood him. "You don't mind me picking you as my ride, right?" No answer, the scorpion just gazed blankly at him.

"I'll take that as a yes," he smiled and held out his hands, slowly but cautiously rubbing the hard shall of the giant insect. He was stunned at how calm the scorpion was, it just stayed unmoving, watching him with its expression unwavering.

The others had already mounted their rides, Arin and Ivie picked the dragon, while Tyson and Kim, picked the Monitor lizard, all getting set to move.

Uravis inhaled sharply and hung his bag on the side of the scorpion, he walked over to its face, watching with his guard raised high as it lowered its head. "We would make a great team. Believe me," he added, still unsure if it could understand him.

However after moments of silence, The scorpion extended its stinger out, placing it before Uravis feet. He bowed respectfully and made his way up the stinger, and onto its back. His hands immediately gripping the collar around the scorpions neck.

"Alright, since everyone is ready, Let's go!" Arin announced and gave the beasts signals. The dragon took off with a flap of it's wing that caused dust to rise. The monitor lizard crawled off leaving Drakonis and the scorpion behind.

The scorpion as well moved, but it leaped instead of walking, covering long distances that the monitor lizard could not. And Uravis was absolutely loving it.

Arin who saw this, shook his head with a smile, his eyes following the Scorpion and Drakonis while Ivie directed the Dragon on the path to follow.

_____

The journey to the capital city was faster than Uravis had imagined, he expected them to move for hours but it took roughly Fifty five minutes or an hour.

The beasts stopped by the bridge connecting the capital city and the forest. While under it was an angry sea that would swallow anything that fell in instantly.

The city's skyscrapers, duplexes and flats, all giving the city an alive and neon glow, the funny part was that it was not even night yet. There was still an hour left before the sun completely went down, but at the moment there was a beautiful pink and orange hue in the sky that would have been perfect for a photograph.

Alas, Uravis had no phone or camera.

Uravis felt a thrill of excitement, mixed with a hint of anticipation ad he gazed at the city beyond the bridge. In his games, the same city had history with ancient magic, powerful mages and it's legendary warriors.... and also stories about the thousands wars that occured in the city. There was a possibility it would be the same in real

As they crossed the bridge, making their way into the city, the group was immediately struck by its bustling energy. People of all shapes and sizes, mortals and Immortals, hurried through the streets.

The sound of merchants going about their businesses, the clang of hammering on metal and the sweet scent of street food, especially freshly baked bread thay wavered in the air.

The first building they came across was the city's palace, standing at the entrance of the city, before one would actually get to the main city. They alighted the beasts, kept them in a open space with chains restricting their movements.

The then made their way towards the palace, where a very familiar figure stood, playing with a fire ball in his hands. As the man raised his head and the fire vanished, a happy but surprised expression painted his features.

"Arin, you're finally here!" the man exclaimed, pushing himself away form the wall he leaned against. "And you brought your team..." he trailed off when his eyes landed on Drakonis.

"A new member?" Arin nodded, then he smiled. "Welcome, er.."

"Drakonis," Uravis answered, mirroring the man's smile, Uravis careful took in the strangers appearance. He was a tall and had a normal build for a young adult, thick brown hair and pale red eyes.

"I am General Thorne, a member of the council of mages and Arin's good friend," he introduced himself with a slight bow, then turned to the others. "Shall we go in? The king is expecting you."

They soon arrived in the grand throne room of Eldra's palace, and Uravis could not help but get overwhelmed by the wonderful view. The high ceiling, adorned with lights and flowers, and a chandelier that hung above the center of the throne room.

The room was filled with the other members of the council and nobles, their gazes turned to the group that stepped in. They approached the throne, sitting on a five foot tall platform, with stairs for easy movement.

The king, King Arineth, the second. A tall figure, with a perfectly outlined jaw, fierce blue eyes, rose from his throne, a warm smile spreading across his face.

He descended the throne elegantly, keeping his head high and his posture straight.

"Brave adventurers, I welcome you once again to our beloved city. Your names have been on every tongue in the city, and I am honored to finally welcome you back after your trips." He stated, his gaze moving to Drakonis, who was busy taking in every detail in the throne room.

They all bowed, except Drakonis, then Arin spoke, "The honor is ours your majesty. We are proud to serve the city."

The king smiled and turned fully to Uravis, his eyes widening in surprise when he felt an intense aura surging from him.

Uravis he noticed it, laughed nervously and held out the back to him. "Inside this bag is a life core, the team retrieved from their raid, your majesty," he bowed, hoping he had not annoyed the king.

"Ah, the life core," the king uttered and took the bag from him, he handed it over to Thorne then he turned back to Uravis. "Are you the one who found it?"

Uravis instantly shook his head, he gestured at the others. Arin who frowned and walked closer to them, threw his arms around Drakonis' shoulder and smiled proudly.

"Our friend here drove out bandits from their village, saved us from slime mites and slained a beast. Then he somehow found the chest with the core and broke it with his head, your majesty," Arin explained briefly, his expression not wavering for a second.

The king nodded with understanding and turned to Uravis with a smile, "The reports from my servants are true then. The hero of his village, I am honoured to have you in my city."

Uravis slapped Arin's hand away from his shoulder, he took a step away from them and bowed apologetically. "Forgive me your majesty, but I am just a mere warrior who wants to see his people and family happy. I am definitely not a hero," he defended himself, already regretting why he had shown up and sent the bandits away or followed them to the city.

The king scoffed, "Nonsense, you are a hero, Drakonis," he announced, to the hearing of the others and he grabbed Uravis hands with a smile on his face. "I will book the finest hotel for you, or I will simply provide you all with accommodation and everything you need, till the time is right to disclose your next mission."

Arin and the other adventurers nodded with smiles of gratitude. Uravis on the other hand was devastated, the king's grip around his hands was too firm that he feared if he pulled forcefully, the king's hand would follow him

"For now, let us celebrate the return of our Adventurers and heros, as well as welcome the newest one!"