The Legacy of Divine Creatures

The wind blew lightly through the devastated forest. Erd, still reeling from the adrenalin of battle, looked at Thalgrym, the imposing dragon who had just sworn allegiance.

But then something strange happened.

The dragon's massive body began to glow with a golden light. Its scales transformed into particles of light that swirled around it.

Erd took a step back.

- What's going on now?

The gigantic figure gradually shrank. The wings disappeared, the long tail vanished...

Then, in place of the ancestral dragon, stood a woman.

Her dazzling silver hair cascaded down her back and her golden eyes reflected a thousand years of wisdom. She wore a black dress with purplish highlights, marking her magical origin.

Erd blinked several times.

- What?!

The woman looked at him with amusement.

- Why so surprised, Master?

Her voice was the same as the dragon's.

- You're... a woman?!

She nodded.

- I am Dune, ancestral dragon and one of the seven Divine Creatures of this world.

Erd took a second to assimilate the information.

- So... you've been a woman all along?!

Dune shrugged.

- Dragons can choose any form they like when they make a submission pact. It's more convenient for interacting with humans.

Erd sighed.

- I'm really starting to think I've stumbled into too weird a world.

Dune smiled broadly before taking on a more serious tone.

- There are seven Divine Creatures in this world. Entities with power beyond that of kings and empires. All the kingdoms are trying to capture us to establish their domination.

Erd crossed his arms.

- And you're one of them?

She nodded.

A huge smile spread across Erd's face.

- Does that mean I've got a Divine Creature all to myself?!

Dune stared at him for a moment before sighing.

- Why do I get the feeling you're not getting the measure of the situation?

Erd burst out laughing.

- I do, I do! It's just... classy, isn't it?

Dune rolled her eyes but didn't answer.

- We'd better get out of this forest, Master.

Erd nodded.

- Yeah, let's go into town. I need information about this world.

And so they left the forest.

Arrival at the city of Velmoria

After several hours' walking, they came within sight of a large city surrounded by stone ramparts. High towers overlooked the main entrance, where numerous soldiers kept watch over the travellers.

But as soon as they passed the first guard post, a strange silence fell over them.

Passers-by froze.

The guards at the entrance immediately drew their weapons.

Erd squinted.

- What's going on here?

Dune sighed.

- You're the one. You're always letting off your magical aura. You're a walking disaster to them.

Erd looked down at his hands. He hadn't felt the slightest effort when he'd walked... But it's true that since he'd arrived in this world, he'd never felt tired, despite the intensive use of magic.

He closed his eyes and concentrated.

- Aura sealing!

Instantly, the atmosphere changed.

The soldiers, visibly relieved, lowered their weapons.

One of the guards approached.

- Sorry, stranger... We thought we perceived a threat. We apologise.

Erd waved his hand.

- No worries.

But inwardly, he was smiling.

"My analytical skills even allow me to understand their language... That's handy."

They then moved into the city of Velmoria, reputed to be a major commercial crossroads.

The alleyways were crowded with merchants, blacksmiths, travelling mages selling potions and carts full of exotic goods.

- Where to now?" asked Dune.

Erd looked around him.

- To the adventurers' guild. I've got some trophies to sell.

To the Adventurers' Guild

They entered a large building where the smell of beer and sweat wafted through the air.

Dozens of adventurers were seated, swapping stories of their quests and showing off their equipment.

Erd and Dune approached the counter where a receptionist was standing, a woman with long chestnut hair and piercing eyes.

- Welcome to the Velmoria Adventurers' Guild. How can I help you?

Erd placed an enormous bag on the counter.

- I'd like to sell the remains of monsters.

The receptionist opened the bag... and her face lost all colour.

- What the...

In the bag were the fangs of giant wolves, the venomous glands of spiders, the claws of rabid bears...

One of the adventurers next to him glanced over and widened his eyes.

- Hey, kid... where did you get those things?!

Erd shrugged.

- In the forest.

There was silence.

A more muscular adventurer approached.

- Did you clear the forest all by yourself?

- Yeah, why?

The man frowned and came closer.

- Listen up, little fella. This is our territory. We don't like smart guys who come here to play hero.

He put a hand on Erd's shoulder.

Dune stepped forward and looked into the adventurer's golden eyes.

An icy shiver ran down Erd's spine.

Her gaze...

It was as if a thousand-year-old entity had just judged his existence.

He took a step back, sweat beading on his forehead.

Dune gave him a cold smile.

- Put your hand down, human. Now.

The man obeyed instantly.

The receptionist, still in shock, retrieved the bag.

- These materials are worth... 30 gold coins.

She handed him a purse.

Erd took it, smiling.

- Thank you very much.

Then, without another word, he turned on his heels and left the guild with Dune.

Outside, he sighed.

- Well... We've got a bit of gold, we should find somewhere to sleep.

Dune nodded.

- Yes... But know one thing, Master.

- Know what?

She gave him a piercing look.

- From now on, everyone's going to hear about you.

Erd smiled.

- That's good. It'll be fun.