Gold haze collapses around Elion, and the office of Orythiel Draemnor settles into view. Beyond the closed door, Saadia, Lydia, and Oskar remain in the Academy corridor, while Drokthar stands beside the elder mentor.
No weapon moves, and no spell gathers. Orythiel’s luminous eye travels over Elion’s stance, his steady breathing, and the dark eyes that no longer carry the Heartgarden’s fading gold.
Orythiel Draemnor
You return changed, though not damaged. Your posture carries trained restraint, and your eyes have released the borrowed light.
Drokthar Volundar
The resonance is quieter than before. Whatever Kheros taught you, it settled into the body instead of erupting through it.
Drokthar studies Elion with his visible eye, then glances toward the sealed reliquary chamber behind them. Its wards remain intact, humming faintly through the office floor.
Orythiel Draemnor
Tell me the final lesson Kheros gave you. Then explain what you experienced when he removed the fault that hindered your learning.
The calm question leaves the room open to Elion’s account. Outside, his companions wait beyond the door, and neither elder presses him for an answer.
“How do you know i met Kheros? It sounds so unbelievable, yet Grand Mentor and Archmage, you both say it as if it was normal… Orythiel answers that he received a raven at his window that had a letter on it from Kheros, explaining you were with him in another realm. As unbelievable as it sounded at first, said Orythiel, the raven emanated a mana that i had never felt in the past. Something that must be possessed by someone or something that is not or isn’t from Eryn anymore. That’s what made me believe it. I then spoke about it to the Archmage. The Archmage then simply added that he trusts the Grand Mentor so he believed what the Grand Mentor said. Elion is surprised because he was not aware that Kheros had done something like this…”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -2)
Elion Draemnor
How did you know I met Kheros? It sounds unbelievable, yet you both speak of it as though it were ordinary.
Orythiel Draemnor
A raven came to my window bearing a letter from Kheros. It said you were with him in another realm.
Orythiel’s luminous eye remains fixed on Elion. The memory seems clear, but the explanation leaves a precise uncertainty: why would Kheros arrange a message before Elion returned?
Orythiel Draemnor
I doubted it at first. Then I felt the mana radiating from that bird. It was unlike anything I have known, as though it belonged to someone or something no longer of Eryn.
Orythiel Draemnor
That convinced me. I told Drokthar, and he trusted my judgment. Thus, he accepted the account without requiring further proof.
Drokthar Volundar
I trusted the Grand Mentor. That was enough for me, though the message itself remains extraordinary.
The answer confirms how they believed him, but not why Kheros sent the raven without warning Elion. That unanswered detail remains lodged in the room’s quiet.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn why Kheros sent the raven
“Interesting i thought to myself… He must have thought that the person here would remain for me… In that case i said, before you ask me questions, Where are Saadia, Lydia and the new guy i met when i first came here… what was his name again? Yes! Oskar. Where are the three of them?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Elion Draemnor
Before you ask me questions, where are Saadia, Lydia, and the new guy I met when I first came here? Oskar. Where are the three of them?
Orythiel Draemnor
They remain just beyond the office door, in the Academy corridor. Saadia and Lydia have been waiting quietly, while Oskar has been asking Drokthar about the training grounds.
The closed door separates Elion from their familiar voices and shifting footsteps. No ward prevents him from leaving the office, and the corridor remains close beyond it.
Drokthar Volundar
They are unharmed. I kept them outside while Orythiel spoke with you, though the orc has shown considerable impatience to see what changed.
Orythiel Draemnor
You may join them now, Elion. Your questions about Kheros can wait until you have reassured your companions with your own eyes.
Orythiel turns toward the door, and its wards loosen with a soft chime. Through the opening, Saadia, Lydia, and Oskar look back toward Elion from the corridor.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell the Academy elders what Kheros taught him
“I step into the corridor to meet with Saadia, Lydia, and Oskar. They are shocked on how much i’ve changed. Saadia comments on my hair that i cut. She asks where are my dreads, why do i look more imposing. Then she stops herself, mumbles something and simply says that she’s glad that i’m back. Lydia smiles, fist bumps me, and tells me that she’s happy to see me. Oskar simply looks at me and comments that i look stronger and more confident in myself.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +2)
Elion steps through the loosened doorway into the Academy corridor. Saadia, Lydia, and Oskar turn toward him together, their familiar faces registering the change in his bearing.
Saadia
Your hair. You cut it. Where are your dreads? And why do you look so much more imposing now?
Saadia
I... Never mind. I’m glad you’re back.
Saadia stops herself, then offers him a relieved smile. Lydia steps forward with her shield at her side and raises a fist toward him.
Lydia
Good to see you, brother. I’m happy you’re back.
Lydia’s fist meets Elion’s in a firm greeting. Beside her, Oskar studies him openly, his broad orcish frame still and attentive.
Oskar
You look stronger. More confident in yourself, too. Whatever happened in there, it changed you.
“I smile and i tell them that im glad to see each one of them. I make eye contact especially with Saadia, thinking to myself that she’s as pretty as ever. Then i add that they’ll want to enter the office of the Grand Mentor, because he’s going to explain everything to the three of them, plus the Archmage and the Grand Mentor.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +3)
Elion smiles at them, his gaze passing warmly over Lydia and Oskar before resting on Saadia. Her familiar beauty catches his attention as clearly as ever.
Elion Draemnor
Saadia is as pretty as ever.
Elion Draemnor
I’m glad to see each of you. You should enter the Grand Mentor’s office. I’m going to explain everything to all three of you, along with the Archmage and himself.
Saadia
Then let us hear it together. I have questions, and I suspect your answers will create several more.
Oskar
Good. I want to know what happened in there, and whether I can train under the same masters someday.
Lydia nods, and Saadia reaches for the office door before anyone can hesitate. Its loosened wards welcome them, while Orythiel and Drokthar wait inside with the explanation already prepared.
“As they close the doors behind them Students from the Mana Academy gather to see what’s going on. Elion looks back and sees them. With his heightened senses from his training with Kheros, he senses their mana and sees that he could only hold his own against some but the majority where still stronger than him. He thought to himself that he still has a long way to go, before closing the door. Then, The Archmage, The Grand Mentor, Saadia, Lydia and Oskar all gather in front of Elion, ready to hear. Elion examines them and starts: Okay. First i had 4 visions if i’m not mistaken. It was quite unclear at some times. First one, i Saw a fight between Kheros, a dragon that seemed to obey Kheros against another man That was named Kravuun. Kheros attacked Kravuun and then transformed into a dragon, literally. Kheros’s Companion, the other Dragon, was named something along the line of Rahgolviing. The man Kravuun then also transformed into a dragon. A fight exploded. This is only the first part.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
As the doors close, a cluster of Mana Academy students gathers in the corridor, their robes whispering as they peer toward Elion. He turns and senses their mana, recognizing that only some are within his present reach while most remain stronger.
Elion Draemnor
I still have a long way to go.
Elion closes the door and faces the assembled circle: Orythiel, Drokthar, Saadia, Lydia, and Oskar. They stand ready, their attention fixed entirely upon him.
Elion Draemnor
Okay. I had four visions, if I remember correctly. They were unclear at times. In the first, I saw Kheros fighting a man named Kravuun, alongside a dragon that seemed to obey him.
Elion Draemnor
Kheros attacked Kravuun and then transformed into a dragon, literally. His companion, the other dragon, was named something like Rahgolviing. Then Kravuun transformed into a dragon as well, and the fight exploded. That is only the first part.
Orythiel Draemnor
A man becoming a dragon after Kheros revealed that form changes the meaning of the vision. Continue carefully, Elion. Every name and sequence may matter.
Saadia
You said Kravuun transformed as well. Was he answering Kheros, or was the change already waiting within him?
“Don’t worry Grand Mentor, everything will be detailed. And Saadia, i believe Kravuun’s transformation was within him. Because to be more precise, he was a Dragon King. Being so strong and powerful, they were among the mightiest of Eryn. Well Kheros was among those Dragon Kings but betrayed them. They were 5 Dragon Kings, 6 Including Kheros. They all had a Humanoid form, and the ability to become a dragon. To continue on the story, Well Kheros ended up winning against Kravuun with the Help of Rahgolviing. Though, even tho Kheros had the help of another Dragon to fight Kravuun, even though they were two against one, Kravuun injuried the Hero so badly. Here were his abilities: Existential Erasure — deletion of material, conceptual, and mnemonic existence. Capabilities: • Null Roar: erases entities from all planes. • Void Singularity: expands absence zones where light and mana cannot exist. • Oblivion Touch: direct contact deletes object and memory simultaneously.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Elion Draemnor
Don’t worry, Grand Mentor, everything will be detailed. Saadia, I believe Kravuun’s transformation was within him. He was a Dragon King, one of Eryn’s mightiest beings.
The room grows still as Elion’s account gives the vision a firmer shape. Orythiel’s luminous eye narrows, while Drokthar turns fully from the reliquary wards.
Elion Draemnor
There were five Dragon Kings, six including Kheros. Each possessed a humanoid form and the power to become a dragon. Kheros betrayed the others.
Orythiel Draemnor
That confirms the old structure. The Dragon Kings were not merely dragons with human disguises. Their humanoid forms were part of their true nature, and Kheros stood among them before his betrayal.
Elion Draemnor
Kheros defeated Kravuun with Rahgolviing’s help. Even two against one, Kravuun injured Kheros terribly. His power was Existential Erasure: he could delete matter, concepts, and memories.
Elion Draemnor
His Null Roar erased entities across planes. Void Singularity created zones where light and mana could not exist. Oblivion Touch deleted an object and the memory of it together.
Saadia
Then Kravuun was not simply powerful. He threatened the meaning of existence itself. What happened to Kheros after that injury, and why did he survive when memory itself could be erased?
Quest Complete
Tell the Academy elders what Kheros taught him
Skill Upgrade: Arcana Great→Superb
“Well Saadia, Kheros has a power called Golden Voice. It lets him learn special incantations capable of doing anything. Once he learns them, he could simply pronounce them and they would happen. At his peak, i even believe he could invent incantations. So it was a fight of two beings almost touching the state of divine, brawling. After Kheros defeated Kravuun, he went to treat his wounds the best he could but to no avail, he was deeply wounded. He used a scroll of Traveling, teleporting him to a place that i was not expecting, the Castle of the First Vampire, Eleance. He knocked on the door and was met with a man with Onimous Blood Mana. The man had a pale skin colour. He had A wolf cut, and his hair colour was white. He had greyish eyes and was wearing a black robe. I’m going to be honest, he was a handsome man but he seemed terribly powerful also. Kheros Met with him. Eleance asked him who he was. Kheros presented himself and then discussed with him the possibility of an alliance.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -2)
Elion Draemnor
Saadia, Kheros wielded Golden Voice. It let him learn incantations capable of doing anything, and at his peak, perhaps even invent new ones.
Elion Draemnor
So his battle with Kravuun was a clash between two beings almost touching divinity. Kheros defeated him, but Kravuun wounded him so deeply that even his healing could not save him.
Saadia listens without interrupting. Orythiel’s luminous eye remains fixed on Elion, while Drokthar’s hand tightens against his robes at the mention of power that could alter reality.
Elion Draemnor
Kheros used a Traveling scroll and appeared at the Castle of the First Vampire, Eleance. Eleance was pale, white-haired, grey-eyed, dressed in black, and carried an ominous Blood Mana.
Elion Draemnor
He looked handsome, but his power was terrifying. Eleance asked who Kheros was, and Kheros introduced himself before proposing an alliance.
Saadia
An alliance between Kheros and the First Vampire would explain how he survived long enough to reach that castle. Did Eleance accept it?
Orythiel Draemnor
You have recovered the vision’s sequence, but not its conclusion. The cost is that the details around Golden Voice remain indistinct: you know what it could do, but not which incantations Kheros had already learned.
“Well Grand Mentor, it is true that i do not know what Kheros learned. I couldn’t comprehend what i was seeing. Kheros was an outer worldly fighter. And Saadia Eleance studied Kheros’s reason, and accepted it. The reason is unknown, since he refused to tell Kheros also why he accepted it. So to give only the important Details, Kheros faced With Rahgolviing and Eleance the 4 remaining dragon kings. Their names was Vokuzan, Saakmir, Nahlviin and Yolmaar. The battle was beyond chaos. Eleance, even though he had blood mana, controlled Poison magic. He could transform into a gigantic snake. He was much bigger than the dragons, Even Kheros. To compensate for the fact he didn’t have limbs, his size gave him strength to choke, move quickly and generate an incomprehensible bite force. He could do Poison breath attacks, Inject venom into anything he bit, and his skin produced a type of venom that was weak at first but damaging over time.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -2)
Elion Draemnor
I do not know what Kheros had learned. I could not comprehend every vision. He was an otherworldly fighter, and Eleance studied his reasons before accepting the alliance, though he never explained why.
Elion Draemnor
Kheros, Rahgolviing and Eleance then faced the four remaining Dragon Kings: Vokuzan, Saakmir, Nahlviin, and Yolmaar. The battle was beyond chaos.
Elion Draemnor
Eleance wielded Blood Mana but controlled poison magic. He could become a gigantic snake, larger than even the dragons. His size gave him immense strength, speed, and a crushing bite.
Elion’s recollection gives the battle a clearer shape, but the effort consumes the room’s attention. Several finer details slip away before he can separate them from the vision’s destruction.
Elion Draemnor
Eleance breathed poison, injected venom through his bite, and carried venom in his skin. It began weakly, then damaged anything that remained in contact with him.
Orythiel Draemnor
That is enough to establish the alliance’s battlefield shape. Eleance compensated for lacking limbs through scale, constriction, mobility, and sustained poison. But your memory still cannot tell us why he accepted Kheros.
Saadia
And if Eleance studied his reasons before agreeing, then the answer may lie in what Kheros refused to reveal, not in the battle itself. We should preserve that distinction.
“Maybe, though i do not believe for it to be such an important information. Either way, Eleance Died in the fight, and Kheros along with his Dragon Rahgolviing, died in the fight. They won though. And that was everything within the first Vision i think. The Third and fourth Vision simply explain who are the dragon kings, for the Third vision, and the fourth who’s Kheros. If you have any other questions, ask, if no, i will continue on the second vision”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Elion Draemnor
Perhaps the reason Eleance accepted Kheros is not important. He died in that fight, and Kheros and Rahgolviing died as well. They still won. That is everything I remember from the first vision. The third vision explained the Dragon Kings, and the fourth explained Kheros. If you have other questions, ask. Otherwise, I will continue with the second vision.
The room absorbs the conclusion in silence. Orythiel’s luminous eye remains steady, while Saadia lowers her gaze, weighing the deaths behind Elion’s account rather than the spectacle of the battle.
Orythiel Draemnor
No further question is necessary for the first vision. You have separated what you witnessed from what you could not comprehend, and that distinction makes the account more valuable.
Saadia
Then the victory was not survival. It was the completion of their purpose, purchased by all three of their lives. Continue when you are ready, Elion.
Drokthar folds his hands into his sleeves and turns from the reliquary wards toward Elion. Lydia and Oskar remain attentive beside Saadia, leaving the room’s focus entirely with the visions.
Orythiel Draemnor
Proceed with the second vision. Tell us what you saw in its order, even where the meaning remains uncertain.
The assembled listeners settle into silence again, prepared to receive the next fragment of the ancient history carried back from Kheros’s realm.
“The second vision is simple. I saw the fight between Yolmaar the dragon king against Eryn the First Archmage of The Mana Academy, and Lyoros, the first grand mentor, alongside a man wielding the same powers as you, Grandfather, i said while looking directly in Orythiel’s eyes. Yolmaar had came back to life, Centuries after the defeat against Kheros’s crew. Then i continue and say that they Defeated the dragon king, But the casualties were so heavy it was incomprehensible. I then add that these Dragon Kings are something else. Though i must add something. I look directly at Orythiel, then turn to the Archmage. I then say that i was shocked to see that the Corpse of Yolmaar the dragon king was buried beneath our feet’s, right now at this instant. It is used to power the Mana Academy. It is used as a fuel, i say leaving Saadia, Lydia and Oskar in shock. Orythiel and the Archmage look at me straight in the eyes, never denying the facts.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Elion Draemnor
The second vision was simpler. I saw Yolmaar, the Dragon King, fighting Eryn, the First Archmage, Lyoros, the first Grand Mentor, and a man wielding powers like yours, Grandfather.
Elion continues while the assembled listeners remain fixed on him. The vision’s battlefield takes shape in the room through his account: Yolmaar had returned, an immense adult male dragon with bronze scales, a broad horned head, and four ragged wings, had returned centuries after Kheros’s company defeated him.
Elion Draemnor
They defeated Yolmaar again, but the casualties were so heavy that the scale of them was incomprehensible. These Dragon Kings are something else.
Elion Draemnor
There is something else. I was shocked to see that Yolmaar’s corpse was buried beneath our feet, here and now. It is used to power the Mana Academy. It is used as fuel.
Saadia goes rigid. Lydia’s hand closes around her shield strap, and Oskar stares toward the floor as though the stone beneath him has become suddenly transparent.
Orythiel Draemnor
We will not deny it, Elion. Yolmaar’s remains lie beneath the Academy. The oldest wards draw power from what survived his destruction, and the truth has been concealed from nearly everyone who studies here.
Drokthar Volundar
The Academy was built around that source. We call it a foundation in our records, never a corpse. Your vision saw through the language we use to protect the institution from what that truth means.
“I am glad that you both admit it, but i trust that if it’s been here for so many centuries, it is because it is not dangerous. With the tension eased up, i continue: And to resume the third and final vision, here’s what i saw for the third vision: The Five Forgotten Dragon Kings (Tier 5.5) were ancient beings of immense power: Vokuzan controlled devastating plasma; Saakmir manipulated gravity; Nahlviin commanded atmospheric pressure and storms; Yolmaar controlled blood and biology; Kravuun negated matter, magic, and existence itself. Kravuun fell to Kheros, while Yolmaar was slain at the Mana Academy. For the fourth Vision: Kheros, the Dragonborn wielded the Golden Voice, blessing allies with draconic incantations. Master of swordsmanship, gravity, time, and transformation, he valued peace over conquest. He could transform into a dragon as well as the other dragon kings, while all also possessing a Humanoid form.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Elion Draemnor
I’m glad you both admit it. I trust that if Yolmaar has remained here for centuries, it is because the corpse is not dangerous. Now, to continue.
The tension loosens, though Saadia’s posture remains guarded. Orythiel and Drokthar listen as Elion organizes the third and fourth visions into a clearer account.
Elion Draemnor
The Five Forgotten Dragon Kings were ancient beings of immense power. Vokuzan controlled devastating plasma, Saakmir manipulated gravity, Nahlviin commanded atmospheric pressure and storms, Yolmaar controlled blood and biology, and Kravuun negated matter, magic, and existence itself.
Drokthar’s expression hardens at the catalog of powers. Orythiel remains motionless, but the luminous eye narrows when Elion names the forces that shaped the ancient wars.
Elion Draemnor
Kravuun fell to Kheros, while Yolmaar was slain here at the Mana Academy. That completes what the third vision showed me about the Dragon Kings.
Elion Draemnor
The fourth vision showed Kheros, the Dragonborn, wielding the Golden Voice and blessing allies with draconic incantations. He mastered swordsmanship, gravity, time, and transformation, yet valued peace over conquest.
Elion Draemnor
Like the other Dragon Kings, Kheros possessed a humanoid form and could become a dragon. That is everything I understood from the final vision.
“So the third and Final vision were more explaining who were the dragon kings. As soon as it finished, i was transported to a place so beautiful, nothing in Eryn could rivalise it. I met Kheros. As unbelievable as it sounds, i have proof. I showed them the Reinforced Scroll Container containing the scroll of Calling. He gave me that so we could meet again if i desire of it. He’s dead but it’s like he’s in an after life… I quite do not understand it. Either way, he trained me and answered my questions about my Draconic Heritage. It may seem that i am Dragonborn, like him and the dragon kings. He trained me, helping me becoming stronger. Time also passed slower there. For you all, only a week has passed. For me it was a little bit more than two weeks because the last 12 hours felt like 3 days. He slowed time so we could train more. We sparred and i successfully landed hits on him with this new sword he gave me. I show them the sword. Though he was going very easy on me…”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +2)
Elion Draemnor
The third and final vision explained the Dragon Kings. When it ended, I was transported to a place so beautiful nothing in Eryn could rival it. There, I met Kheros.
Elion draws out the reinforced scroll container and sets it in the open space between them. Its sealed glass catches the Academy light, golden writing shifting beneath the dark lids.
Elion Draemnor
Kheros gave me this Scroll of Calling so we can meet again if I desire it. He is dead, yet somehow still exists in what may be an afterlife. I do not understand it.
Orythiel Draemnor
A preserved consciousness, a realm beyond Eryn, or something stranger. The container proves the meeting occurred, but not what Kheros has become.
Elion Draemnor
He trained me and answered my questions about my draconic heritage. I may be Dragonborn, like him and the Dragon Kings. Time moved differently there: you experienced a week, while I spent more than two weeks training.
Elion draws Kharul’vok and presents the longsword. Its presence sharpens the room’s attention, while the scroll container remains secure beside him.
Elion Draemnor
We sparred, and I successfully landed hits on him with this sword. He was going very easy on me, but the training still made me stronger.
“This longsword Kharul’vok is very powerful. But that is all. I am finished. What do you all think?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
Elion Draemnor
This longsword, Kharul’vok, is very powerful. But that is all. I am finished. What do you all think?
Kharul’vok rests in Elion’s hands, its presence quiet but unmistakable. The room’s attention shifts from the sword to the people best able to judge what its power may mean.
Orythiel Draemnor
Its power is evident, but power alone tells us little. I would first determine whether Kharul’vok answers to you, obeys you, or merely permits you to wield it.
Drokthar Volundar
I agree. The sword carries a resonance unlike ordinary forged steel, yet I sense no simple elemental current within it. We should study it without assuming its nature.
Saadia
You used it against Kheros and returned with it still in your possession. That makes it important, but not necessarily safe. I want to know what it demands from you.
Lydia
If it makes you stronger, good. But do not let the sword decide how you fight. You are still the one holding it.
Oskar
I think it looks legendary. If you are finished showing it off, I would like to see what it can do sometime.
Orythiel Draemnor
Your conclusion is sound, Elion. We know Kharul’vok is powerful. The next question is whether its history, purpose, and limits can be learned without awakening something unintended.
“Thank you all, but i meant about the visions and my meeting with Kheros, i said smiling”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +2)
Elion Draemnor
Thank you all, but I meant your thoughts on the visions and my meeting with Kheros.
Elion’s smile clarifies the question. Saadia relaxes slightly, while Lydia and Oskar turn their attention from Kharul’vok back to the account of the visions.
Orythiel Draemnor
The visions are credible, but they are not complete history. They are a preserved perspective, shaped by Kheros’s memory and whatever power carried you into it.
Drokthar Volundar
Their greatest value is confirmation. The Dragon Kings, Yolmaar beneath this Academy, and Kheros’s Golden Voice all align with truths buried in our oldest records.
Saadia
Your meeting matters just as much as the visions. Kheros did not merely explain your heritage. He trained you, trusted you with his sword, and gave you a way to call him again.
Orythiel Draemnor
I believe Kheros chose you because your inheritance is active, not dormant. But his reasons remain his own. We should respect the gift without assuming we understand its purpose.
“Well that is interesting. With that done, i continue to discuss with the Archmage and the Grand Mentor on different topics alongside Lydia, Saadia and Oskar until we eventually leave”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
The discussion continues at a measured pace. Elion and his companions question Orythiel and Drokthar about Dragonborn inheritance, the Academy’s wards, and the limits of Kharul’vok.
Drokthar Volundar
Your resonance is disciplined now, but not settled. Practice carefully, and record every change before attempting another major spell.
Orythiel Draemnor
The Academy can offer instruction, archives, and controlled spaces. It cannot decide what your heritage makes you. That answer must emerge through evidence and experience.
Saadia asks about sealed objects and old bloodlines, Lydia presses for practical training advice, and Oskar eagerly questions Drokthar about the Academy’s combat grounds. The elders answer without withholding what they safely can.
Saadia
We have taken enough of their time for today. Elion has answers to consider, and I would rather hear what he makes of them somewhere less formal.
Orythiel offers a final caution about using the Scroll of Calling, while Drokthar promises access to a safer practice hall. Then the companions thank both elders and leave the office together, returning to the Academy corridor.
“I suggest resting at the inn until tomorrow”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +4)
Elion Draemnor
I suggest we rest at an inn until tomorrow. We have enough to consider for one night.
Saadia
Agreed. I know a quiet inn near the Academy gates, and I can secure rooms without drawing attention to us.
The companions leave the Academy together. Saadia leads them through the evening streets, while Lydia keeps pace beside Elion and Oskar watches the unfamiliar district with open curiosity.
Oskar
A bed sounds excellent. Tomorrow, I want to see those combat grounds Drokthar mentioned.
Lydia
Tomorrow. Tonight, food, sleep, and no more ancient revelations unless the building catches fire.
Saadia’s choice proves fortunate: the innkeeper recognizes the Academy seal she carries and offers the group a private upper room at a reduced rate, with supper included. They have shelter, privacy, and a full night to recover.
Saadia
Rest tonight, Elion. Tomorrow we can decide which answers deserve pursuit first.
“Oskar Goes into a room with Lydia, while i go with Saadia. As i enter the room, i hear the door getting closed and someone hugs me from behind. It is saadia. She then expresses that she missed me so much. I lower my head, deeply touched and flustered, and tell her that i missed her too”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled -1)
Oskar follows Lydia into one of the adjoining rooms, and their door closes behind them. Saadia leads Elion into the other room, where the quiet is suddenly broken by a closing latch.
Before Elion can turn, Saadia wraps her arms around him from behind. She holds him tightly, her cheek against his back, as though confirming that he truly returned.
Saadia
I missed you so much, Elion.
Elion lowers his head, deeply touched and flustered by the embrace. The composure he carried through the Academy falters visibly, leaving him silent for a breath too long.
Elion Draemnor
I missed you too, Saadia.
Saadia
Then stay here with me for a little while. No visions, no elders, and no ancient secrets. Just us, tonight.
Saadia’s embrace tightens, and the room settles around them. Beyond the wall, muted footsteps and Oskar’s voice remind Elion that their companions are nearby, but Saadia does not let go.
“Instinctively i turn. I then look Saadia in the eyes and tell her that this is too much and that i am sorry for what is about to happen, as i feel my heart is about to explode, completely flustered. She’s confused but i grab her waist, pull her closer to me, and Kiss her. In that exact moment, i feel like time has stop. She doesn’t push me back, but instead, i feel one arm going up behind my neck while the other is against my chest. It is magical.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +2)
Elion turns instinctively and meets Saadia’s eyes. Her embrace loosens as she studies his flushed face, confusion replacing her earlier certainty.
Elion Draemnor
This is too much, Saadia. I’m sorry for what’s about to happen.
Before the apology can settle, Elion grips Saadia’s waist and pulls her close. He kisses her, and the room seems to vanish into a breathless stillness.
Time stops around them. The inn’s sounds stretch into silence, the lamplight hangs motionless, and a faint magical pressure trembles between their joined forms.
Saadia does not push him away. One arm rises behind his neck while her other hand presses against his chest, feeling the frantic beat beneath it.
Saadia
Elion... what did you just do?
The suspended instant releases. Sound returns beyond the walls, but Saadia remains close, her eyes wide and searching as the magic fades from the air.
“While still holding her, i tell her that i love her. She’s been the beholder of my heart for so long and that i can’t take it anymore, i want to show her my love. That’s why i said i was sorry, not because of anything negative, but because i didn’t know if you felt the same. But Saadia, you’ve taken my heart, i am in love with you, deeply.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +1)
Elion Draemnor
I love you, Saadia. You have held my heart for so long, and I cannot keep it hidden anymore. I said I was sorry because I did not know whether you felt the same, not because I regretted loving you. You have taken my heart, and I am deeply in love with you.
Saadia remains held against him, listening without interruption. Her wide eyes soften as his confession settles between them, replacing surprise with a fragile, dawning certainty.
Saadia
Elion... you thought I might not feel the same?
Her fingers curl into the fabric at his back. Saadia draws a careful breath, then lifts her face fully to his, no longer searching for an escape from the moment.
Saadia
You have had my heart for longer than I knew how to say. I love you too, Elion. I love you deeply.
The confession leaves Saadia trembling, but she does not pull away. She rests her forehead against his and holds him as though the answer has finally given both of them permission to breathe.
Saadia
You never needed to apologize for showing me your love. But thank you for trusting me enough to tell me the truth.
“I smile at her, and i ask her if i can have the privilege of calling her mine. The privilege of entering a romantic relationship with her.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
Elion Draemnor
Saadia, may I have the privilege of calling you mine? Will you enter a romantic relationship with me?
Saadia’s breath catches. Then her expression warms, and she lifts both hands to hold his face, her answer carrying no uncertainty.
Saadia
Yes, Elion. Gladly. I am yours, and you are mine, if that is what you are asking.
She rests her forehead against his, smiling through the last tremor of surprise. The room seems smaller around them, holding the promise they have finally spoken aloud.
Saadia
But let us make one thing clear. I do not want to be a possession. I want to stand beside you, choose you, and be chosen by you.
Saadia’s hands slide down to his shoulders, gentle but firm. Her smile returns as she seals the answer with a quiet kiss, making their relationship certain.
“Then do let me reassure you my love, You are not my possession, but the person i chosen and by whom i’ve been chosen. The person i love. I kiss her again, caressing her cheek while pulling her closer to me”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +0)
Elion Draemnor
You are not my possession, my love. You are the person I chose, and the person who chose me. You are the person I love.
Elion kisses Saadia again, drawing her close with gentle certainty. His hand caresses her cheek, and the warmth of her skin meets the quiet promise in his touch.
Saadia
I know. And I choose you freely, Elion. Not because you claim me, but because my heart keeps choosing you.
Saadia leans into his palm and returns the kiss, one hand resting over his chest. Her other arm circles his back, holding him close without surrendering her independence.
Saadia
Stand beside me, Elion. Let us keep choosing each other, through the danger, the questions, and whatever waits beyond these walls.
She stays close after the kiss, forehead resting against his. The lamplight catches her softened smile as the promise between them settles into something mutual and certain.
“Excited, Saadia requests that we should sleep in the same bed. I smile and accept. We get in the bed and we spend the night in each other’s embrace. I fall asleep, extremely content.”
Saadia
Would you sleep beside me tonight, Elion? I want us to share the same bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.
Saadia’s request brightens the quiet room. Elion smiles and accepts, and the last uncertainty between them gives way to a simple, shared happiness.
They settle beneath the covers together, Saadia fitting herself against Elion’s chest while his arms fold securely around her. The inn grows quiet around their breathing.
Saadia rests her head against him and keeps one hand over his heart. Their closeness carries no demand, only the comfort of choosing one another freely.
The night passes peacefully. Elion remains held in Saadia’s embrace, surrounded by warmth, familiar breath, and the quiet certainty that he is no longer carrying his journey alone.
Near dawn, sleep claims Elion gently. He falls asleep extremely content, still holding Saadia close as the first pale light gathers beyond the inn’s shutters.
“As the morning arrive, i wake up and i see Saadia looking at me, flustered. I smile and i sit down. She sit down also, still looking at me, still flustered, and i grab her by the face, pull her closer and i kiss her. I ask her if she slept well and shyly, she says that yes, she slept very well. Then i kiss her again and tell her that i am glad to know that. I get up and tell her we should meet the others, as i am stretching. She turns her head away, and still flustered, tells me we should spent a little bit more time together before going. I look back at her, smile and i approach her. I Grab her by the face again. She gets up. I grab her next by the waist and i start kissing her. Then i tell her that it is an excellent idea. As i kiss her, i tell her that i love her”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +1)
Morning light slips through the shutters. Elion wakes to find Saadia already watching him, visibly flustered. He smiles, sits up, and she follows his movement.
Elion cups Saadia’s face and draws her close for a tender kiss. When he asks whether she slept well, her eyes dart aside before she answers.
Saadia
Yes. I slept very well.
Elion Draemnor
I’m glad to know that.
He kisses her again, then rises and stretches, suggesting they meet the others. Saadia turns her head away, still flushed, and gathers the courage to delay him.
Saadia
Perhaps we should spend a little more time together before we go.
Elion smiles and approaches. He holds Saadia’s face, then her waist as she rises to meet him. Their kiss deepens into an unhurried embrace.
Elion Draemnor
That is an excellent idea. I love you, Saadia.
“Fast Forward 30 minutes, Me, Saadia, Lydia and Oskar meet outside. Lydia notices something different and tells Saadia And Elion that when they meet Lioran back, he’s gonna laugh like a madman. She says that, while smiling. I say nothing, flustered, same as Saadia. Lydia laughs from this. But understand that her two friends are shy on the matter, Lydia diverts the conversation to Oskar and tells him that she’s been meaning to ask why did he agree to follow us. I snap back of my shyness and i tell Oskar that i’ve been having the same question, i wanna also know why he came to the ruined Inn.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -2)
Thirty minutes later, Elion, Saadia, Lydia, and Oskar meet outside the inn. Saadia stands close beside Elion, both visibly flustered, while Lydia notices their changed manner at once.
Lydia
When we meet Lioran again, he is going to laugh like a madman.
Lydia says it with an unmistakable smile. Elion says nothing, and Saadia’s blush deepens; Lydia breaks into warm laughter at the sight of both her friends struggling for composure.
Lydia
Oskar, I have been meaning to ask. Why did you agree to follow us? What brought you to the ruined inn?
Elion Draemnor
I have been wondering the same thing. Why did you come to the ruined inn, and why did you decide to follow us?
Oskar
I came because I heard a dragon had fallen there. I wanted to see something worthy of a story, but I stayed because I saw you protecting the survivors and Saadia helping them. That was the kind of company I wanted.
Oskar answers plainly, giving them the reason they sought. He admits he still knows nothing about the origin of his unusual blessing, and the unanswered mystery keeps his attention fixed on the road ahead.
Quest Complete
Learn why Oskar came to the ruined inn
Attribute Upgrade: Strength Good→Great