A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1643: Wolves?

Tarran looked at the man, golden eyes full of the unknown, before he waved his hand, sending the delegation back through a portal he opened. When the other Wyrmʼs saw this, they were shocked. The young woman stepped forward, demanding. ʼʼWhy send them away when we couldʼve got information?ʼʼ

ʼʼThereʼs no need,ʼʼ he waved away. ʼʼThe war between our peoples has been going on for far too long, and I believe youʼll be the one who ends it, Kaelira. Go ally with this growing empire. The current ones have been a letdown since allowing them to grow larger.ʼʼ

The young woman gritted her teeth as the other two went to complain, but Tarran sent them away with a wave of his hand. Once they were gone, he stepped forward. ʼʼWhatʼs the point of fighting a war daughter? Losing many of us when weʼre already losing our people to diesese thatʼs ravaging our kind?ʼʼ

Kaelira looked down, frowning when remembering the dying as he continued. ʼʼGo to Orientia and see what this Dragon Emperor can do, if he can help us bring him here. Maybe our greatest enemy will be the one who helps us?ʼʼ

A heavy silence hung between them until Kaelira finally spoke, her voice firm. ʼʼFine, Iʼll go, but I wonʼt grovel for anyoneʼs help.ʼʼ

Taranʼs face lit with a proud smile. ʼʼGo, my daughter. Save the Wyrm and honor your motherʼs memory as she watches over you.ʼʼ

With a determined nod, Kaelira sprang from the outcrop, her body shifting mid-air into her majestic Wyrm form. She plunged into the molten lava, navigating the ancient tunnels beneath Pyraen in search of the path to the surface.

***

(Kaelira)

Kaelira was swimming through the long tunnel that led to the southern part of Thrylos and burst through a sea of coral only to appear in the depths. She glanced around, only to see land in the distance, causing her to head toward it before jumping out of the water and landed on the beach.

Before the Wyrm Princess sprawled an endless jungle, its dense canopy stretching far into the horizon. To her left and right, sandy beaches kissed the edges of the green expanse. With a shrug, Kaelira turned toward the treeline, her senses sharp as she searched for a settlement that might lead her to the White Dragon Empire.

As she wove through the tangled underbrush, monsters lunged from the foliage, their claws gleaming. Kaelira killed them with a single slap, leaving their broken bodies behind as she pressed deeper into the jungleʼs heart.

***

Archer was still on the back of the Nightmare Ant, but soon enough, the monster was struggling to fly, forcing him to order. ʼʼLand already, the wind is getting bad!ʼʼ

The creatures dived to the ground and crashed into some woods, only to skid in front of a cave that a deep rumble echoed from. He didnʼt give what ever it was a chance and cast a Mana Blast into the darkness. A loud crash sounded as a giant bear came to a stop in front of them.

Meredith stiffened at this as Malakiaʼs eyes narrowed. ʼʼLooks like it was charging at us and is a Northern Cave Bear, strong monsters when not sleeping.ʼʼ

Archer stowed the corpse in his Item Box, then pitched a tent for the trio in a secluded clearing, with the cave entrance on one side and the path out on the other. Meanwhile, Malakia gathered firewood, and Meredith kept watch. Within ten minutes, the camp was set, and he ignited the fire with a burst of his breath, bringing it to a roaring blaze.

The trio settled around the crackling campfire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the clearing. Archer leaned back against a tree, his eyes half-closed, while Malakia sat cross-legged, poking at the embers with a stick. Meredith, still vigilant, perched on a nearby rock, her gaze sweeping the darkening forest beyond the firelight.

The air was cool, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, and for a moment, the only sounds were the fireʼs soft pops and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Then, a low, eerie howl echoed in the distance, rolling through the trees like a warning. Meredithʼs head snapped up, her hand instinctively resting on the hilt of her dagger.

Another howl followed, closer this time, joined by a chorus of others, their mournful wails weaving together in the night. Archer opened his eyes fully, his relaxed posture stiffening as he scanned the shadows. Malakia froze, the stick in her hand hovering over the fire, her eyes wide.

ʼʼWolves?ʼʼ Malakia said.

Meredith shook her head slightly, her expression grim. ʼʼNot wolves. Something worse.ʼʼ

When Archer heard this, he let out a low growl that echoed through the forest, scaring any nearby monster away. The women glanced at him as Malakiaʼs tail swayed excitedly. ʼʼThank you handsome. I donʼt want creatures creeping around in the dark.ʼʼ

Following that, the three relaxed aroudn the fire as Meredith finally chilled out and laid back on a blanket with a pillow under her head. She was watching the sky as stars painted the night sky. Archer looked at the blonde maid and questioned. ʼʼEnjoying the journey so far, Mere?ʼʼ

The campfire roared, casting a golden glow over the trio as sparks drifted upward to mingle with the starlit sky. Meredith, still gazing at the constellations, gave a soft hum in response to Archerʼs question, a rare smile softening her features. ”Itʼs good,ʼʼ she replied, miling. ʼʼBeats the usual chaos of the palace.ʼʼ

Malakia, sitting cross-legged near the fire, chuckled softly, tossing another stick into the flames. ʼʼHigh praise from you, Mere,ʼʼ she teased, her eyes glinting with mischief. ʼʼI thought youʼd be itching to return by now.ʼʼ

Her tone was warm, playful, as she leaned back on her hands, the firelight illuminating her grey hair. Archer, kneeling by the fire, set a small battered kettle over the flames, the faint clink of metal punctuating the night. He rummaged in his Item Box, pulling out a tin of loose tea leaves, their earthy aroma rising as he scooped them into the kettle.

ʼʼTeaʼs the real hero out here,ʼʼ he said, glancing at Malakia with a grin. ʼʼKeeps us civilized, even with those howls creeping closer.ʼʼ

As if on cue, another distant howl pierced the night, sharper now, joined by a second, closer wail. Meredith propped herself up on her elbows, her relaxed demeanor fading slightly, while Malakiaʼs head tilted, listening. Archer, unfazed, stirred the brewing tea, the steam curling upward.

ʼʼTheyʼre still a ways off,ʼʼ he said calmly, though his free hand rested near his blade. ʼʼPlenty of time for a cup before we deal with whateverʼs out there.ʼʼ

Hours later, the fire had dwindled to glowing embers, casting a warm light across the clearing. The distant howls had faded, leaving only the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl to break the stillness. Meredith stretched, her blanket slipping off her shoulders as she stood, brushing stray pine needles from her clothes.

ʼʼIʼm turning in,ʼʼ she said yawning.

She glanced at the lioness, who was stifling a yawn, her eyes heavy from the fireʼs glow. ʼʼSame,ʼʼ Malakia agreed, rising and stretching her arms overhead, her silhouette briefly outlined against the starlit sky. ʼʼDonʼt stay up too long, Archer. Whateverʼs out there can wait till morning.ʼʼ

She flashed him a teasing grin before ducking into the tent after Meredith, the canvas flap rustling as it closed behind them. Archer remained by the dying fire, the kettle now cool beside him, a half-empty tin cup of tea in his hand. He leaned back against a tree, his gaze drifting between the dark mouth of the cave and the shadowed path leading out of the clearing.

The air was crisp, carrying a faint metallic tang, and though the howls had stopped, a prickle of unease lingered. After a final scan of the clearing, he set his empty tin cup beside the smoldering embers and stood, brushing the chill from his hands. The night had grown quieter, the distant howls replaced by the soft chirping of crickets.

Satisfied that the immediate danger had passed, he moved toward the tent, lifting the canvas flap with care to avoid waking the others. Inside, the air was warm, tinged with the faint scent of pine and the lingering aroma of tea. Meredith and Malakia were already nestled under a blanket, their breathing soft and steady.

Meredith lay on her side, her blonde hair spilling across the pillow, while Malakia curled nearby, her grey curls fanned out on the blanket. The small space felt snug, grounded by their presence.

Following that, Archer settled onto his bedroll between them, careful not to disturb their rest. As he eased down, Meredith stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering but not opening, and instinctively shifted closer, her shoulder brushing against his. Malakia, as if sensing the movement, murmured something and nestled against his other side,

Archer froze for a moment, caught off guard by their closeness, then relaxed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He pulled the edge of his own blanket over the three.