CHAPTER 1054: EXPLAINING TO THEM

They continued their conversation for a while, with Saeldir explaining more of what they had achieved during Erend’s absence.

Among the many things, the prosthetics stood out most.

His voice carried proudness as he described how he had managed to apply his vast knowledge of Magic into the remnants of Laston’s metal.

By combining the two, he had created prosthetics that weren’t just functional replacements but also capable of channeling and using Magic as though they were natural limbs.

Erend’s eyes widened with awe as he listened. "That’s... amazing. I didn’t know you could do that."

Saeldir smiled proudly, his chin lifting slightly. "It is amazing. But I have to admit that I’m not the first. I believe I’m only retracing Laston’s steps. He was the one who first made these metals conduct Magic. I only found a way to make it ours."

Erend tilted his head thoughtfully. "If you ever run out of metal, I can take you back to the world where Laston began his project. There’s plenty there."

Saeldir shook his head gently, his silver hair catching the light. "I appreciate the offer. But I believe I’ll be able to replicate the way Laston created this metal. In time, it will be our own."

Erend gave a slow understanding nod. Knowing Saeldir’s ability and wisdom, he had no doubt it would happen sooner or later.

But then, Erend’s expression hardened. He looked to both Saeldir and Aurdis.

"We need to talk in private," Erend said.

The two Elves exchanged a glance, then Saeldir gave a short nod. "Alright. Follow me."

He led them into a small chamber beside the vast hall, its walls lined with books and glowing crystals for light.

Once the door shut behind them, Saeldir turned to face Erend.

"What is it you want to talk about?" he asked.

Erend’s gaze sharpened. "I’m sure Aurdis already told you about the unknown danger Eccar and I are trying to prevent."

Saeldir exhaled heavily and gave a slow nod. "Yes. She did. King Gulben knows as well. That’s why we’ve been making preparations."

Erend’s eyes softened at that with relief, even though the hardness in them still remained.

"Good. Because a lot has happened since then," Erend said.

Saeldir frowned. "Why didn’t you tell us sooner if you needed help?"

A faint smile tugged at Erend’s lips. "I knew you were all busy. And... the past problems have already been solved. But now there are new ones."

Aurdis and Saeldir both stiffened at his words, their expressions tightening and becoming grave. Fear seeped into their eyes.

"Explain to us," Saeldir said.

Erend nodded. He took a steadying breath and began.

He told them of his and Eccar’s encounter and battle with the ancient forest god, how its world had been destroyed by a Dragonborn who was manipulated by an unknown being.

He explained that he believed this same being now threatened everything. Not just one world, but all of them. He didn’t know their purpose.

He spoke of how the Magic assimilation experiment in the human world was already under threat and then his voice grew sharper, heavier with restrained anger, as he spoke of Arty.

His sister, who now studied Magic in the human kingdom, was also being influenced by this unknown power.

By the end of his explanation, the room had gone completely still.

Saeldir and Aurdis both wore grim and hardened grave expressions. Their jaws were clenched, their eyes dark with worry. The gravity of what they had just heard made them all freeze in silence.

"Did you say... that a Dragonborn was manipulated by this unknown entity?" Aurdis finally broke the silence, her voice low but urgent.

Erend’s face was set with a grave expression as he nodded. "Yes."

Aurdis and Saeldir exchanged glances, their eyes already filled with dread.

Erend caught the silent message between them and gave a small shake of his head.

"I know what you’re thinking," he said firmly. "If a Dragonborn can be manipulated, then this enemy is truly dangerous. And you’re right about that. But there’s something worse."

Both of them turned their eyes back to him, the worry in their faces deepening.

"What is it?" Saeldir asked, his voice taut.

"We have a new friend now," Erend began, his tone low and deliberate. "He is a Time Dragon."

The reaction was instant. Their eyes widened in disbelief, shock freezing them where they stood.

"Time Dragon?" Saeldir repeated, his voice caught between awe and disbelief.

Erend nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes. And he said he can’t use his power to see the future about this enemy."

Both Aurdis and Saeldir released heavy sighs, the sound thick with frustration and unease.

They had not yet recovered from the shock that Erend had actually met the legendary Time Dragon, a being of unfathomable power over the flow of time itself, and now he told them that such incredible power was useless against the very threat they faced.

The weight of that truth pressed down on the chamber and it felt dark and suffocating.

Erend let them have their silence, giving them the time to absorb what he had just revealed.

A few seconds passed before Aurdis finally said with concern. "Is Arty alright now?"

Erend’s expression softened at the mention of his sister. "She’s alright. I asked her not to get involved with this again, but... knowing her nature, she wants to learn how to fight instead."

Aurdis nodded slowly, relief flickering across her face. "At least for now, she’s fine."

"We need to inform the king about this," Saeldir said firmly.

"Yes. That’s why I came here so you can inform the king," Erend replied. "I need to go immediately to Astoria Kingdom because I need to ask them for help with my Magic assimilation project."

Saeldir gave a solemn nod. "Then don’t worry about what happens here. Focus on your end. Leave this matter to us."

Erend’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Alright."

He then turned toward Aurdis, stepping closer. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a brief but warm embrace and kissed her lightly.

Aurdis held onto him tightly, then whispered, "If Arty ever needs help, tell her she can ask me."

"I will," Erend said.

Without wasting another moment, he summoned his power and a portal opened before him in a swirl of shifting light. With one last look at Aurdis and Saeldir, he stepped through and vanished.

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