Living Encyclopedia: Matthew

When they returned home, Ares sat Alex down in a chair and looked at him seriously. Ever since the baptism, something had been bothering him.

"Son, can I see your status screen?"

"Ok. Share status, dad!"

Alex's status screen appeared in front of Ares. Looking at the myriad of powerful skills and abilities, the God of War's eyes almost popped out of his head. Ares slipped deep into thought and a look of sadness flashed across his usually grinning face. After a few moments, he spoke to his son.

"Alex, besides your mom and I, do not show this to anyone that you do not trust wholeheartedly. You understand me? This is very important."

Alex replied, "Ok, dad. I promise I won't."

Ares smiled, but with a tinge of sorrow, "Please call your mother in here, and then you can go outside and play with your new dragon friend. I know it's your birthday, we'll celebrate after I speak to your mother."

Alex obeyed his father and ran out of the house shortly after. Once he was outside he began to think, "What's wrong with dad? Is something wrong with me? Is this related to what I came to this world for? That must be it. Dad and Mom would never hurt me, that much I know for sure. So I'll trust them and listen to whatever they come up with. "

Ares and Emilia had no idea their young son was having such thoughts.

Alex called out to his baby dragon, Seph. Even though he was overly mature for a five year old, due to his memories of his past life, he was still overjoyed at the idea of a pet. He would have been excited about a pet fish, much less a legendary beast like a dragon.

After running around for a bit, he found Seph coiled around the trunk of a tree in the forest. Though he was a baby, his long, obsidian body measured over 5 meters long when fully outstretched. Seeing Alex, he cried out and unwrapped himself from the tree. Seph's body lacked wings and yet he had no trouble flying over. As he flew, his body resembled the waves of the ocean and he was not lacking in speed. He grabbed onto Alex with his tiny claws and rubbed his horned head against Alex's happily.

Alex spoke, "Pet Status."

Seph

Black Serpent Dragon (S)

Skills:

Dragon Breath

Headbutt

Constriction

Alex was sure that his pet dragon was amazing.

He rubbed Seph's head and said, "You're pretty strong, huh?"

Even though he was a newborn, Seph seemed to understand he was being praised so he roared happily.

After playing with Seph for a while, Alex finally remembered that he was given a skill that would let him secretly learn more about the world he had been living in for the last five years.

"Summon - Matthew!"

A blinding light flashed out directly in front of Alex. When the light subsided, a young man stood before him. The man had brown hair which was tied back into a pony tail. He wore glasses and was dressed in white, ornate robes.

With a deep bow, he spoke, ""Hello, master. I am Matthew. I am pleased to be at your service."

Alex laughed, "You don't have to bow to me, and don't call me master, either! I'm Alex, nice to meet you!"

"I see. Alex, how may I be of assistance?"

"I'd like to know some things. Also, I wanna learn about Seph here," said Alex while pointing at Seph, who was wrapped around his shoulders.

"Please, ask away."

Alex and Matthew discussed many things. They started with Seph and quickly moved on to discussing about the general situation of the continent. Being a Black Serpent Dragon, Seph was practically royalty among the intelligent beast tribes. The 'S' besides his species denoted this status. Seph seemed to sense he was being talked about and looked as smug as a baby dragon could.

After a while, Alex sent Matthew away. He had learned much from talking with the Living Encyclopedia.