Chapter 22

'Galbatorix is currently searching for the name of names, so he can use it to control anyone's use of the ancient language. He wants to cement his rule in such a way and finish any resistance. It will only take 1 or 2 years until he finds it.' Harry explained, giving away the information he needed to setup the negotiations, 'Once that happens, the only people able to resist him are the ones capable enough to use magic without the ancient language. There are not many. And truly capitalize in an organized manner would be me. I offer my help in taking down Galbatorix!'

'And what is it that you want for it in exchange?' Umaroth said in tought, 'How can we know that we are not just replacing one Tyrant with another?'

'I am not planning to replace Galbatorix. He is a madman, wasting the potential of the land and the people. I am already a lawful ruler of my own land. Replacing him with someone capabale would allow me to set up trade relations with the people of Alagaësia, bettering my own people in the process. But this is not what I want from you.' Harry said before continuing, 'First of all, I wish to try whether one of these dragon eggs wants to accept me as their rider. I don't wish to force the matter and will accept the outcome.'

The Eldunarí remained silent for a moment before replying, 'As long as you don't force the matter through any magic like Galbatorix did. We are willing to let you try.'

Harry nodded before going on, 'Secondly, I know that you are aware of it. I hope you can help me overcome the limits of my human body and transform it, giving me the strength of the elves.'

'We are unable to fulfill your request as you currently are. It would only be possible if one of the eggs were to hatch for you. The only transformation we can think of is the natural Dragon Rider transformation that happens over time; we can accelerate the process.' Umaroth replied.

'That is fine. Third, I wish to see whether any of the Eldunarí are willing to accompany me and assist me in seeing different worlds. Also, one that would teach me the magic of their riders.' Harry requests that this be the one offer he was the most unsure of whether any of them would agree to it.

This time the Eldunarí remained still for quite a long time, clearly communicating with each other until Umaroth broke the silence, 'While there are some of us interested in exploring different worlds, something that even we during our long lives haven't witnessed yet. All of us agree that Galbatorix has to be taken care of first. Neither could we search your mind for your true intentions. Before any of us leave with you, we would like to watch your deeds first. While something said in the ancient language is truthful, the right words can easily determine it too. Help the fight with Galbatorix first, and we will talk again. If you should become a dragon rider, I am sure Oromis would be happy to help with your training. What else is there?'

'I see the wisdom in your decision.' Harry nodded; it was already more than he had expected. 'I would also like to have permission to study Cuaroc's body. It's a masterpiece of magic and could grant me a lot of wisdom. I must say, it's creator is a master of its craft.'

'Indeed, Curaoc, Hunter of the Nïdhwal and Bane of the Urgals, is powerful. But the body granted by Silvar, the Enchantress, is the very peak of magic that has been reached during the Era of the Dragon Riders. And still too advanced for you. We will consider it after the fall of Galbatorix, but right now we can't risk his existence. He is needed to protect this place. You should first gain a complete magical education. What is your last request, Otherworldler?'

'It's an offer to you, hoping that you will accept it. I want to invite you to send some of the eggs here to my world. I have a whole unpopulated island that could be hidden by magic; the hatchlings could live there freely.' Harry said, 'Having the possibility to gain the help of your mighty kind would be a wonderful possibility.'

'The chance of living a life free of Galbatorix is an intriguing offer. But like we already stated, we don't know you enough. You could be worse than him. We will consider it based on our future observations. Allowing our kind to live in another world too would be a good way to ensure its survival in the case of another Galbatorix. But for now, we choose to remain here.' Umaroth said what the Eldunarí have decided together, 'To be honest, the only reason we are entertaining your requests and don't kill you right here and now is because we were unable to even slightly enter your mind. So Galbatorix won't be able to rip the secret of this playe out of you. Your strange existence may be an even greater hope than the new dragon rider we brought into this world. You may try to see if any of the eggs present wish to bond with you, Otherworldler. But be warned; respect their decision.'

Harry nodded as he approached the eggs on the pedestals all around the room. He counted two hundred and forty-three of them; according to Umaroth, twenty-six of them are set aside for future Dragon Riders.

The largest egg was almost five feet tall, in red and gold.

In a casual manner, Harry approached the first of the eggs that were set aside for the riders and touched them, feeling the smooth surface of the egg. It was yellow and really resembled a jewel, like a pretty stone.

[ Potential dragon bond detected! Do you wish to bond with < Unnamed Dragon Egg Lv.0 > and become a dragon rider? ]

'It works… It was just a guess, but it works.' Harry thought to himself. 'Will the dragons notice that the connection is basically forced?'

[ Wrong. The connection isn't forced. Being a gamer turns you into the main character of your own game, called your life. In the eyes of any of these dragon eggs, you will look like the ideal rider for them. ]

'Perfect. Now the question is: Do I actually want to become one? Will this be my only familiar?' Harry asked.

[ Becoming a dragon rider is different from having a Familiar. ]

'Good. Now which egg to pick?' Harry said as he starred at the yellow egg, 'Observe.'

[ Name: < Unamed Dragon Egg > Gender: Male

Occupation: Dragon Egg

Level: 0

Age: 0 Race: Dragon (Alagaësia)

HP: 20 MP: 50

STR: 2 VIT: 1

INT: 8 WIS: 6

DEX: 3 CHA: 3

LCK: 1

Reputation: 3 (neutral)

Description: A yellow dragon egg that has layed hidden with others for over 100 years in the Vault of Souls to protect the Dragon Race from Galbatorix. The shell of a dragon egg is quite resistant and strong. ]

He checked the statuses of the different dragon eggs, which he was allowed to choose from. For being unhatched eggs at Level 0, all of them had quite good stats. But they were dragons, one of the strongest races in any world.

Still, there were slight differences in their stats; some were slightly stronger than others. He couldn't tell whether it would have any effect on their long-term growth, but why not choose one of the stronger ones since he had free choice either way?

Another important factor was the color. He had intentionally chosen the yellow one to test whether it would react to his gaming system because he didn't like the color and could pick one of the other ones instead of looking suspicious.

It was also a huge relief to know that it was working. With it, the danger of having revealed his true name to the inhabitants of the Vault of Souls could be soon avoided. Bonding with a dragon and becoming a dragon rider was such a massive change to his very being that his true name would inevitably change over the next few weeks or months.

Harry was sure the Eldunar were also aware of that fact. But they probably hoped that having bonded with one of their kind would give him enough loyalty towards them that they didn't need to fear him.

At least as long as his dragon lived, and he didn't become mad like Galbatorix.

Soon, he narrowed his selection to the three with the best stats. They had the same amount of stat points, but their dispersion varied a bit. One was golden, like Oromis Dragon Glaedr, hiding in Du Weldenvarden. It wasn't really his style.

Another one was completely black. Which fit more into his personal style, with the whole Necromancer theme he had going with an Army of Inferi for himself.

But the one attracting him the most for some reason was a Night Blue Egg, a very dark blue almost resembling black, reminding him of the Night Sky. He touched it and observed it.

[ Name: < Unamed Dragon Egg > Gender: Female

Occupation: Dragon Egg

Level: 0

Age: 0 Race: Dragon (Alagaësia)

HP: 50 MP: 70

STR: 4 VIT: 4

INT: 12 WIS: 8

DEX: 5 CHA: 4

LCK: 3

Reputation: 3 (neutral)

Description: A Night Blue Dragon Egg that has layed hidden with others for over 100 years in the Vault of Souls to protect the Dragon Race from Galbatorix. The shell of a dragon egg is quite resistant and strong. This particular dragon egg has formed a connection with the user. ]

[ Notification! A natural dragon bond was detected. Initiating the bonding process. The egg is hatching. ]

'What?'

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