Niodosis and the Dragon

Around 1200 years ago, the first world power appeared. Its name? Ragnarök. This world power destroyed an entire continent in the northeast. After that happened, another world power appeared to the south of that occurrence. It held the literal power of the moon; it was rumored to be much stronger than that. The world power Ragnarök somehow made it into the Demon territories and gained strength. Ragnarök was the most known and common world power that's talked about. Through fourteen lifetimes and hundreds of users, Ragnarök still bolsters the claim to be the most destructive if used correctly. After centuries of the second having no name, someone coined the term Tsukuyomi and that became the second known world power.

After five hundred years, another world power was discovered deep in the areas of what would be Guskiora. It was said that a giant serpent wiped out an entire country. It gained the name Titanoboa. Furthermore, it's thought that this world power died out completely, but the Gods have favoritism I suppose.

Ragnarök – The first known World Power

Tsukuyomi- The second known World Power

Titanoboa- The third known World Power

The records also talk about these dark world powers that only the Moon King Elves and Children of the Moon get. But no names are provided. Everything else is just scraps of articles and other things related to the matter.

Kendell woke up at the desk, he slowly rose his head from the desk and noticed outside that it's still night. So, he got up and got into bed. Syndel was still sound asleep, so he tried not to wake her. He got under the covers and closed his eyes. Syndel woke up for a second and got under Kendell and went back to sleep. The two slept into the following day around noon. Kendell woke up and noticed Syndel was gone. He laid there a little longer then got up to use the bathroom.

"Ah, there you are. Good morning." Kendell said as Syndel walked out of the bathroom.

"Good morning." She replied smiling, putting her hair into a ponytail.

Syndel and Kendell had become so close, some would assume the two were engaged. But due to the spell and the choosing of Ragnarök, this caused their souls to become intertwined with each other in a way. This was the direct result of Arcana Cortex, the dark world power that slowly pulled them closer to each other, so they can't be without one another.

"I'm going to learn how to control Ragnarök." Kendell said, looking in the mirror at the semi-transparent tattoos on his body.

"You've grown since then, and your hair got longer." Syndel walked back into the bathroom and stood in front of Kendell. He could smell the sweet scent of vanilla bean and jasmine, his hands wrapped around her waist. She could feel the heat of Ragnarök emanating from his body. Syndel's heart began to pound, his breath became heavier, and she could feel him more than ever now. At first, a soft peck sent a chill down her spine. Gripping her throat like he knew exactly what to do. Syndel's body started working against her trying to suppress the fluttering. Her whole body tingled, she began to think about what to do next.

"We can't do this yet. Not now, why is my body working against me right now? I need to-"

Before she could even finish her thought, her body had acted on its own. Gripping Kendell's neck, she turned around as their eyes met and closed. He pulled her in, claiming her mouth again, hungry and intense, until her knees gave in. By the time she became aware of her fingers, they had already slipped into his pants. His skin became hotter and so did hers, the heat in the bathroom became thicker. Saliva dripped from her mouth as she pulled back, feeling his hot breath on her chin. The scent of vanilla and jasmine got stronger, Kendell couldn't control himself and pulled her closer. This was the first time in a long time since he embraced her. A feeling that was all too familiar to him, Syndel could smell the lavender scent on his body. She got hotter as their breathing became more erratic, hearts beating louder. Kendell could feel everything she felt as he continued on, the two made it back to the bed and what happened next was set in stone for as long as they lived.

"Let's just stay in here for today, I don't want to deal with the real world right now. As long as I'm with you, I'll be fine." Syndel spoke, laid under Kendell wrapped in the silk sheets. They stayed in the room all day into the night for more time together.

The next morning, Kendell climbed out of the bed and ran a bath for Syndel. Waiting, he got them to make her a meal while waiting for the bath to finish running. Adrenis came by to the room to check in on them and held a short conversation with Kendell.

"So, I heard that you're a summoning from the other world. How peculiar. I also see that you two have become a lot closer. That's good. she's been alone for far too long." Adrenis spoke, smiling.

"I made a promise to her father, we'll be together for as long as I walk this world." Kendell replied, looking out the window.

"When you find time, ask her about her mother. I feel like it will answer some questions you may be wondering about regarding her power."

"As much as I'd like to know sooner than later, I rather she told me on her own when she's ready. I can feel how hard she's pushing through every day, I don't want to add onto the stress she's already dealing with. I should get back to her, she's probably awake. We'll talk again later, I need to ask you about the surrounding countries." Kendell said, walking back into the room from the hallway.

Walking back into the room, the maids stopped the water running and waited. Kendell sat on the bed and woke her up, she slowly rolled over into kissing Kendell. Eyes closed, she was so caught up in the moment that she ignored the others in the room. After she realized, her face lit up like a rose. The maids smiled at her.

"I ran a bath for you, come on." Kendell said, kissing her once again.

She sat in the tub, relaxing as Kendell washed her hair. The sweet scent of vanilla and jasmine mixed beautifully.

"You're free to leave, thank you so much." Syndel said to the maids.

"Your meals will be ready soon, someone will come and get you." One of them said to Kendell.

"Got it. Thank you."

Kendell walked into the bathroom and sat on the edge of the tub.

"Why're you sitting there? Come on in."

Kendell stripped and stepped into the water. It was hot still, however the heat from the water was nothing to him. It was clear that Syndel was enamored of him and nothing would ever come in between the two. After the bath, they got dressed and went down to eat. The two of them, hip to hip almost didn't say a word while being downstairs. The King walked into the large dining room taking a seat at the table, turning to them. He greeted the two as they ate breakfast.

"I see you two have gotten on well. I'm glad to see it, Kendell. Young Kendell, if you could spare time later today, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. Alone." King Ianbellis spoke.

"After breakfast good for you?" Kendell asked.

"Why yes, it is."

Kendell finished eating and sat, waiting for the king. Syndel was attached at the hip to Kendell, love was indeed in the air. Shortly after he finished, pecking Syndel's forehead and whispering something into her ear; he left to talk with the king. Syndel smiled then headed back to her room and started reading up on everything about the World Powers.

"I see iminent domination is working, so Ragnarök really is here huh. After my long life I thought I'd never see the day it rises once again. I was only a young king when the user of Ragnarök fell. It was a very dark time for those living in the south-east. The demon king took over but that would mean nothing in the long run when ice giants as high as the trees marched east. A never ending war between the living, dead, and past death. But what can we do, we're only mortal pawns in this game of life. But some become knights or bishops on the chessboard, few would go as far as becoming a rook for the sake of. However, nobody will ever touch the king or queen and do you know why?"

"Why is that?"

"Because as men, they don't have what it takes to transcend what it means to be alive. When you're truly in power, are you in control or are you being used like a puppet; for someone else's larger scheme? There are several kings, queens, noblemen, priests, priestesses, and everything else in between who feel as though they're in power. But no man will ever know power. The Children of the Sun, they knew what power meant and seen it as something sacred. Not feeding into the greed that plagues humans. I guess that's the difference between us and elves. We struggle with temptation in the midst of never truly being in control. The beastkin too, they honor the power bestowed upon them by the Gods and they don't use it in the name of greed. I sometimes wonder, was it truly right for us to just come into this world against our will and take everything for ourselves. And don't get me wrong... I know there are bad apples in every crowd but this is about something greater. I spoke with a Goddess one day, do you want to know what she told me?" King Ianbellis asked, a tear rolled down his face.

"Yes."

"Every child you attempt to birth into this world will die shortly after being born, no matter how healthy they may come out. You will never know peace or power as I take the one thing you wanted most from this world. This is your punishment for mocking a God."

Kendell stood in silence, a chill went down his spine.

"After that happened, I attempted to have babies with my late wife for so many years. We lost over twelve children, and I had given up hope. I fell to my knees in despair begging for forgiveness but it seemed like my begging wasn't heard. The last time my wife got pregnant, she carried all the way but when Syndel was born, she almost didn't make it. She sacrificed her own life for Syndel to be alive today. It's so hard to tell this story without breaking out in tears.. But after three rituals, Syndel was birthed into the world. She was sick for much of her time being a small baby, she was diagnosed with a chronic illness. It still bothers her, I can tell. But as of late, she seems much happier thanks to you."

"Is it Arcana Cortex by chance?" Kendell asked.

"How do you know- oh yes, the notes. I see you did soak up much of what was written."

"Dark World Powers and World Powers function differently but I was able to override Syndel's power with my own. And when I was inside her body, I could feel it coursing through her veins like there's someone else alive. I also connected more dots in the spaces of Ragnarök and Arcana Cortex. Assuming imminent domination is Ragnarök exclusive, I'll have to watch how I talk to people. Arcana seems to tap into a person's deepest desires, no matter how good you seem to be at hiding them."

Kendell thought to himself for a moment as the room was filled with silence.

Adrenis walked into the room and looked directly at Kendell.

"Just the man I wanted to see." Adrenis spoke.

Kendell and the king turned toward him.

"Oh, Adrenis I was just telling young Kendell the story of how foolish man could be to think they're in power!"

"You do love telling that story, although I think our other worldly guest will be a force to be reckoned with."

"That reminds me, it's not written in the notes.. But one of my ancestors were a World Power wielder as well. She had the power to control the moon, however it was far too great for her to control. She too thought she could defy the Gods and Goddesses by acting on her own volition. Although, it could have been a ploy set by them all along. Much like my ancestor, I was foolish enough to think that it was my own power." He let out a sigh.

You didn't seem like the fighting type when I first saw you show up in my chambers. You displayed stellar combat and graceful swordsmanship."

"That was Syndel, however I can hold my own but I have no true idea if I would be able to handle an actual life or death fight. But don't get me wrong, I have several years of swordsmanship training myself and martial arts alike. I'll have to figure out using magic while in my own body and figuring out how this world power works."

"Understood, we can get you started with a magic teacher and real sword training as soon as tomorrow." King Ianbellis spoke, nodding.

"Since the both of you are here now, can you tell me about the surrounding countries?" Kendell asked.

"Cedrus is our most trusted ally, next to Hana. Both are Beastkin and elven nations, it's understood that most of us wil stick together. However, there are countries who don't honor the old ways of the Gods. Tuteni for example, as you saw first hand. Tuteni is allied with Zigna and Einigi. We're under invasion clause with Cedrus and Kingston if it ever was to happen. And vice versa, if it were to happen with them."

"The allied villages of Gil are also allied with the Ianbal kingdom, but they're not recognized as a country so it doesn't count." Adrenis added.

"That's about it though, this country has seen the worst of the worst, truly. But we're still standing tall through the smoke."

"I see, is Kingston a human nation?"

"It's the safe haven for demihumans. Probably the best place to live outside of this country if need be. But thats disregarding the Spice Coast. There's other continents but getting to West of Zigna across the Stone River is nearly impossible."

"This country Zigna, it's the one from the notes." Kendell asked.

"Yes." The king replied.

"I see... Well, several of my questions have been answered from everything I looked over. Talk with the diplomats here before they depart. I feel this will be crucial to the future of this country."

"Adrenis, set that up as soon as possible."

"Will do." Adrenis replied, leaving the room.

"Where's Adrenis from?" Kendell asked.

"He was raised in Ianbal. He's been under my wing for as far as I know. Why'd you ask?"

"Curiousity mainly. I think that's everything I wanted to know, if you'll excuse me."

"Your training starts tomorrow, we'll meet back here in two months." The king spoke before also leaving the room.

Kendell returned to the room, Syndel turned to him and smiled.

"What's got you all happy?" Kendell asked.

"I'm staring right at it." She replied, walking over to him in the door.

Pulling him further into the room, she closed the door behind him and pushed him onto the bed. This caught Kendell way off guard, the amount of strength she used flipped him across the bed. He peeked over the edge of the bed at her surprised expression, he let out a loud laugh and got off the floor.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay? Did I hurt you? I went overboard." Syndel erratically panicked.

"It's fine, I can handle it." He walked up to her, gripping her throat once more, fornicating all throughout the remainder of the day. Into the night, Kendell sat up as she laid under him. Looking down at her, he felt like he was where he needed to be for the first time since coming here.

"I hope this is the right thing to do, I don't want to leave you like this but I need to get stronger if I want to protect you." Kendell thought heavily about the upcoming months, then made his final decision.

"Hey, Syndel. Are you up?"

Syndel's eyes were open but she said nothing. But she was listening indeed.

"Tomorrow, I have to make a crucial choice.. That includes leaving you for a couple of months until I'm capable of protecting you to the best of my ability. I really do want you to go with me, I really really do."

Syndel picked her head up.

"I'll go with you, now stop worrying about protecting me so much. I'm more than capable to keep myself safe. So let me be the one to keep you safe for the time being. When you get stronger, and figure out Ragnarok, we can rediscuss this then. But for now, please. Don't worry my love. We'll be fine.." Syndel said, caressing Kendell's cheek. The two shared another kiss and fell asleep.

Early the next morning, the two would depart for Niodosis. For the next six months, Kendell trained in Modern Martial Arts and learned magic on a fundamental level. His progress in a matter of a couple of months was exponential but it's expected as a World Power wielder. Word about him spread like wild fire throughout the continent and surrounding lands. The seasons were changing once again and air became colder. Autumn was finally upon us. A medium sized lodge, near the edge of town. Surrounded with lush flowers that never wither, smoke rose from the chimney. Kendell, sat outside the house under several layers of clothing. The weather in Niodosis was ramping up quickly, snow was expected to begin falling in the coming weeks.

"It's getting cold, please come inside soon." Syndel, peeked her head out of the window.

"Sure thing, I'll be in after this."

He put out the fire outside and brought the pot back into the lodge. The two ate dinner and then got ready for the next day.

"I can't believe it's been close to six months now, you've grown so much. I'm proud of you, you've truly become someone that can protect me." She walked over and grabbed his hands.

"Thank you, also. My birthday is in a couple of weeks."

"Seriously? That's wonderful! We've gotta go all out. I want you to have the best day ever." Syndel spoke, excitedly.

"This will be the first time I'll be spending my birthday with someone I love in a very long time, how poetic... Do you have dungeons in this world?" He asked.

"Yes. Why'd you ask?"

"I feel like I'm ready to enter one." Kendell clenched his fist.

"Alright, we can prepare in the next couple of days." Syndel replied, kissing his cheek.

The night was silent, the fireplace crackled. Kendell laid awake, reaching his hand out. Activating Ragnarok only in his left hand. His control over it had improved by a mile, his teacher had given him a tip on learning control. It's like magic but it's coming from deep within, it's tied to the soul. Kendell began thinking about his life before ever coming to this world. Struggling in college, trying to make ends meet working full time. He didn't see his life ever taking a turn like this in a million years, falling asleep. He dreamt of a time when he was most happy. Kendell woke up shortly after with tears rolling down his face, the wave of emotions hit him all at once. Almost getting choked up, he broke down crying finaly. Syndel's eyes met his and she embraced him, his tears became heavier. The amount of sorrow in his eyes and soul, she just held him as he continued to cry. Assuring to him that everything would be okay no matter what happened next. She wiped his eyes as he eventually fell back asleep. She held him and went back to sleep.

The next morning, the two got prepared to leave for town. They needed to stop by the guild to get him registered.

"I'll have to register right?" Kendell asked.

"Yes. But it won't take long." She replied. She wanted to ask about the last night but didn't know exactly how to bring it up. She assumed it was because of Arcana. Kendell got dressed and the two prepared to start their day.

"When we come back, we can." Syndel said before climbing into the carriage. Kendell followed, and the two rode to the central guild.

They walked into the guild, since it was still early; most adventurers were not out right now. Syndel walked up to the counter with Kendell.

"Welcome to th- Princess Syndel, what a pleasure to have you here?" The guild worker said nervously.

"No need for formalities, I'm trying to get him registered into the guild." Syndel assured.

"Mr. Adrenis got him set up a while back, did he not tell you? Here's your card. It's good in every country really, but you'll need to check into the guilds in every country." She replied.

"That's convenient, nice."

"By chance, is the dungeon open yet?" Syndel asked.

"It's been open for over a month or so now." She replied.

"Great, let's go." Syndel said as she grabbed Kendell's hand.

They got to the sword shop. The smell of choji oil, fresh wood, and cinnamon was very pungent, catching Kendell off guard as he walked in. Syndel walked up to the counter.

"Is my order ready?" Syndel asked.

"Why yes, it is." The shop owner said as he handed her the items.

She slid the armor on and put the sword belt on.

"Do you have anything sleek but suitable for his build?" She asked.

"For sure, I'll go grab everything available."

Kendell walked around looking at the swords. He noticed three swords that reminded him of his own world. Kendell grabbed two of them and walked to the counter.

"You like those?" Syndel asked.

"Yes, they remind me of a country from my own world." He said smiling.

"Those come from the country Cloven." Syndel said.

"Do they also wear layered robe like clothing?" Kendell asked.

"Yes?" She replied.

"So, that's this world's equivalent to the East... Interesting." Kendell thought to himself.

The shop owner came back to the front with everything that would be able to fit Kendell.

"Here's everything available. I'll hold the swords for you." He spoke.

"Choose whatever you like." Syndel said.

Kendell picked up a chest plate with a messed up phoenix insignia on it.

"What's this?" He asked.

"Ianbal Kingdom prototype chest plate, if you like it; I can put it on some armor." He spoke.

Kendell put it aside and continued looking. He grabbed the robe like clothing and his eyes widened immediately. He grabbed string that was brought from the back and grabbed a pair of boots. "I'll take this and these." Kendell said.

Syndel slid the card onto the counter and said, "bill it to the kingdom, my father will handle payment."

"Thanks for shopping!" He spoke loudly as they walked out of the store.

They got back into the carriage with everything new they bought.

"So, you ready?" Syndel asked.

"I think so. Now to put these six months of rigorous training to the test." He replied.

They were off to the dungeon finally after days of prep. The dungeon was located off the highway going to Dimfield, Cedrus. It was fairly hard to miss due to how high in the air it stood. There are several dungeons throughout the continent but this one in particular was considered special by all guilds nationwide. They close the dungeon completely for how dangerous it can become at times. Only opening it within the Spring and Fall.