Trekking through the forest (II)

Zero grunted, and he started to trot forward. Suddenly, he felt Agnis' fingers gently stroking his

back, where he had a horrible itch. He shuddered, faltered, and almost fell to his knees. The strange sensation was euphoric but mind-bogglingly difficult for him to move.

"What is this?" Agnis asked; she leaned forward, her finger caught on something on his back. She gently caressed the newly grown wing-like appendages. Her finger gripped the edge and pulled. The appendage opened up into tiny feathered wings that were blackish gold. It flapped a couple of times every time she touched his wings.

"That's soooooooooo cute!" Agnis squealed out in delight. "Oh my god, is this what every dragon's wing first looks like when they emerge?"

"S-s-stop it, A-agnis." His leg buckled while she played around with his small wings. It was like when he scratched the lower back of a dog, making it almost impossible for them to get back on their feet. That was what was happening to Zero; he couldn't move.

"But it's so cute~" Agnis plays with the little wing, stretching and wiggling at it. "It's so soft~."

"Stop!" Zero fell over, defeated. His feet were twitching while his tail flopped around like a fish.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Agnis rampage of tackling his wings continued until she was satisfied. Her face was red, her cheeks slightly blushed, but she was happy. She patted Zero on his side and ruffled his scale-like feathers while Zero lay down, defeated and embarrassed.

"Let's go, Zero. It's not time to be playing around."

Zero leg cramps and his mind was dazed. He felt violated, and he cried silently in his mind. But, his poor wings, the sensitivity on it was high, making every touch exhilaratingly pleasing. His whole body trembled and shook as he tried his best to get on his feet but failed.

"Are you done goofing around? We're going to be late."

With a huff, Zero grumbled under his breath. "Whose fault is it for me being so weak?" Not him, for sure; if she hadn't played with his emerging sensitive wings, he would've already been there.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, just hold on tight." His feet finally stabilized, and Zero walked forward. Each step became stronger, faster, and more powerful to the point where he took a few dozen steps until he reached their destination.

When they arrived, the town square was crowded with players, making it difficult for Zero to push through. He had to be extremely careful not to step on anyone, but luckily, most players moved away for him to step through. A path was forming towards the center, where he saw a Valiant and Sekka surrounded by the crowds. Their partners, Reed and Leaf, were busily signing autographs as if they were celebrities.

"Valiant! Sekka! Leaf! Reed!" Agnis called out, she got on her feet, her hands hooked around his neck, and she waved toward them in excitement. Players turned towards her and gazed at her with wonder. She was like a fierce battle maiden with flowing white hair, sitting on top of a fierce dragon.

The two dragons and their companion turned their heads towards Agnis and brightened up when they saw Zero and Agnis. Valiant, who was sitting down, puffed up like a peacock, got up and happily greeted them. Sekka, on the other hand, yawned; her large golden mouth showed an array of fierce teeth, causing the people to step back.

Zero had outgrown Valiant and Sekka and they only came up half his size, making them the second largest dragons in Drezo Regalia's species. He was quite proud of these two, who had grown quite quickly in the Pyramid of Light. They had even made a name for themselves in the past month, becoming famous in Elven city. Honestly, all eight dragon generals had made quite a name for themselves throughout the city and the dungeons.

The eight dragons were considered at the forefront of dragon evolution, their teamwork exceptional, and their buildings on the island quite beautiful. So many NPCs and players had come far and wide to see them.

Even Zero needed help getting the crowd off him without being sought out, especially since the whole of Draconis city knew he was the Prince of all Drezo Regalia.

"You guys made it," said Agnis.

"Yea, though you guys just made it in time. What took you so long?" Valiant asked, curiously peering at them.

"Agnis, that's what." Zero grumbled. If Agnis didn't tackle his poor wings, they would've been here by now, but that wasn't the case.

"I understand perfectly," Valiant spoke, nodding his head. "Girl problem."

"Exactly."

"What do you mean girl problem?" Leaf squinted, her hands on her hips, not pleased with how both of them said that. "We don't cause problems; you guys are exaggerating."

"Leaf, this is the one time you won't understand," said Valiant. He was squirming under Leaf's intense gaze, boring into him like a drill. It was quite a sight to see a fierce black dragon that looked like a reincarnation of a demonic dragon be afraid of a young girl.

Leaf cocked her hips, her foot tapping in annoyance. "Explain."

"Well…"

"Ladies and gentlemen!" A hoarse voice cut off Valiant's attempt to say anything. A human male soldier called out to the crowd on top of a Diaz. A buff-looking male with Viking armor stood straight. His hand was on the hilt of his sword while a beady eye stared out into the crowd. "We are pleased that you are all here. My name is Liam, a General that works under her majesty the Queen. Today is the day that we set out into the Dark Continent to retrieve the Holy Mantle and bring glory to the Elven Queen. This Holy Mantle protected the great Hero Samuel during the Great Rose War, fought two hundred years ago. Finally, we have found the whereabouts of this lost item, and our great Queen has asked the citizens of the City of Element to retrieve this sacred object."

The crowd bustled and whispered, all wondering what unique item this was for a large-scale quest to start. It has been a while since there has been a large-scale quest. Everyone was excited to participate in this grand adventure.

"The Dark Continent is perilous with danger; since the downfall of the protection of the Fire Continent, high-level monsters have been slowly encroaching upon our lands. This quest isn't for the faint of heart or the weak. We only want the best of the best willing to take on this challenge. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of a safe return. Instead, it is more likely that you will die on this journey."

Silence followed; the players were straining to hear more about the quest. Some were getting iffy about joining in.

Zero didn't hear much information about the Dark Continent; there had been some rumors that this Continent was considered one of the three hot zones of dangerous high-level monsters that lived in the place. There was one instance when a level 400 monster had walked in the vicinity of the edge of Fire Continent borders, causing a nationwide alert throughout every kingdom.

Everyone feared the possibility of a monster of such a level. No one had even reached level 300 yet, and to fight a level 400 was considered suicide. The large-scale battle against the Landsharks wouldn't even compare to the level 400 or above monsters; they were considered babies compared to the 400s.

"But if we succeed, the reward will be great; your names will be etched in the history of the Elven Kingdom. In addition, you can take a weapon of choice in the elven treasury vault."

The mood suddenly changed, and excitement rang throughout the crowd.

"Weapons of choice in the Elven Treasury?!" A young human male yelled out in excitement to his friends. "That's like giving us an A-class weapon! Elven weapons and armor are considered one of the tops!"

Players chatted, their voices increasing every second. Even Zero's ears perked when he heard the possibility of getting an Elven weapon or armor. He could finally get stronger armor that he could wear. The armor that he had on now was great, but he wanted something stronger. It was time for him to find better gear to outfit his human form.

"Also, our dragon friends have graced us with this expedition. The dragon prince himself has come to join in on the quest." General Liam spoke out loud and turned towards Zero. He gave him a small bow, making everyone turn their heads toward Zero.

Zero froze; he wasn't used to this much attention. In all honesty, it unnerved him. Being in the center of attention was something he didn't quite like; too much attention brought jealousy and problems.

It's not like Zero was afraid of challenges; he just saw them as useless headaches where he could use his time more wisely in leveling up and exploring new areas. So far, he was able to scout out with Agnis a good distance away from the City of Elements and into the high-level monster territory. He didn't need more attention and having people trail behind him like paparazzi.

"The dragon prince is here." First, some of the girls squealed out in excitement. Then, they gaze up at him in awe.

"What's so great about dragons." Some of the others started with jealousy. "I could kill him in one hit."

"Shut up," The girls glared.

"With this, our chance for success has increased exponentially, giving us new ways to scout and fight," said Liam as he cleared his throat. "With this, we shall depart in a half hour. I suggest that you all move towards the southern gates of the city. For anyone who wants to leave the quest, please do it now. For people who do not, please head towards the designated area."

So far, no one had moved; the idea of a rare weapon or armor excited them. Players who had

applied were suddenly given a quest message to choose from. Eventually, the crowd headed toward the city wall's southern part.

Would you like to join the Quest of the Holy Mantle? This is your chance to leave the quest without any penalties. Please choose your answer wisely; if you leave the quest in the middle, a heavy fine will be placed on you.

Yes or No?

"Yes." Zero voiced his approval. He wouldn't let this rare chance slip by, especially for a high-level quest that doesn't come out very often.

You have accepted the Quest of the Holy Mantle.

Quest of the Holy Mantle

The Elven Hero, Samuel, was the last elf to hold onto the treasured legendary artifact that had been passed down by royalty. This Holy Mantle has the unique property of countering magic and protecting the wielder from prying eyes. The Queen of the Elven Kingdom has set up a special quest to enter the Dark Continent to retrieve her father's equipment.

Quest Level: B+

Failure: Loss of levels and decrease in affinity with the Elven Queen.

Reward: One high-level piece of equipment of Eleven made armor or Weapon. Increase in affinity with the residents and the Elven Queen.