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The Departure to the Southern Sea
"Okay, prepare everything. We'll head out by evening. And don't forget to tell Mom and Dad," Grandpa's voice echoed with his usual authority, commanding the room like it was second nature.
The grand mansion, nestled on the outskirts of the capital, was in full swing as preparations were made for the long journey. The sprawling estate was a testament to my family's power and influence, filled with luxurious rooms and endless corridors, adorned with rare tapestries, ancient artifacts, and sparkling chandeliers. It was always buzzing with servants, guards, and visitors, but today it seemed even more alive as my grandpa's mission loomed closer.
I nodded and made my way toward the other side of the garden, where Mom was reading one of her books—something on noble lineage, I assumed. She was always calm, graceful, and composed. It was part of the noble bloodline she came from, a lineage that had been intertwined with royal affairs for generations. Despite the riches and power we possessed, she remained grounded, always concerned about the safety of her family.
"Mom, I'm going with Grandpa to the Southern Sea to hunt a Divine Realm monster," I announced, feeling the weight of the words as they left my mouth.
Her head snapped up from her book. Her elegant brow furrowed, and her lips parted in shock. "What? Who gave you permission for that, Mister?" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and concern.
I hesitated for a moment, shifting my weight awkwardly. I had known this was coming. "Uhhh… Grandpa did."
Her face instantly darkened, and I could see the worry creeping into her eyes. "Your Grandfather allowed this? Why would he let you go on such a dangerous mission?"
I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "It's okay, Mom. Grandpa promised he'd keep me safe and that I wouldn't get involved in anything too dangerous."
She let out a long sigh, clearly torn between her protective instincts and the trust she had in my grandfather's abilities. "Your grandfather is one of the strongest beings in the Ralfton continent. The number of beings stronger than him can be counted on one hand. If he says you'll be safe, I suppose I'll trust him. But remember, you must listen to every word he says. And I'll make sure your father knows."
"Thanks, Mom. You're the best," I said, relief washing over me.
She gave me a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Stay safe, and don't eat anything strange. Now go on, your grandfather is waiting."
I waved and turned to leave, my heart pounding with excitement and nerves. "Okay, Mom! I'll be careful. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye, and remember, stay safe," she called after me, her voice tinged with concern.
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As I stepped outside, the vastness of the estate opened up before me. Guards in shining armor lined the path, standing like sentinels, ready to protect the family. The courtyard was a scene of organized chaos, with servants rushing back and forth, preparing supplies for the journey. A series of carriages awaited near the stables, but they wouldn't be used. Grandpa's preference had always been for dragons—fast, strong, and able to travel great distances in a short amount of time.
At the center of it all, I saw Grandpa standing with Baron Leon, one of his trusted advisors. Both were already dressed in travel gear, and the knights were preparing their dragons for the flight. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood from the dragons' breath, and the ground vibrated beneath my feet as their massive forms shifted.
"Uncle Leon, long time no see!" I greeted, walking up to them.
Leon, with his gruff yet friendly demeanor, grinned widely. "Ah, the grandson of Above the Heaven himself. You've grown, haven't you?" He chuckled, clearly amused at my excitement.
Grandpa waved his hand dismissively. "Enough with the jokes. We should reach the Southern Sea by dawn tomorrow. Zephyrian Knights, prepare to depart!"
The Zephyrian Knights sprang into action. The knights, clad in their shining armor, moved with precision. The dragons they rode were equally impressive—each one had scales that shimmered like jewels in the sunlight, and their eyes glowed with intelligence. These dragons weren't just beasts; they were companions and partners in battle, their bond with the knights a deep and unshakable one.
"Grandpa, are we going to ride on dragons?" I asked, my voice bubbling with excitement. I had seen dragons from a distance before, but never this close.
Grandpa's laugh rumbled through the air, a sound that was both warm and commanding. "Of course, my sweet grandson! This will be your first time riding one, right?"
I nodded eagerly. "Yes, Grandpa! I've always wanted to ride one!"
Grandpa's eyes twinkled with amusement. "There are two types of dragons," he said. "The Dragonoids, superior beings that surpass ordinary dragons, and the regular dragons themselves. Your mother is a Dragonoid, of course, which makes her one of the most powerful beings in the world. But don't underestimate the regular dragons. They are incredible in their own right. Only the strongest can tame them, and only level one empires, or occasionally level two empires, have succeeded in doing so."
My jaw dropped in awe as I glanced at the dragons once more. They were magnificent, and the idea of flying on one made my heart race. "Where are they, Grandpa?" I asked, searching the sky.
Grandpa pointed toward the horizon. "Look up, dear."
At that moment, something massive appeared in the sky, cutting through the clouds at an incredible speed. The creature was so large that it cast a shadow on the ground, its wings flapping powerfully. The air around us seemed to shift, and the temperature dropped for a moment as the dragon landed gracefully, its great feet touching the ground with a force that caused the earth to tremble.
I gasped in awe as I looked up at the dragon. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Its scales were a deep crimson, shimmering in the light. The dragon's eyes, a piercing golden hue, glinted with ancient wisdom. As the dragon settled, more dragons appeared from the skies, each more stunning than the last.
The knights mounted their dragons with practiced ease, their faces filled with a mixture of determination and excitement. It was clear that these dragons were not just modes of transportation; they were true companions in every sense of the word.
Leon smiled at me, seeing my amazement. "Impressive, isn't it?"
I could only nod, my eyes wide with wonder. "Yes, Uncle Leon. It's incredible. I've never seen anything like it."
Grandpa chuckled. "These dragons are the pride of the Zephyrian Knights. Let's go, my dear grandson. Our adventure awaits."
I hesitated for only a moment before climbing onto the back of the dragon that had been prepared for us. The dragon's scales were smooth and warm to the touch, and I could feel its immense power beneath me. As we took off, the wind rushed past me, and the world below seemed to shrink as the dragon soared through the sky.
Looking out over the landscape, I felt a rush of exhilaration. The journey had just begun, and already I could sense this adventure is going to be great. With Grandpa by my side and the Zephyrian Knights leading the way, there was nothing that could stop us.
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