World Gate Online Volume 3 Chapter 9: Peace

"I-it's happening again!" (Eude)

In front of Eude was the [Hero] turning into a [Monster].

The s.h.i.+ny white mithril again turning into a demonic pitch black once more.

Let's go back to a few hours ago, Eude had met the [Hero] once more, face to face. He was surprised when the [Hero] told them that the monsters were tamed by him, more so that the child with him is a [Spirit].

To humans, [Spirits] are close to myths, legends, fiction, the type you tell to your kids when telling bed time stories.

To see an actual [Spirit] and actually meet like this, Eude's respect for the [Hero] grew more.

But the other woman the [Hero] came with was entirely different.

In fact, Eude's respect had almost plummeted to the bottom as soon as he heard the [Hero] say that she is the [Demon Queen].

He was about to draw his blade but listened to the [Hero] first.

When he said that there is a meaning behind this, that there's a story to all this, Eude calmed down a bit.

He still didn't believe in him just yet.

There's a chance that he may be brainwashed or some sort.

The [Hero] told Eude to trust him.

Eude looked at him in the eye. Even if the [Hero] was wearing a helmet, he can still see his eyes.

In it, there was uncertainness, unease, fear, but there was also resolve.

Eude had interrogated criminals in the past, some were brainwashed, some were not. The brainwashed often has no such emotions when looking at them in the eye.

"He isn't brainwashed…" (Eude)

But that doesn't mean that he's not on their side.

There's not much time, the [Hero] said this himself, and Eude knows this as well.

They're wasting a lot of time just talking here already.

Eude decided to keep watch of him and nodded.

"The demon queen doesn't look like she'll attack us just yet…let's see how this will turn out…after all, we can't possibly fight the monsters, the [Hero] and the demon queen all at the same time." (Eude)

But soon, that train of thought was immediately destroyed.

Just looking at the [Hero] give commands to his monster army and the spirit and the demon queen, Eude was convinced that he's really here to help.

After all, most of his commands are to rescue the soldiers instead of defeating the monsters.

Eude also feel that his is wise to entrust the instructions of the soldiers to Eude instead of him.

After all, Eude was indeed more fit for that job as he knew more about them than the [Hero].

Not only that, but seeing him fight, Eude knows that they were dead weight to him. He realized how powerful the [Hero] was when he was fighting alone before.

Back then, they were even told to retreat if they didn't want to get caught up in the crossfire, Eude thought that was stupid and was about to join him but stopped as he saw how he fights.

Eude made the decision and had the soldiers retreat to safety instead of fighting the monsters.

Sure enough, after everyone had evacuated, the [Hero] also gave the same order to his monster army and the demon queen.

After that, with the [Hero's] magic, he swept the monsters with a huge tsunami that came out of nowhere and the world froze. Freezing everyone trapped in the water.

Some made it alive but trapped so they were immediately dealt with and they were able to rest.

Casualties are…still over a hundred thousand. But when the [Hero] arrived, there were no casualties. When Eude told the [Hero] about this, instead of celebrating, he was down hearted.

Eude has a feeling why.

After all, this is all because he wasn't here in time.

He's probably thinking along the lines of: 'If I had been here from the start, then there will be no casualties'.

Eude wanted to tell him it wasn't his fault but, the demon queen was a step ahead of him.

He watched their exchange from afar, carefully observing in case the demon queen tries to brainwash him.

But that thought was gone in an instant, he knew where their conversation was heading so Eude decided that it would be rude to eavesdrop.

Well, it seemed that they were interrupted anyways by the jealous spirit.

"Haha, looks like even the [Hero] has woman problems." (Eude)

Eude laughed in his head, thinking such relaxing thoughts.

Until, the dragons arrived.

But this time, Eude was calm.

The [Hero] is with us this time. It won't be the same as before.

Is what everyone is thinking but…the [Hero] changed.

He clenched his head as if it was in pain.

The demon queen and the spirit immediately came to his side asking what happened but didn't get any answer.

This just goes to show how much in pain he was.

The spirit tried releasing a couple of healing and curing spells but it didn't work.

Even the magic experts on Eude's side can't tell what happened and caused the [Hero] to be like this.

Finally, a scout used his skill to try and see if there's any information he can get and sure enough, there was a change.

"H-his name and race! I can't read them!" (Scout)

"W-what did you say!?" (Eude)

From what he heard from the demon queen and the [Hero]'s conversations, the [Hero] goes by the name Lucas. This was confirmed by a scout earlier.

Not only that, but at that time, they can clearly see that Lucas was a [Human] as well.

So why? Why is it that such an occurrence happened?

Unless…

"Luc….no…who are you?" (Euomun)

The demon queen seemed to have gotten to the same answer and asked Lucas…no…the person that took the form of [Lucas].

"…ill…" (???)

"SPEAK! WHAT DID YOU DO TO LUCAS!!!???" (Euomun)

"Kill……KILL SLAZORE!!!" (???)

It would seem that whoever this was, was unable to even understand anything.

That was when he began to change.

The same as what happened before, the s.h.i.+ny white mithril turned demonic pitch black.

Horns grew from the helmet.

Not only that, the red glow from the slit in his helmet turned golden, as if the color of his eyes changed.

Bat wings grew from his back that immediately distorted and turned…different.

Instead of a bat like wings…it now looked like that of a reptile's…no, a dragon's.

This isn't a [Monster] in front of them, nor was it a [Demon].

It was a [Dragon].

*RRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

With the man's shout…no, the dragon's roar, the earth shook.

Before, this roar gave them buffs and heightened their morales, but now, it gave them fear.

Fear of the unknown that is in front of them.

The dragons arriving just now clearly felt this as well.

Even the demon queen that's closest was stunned in fear.

"KILL!!! SLAZORE!!! KIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (???)

Those were the only words that he can speak.

No one knew what happened. But the next moment, he was gone.

Along with the thick black mist around him, he appeared before the dragon army above.

Eude and the others can only watch.

They can only watch the ma.s.sacre in the sky.

+ + +

It's dark…

Cold…

And relaxing…

I thought as I was submerged in darkness.

Like falling deeper and deeper in the deep sea of darkness, I let myself fall.

Be embraced in the cold feeling of darkness.

Where am I?

What was I doing?

Whatever…it doesn't matter anymore.

I feel myself falling even deeper.

Even though everything around me is pure darkness…somehow, I knew I was falling.

No…maybe that in itself is an illusion…

This world…this place…there is no up or down.

No left or right.

Nothing.

Just pure emptiness.

I wonder…can this even be called [Empty]?

Empty means…an absence of something.

Then, what is that something?

In this world flooded in darkness…what was it like? Before this?

Hm? Was there something before this?

The opposite of dark is light.

Was this world filled in light before?

Or is this world already dark in the first place?

Haaah…who cares…it's not like I can get out of here by thinking of such things.

…Get out?

Why did I think of getting out?

This place is relaxing.

No troubles.

No problems.

No grieves.

No enemies.

…Enemies? Did I have those?

Then what about friends?

I wonder…did I have those?

What about family?

Love ones?

…Love?

I feel something at the back of my head.

It's warm…

I feel like remembering something but…I can't remember it.

What is this?

I suddenly felt unease.

Then I felt something snap.

Like gears stuck inside my head, the thing that stopped the gears from turning broke and the gears finally began to turn.

I remember now.

Dragons…that's right, there were dragons invading!

Then…then the voices…screaming inside my head!

Those were definitely the dragon's voices!

I finally understand.

Why this skill I got wasn't called [Denneth's Wrath] but [Dragon's Wrath]…this isn't just Denneth's.

It's the collective wrath of the dragons!

It probably automatically activates when there's a dragon near me that's enraged…but then how about that time?

That time when I killed that Black Hand a.s.sa.s.sin?

I didn't activate it willingly that time…no, it's not important for now.

How…do I get out of this?

Thinking that getting out will be hard, I sighed but…surprisingly, it's not.

As if suddenly realizing that I'm dreaming, I woke up.

+ + +

Ughh…I feel heavy…

In front of me was...the sky.

It seems I'm lying down face up.

I sat up while bearing the aches in my body in order to see my surroundings.

Everything around me…is destroyed.

"Wh-what happened?" (Lucas)

Even as I asked, I already knew the answer.

I did this.

More specifically, me in [Dragon's Wrath] mode.

I see a lot of soldiers having trouble standing up.

Eude was going around helping them stand up and patching their wounds.

Behind me were…Eu and Aeran…wounded and lying on the ground.

"E-Eu!? Aeran!? O-oi! W-wake up!" (Lucas)

d.a.m.n!

D-did I do this!?

I…I…-!

"L-Lucas?..." (Euomun)

"Mmhh…Luc…as…?" (Aeran)

Hearing Eu's and Aeran's weak voice, I grabbed their hands and took it close to my chest.

I have no idea what to do.

My only healing spell is the beginner one and I don't even think that it will work on a demon.

d.a.m.n…all because of me!

"It's not…your fault…" (Euomun)

"That's…right, Lucas…" (Aeran)

"How- how can you say that!? Everything…Everything is my-" (Lucas)

"No…It's because…we can't…protect you…" (Euomun)

"That's why…we're…at fault…" (Aeran)

"D-don't screw with me! I…I'm the one that should be doing the protecting!" (Lucas)

Tears began to drop from my eyes.

It's different from seeing the other soldiers die…this time…the ones dying are close to me.

I know this is selfish, but I don't care!

They're important to me!

If it means trading a soldier's life for theirs, I would do it!

Not just Eu, or Aeran. If this is my family, Freya, or Sebastian and his family, I…I…-!

"Lucas…don't blame yourself…I want to see your smile before I close my eyes…" (Euomun)

"That's right…please let me see your smile one…last time…" (Aeran)

"I-I'm smiling alright! I'll smile so…so-! I'll keep smiling for you to see forever!" (Lucas)

I tried my best to smile.

My face is already a mess from my tears but I still smiled.

"That's…it…now…" (Euomun)

"Good…night…Lucas……." (Aeran)

As if a switch has been turned off, the two fell into deep slumber.

+ + +

Inside the castle's dining hall, we received an audience with the King as we have our breakfast.

I sat at the far end of the table while the King sat on the other end with his wife the Queen on his right and his daughter on his left.

The King was wearing a troubled expression as if he can't speak a word due to the fragile atmosphere.

The Queen wore a wry smile as if saying it can't be helped.

The Princess was…pouting for some reason and glaring at me.

On the left side of the table is a small bearded man with a gold crown on his head, he is the Dwarf King. Together with his attendant beside him…also small and…bearded…I can't even tell the difference if the Dwarf King removes his crown.

On the right side of the table is a man that looked very much like a woman with pointed ears that is longer than a demons as well as a crown on his head made of a silver substance that seemed to glow faintly.

He was the Elf King, together with his wife which was a stunning beauty, the Elf Queen.

As for me, I was ignoring everyone.

With my eyes shut tight, arms crossed, I turned my back to everyone.

"Hmph." (Lucas)

I pouted like a child would.

Why am I having this kind of att.i.tude?

Well, that's because of the two persons beside me that wore an apologetic wry smile.

On my right, was a little girl with green hair and bright green wings on her back that glowed mysteriously.

On my left, was a girl that looked to be around my age with horns sticking out on her forehead and pointed ears.

The two was known as Aeran and Eu.

"G-geez, we already said sorry didn't we?" (Euomun)

"That's right Lucas. It's not our fault that you thought we died." (Aeran)

"What do you mean it's not your fault!? You were totally saying words like you're dying!" (Lucas)

That's right, these two was seemingly on the verge of death a few hours ago.

That time, I shouted and cried for a long time while blaming and cursing myself only to be told by the two that I'm noisy and they're tired already and wanted me to shut up…

Ughhhh…just thinking about it p.i.s.ses me off!

I think I might just activate [Dragon's Wrath] again!

Well, let's calm down for a bit.

First, Slazore.

It seems that I managed to defeat him pretty easily…to the point where it's severely anti-climactic.

But that wasn't the problem.

The main problem was me rampaging around as I fight Slazore and his dragon army.

They told me that I didn't care about everything else and just focused on Slazore, like he's the only one that I can see.

For some reason, Eu got jealous and tried to get my attention by releasing attacks every now and then.

Aeran too partic.i.p.ated in that but they didn't go all out since they didn't want to damage my body.

But even with all that, I never stopped my attack on Slazore.

Well, Eu and Aeran managed to stall enough time for me to wake up before killing Slazore, now he is under arrest and is in chains.

The reason why the two was severely injured was really because of me.

As they have to hold back while fighting me, most of my attacks came through and damaged them.

Well, their max healths are really too high so they were actually far from death, just tired.

Haaah…seriously, what troublesome kids…

Well, I can't blame them…Aeran aside, I've seen Eu's attacks first hand so I know just how much she held back so as to not kill me which I am seriously grateful…is what I want to say but it seems that she had troubles holding back which resulted to me almost dying several times and Aeran healing me again.

Just hearing it tires me out…to think that I got almost killed, healed, almost killed, healed repeatedly like that…I don't know what to feel about it.

But anyway, Slazore is captured.

Minutes after I forcefully woke the two up upon knowing that they're still alive and well, the demon army came.

They were supposed to be the third wave of attacks but Slazore didn't come to lead them so they were worried and came by themselves.

That was easily solved by the Demon Queen Eu explaining the situation.

With that, Slazore, who was bound in chains was treated like a football and was kicked around.

Of course I happily joined them.

Even then, Slazore still looked like he has no idea what just happened so it was really funny.

Then, a slightly older looking demon woman came to me and thanked me for saving their Queen.

She introduced herself as Eu's close friend…seriously, if she was her best friend then she should've noticed that Eu was collared, no, it was plain visible isn't it!?

Or is it like that? Like how only a few people can see Warren?...Well, let's deal with that later.

She looked like the secretary type you often see in animes, mangas, or lightnovels. Short hair, gla.s.ses, ample b.r.e.a.s.t.s and a nice figure…which I was suddenly leered at by Eu and Aeran for staring.

Why is it that there's a ridiculously high rate of good looking types in other worlds?

Even the King and Queen that aged around 30-40 still looked good and young.

Even Slazore whose red hair and face scared by monsters still looks d.a.m.n cool which made me hate him more.

Eude too. I was surprised when I saw his face when he removed his helmet, though he looks normal compared to Slazore, with his armor and body build, he still looks awesome.

The dragons were…gone.

They seemed to have already fled from the battlefield as soon as Slazore was defeated.

I guess they weren't tamed the proper way after all.

They didn't even thank me for releasing them from whatever spell they were in and just left like that.

Though…I can vaguely guess the reason.

I was told that my name and race became unreadable when I…turned before.

I wonder…no…let's ask Denneth first when I go back.

He has a lot to answer.

On the good note, I killed some dragons before I killed Slazore which gave me dragon loots and exp!

Well, they weren't as strong as Denneth though. They were the lesser dragons that are close to wyverns.

What's scaring me is how [Dragon's Wrath] grows.

Based on their story, my mithril armor changed form…this could be because the skill is already at Intermediate level, before, when it was still Beginner, though I surpa.s.sed 1000 on my first time, my armor didn't change like that.

It could be because this armor is special, but I have a feeling that was not the case.

I used Freya's [Blood Rush] and bat wings appeared which also changed after all.

At 500, I lose control of my mind.

At 1000, my equip changes form.

Then at 1500…or maybe 2000 I don't know…what will change?

Will my body finally change?

…Or will I become someone else entirely?

Haah…let's leave this alone for now.

I'm hungry.

Really hungry.

I still ignore the two beside me and just focused on the Kings in front of me.

"So…we're not only here to eat are we?" (Lucas)

"Ah, yes. First of all, let me thank you again for everything that you have done. Thank you." (Human King)

The Kings, Queens, Princess, as well as the soldiers that stood guard from the edges of the room bowed…what's it with royalty that kept bowing in front of me?

I don't really like this feeling…except if the King is trash…well whatever, this one is annoying so it will do.

"Then, as for the Demon Queen…I take it that conflict is no longer necessary?" (Human King)

"Hm? Ah, y-yes! In the first place, I hated war and was about to ask for a peace treaty but…Slazore tricked me and collared me…" (Euomun)

"An idiotic Demon Queen isn't she?" (Lucas)

"Muuu…" (Euomun)

The other people can only smile wryly at our exchange.

Well, I can't blame them, for someone to treat the Demon Queen like a brat, they probably didn't believe such a person exists.

In fact, they even felt stupid for trying to wage war on demons with a Queen like this.

"A-anyway! Slazore has been dealt with so the plan for the peace treaty can finally continue!" (Euomun)

"Haah, well. I've already lost all motivations in trying to fight with the demons…our people are already tired from just fighting against monsters." (Human King)

"True…I also feel bad that we didn't help much anyways. I accept their offer for peace." (Dwarf King)

"That's not true King Cruim, it was your best blacksmith that forged the armor the [Hero] now wore. You've helped plenty. We on the other hand, only took that armor to a shrine within our territory for the [Skill Blessing]." (Elf King)

Mh? What was that?

"Ah, please wait a moment Elf King. What was that about the [Skill Blessing]?" (Lucas)

"Ah yes. I think you must've noticed but equipments with skills aren't all that rare in this world. Well, as long as they have the money to pay for it, we allow them to bring their equipments to the [Skill Shrine] for the blessing." (Elf King)

Huh? So that means that…the skills in the equipments are unique only to this world!?

So that's why [Durandal] has no skill despite also being SS rank weapon…

"Can I visit that shrine later? I want to bless my other equipments with skills." (Lucas)

"No problem. It's the least we can do for not helping so much. In fact, you can visit it whenever you want, free of charge." (Elf King)

"R-really!?" (Lucas)

"Y-yes." (Elf King)

Ah, looks like he's taken aback from my sudden outburst.

Can't be helped right? I mean it's free! Free!

Haha, not only that, but after this, I should be able to freely go in and out of this world!

This is the last day time freezes.

After this, I'm home free, then, I can buy cheap weapons and armors in [Harus], bring them here, to the shrine, and sell them back in [Harus] again with skills!

Muhahahahaha! I can feel the golds drowning me already!

"L-Lucas umm…you're drooling." (Euomun)

Ah, no good, no good. I almost turned into a dragon there.

By that I meant their obsession with treasures.

"Ahem. So, are all of us in favor for peace?" (Human King)

The Human King looked around to see if there are any protests, seeing the other Kings nod, as well as Eu's expectant gaze, he nodded himself.

"Then the war…is over." (Human King)

NoticeYou have successfully completed your mission!

Not only did you bring the Human race and the Demon race's conflict to an end, you managed to succeed in bringing peace to all races!

From now on, the four races will work together to achieve a better world. However, conflicts may still arise from different persons and a new faction may be born. Due to this, the leaders of the four races will be expecting you to help them solve it when the need arises.

+2000 Fame
+12000 Popularity in Senerth

NoticeCongratulations! You have gained a new t.i.tle: Senerth's Hero!

You have been recorded as part of Senerth's important history as the [Hero] that united all races!

From now on, every time you are in Senerth, you will achieve high intimacy to anyone living in this world. However, there are some that think that your actions are a hindrance to them and not needed and may think of you as their top enemy.

+1000 Fame

NoticeFor finis.h.i.+ng your mission, [World Key's] functions can now be used.

Note that if you were to travel to another world, time will be unfrozen.

Remaining time: 0:19:46:02

I smiled at the windows satisfied.

Eu next to me is also relieved.

Well, looks like the problem's over…well, for now anyways.

There would still be a few conflicts here and there but…that is not a job for a [Hero] anymore. This time, it's the [Kings'] turn.

For now, let's eat!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NameLucasLevel107GenderMaleMoney10 G 54 S 50 CJobWanderer LVL 37

Marquis of Watervliet

King of the Dorville Forest

Senerth's HeroFame122070Charisma5224Art Sense55Rage0Charm100 (+200)Fire41Water50Earth51Wind50Light40Dark40Pa.s.sive Skills

[Play Dead] Beginner LVL 6(12.23%)

[One Foot Walk] Intermediate LVL 9 (24.82%)

[Photographic Memory] Master LVL 2 (28.12%)

[Potion Appraisal] Beginner LVL 7 (01.42%)

[Wood Appraisal] Beginner LVL 9 (11.24%)

[Cloth Appraisal] Intermediate LVL 3 (75.85%)

[Item Appraisal] Intermediate LVL 6 (82.36%)

[Food Appraisal] Intermediate LVL 5 (71.35%)

[Enemy Appraisal] Intermediate LVL 9 (24.75%)

[Staff Mastery] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)

[Bow Mastery] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)

[Katar Mastery] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)

[Whip Mastery] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)

[Mace Mastery] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)

[Axe Mastery] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)

[Dominant Arm Mastery] Master LVL 1 (75.21%)

[Sword Mastery] Master LVL 1 (13.82%)

[Tamer's Order] Master LVL 1 (34.72%)

[Earth Manipulation] Beginner LVL 9 (08.39%)

[Wind Manipulation] Beginner LVL 7 (23.45%)

[Bash] Master LVL 10(100.00%)

[Dragon's Wrath] Intermediate LVL 5 (71.25%)

[Dragon Roar] Beginner LVL 6 (07.12%)

[Colour Mix] Beginner LVL 8 (97.52%)

[Neró] Master Lvl 10 (100.00%)

[Mien] Master Lvl 10 (100.00%)

[Skotádi] Master Lvl 9 (99.99%)

[Cloth Repair] Beginner LVL 5 (74.27%)

[Summon Freya] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Tame] Master LVL 1 (41.28%)

Pure-blooded Vampires +57000

Church +10000
Senerth +12000

Stat Points Left: 195

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NameAeranLevel620GenderFemaleMoney0 G 0 S 0 CJobHigh DruidRaceForest SpiritHealth330000Mana255000STR1856INT38600SPD3846DEX3864VIT53600LUK756t.i.tleQueen of the Dorville Forest
Idol of the BattlefieldFame0Forest93250Charm8650Earth8540Light6750Pa.s.sive Skills

[Nature's Blessing] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Nature Control] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Heal] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Saint's Heal] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Cure] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Saint's Cure] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Calm] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Entangle] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Earth Ball] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Earthquake] Beginner LVL 1 (00.00%)

[Light Ball] Master LVL 10 (100.00%)

[Light Sword] Beginner LVL 2 (41.58%)

[Nature Destruction] Beginner LVL 1 (00.00%)

Dorville Forest +9999999

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------