After giving Hadorix a moment to adjust to his new abilities, Anubis spoke.
"Hadorix, I have now advised you and I will continue to aid you until you have dealt with the World Tree. Yet now I find myself in need of information from you. Have you met the great red dragon Ember? She had a clutch of 10 eggs. They should have hatched by now. Do they live? Or did the World Tree destroy them?"
Hadorix replied, "I haven't met Ember. But I did manage to secure a clutch of 10 dragon eggs. They may be those you seek. Are they your eggs?"
Anubis hesitated before responding. "I suppose there is no need to lie to you. Yes, they are my children. Where are the eggs now? How do you intend to incubate them?"
Hadorix replied, "They are in the Mystic Orchard. I have no clue how to incubate them. Truthfully, I don't even know if they are capable of hatching."
Anubis replied, "You have to seek out Ember. She will be able to incubate them. If you allow me, I will go into your Land Grant and wait on you to find her. Together we can find a way to convince her."
Hadorix considered the offer Anubis made. He truly did want the eggs to hatch. 10 dragon whelps would be a huge benefit, and the dragons deserved to live. He decided to travel into his Land Grant to figure out how to invite Anubis in.
The system knew Hadorix's intent as it was now truly a part of his mind. By merely thinking Land Grant, Hadorix was immediately teleported into a new world. At first, he was confused. He had expected to find a warehouse or some other building. Instead, he was met with a vibrant new world. Hadorix began to look around. This new world was unlike anything he had ever seen. The leaves on the trees were various shades of metal, Hadorix saw gold and silver, bronze and brass, there were even some that were blue or green, they were the shades of mithril and adamantium from the fantasy games he used to play. Everything was foreign to him. Even the rocks looked strange in this world. Each one that he could see had an emblem and glowed with a strange light. Some had flames and glowed red, others were blue with water drops. Hadorix had no idea what purpose everything he could see would serve. Unfortunately, he did not get to look around long. In the distance he could see a dozen dots moving closer and closer. The closer they came the more he realized they were humanoids. Hadorix could not quite be sure what species they were due partially to the distance, and partially to the armor they wore. These creatures were covered from head to toe in black gear, no black does not give this armor the justice it deserves. The closer the creatures came the less they looked living. These creatures were clothed in moving shadows. Hadorix had little choice but to wait and receive them. Whatever they were they lived in his Land Grant now, so he hoped this would at least prevent them from attacking him.
When they finally arrived at Hadorix, one of the creatures stepped forward and removed their helmet. Hadorix and the creature remained silent for a time. Neither knew what to make of the other. This new creature was a species Hadorix was rather unfamiliar with. It had scales like a dragon, but it was slightly smaller in stature than Hadorix himself and it stood on two legs. When the silence between them had lasted for what felt like forever, the new creature spoke first.
"I am One. Around me are Two through Twelve. In this land we can feel the power of our new Commander. We are the blades in your Shadow Armory, and it has been an eternity since we were last unsheathed. We are not the only ones in this land waiting to be unleashed on the enemies of the Commander."
· Shadow Armory recruited.
· Shadow Commander Title received. +25 shadow affinity.
Hadorix replied, "I am honored to be the Commander of such a prestigious group. How many of you are there? What other types of weapons lie in the Shadow Armory?"
Once Hadorix and accepted to be the Commander of the Shadow Armory, his crest appeared on the armor of all the weapons, and they began to glow with a bright red light. Once the light had dissipated, the crest was barely visible in the shadows, it moved and flowed along just like the rest of their armor.
One was clearly shaken by this development. After a single meeting with the new Commander their power had suddenly skyrocketed. Fortunately, the expressions of the others were hidden inside their Shadow Helmets. As One did not know what to say to the surge in power, he decided to pretend it never happened. One replied, "There are many varieties of weapons in the Armory. In total we number 250. One through Twelve are the primary blades. We served the last Commander on many assassinations. Thirteen through Twenty-Five are the Bows. They also served in the capacity of assassinations. Twenty-Six through Fifty are the crossbows. The remaining are a mixed lot. They are used for general warfare. They are Warhammers, maces, and battleaxes. We are living weapons."
Hadorix considered what was said. This group alone increased his ability significantly. Though if the World Tree were to attack him, he still doubted he would be able to survive. Hadorix thought invite Anubis, and Anubis was immediately teleported into the Land Grant.
Anubis gasped and spoke. "One I did not imagine you could yet live. Do the other weapons yet survive as well?"
One replied, "Anubis, it has been an exceptionally long time. The weapons all live and have honed their abilities and reproduced. We now number 250 total. Those of our tribe that have not taken the mantle of weapons still study and long for the day they earn their shadows. We hope to add staves to our ranks soon. In studying the stones here for the last centuries some have begun to call upon the elements. It is only a matter of time."
Anubis replied, "I had heard stories from Spider about this place, but I never dreamed they could be true. The 50 weapons he possessed were enough to turn the tide of battle. I can not imagine what 250 will be able to do. This world is truly remarkable. Hadorix, may I stay here for a time? I wish to study the planet and its people."
Hadorix replied, "I must head back to Cy and Alexus. You may remain here for as long as you like. I have a lot of business to attend to, after I complete it, I will take you to see Ember. I can place the eggs here if you like?"
Anubis replied, "Please do. If I am correct in my hypothesis, this planet will greatly increase the strength and growth speed of the newborn dragons."
With that, Hadorix returned to Melatonin prison. He then exited and returned to Cy and Alexus. Alexus desired to stay and learn from Cy. As Hadorix saw no issues with that and Alexus would be able to return to the Coven any time she wished, he granted her the ability to enter and exit the Spiders Lair freely. He also intended to add the soulstones of the Spiders Lair and the Coven to the Mystic Orchard, thus creating a portal and a safe way to get Alexus to enter. He then exited and went to Maximus.
Hadorix spoke, "Maximus, I will be returning to the Mystic Orchard soon. Before I go, do you need any aid in Coven? I now command the Shadow Armory and can leave some of the weapons here to maintain peace if you feel you need them."
Maximus replied, "I remember the Shadow Armory from the days of old. I believe them to have died with the original Spider. They will be strong allies should battle be required, but they will not be needed here as peacekeepers. Zed, Patricia and I will easily manage that. I will also begin to recruit for your royal guard. There are many from the Pit that will be glad to serve you, as well as most of the Coven. Though I admit, they are not my primary targets. I wish to find the rest of the original Spider guard. I hope that at least my brothers in arms, that is the other Death knights return to serve now that you have been crowned King. Do you have a method to contact you should you be needed?"
Hadorix considered this question briefly before an idea crossed his mind. He removed the Spiders crown, after all he had already integrated its system with his own. He then handed it to Maximus.
Hadorix said, "If I am correct about this crown, if you wear it you will be able to contact me at any time as I am linked to it."
Maximus equipped the crown and took awhile to examine the new things he was being shown, as he had never had a system before. He then spoke, "This is marvelous. I did not realize such a thing existed. What do you call all these things that just appeared in my mind?"
Hadorix explained how the system worked to Maximus and attempted to speak to him telepathically. Maximus was amazed and replied.
"I can hear your voice in my head. This will be immensely beneficial. Thank you, my Lord. I will keep the crown safe until you return to reclaim it."
With that taken care of, Hadorix shifted into a Lion and began his journey back to Anvilmar. He would then take the portal back to the Mystic Orchard. Claiming sole ownership of it had become his primary goal.
In Lion form with his newly increased power the trip was far faster than it would have been before. Even still it took several months to reach Anvilmar. During the journey, Hadorix mind was extremely concerned, after all when last he was at Anvilmar he had intended to free the slaves under the city. For all he knew the people he had left there may themselves be slaves. By this point Hadorix had been gone for just over 2 years. Fortunately, Hadorix's journey was free of interruptions though full of contemplations.
When Hadorix arrived at Anvilmar, the gates were closed. Hadorix struck the gate with his mighty paw, and while it made an audible thud, no damage was wrought upon the door.
Inside Anvilmar the thud was clearly heard by Lamar, the guard on duty at the gate. He quickly ran to the portal room. He did not have the authority to open the gate, nor the ability to see outside. Arriving at the portal room, Lamar spoke to Brina. (During Hadorix absence, the druids had been acting as a council to make decisions for the populace. Always staging one druid at Anvilmar, and one with Casper. This happened to be Brina's week at Anvilmar.) Lamar informed her of the loud noise at the gate.
Brina quickly summoned the city guard as well as Adonis the Yali. In total the city guard numbered 150 creatures of all varieties, you see Casper had kept his word. Between what he deemed as noncombatants that had been gifted to the druids and those, they had either purchased or knocked out in the Arena, their forces had become far greater than they were when Hadorix left. They had confidence they could stop whatever stood outside the gates. Thus, they marched to the gate and began to open it.
Hadorix remained in his Lion form. He knew that if any remained alive in Anvilmar they would recognize him on sight. When the doors opened and Brina and Adonis stepped out with the city guard, Hadorix was speechless.
To everyone's surprise Adonis spoke first. "Finally, I get to show my appreciation. You defeated me in an epic battle, and rightfully claimed me as your slave. You had your forces heal me, then to my surprise I was granted freedom. I owe you my life and will gladly serve you for the rest of your days."
Hadorix replied, "Adonis, it is great to see you are well. I had feared you may die after our battle. You may serve me and the people of Anvilmar in whatever capacity you desire, however, I do ask that you allow me to place your soul stone in my throne in the Mystic Orchard. While I still feel I am just a simple lumberjack it would seem life has changed the path upon which I walk. I will gladly accept your aid in the days to come and I fear it may be needed."
Brina spoke next. "Archdruid, it has been so long we feared you were dead or captured. We locked the lower levels where you had found the prisoners. We planned to grow our strength and stage an attempt to rescue you soon. In fact, we have been trying to recruit the aid of Casper and his wolves to that end. It is good that will no longer be needed, though we do still need to end the threat of those below."
Hadorix replied, "It is great to hear you are well and none of you have suffered or been taken hostage. I had feared with so much time passing I would arrive at an empty city. We will have plenty of time to catch up in the days to come. But now, I need to get to the Mystic Orchard. Can you and Adonis accompany me there?"
After Hadorix spoke a path was made in the center of the guards. Hadorix began to run toward the portal room and Brina and Adonis followed. The rest dispersed back to their normal duties. The speed at which Hadorix was moving scared Brina greatly. What event could require such haste? Unfortunately for her, Hadorix chose not to reveal anything. He merely charged straight through the portal and back to the Mystic Orchard. Once there he sat on his throne and began to move the orchard. As soon as it began to move, he though, Land Grant. Hadorix, the Mystic Orchard, and all that lie within were instantly teleported into his Land Grant.
· Hidden task completed, Break the connection to the Mystic Orchard from the World Tree. "You naughty boy, you have claimed that which does not belong to you. In this bid for control of the Mystic Orchard who will truly win?"
· Reward granted; Mystic Orchard raised to Red Quality. Grade improved to S quality.
· Mystic Orchard new functionalities added.
Before Hadorix could continue to read the many notifications in his system, a voice sounded, and his interface disappeared.