"Hmm, interesting. And no, I did not know about such things. Let's just say I am not like other humans." I said with a smirk. With a questioning glance from Azura, we walked up the slippery slope of the tunnel digging through the mountain. With the Wraith on my back, I slip once in a while, requiring the assistance of Azura from time to time.
"Now, back to getting my quest done," I said. "Are you able to become some other type of creature, or disappear to somewhere where I can call you again?" I asked. Of course, since she was a Goddess, I had to assume she had some way to conceal herself, even if she is a remnant of her former self.
"Of course, I can, master. And what a great suggestion, as mere mortals could probably not stand my presence for an extended amount of time. I can turn into something smaller for you if you wish me to."
"Are you able to turn into objects?" I asked, hoping for a yes. I have always wanted a cool-looking cane, as well as a fancy tuxedo and a tall tophat to match. I thought it would be a very classy look and might intimidate others.
"I'm sorry, master, but that is not within my current capabilities. If I may suggest something, I could turn into a small nine-tailed fox for you!" She said excitedly, obviously wanting me to say yes as well.
"Oooh, that sounds very fluffy. I would not mind having a fox around, especially if I know a beautiful woman is a fox itself." I said with a wink, getting a face as red as a tomato. After a slight bow from the flustered Goddess, a whirl of snowflakes wafted over her smooth skin, staying in the air for a couple of seconds before dissipating, revealing a ball of fluff, which was a little fox, barely the size of a basketball.
With nine super poofy and soft-looking tails, its eyes peered into mine, begging me to pick her up. Complying with the obvious wish, I bent down, making sure not to reveal how tired I was. Plopping her on my broad shoulder, she promptly curled up and went to sleep. I guess that the downside of turning into such a creature is that the smallest movements might seem like weightlifting to her.
Hefting the dragon, I went into a jog, speeding down the mountains down to the kingdom, faster than a car. When I finally reached the gate, I walked past the guards, who were now tipsy, bottles of questionable substances all around them. Passing through the gate, making sure to have my little wooden tab out, I managed to get past it without any problems.
I suppose goddesses are too powerful to be picked up by magic, or something like that. Asking a fine gentleman where the Royal District is, he pointed to a tall spire in the distance with a shaky hand. I am almost positive anyone would have that reaction if they saw a man with a literal dragon on his back. Anyways, walking towards the supposed Royal District, I was met with a large, metal gate. Standing by the gate were two guards, dressed in red and gold.
Compared to the ones out front, these were like premium streaming services. Walking over to them, I took out a tattered quest form, which barely showed the quest and the amount of money I was supposed to be paid. "Oh, someone finally had the guts to take on the Crystal Wraith. Well, I wouldn't be surprised if the people that took the request had enough confidence that they could take it on alone.
"So, are you the messenger for the group or what?" One of the guards said, with a surprisingly serious face on. How could he not see that I was severely injured, and had the fucking Wraith unconscious on my back? Eh, they will most likely bring me into the capital and meet someone of official status no matter what is said. Might as well milk this as long as I can. Putting a mask of nervousness and anger on my face, I huffed and puffed, making me look like a child.
"I am the one who incapacitated this here Wraith. A hard-fought battle for sure, with wounds to prove it." I said, making both the guards alert. They did not take notice of the ball of fluff on my shoulder, which seemed to be covered in a faint aura now, different from when I first met her.
"There is no way that someone like you could have defeated such a monster as the Crystal Wraith, especially by yourself. We will be taking you to the capital, and see if what you say is true." The other guard said with a monotone voice. It didn't sound human! Then again, they were just guards, so I could not begin to guess how boring their job was, sitting outside for hours on end, waiting for something to happen.
"Come on, guys! I swear I am telling the truth! Look, I have the sheet right here to prove it!" I said waving the flier out in front of me. While doing this, the copper plate accidentally slipped out from behind my shirt, jingling with my motions. It was at this moment that I knew, I fucked up. Looking up at the guards' faces, the copper plate reaffirmed their suspicion that I was just a thief and a liar, as someone with a copper rank could not have defeated a High-Class monster like the Wraith.
"You're coming with us." Both of the guards said, faces of stone. I could easily kick their asses, but that would not be good for my rep, now would it? Sighing, I was taken under the arms and carried through the gates, up the streets, and two a massive castle, surrounded by other guards. Walking up the stairs, some guards gave us quizzical looks but ultimately did not do anything.