"So, you are the one who came from beyond the oceans," asked an elder, his weathered face etched with curiosity and caution.
"Yes," replied Zephry with a slight bow, his voice calm yet firm. "I arrived here on a griffin, a monster I was fortunate to tame."
But in truth zephry bought it from the system store
The elder's eyes widened, and murmurs rippled through the gathered villagers. "You tamed a monster? Is that truly possible?" the chief asked, his tone skeptical but tinged with awe.
"It required quite a bit of effort, but it was worth it," Zephry answered, his golden eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.
The chief crossed his arms, studying the stranger. "And what do you seek from our village?"
"My griffin has recently laid three eggs, but they have failed to hatch due to the lack of mana in our region. To save them, I began searching for mana-rich lands, and my journey brought me here. I wish to leave the eggs in your care until they hatch. In return, I offer one of the hatchlings to your village and will teach you how to train it."
The chief's expression darkened. "A monster in the village? That's a heavy risk to bear."
Zephry nodded solemnly. "I understand your concerns, but I assure you the griffins will remain under my control. They are intelligent and loyal creatures when trained properly. You have my word that they will not bring harm to your people."
The chief exchanged glances with the other elders, their faces a mixture of worry and intrigue. Finally, he spoke. "We need to discuss this matter thoroughly. For now, rest. We will inform you of our decision by tomorrow."
Zephry was led to a modest hut near the village center. Though small, the hut was cozy, its wooden walls lined with simple decorations of woven patterns and herbs hanging to dry. Zephry found the rustic environment refreshing, a pleasant contrast to the more turbulent and chaotic lands he had visited.
As night fell, the chief, Endric, and several elders came to meet him. The room was lit by flickering lanterns, casting shadows that danced across the wooden walls. The chief broke the silence. "Welcome to our village, Zephry. We've decided to consider your request about the griffin eggs. However, we must set clear conditions to ensure the safety of our people."
Zephry inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Chief. I understand your caution. Griffins are formidable creatures, but they are also valuable allies when properly trained. Your village would benefit greatly from their presence."
One of the elders leaned forward, his brows furrowed. "You claim to have tamed a griffin. Words alone cannot prove such a feat. Show us evidence."
Zephry chuckled softly, his amusement evident. He extended his hand, and a golden sigil shimmered into existence, glowing with an ethereal light. Moments later, the ground outside trembled, and a majestic griffin descended from the sky. Its feathers glistened under the moonlight, a mesmerizing blend of gold and silver. The creature lowered its head respectfully, acknowledging its master.
The villagers gasped, their skepticism melting into awe. Even the doubtful elder could only stare in stunned silence. Endric, however, stepped closer, his curiosity overpowering his initial caution. "You've truly tamed it. How did you manage such a feat?"
Zephry smiled faintly. "Patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of mana. Creatures like griffins respond to strength and respect in equal measure. Their loyalty must be earned, not forced."
The chief nodded thoughtfully, his earlier apprehension easing. "We will deliberate further. For now, rest. Tomorrow, we will provide you with a final answer."
---
The next morning, Zephry rose early and took the opportunity to explore the village. He admired the industrious nature of the villagers as they went about their tasks. Farmers tended to their crops, blacksmiths hammered away at their forges, and children played with makeshift wooden swords. Zephry observed it all with quiet fascination, appreciating the simplicity and unity that bound these people together.
As he wandered, he noticed a young boy practicing magic under the guidance of Endric. Intrigued, Zephry approached, his graceful movements drawing little attention until he spoke.
"Ah, the young prodigy," Zephry said with a warm, melodic tone that immediately caught the boy's attention. "I've heard about your talent. May I observe your training?"
Endric stepped back, offering a slight bow. "This is Aric, one of the most promising students in the village. He's still learning to control mana."
"And you, Zephry," Endric asked, curiosity in his voice, "you wield mana as well?"
"Indeed, I do," Zephry replied with a slight smile.
He crouched beside Aric, his golden eyes scrutinizing the boy. "You have remarkable potential, young one. Show me what you can do."
Aric hesitated but, encouraged by Zephry's kind demeanor, gathered mana around his hand. A small flame flickered into existence, though it wavered unsteadily.
"Not bad," Zephry remarked. "But you're wasting too much mana. Let me show you something." He raised his hand, conjuring a similar flame. Unlike Aric's, it burned steadily, its brightness undimmed by inefficiency.
"Control is the key," Zephry explained. "The less mana you use, the longer you can sustain your magic."
Over the next hour, Zephry guided Aric, correcting his stance and teaching him to focus his intent. By the end of their session, Aric managed to produce a stable flame with minimal mana expenditure.
"Thank you," Aric said, his voice brimming with gratitude.
Zephry smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "Keep practicing, and one day, you might even surpass me."
Endric watched the interaction with a mix of admiration and unease. Zephry's knowledge and skill were undeniable, but his enigmatic nature left an unsettling impression.
---
Later that day, the villagers gathered for the chief's announcement. Zephry stood calmly among them, his composure unshaken as the chief addressed the crowd.
"We have decided to allow the griffin eggs to remain in our village," the chief declared. "In return, we will accept one of the hatchlings and the training offered by Zephry."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd, a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Zephry stepped forward, his voice carrying over the noise. "A wise decision, Chief. You'll find that a trained griffin is a powerful ally. I'll also leave behind a guide to ensure their proper care."
Under Zephry's guidance, the villagers constructed a mana-rich nest using enchanted stones and carefully woven branches imbued with mana. When the griffin eggs were finally placed in their new home, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air.
As days passed, Zephry took the opportunity to mentor Aric further and share his knowledge with Endric and the other warriors. He taught them advanced mana techniques, helping them strengthen their abilities. Endric, though initially wary of Zephry, grew to respect him deeply.
On the morning of Zephry's departure, the griffin eggs began to hatch. Villagers gathered around as the first egg cracked open, revealing a tiny griffin chick. Its downy feathers shimmered with hints of gold, eliciting gasps of wonder from the crowd.
Zephry handed the chief a glowing crystal. "This contains all the knowledge needed to train the griffins. Treat them with respect, and they will serve you faithfully."
Before leaving, Zephry turned to Aric, who approached him with wide, determined eyes. "Will I see you again?" the boy asked.
Zephry smirked. "Perhaps. Keep practicing, young mage. The world will need your strength someday."
With that, Zephry mounted his griffin, and together they soared into the sky. The villagers watched in awe, their spirits lifted by the promise of a brighter future.
In time, the griffin Zephry gifted the village became a symbol of unity and strength. And would be the foundation and symbol of the kingdom they would establish. Meanwhile, on the central continent, the human tribes united to form a kingdom. The three tribal chiefs, descendants of the village founders, chose a man carrying the bloodline of all three tribes to be king. As Granier grew into a bustling capital, the chiefs established smaller villages, becoming dukes and ensuring the kingdom's prosperity.