The ship sliced through the last stretch of the vast ocean, the faint outline of Eryndral's towering cliffs rising against the horizon. A vibrant landscape of emerald forests and sprawling hills awaited them, framed by a golden sky at dawn. The air was rich and sharp, carrying the scent of new possibilities—and unknown dangers.
Rodensky leaned over the ship's railing, the salty breeze tugging at his hair. "We made it," he muttered, a mix of awe and anticipation in his voice. Beside him, Emmanuel crossed his arms, his red-scaled dragon hovering behind him like a sentinel.
"Feels different already," Emmanuel remarked. "Like this place is alive in a way the port city wasn't."
Rodensky nodded but remained quiet. As Colossus swam beside the ship, its massive frame casting shadows across the water, he opened the system interface. He needed to know just how much stronger he'd become since their journey began.
---
Status
Player Status: Rodensky
Class: Beast Master
Level: 64
HP: 2,780/2,780
MP: 1,900/1,900
Strength: 165 (+15)
Agility: 185 (+10)
Endurance: 150 (+20)
Spirit 250
Intelligence: 220
Skills:
Beast Taming (Lv. 3)
Beast/Spirit Whisperer (Lv. 3)
Command Aura (Lv. 2)
Nature's grace (Lv. 2)
Beast Fusion (Lv. 1)(New)
Summon (Lv. 3)
---
Status
Player Status: Emmanuel
Class: Dragon Master
Level: 64
HP: 2,540/2,540
MP: 2,200/2,200
Strength: 185(+10)
Agility: 165(+10)
Endurance: 160 (+15)
Spirit: 250
Intelligence: 220 (+25)
Skills:
Dragon Taming (Lv. 3)
Blood Siphon (Lv. 2)
Dragon's Roar (Lv. 3)
Blood control(Lv. 2)
Flame Command (Lv. 3)
Draconic Shield (Lv. 1)(new)
Dragon Wings (Lv. 1)(new)
Dragon Fusion (Lv. 1)(new)
---
Rodensky smirked as he glanced over the stats. "Looks like we've both gained quite a bit of power. That class advancement really paid off."
Emmanuel grinned. "We're a far cry from the rookies we were a few months ago. But let's not get cocky—Eryndral's bound to test us like nothing before."
Rodensky's gaze drifted to the dense forests on the horizon. "Then we'd better be ready for it."
---
Disembarking at Eryndral
As the ship docked at the sprawling port of Eryndral, Kael, their captain, approached. "Eryndral's not like where you came from," he warned. "You're on the edge of a wild continent. The beasts here aren't your average monsters—they're smarter, tougher, and deadlier. Watch your step."
Rodensky nodded. "We'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the ride, Kael."
Kael tipped his hat and watched as the duo disembarked with their entourage of companions. Colossus let out a low rumble, its massive form submerging into the harbor waters, where it would stay hidden for now.
The port city of Eryndral was bustling with activity. Merchants haggled loudly over rare goods, adventurers brandished gleaming weapons, and tamers showcased their beasts to envious onlookers. Despite the lively atmosphere, there was an undercurrent of tension. People exchanged wary glances, whispering about the latest rumors of a beast tide brewing in the north.
Rodensky and Emmanuel navigated the crowded streets, their beasts drawing stares and murmurs. A young boy gasped at the sight of Emmanuel's red-scaled dragon. "That's a real dragon!" he exclaimed, tugging at his mother's sleeve.
"Keep walking," Emmanuel said with a sheepish grin, adjusting the hood of his cloak to avoid attracting more attention.
They found an inn near the heart of the city and secured a room. It was modest but clean, with a balcony overlooking the bustling market square. Once inside, they sat down to review their plans.
---
The System's Insight
Rodensky activated the system, bringing up a shared quest notification.
System Notification
Quest: Explore Eryndral's Secrets
Main Objective: Gain access to the Eryndral Guild Council.
Reward: Access to advanced quests and rare resources.
Bonus Objective: Discover three hidden ruins in the Eryndral forests.
Penalty for Failure: Restricted movement within Eryndral.
Emmanuel whistled as he read the details. "Guild Council access, huh? Sounds like they're the ones running things around here."
Rodensky nodded. "And if we want to keep advancing, we'll need to make allies. The forests might hold what we need for the bonus objectives."
"We should split up," Emmanuel suggested. "Cover more ground, but keep in touch through the system's party interface. I'll start by scouting for any dragon-related ruins."
Rodensky agreed, rising to his feet. "And I'll head into the market. Maybe someone knows more about the Guild Council—or the beasts in these parts."
---
First Steps in Eryndral
The two split up, each accompanied by their respective companions. Rodensky ventured into the market, his eyes scanning for anything of interest. Vendors called out, advertising everything from beast armor to rare taming scrolls.
A merchant caught his attention with a display of glowing herbs. "Rare plants from the Eryndral forests," the merchant claimed. "Perfect for taming or healing."
Rodensky approached. "Do you know anything about the Guild Council?"
The merchant hesitated, lowering his voice. "They're not easy to approach. You'll need to prove yourself—a feat that won't go unnoticed. Rumor has it, the northern forest holds a beast considered untamable. If you can bring it back alive, the Council might just take an interest in you."
Rodensky thanked the merchant and moved on, his mind racing.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel roamed the outskirts of the city, where adventurers prepared for expeditions. He overheard two tamers discussing a dragon lair in the western cliffs.
"Think it's real?" one of them asked.
"Who knows? But if it is, it'll be crawling with dragonlings—and they don't like visitors."
Emmanuel smirked. "Sounds like my kind of challenge," he muttered.
---
The Weight of What's Ahead
As night fell, the two regrouped at the inn. Rodensky shared the merchant's lead about the northern forest, while Emmanuel described the rumored dragon lair. Both leads sounded promising—and dangerous.
"Looks like we've got a lot on our plate," Rodensky said, leaning back in his chair.
Emmanuel nodded. "But we didn't come all this way to play it safe."
Their beasts rested nearby, their presence a comforting reminder of the strength they had gained. Outside, the city hummed with activity, a stark contrast to the unknown wilderness that awaited them.
Rodensky glanced at the system interface one last time before bed, his resolve hardening. Eryndral was a place of opportunity and peril, and they would need every ounce of their skill and determination to carve out their place here.
This was just the beginning of their journey into the heart of the second continent.