"Sorry Ikarus, completely forgot about them"
"Them? You've seen those creatures before Petra? What even are they?"
Over there in a growing pile of snow looks to be several white human looking figures with a thick body and tall stature. I want to say they look like yetis but I really have no clue what the hell they even are. Oh, can't also forget a couple of ghostly looking things alongside them as well, e've fought ghosts before though..
"Golems, and presumably wraiths, although the wraiths seem a lot weaker than the one we encountered before. Due to the magical nature of the volcano itself, sometimes these things can spawn in the ash, or in this case, the snow. The last eruption as so long ago, my memory left me"
Huh, just the magic volcano doing magic things. Maybe bits of left over magicka from the eruption made its way over here and that's what causes these to form? Pointless speculation anyways, any trespassers need destroying.
"So... should we go attack then? They don't exactly look friendly"
"Heh, they're definitely not friendly Ikarus. Don't forget, wraiths can only be damaged by magicka"
"Look at you telling me not to forget. There's no way I'll ever forget fighting alongside you in that undead dungeon... or how beautiful you look in combat"
We already have come across ghosts and a single wraith before, although that guy was much bigger and scarier than these couple drifting around. The compliment is simply because I feel like I owe her one every now and then.
"Heh, appreciate the compliment Ikarus but probably not the time. Let's go deal with them then"
"Gotcha..."
As we're heading towards the snowy formed creatures, another thought quickly comes to mind but may not be needed. Even if the golems seem kinda strong, nothing compared to me and Petra.
'Bet this won't work, status?'
[<-Ikarus- presumes correct>]
'Thought so...'
Now that we're close enough but just before getting to striking distance, I make a swing with Excalibur to shoot off a magic beam at one of the wraiths and it collides instantly causing it to disappear. Whilst I'm doing this, Petra sends a black fireball into the other and the same exact result. These things go down in a single hit.
Now all that remains is the three white golems, all have realized they're under attack and have started to charge at us armed with nothing but those huge fists.
Watching these creatures charge is almost a little sad, it's like watching something in slow motion. Even the one currently hurling his arm towards me looks to be as slow as a snail.
I easily duck from the swing and slash both of my two weapons into its side causing a muffled scream to come from the creature, that sounded surprisingly human like...
"Petra, these creatures aren't secretly turned humans under all that snow, right?"
It's not like this will really affect me killing them in the slightest but hey, it's nice to know though.
"No Ikarus, golems are nothing like that. The inside is the exact same as the outside"
'Eh, she's the expert after all'
Petra's already decapitated one of the others so I can see there's nothing but snow inside as well now. I should probably try a little harder but this is extremely disappointing. Every punch this guy tries to land on me misses spectacularly, even the reduced visibility from the gasmask is meaningless.
Petra's already moved onto the last one and I'm just standing here toying with this guy like an idiot, am I seriously complaining about being overpowered now? Those wraiths would've been impossible for anyone not being able to wield or use magic and these golems do require a bit of strength to bring down. This really isn't worth my time though.
In the end, I simply decide to step back a little until his swing passes, then jump upwards sending my vampiric blade into the bottom the golem's head causing it to die... or collapse. I'm not sure golems can really die.
And looking over, Petra's decapitated the last as well, she really has a thing for sending heads flying it seems. Heh, it's literally Petra's finisher, decapitation...
"Sorry about that Petra, these guys suck though"
"Heh, don't worry Ikarus. Looks like these aren't the only lot forming though"
Looking to where Petra's pointing, there looks to be another few golems forming in the gleaming snow. This better not be another pointless battle of endurance where it turns out there's thousands of them... fucking red flag Ikarus. That might be my finisher, causing red flags to happen...
"I'm guessing this is how we're going to spend the day now Petra?"
"Heh, can think of worse ways of spending the day together Ikarus, but it may not be needed. Somethings about to land"
"Wait, what are yo-..."
<Fucking golems, they might be as annoying as wyverns. At least that's the last of the scent of them around here now>
"...talking about... Heya old lizard, what you doing over here?"
Arriving by crushing the new golems is the grumpy dragon everyone knows and love. Almost immediately afterwards though, two more dragons land alongside him appearing from the cloudy skies without no warning as well. It's pretty strange how dragons can breathe this air perfectly though, I guess us phoenixes are strange with that sort of thing. Can't forget about the human evolution process or whatever that crap was.
<Language Dermakvar! Minos is with us this time around>
"Cu?"
<Your father kept saying that word in the capital Minos!? What else did he say?>
"Cu cu..."
<Damn it littlest one, stop ratting me out!>
"Cu!"
Both me and Petra can't help but chuckle from mother's anger towards father, Minos must be using telepathy to royally screw him over right now. It still appears nothing changed on that side of things, mother still doesn't like swears so should try and be careful for a little while. At least she's not hitting him for a change, maybe he finally stopped his cheating and is being less of a dick? It's pretty doubtful though.
Also, I've got curiosity from not seeing Minos in ages, actually surprised he hasn't gone in for a hug or to rub his head against us but maybe he's starting to outgrow that? No clue but his size seems to be slowing down now, not like he's small though. Minos is still way bigger than me even in bird form.
'Status'
[Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 74]
[Health 5,500/5,500]
[Stamina 6,941/7,500]
[Magicka 5,500/5,500]
----------
[Name: Dermakvar | Species: Dragon | Level: 521]
[Health 30,250/30,250]
[Stamina 11,192/50,000]
[Magicka 50,000/50,000]
----------
[Name: Kellearzar | Species: Dragon | Level: 1,000]
[Health 100,000/100,000]
[Stamina 50,379/75,000]
[Magicka 75,000/75,000]
'You know with my doubled stats, I'm statistically more powerful than mother now. I've got to compare it, status'
[Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix | Level: 566]
[Health 166,666*/166,666*]
[Stamina 38,828*/40,000*]
[Magicka 166,666*/166,666*]
[You currently have 16334 unassigned points]
'Damn... it really is mad. What was the last update on my family like anyways... Aesa?'
Seriously though, just look at it! Statistically, I'm way more powerful than mother! Stamina is a shitty dump stat anyways.
It's really only just kicked in how powerful I've actually become. There's got to be more to improve on when I've unlocked or maxed everything, right? There's got to more on the horizon than just this, I hope so at least.
But that's not the question I want to ask Aesa though, I'm more curious on their levels.
[<Target -Minos- has gained 9 levels since last update 132 days ago and target -Dermakvar- has lost 1 level. Aesa still isn't completely sure on the rate of levels dropped but uneducated estimate may be 1 or 2 a year if -Ikarus- wants a guess>]
'Right, can't forget father is dying, albeit extremely slowly'
No point getting depressed about old age, we've had this discussion before and he's not even going to want immortality if it's possible for him. Another five hundred and twenty-one years is more than enough to 'enjoy' father's company. Eh, I'm just being bitter, I love him in my own special way.
"Seriously father, how comes you three are visiting anyways?"
<What little one? Is it really that strange for us to come visit every now and then?>
<Your father is purposely neglecting the fact we were worried for you and your partner Ikarus. Judging from that thing on your faces, it's safe to assume you've been handling it well enough?>
Father just looks away like he didn't want mother to admit that, has he been infected by the tsundereness that flows in this world as well? Wouldn't surprise me since everyone seems to be catching part of it now, maybe it's like a disease with no cure. I'm just getting side tracked like usual.
"Yeah, the air quality sucks ass out here... Hang on, that reminds me of something I need to show you two. Turn around real quick and I'll do it"
"Heh, thought you didn't like that Ikarus?"
"I don't really Petra, don't be spoiling it for them though! Seriously, turn around quickly"
Can't help but have a slight grin, the tenth dragon in this world is about to make its appearance! Minus the fact I don't actually like it like Petra just said, it's way too big for my liking but I've obviously got to show my parents it, right?
Anyways, they do as asked and I start my winged brethren ability change. Nothing now matters except the fact I'm now standing tall and proud as a world ender actually overlooking father no less!
<Oi you three! Look at this orange monstrosity! I'm going to burn the world to the mother fu-... ground!>
All three turn around and both mother and father's jaws seem to hit the snow, I'm surprisingly happy with that reaction.
<Wow! Sister is even bigger than father!>
<Erm... are we supposed to be impressed little one?>
<Dermakvar! She's able to make a dragon form and you're going to be grumpy because Ikarus is bigger than you? Are you really not impressed?>
<Of course I'm impressed and even proud dear. It's just that I can't really call her little one when she's bigger than me now, can I? She definitely has your blood it seems>
I have mother's blood? Oh God, doing this better not lead onto a side effect of gigantic bosoms or something, no chance in hell do I want to be another planet wielder... I really need to stop thinking about huge breasts at the moment but everywhere I seem to look, they're there! I'm inevitably going to stumble across mother's soon, should probably take this conversation indoors as well. Conversing as dragons really is inconvenient.
<Anyways, you three fancy switching to human for a bit and entering a warm, cosy house? Obviously, we'll need to make sure you're dressed first though>
It's not fair on Petra to stay around here for that long as well. Sure, she says she rarely feels the cold but I know her better than anyone else, always trying to appear stronger than she actually is. I've always been the sidekick in our relationship but today, that changes! I mean, it doesn't at all since she is like the hero of this world and I'm just a stupid but powerful bird... I've really got to shut myself up now.
<Will there be sweets!?>
"Heh, of course Minos. I'll get some out from me and Ikarus's personal stash"
"Cu!"
'Huh, looks like I was wrong about Minos and his head rubbing, he's started it again with Petra now'
<Hmph, still dislike that human form of mine but it might be better to do this indoors. It is cold I suppose>
<Yes! We'll happily go inside with you two for a bit>
(Ikarus) <Then let's get inside then, I've had enough snow for a lifetime now...>
__________
"To think that over three years ago when both little and littlest ones hatched, we'd be using human forms like this seated around a fire. What a strange life this has turned into"
"Dermakvar, please stop the moaning just a for a little while, okay?"
"It wasn't moaning this time around dear; the warmth is actually appreciated and I didn't say it was a bad thing. Just odd really, but also nice"
Whilst I'm trying to get any semblance of a conversation out of these two, Petra can't help but start babying Minos tying a ribbon in his hair while also giving him some sweets. We probably should try and be careful but child Minos is something you really can't say no too, pretty sure the little scamp knows he can get away with whatever he wants as well.
Oh, should also mention we're around a fireplace in this sort of living room in the leaders house. It's connected directly to the dining room and is pretty cosy with the decorations around the place but we really don't use this enough for it to be that noticeable, I guess. I guess like real birds, me and Petra like to be outside loads.
"Heh, try to make these last since we all have to be careful with sweets right now"
"Okay then, thanks auntie Petra!"
Oh my freaking God, Minos just called Petra aunt! I know I'm not great around kids but that was an entirely different level of cute my heart cannot withstand. I've got to ignore him, for my own sanity really...
"Erm... Is there any news I should probably know with what's been going on? More about you two I mean"
"News little one? Is there ever that much to tell?"
"You know, about the world and stuff. You two can actually fly around and were helping with the demon invasion, that sort of thing regarding the volcano as well"
Normally, it's me and Petra sharing information but this time around, we've been stuck here while the parents have been out around the world. I don't know why I say stuck but you get what I mean, we've invested in this settlement enough at this point so it's always a thought, even if we aren't actually needed that much now. Eh, everyone loves their queens so who cares if we're lazy? We'll be taking a trip once the ice age is over anyways.
"It's really not that big of a deal considering how cold the last eruption was Ikarus, this is nothing compared to the last time. As for the invasion, all the demons started to hide underground again and haven't come back out ever since. If anything, dragons helping all across the world was a little unnecessary due to the retreat that came really quickly"
"Your mother is right little one, the cold shook these old bones last time and this one set off by the child is irrelevant compared to it. That 'invasion' was an unfunny joke, demons have never been that weak so something strange is going on. Most of the little mortals survived that and will this as well, just might need to add some more holes in the ground for the ones who don't"
"Dermakvar, that's a little morbid. Don't forget Ikarus used to be human as well"
"What's the problem darling? Little one doesn't care about death; she's not even listening to us right now..."
Ignoring those two, my thoughts have gone back to the kid jarl again. This situation definitely sounds like things could've been way worse if he hadn't erupted it previously but that's what we've been assuming for a while now.
Not sure about the demons but they did seem exceptionally weak, almost as if they weren't fighting at full strength or something? We won't be able to find out about that easily so it makes more sense to focus on the kid right now... wait...
"...See? I was right about little one not listening"
"Sorry father, but there's a reason for me blanking you out. How the hell do you know about the kid jarl as well?"
"That empire with the irritating purple dragon little one, they seem adamant it was the child and I agree with them. That kid jarl cannot be mortal and anyone who tells me differently is wrong, anyone who knows how to manipulate that volcano must be heavenly in nature"
"How many times do I have to tell you this Dermakvar!? There's no proof that kid is a God! You haven't even met the child yet!"
"Bullshi-... sorry darling, but he has to be one. I've only ever heard that volcano being erupted by Gods, there's no way a child would have such knowledge. It's possible he's a Demigod but even that's unlikely"
So, father's theory is that Denver is a God posing as the kid jarl? Eh, I guess it would make sense, but there's got to be more to it than just that, right? His level was only one and I'm still unaware of any real way to hide your status screen just yet.
Another theory could be he was reincarnated and knows how to make bombs? Then decided to basically set off the volcano that way? Zeki said something like that in a forgotten conversation once but I really have zero idea at all. Once the snow clears up and the settlement is definitely safe, we'll find out soon enough.
"If he is what you say ol' dinosaur, is that a terrible thing? I mean, you almost sound like you have fear in your voice"
"Fear!?! I know no such thing little one... but seriously though, listen to this advice. You cannot trust any Gods little one, regardless if they play nice or not. All of them are corrupted beings with no sense of loyalty or honesty"
"Your father is just being paranoid Ikarus, probably from his lifetime of bad experiences. Not all Gods are bad but all have their own wishes and desires. Some may wish for a simple existence of peace, a few just simply like to have a laugh while others wish for death and destruction all around. There more like mortals than people seem to realize"
Damn, this stuff is really starting to get serious now. Any advice my parents can give is appreciated just simply down to the fact we will be sparring swords against some of them one day, it's inevitable at this point.
"Whether your mother and I agree or disagree on this topic, there's only one real way of handling them little one"
"And what's that old lizard?"
"Power, lots and lots of power. It's how they've always done things and that will continue to remain forever, how could you ever follow someone weaker than you in the first place? Enough about this mundane stuff though, I'm tired and weary from flight so want a warm floor to lie on... or bed, whatever you two have available"
So, to deal with this bastard God responsible for this ice age, we need to be strong? I mean, that's pretty obvious, right? It's not an official goal but it does feel like we're being steered to targeting the Gods and this is like an extremely slow buildup...
Petra must've been listening in because she's willing to help father out.
"Heh, I'll call the maid then... Eve! Could you set up a couple guest bedrooms please?"
"Yes Queen Petra! I'll sort to it immediately!"
Eve, our elven busty maid responds from the other side of the house and father gets up to go towards the voice. Should we tell her these three visitors are dragons? She listens in to everything else going on so it might not be needed...
"Anything else mother I should know that's been going on? It's obvious today father's a little tired"
"In his defence Ikarus, he has been working nonstop over by the human capital and hasn't slept in several weeks now. Anything else to share... oh! Apparently, Minos was a right little warrior according to your father in the battle for the capital!"
"Cu! All those little red men screamed when I chased them down to bite them! It's was amazing!"
...
Well great, Minos has already upgraded from his killing animal faze and has a huge grin on his little face right now. At least it's only demons and not humans... yet...
"Okay, let's be having less of Minos enjoying the murdering of demons, shall we?"
I sense the irony here...