Book 3: Chapter 18 — Beach episode... in the sky? Pt. 3
Shouts and screams rose, magic flaring as adventurers began to prepare for combat while running around. Protective spells flared on the airship, people rapidly, moving around.
Noah summoned his spear, ready to quickly rush to the ship but found himself stuck where he was when the serpents gaze rested on him with the full weight of its aura.
It was the weight of a mountain, a veritable tide of power all stumbling onto his shoulders. It took his all to not fall onto his knees. The moment passed, the serpents eyes shifting away immediately to Ariella and Zax, yet the feeling did not, as Noah stood frozen.Updated from n0velbIn.(c)o/m
For the first time, he realised that even when training for terror, Zax had never been using his entire auras force. Not even close.
The two figures flew in the skies, lightning crackling around Zax and wind swirling around Ariella.
Noah, we need to go, Aurelia said, touching his shoulder as he snapped out of his daze. He nodded, looking once again at the giant serpent, and the face off. Ready to rush back to the safety, Noah put his hand on Aurelia, searching for Snow to teleport both of them in at once, when he found the girl, looking at the sea serpent with a frown.
Snow! Stop standing around, we need to get back to the ship, Noah shouted.
The girl jerked, looking at him in surprise, before her eyes went back to the sea serpent. She ran closer and Noah grabbed her hand, activating Arcane Step to teleport away when he felt Snow tighten her fingers around his.
No. Noah stop, she said, as Noah paused, looking down at her in surprise. It- she does not want to harm us. I can feel it. Its my path is telling me. She needs help, but all this magic is scaring her. You need to bring me to the captain and Zax.
What? Noah exclaimed, taken aback by her words. He heard thunder rolling in the skies, a storm brewing from the intense magical output coming from the creature, as mana began to rise. Noah looked at Zax, and Ariella, feeling the intense weight of the aura, feeling uncertain if he even could, go there without passing out.
Please, Noah. I can talk to her! Snow exclaimed.
Noah looked at Aurelia, who shared a similar look of concern. He looked down, meeting the girls eyes and the plea reflecting off in them.
Noah cursed.
Hop on, he said, crouching down as he picked Snow up in his arms. You guys head back, Ill teleport out instantly if anything goes wrong, he said, glancing at Aurelia, and the rest, before using Arcane Step as he teleported to the skies.
Moving through the air Noah chained a sequence of teleports, rising higher and higher. Ariella noticed his arrival, but the woman seemed preoccupied, her aura battling against the giant serpents own dominating power, as she tried to shield her ship and persuade her.
Stop! Noah shouted, using another Arcane Step to gain more height. He cursed as the wind covered his words, his own focus faltering under the intense pressure coming from the three people. He condensed his aura, shielding Snow with everything he had who clung on tightly to not fall off. Sweat dripped down Noahs body. Even with all his abilities, the intensity of the auras here were enough to rapidly burn his mana for everysingle spell he used.
In a desperate attempt to keep afloat, wings sprouted from his back with Tonys help, flapping rapidly as he tried to navigate. A hurricane brew in the skies, and for a moment it felt like things would explode in violence.
Noah took a deep breath in. Hold on! Noah shouted with everything he had, this time managing to catch Zaxs attention. The dragon waved a hand as a spell formed around Noah, shielding him from the powerful winds, and slowly bringing him up.
What in the depths are you doing here?! Ariella exclaimed in horror, as she saw Noah.
Snow says she can talk he panted, glancing at Zax, who gave him a nod. But first turn off the spells its scaring the sea serpent.
Ariella looked at him as if he was insane, before looking at Snow who he carried in his arms. A moment later, her expression turned serious. No, Im not risking my ship and crew over this. The risk is too high. Were going to leave.
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Noah glanced at the dragon, reaching out their shared telepathic connection. You can talk to the sky serpent? Why did you wait for Snow to arrive?
Zax glanced sideways at Noah. We thought it would be a good lesson. She would grow from this, and learn the nature of her powers. Even you couldve talked to her had you so desired. You can understand her words after all, cant you?
Yeah, why wouldnt I understand? Noah asked.
Because she speaks a lost tongue, known only to dragons and their kin, Zax replied.
Ah, Noah said, realization settling onto him. He brought his attention back to the serpent.
Dont understand, Snow said, and Noah realised her words were clumsy, as she was speaking an unfamiliar language. Why threaten if not afraid? She asked.
We did not intend to threaten you. Merely, to catch your attention, the sky serpent said, its eyes drifting to rest upon Zax now instead. We sensed the old one. And wish to ask a favour.
We are willing to hear, Zax replied, speaking much more smoothly than Snow did.
The giant serpent bowed its head to the dragon.Please save our children. They are trapped, and we cannot reach them.
Even from up here, Noah could hear the collective gasp everyone took as they watched the sky serpent bowing its head to Zax.
Very well, Zax replied, glancing sideways at Noah and Snow. What do the two of you wish to do?
As Zax asked, a prompt appeared in front of Noah.
Your party has been given a quest!
Quest: Rescue Mission
Your party have received a quest from Axzeriethal the Sky Serpent to rescue her children.
Difficulty: Moderate
Reward: Axzeriethals Blessing
Would you like to accept this quest?
Yes/No?
Noah glanced sideways. From the looks of Snows widened eyes, she had received a similar message. He turned to face Zax, and then gave the dragon a nod.
Lets do it, Noah replied. A chime rang in his ears.
Quest accepted!
