"Why did you choose to believe me? I could've lied, you know."
Brandon was led up the mountain's slope.
Wyvern's freely traversed the air around them. However, they completely ignored the two.
"Because of that."
The wyvern pointed at the necklace around Brandon's neck.
"Oh."
Brandon gently held on to the crystalline pendant—shaped to a letter 'B.'
"I knew there was something behind the scenes when I sensed my wife's power emanating from it."
"Aurelia's mother.... An elf?"
"Correct."
"What happened? And how did Aurelia come into the state that she is?"
"...."
The wyvern merely shook his head dismissively, a sorrowful smile etching on his face.
"It's a long story. A story I had long put in the back of my mind."
"I see."
Now that he had realized it, he had never asked for the wyvern's name.
"By the way, I'm Brandon Locke."
"Androxus."
Short and simple.
They soon stopped at the entrance of a cave, gaping open inside the mountain's cliffside.
"You're not supposed to be here, to be honest. What I'm about to show you will only be a glimpse to the unknown."
"...."
Brandon listened intently.
"I will only favor you for finding my Daughter and taking custody of her."
"Do you...."
Brandon was hesitant to ask the question. But out of respect for a father who was most likely separated from his daughter, he felt compelled to do so.
"Want to see her again?"
"Yes. But...."
Androxus' head lowered, his face darkening.
"She's better off not finding out anything about this."
"...."
Clearly, there was something deeper behind the story.
But it seemed like Androxus didn't want to explain everything to happen. Just relevant explanations.
"Wait here."
Swoosh—!
Just like that, Androxus' figure blurred.
Brandon turned around and scanned the vicinity. The sun was about to set once more, marking another day complete.
Wyverns, who were present earlier, were now scurrying away into hiding. Towering peaks with jagged edges cut sharply into the sky, their surfaces marked by deep crevices and sheer cliffs.
The whole vicinity was a mountain–zone. It was a rather known area where wyverns and other monsters alike inhabited.
For that reason, it was a danger–zone.
"Here."
A voice rang out from behind him. Turning around, Androxus reappeared, holding onto a crystalline—looking device.
"That's...?"
"My wife's final will. Once the time is right, it'll have all the answers you seek."
"Should I give this to Aurelia?"
"No."
Androxus dismissively shook his head.
"It's for you."
"Hmm...."
Walking towards Androxus, Brandon received the device and held it in his hand.
"You'll die."
***
Androxus couldn't tell him anything.
"...."
Because he was bound to a soul contract.
All wyverns, after the death of Crystallia, Aurelia's mother, were cursed to never speak of the war, or inflict harm on anything with elven blood.
Androxus stared at Brandon Locke's departing back. He had given him the go–signal to stay in Cavern's Peak for as long as he wished, just as long as he didn't bother the other wyvern's.
Truth be told, he had felt deep envy for Brandon.
But there was nothing he could do. He was already thankful enough that he had found Aurelia, and took care of her.
"Your prophecy was right, Crystallia."
Androxus began to whisper, recalling Crystallia's words back then.
—Our Daughter is meant for greater things. This war between the wyverns and the elves should not be the reason her life is taken.
Androxus clenched his fist as his brows furrowed.
—One day, someone will occupy this area. So for whatever wyverns survive in the next centuries, please do your best to relocate there.
Androxus had already been aware of his fruitful encounter with Brandon.
For centuries, he had been waiting for Brandon.
—He will come. The person who will save our Daughter. And this person will be responsible for setting all of us free.
But the last part of Crystallia's prophecy still lingered in Androxus' mind, leaving him confused.
—But at the cost of his demise. When that happens, I wish for you to be on Aurelia's side.
'Demise' and 'Aurelia's side....'
From those words alone, it became apparent to him that there was a future meant in store for Brandon Locke.
Then did that mean....
"He's going to die?"
At the moment, Androxus could tell Brandon Locke was weak.
Really weak.
To the point where he would probably pass out if Androxus were to release his Wyvern's Intent.
But seeing how much Brandon cherished Aurelia....
He didn't want him to die.
If there was a way to change Crystallia's prophecy, Androxus was on–board.
'If I could provide him with the necessary weapons....'
Would it be possible?
With those thoughts in mind, Androxus followed Brandon.
***
Brandon continued meditating, sitting crossed legged on the cold snowy ground.
"Human."
A voice echoed from behind him.
Brandon's brows perked up, somewhat annoyed by the distractions.
Opening his eyes, he turned around.
Androxus stood, clasping his hands behind his back.
He was as tiny as always.
"Yes?"
"Your training lacks balance. If you want maximum efficiency, your body and magic must work together."
"I'm aware. But I'm not exactly in a state to push my body."
"No excuses."
"...."
"I'll be overseeing your training for as long as you stay here."
"Huh?"
"If you're going to be Aurelia's protector, then you'll need to be as strong as I am."
"...."
"Stand up."