As Erend soared through the sky and let the wind whipping past his face, his thoughts still going. The battle had ended, but the war was far from over. Two more threats remained and Erend knew they would be stronger, more dangerous. He needed to be ready.
But how?
The question gnawed at him. His strength now might not be enough for what was to come. Could he return to the Dungeon World, that otherworldly place where power could be earned, where every fight made him stronger? It had served him well before, allowing him to grow in ways unimaginable.
But was it enough to go alone again?
As his wings cut through the air, the world below shrinking into a blur of shadowy land and pale sky, Erend's thoughts shifted.
He wasn't alone anymore. He had comrades and friends who had fought beside him, risking their lives for the same cause. They were strong in their own right, and yet, the coming battles would require even more from all of them.
A spark ignited in Erend's mind, an idea he hadn't considered before. What if he didn't have to face the Dungeon World alone? What if he could bring them with him? Could they grow stronger together, hone their skills, and be better prepared for what was to come?
The more Erend thought about it, the more it made sense. They deserved the same chance to strengthen themselves.
However, sudden doubt crept in his heart. The Dungeon World wasn't a part of the natural order. It didn't exist like the forests, mountains, or oceans of this world. It was a place of pure mystery. A dimension crafted for one purpose: to grow stronger by battling monsters and gaining power. But it was created in his System only, isnt it?
And the System itself, though a constant presence, was still a mystery. He'd accepted its gifts and guidance without questioning too much. But now, with the idea of bringing others into the Dungeon World, the question struck him hard.
"Would the System allow others to enter?"
Erend frowned. He didn't know. The System had been tailored for him, hadn't it? Could it even extend its power to include his friends? Or was the Dungeon World something only he had access to, something locked to his existence alone?
It had been so long since he'd truly paid attention to the System. In the heat of battle, in the constant chaos of survival, he had grown accustomed in trusting that it would take care of things in the background.
He didn't even bother checking his Status Window anymore. He hadn't looked at his own stats or skills in what felt like ages, brushing off notifications when he leveled up, knowing the System was keeping track.
But now... with so much uncertainty ahead, Erend realized he needed answers. He needed to understand what the System was truly capable of—and what it wasn't.
While still gliding high above the ground. His wings beating in rhythmic motions, Erend focused inward then summoning the familiar interface of the System. The translucent screen materialized before his eyes, lines of text and numbers flickering into view.
His gaze moved to the top, and his eyes widened slightly at what he saw.
---
[Status Window]
[Name: Erend Drake]
[Level: 75]
His eyes drifted over the rest of the stats. All had increased drastically. His skills were sharper, more refined.
"But was any of this enough?" he wondered.
As if the System had sensed his internal turmoil, a notification suddenly appeared before Erend's eyes, interrupting his thoughts.
[The only one who can enter the Dungeon World for now is the same Dragonborn.]
The message was simple, yet it answered the very question he had been grappling with. It was as though the System itself could read his mind, offering clarity just when he needed it the most.
Erend couldn't help but smile. The System had always been a constant presence, working in the background, guiding him toward his goals. Even when he had neglected it, it had been there, ensuring his survival and growth. Now, once again it proved that it was more than just a tool. It was a partner in his journey.
With renewed purpose, Erend accelerated his flight, his powerful Dragon wings slicing through the air. The wind whipped against him. His destination was clear. He needed to reach the Elf Palace, and fast.
This was the good news they both needed. With the confirmation that only Dragonborn could enter the Dungeon World for now Erend knew he had a unique advantage—one that could change the course of their fight against the coming threats.
The Elf Palacce was in the distance, its towering spires visible against the horizon. With a surge of energy Erend pushed his wings harder, the thrill of flight combining with the excitement of what lay ahead. He would reach the palace in no time, and when he did, Eccar would know that they still had hope.
However, it wasn't just Erend who was gaining new advantages.
---
Far across the veil of dimensions, in a place drenched in darkness, two beings stirred. Deep within a cavernous chamber and hidden away from mortal sight, the surface of a massive pool of blood rippled as if something beneath it had been disturbed.
The thick crimson liquid glistened under the faint light.
From within the pool, two figures began to rise slowly, their bodies emerging from the blood like specters. They resembled women, yet there was something otherworldly about them, something darker and more ancient.
The liquid clung to their pale, flawless skin, sliding down their slender frames as they ascended. They wore no clothes, their bare forms untouched by time or decay, as if preserved in perfect condition for centuries.
Their hair slick with blood, fell in long strands over their shoulders and down their backs. Then, as one, they opened their eyes.
The first woman's eyes were a deep black and bottomless voids that reflected no light. The second's were a piercing crimson, glowing faintly as if they themselves held the essence of the blood that surrounded them.
The chamber was silent save for the soft sound of blood dripping from their bodies back into the pool. The ripples slowly calming.
Without a word, they looked at each other, their expressions cold and unreadable, as if understanding passed between them without the need for speech.
Their time had come.
---