Chapter 86: The Unexpected Inheritor

Chapter 86: The Unexpected Inheritor

Ira found himself standing on a barren expanse of land that went on for miles. The only source of light was the dim stars above him and the colorful auroras that moved in a very lifelike manner.

Hello. Ira looked around for the boy but didnt see any signs of him. Just when he decided to go searching, a small ball of white flame appeared in front of him.

Uh Ira showed a puzzled look and couldnt help but to look around.

The ball of flame started to tremble before it grew in the blink of an eye. Its shape silently contorted and writhed until it resembled a huge dragon made of flames. The white flames seem to defy reality as they turned morphed into semi-solid scales.

Once the body finished forming, the dragon opened its scarlet eyes and gave a low growl, Forgive me for the delay...it has been quite a long time.

...Im not sure why Im here? Ira stared up at the dragon.

I see. The space around the dragon seemed to tremble as it closed its eyes before opening them a few moments later. Youre giving off faint hints of my bloodline, yet you are not one of my kin...I guess I should inform you that you are currently in a memory passed on through my blood, meant for those who were able to unlock it.

A memory? Ira questioned.

Yes The dragon replied in a rumbling voice. ...An artificial memory...It is was a way to pass on wisdom to the best of my descendants...Only, you are the first one to make it this far and you aren't even related to me which means you possess something much greater than my bloodline within you.

Wait, wait, wait. Ira pinched the bridge of his nose while gathering his thoughts. If this isnt real, how are you talking to me? And I dont remember eating a part of you so who are you exactly?

The dragon looked to be thinking of a response and only spoke after some time had passed. ...I am the lesser ego of my former self...I possess some form of intelligence which is why I am able to respond to you, but a countless amount of time has passed and my mental strength is...less than what I would prefer. It seemed that the reason for the long pauses was due to the dilution of the original bloodline which hampered the original traces of the First-Flame.

As to who I am? I am the progenitor of the bloodline you gained access to...The only name I held was the First-Flame, for reasons that are most obvious. The First-Flame seemed to gesture to its fiery body.

Ira wanted to ask if the First-Flame just made a joke, but thought it was more important to understand the situation first. Alright, so why am I here? Ira asked.

Ive told you...You possess the qualifications for me to impart some of my own experience within you. The Dragon said solemnly.

Im not one of you though, Ira said doubtfully.

Im aware.

...Then say I want to kill one of your descendants, what happens then? Do I need to swear not to harm them first?

That doesnt concern me. I am neither real nor obligated to protect anyone who bears relation to me. The replication of my bloodline was done on a whim and seeing as no one of my descendants could get to this memory means that they arent strong enough or dont possess enough potential...If the first one to get this far isnt even related to my former self then my bloodline could already be considered dead. The First-Flame stated indifferently. Now, do you wish for me to impart some of my own experience within you? It asked.

Yes, Ira answered excitedly.

The First-Flame stared at Ira, assessing his current abilities and skills.

Minutes passed before the First-Flame finally spoke, You cannot use magic, but you have advancements in manipulating matter, gravity, kinetic energy, space and...something else within that I cant understand.

Of course, the artificial memory of the First-Flame had no knowledge of the divine realm and no way of knowing what the Void was.

So, since I cant use magic you cant give me anything? Ira showed a slightly disappointed look as he sighed.

Rhys opened her mouth to speak only to remember that she couldnt. She awkwardly nodded toward Ira before putting on her mask and leaving with a brisk walk.

You seem to be in a good mood, Avery observed Iras smile that seemed to be a more cheerful than usual as she continued wipe the blood away from his body.

Well, one reason is that youre in front of me, Ira said with a warm laugh.

And the other? Avery raised her brow in curiosity.

I got a lot more from that dragons flesh than I thought, Ira said before continuing, Ill tell you all about it, but before that, Im feeling a bit too energetic right now and need help calming down.

Avery looked at Iras smile which seemed to reflect a different desire and couldnt help but grin as she started to unbutton her shirt.

Harper, Aldis, and Amy walked through a damp cavern following behind a large group of mercenaries.

Ive never actually seen mana crystals, Amy said.

I have, Harper said proudly.

I also have, Aldis added which caused Harper to look at him with some suspicion. My family sent a few of my cousins to clear out a mana crystal mine before, Aldis shrugged.

Harpers pride slightly deflated as she lost out on being the one with the most experience.

Listen up. This isnt a mine or a quarry, it is the habitat of various monsters and creatures until they are all killed. There are nearly a dozen levels to this particular site and only those confident in handling the more dangerous foes should venture to the bottom. I shouldnt have to remind anyone, but the concentration of mana is higher the deeper you go which means the danger increases. It also goes without saying that anyone that attempting to retrieve mana crystals without the proper equipment is dangerous and illegal. Those who are found attempting to smuggle them out will be arrested immediately. One more thing to keep in mind is that there are several reports of monsters becoming more powerful after the Red Moon and Golden Aurora. The man who served as the Site Operator intoned in a rehearsed manner.

If you all understand, you may proceed, but you all are responsible for your own safety. The duration of this job is set for the next few weeks and no one will expend any effort to find those who go missing. The Site Operator added before stepping to the side.

Lets go, Harper said excitedly and she moved through the crowd of mercenaries.

Hold on, Harper. Amy and Aldis quickly followed behind her.

Toward the back of the huge group of mercenaries, there stood one person Avery would surely recognize.

Randolph are you sure about this? Clark asked.

Im probably as strong as Yellow-Eyes right about now, you said it yourself. I just need more training and the only way to get it is to do stuff like this, Randolph said eagerly.

I told you that his name is Ira, and I doubt he would take too kindly to that nickname, Clark sighed, but he had to admit that Randolph looked to be as strong as Ira.

In reality, Clark had only witnessed Iras strength during his earliest stages. The current Ira was already considered a monster by the Higher Races who were incredibly strong in their own right. Perhaps Randolph assumed that Ira had become the strongest mercenary in the Kingdom because he had obtained mastery over some form of martial arts or swordsmanship. If that was his line of thought, Randolph would be in for a harsh experience.

Well, lead the way, Clark said as he lifted up a large shield.

Right, Randolph gave a determined nod as he tightened the grip on his sword.

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