The room was... rockier, by the time Luck looked up. From him or Evodim, he didn't know. He had made progress in the six hours since. Letting go of his aspect of nature, he stood up.

There was a depth to Earth magic he found, a chasm of possibilities. Of creation. Forming the earth, creating something in moments to adapt to whatever happened around you, was understandably second nature to Luck. As long as his feet were planted, he had some measure of control over the ground. It wasn't that it was hard to do without touching the dirt, rather, it was that much easier when he was. There were a lot of motions he had tried over the hours, until he finally settled on something of a sharp, forceful intent with his mana, sent straight through his feet. Oddly, there was some strain on his body as well, as if his physical self was doing some measure of the lifting too.

He walked lazily, roaming to the entrance of the room, passing the different methods he had tried.

Luck was an optimist, always had been. But a part of his life demanded a realist. So Luck became an optimist in the parts of his life he could control. He could believe that he could do things, that the outcome would be in his favor. Paired with a burning determination and practice, things rarely didn't. It was in that way he could face the negative and know one day he could do something positive. His father had told him he could be idealistic, just not an idealstic idiot. And he took that to heart.

So he would always take a step back, looking at the world with colder eyes, a shade of amber less warm. He did that now, and he knew, he wasn't enough. He was capable of things, though small in comparison to this world, were wonderful and spectacular in his own. He didn't have to help everyone. It wasn't possible. As long as he could help someone, that would be enough. Luck worried for his family, a moment that he saw the through colder eyes, but quickly, he regained his warmth with a surety. They were Lockyers, he knew. Right now, they weren't the ones that needed help.

"Master Luck, five minutes." Evodim chimed, as Luck turned for the door.

"I was aware. Thank you, Evodim." Luck replied. "Wake up Ace. We're leaving."

"As you wish." He replied.

Luck clicked his tongue, getting Saga's attention through that and their bond. The lithe cat got up slowly, as to not disturb the bunnies nestled against him. Luck smirked, to which Saga made to growl, but didn't in favor of not rousing the balls of white. Luck smirked more.

Walking past the leather chairs, he gave a stretching Ace a glance. The former mercenary returned the look, and without noise, they were out in Leah's temple once more, Saga trailing behind them. As soon as they stepped from the portal Ace was already on the move, purposeful, and Luck was right behind him, not wasting a moment. They were moving to the temple where everyone was holed up.

He had spoken to Evodim, Luck couldn't stash people in his room, it wouldn't work. It was among his first thoughts, and shot down immediately. Ace however, felt the people were safe where they were. A question later, Luck found out the name of the god the temple belonged to. He was Protc, God of Sanctuary. It explained the initial gathering of people and the defensible architecture of the building quite well. Luck found it fitting that men and women flocked there during attack.

They came upon his temple, inviting, beckoning even, yet completely solid when closely observed, in complete contrast to its gentle aura. The men at the front recognized them.

"Five minutes to this update and you show up?" The gruffer man, the one that recognized Luck, said. "To think the System was capable of it."

The other man stepped aside, letting them in through the front.

With only a minute on the timer Luck, Ace, and Saga positioned themselves in the middle of the temple, in perfect view of all that they had saved. And they waited, they waited for whatever might happen, and for wherever they might be needed. They stood with a lazy grace, a nonchalance that was somehow both alert and observant. Save for their clothes, they really shouldn't have stood out. And yet, they were the men that lead many of the crowd to this very sanctuary, so they did. Of course, it could easily have been Luck's present deformity that singled him out amongst the many.

But the gazes did not look down on him, rather, they looked up. A few women were crying, their kids hiding behind them. The men seemed to prepare as well, guarding their wives, their families around them. Ethodthem couldn't keep up with the strength of the inhabitants of Aerae. Luck suspected its job was to strengthen those living here. The System was obsolete, too outdated to keep up with the rise in power in recent centuries. The update was instigated to combat that problem, and Luck was watching the timer tick down, mere seconds before the changes hit.

He tensed, absently reaching for his hip, not finding anything there. He grimaced, he was accustomed to always being armed in the physical sense. When now, his weapon was magical. But he had no doubts he'd be more dangerous with a gun than any of the magic he had on him.

New System Update Complete: Ethodthem

Pay Heed. Ethodthem, the source of power behind Aerae has changed, for the better. Quests, powers, bestowals. titles, everything has changed. Each inhabitant, every sentient, has been given a status screen. There you can view your powers and effects on your person. The new System has a more interactive and adaptive interface, allowing better displays and with more information. Additional features are yours to discover. Suspended quests have been renewed. An influx of powerful creatures have been released, beasts capable of truly testing those with power. No longer are the lives of those on Aerae ones of leisure.

As if to punctuate the message, a harrowing scream pierced the safe walls of Protc's sanctuary.

Calmly, Luck glanced around, an indicator showed in his vision, it had come from outside. Spirit had actively tracked the noise. It came from far away, perhaps deeper in the actual city, nowhere near the temples.

Spirit, track the noises and let me know if anything gets close.

"What is this?" A man called out. "Can the System really change like this? I've never seen anything like these screens before."

"Forget the screens!" Another yelled. "Have you read the last two lines? And that scream? Something was just released into Peace! I've got a son missing!"

A young stocky man, who seemed comfortable in his body tried to calm him down. "Sir, please. You aren't the only one missing a family member. It's important we stay calm."

The man made to retort, but his wife laid a restraining hand lightly on his shoulder. The man deflated, his fight gone from him. A shuddering breath left him before he clapsed his wife's hand in his own, meeting her eyes.

A larger... statue of a man cut in, he was quite literally made of stone. Or seemed to be. "It is better we wait here. A position easily defensible no matter the enemy." It took Luck a moment to realize he was hearing another language. It was Roke, the language Madam Savs had tested him with. The rock man had a great hammer strung on his back. His companion was a short silver person, whom Luck couldn't guess the gender of. Luck wasn't the only one who noticed the silver person. It was that silver figure that had translated the gray stone man's words into Common.

"What is that doing here." Someone hissed, a fat man who looked respectable enough. His whole family matched his expression, as did many other people. They were directed towards the silver person, who dipped his head slightly, in either defeat. deference or acceptance. "How dare you show your face on this side of Aerae!" He spat.

Another scream, now more closer to a roar, pierced the air once more.

Luck had seen enough, he was starting to get annoyed. Though he wouldn't hesitate to call his city a terrible place, there were some catches, some bits of humanity sprinkled in. Of those, tolerance was among them. Yes, people were terrible, but surprisingly none cared that much for race. Coming from such an evironment, as dangerous as it was, had a profound affect on his views on race. It bugged him to no end when one was singled out because of it.

"Leave them." Luck's voice rose, sudden. The very voice many had heard in their time of crisis, the one that led them to safety. That saved them. That saved their families. "He seeks shelter just as we. A sanctuary is a place of refuge and safety. For all." He looked to the likeness of Protc carved into the walls. "As i'm sure Protc intended it to be." Many fell silent at that, owing Luck that much, or perhaps in deference to Protc. And though Luck didn't speak much, he didn't need to.

The men and women muttered softly of the update. The silver person and the rock man approached them.

"I don't see Nayah." Ace said glancing around.

Luck frowned. "I don't either."

Ace watched the silver person approach once his scan of the room was done. His eyes held a slight sadness to them. "I guess there is racism here too." He remarked.

"Yeah." Luck answered, his eyes on the two people coming to them as well.

The rock man was wearing sturdy pants, but, like Luck, was shirtless. Luck had left his own shirt, along with most of things he didn't need with Evodim. The silver person was covered in a cloak. It was the larger of the two that spoke first, in shaky Common no less.

"Thank you." He said, his voice slow and rugged, but oddly human.

"It's no problem" Luck responded in Roke, that odd language that resembled a slow rockslide. It seemed he had trouble speaking Common, so Luck spoke in Roke as a courtesy. Acting as if for all the world it was completely normal. The rock man's rock eyebrows shot up, surprised.

But it was the silver figure who spoke next, in Common. "Thank you sir." Just like the body, the voice was somehow metallic, inhuman. But the face showed sincere expression.

"Again, it was no problem. I've brought the people here to be safe, you included." Luck gave the metallic man a once-over. "Despite your weaponry."

It was the silver figure's turn to act surprised, however muted. There was nothing that indicated his weaponry, but it was the way his arms hovered free at his sides that gave it away. If not that then his slightly-too-big clothing hinted further. Then the fact he was wearing a cloak over it all, one of thin material used more for concealment than any warmth, and it was clear the man was armed. Though he hid them well, Luck guessed he kept them for a reason, the negative reaction of the crowd being an obvious clue as to why.

Internally, Luck decided to refer to the silver figure as a man.

He was expecting some terrible apocalypse, and though it was terrible, it wasn't nearly what he expected. Whatever was happening was slower than what Luck anticipated. Luck glanced around the room, checking the exits, of which there was only one, decided the temple was probably the best place to hole up, before nodding his head as two screams pierced the air. Only one of them was inhuman. Luck was aware of both stare's from the rock man and metallic man as he queried Spirit.

Can you identify that scream at all, Spirit?

No, they share some qualities with Great Razor Lions, yet, pitch and wavelength indicate a type of vorpal bird of prey. Of present, this data does not preside in my existing database. I've recorded the screams, and will add new data as new input is presented.

Alright, keep tracking the birds, give me a larger indicator, the best you can, to determine how far they are from us. Place it somewhere convenient.

Affirmative.

The one in his peripheral dissapeared. A bright red number and three dimensional arrow appeared floating in the middle of the temple. Instinctively, Luck knew he was the only one who could see it. The arrow was small, the number was large, but as another scream pierced the air, the number got smaller and the arrow got larger.

Acoustics in this structure are not conducive to accurate representation. With only your hearing to work with, the arrow is a rough direction and distance estimate. Spirit informed. Please keep this in mind.

Got it.

Outside, given the screams and their similarities, Luck could only imagine a giant flying lion. To his dismay, it kept him unfocused. Something unhealthy in any time of crisis. He needed something to do. Luck wasn't one to twiddle his thumbs and wait, he was patient yes, but he loathed inactivity. And yet, in this situation it was the best thing to do to keep these people safe.

Old habits die hard. Luck had passively watched the silver man observe his attire, probably affirming that Luck himself had no weapons. A fact Luck made no motion to conceal. Perhaps the silver man was even wondering why his voice had so much power over these people. In contrast, though the rock man was quite surprised at Luck's mastery of what he guessed was his language, he seemed content to stay still, like an actual rock.

"Anything else I can do for you?" Luck asked them both, clicking his tongue to get his familiar's attention.

Both eyed Saga approach, they had no ounce of fear. Rather, the rock man spoke again in Roke. "No, we are fine. But this, this is the moonlight shar that had helped me!" His voice cracked into a smile. "We meet again." He directed to Saga. The shar gave a gruff nod.

"So you've met my familiar then."

"What is his name? I must know, and yours for that matter." The rock man replied. "I am Erok, greatest warrior from my mountain. I come here for the arena. To become strong."

"I am Maxworth." The silver man replied, thereby proving his gender was indeed male. His intentions weren't mentioned and Luck could respect that, likely, he came for the arena too.

Ace, who was content to let Luck talk, introduced himself as well. He kept it short though, not really needing to talk. "Ace."

"Luck, and my friend here is Saga." He said, rubbing the shar's head.

"Ah, Saga, a strong name. And Luck, fitting. " Erok replied. "I believe we will need both in the days to come."

"Not this group Erok." A man interjected, walking up to their circle. It was the gruff man from the entrance, the one that Luck had recognized. "They've got the wits to survive out in that chaos. Helped a damn lot of people trying to find safety. My family included." He grunted with a meaningful glance. Luck smirked, nodding to him.

"They had fought the snakes?" Erok said surprised.

"Not from what I saw, but this one wasn't scared of them." He said, gesturing to Luck. "From what I hear, he had the gall to distract a callamoth himself, and the cat, " He pointed, "killed it right after."

Before anything else could be said Luck interjected. "Do you mind if I take a round at watch?" He said, noticing the two men nearly falling asleep at the entrance.

The man's expression dropped a little, but brightened when he realized he had a volunteer. "Not at all. Those two have been up there for hours, the only thing keeping them awake is the screams from outside." The gruff guard informed.

After some discussion, the two guards departed to find some sleep. Luck leaned against the outside of the entrance, his three dimensional arrow having been moved outside in front of the temple. He kept his eyes on it, listening to the cries of whatever was out there. Ace was on his left, leaning the same way, arms crossed.

It truly was a defensible position. And it was one of the larger temples. A marble staircase led up to the entrance, allowing defenders to fight with a height advantage. Luck and Ace, though right outside the entrance, were still roofed by a sizeable awning, pillars on their left and right covered every direction but forward. It created a type of hallway, though no longer than ten feet before a set of stairs led down to the temple grounds. At the top of those stairs, Erok and Maxworth stood, stoic defenders that looked like part of scenery.

They were just another reminder Luck was in another world.

What are they Spirit? Luck asked, his curiousity getting the better of him.

The answer was immediate. Erok is a Roken, a species of rock men and women that inherit the qualities of their native mountain. Often, Roken children are kidnapped, placed into rooms full of valuable gems, then slaughtered and harvested. Their people can be made of any rock, so long as they are surrounded by it, this quality is both their strength and burden. His is a species with much history. Spirit replied.

And Maxworth?

Maxworth is hard to determine, though that in itself might be the answer. It is likely he is a Gentleman. A magical race as much as they are robotic, created by a magicist who had solved the eternal puzzle of perpetual motion. In this, he had created a self sustaining race. They are clockwork, famed across Aerae for their unbreakable word as Gentlemen. Often they are powerful, precise and deadly, they are terrifying enemies and the greatest of allies. Their reputation has been tarnished due to the actions of one of their fanatic factions.

Huh.

A race that took on properties of their environment, and one that was clockwork. One that was built completely around perpetual motion? Even Luck knew that shouldn't have been possible, but he chided himself, this was a world of new possibilities after all. Luck wondered what humans had that might match those advantages they have. If they had any at all.

"They come!" Erok rumbled straightening out and staring out at something Luck couldn't see. But he could see his indicator, and it was pointing directly above them, getting larger and larger.

Erok's silver companion only produced his weapons from the folds of his cloak, a pair of small short swords, before readying his stance.

Then they were upon them. A large mass collided with Erok, sending him into the hallway just barely keeping his legs under him. A scream signalled another attack and Maxworth was taken from view. Luck could just make out him raising his daggers before he was slammed off the staircase with a decidedly metal clang.

"Ace!" Luck yelled, running to help Erok. He pulled from Saga, gaining sharper eyesight and claws. The shar was right beside him, overtaking him and jumping into the fray.

Ace reacted quickly. "Got it!" He said running forwards as well.

They were covered in blood, its wings, and razor sharp. It was some type of odd cat, but it shared near nothing to Saga's qualities. A thin film of purple outlined the steel-like feathers. It growled, snapping at Erok's neck, trying to get past his greathammer. Erok yelled deeply, throwing the beast off of him, slamming it into the pillars. Saga contained the beast long enough for Erok to stand himself up. Immediately, Erok was upon it, his greathammer clashed with the wings of the beast, sending sparks to the floor. Luck hesitated.

It righted itself, sent off balance by its wings. It stood on fours, and for a moment Luck could see an animal majestic in its own right. Erok's hammer kept the beast backed up into the pillars, unable to open its wings it was stuck in the hall.

Inwardly, Luck felt a more profound, shocking connection with this animal. This was something of nature he realized, albeit extremely ancient. He knew it within his gut. It was not a monster, just out of place.

Ace blasted the winged animal, lightning arcing across its wings. It shrieked wildly, spasming on the floor. A battle that seemed degrees easier than it should've been. If Ace had no lighting the fight might've lasted longer.

"Die winged demon!" Erok hefted his greathammer like an executioner.

"Stop!" Luck threw up his hands. "He is not a monster." Luck rumbled in Roke, getting the man's attention. "I sense his tie to nature, the same as mine."

Erok retracted his sword, knowing the creature was incapacitated. "He is yours druid. I give you this for I know you are not a fool." Then he was running out of the short hall, to the cries outside. Maxworth.

"What is it Lucky?" Ace replied.

"Whatever Ethodthem did, it unleashed some powerful beings. But this, I can sense this one's not a monster. He's part of nature, I can feel it. He's out of his time though, so far out of it. I can sense how ancient, how... primordial even, he is." Luck replied his voice low, observing the creature.

"Why are they attacking?" Ace replied. "Ethodthem doesn't control anything... unless that's changed. Though, it's true the wave of attacks world-wide were implemented directly. You think Ethodthem just released them or they're forced somehow?"

"He might've. They'd just be confused if anything." Luck replied. "The attacks world-wide might have been a necessity for the update though. It is good to know that Ethodthem has that power however, that it has some measure of control, we've got to watch out for that. As for these though, unless the System is trying to forcibly purge Aerae, i'm guessing a lot of stuff just got woken up, the System using the chaos to strengthen people." Luck's amber eyes roamed the creature, thinking on how it might've lived in another time.

Saga sniffed at the creature, curious for a change.

"It'll be tough living for them, getting used to the change." Ace said knowingly. "Their whole home has changed, it's different for us. We're in another world. But for them? It's like everything they knew is different."

"At least we didn't kill it." Luck sighed, shaking his head. At the heart of it all, it was just a huge misunderstanding. These creatures were just confused, plopped into a more modern world. Their home, which was likely Hydr Valley, was infested with the people of Peace. Of course they'd react violently.

It didn't look like there were any winners here, just another 'event' to test the strength of those in Aerae. One that Ethodthem could interact with and grant power based upon. It wasn't Ethodthem's fault, exactly. But the ensuing chaos that came from the increase in difficulty, which was basically what it was, made for some larger problems. Among them was the confusion of ancient beasts awakened such as this one.

"Go, help Maxworth and Erok." Luck waved, gesturing to Ace. Even unconscious the sharply winged creature seemed deadly, each breath expanding its wings slightly, brandishing their purple edges.

His friend looked to the sleeping creature, perhaps playing its battle in his mind. "Don't do anything stupid." The former mercenary said. He gave Luck a passing glance, and hesitated for a half a second before nodding farewell and running off.

Spirit, give me its vitals, known capabilities, level of intelligence, anything you can glean from that short fight. Distinguishing features, anything. Luck commanded.

Affiirmative. Vorpal bladed wings, large retractable talons, enhanced eyesight, and reaction time. Lighter bone density, stronger muscles. Apparent features hint at both a predator of the sky and the ground.

Vorpal?

Magically enhanced sharpness. Every feather on the creature is coated in the magic, seemingly it is a feature of the species, rather than a magic it has learned. Its surprise and ambush tactics, along with its battle cry suggest some type of fear tactics and thus a significant level of intelligence.

Luck was peering at the creature. Its heart rate, visible breathing rate, and a slew of other information.

And its eye opened.

Instantly, its wing came up to slice Luck's head off. But before Luck could even widen his eyes, time was frozen already. Luck had readied his time magic like a finger on a trigger, of which Luck was no stranger pulling. He took a measured step back, coming to the other side of the wall.

"Jesus." He whispered.

Time resumed, the beast blinking in confusion as it righted itself. One of its wings seemed impaired, and it was favoring its right side, in moments its movement was better though.

In the druidic language Luck spoke, "Cease friend." He gave the beast a moment, watching the creature calm itself, seemingly to have understood his words. When it tilted its head Luck continued. "You've awoken from a slumber, the world is not the same one you have come from."

A voice rang out in his head, one that was not Spirit, surprising Luck. You are a nature knight? A knight of nature? A druid? It's voice was proud, deep and ringing. One that reminded him of the type of man his father was, one that held experience and power

"Though young." Luck bowed. "Have you seen one like me before? That walks on two legs?" Drood neccessitated a somewhat formal and grand speak.

Never. It growled. But even now, I sense your tie to nature. The feeling is unmistakable. And yet, of your kind, you are the first I have seen that can talk. How can a druid belong to race that destroys the land? The voice was a roar in his mind.

"It is the way of us." Luck replied, strong. "I am new. Young as a... nature knight you called it? I've not a clue how to change the way of the people of Aerae, yet I am stuck with the desire to protect nature."

Curious. An individual that goes against its own nature. The creature stalked closer, unhostile. Still, it affected a type of fear, and awe, in Luck. Its wings just barely grazed him, drawing sparkling blood. You look no different than the ones I have slain. Yet your seed heart is green and growing while their's have rotted or remained small.

"You must call off this attack." Luck said, unsure what the beast was talking about. "It will lead only to more bloodshed between those of mine and of yours. Powerful people reside here, seeking glory in the arenas. Ethodthem has updated, great beast. A time of change is among us, if your people desire to survive, to prosper, you must not make an enemy of the two legged." He didn't want to say humans, since there were more races than just that. And in Drood the term 'two legged' fit better than anything else.

Ethodthem? Updating? The beast seemed to pause, considering the change. I had missed the message in my rage. But this place, it is an insult to the great desert sand! The sand is meant to flow free! It is not meant to be sit upon, stifled.

Luck smirked, his voice still powerful as an effect of speaking Drood. "They may insult the land, I cannot deny it. But they are a resourceful folk. And I have the strange premonition something stronger might threaten these lands, something more destructive than a simple city. They are a strong ally to have, great beast, and to them so might you be."

It regarded Luck, its eyes staring at his figure, his muscles. The power in them. Luck tensed, unhappy with the proceedings. Prove to me those on two legs are strong. It roared, angry at even the pillars around it. Defeat me and I shall name you a true druid as only the King of the Winged Razors can! I will knight you young one, if you can earn it!

"Wha-"

Instantly, the creature leaped forward swinging its wings. Luck had no time to do anything but survive. Used to quick reactions, split second decisions, and on-the-fly plans. He narrowly avoided a quick death.

Chips of the pillars sprinkled like hail onto his back, which was mercifully still numb, as the creature ripped into them. The danger was real, any lost limb would not grow back. Razor bladed wings came like a hurricane, his opponent somehow keeping balance despite his forward attack. Luck ducked forward himself, rolling between the wings, too close to the beast's chest for the wings to come in.

Luck knew how size could affect a fight. In this one, Luck had the advantage of being smaller, more versatile. His opponent's movements were limited, large as he was, in this small hallway.

With a shrieking that approached a roar, the creature revealed a sharp set of glistening teeth as it tried to rip out Luck's face. But, as it chomped down, there was suddenly a rock in his mouth. Shattering in his mouth, he was blinded by the rubble and Luck was gone. More thudded across its face and chest, taken right out of the temple grounds, weak but annoying. The creature looked towards their trajectory, growling. He found nothing, Luck was already weaving between the creature's legs, evading the talons and keeping his balance. Something about the familiar bond let him use minor aspect of nature at a larger distance than normal. In moments, he had a set of claws to use. A weapon in his hands, or rather, hands that were his weapons.

Drawing from some martial practice that Luck could not entirely recall the name of, he flowed between the legs of the creature. His hands, in the way he was taught, flowed into each other as he struck the belly of the beast, normally they'd be blunt attacks but a sharp set of nails changed that aspect of the technique. A minor adjustment on his part and he was ripping into the creature's underbelly.

A beat of wings pressed Luck into the floor. The creature had risen a few feet into the air and exposed Luck, pinning him to the ground. Its belly was a mess, looking worse than it really was, for Luck's claws were not that long. Spirit was tracking the beast, according to his S.I. some type of wind magic added to the force that trapped him. Its belly was bloody, but the wounds were not deep, nor fatal.

Luck breathed slowly.

If this is the fight that only one can give, then your race is strong, but not worthy. It roared as it descended.

Luck's voice was deep, nearly as deep as the smirk adorning his mouth. "As I said, great beast, those that walk on two legs can both be powerful allies, or terrible enemies."

The beast didn't lose focus, but such a narrow focus allowed Luck his blindspots.

Time froze. And Luck got up, measuring the distance to the creature's neck, and flexing a part of his body that was not physical. The beast was frozen, talons splayed, wings pointed down like a spear. Awe-inspiring and magnificent. Among the surrounding architecture, the beast looked like a statue. With Spirit, the calculations needed were nothing. He had only five seconds, but Luck was confident in two.

Time resumed and two sharp swaths of stone rose up from the ground, crossing against the neck of the beast almost instantly, doing more to restrain than draw blood. Coming from just below the wings, they crossed in perfect time, just as the beasts neck collided with it. The feat was impressive, and done completely out of the beast's vision. The creature choked as its momentum caught on its neck, the whole ordeal lasting less than half a second. It fell to the floor, coughing, but already recovering.

"It would've been nothing to make those spikes sharper." Luck said, nonchalant, his hands finding his way into his pockets. Such a show was necessary, he was representing the two legged and thus a certain competence had to be displayed. "A demonstration of my abilities, and perhaps a taste of what others might be able to do." He bowed, his hands finding his pockets.

The creature did the equivalent of an amused chuckle, which Luck was oddly aware of in the same manner he might know Saga was laughing. The restraints retracted and the bladed creature stood up, once again demonstrating amazing vitality.

I am Melthin, young one. You are fortunate that Wazar are weak after hibernation, much of our magic becomes lost to us upon immediate waking. Melthin sighed. His reasoning sounded nothing like an excuse to Luck. He did not doubt him. And if what you say rings true, then my father is lost to me and I am named the new king. He did not hibernate with the rest, and those I awoke with are the only wazar I see. If indeed we are in another time, then my father is long gone and his place is now mine.

"My condolences." Luck bowed, his hands still resting in his pockets. "May the sands take the king. And to the land, his wings." He intoned, the wording coming to him even as he spoke, less from his Omnilingual trait and more from One with Nature. Those two traits had an interesting interaction when it came to druid-speak. His eyes closed in respect, even with the threat of an enemy in front of him, but Luck felt the gesture was warranted.

When Luck opened his eyes the King was watching. Melthin seemed to approve of that. An odd one you are, young one. You speak an old language, even to the wazar. And yet I can see no Elder Species have approved of you. I must have your name if I am to offically knight you as a knight of nature. A true druid.

"I've many names, but I'm most fond of the ones my parents gave me." His amber eyes sparkled. "Luck Lockyer." It was a point of pride when he could give his real name, and not with some stupid title attached to it. "Must all druids be knighted? I am simply a wanderer doing justice for nature whenever I can." He said, in truth. His breathing had already returned to normal, though the fight was deadly, scary even, Luck had been in many life or death situations. He could master that emotion and focus on the battle easily.

An Elder Species must officialize and recognize a knight of nature, though I know not which ones have survived. Only then can a druid truly be capable of great things. Melthin paused, as if gathering some strength, and surprisingly, he stood even straighter despite his wounds, adopting a subtle regality. One recognizable even in the posture of a four legged beast. But his pause held also a sadness and uncertainty in the face of the wider world, unsure of what has changed. Luck caught it all in those short moments, his eyes as sharp as they were amber, before Melthin spoke once more.

Hear! A new druid walks the forests, traverses the mountains, and swims the rivers! Of amber eyes and magic, he has bested a weakened wazar king! I dub thee Knight of Nature, a Druid! Know that the Druid Lockyer is recognized by the Elder Species, the Wazar!

A distant gong reverberated, a small sound in his head, or a large noise in the distance, he could not know. But then, green lights swirled from the ground and Melthin, absorbing into Luck as immediately as they appeared. Something changed, something even beyond his magically overlayed self. And the change was instant, like a dam breaking or a sudden epiphany.

And he was a Druid, truly.

Before Luck could even contemplate what profound ritual had just occured Melthin interrupted him.

I will stop my people. You do what you must Druid Lockyer. We must prevent further bloodshed, for my people may need strong allies in light of Ethodthem's update. We wazar may be ancient to you young druid, but there are creatures that, even to us, were a blur in history. Beware Druid Lockyer, and know we shall meet again.

And the King of the Winged Razors was gone, somehow still easily moving despite his injuries. He blasted out the short hallway in a spray of rubble and gust of wind as his wings sliced the pillars to either side. In moments, his telltale scream rang loudly, a rallying cry that many answered.

Luck ran to the top of the stairs. Maxworth, Erok and Ace stood at the bottom. It seemed Maxworth was missing an arm, but he was also holding one, which could've been the very one he was missing. Erok didn't seem any worse for wear and neither did Ace. But all of them were looking up at the sky and it didn't take long to figure out why.

Above them was a flock of wazar, in some strange formation. They hid their figures in the setting sun, but the minor aspect of nature allowed his eyes to look directly at them, something Luck suspected was adjusted by Spirit in some manner. At the head of the flock, was one Luck recognized, Melthin.

Taking advantage in the lull of the attacks, citizens darted out of their hiding places, injured warriors limped from the open areas, and children ran. Many cried, calling for help and assistance. Erok lent a hand as they surged to Protc's temple, seeking sanctaury. Maxworth did the same, though some people recoiled once they saw his silver body. Ace followed suit, speaking calmly to the people and leading them to sanctuary as he had done before.

All three kept their eyes on the sky however.

And then Melthin shot downward, like a comet. What accompanied was a cacophony of noise, a loud screeching of birds, mixed with the roar of lions that, by all reason, shouldn't have sounded like it did.

Like a choir of angelic noise. One that rose as quickly as their king descended, reaching a crescendo.

He landed in a cloud of dust, and looked calmly among the panicking people. He only stood there, waiting as the dust settled. His wounds were on display, his injuries, fully in view. And yet he stood like they didn't matter, proud and regal, as if his battlescars were marks of pride, or a king's robe. He was awaiting the leader, perhaps hoping they would be produced from among the nearby buildings.

He wanted to parley Luck realized. A decidedly kingly move, given the current situation.

Luck only wondered who would meet him.

Luck took the stairs down to beside Ace, who was sitting down on the steps staring. "That's the king." Luck offered. "King of the Winged Razors. The Wazar." Luck took a seat beside Ace. He spoke in English, to keep the subject from the other two.

"He wants an audience." Erok chimed in, or rather, rumbled in Roke.

"A parley." Luck confirmed, in the same deep language. "But who would meet him?" He finished in Common, reigning in the conversation, allowing everyone to participate.

"That would be Madam Savs if i'm not mistaken?" Ace asked. "That's the closest thing to a leader of Peace."

Maxworth stood quietly, but Luck followed his eyes, which led his own to three approaching figures. A familiar flicker of orange drew his eye. It was Nayah, but as he focused on her, her hair had returned to normal. And she was with Borg and her mother. All three of them looked like they'd been through hell, roughed up as they were. Borg was dressed for battle, wearing plated leather and holding two swords. Luck noticed the drink he had attached to his belt as well. Madam Savs and Nayah were different though, opting for heavy robes. All sported a number of rips and tears, blood sprinkled across their garments for good measure.

Madam Sav's robe trailed behind her as she approached Melthin. She didn't seem afraid, and Luck couldn't guess why. She had less guards than she had before, when Luck had caused a stalemate between them. Whatever defensive measures she had, they were not as fast as a bolt of lightning. That was all Luck could surmise.

She regarded Melthin with cool blue eyes, her sharp features combined with her hard gaze gave her the look of a tyrant. Or rather, someone who has accepted the harsh reality of the world. "What are you?" She spoke, her voice as hard as her looks. "And why have you attacked Peace?"

There was no visible reply, but Madam Savs stood a little straighter. Luck could guess why. She stared into the eyes of the wazar king for a good minute, a litany of emotion playing over her face. She nodded once, twice, then turned from Melthin, and spoke to Nayah and Borg.

Adressing the crowd, or rather, the cowering townsfolk, and hardened warriors, she announced. "The Wazar are not our enemies, in light of the System's update we must prepare for stronger foes." She sounded louder than she should have been. "Return to your homes, the invasion is over. What remains are whatever sleeping powers have been awakened. We must be ready for them, for they truly might destroy us." With a glance backward she nodded.

Melthin met her eyes, seemingly amused before taking to the skies, his flock behind him. Luck watched him go and his head turned back, something that wouldn't have been noticed by anyone given the setting sun, but his eyes were that of an eagle's. And he stared right into Luck's, surprised to find that an amber pair stared back. They flew into the setting sun, to either return to an ancient home, or to find a new one.

Luck stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Shall we?" He motioned to Ace, curious as to what happened.

Ace shrugged and followed. "After you, Lucky."

Madam Savs was the first to notice his approach, already speaking with a familiar gruff guard. "It seems you have saved many lives Mr. Lockyer." She greeted. "Of that you have my thanks."

"Not just me." He replied, gesturing to Saga and Ace. "You've reached an agreement with Melthin I assume?" Luck said, conversationally, like the topic was the weather or pointless gossip.

"Yes, we've come to-" Her eyes narrowed, and narrowed further as they saw Luck smirk. "You know, he did speak of one who bested him in combat. A lone druid. You would not happen to know of one would you?"

"I can't say I've heard of him." Luck replied, for all the world seeming earnest. Ace coughed slightly, the sound barely audible. Ace was always deceptively sharp. "I spoke shortly with the king however, fearful for my life, but he was already taking to the skies, calling off the assault. He had just met with the druid then."

Erok, whom Luck had already basically confessed to being a druid to, stood stoically. He didn't seem particularly inclined to mention it. Though, he could've just as easily not have been able to follow the conversation in full.

"Hmm." She spoke, voice thoughtful. "I've heard the druid had turned the vipers, sending them on their way. Or so goes the rumor. But to defeat that wazar as well may prove unlikely. No matter, his method of communication is truly odd but effective as well, we've reached a truce. Communing with him, I know we both fear something stronger than any two of us."

"A solid plan, to combine forces." Luck agreed. "I fear what befell any other major cities. Ardun, for example. If not for the druid here, who knows what might've happened had the wazar continued their invasion. Both parties may have been weakened immensely, vulnerable to some third party attack."

"They've got a strong lick of fight in them I'll tell ye that. Not even ye friend over there was able to give me that much of a challenge." Borg slurred, gesturing sloppily to Ace.

"If I'd have been challenged myself I believe I might've." Ace said, a cocky grin on his face. "Might not be the fairest of fights with that much alcohol in you."

"Oi! I'll have yer head boy!" Borg drunkenly swayed on his feet. Nayah was there to catch him before anything happened though.

"Sorry for him, Ace." She said shyly, to which Ace waved her concern away, a soft smile on his face. "I'll still accompany you to Ardun, Luck. If you'll have me. So long as you can still teach me bartending." She said it with a certainty, but there was fear in her eyes. She seemed bent on learning to bartend though, however useless the skill might be in this world. Luck found it odd, but passion could drive people off a cliff.

"It's an eight month journey from here, with the added danger of whatever might be awakened on the way. Not only that, it's Ardun. The place was already dangerous before this update."

"My daughter can handle herself, she is the heir to the Arena Field's of Peace after all. And yet she desires to learn the profession of serving swill to the common men." Her mother said disdainfully. But her eyes became more serious as she turned to Luck. "Do not let those in Ardun see you speak in shadow, Mr. Lockyer. It will not be conducive to your healthy living, nor will it be for my daughter. Come Nayah, I will equip you accordingly. I assume you will leave tommorow, Mr. Lockyer?"

"That is the plan, yes. Not much daylight left to burn." He waved, looking at the sunset.

"Then you will come to the center tower tommorow morning." She turned, her robes twirling in a circle, and Luck could make out a wand on her hip. "Come Nayah, preparing you for your trek is another task that eats the time I could spend preparing for greater foes." With a relunctant smile, Nayah followed her mother. Borg slurred something as well, his feet slapping towards Madam Savs too.

"Why do you hide your nature druid?" Erok rumbled in Roke, he had been standing off to the side, apparently fluent enough in Common to follow the earlier conversation. "She spoke of the druid, was that not you? That was the very same beast I had left to you. And I am sure I am not druid."

"It was Erok, but I don't need to claim good deeds as my own. I much rather enjoy the anonymity." Luck replied.

"Do you not seek the glory of your heroic deeds?" Erok questioned.

Ace chuckled. "This one doesn't like the talk that comes with it, Erok. Never did." He said, patting Luck's shoulder. "I'll tell the people inside they're free to leave." The former mercenary walked off towards the stairs, Luck shaking his head.

Maxworth stood by Erok, silent.

"What will you two do now?" Luck asked.

"Perhaps we can accompany you to Ardun, sir?" Maxworth, oddly formal, replied.

Luck pondered that, an extra two pairs of hands was not unwelcomed. But he was loathe to reveal his capabilities to any more people as it was. He truly did like the anonymity. Staying close with these people over the course of more than half of year might prove difficult if he wanted to keep that facade.

"What brings you there?" Luck asked instead.

Erok and Maxworth replied nearly at the same time. "Power." The silver one looked to Erok before continuing. "We seek power. There is no better place than Ardun for those like us. With this update, sir, the enemies will be stronger."

"Yes," Erok said, "this status screen, it lists all of my powers. I've not remembered many of these until now, their effects, a part of me as the rock that grows on my back. Strange. Strange, that our power seems to be quantified so well."

Maxworth nodded. "The interface is reworked. I have not seen my powers or effects in such a concise way before now."

It was at that point Luck became aware of his blinking notifications. In the same moment, Ace came from the stairs, a crowd of hesitant people behind him. Luck glanced at the two, one silver, the other brown. "If you still want to join me, you heard Madam Savs, tommorow at the central tower." Then Luck was off.

Signalling Saga mentally, Luck dissapeared in the crowd, making quick eye contact with Ace before melding further. He tracked Luck, found the likeliest destination and headed there as well. Saga was moments behind, all three of them finding themselves in a short alley, barely covered but with a corner in between that hid the passage from both sides.

Luck poured mana into his connection, willing a portal into existence.

"We've got to spend the time as best we can." Luck explained, stepping through. "That means as much time in here as possible."

"Seems reasonable." Ace replied.

Then they were in his dimensional room once again. "Welcome Master Luck. In your leave I had sped up the internal clock, going three times faster, rather than slower. Some plants have already sprouted, demonstrating enormous growth."

Saga was assaulted by the bunnies and Ace took a seat in the leather chairs, presumably to nap.

"Thank you Evodim. I wasn't aware that was possible." Luck replied, heading to the greenhouse room. What he saw amazed him. He had just planted these seeds not three hours ago. They've already broken the soil, sprouting upwards and already growing fruits.

Many were colored, small orbs that glistened with juices, but obviously premature. In the small pond Luck could make out swaying plants, held aloft by floating fruits. A long, almost banana shaped fruit glowed from within the recess that housed the plants that preferred the dark.

"In addition, I have repaired your dirtied clothes. And through your affinity with Earth and Nature elements, along with your mastery of those magics, combined with your regenerative properties, I was able to create a type of healing spring. I've connected the room to the bathroom."

"A healing spring?" Luck eyebrows rose. "You can do that? That seems almost unfair."

"It is a strange second nature I have. Paired with the general information package, I was able to discern some types of magical compliments. This among them, Master Luck. The adaptive magic that constructs me truly is wonderous, your growth is reflected in my own and the magic that makes me somehow layers itself and moves in tune with yours, growing as you do. It is beyond my comprehension." Oddly, the only comparison Luck could make to that kind of magic, was perpetual motion. Essentially, that was a magic that never ended, that built upon itself. Though, Luck wasn't naive enough to believe that there truly were no limits.

"Do let Ace know." He said. "For now I've got a few things to think about." Luck sat among the young plants, his arms and legs brushing against their stalks. The patch of green grass in the middle was unmarred, as if inviting him to sit.

"As you wish." Evodim replied, the voice getting distant even as it spoke, like a passing breeze.

He decided to open his status screen, and it opened before he could even think about how to do it.

A stark blue against his eyes. There listed, were all of the powers that affected him. Of his magical traits, there was Troll's Blood and One with Nature. Of his physical ones, only Expectional Regeneration. Then there was Omnilingual which was a combination of knowledge and trait.

Next, were his actual powers. Of that there were only the three magics he had learned, Earth, Nature and Time. Their descriptions were listed as well with Luck only having to focus for them to appear. They came in a crisper, blue psuedo-hologram, that Luck instinctively knew only he could see. He blinked at the blue, before examining everything quantified once more.

Following that, all the effects on his person. This listed the familiar bond, the connection to Evodim as well as the supportive intelligence in his head. These came with their descriptions too, although, like the rest, most only gave general information when described.

For example Troll's Blood and Exceptional Regeneration were the same as they were listed in the impartation, yet Luck already knew a handful of their specific information through testing with Spirit. Further, the magics listed, didn't show the spells he knew, only that he was capapble of it. Additionally, the connections he had, the things tied to him, were exactly the same, hinting at positive benefits with growth but nothing more than that.

One thing that stood out, among his magical traits was something called True Druid. Focusing on that, a screen came up suggesting a deeper, more pure, connection to nature. Along with One with Nature, he was more excited than fearful of that connection, no matter what it meant for him as a species that destroyed to create. He felt that nature was another home, or rather another family. That was the best way he could describe it, it was also the way the System described it. To have some sort of deeper connection to nature, he wouldn't mind it.

Pay Heed!

New Title: True Druid

A Knight of Nature, protector of the wild and all that reside in it. One who lives and communes with nature as a close friend. As recognized by an Elder Species their connection becomes that much deeper, allowing them to connect on a level unheard of by the masses. The nature of whatever power they draw upon is unknown, save for the fact that is comes from nature itself.

"A True Druid, huh?" He thought upon the sudden lights that swirled into him. "Is that what Melthin did to me?" He muttered softly.

He didn't feel any different. Again, no surprise given his previous magical awareness. It was when he started cycling through his senses that he realized something. The plants surrounding him, they were curling onto his arms and legs, like a gentle embrace. A little sibling. Like how Tate used to hold on to him.

They were happy. Happy he was there. And oddly, Luck felt the same, his mouth curling into a small smirk, one of his few tells of true happiness. They basked in his presence like the sun, and Luck found himself humming softly, an old tune once sung to him. Slightly, ever so slightly they began to sway, almost unnoticable to anyone not paying attention. But Luck was observant, it didn't escape his notice.

Somehow he felt rejuvenated after it all, envigorated. To say after was wrong, since they were still clinging to him, not a bother at all.

Through his familiar bond he called Saga. Seconds later the door opened, something Luck didn't question since there was no plausible way for Saga to open it without thumbs, before the shar in question padded through. His eyes stared at Luck questioningly.

You called, friend? was what Luck heard, much to his surprise.

But already, Saga's presence was calming, so even startled his heartrate didn't even spike. The shar was his familiar after all, his bondmate.

Hello Saga.

It was Saga's turn to act surprised, not that Luck showed his reaction or that Saga could decipher it. You hear me?

Yeah. Want to sit? Or are you too busy babysitting a pair of bunnies? Luck added as the two in question scurried behind Saga.

Saga snorted, no words to accompany it, before plopping down. They don't leave me alone, not since I helped them at the temple.

Opting to speak out loud instead Luck said, "That's what heroes do. Especially one whose namesake is about heroic deeds." He chuckled, enjoying the lack of guesswork he needed to communicate with the shar.

Already the mental speaking became normal, again, as if both were old friends accustomed to such changes between them. It was another method of speaking, but this was Saga.

Next time I won't save small animals. Instead, I'll just eat our enemies. Tastier that way. Saga replied

Luck laughed, but he took in the shar, admiring his dark green matte fur. "Sure. By the way, speaking of eating our enemies, thanks for saving me from that callamoth back then." He recalled failing at stopping time, that crucial moment that he whiffed. He was too tired, his focus splayed, if he had died there then the mother surely would have. His eyes lingered on Saga for a moment, the unnassuming shar observing the fruits around.

No problem, Amber Eyes. I enjoyed the hunt. Saga shrugged, resting his head on his forelegs, the balls of white settling on either side of his face. You would do the same.

Luck smirked at his nickname, but allowed it this time. A lot of anything to do with his eyes were always exaggerated, but Saga's moniker just told it how it was. He had amber eyes. So he called him by it. "Nevertheless, thank you."

Saga peeked open an eye. How is your back?

"I'll be fine, my body is already working to heal it. Not only that, apparently Evodim created a healing spring using my growth, traits, and magics as a catalyst. Don't worry about me Saga. I'm tougher than I look, despite the injuries I've taken." He assuaged, tired with the concern going around. Luck was a man who knew his own limits better than anyone might know their own.

You are too squishy Amber Eyes. Saga said. No fangs, only brain and the power to heal. You need something to defend yourself when trapped. Quiet One has lightning, that is his teeth, he can bite when cornered. But you cannot.

"Hey. I've got teeth. Time, Earth and Nature magic, remember?" Luck defended, amused at the nickname for Ace.

Teeth, but not sharp.

His eyes narrowed slightly, annoyed at that doubt, the same doubt many of his peers had for him because of his age. His training flashed in his mind. Years and years of it, filling his mind, fresh as the day he learned it. Ingrained into his memory through both hard work and pain. Methods to disable someone in seconds. Years at the shooting range. The various tactics used to break an arm, leg, hand, foot, anything. The split second decisions that his life necessitated, the same ones that had saved him more than once. The ability to manuever around a room during a fight, finding cover, or creating makeshift weapons on the fly. To lockpick, manipulate, blackmail and more. What stood out however, just from its relevance, was his hand-to-hand combat training, or rather his unarmed combat training.

He wasn't helpless, despite what it seemed. The people he encountered so far, they had been born to this life of constant fighting, they were trained by the sword or whatever they chose. The Subaqa had superior training, to the point they gave Ace a run for his money. The very same person who had trained his whole life to kill people. And though he held off so many armed with only his magic, it never would have been that close back home.

It wasn't that Luck was helpess, just that the people here were conditioned to fight. It was why, instead of losing an arm, or a finger during the fight with Madam Savs' guards, he opted to get stabbed in the stomach. Knowing that he would live through it, and gaining an advantage in the confusion that met the guard.

Because what Luck excelled at wasn't truly just hand-to-hand. Unarmed fighting would be a more accurate term to use, though still not completely correct. Of all his training, what he did best was combine them all in a way that might seem underhanded. An effective method of brawling that drew upon his quick wits and reactions, two things the Amber Demon had in spades. Mr. Ark liked to call it dirty fighting. Something, Luck felt, that despite the magical aspect of this world and way of living, was still valid, even when fighting something not quite human.

As long as they had some measure of intelligence, they could be misleaded, tricked, and taken advantage of in a split second. And here Saga was, thinking he was some useless kitten.

Luck grinned, feeling the spotlight move onto him. He was being underestimated, by his own familiar of all things. "How about a little spar, Saga? Find out just how sharp these teeth are? And no magic on my part." He added offhandedly, unconcerned.

Saga bared his teeth in an imitation of a smile. They are your wounds to lick Amber Eyes.

That cockiness was nothing like Ace's, it was refreshingly honest, and for that Luck's eyes twinkled, his smirk curling further.