*Draco Civitate*

I was awoken from my nap by a tickling sensation on my nose. Opening my eyes I saw a head full of red hair lying on my chest. Looking further down I was greeted with the pleasant body of Miss Camellia. I thought she was supposed to be heading back to her ship? Not wanting to wake her up I just laid there not moving. A few hours later she finally started to stir, she looked up at me and sleepily yawned, “Good Morning.”

I couldn’t help but laugh a little at her lazy expression, “Morning? It’s almost dark and what are you doing laying on me? Not that I mind though.” Hearing this she giggled a little before she sat up. “Well I was on my way to see mother before I headed back to my ship, but then I saw an absolutely comfy looking pillow just lazing about in the courtyard so I couldn’t help but get a little sleepy and I took a nap.”

So I’m a pillow now huh? Well it doesn’t matter, when a beautiful woman wants to use you as a pillow if you’re a man you let her. “That’s not very lady like Miss Princess.” She laughed a hearty laugh at this holding her stomach, “I get tired of acting like a lady all the time it’s boring, why do you think I went to the frontlines? The men don’t care if I act like a lady or one of them so I find the atmosphere very comfortable.”

Understanding her reasoning I added a bit more, “Either way suddenly using a stranger as a pillow isn’t very safe you know?” She laughed a little, “You’re with my mom your basically family, so you’re not a stranger.” You still don’t know me personally I thought before repeating it out loud. “Meh there is time for that later.” This woman I just don’t know what to think of her right now.

“Well we should get going mom is probably waiting on you and I need to see her before I go.” Agreeing with her we both got up and headed in to the palace. After searching around a bit we found Zellfina in the throne room talking to some soldiers. We entered the throne room and waited for her to finish doing what she was doing. When she sent the soldiers away she looked over at us and beckoned for us to come over.

“I see you two are getting along nicely.” She said this with a little bit of playfulness in her voice causing me to raise an eyebrow. “Well mom I found him napping in the back courtyard so I decided to take a nap too.” Hearing Camellia say this I went pale while glancing at Zellfina expecting her to get mad or something, but she didn’t she just laughed it off. “He’s very comfortable isn’t he?” What the heck is going on? Most women would be jealous even if it was an innocent act.

“He actually is, even with all the muscle under that suit of his it was surprisingly like putting my head on a cloud.” Speaking of I did notice that after my strength doubled my muscles became more toned and I went from a six pack to an eight pack. Im surprised she could feel that just by laying her head on my chest. Wait; did she do something to me while I was asleep? I looked over at her seriously and after she noticed my gaze she actually turned a little red. What the hell did you do while I was passed out!?

Trying to change the subject I asked Zellfina what she was talking to the guards about. “Oh, I was telling them about the situation with the Duke of Dragon’s Kitchen and the ArchAngel.” Hearing us talk about Sir Altmer and the ArchAngel Camellia spoke up, “What happened with the Duke and what is this ArchAngel?” I looked over towards her in surprise, “You weren’t told about the ArchAngel?” She looked at me seriously and told me she hadn’t. Zellfina stepped up and started to explain everything about the ArchAngel and what I did to the Duke.

When she got to the part about the Duke there was a small look of desire when Camellia glanced at me. Is she attracted to violent men or something? “Vitamor made the decision to kill the duke because of his slander towards me, which I would have done myself if I heard him. It was really sweet and I appreciated it.” After saying this she smiled towards me and I returned it. “Well if people think that they can insult those close to me, either in my presence or not, I will pave the road to hell for them personally.” Saying this I actually release what I guess is killing intent because Zellfina and Camellia both flinched a little.

Zellfina tried to change the subject by telling Camellia our plans for the ArchAngel and the frontlines. “Camellia you will not be going back to the ship you were stationed on you will be staying with Vitamor as his Co-Captain of the ArchAngel and Zendra will be going along as well, but only as a regular service member for experience so treat her like a regular soldier for now.” Hearing this Camellia gave a little bit of a shocked expression. “Wait you mean that the ArchAngel can move that far!?” Nodding her head towards her Zellfina explained a little bit more, “Yes, but we need to get a dark matter engine and dark matter generator for her so she has an infinite amount of fuel and power.”

In order to do this we need a mage that can use the dark element, which isn’t very common. “Where are we going to find a Dark Mage to make one for us?” Looking over at me when I said this Zellfina looked helpless and didn’t really have an answer. I tried to help by offering a possible solution, “Maybe I could learn some Dark Magic. Are there any books on dark magic in the library?” Hearing this she kind of perked up a bit, but Camellia quickly shot it down. “No there aren’t any Dark Magic books in the library.” Wondering how she knew this I remembered what Zendra said about her sister collecting every kind of book that she could for the library, so she should know what is in there or not. I sighed a little bit in my heart, but Camellia offered up another suggestion. “There may be some Dark Magic books on Shendar, in some of the old cities or tombs.”

Hearing this me and the queen perked up, “I forgot about Shendar, no one normally goes there because of the danger so none of the tombs or cities should have been looted.” While Zellfina was talking I was thinking about what Zendra said about Shendar, that it might be where their God King lives. While I was thinking Zellfina interrupted my thoughts, “Dear, you and Camellia are both powerful enough to go to Shendar and survive, it may be tough, but you can do it.” Thinking about it for a minute I asked, “So when are we leaving?” Hearing me she got a concerned look on her face, but she quickly hid it. “I will arrange for someone to take you both first thing in the morning and I will prepare all the necessary gear. Well I am off to prepare your stuff so I will see you later babe.” After speaking she gave me a quick kiss then left the room.

Camellia and I left the throne room shortly after and both went our separate ways. Camellia went to speak to Zendra and I went to the training room for a bit. Thinking about what Zellfina said about inventing spells I had an idea that I wanted to test out. Walking to the middle of the room I activated [Mana Perception]. I saw the natural flow of mana in the room moving about like thousands of tiny rivers. I looked over at the closest river of mana and used my [Mana Manipulation] trait to manipulate it. When I imagined the river to do something it actually did it.

I don’t think that this would be as easy if it wasn’t for the [Mana Perception] skill. Moving the tiny river around with my mind I wanted to try something. I imagined the river widening and thinning out to the thickness of a piece of string. Once I saw that it was thin I tried to widen it enough to drape it over my body and after a few mess-ups it finally worked. Even without thinking about it the mana river was flowing around my body centimeters from me.

When I finally succeeded I was excited and tried moving around. I got even more excited when I discovered that the river actually didn’t remove itself from me and moved with me. Unknown to me there was a little bar in the bottom right corner of my view that was rapidly filling up while I was doing this. I stopped moving around and tried to imagine the river to become hard like steel. Nothing happened that I could see, but I was greeted with a notification icon, so I opened it.

Congratulations! You have invented a Neutral Magic spell [Pure Mana Shield] level 1!

[Pure Mana Shield] – Caster is able to cast a Neutral Mana Shield that is fed by the natural mana in the universe. Shield grows in strength as the user levels it.

Seeing this notification I froze and after a few minutes of just standing there I closed the notification and jumped for joy. “Yes! It worked HAHAHAHAHA!” Even while moving around the invisible steel like shield moved fluidly with me. I cut the spell off and noticed that the mana river actually left my body and returned to it's earlier position. I casted the spell again and another river actually moved to cover my body and instantly hardened. “Yes! This is great! With this I now have a way to defend myself until I perfect the [Dragon Scale Body].” None of this would have been as easy if it wasn’t for [Mana Perception] and almost impossible without [Mana Manipulation].

While I was celebrating Zellfina walked into the training room, seeing that I was extremely excited she asked what was going on. I looked over at her with the biggest smile on my face. Since I hadn’t closed the popup I showed it to her. After reading the popup for a second she instantly turned a little pale. “What is with this spell? Shields should have to be fueled by the user’s personal mana pool and what the hell is with this ability for the shield to get stronger? How strong is it right now?” She directed the last question to me, “I honestly don’t know I just completed the spell.” Hearing this she hollered at the guard in the hall, he came in and bowed to her. “Go and find a Rank A Mage of any element.” The guard saluted and ran off to do his duty.

Around fifteen minutes later the guard came back with a soldier in a mages robe. “I have retrieved the mage your majesty.” Nodding her head she dismissed the guard, “You may leave. Now young mage I want you to cast an attack spell at Vitamor when I tell you to okay?” The mage nodded his head and walked over into position. I walked opposite of him and casted the shield. Nodding my head to Zellfina to let her know I was ready she ordered the mage to attack.

The mage immediately cast a red [Fire Ball] at me. I sub-consciously prepared myself for the pain, but the spell exploded upon impact with my shield not even sending ripples down it or cracks. Seeing this Zellfina ordered the mage to shoot two more fire balls at me. The spells hit my shield one after the other and the second spell caused a few ripples to appear on the shield. Neither one of them could see this because it was an invisible shield, but I could see it because of my [Mana Perception]. Seeing me still unharmed Zellfina ordered the mage for three more spells.

The spells hit me one after the other and on the third spell the shield cracked a little, but after a split second it repaired itself. Four fire balls later the shield had cracks all over, but once again after a split second break it repaired itself. The mage casted five fire balls this time and on the fifth fire ball the shield shattered and the spell was canceled. I motioned for the mage to stop, “Okay after five consecutive fire balls the shield shatters and has to be reapplied."

Hearing this, the queen was excited, “This is amazing, and your shield is equivalent to an early High Ranked shield spell. It could probably stop a Rank S spell, at least once and it doesn’t cost you to keep it maintained. Most mages have to concentrate to keep their shields up and can’t move or do anything else, so shields are mostly useless while in mobile combat, but yours doesn’t have this downside, this shield spell is basically a cheat.”

I laughed in my heart while thinking that most of what I can do is cheating, but she doesn’t point any of those out just this one spell? Shaking my head I smiled at the queen, “Well now that my testing is done how about we retire for the night huh?” Hearing me say this she was concerned, “Are you okay? Did the spell actually have a taxing effect on you?” Laughing while I walked up to her, “No I would just like to go to the room, want to join me?” I gave her a wink and smacked her ass as I walked by. She immediately turned red and had a flash of desire in her eyes before she turned to follow me. The mage was just standing there with his jaw on the floor.

After a few hours of fun time we finally went to sleep. A few hours later the sun rose and we both got up and dressed. We left the room after being greeted by the maids. Walking out to the courtyard we saw Camellia standing there talking to Zendra. Noticing us walking over Camellia waved while Zendra looked away with an angry look on her face. I swear I am going to hurt this girl if she doesn’t become a little nicer to me.

“Hey Cam, is everything set to go?” I said to Camellia with the nickname I decided to call her. She didn’t seem to have a problem with it when she answered, “Yeah they have a ship fueled up to drop us off at Shendar and I have everything we need in my space ring.” Nodding my head I decided to tease Zendra as I grabbed her chin and made her look at me, “Don’t worry I’ll be back safe and sound.” Hearing this she got pissed and I could see the steam coming from her ears. She started to chase me around the courtyard while screaming. “I’m not worried about you, you fiend! You can go die in a hole for all I care! I’m worried you’re going to get my sister killed!”

Zellfina and Camellia were literally rolling on the ground laughing while holding their stomachs. I stopped running around and bonked Zendra on the head which just pissed her off even more, “I’m just kidding jeez, don’t worry I'll make sure she comes back safely.” She stopped chasing me and glared at me with killing intent in her eyes. “You better or I will feed you to the wild beasts myself.” Seeing the look in her eyes I knew she was serious, “Oooo I’m so scared.” Hearing this she almost blew a gasket, she turned around and said goodbye to her sister and went into the palace.

“Do you have to tease her so much?” Camellia asked while looking at her departing sister with a concerned look. Laughing I answered, “Sorry I can’t really help it she just makes it so easy.” Shaking her head she said goodbye to Zellfina and she entered the waiting ship. I looked over to Zellfina who looked at me with concern in her eyes, “Be careful okay? Here is the galactic phone I told you I would get you. I already programed mine and Camellia’s numbers into it.” Responding to her concern I gave her a passionate kiss, “Don’t worry I will come back to you.” Smiling I entered the ship with Camellia; we took off and headed towards Shendar.

Sitting in the back of the ship with Camellia I decided to ask her for some information about the Demons they have been fighting. Thinking about it she started to explain some things about them, “The Demons look just like humans, except for they have red skin, red wings, and a thin tail that is shaped like a spade on the end.” Hearing this I couldn’t help but think of cartoonists version of demons from back on earth. “They have all kinds of types, there are demons that are extremely strong physically, some that use very destructive spells, and even some that can seduce men and women to betray their own kind leading them to be killed by their own people. The leader of the demons is a beautiful man with white wings like a majestic bird, people say he goes by the name of Lucifer.”

Hearing this I froze for a second before asking a question, “Did you say Lucifer?” Hearing me ask this and after seeing the expression on my face she answered, “Yes that is what they call him, do you know about him?” I thought deeply about how to go about this before answering, “I have heard some legends, do you know what Angels are?” When I said this she nodded her head, “Yes they are servants of an ancient God King that disappeared long ago, no one knows if the God King is male or female or even its name, but even though the God King disappeared the Angels still go around doing its work and spreading its faith in all of the universes, why do you ask?” Hearing this some worry about how to explain myself was relieved.

“The legends go that Lucifer was actually the ancient God King’s most powerful Angel. Lucifer rebelled against the God King one day and he was removed from the God King’s side and casted into a realm that was eternally on fire. It was in this world that Lucifer harbored his hatred for the God King and also where he made his Demons. The human that called forth the Demon army must have been able to summon the demons straight from Lucifer’s domain called “Hell” and now that he is free he is probably waging war on everything in existence hoping to bring out the ancient God King. Now most of what I heard and said is just legends, but if it is the same Lucifer he is extremely powerful.”

After hearing my explanation Camellia’s face was actually kind of pale, “Where did you hear these legends? For many years we have been trying to find out where these demons came from and what their purpose is.” Hearing this I tried to hurriedly make something up, “It’s just some legends my grandfather told me when I was younger. There is also a possibility that some of the demons may not be inherently evil, but they just can’t escape Lucifer’s grasp.” When I said this Camellia got a complex look, “I don’t know about good or evil, but mostly all the demons we have fought enjoy it.” Understanding what she was saying I tried to elaborate, “According to the legends my grandfather told me. The demons were bred for death and destruction so they may enjoy killing and destroying, but that doesn’t mean that it’s all they can do or have to do. I mean I like to enjoy women, but you don’t see me going around enjoying myself with every woman against her will do you? I believe that when given a choice some demons may prefer to live a normal life just like we do.”

After hearing what I said Camellia just sat there for the rest of the flight in deep thought not saying a word. After a few hours we finally arrived at the edge of Shendar at a small outpost that they actually have set up. According to the pilot it is the only outpost on the entire continent. The pilot landed and after we disembarked he immediately took off and headed back the way we came.

We were met by a burly middle aged looking Draconian who saluted Camellia, “Welcome Princess Camellia. What brings you to this forsaken continent?” Returning the salute she answered back, “We are here to investigate the nearby cities and tombs hoping to find some valuable items that will help in the fight." Nodding his head the soldier asked if she wanted some bodyguards or a guide. She instantly answered him, “No thank you soldier, I have enough protection right here with me.”

The soldier looked around before his eyes finally landed on me. He gave a snort before speaking, “You mean this puny human? Surely you jest your highness. This human wouldn’t last five minutes on this continent.” Laughing Camellia answered, “I wouldn’t insult him too much, he has already killed Duke Altmer and he may even be able to best you in a fight.”

Hearing this, the soldier’s eyes became a little round, “You mean this puny human beat the Duke of Dragon’s Kitchen? He was at Power Rank A just like me. There is no way he was able to do it you must have heard wrong your majesty.” After hearing the soldier she seriously answered, “This information came directly from the queen’s mouth.” When she said this the soldier paled a little bit before turning towards me, “Forgive me of my earlier rudeness may I know young sirs name?” With his immediate change in attitude I had to refrain from rolling my eyes, “My name is Vitamor.” After saying this Camellia and I left the soldier standing where he was.

“Is Rank A common?” I directed this to Camellia who answered immediately, “Rank A either in Power or Magic is common in the army, Rank B is the minimum required to join the main armies, while Rank C and below mainly make up the grunt armies. Rank S and above are usually officers in the main armies and Rank A or B are officers in the grunt armies.” After hearing her explanation I understood a little bit. “So I am strong enough in Magic to be an officer in one of the main armies right?” She nodded her head before speaking, “Yes with your Magic Rank S you are capable to become an officer in one of the main armies.”

“I wonder how the soldier would have reacted if he knew my Magic Rank.” Thinking about this I got a small smile on my face while Camellia laughed a little bit. We talked about a few things while we were walking through the outpost. After a few minutes of walking we ran into a soldier at a desk offering maps of explored areas so far. Even though I had my radar Camellia didn’t have one so we picked one up and after looking at it my radar was updated with locations of monster lairs and other important stuff. Now that is a neat feature if I just look at a map of the area, as long as it is legit, my radar map will update itself as well. After acquiring a map we both walked out of the outpost in a leisurely manner much to the surprise of the soldiers around us who looked like they thought a monster would pop out at any minute.