Chapter Twelve: Finally Entering the Starter Village

At Hasson’s words, the entire scene became silent enough to hear a pin drop. Even the previously raging Larson started to calm. As he did, he was struck by a thought, ‘Why am I so angry in the first place?’ The more he reflected on his anger, the more confused he became.

He knew he could be impulsive, but this was a bit much even for him. When he tried to pinpoint just what triggered his sudden outburst, the way the guard had insulted Hasson and Galdon came to mind. As he recalled it, he could feel his ire rising again.

The more he tried to wrap his head around it, the less he could understand. Wondering if it might have been caused by a status ailment, he decided to seek the aid of the system. ‘Hey, system, can you give me an explanation?’

Then, with its telltale ding, the system answered his call.

Congratulations on discovering your Reverse Scale!

When a dragon's Reverse Scale is touched, they fly into an uncontrollable rage. The trigger for each dragon is different. Most dragons discover their trigger at a young age thanks to their lack of emotional control and unabashed desires.

By discovering your Reverse Scale you have unlocked the [Raging Dragon] passive state.

[Raging Dragon] is triggered when one's Reverse Scale is attacked. While in the [Raging Dragon] state all stats are boosted by 50%, however, rationality is greatly reduced as a result.

Once Larson skimmed through all the information before him, he was struck speechless, ‘Does this mean my emotions really are affected by this game?!’ He knew he was having an easier time pretending to be a child, but he’d been telling himself it was all thanks to his acting ability. Raking his hands through his hair, his thoughts started to race, ‘So because I chose to become a dragonling, I’m becoming more emotional and prone to anger? And the fact that this body is that of a child’s is affecting me as well? Does this mean the longer I play this game the more it might affect my personality?’ He took a deep breath, trying to settle his emotions. Making jokes about becoming an overgrown lizard was one thing, but being affected to the point that he wanted to bite a guy's head off over a mere insult was another.

Right as he was beginning to panic, a hand gently gripped his shoulder. With a startled jump, he turned his head to see Hasson gazing down at him with concern. Noticing Larson’s state, Hasson had grown worried. He wasn’t a dragonling expert by any means, but the small amount of information he did possess lead him to believe something in Larson had just awoken. If one ignored all the weird things about the child, he was still only a kid that was growing just a tad too fast. While weighing the possibility of Larson’s emotions being used against him someday, Hasson glanced up to see the gate before them beginning to open.

A guard in sleek silver armor came striding out from the opening. He had a strict expression on his face as he approached the gate guard, his eyes sweep questioningly over the surrounding group.

“C-Captain Theodore?!” The gate guard snapped to attention in trepidation.

“Private Shane, why did you issue for the gate to be closed before sundown?”

In the face of Captain Theodore’s question, Private Shane lamented his bad luck. He’d forgotten that the Captain oversaw gate inspection today. The Captain continued to stare frostily at the gate guard. Private Shane was notorious for using his position to extort coin out of people trying to enter the village. Captain Theodore had been trying for a long time to kick the scum to the curve, yet the Private had a strong backing in the village’s higher ups and always managed to get off the hook.

“Captain, I can explain.” Private Shane said as he hurried to think of an excuse.

“Oh, I can’t wait to hear this,” the old dwarf Pladers muttered.

Yet before the Private could start spinning a tale, Hasson stepped forward again, “Sorry to interrupt, but the night will be setting in soon. Might we continue this within the safety of the village?” He completely ignored the gate guard and stared at the Captain, twirling the medallion around his fingers as he did.

The Captain scrutinized the medallion dancing around Hasson’s fingers, his brow furrowing, his expression growing severe. Glancing between Hasson and the Private, the Captain nodded, “Then let’s move this discussion to the guard post just beyond the gate.”

“That would be much appreciated,” Hasson said, a small smile playing on his lips. After a moment, he had an idea and pulled Larson closer to him, “Larson, here. I need you to carry Galdon for a while.” Larson looked at him questionably but took Galdon onto his back all the same. Seeing him loaded down with Galdon’s weight, Hasson mentally sighed. Now that Larson had Galdon to take care of, Hasson knew that it would be less likely for him to flare up if the pending conversation got heated.

With the Captain leading the way through the gate, Private Shane followed closely behind, the trio of dwarfs staring daggers into his back along the way. As they passed under the wall, the village stretched out before them. Cobblestone roads weaved through a sea of stone buildings. Vibrant signs of life drifted in the air. On the side of the road, a simple guard station silently stood, keeping a quiet eye over the entrance.

Two guards wearing armor similar to Private Shane’s stood at attention outside the station's door. As the Captain approached them he quickly returned their salute, “At ease, gentlemen.” Pointing towards one of them he ordered, “Go stand guard at the outer station until last light.”

“At once sir!” Saluting the Captain once more the guard then scurried off to his new post.

After watching the other guard head off, the remaining one opened the door for the Captain and company before stepping to the side. Walking inside, Captain Theodore led the group to a room in the back. As they all filled in he took a seat in a chair behind a large mahogany desk. He could feel a headache coming on as he observed the group before him again.

Three enraged dwarves, an uncommon horned child carrying a tigerkin, and an old elf with a Keeper’s medallion. Rubbing his temples, he sighed. Even without them explaining, he could guess that Private Shane’s bandit like ways had finally come back to bite him in the ass.

“Now, will someone enlighten me as to what’s transpired?”

“I should start I believe,” Pladers’ said as he stepped forward. “My two apprentices and I were returning to the village after a day in the forest. When the gate guard stopped us.”

“He demanded that we pay three gold coins if we wanted to enter!” The twin, Rimus, blurted out, still indignant about the whole situation.

“Like my apprentice said, he wanted to charge us for entry. However, when we refused to pay he signaled for the gates to close. Claiming that we were suspicious people, just because we wouldn’t pay some ridiculous entrance fee.” Pausing his words, he pointed over at Hasson, “It was then that this gentleman with these two youngsters appeared.”

“Maybe it’s due to living in recluse in the forest, but I was unaware that they had invoked an entrance toll. But moving the issue of fees to the side, to think that a respected guardsman would throw such vulgar insults at me and my grandchildren. It seems like, unfortunately, Lord Jermes’ standard is dropping.” Hasson said as he shook his head in dismay, playing with the medallion in his hand again.

When the Captain heard all this, he turned towards Private Shane with a harsh stare. Feeling the Captain’s probing gaze, Private Shane felt like he’d been doused in cold water. The emerald Keeper’s medallion that was dancing in the old elf’s hand continued to mock him. He had a belly full of regret as he realized that even his grandfather wouldn’t be able to shelter him this time.

With the Private not offering any words in his defense, the Captain sighed, “Please forgive my subordinate’s rude behavior. I wasn’t aware that someone under my supervision was stooping to such methods. Please rest assured, I will make sure he’s punished to the fullest extent of the law.” The guard Captain gave Hasson a deep bow, his face showing an unmasked respect.

Larson rolled his eyes, not buying that one bit. Yet after a warning glare from Hasson, he kept his thoughts to himself.

“I will trust the Captain to see that justice is served,” Hasson said slowly, placing emphasis on each word. “Now then, I would rather not drag this out any further. I have one child here in much need of a bed and another in need of a good meal, I also believe our dwarven friends here wish to be on their way as well.”

“Yes, of course. Since this is your first time to the village in a while, would you like for me to arrange for a guide?” The Captain said, an almost fawning look on his face.

“No thank you, I’d prefer to not draw any more unneeded attention.” Hasson flat out rejected the offer, “If you’ll excuse us then.” Having said his piece, he turned to leave. Larson followed behind him, not forgetting to flash a gloating smirk at Private Shane as they passed by.

“Since the Captain says he’ll handle everything, we’ll be taking our leave as well,” Pladers then gave the Captain a small bow before following Hasson out the door.

Outside the guard post, Hasson slowed his steps, allowing the old dwarf and the younger duo to catch up.

“I owe you one,” Pladers said. He knew the only reason everything was resolved so fast was thanks to the fear that green medallion had invoked.

“No need, no need. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” Hasson chuckled as he walked beside the old dwarf.

“Haha did ya see the terrified look on that fat pigs face when Gramps pulled out his medallion? Priceless.’’

“Right! It was so satisfying to see him get caught in a trap of his own making.” The apprentice Mitle laughed loudly, Private Shane’s horrified face replaying in his mind.

Larson and the twins continued to share a laugh until Pladers cleared his throat. “Alright, since those three seem to be getting on so well, why don’t you three come to the inn the boy and I are staying at? I’ll pay for your room and treat you to dinner as thanks for earlier.”