It has been a few months since I last visited the North Mountains. I wondered for a bit on whether or not the war between the Firebirds, the Wyverns, and the Rocs had reached a turning point or not. Last I ventured into the battleground, I found that there was a falling out between the Wyverns and the Rocs. Not to mention, the Firebirds were at an advantage. Since there were no news of the war-bent beasts, I assumed that they have reached a standstill. Either that or the Firebirds were defeated. Nevertheless, this is worth checking out in order to determine and locate any possible future threats. I strode out the tavern after a hearty breakfast and looked towards the sky. With a sharp whistle, I called for my companion - Blackie, making sure to notify him to bring Agaricus along. I have some need for the slime...excuse me...polyp's abilities.

Seconds later, a black fiery dot appeared in the sky. With my Eye of Odin, I could clearly see that it was Blackie. As the dot grew bigger, I took a step back to give Blackie some room to land. After another second or two, the black Firebird variant landed gracefully...a black slimy head popped up from behind Blackie.

"We're here. What will we be doing today?" Agaricus spoke as the telepathic words entered my head.

"We'll be checking out on the war in the North Mountains." I replied, noting the aggressive annoyance Blackie showed for a brief moment. "Don't worry Blackie, soon, we'll end those monsters that have ruined your childhood. I promise you that."

The black Firebird bowed his head and chirped his thanks. After I checked my bag one last time to make sure I have all my supplies, I hopped on Blackie's back and we flew towards the North Mountains. As we took our time leisurely flying towards our destination, I observed the grounds below for any signs of suspicion. None...so far. Once we were only a few hundred meters away from the location, I caught sight of the extreme wear and battle-torn landscapes. The war had taken a large toll on the environment and needed to be put to a stop once and for all or else all of North Mountains and the surrounding regions could face certain destruction!

Upon seeing the North Mountains, I urged Blackie to descend. I didn't want to be spotted and get mistaken for an enemy by the paranoid and war-torn combatants. Once we landed near the foot of the North Mountains, I looked at the scenery behind me. I recalled last time that there were massive armies camped in the North Mountains and in the borders of the Great Plains. But, now, not a single soul in sight. Could the Rocs and the Wyverns advanced? Could they have pushed the Firebirds into the North Mountains? I strained my ears to listen for any sounds of battle...after a minute or two, I could hear some slight screeches. With my multilingual abilities, I was able to discern the screeches to be war cries of the various participants of the war.

"The fight is up ahead. Blackie, go scout the situation. Remember to fly low and avoid detection until I arrive." I whispered to the black Firebird. I turned towards Agaricus and replied, "You follow me. Stay behind me and don't attack unless I say so."

The two supporters of mine nodded their heads in agreement. Blackie leapt into the air and took off deep within the mountains while Agaricus and I ventured forth along the stony paths. Along the way, we caught sight of bodies strewn everywhere and a thick death lingered in the air. Blood and burnt smells cringed my nose as I looked around. To many, the bodies on the ground may look like rotting, polluting corpses. But to me, they were treasured materials ripe for the picking. I nodded towards Agaricus who immediately understood. He slithered towards the corpses and rifled through the parts, sifting the good materials from the waste.

While Agaricus was busy collecting materials, I surveyed our surroundings in case there were any stragglers. Suddenly, I noticed a slight stir from the corner of my eyes. I hurried over to the movement and removed some of the debris to reveal a Wyvern, its wings torn and a its stomach ripped open with guts spilling out. Even with its wound that can prove to be fatal for any human, the Wyvern was still filled with vitality. However, the Wyvern peered at me with frightened eyes. It was terrified of my presence as it could not defend itself if I was to attack it.

I placed my palm on the Wyvern and calmed it down as I spoke to it in the Language of the Dragons. "Calm down. I will not harm you. Can you tell me the situation here? What happened to the war? Where's the Wyvern Lord?"

"You can speak the Dragon Tongue? No...you even know of our Wyvern Lord! Y-You must be the Mask Maker."

"I am he. How did you know that?"

"The Wyvern Lord spoke of you. Please...you must help our Wyvern Clan...please!"

"Calm down. Speak. Tell me what exactly happened."