“I…can’t start to think how bad things are for you,” said Hans after listening to Richie’s story.

“Nothing can change it,” said Richie, holding back tears. “I have always accepted the fact that I have the worst luck, but I always wondered if it is because of my lack of good judgement. I should’ve tried to get him out of Dracokin, but instead, I fought a losing battle with too much collateral damage. This is all my fault. I’m so sorry.”

“You do not have to,” said Keeshar, who approached the group with Elyse. The two had been tending the wounded after everything was over. “Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t. That monster only stopped because you stopped him. I’m sure many of us understand.”

“I still wish I did more.”

Richie’s battered state was a testament on how dangerous one light dragon in his prime would be. It was a terrible blow to everyone in the city, as it became a reminder that their enemy could easily destroy that reality as easy as they did Richie’s world. For some reason, they had not, and again, only Zenithia could tell them why.

The fact that a light dragon could come in and cause havoc in a less conspicuous form demoralized many in Dracokin. It was a harsh reality check for them, knowing that they could no longer be safe in that continent. With the neighboring continent involved in a conflict, they felt trapped.

So, there was nothing they could do but return to their own lives. Fortunately, despite it all, it wasn’t for nothing. The revelation that Azureath was descended from an entity of frost was a surprise for Ritik. He wasn’t sure if it was due to her abnormal application of ice magic, but the evidence, which was her using her claws and her whole body to manipulate the weather, not just ice, was not something that magic could do so easily.

“But how does that explain the incomplete Mark?” asked Azureath.

“I’m not so sure,” said Ritik. “But I can theorize that, since your magic is the primal energy of the old gods, a binding spell won’t affect you as much. Well, I mean, it does affect you, since you only have the blood, not actually a goddess. The Mark is designed only for a pureblood dragon, it seemed, and you have a primal blood in you.”

“Still doesn’t explain why target dragons specifically. Aren’t they dragons, too?”

“Dragons from beyond this reality with a mission to eat this reality, so they don’t share the sentiment,” said Ritik. “Maybe they thought dragons were a threat? I mean, our history’s shaped by dragons and their interactions with the other races.”

“That is the only explanation I can accept, bronze one.” Azureath sighed. “Though I am no longer burdened by my past, to see that we are still facing a crisis irks me. I cannot wait to master this power I discovered, if it was to ensure that this year is not our last.”

The kobold agreed with her, even though he could see that she was frustrated by her inability to help. She obtained a weather manipulating primal magic that would strain even a grand mage, but she had just known about it and she could not use it properly yet. Now, that she was faced with Dracokin’s state, she became even more frustrated. Azureath did not express it, but Ritik could see her subtle expressions.

Yet, that discovery did not help them understand the truth about Qeveriyt. Ritik did plan to try and access the college’s library, but with the library in the state of ruins and most of the books and mages’ grimoires were still buried under the rubbles, he decided to postpone his search and focus on helping the Marked dragons. He really hoped he had no one questioned him again just because he was a kobold. Richie did help him on that regard, though he wondered if it would last.

As he walked back to the courtyard where the Marked dragons made their home, he was stopped by a mage wearing a grand purple robe. His angular, elven face, along with his elven ears and long blonde hair tied up into a ponytail. Ritik instantly knew who it was. Only one elf would wear a grand purple robe and carried around an ancient mage staff made out of a white tree that once grew in Dracokin.

The mage was Alverian, the grand mage of Dracokin, and also the leader of all the mages in the city. Ritik could only kneel in front of him, knowing that his presence could well be considered a nuisance in front of the elf. Elves had a long-standing animosity towards kobolds, even more so than humans and other beast races.

But Alverian only chuckled. The 500-years old elf said, “I am not a king, my friend. Get on our feet, Ritik.”

Ritik did so but tried not to make eye contact with Alverian.

“Walk with me, fellow mage,” he said. “We have much to discuss.”

Ritik reluctantly nodded, feeling inferior compared to the elven mage. Even so, he could not refuse the grand mage’s orders. He also had a lot of free time, anyway, considering that his project was possibly postponed with Dracokin in its current state

As they walked through the devastated city, Alverian said, “I have become aware of your dedication to your work against your own colleagues. I know the feeling well, even if it had been years since anyone rejected me because of my race. Elves were persecuted long before the beast races. While the more open political climate of present day is a well-needed improvement, I fear the situation makes it very unlikely to continue.”

“Are they blaming the dragons for this?” asked Ritik.

“Many do, considering how they don’t know the full picture of the situation. Dracokin is a beacon of hope and salvation for persecuted dragons and their supporters, and now this city is in ruins and the Order occupied with damage control. With the Order weakened, it will only cause the resurgence of the Dragonsbane.”

“Ah. About them…”

“Even if the old group is all but destroyed, there are always those who believes their lies. They do not react because of the Order’s general public opinion. It is only 25 year since their end; a relatively short time, even for humans. If the beacon of hope is lost, then chaos will soon follow. Which is why finding the lost city of Qeveriyt is our top priority.”

Ritik became surprised that Alverian mentioned the lost city. He thought it was something Avila told them and no one else.

“You look surprised, Ritik. Do you really think I am in the dark about this?” asked Alverian with a chuckle. “Of course, I already suspected this was the case ever since she showed up.”

“Who’s she?”

“She is me.”

Avila’s voice made Ritik turned. The Aspect of Draconic Death had just finished taking the soul of a recently deceased dragon hatchling that was being mourned by the people around him. Ritik could see the ghost of the hatchling disappearing behind Avila’s feathered wings.

“You two know each other?” asked Ritik.

“We were once allies in the war against the Dragonsbane, 25 years ago,” said Avila. “Back when I was still alive.”

“Alive?”

“I thought you know the significance of the Battle of Pol Hain in relation to our current culture,” said Alverian. “You really should. That battle convinced many that beast races were not barbarians who looked like animals. Kobolds are also included, though you are the only official Order mage ever since then. Your brethren…don’t seem to trust the other races.”

“And still not,” said Ritik, sad. “I do hope I can try and change their mind by becoming an important figure. Turned out I became an outcast. Guess kobolds have a hard time letting go of grudges.”

“We can try and change that through you.”

“Maybe so. So, what about Avila’s involvement in the war? While I know the significance of the war, I did not delve deep into it until I became a mage, and that’s quite recent. What did she mean by being ‘alive’?”

“Avila was a living, breathing black-scaled dragon with a rare element of darkness in her command,” said Alverian. “Even among dragons, the element of darkness was considered both rare and vile, but Avila’s tenacity and kindness won her over. She was one of many dragon casualties during the battle. We couldn’t find her body, so the Pol Hain monument was the only thing we could do to honor her.”

“How could you find them? I was vaporized by an intense light,” said Avila. “Then again, being dead is also part of eluding them. Only I knew what to do.”

“Yet I am still confused. Why search for a legendary city? What do you want to find there? Maybe it is time to tell them the truth, Avila. I certainly want to know, too. At this point, we need more answers to all the questions regarding the invasion of the light dragons. I know a Death Aspect like you won’t just pursue a legend for her own amusement.”

Avila did not immediately answer, which caused Ritik to assume that what she pursued could be too sensitive for everyone. His assumption became justified when Avila said, “I think your quarters is a better place for our discussion.”

Alverian nodded and snapped his fingers. In an instant, Ritik, Avila, and the elf were transported into a private study full of magical equipment and scrolls. The kobold looked out the window and realized he was inside the mage’s college, specifically the area beyond his clearance.

“You are not supposed to be here, Ritik,” said Alverian. “But in this case, I do not wish to keep you in the dark. You certainly have been more prepared than me with Avila’s assistance, after all.”

“I could invite the rest of your friends,” said Avila. “But I’m afraid Alverian won’t be able to transport Hans, Adeline, and Keeshar without complications due to their lack of mana reserves. The others were either busy or incapacitated, and only you are interested and knowledgeable in magic theory. I trust that you will tell them when you found the answer.”

“Thanks,” said Ritik.

“Now, Avila. Tell us,” said Alverian. “What makes this piece of information so important? Speak freely in this study. The null space ward on the walls will ensure no eavesdropping spell can listen in, nor can anyone teleport in without my consent.”

Avila still hesitated, but she took a deep breath, and said, “The reason why I am so invested in this is because of Seraphor’s final words before my mortal body was destroyed and he vanished with the Light Banes. You see, the Battle of Pol Hain may look like a grand battle to end all battles, but behind all that was something that you might have already known. You were there, too, Alverian, in command of the mages.”

“I did. But I am not aware of something else going on other than dealing with the Dragonsbane and their enslaved dragons.”

“There was a different conflict happening within the vicinity of Pol Hain, somewhere beyond this reality’s confines. I am talking about what Richie Long and Zenithia called the Altered Reality.”

“Altered Reality?” asked Ritik, confused.

“A non-magic space-time manipulation ability that put you out of phase with the current reality, where everything is malleable, and reality can be readjusted to one’s liking. The Light Banes trapped some of the soldiers along with me and Seraphor. The Altered Reality horribly mutated the humans, elves, and beast races to the point they resemble nothing of their former self. I wasn’t instantly mutated, even though dragons were as susceptible. The only reason I did not was because of Seraphor’s protection, though upon regaining my memories, I wondered if it was because of my true nature. It was in this Altered Reality where Seraphor revealed his awareness to it, and his identity.

Avila paused, closed her eyes to gather her thoughts, and said, “His cheery, slightly arrogant personality was just a ruse. In reality, he was a more subdued, thoughtful personality. Yes. The Seraphor I once had feelings to and made a promise to be his mate later in life was in fact a Light Bane, the true enemy controlling the Dragonsbane’s actions.”

“A Light Bane? Seraphor is a light dragon?” said Alverian, also surprised. “I thought he was an albino fire-breather."

“A perfect disguise up until the very end. The other Light Banes came into the Altered Reality, ostensibly to join him in taking over the now vulnerable continent. Instead, I found that he was playing a long game of deceit against the Light Banes that ultimately failed. It turned out all our adventures were just a cover for his plan against them. Seraphor confessed to me that he did what’s necessary because he had fallen in love with me, and also to this reality, that he chose to seal this reality off from the Light Bane’s influences. Since he wasn’t the first to do this, the Light Banes had anticipated it ever since he started becoming more and more involved in the Dragonsbane affair.

“He admitted that he lost, and the Light Banes were there to take him away to face judgement. Before he was taken by them, he told me something. ‘Find the city of Qeveriyt,’ he said. ‘You will find me there’. The other Light Banes realized he said too much, and despite their earlier promise that I was to be spared, they vaporized me. All that’s left of me…was my left horn, but that, too, crumbled into dust.”

“But that wasn’t the end of you, wasn’t it?” said Alverian.

“They did not know what I really am. I didn’t too, until I returned to the realm of the dead. The reason I let myself be reborn as a mortal was to understand how mortality is being treated in this time and age. It has been my personal tradition to live the life of a mortal dragon, starting from when I hatched from an egg until I died for any reasons. It was never my intention to be involved with the world, but the Light Banes threatened this reality and, in extent, all the dragons in it. Like I said, I am supposed to be neutral in this matter, but the Light Banes were beings from a different reality, and as an entity responsible for draconic life and death, I cannot let them end this reality before the end of time.”

“And so, you involved yourself in this matter,” concluded Alverian. “Having Death as a friend sounds like the end of the story of the Three Mages, but you are right to be involved. There is no way we will ever know what is going on until it is too late.”

“That, and I feel indebted for the people of this age, including my parents, you, and…Seraphor.”

“But what will happen to you?” asked Ritik. “Even if you’re a death aspect, there must be a catch to it.”

“There will be one, so I can only hope for leniency. It will not concern you, Ritik. It’s all me.”

“I see,” said Ritik. “There is still a problem. Qeveriyt is a legendary city. There is no evidence that it ever existed. Unless…”

Ritik turned to Alverian, who smiled. “Yes, Ritik,” said the elven mage. “While I, too, have no memories that the city ever existed, I doubt no one can change history that thoroughly. Not even the Light Banes can replace every single instance of it into their version. We may have to thank Seraphor if he had something to do with it.”

“Yet what he managed to tell me was to find him in Qeveriyt. Nothing else.”

“He might not be able to tell you then because he knew if he did, the Light Banes would surely undo his meddling. From what I remember, he was given access to the archives because he asked for it.”

“He could do that. He was a hero among dragons, after all,” said Avila. “And the fact that he did not grow beyond that of a juvenile dragon’s size…though maybe that’s because of his Light Bane abilities.”

“Then I do hope we get the answers in the archives soon,” said Alverian, who felt relieved that the discussion had results. “Let’s not waste any more time. I don’t want to be taken by surprise by another Light Bane with everything crippled as it is now.”

Ritik couldn’t agree more. Another Light Bane attack and Dracokin’s all over. They also needed to prevent more discontent and demoralization caused by the recent attack, so finding something legendary could help maintain order.

The kobold still wasn’t sure why Avila did not just tell everyone about Qeveriyt. Maybe she thought it would be a waste of time. Curious, as they walked towards the archives, Ritik asked her why she chose them.

Her answer was simple, yet vague, as per her usual answers.

“Curiosity can go many ways, but I prefer the right one,” she said. Ritik did not understand what she meant and shrugged it off. Maybe she would tell them if she deemed it necessary.

They reached the library after a short walk from Alverian’s study. No one was studying there at the moment, possibly because everyone was busy with dealing with a citywide emergency. No one but the librarian. The librarian did not look like he belonged there, but that was because of his leonine appearance and brutish physical appearance. The feline people of the desert were not known to dwell in magical study, much like kobolds. They were warriors, and also proficient riders. Many dragon riders were feline people, mostly because it was the closest neighbor to Dracokin.

The lion man’s age was apparent from his mane, which had patches of grey on the mostly dark brown fur. It wasn’t apparent for the rest of his body, which was covered in a light, almost golden, brown fur.

The librarian looked up towards Alverian, before he sniffed the air and leaned over his desk to look at Ritik. He did not notice Avila due to the presence concealment. Upon seeing the kobold, he let out a toothy smile.

“Haven’t seen you around ever since you became a full-fledged mage, Ritik,” said the lion. “Back for some references?”

“Actually, we would like to access the forbidden section,” said Alverian. The lion man’s expression turned serious.

“Hmm…I do know you have the proper permission, grand mage, but I’m afraid Ritik is not, despite his current rank.”

“I know that. I made that order myself. But this is a state of emergency and I need an extra pair of hands to help me. You know what happened outside, right?”

“Haven’t seen such a brutal fight ever since the arena. Even that paled in comparison.” The lion man scratched his mane. “I know if you say it’s serious, it’s serious. I’ll open the gates for you.”

Alverian thanked the lion man as he walked towards a nearby door. He was far bigger than he looked from behind the desk, especially with the muscles and his height from Ritik’s perspective. His leonine appearance scared Ritik when he wanted to borrow some books, especially since the kobold knew how ferocious a feline person could be. Turned out the librarian was a nice fellow after he warmed up with Ritik.

But upon reaching the forbidden section of the library, the librarian turned to Ritik with a serious expression. “Now listen here,” he started. “There are tomes and books that are sealed behind null magic wards for a very good reason. Do not try and read any of these books if you value your life, you understand? Curiosity kills the cat, as they say, and I certainly do not want to be killed by ancient magical traps.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I am not joking, Ritik. Swear to me.”

“I will not open books unnecessarily,” said Ritik when he heard the librarian’s growl. “I swear my life to it.”

“Good. Now, follow the grand mage’s directions and keep your hands to yourself.”

It could have a different context due to a kobold’s notoriety as a thief. Ritik could prove that he was no mere thief, but no one would take him seriously until he used proper magic. He started to regret not giving more time learning more of the destructive potential of magic, considering how he felt useless while Richie was beaten up by the light dragon. Even so, his logical thoughts also concluded that, even if he was proficient with destructive magic, he wouldn’t be able to assist Richie properly and would end up killed.

But that was his assumption.

Nevertheless, he wasn’t there to fight; he was the to search for the truth. With the grand mage now involved, Ritik felt that they could find Qeveriyt sooner. Along with the imminent threat of another possible attack from the light dragons, they must hasten their search before another attack robbed them of that chance.

Ritik simply hoped they could find the answers soon.