“The omnidragon’s danger doesn’t end with the monster in itself. As most of the System-titled monsters can, it can grant others some shards of its power, or influence them deeper enough that they find themselves irremediably changed after meeting it or gaining its trust.

These retainers must be dealt with swiftly, for they massively increase the Omnidragon’s threat level with skills and evolutions tailor-made to support it.

And, more importantly, they will try to avenge their fallen master in any way they possibly can.

-Sage Bellisa, from the Beacon of Civilization.

??? pov

“They changed location.” The man sneered, looking at his artifact.

“What? Where are they?” Asked another.

“Lake Valkania.”

His two other companions widened their eyes in surprise. “How?!”

“I don’t know, but we can’t reach them at this rate. We must come back.”

“We can’t, not without dealing with that monster. The syndicate will have our heads, if we fail." Commented the only woman in their party.

The man gathered his thoughts. “True, but they are also a step away from the Paladins. I’ll call into action our agents from the Oak. It’s the only thing we can do.”

“Are they adequate for the job?”

“They should be. We know that those kids have left the Bastion below Lvl 100. Even taking into account this forest, they should be easy targets for a team of Rangers.”

The other man grunted. “If there’s no alternative… get started on that message, then.”

Nodding toward his leader, the assassin used an artifact to convey a message to its twin, before it crumbled to dust.

‘The dragokin is a dragoness, and she must be dealt with. Use everything you need, blow your cover if necessary; the syndicate will offer you refuge. If you can't get her to collaborate with you, kill her.

No

Matter

The

Cost.’

Nashariel pov

Last one! The omnidragon coughed tiredly. The flames had spread out quite a lot during these minutes, and she had used both her breath and aura to extinguish them. The repeated use of her breath weapon had quite irritated her throat.

Fel had watched her the whole time, looking unimpressed. The corpse of the matriarch had vanished, though, which was a plus in Nashariel’s book.

“Done!” She cheerfully said while dropping near the fairy, in dragokin form.

“Good. Collateral damage is often inevitable, but handling it is mandatory, especially for a ruler.”

Nashariel scratched the scales of her face. “Y-yeah, I guess…” She shook the embarrassment away. “Changing topic, I found a lot of neat stuff down there. Are they comprehended in our deal, or…?”

“They are not. You agreed to never ask for compensation, but the spoils of the hunt are yours for the taking. We would be grateful if you decided to share them with the children, but nothing more.”

I can spare some. Just with her casual swimming, Nashariel had uncovered a lot of treasures. There were a lot more down there. "I'll give you half or so of the things I find if you don't mind me sweeping the place clean."

The fae, surprisingly, nodded. “A fine enough deal for us. The Matriarch’s death will weaken both the Danger and its artifacts. We suggest mortal’s haste.”

“Mortal’s haste?”

“For immortals, it means acting before the next century.”

What the duck is wrong with demigods? “Uh… sure. Oh, before that, what can you tell me about this?” Nashariel asked, bringing out her Core.

The fae gently took it in her hands, carefully passing a finger against the crack. “It’s bound to you. Was it not like this before?”

Nashariel shrugged, telling the fae a quick version of the Core’s story. “I’m quite happy to have found it again. I thought that it was a goner.”

“Though getting rid of a potential risk is wise, we don’t think that blindly following the suggestion of a beginner magician is.” The last part was said in a sharp tone.

Ouch.“Well, she did notice me being different, so…”

“Empress, you are probably the only entity in this world who cannot, in the most absolute sense, be influenced by an element in its raw form. You are called omnidragon for a reason.”

“Oh. Then… why did I suddenly change?”

“You’re made to fight, Empress, to rule and to thrive. Being outside of Astill’s followers’ influence simply reawakened those instincts within you.”

“I guess…” She had often felt a bit caged during her training, even if she liked it. Nashariel shook her head. “Well, I’m going treasure-hunting for a while.”

The fae nodded, remaining in silence.

Nashariel dropped into the swamp. Idly, she wondered what would her life be like, when she came back to the Bastion.

They wouldn’t be treated like normal recruits anymore… right?

The dragoness tirelessly scoured the seabed as best as she could, going so far as pushing her senses below the rotten soil.

Her hoard was growing faster than she had thought possible. She was easy going back to being as rich as before acquiring her mantle, probably more, even after counting the fae’s share. I wonder what I’ll be able to buy at the Tails… actually, I think I will bring the others with me. After this is over, we’ll do a loooong shopping session. Right after getting some true mental healing. Nashariel decided, crushing a frog’s skull.

From shore to shore, this swamp measured, roughly, a mile.

During the days of Nashariel’s looting spree, she found out that only the relative central part of it held treasures.

Well, it did before her passage anyway.

With a mantle full of goodness, Nashariel returned to land, almost forgetting how to walk. She breathed deeply. I missed air.

As always, the Omen seemingly waited for her in the exact same position. “A good haul, we hope.”

“Yep! Wanna sort it out now or later?”

"We shall take a look if you allow us."

Nodding, Nashariel detached her mantle, giving it to the surprised fae. “Throwing everything on the ground felt rude.” She answered to Fel’s interrogative gaze.

The fairy chuckled. “Why don’t you rest, while we take a look?”

"I hoped to do that in the city if you don't mind."

“We do not.” Fel opened a Shortcut. “We’ll accompany you, Nashariel.”

The dragokin immobilized mid-step. “Not Empress anymore?”

Fel hesitated. "We thought that you would appreciate it more."

“I do, thanks!”

Nashariel stepped on the other side.

Veliel pov, a few days ago

“I’m really sorry, but fairies are whimsical like that.” Said the druid with an apologetic smile. “I’m sure she’s safe and sound.”

Veliel sighed. Knowing Nashariel, she’s the opposite of that. She thanked the man anyway, going back to the group.

Dan bursted out laughing. "Never stopping for a moment, eh?"

“I wonder where she is.” Replied Veliel. “Anyway, how do you feel about healing someone?”

They hadn’t talked about it, but the bags under everyone’s eyes spoke volumes about their nighttime. Veliel didn’t ask the others, but her nightmares had been terrifying in the true sense of the word.

“I wouldn’t mind taking another dip in the lake first.” Dorel shivered.

They all agreed.

The waters felt soothing at a deeper level, helping in washing away their inner stains.

Veliel sighed in relief, feeling her body recover its natural heat. She dozed off, thanking that ancient Paladin for this blessing.

A few rings startled her awake.

Reading her status, Veliel suffocated the spontaneous scream of joy rising from her throat.

The humans noticed it. “Something’s wrong?!” Asked Dan, worry on his face.

“I have Healing affinity! I can evolve now!” She wrote, her fingers trembling in an unsteady way.

The others sighed in relief, then smiled. Even Dorel.

“Congratulations!” They both said.

“So, do you wanna do it now, or…?”

Veliel shook her head. “I’d like to wait for Nashariel. But I wanna look into them!” She didn't say that among monsters was a sign of deep friendship to do so.

“Let’s go back to our room.” Proposed Dorel.

Veliel agreed. This was an intimate matter, not something to talk about in the open, but with friends.

The gang sat on their respective beds. Dorel and Dan seemed almost as excited as Veliel to hear what she got.

Bursting with curiosity, the siren (soon not-to-be), opened her status.

*Your light affinity has evolved into Healing!

You have reached the requirement for six different evolutions and cannot acquire more!

Song/Compassion-Astill’s Siren songstress

The most natural evolution line for your kind who pledged their loyalty to the Goddess of Compassion, Astill.

Specialized in soothing their companions’ spirits and healing their wounds, this evolution of the siren loses the harmful components of her nature to develop more supportive abilities. A blessing for all their allies, these gentle monsters can be seen supporting large groups with their stunning voice.

+30 Levels.

This evolution will grant you 300 free stat and 100 skill points to choose from.

Warning: Mind affinity will be lost. Points invested in the affinity will be refunded. Other skills will be considerably altered. *

The evolution her mother told her about, and the one she needed her Light affinity to become Healing for. The loss of Mind didn’t hurt too much, even if muddling some monster’s thoughts had been useful, and [Mind healing] was in it. Perhaps the Racial skills will handle that part? Veliel wondered. She marveled at the raw amount of points given by an evolution, even from such a common line.

“This the one you looked for?” Asked Dan.

Veliel nodded happily.

*Song/Cerebral-Mastermind puppeteer

Before finding safety in Varastill, this evolution seemed the most natural one for your kind.

Specialized in taking control of others’ minds, this evolution massively increases the natural manipulation of a siren’s voice, and all but the most resilient entities may hope to resist her allure. Often found at the head of hidden organizations, these monsters are elusive and ready to sacrifice everything for their goals.

+30 levels.

This evolution will grant you 300 free stat and 100 skill points to choose from.

Warning: Healing affinity will be lost. Points invested in the affinity will be refunded. Other skills will be considerably strengthened. *

This immediately turned off part of her excitement. Knowing that her ancestors probably had this evolution wasn’t a pleasant thought.

*Song/Spirit/Torment-Anthem of the Haunted

An unusual evolution of siren’s kind, caused by the massive exposure to tormented spirits and her own near passing.

Specialized in sharing the pain, regret, and suffering of those unable to pass on, this siren decided to share their agony with the world. These monsters can summon ghosts to defend themselves and throw their foolish enemies into an eternal torment. Should you accept this evolution, your wail will strike the deepest parts of your listeners down to their very Core.

+50 levels.

This evolution will grant you 400 free stat and 200 skill points to choose from.

Warning: Light and Mind affinities will be lost. Points invested in both of them will be refunded. Some skills will be massively altered. *

This actually made Veliel sick. This evolution would probably make her a similar being as that Banshee, the same that toyed with them, hurt-

Dorel laid a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it.

Veliel breathed deeply a few times, thanking the man with a heartfelt nod.

*Song/Destruction/Refulgence-Golden singer

An uncommon evolution of Siren earned thanks to massive exposure to the horrors of the Dark and being healed by Radiance.

Specialized in finding Dark beings and searing them to nothing, this siren relentlessly flies among all places in which is rumored the presence of evil. Having survived untold horrors, your mind has been steeled, and your purpose set. Your songs are now inherently harmful to Dark beings, while your allies will find their very beings shielded by such taint. Should you accept this evolution, the Light will find another powerful ally.

+55 levels.

This evolution will grant you 500 free stat and 250 skill points to choose from.

Warning: Mind and Healing affinities will be lost. Points invested in both of them will be refunded. Some skills will be massively altered. *

“I wonder if the boss will have a similar evolution.” Commented Dan.

“I don’t think so. She already had Radiance available to her.”

“Astill’s mercy, I would really like to know how her… thing works.”

Not something I will disagree upon. Still, this evolution might be good in the right circumstances, especially as a Templar, reflected Veliel, taking a moment to contemplate.

*Song/Mind/Spirit/Healing-Voice of soothe

A rare evolution of siren kind, earned by going through a massive amount of agony and still wishing for their friends' wellbeing, completely ignoring your own wounds.

You have been tortured. You have faced above and beyond what a sane monster would have. You have seen your friend falling and desired to soothe them even while almost exhaling your last breath. You carried them to safety, ignoring your own passing.

Never again.

This evolution massively increases your supportive capabilities to help your beloved in any way they might need. No longer shall they suffer while in your benevolent presence, and your enemies will see their weapons shatter under your voice. Should you accept this evolution, this world will be a kinder place to live in.

+80 levels.

This evolution will grant you 600 free stat and 400 skill points to choose from.

Warning: Racial skills will be considerably altered. *

Veliel shed a tear.

This evolution could be a massive boon in the direst situations, like the one they just faced, even when counting the massive boost on her stats alone. If only her songs had been able to empower her friends a little bit more, they would have held on for much longer, and Nashariel wouldn’t have been forced to sell herself to a fairy to save their lives.

She knew that no one blamed her in the slightest, but she felt guilty all the same, at least in part.

The fact that her last name was partially in this race was the cherry on the cake.

As she was about to confirm this choice, she noticed that another evolution waited for her. As the system usually ordered its options from weakest to strongest, Veliel was very surprised to find another one. Something above four attunements?

She read it once. Then twice.

The third time, she simply stared at it, unblinking, then closed her status off.

“So, what’s the last one?” Prompted Dan.

“I think… I think I need to speak with Nashariel before telling. Sorry.”

The others worriedly looked at her for a moment, before nodding. “Do you need a moment by yourself?"

Veliel nodded.

“We’ll wait for you at the lake. Take your time.”

“Thank you, guys.”

After her friends left, she reopened her status.

*Song/Omni-Voice of the Empress

An extremely rare evolution, unique in its kind. You have earned the deepest and sincerest trust of the being called omnidragon, and you equally returned it. You had faith in her until your last breath. You have supported her on any occasion it was asked of you. You are willing to fight on her side for the centuries to come. You have repeatedly followed her commands, regardless of the results.

Perhaps not the immediate massive increase in power expected by an evolution, this choice opens up all the elements for your choosing, granting you near unparalleled flexibility and tremendous potential, all tailored to your race. You’ll gain absolute control over your voice, for you will speak for the Empress herself, and you'll find your songs echoing far and wide with a depth unheard off.

+100 levels.

This evolution will grant you 1000 free stat and 500 skill points to choose from.

Warning: The Empress of the many lives, Nashariel Holyshield, will be able to always see and influence your status. Racial skills will be massively altered. You might be given Quests to benefit her, though you’ll be rewarded for them as usual.

Additional warning: The requirements to evolve further will be massively increased. You shall be granted two free skills per attunement. *

“What have you hidden from us, Nashariel?” She murmured to herself.

All the peculiarities of her fellow monstrous friend had just been explained. But, on top of that, Nashariel was called Empress.

Among monsters, that title was reserved for the absolute apexes of an entire species. Veliel knew that the Empress of the Sirens lived outside of this continent, and it was said that her mere voice was able to enchant anyone that heard it, even demigods.

If Nashariel held that title, and she was a dragoness… it was no wonder why the evolution’s bonuses were this massive.

Veliel understood why she had never spoken of this with them, she really did. But she also needed to talk to her before selecting it.

The next few days saw the Astillians busy with teaching elves about healing spells and skills, even if the various alchemists already knew about tinctures and healing potions.

Surprisingly, the Templars found even more reluctance to learn about their techniques than in the Willow.

As opposed to the boss’ thinking, the elves used the lake as an excuse to not bother wasting resources on spells and skills able to heal them, uncaring about the fact that they could multiply that holy water's potency tenfold, minimum.

Veliel had grown increasingly frustrated, up until a small crowd of Rangers and young people started to follow her. They seemed the only people interested, as they all lost someone to wounds too heavy for the Radiance-attuned waters to heal in time.

Dan had shared his mother's recipe as he did in the Willow and had earned some attention for himself, which he didn't mind in the least.

Dorel was finally able to smith again, only with some Metal-monster parts. He had also muttered something about learning how to work on other materials when he got back home.

The Siren often stared at the last of her evolutions and Nashariel’s empty bed, lost in thought.

From the, admittedly, very little her mother had told her about Emperors and Empresses, the living ones all picked the promising ones in their clutches as powerful servants or killed them off at a vulnerable stage. Never in person, for their very presence would destroy half of the continent, but through the ones they ruled over.

Veliel recalled how the Banshee was angry at Nashariel for bringing the Warband to the village. At first, the siren had brushed everything off as the delirium of a specter, but the evolution told her another story, even if her friend hadn’t done so willingly. She hoped that her mother and Country were fine.

After sending a long prayer to Astill, Veliel decided to go for a walk, just to give herself some space. She went around the lake, not daring to go out of the barrier but neither to explore the city. She remembered a bit too well how some hunters had looked at her feathers.

Along the way, an elf approached her. One of her students “Ah, Good evening, priestess.”

Veliel smiled, even if she just wanted a moment of peace. She didn’t feel like sending away one of the few people that wanted to save others’ lives. “Lathes, good evening to you. May I do something for you?”

“Yes, miss. See, I didn’t properly understand how to…” The young elf had problems with the casting process. “And the spell always fizzles out when I finish casting it.”

“It’s rather simple, once you get used to it.

It’s a visualization made to make the Flux behave the way you want to. To do that you have to see the process you want it to follow in your mind, then its result. Spells fail only if the visualization was unclear, or you fed them too little mana to work with." Veliel paused from her writing to shrug. “Really, the more you do it, the easier it gets.”

The elf nodded. “Thanks, miss Templar!” Then he fidgeted. “Are you going to stay for a lot? I’m not the only one who had troubles.”

“Our leader has struck a deal with a fairy, so we’re locked in here for the remainder of Winter.”

The other looked shocked. “A fairy?!”

“Yeah, our boss is… special like that.” They were finally under the Oak again. “I’m going to rest a bit now. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Y-yes, miss.” The elf bowed slightly, then walked away quickly. “A fucking fairy…” he muttered on the way.

I guess that, for an elf, knowing that a stranger works with one of his creators is a big deal. Veliel thought, cocking her head. He didn’t seem that respectful for a religious one, though…

Further reasoning was interrupted by a portal suddenly opening near the lake’s shore.

“I do, thanks!” Said Nashariel, coming to this side followed by a corpse-looking elf.

Veliel identified the ‘elf’, seeing that it was a fae’s disguise. She breathed in relief, especially seeing the boss looking particularly cheerful. I bet she hunted something.

The priestess waved her hand, getting immediately noticed by Nashariel, then walked towards her and the fairy.

“Veliel, she’s the Omen of Winter, the fairy who saved your butt from the curse. Omen, she’s Veliel, one of my three best friends.”

The fae's eyes seemed to dig deep into Veliel's spirit, but she nodded gracefully. "A pleasure, singer of Astill." She said in a cold but courteous tone.

“Likewise.” Veliel replied with a shiver. Astill’s Wings, I’m freezing my feathers!

“We’ll retake you in two days, Nashariel. Rest, but be ready.” The spirit vanished without further delay, the only trace of her movement was the wind suddenly moving the girls’ hairs.

Veliel looked at the boss. "Where's your mantle?" She settled on, buying some time. How do I even open the talk?! At least she was able to speak again.

Nashariel cackled. “It’s with F… the fae. Oh, you won’t believe how rich are we going to get after this!”

“… Why?”

The other let out a ferocious grin. “What about we meet with the others, and we tell each other the past few days?”

“S-sure.”

The dragokin frowned. "Is everything okay, Vel? Did anyone look at you while sharpening their dagger? I swear I’ll…”

"No… no, thank Astill no. It's just that… I need to talk about something with you alone. Something very important."

“Anytime. If it’s urgent…”

“It can wait for a bit, but… yes, yes I’ll feel better talking about that now.”

The two monsters sat near the shore.

Nashariel patiently waited the siren’s time.

“So, I can evolve the way I wanted, and the system encouraged me to do so.” Veliel said, after a few minutes of thinking and rethinking.

The boss smiled from ear to ear. "That's amazing!" She nearly shouted. Seeing the siren's expression, she frowned. "It is, right?"

Taking a deep breath, Veliel broke into a river of words.

She asked question after question, without giving time to her friend to answer them. Then ranted about the feeling of betrayal that she felt upon the system slapping the truth in her face, and her worry about the other being a draconic Royalty.

Nashariel had visibly paled and avoided looking in her eyes since the first few phrases. "I… I'm sorry. The Grandmaster told me to never tell anyone, and… I guess I didn't want you to treat me differently. All the ones who knew, except my parents, Nicholas, and Thomas have done it immediately.”

“I get it, but… we’re your team, your friends, for Astill’s sake! If not us, who?”

“Yeah… yeah, you’re right…” Nashariel sighed. “I’ll tell the others later. I guess... I kinda have to.”

The duo shared a moment of silence.

Veliel felt empty but in a good sense. Nashariel, by contrast, looked even tenser. She was seriously worried about that, Veliel realized. “Do you want to go now?”

The dragokin nodded. Just a dozen steps after, she looked at her. “Are you going to choose it?”

She didn’t need to explain what she meant by it.

Veliel smiled. “Of course. I’ll need a bit to make it grow properly, but it’s by far the strongest. And, more importantly, it will let us work much better together.”

“You know that… that if it’s true that monsters and people are hunting me… then you’re at risk too, right?”

Veliel gently smacked her friend. "Nash, while we might not stand by your side together all the time, we cover for one another! No matter the cost."

“Thanks.” Nashariel muttered while hiding her tears.

They entered the Oak, then their rooms. They found Dorel and Dan playing cards against each other, the latter wearing a frustrated scowl.

After a moment, Nashariel shared everything with them too, and Veliel followed with her evolution.

At first, the duo stood in shock for a while. Then, just after Veliel started to see her draconic friend starting to shiver, they recovered.

“I mean, we kinda figured out that you were a big deal.” Said Dan, then grimaced a bit. “Not this big, but no one regularly visits the Grandmaster for no reason.”

“And it was obvious that you weren’t a normal dragon.” Added Dorel.

“So, to be clear, this changes nothing?”

The duo rolled their eyes. “No, Nashariel, it doesn’t in the slightest.”

"Yeah, I figured that you were gonna tell us either this or why you're obsessed with ducks."

Nashariel facepalmed. “Still on that?”

“Yep.”

“Absolutely.”

“Sometimes it keeps me awake at night.”

Nashariel chuckled in tears. “Thank you guys, really.”

She enveloped all of them in a long, warm hug.

??? pov

“They’re backed by a fucking fairy!” The man angrily whispered.

The others gasped in shock.

“What do we do?”

“Nothing, you fool! The syn… they might take our heads, but a fae? She’ll have our souls if we mess with her!”

“They also said that their deal expires in three months. After that, the fae will lose interest, I’m sure.”

The others thought for a while.

“Plus, we do not need to fight the dragon, only to force her to obey us.”

"And how do you plan to do that? That should be even more dangerous if I recall correctly."

“If they are forced to stay for Winter, we can take our time as well. Let’s think of something and, if anything strange happens, meet again here the same night.”

Everyone nodded.