Homestead Survival

<25 September 2024, KARZUN FAMILY ESTATES, D+>
[Theo and Julia]
The conversation with Patriarch Karzun finished rapidly. He said that the Grove of Ark'Endurt had yet to set a date, and he would let them know as soon as he had heard anything. They ate in relative silence for a while, then as the sun began to set, Patriarch Karzun led them to a large open field outside the massive, lavish house.

In the field were seven dragons of various sizes, the largest of which was only half as large as Patriarch Karzun. The dragons were fighting. Patriarch Karzun nodded at the dragons, "What do you think of them?"

Theo and Julia looked at the massive creatures. Theo finally spoke. "They feel different from you, or any of your family that we have met. They feel... lesser."

Julia nodded, "Not to be rude, but yes, lesser is how I would put it as well."

Patriarch Karzun nodded. "That is an apt description. Though they look almost identical to us dragons, they are Sauric Drakes. They look exactly like dragons, but they are not sapient. They are rather unfeeling creatures of instinct and baser emotion. These types of creatures, however, are incredibly common. And I have received word that there is a not insignificant population of them that have appeared on Earth."

"How does that happen?" Theo asked. "There was nothing similar to them on Earth before."

"The System has a method of moving groups of animals across System Space to ensure that there is sufficient wildlife." Patriarch Karzun said, "The reason I am showing them to you is to ensure that you know that while they are beasts, they are still intelligent enough that it can long be worth your while to befriend them rather than hunt them indiscriminately. However, if you need to, do not hesitate to kill them."

Theo and Julia nodded. Julia spoke. "Thank you for the information, and thank you for the opportunities you have presented us, not just with the druids either."

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Theo nodded, "Yes, I feel like you have helped us quite a bit."

Patriarch Karzun made a dismissive gesture as he led them back to where they had arrived. "I recognize that you have gained significantly from me and others, but in the grand scheme of things, I have not even scratched the surface of what you will need in your life. When others of my ability level see someone with promise, or with a tendency that we wish to encourage, we help where and how we can."

"So what was it that you wanted to promote with us?" Julia asked.

"I think that I have told you before, but it is your willingness to be polite and kind." Patriarch Karzun said, "I also told you that with how the System works, it tends to promote those who are cold, calculating, and self-interested into gaining power. So finding a couple with manners and a willingness to progress is rarer than you think."

"Well, regardless," Theo said, "Thank you."

Patriarch Karzun nodded with a smile. "Not a problem. Now then, I shall see you when you find your way here for your dungeon run. Istari."

With a wave from the female servant, who Theo and Julia had not noticed, a door appeared, similar to the ones that Agara opened. Patriarch Karun nodded to them, turning and walking away, shifting back to his gargantuan dragon form as he did so.

Theo and Julia thanked Istari and stepped through the door, onto the Overlook once more.

<25 September 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER, A+>
[Theo and Julia]
Theo and Julia looked around. The sun was almost fully set, and the others were eating their dinner. Ordus rose and nodded to them. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, Ordus," Julia said. "Did everything go well?"

"There were no issues while you were gone," Ordus said.

"Good." Theo said, "We have news."

Theo and Julia quickly told everyone what had happened. Theo continued speaking after the explanation was complete, "So, long story short, we all need to find our way to Patriarch Karzun's home."

"Before we do that, we could check out the dungeon that is in the land that you gained with the deed," Ordus said.

"That is not a bad idea," Julia said after a quick glance and a nod from Theo. "Alright, then here is the plan, going forward. Theo and I will finish the Mana Condensers, then, while we have protection from the mana for you still, we will run the dungeon. How does that sound?"

They all grumbled in agreement. For the rest of the evening, Theo and Julia just chatted and ate a snack before finally going to sleep in preparation for the next day.