NOVEL NEXT Chapter 178: Riding The Dragon
Sir Dumblore was still there with his long dusty and tattered outfit. Beside him stood the ever-intimidating Silver Sentinel.
His massive lance rested beside him, and behind the throne, an enormous dragon stirred.
Its golden eyes narrowed slightly as if acknowledging August's return.
The moment August approached, system notifications flashed across his vision.
---
[System Notification]
B-Ranked Quest Complete: "Rescue Sir Dumblore"
- EXP Gained: 582,000
- Reputation with Silver Sentinel: +500
- Reputation with Slveryin Continent: +300
- New Item Acquired: [Dragon Crest Badge]
- Bonus Reward: [Mystic Relic Fragment]
---
'The new notification has some adjustments...' August's lips quirked up slightly despite the lingering unease.
The Silver Sentinel took a step forward with his booming voice resonating throughout the hall. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire
"You've done well, Aleman. Sir Dumblore is safe, and for that, I am indebted to you."
August gave a slight nod. "Wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but yeah… mission accomplished."
Sir Dumblore chuckled softly while stroking his beard. "If not for your intervention, I might still be rotting in that cursed place—or worse."
The Silver Sentinel gestured towards the towering dragon, whose scales shimmered like molten silver. "I will grant you a ride back to Tagharium… on Zephyros."
August blinked. "Wait, seriously? On the dragon?"
Sir Dumblore chuckled again. "Consider it a royal escort."
---
[System Notification]
New Temporary Mount Acquired: Zephyros, The Silver Sentinel's Dragon.
- Duration: Until Arrival in Tagharium
- Special Buffs Active While Mounted:
- Flight Speed: +1000%
- Aerial Defense Boost: +500%
- Intimidation Aura: -80% Enemy Morale in Nearby Radius
---
"Oh hell yes!" August grinned, momentarily forgetting his earlier worries.
August watched as the colossal dragon stepped out into the courtyard and spread its wings with an ear-splitting roar that shook the very ground.
August climbed onto Zephyros's back with a look of exhilaration. The dragon's silver scales felt warm under his touch.
The Dragon Crest Badge shimmered on his chest, automatically pinned there as part of the quest reward.
"Hold tight," the Silver Sentinel said with a rare smirk beneath his helmet. "Zephyros isn't fond of gentle take-offs."
Before August could respond, Zephyros lunged into the air with a powerful beat of its wings, sending a gust of wind crashing through the surroundings.
The wind rushed past, carrying the scent of distant forests and mountain peaks. The continent's border soon disappeared into the distance as they soared into the clouds.
August now understood why the Silver Sentinel was able to respond immediately after he was summoned.
With this speed, was there anywhere one couldn't get to quick enough?
From this height, the world of Enders Light stretched out beneath him—endless rivers, towering cities, ancient ruins. He'd fought in some of those places and bled in others.
'And now I'm flying over them on a goddamn dragon.'
Sir Dumblore, who rode comfortably behind August, spoke over the roar of the wind. "Is this your first time flying?"
"No, it is my last... Just kidding. Now I certainly will do everything I can to acquire a dragon mount," August chuckled in excitement.
Soon Tagharium Kingdom came into view...
---
[System Notification]
Awe Effect Activated:
- Nearby Players and NPCs are Intimidated and Impressed.
- Reputation in Tagharium: +100 (Due to Public Display of Prestige)
---
Down below, players pointed and shouted.
"Is that… is that ALEMAN?!"
"That's the Silver Sentinel's dragon!"
"How the hell did he score a ride like THAT?!"
"Must be some insane quest reward!"
"ALEMAN! YOU LUCKY BASTARD!"
August couldn't help but laugh as his cloak billowed dramatically while they soared higher. "Eat your hearts out," he muttered, enjoying the envious looks.
Zephyros let out another powerful roar, which echoed loudly across the skies, stirring winds.
The dragon dipped slightly, beginning its descent towards Tagharium—the kingdom glinting like a jewel on the horizon.
---
As Zephyros swooped low over Tagharium, the city erupted into chaos—not from fear, but awe.
NPCs and players alike stopped what they were doing, pointing toward the sky. Children (NPCs) cheered, while even the seasoned players gawked.
The dragon landed with a thunderous impact in the city's central plaza, causing tremors to ripple through the stone streets.
The crowd that had gathered parted in awe as August dismounted gracefully with his cloak trailing behind him.
---
[System Notification]
Achievement Unlocked:
- "Dragon Rider of Tagharium"
- Perk Gained: +5% Reputation Gain in Tagharium for All Future Activities +10 Beast Taming Aura
---
August gave Zephyros a final pat on the snout. "Thanks for the ride, big guy."
The dragon huffed, letting out a warm gust of air which ruffled August's hair before it took off again, vanishing into the clouds like a myth reborn.
August turned to see a small crowd gathered, including some players whispering excitedly.
"ALEMAN! Can I get a screenshot with you?"
"What quest was that?! PLEASE tell me!"
"Dude… are you, like, a secret NPC or something?"
August chuckled and waved them off, making his way toward the Golden Flask Tavern.
He had stories to tell—and levels to grind.
But more importantly, he had a newfound realization.
The game was beyond what anyone thought it was.
And now his mind was open to literally anything...
...
...
The dim glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the rustic wooden interior of the Golden Flask tavern, casting shadows against the stone walls.
The scent of roasted meat and aged ale wafted through the air as lively chatter and bursts of laughter filled the room. August stepped through the entrance smoothly and scanned the surroundings.
At their usual table, Gregorious, Boris, and Ezran were seated, indulging in drinks and a plate of seasoned meat skewers.
Gregorious was the first to notice him. He shot up dramatically, slamming a fist onto the table. "Lord Aleman! At last, you return from your grand adventures! Did you go on a secret mission? Slay a hidden dragon? Romance an elven queen?"
August chuckled as he took a seat, waving off a tavern maid who attempted to offer him a drink. "Something like that."
Ezran, who was more observant than the loud warrior, narrowed his eyes. "No, seriously, where have you been? We waited for you after you said you were gonna be here and then you vanished off the face of the game."