Chapter 34

As the portal shimmered and I stepped through, I found myself standing before my grandfather’s statue. The weight of everything crashed over me, and my legs buckled. I sagged to my knees, my hands trembling against the cold stone as grief finally overtook me.

Tears flowed freely as I let out the anguish I had buried deep inside. My body shook, my heart ached, and for those few moments, I was just a grandson mourning the loss of the man who had shaped so much of my world.

I don’t know how long I knelt there, lost in sorrow, but when I finally lifted my head, I realized I was not alone.

A Dragonborn sat beside me, legs folded in an Indian-style posture, his golden eyes fixed on my grandfather’s statue.

Without looking at me, he spoke, his voice deep yet gentle.

“You know, your grandfather always spoke highly of you.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion as he continued.

“His name was a legend among our people. It was a tale passed down to us as children—how he took our ancestors under his protection when they were on the brink of extinction.

At that time, we were only two hundred families, clinging to survival. But today, because of his bravery, we are one thousand families strong. And it’s not just us—ten species of beasts owe their lives to his kindness, and they stand behind you now.”

At his words, I turned, my breath catching in my throat.

Ten enormous beasts stood behind me, their golden eyes filled with something I never expected—love.

They weren’t just watching me; they were acknowledging me. I nodded at them, intending it as a simple greeting, but they took it as permission to bond.

The next thing I knew, they moved toward me.

The smaller ones climbed into my lap, pressing against me for warmth, while the larger ones placed their massive heads against my body in various forms of contact.

Then, all at once, it happened.

A surge of raw power unlike anything I had ever experienced rushed into me, searing through my veins like fire and ice intertwined. I gasped, my body convulsing as the sheer force of the soul bonds overwhelmed my senses.

I collapsed, spasming, my vision flickering between light and darkness.

And then—silence.

I lay on the ground, panting, my entire body tingling. My fingers burned, and when I looked down, I saw new markings etched into my skin, glowing faintly at my fingertips.

As I struggled to steady my breath, the Dragonborn beside me chuckled.

“So, can you tell me now ... why were you crying?”

I didn’t hold back.

The dam broke, and I poured my heart out—about the weight of leadership, the constant battles, the impossible choices, the fear of failing those who trusted me, and the loss of the man who had been my guiding light.

And as I spoke, the tears came again.

The Dragonborn listened patiently, his expression unreadable. When I finally quieted, he smirked.

“You do cry a lot. Just like when you were six.”

I blinked in surprise.

“Here,” he said, reaching into his cloak. “Another gift from your grandfather.”

Before I could process his words, he added, “Oh, and summon those 1,011 robes, please.”

Still dazed, I obeyed, summoning the requested items. As soon as the robes appeared, a small creature suddenly landed on my head.

Then—blackness.

A New Bond, A New Beginning

I awoke to the feeling of something sliding down my chest.

Groggily, I opened my eyes and found myself staring into the gaze of a tiny four-headed dragon, its eyes burning with intelligence.

And it was angry.

I frowned, confused at first. Then, to my utter shock, I knew why it was angry. I could feel its emotions as clearly as my own.

We were bonded.

“Come on, get up. It’s been an hour.”

I turned toward the familiar voice and saw the Dragonborn still beside me, smirking.

“The others are probably wondering what’s taking you so long.”

I gave him a bewildered look.

He laughed. “Yeah, we work on Earth’s timing. Now, get up and open the damn gate. Let’s show them what we beasts can do.”

I hesitated, still trying to wrap my mind around everything, when he added, almost casually, “Oh, by the way, my name’s Veydrak Stormfang. I’ve got a room waiting for me in the Demtree, and I’d like to meet my new friends.”

I nodded, still feeling lightheaded, and pushed myself up.

Just as I was about to open the gate, Veydrak stopped me.

“Wait,” he said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. “You know, there might be one more gift your grandfather left for you.”

He looked around before a female Dragonborn came running toward him. Without a word, she smacked him on the head and shoved a package into his arms.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You need to meet Cassie.”

Veydrak grinned and handed me the package. As soon as my fingers brushed against the fabric inside, it vanished and reformed into a ring on my hand.

The band was deep crimson, with intricate golden markings.

And suddenly, everything made sense.

This was the source of the 20,000 robes.

I looked up at Veydrak, realization dawning on me. He just smiled knowingly.

Steeling myself, I stepped forward and raised my hand. The air shimmered as I tore open a Dimensional Gate once more.

“OPEN!”

As one, the gathered warriors shouted the command.

The robes around our fingers dissolved and reformed instantly, flowing into place like living shadows, marking us as the Defenders of Aldrenor.

The tiny four-headed dragon gave a happy trill, flapping its wings and flying to settle in the hood of my cape.

And together, we marched through the gate—not just as warriors, but as beasts, unyielding and strong.

When I stepped out of the gate, Veydrak was beside me, his presence radiating an unshakable confidence. We walked a few feet forward before stopping, turning to observe the scene before us. Cassie and the Royal Guard were deep in conversation with the King and his six companions, completely oblivious to our arrival. A smirk tugged at my lips. Perfect. It was time to make an entrance they wouldn’t forget.

I took a deep breath and then shouted with all my strength, my voice carrying across the gathering like a rolling thunderclap.

“Royal Guard of Aldrenor! Look upon the second sight I wish to show you! Tell your seniors that we, the beasts of

Aldrenor, the shield of the throne, are NOT weak. We are the nightmare of our ENEMIES!”

The moment the word enemies left my lips, Veydrak raised his hand in command. His voice rang out, laced with authority.

“March! Show them our strength!”

At his order, the ground trembled as an army of Dragonborn warriors emerged from the shimmering gate behind us. Their robes, emblazoned with intricate golden markings, gleamed under the morning sun. Their disciplined footsteps created a rhythmic thunder that sent shivers down my spine. They marched in perfect formation, their presence exuding a mix of ancient pride and raw power.

One by one, ten full companies of Dragonborn warriors stepped forward, each embodying the legacy of my grandfather’s protection. Then, as if their voices had been waiting for this very moment, they roared in unison, their words shaking the very air.

“Asher, our friend! We are the Unyielding Beasts of Aldrenor – Standing Strong and Defending Until the Last Breath!”

With that declaration, they peeled away from formation, dispersing into the land to begin constructing a new home for themselves. But they were only the first.

The earth trembled once more, this time with the weight of giants. From the depths of the gate, massive creatures emerged—Titanback Behemoths, colossal beings whose sheer size could shake battlefields. Most of them dispersed, but one lingered close to me, its golden eyes watching, as if awaiting my command.

Then came the Aegisbrute Collosans, towering beasts bred for defensive formations. They radiated an aura of unshakable fortitude, their thick, armored hides making them near impenetrable. Like the behemoths, all but one moved away to take their positions.

Above, the sky darkened for a moment as an enormous shadow spread its wings. My Warcry Roc, a magnificent eagle-like beast, circled above before landing near me, its talons digging into the ground. The others scattered, taking to the skies to claim their domain.

And they weren’t alone.

From the gate emerged an array of powerful and unique creatures, each a testament to the diversity and strength of the forces at my command:

Mindlink Vulpins – 1,011 sleek fox-like creatures, their golden eyes glinting with intelligence, their telepathic link humming at the edge of my mind.

Embergaze Bats – 1,011 fiery-winged creatures, their very presence exuding heat, their keen eyes capable of seeing through even the deepest darkness.