Chapitre 47: Royal Quest

Mayor Rachmat Sulong, a well-known figure in Cardinal Peaks, and his best friend, Sheriff Nathkin Cole, embarked on a discreet journey to the capital city of Star Groove. They planned the trip carefully, making sure to keep it a secret from the public to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention.

The two of them packed lightly, bringing only the essentials for their journey, such as comfortable clothing and a few personal items. They departed on the break of dawn, hoping to avoid any crowds.

Departing from the grand vantage points of the town, Mayor Rachmat took a moment to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and engaged in a conversation with Sheriff Nathkin regarding the future of Cardinal Peaks. Both concurred that their trip held great significance in ensuring the continued existence of their beloved home.

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"This is far enough, I think."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Far enough?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Well... we need to get to the capital as soon as possible, right?"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Of course we do."

"But I still don't understand what you meant by far enough..."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"I will show you one little trick I haven't used in a long while."

"Bet your jaws will drop!"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Well, Nath, since it's you."

"I won't be surprised anymore."

"I gave that up when I saw you went toe to toe with Raffy."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Haha... Watch closely, my friend."

Sheriff Nathkin slowly pulled something from his back pocket and brandished it to the mayor. It was something familiar, owned by almost everyone in the world of Aena.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Oh, my god..."

"Since when did you own a Ki card???"

Mayor Rachmat's jaw dropped as Sheriff Nathkin inserted his Ki card into a slot around his waist. A bonecan owning a Ki card was definitely unheard of.

As a bluish glow enveloped Sheriff Nathkin's body right after the Ki card was in place, his form began to shift and transform. His limbs elongated, and his body grew larger, covered in sleek, midnight-blue scales.

Metallic feathers sprouted from his arms and legs, taking on a glistening, iridescent sheen. His hands and feet transformed into sharp talons, and his facial features morphed into a fierce beak.

Wings, resembling a dragon's wings but with feathers, unfurled from his back, stretching out to an impressive span. The feathers shimmered with a mixture of deep blues, purples, and hints of silver, catching the sunlight as they extended gracefully.

The transformation continued, and Sheriff Nathkin's eyes glowed with an intense golden light. His senses sharpened, allowing him to perceive the world with incredible clarity. The air around him crackled with energy as his body adjusted to his new form.

The dragonhawk, the Sheriff's new form stood tall, exuding an aura of power and majesty. Its presence commanded attention, instilling a sense of awe and wonder. It spread its wings, testing its strength and flexibility, and let out a mighty screech that echoed through the surrounding landscape.

Mayor Rachmat watched in astonishment, his eyes wide with disbelief. He had never witnessed such a transformation before, let alone imagined that Sheriff Nathkin possessed such a remarkable ability.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Nath... You're..."

"A dragonhawk?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Hahaha!"

"Surprised, aren't you?"

Sheriff Nathkin nodded his head, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and mischief. He then lowered its head, allowing Mayor Rachmat to climb on his back.

"Hop on..."

"Let's get to the capital swiftly, my friend."

"Our journey just got a lot more exciting!"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"And since when did you have a Ki card?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Well, to tell you the truth..."

"I was one of the reasons that there was a Ki card in the first place!"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Okay..."

"I don't even wanna ask."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Hahaha..."

The Sheriff ascended into the sky with a powerful stroke of its wings, effortlessly soaring beyond the clouds. The wind rushed past them as they embarked on their journey with a clear destination in mind - the capital city of Star Groove. There, they intended to confront the imposter and fight for justice.

Mayor Rachmat held onto the dragonhawk's back during the flight, experiencing a surge of adrenaline and determination. Together, they would face the challenges ahead, expose the truth, and safeguard Cardinal Peaks from the looming threat.

Thanks to Sheriff Nathkin's ability to transform into a dragonhawk, the supposedly month-long journey was drastically shortened, and it appeared they would reach their destination in a matter of days. Saving valuable time, before the military might of the capital would be unleashed upon Cardinal Peaks.

They flew over the Elven Kingdom of Venaria to shorten the trip, a place of great mystery and wonder, full of lush greenery and ancient trees that stretch up to the sky. Hours passed before both of them agreed to take a break beside a river nearby.

Beside the river, Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin found a serene and picturesque spot to rest. The Scalding Falls, named after the mist that rose from the cascading waters, created a dazzling display of nature's beauty.

The falls tumbled down from towering cliffs, creating a series of small waterfalls that merged into a larger pool at the bottom. The water sparkled under the sunlight, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding landscape. The sound of rushing water filled the air, creating a soothing melody that eased their weary spirits.

Surrounding the falls was a lush expanse of flora. Towering trees with sprawling branches provided shade, while colorful wildflowers dotted the grassy banks. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the refreshing mist from the falls.

Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin settled themselves on a moss-covered rock near the water's edge, taking in the enchanting scene before them. The sun's rays filtered through the leaves, casting a gentle, dappled light that danced upon the surface of the river.

Birds chirped melodiously, their vibrant plumage adding dashes of color to the tranquil setting. Butterflies fluttered gracefully, their delicate wings carrying them from one flower to another. It was a scene straight out of a painting, a perfect moment of respite amidst their arduous journey.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Nature truly has a way of rejuvenating the soul."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Indeed, my friend..."

"It's moments like these that remind us of the beauty that exists beyond the chaos we're facing."

They sat in companionable silence, basking in the serenity of the Scalding Falls. The sounds of nature and the gentle rush of the waterfall provided a temporary escape from the weight of their mission.

As they rested, their minds began to wander, contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. They knew that the road to the capital would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they drew strength from the beauty of their surroundings and the unwavering resolve in their hearts.

Unfortunately, their rest was cut short as the water in the river started to heat up, releasing steam and vapor everywhere. Mayor Rachmat, who was dipping his feet in the water pulled them out as he noticed that it was getting hotter by the second.

As the steam continued to rise from the river, obscuring their view, Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin exchanged puzzled glances. Something was amiss. The once serene atmosphere was now tinged with a sense of foreboding.

The steam parted, revealing a fearsome creature emerging from the forest near the riverbanks. Its fiery mane billowed around its majestic form, and molten lava dripped from its claws. It was a magmalynx, a rare and powerful creature known for its association with volcanic activity.

The magmalynx let out a deep, rumbling growl, its glowing eyes fixed upon the intruders in its territory. Mayor Rachmat stood frozen in place, his mind racing to formulate a plan of action.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Nath, what do we do?"

"It seems the magmalynx doesn't appreciate our presence."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Stay calm, Raja."

"We need to handle this situation with caution."

"Let's not provoke it further."

The magmalynx prowled closer, its powerful steps leaving scorch marks on the ground. The air around it shimmered with intense heat, making it clear that a direct confrontation would be perilous.

With their hearts pounding, Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin slowly backed away, attempting to convey to the magmalynx that they meant no harm. They needed to find a way to de-escalate the situation and ensure their safety.

As Mayor Rachmat and the Sheriff watched in awe, the ferocious magmalynx suddenly came to a halt and emitted a gentle purr, causing its blazing aura to gradually fade away. The once menacing and predatory eyes now softened into a pair of tearful yet endearing gazes, leaving Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin utterly surprised and amazed.

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Ember?"

Seems like the Sheriff knows of the magmalynx.

"Ember..."

"Is that you?"

The magmalynx emitted a low, rumbling purr, affirming Sheriff Nathkin's recognition. It approached them cautiously, its fiery mane now glowing with a warmth that belied its earlier aggression.

Sheriff Nathkin extended a hand towards Ember, who nuzzled against it affectionately. The bond between them was evident, and Mayor Rachmat couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected connection.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Nath, you know this magmalynx?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"..."

The Sheriff was overcome with emotion as he stared upon Ember, the majestic magmalynx standing before him. Tears, indistinguishable from those shed by a human, began to well up in his eyes as he recalled all the cherished memories they had shared together. The poignant moment was a testament to the deep bond that had formed between the two, a bond that transcended the boundaries of species.