Reunion and Renovation
Ian felt a sudden wave of fatigue the moment he reunited with the drake. Thinking back, he'd been running around all evening, staying on high alert, and downing a few drinks to boot. In the brief time since parting from the drake, the exhaustion he'd forgotten about came crashing over him like a tidal wave.
Looking tired, are we? The drake noticed Ian's condition right away.
"Ah... a bit," Ian admitted.
Ian didn't know it yet, but using the Maronius Language placed a heavy strain on the mind. Beyond the skull, in the pineal gland, mysteries beyond human reason flowed—a far greater toll than ordinary speech. Even chattering in a foreign language for hours wore you out; how much more so with the language of mysteries? Ian would realize it within days: babbling in Maronius was exhausting.
Climb onto my back.
"Is that okay?" Ian hesitated for a second, but then understood the drake's intent and nodded.
For the drake, hoisting Ian onto its back was like a human cradling a dog or cat—simple affection. The dog might wonder, Am I really okay being carried like this? Won't it tire the human out? But from the human's side, carrying a cute little creature was no trouble at all.
"Alright then." Ian settled behind the drake's neck.
The drake lifted its head and took a step forward. Whoa... It felt like riding a moving building.
Hmm. Next time, I should find a saddle.
The idea of the drake hunting for a saddle for Ian was odd enough, but that it even knew what a saddle was? Probably picked it up watching humans ride horses.
While Ian dozed off atop its back, the drake arrived at the nest before he knew it.
"This the place?"
Yes. Can you fix it? The drake waited anxiously for Ian's verdict.
Ian scanned the nest lightly, mentally pricing it out. Definitely cozy—no bugs or dampness.
Bugs and moisture were the bane of reptile nests, ruining eggs. That's why reptiles chose nest sites with care.
But like the female drake said, it's a bit cramped for two.
The issue was a protruding rock in the cave. Remove that, and the space would double.
Smooth out the walls too... He didn't know the drake's taste, but from what he'd seen, it preferred sleek surfaces. It had complained about the bumpy walls, after all.
"Drake, sir. I need to focus, so could you step back for a bit?"
R-right!
With the drake out of the way, Ian's Maronius Language could attune fully to the mystery of earth.
He closed his eyes and squeezed every ounce of concentration.
"Earth,"
⟨ Geokinesis ⟩
Deep in the cave, the earth responded easily to Ian's call.
What is it, young human?
... Ian's brow furrowed slightly. The earth's voice felt off—responding in Maronius Language, sure, but grudgingly.
This is bad.
You could tell someone's mood from their voice alone—bright or dark, good day or bad. From the big data Ian had accumulated, the earth was in a sinking mood today.
"I... wish... to ask a favor."
Not inclined. Is that all?
Yup.
The curt refusal made Ian open his eyes. A skilled geokinetic mage might converse deeply to resolve it, but Ian's Geokinesis level was a measly 1. He'd dumped his skill points into Summoning instead.
His master, Eredis, had warned: if a mystery hears your will and still refuses, don't force it. You could anger it forever, lose your magic, or even die from its backlash.
"I apologize."
The earth vanished without hearing him out.
Haa. Ian's shoulders slumped; he hated delivering bad news.
Oh! Mage! How'd it go? The drake came rushing up, and Ian could only bow his head.
"The earth refused to talk. When its mood improves, we can try again."
The drake fell silent. Then, in a deflated tone:
Can't be helped. If the earth refuses... I must accept she's not my fate.
"Drake..."
Still, thanks for worrying about a guy like me, mage. You're a good one.
The drake grinned happily, flicking its tongue.
I've never chatted so easily with any drake I've met. Who'd think a human would be the one I click with? Amazing.
Ian truly regretted failing to help. He'd bonded with a being beyond human ken.
Right then, the status window flashed before his eyes.
Summoning – Drake Summon
Request help from your friend, the drake. As a request from a friend, he will gladly answer the call.
Ian had gained his first Summoning skill: Drake Summon. Fitting for a mage—mages were supposed to summon at least one fearsome monster, after all.
But the new skill brought little joy. He lamented having nothing to give his new drake friend in return.
Mage, what's your name?
"Ian. Ian Eredis Raven."
Ian Eredis Raven. I am Drake Longtail. I'd like to share friendship with you going forward.
"Longtail."
Ian pronounced the drake's name in Empire Common instead of Maronius Language. Surprisingly, Longtail seemed to understand, rumbling low.
Ian smiled quietly.
As a token of our friendship, a gift for you.
"I... have nothing to give."
Ian mumbled, but Longtail burst into hearty laughter.
If I expected payment for a gift, what kind of friend would that make me?
True enough. Ian decided to graciously accept.
Turning down an offered gift was rude anyway.
Go on! Take as many as you want!
Longtail led Ian to a corner piled with gems. As dragon cousins, drakes shared their habit of hoarding jewels. Dragons raided human villages outright; drakes just snatched what caught their eye now and then.
True to form, the nest brimmed with treasures. Among them, one gem caught Ian's eye: a massive opal, egg-white and beautifully cut, rolling on the floor.
This... wait a sec.
Ian recalled Eredis's lessons. Mysteries were fickle, moods shifting. When grumpy—like now—you got shut down fast. Expert mages coaxed them, but novices? They used magic circles.
Magic circles! Simple: draw a circle, inscribe Maronius Language around it. The mystery finds it and grants the wish.
Unlike spells (conversation), circles were like letters—unilateral, nonverbal, limited. But perfect for brazenly offering gifts.
It's awkward saying what you crave when asked, What do you want me to buy? (Worried about seeming piggish or unhealthy tastes.) But a surprise gifticon of your favorite? Pure bliss—the sender just knew.
If you're thinking, What's the difference? Both are buying food, tough luck: no mage talent for you.
Mysteries preferred circle-offered gifts over direct ones. Formal circle + favorite treat? Chef's kiss. Even sulky mysteries melted under gift barrages.
The earth's favorite? Gems. Called "bones of the earth," especially human-crafted ones.
Ian eyed the opal. Offer this to earth... and cast magic?
This sacrifice would surely deliver.
"Longtail. Can I have this opal?"
Pointing at the white opal, Longtail snorted amiably.
Of course. It's yours now.
"Thanks, Longtail."
Watching Longtail hand over a fine gem without complaint moved Ian deeply. Friend gifted; time to reciprocate.
Ian grabbed a stone and began scratching a magic circle on the floor—circle first, then flattering words around it.
To my dear Earth. It's May, and the weather warms. Amid blue skies and cool breezes, time seems to flow swifter...
And so on. It ended up like a PTA newsletter opener, but "politeness" like this pleased mysteries.
Done.
Ian admired his work: a classic circle ringed by arcane script, straight from comics. To outsiders: Whoa, a real magic circle! To mages: Kid's got crap writing skills.
Couldn't be helped. Past-life Ian was STEM; lit majors' essays? Who cares.
Who needs eloquence with a badass Status Window?
Friend. What're you doing?
Longtail eyed the circle curiously. To a drake, it was just doodles.
"Magic."
Huh? What kind...?
Ian focused again.
"Earth!"
⟨ Geokinesis ⟩
Then, amazingly, the opal in the circle's center flashed, shattered, and sank into the earth like absorption.
The earth accepted the gift.
What is it, young human?
The earth's voice was far warmer now, greeting Ian.
Grinning triumphantly, Ian shouted:
"Move the rock! Smooth the walls!"
Heh heh. If you insist...
Rumble rumble...
The earth shook; Longtail startled, head snapping up. But that was nothing.
No way...!
Longtail's eyes bulged at its nest. The ugly central rock melted like liquid and vanished underground!
And the walls? Polished smooth, transformed into blissful beauty!
Impossible!
Spacious, gorgeous—like hiring top interior designers. Longtail gaped at its unrecognizable home, jaw unclosing.
Ian, spell done, grinned.
"There—the gem's worth. Like my gift, friend?"