I Received System to Become Dragonborn

Chapter 468: The News

Adrius's smile widened as he recognized the woman standing before him. He bowed slightly, acknowledging her presence with a mix of respect and familiarity.

"Anara," he greeted warmly. "It's been too long."

Anara returned his smile, though her eyes held a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Indeed, Adrius. But it seems you've wasted no time in stirring up trouble."

She was a striking woman, a picture of mature beauty that seemed almost timeless. Though middle-aged, her skin was smooth and radiant, with the grace and elegance. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves. Her eyes, a deep shade of emerald, held a spark of intelligence and warmth.

Her figure was equally captivating, her robes subtly hinting at a well-maintaine shapely form beneath.

The crowd around them murmured in awe, confusion, and fear, their whispers growing louder as they tried to piece together the identity of the mysterious man who had just bested the palace guards with ease.

Adrius could hear snippets of their conversations—questions about who he was and what he wanted, speculation about the glowing staff he wielded and the Magic he commanded.

Ignoring the commotion, Anara gestured for Adrius to follow her. "Come. We can talk in the church. There is much we need to discuss."

Adrius nodded, falling into step beside her as they made their way through the city streets. The crowd parted reluctantly, eyes wide with a mixture of reverence and suspicion. Adrius could feel their gazes on him, their curiosity palpable.

As they walked, Anara cast a glance at him, her expression softening slightly. "You look weary, Adrius. It's clear your journey has been difficult."

Adrius sighed, his earlier resolve momentarily giving way to exhaustion. "Well, It's been a long sine I live in the woods. And recently, I'm meeting new friends. There is much to tell, and time is of the essence."

They reached the entrance to the grand church of Astoria, its imposing facade adorned with intricate carvings and stained glass windows that glinted in the fading light.

The church was a sanctuary of peace and wisdom, a stark contrast to the chaos Adrius had just left behind.

Inside, the air filled with the faint scent of incense. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the high vaulted ceilings and the rows of wooden pews. Anara led Adrius to a quiet alcove, away from prying eyes and curious ears.

She motioned for him to sit, and they settled into the pews, the soft creak of wood the only sound in the serene space.

"Now," Anara began. "tell me everything. What brings you back to Astoria in such a state? And what is this grave danger you speak of?"

Adrius took a deep breath. "The kingdom… No, actually, the world, is facing a threat unlike any we've seen before. There is something called the Great Calamity."

Anara's eyes widened in shock, her normally composed demeanor faltering. "The Great Calamity? That's... that's just a legend, Adrius. A story to frighten children. How can it be real?"

Adrius sighed deeply, the weight of his knowledge evident in his eyes.

"I thought the same at first. But recent events have shown me otherwise. The anomalies I've been seeing, the dark forces gathering—they are all signs that the Great Calamity is coming. And it is far worse than any of us could have imagined."

Anara's hands tightened on the pew, her knuckles turning white. "But where did you get this information? How can you be sure?"

Adrius met her gaze, his expression earnest and determined. "I have encountered new allies on my journey. Friends who have seen and experienced things that corroborate the legends. One of them is an Elf, wise and knowledgeable about ancient prophecies. The others are three humans, each with their own unique skills and insights. Together, they have helped me piece together the truth."

Adrius didn't want to tell Anara about Erend and his Dragon power. He still don't know how is that information will have implications for the future.

Anara's shock turned to a mix of curiosity and concern. "Who are these people? How can we trust them?"

Adrius smiled faintly. "They are brave and honorable, and their experiences have been invaluable in uncovering the signs of the Great Calamity. Saeldir, the Elf, has knowledge and also an Archmage from the Elf Palace."

"Elf Palace?! You just make an acquintance of the Elf Palace Archmage?"

Adrius nodded pridefully.

Anara leaned back, her mind racing as she processed this revelation. "This is... overwhelming, Adrius. If what you say is true, then we are facing a threat that could destroy us all."

Adrius nodded solemnly. "Yes, and that is why we must act quickly. We must unite the kingdoms, gather our strength, and prepare for the battle ahead. There is no time to lose."

"You're right. If we are to face this threat, we need to be united and ready. I will speak to the king and ensure he understands the gravity of the situation."

"We," Adrius said. "We will speak to the king and the others."

---

In the opulent throne room of Astoria, King Aethor sat upon his grand, ornately carved seat. The hall was bathed in the warm light of the sun, streaming through tall, stained-glass windows that depicted the kingdom's proud history. The king, a man of imposing stature and dignified presence, was deep in thought, his mind preoccupied with the usual matters of state.

Suddenly, the double doors of the throne room burst open, and a flustered advisor hurried in, his face pale with anxiety.

"Your Majesty," he gasped, bowing deeply. "There has been a disturbance at the city gates."

King Aethor's brow furrowed in concern. "What kind of disturbance?"

"A man," the advisor stammered, "a man in shabby clothes has defeated numerous guards and forced his way into the city. The guards were no match for him, Your Majesty. He... he used Magic, powerful Magic."

Aethor's eyes widened, his expression shifting from worry to a dawning realization. "Adrius," he muttered, almost to himself. "So, he has returned."

The advisor looked up, confusion evident on his face. "You know this man, Your Majesty?"

King Aethor nodded slowly. "Yes, I know him."

He turned to the captain of his personal guard, who stood at attention near the throne. "Captain, send word to find this man and bring him to me immediately."

The captain saluted crisply. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will see to it personally."

Just as the captain turned to leave, the doors to the throne room opened once more. Adrius and Anara entered, escorted by a contingent of guards.

"Your Majesty. I have brought Adrius, the previous Archmage of this kingdom. He has urgent news that you must hear."

King Aethor rose from his throne, his eyes fixed on Adrius with a mixture of surprise and relief. "Adrius," he greeted, his tone warmer than expected. "It has been too long. What brings you back to Astoria after fleeing from your responsibility?"

Adrius stepped forward. "Aethor," he said, using the king's name as a sign of their old friendship. "I come with grave news. The kingdom faces a threat unlike any we have ever known. The Great Calamity is upon us, and we must prepare."

The room fell silent, the weight of Adrius's words sinking in. King Aethor's expression grew serious.

"You back to bring that nonsense news?"

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