I Received System to Become Dragonborn

Chapter 573: The Moment

Days passed in a blur consisting of recovery for the Elven warriors and Mages, their bodies healing from the intense battle that had ravaged their lands. The Great Calamity was defeated, but the lingering sense of danger hung in the air, reminding everyone that vigilance was still needed. They can't shake it after what they just witnessed in front of their eyes.

So despite their victory, not all had fully lowered their guard.

King Gulben, Saeldir, Aerchon, and Aurdis were among those who remained ever watchful, their minds alert to the possibility of any sudden threats. They couldn't afford to relax completely, even with the immediate danger gone.

The fear of what might come next had rooted itself deep in their hearts. The battle had shaken them, but it was the presence of Erend and Eccar, the two Dragonborns, that had turned the tide for them. Without them, the Elves or this world weren't sure if they could have stood against such a powerful force.

Because of this, there was an unspoken debt owed to the two Dragonborns, and the Elves were eager to show their gratitude.

Throughout the days of healing, Erend and Eccar received the best treatment the Elven healers and servant could offer. Their wounds were tended to by the most skilled hands and they were given rare herbs, potions, and food meant only for royalty. It was an honor, one that Erend wasn't quite sure how to handle.

As he lay in a grand room within the palace, surrounded by luxuries he never asked for, Erend shifted uncomfortably. The plush bed, the endless trays of food, the constant attention, it all felt too much. He was used to the hardships of battle and the raw grit of survival, not the pampered life of nobility.

"This is… different," he muttered to himself, staring at the elegant ceiling above him, carved with intricate Elven designs.

He had saved their world, yes, but this royal treatment felt almost surreal. He don't fight just because of them but because the Great Calamity will devour his world if he don't kill it.

Part of him felt like he didn't deserve it. After all, the threat was still out there, looming in the shadows of other worlds. Yet, here he was, lying in luxury.

Despite his unease, Erend couldn't help but glance over at Eccar, who was lying in a bed next to his, fully immersed in the comforts of the palace. Unlike Erend, Eccar had no qualms about the lavish treatment. After spending so long in the treacherous Chaos Realm, fighting on his own and enduring endless hardship, he welcomed the pampering with open arms.

"This is the life, Erend." Eccar grinned, stretching out lazily as an Elven healer gently applied a soothing balm to his shoulders. His eyes closed in bliss, enjoying every moment of the royal treatment. "You should learn to relax a little, Erend. Let them take care of you. Don't be so tense all the time, man."

Erend raised an eyebrow, watching his friend with amusement. "You're enjoying this a little too much."

Erend didn't talk to Eccar about what he heard from the Great Calamity in its last breath. He don't know if Eccar also heard it at that time or not.

Eccar chuckled. "After everything I went through in the Chaos Realm? You bet I am. I deserve this. We both do."

Despite himself, Erend smiled, shaking his head. Eccar had a point. They had fought, bled, and nearly died. Perhaps a little comfort wasn't so bad, though Erend still couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't quite belong in this world of elegance and privilege.

Aurdis entered the room then, her presence calming and warm as she approached them with a smile.

"How are you two holding up?" Aurdis asked.

"Never better," Eccar said with a grin, gesturing to the healer by his side. "You Elves know how to treat your savior."

Erend chuckled, but his expression was more subdued. "I'm fine, Aurdis. Just… adjusting."

She nodded, understanding his discomfort. "We are grateful to you both, more than words can express. Without you, we wouldn't have survived that battle." Her gaze softened as she looked at Erend. "You're a hero to my people, and me."

Erend smiled to that words. "I just did what I had to," he said.

"And that's why you're a hero," Aurdis said gently. "Because you chose to fight for us."

Erend looked at Aurdis, the one woman he loved, and for a brief moment everything else faded away. The tension in his body lessened as he gazed into her eyes, seeing the relief there, the softness that told him that even in the midst of uncertainty, she found peace in his presence.

He didn't want to shatter that. The weight of the Great Calamity's ominous words lingered in his mind, but he decided to push those thoughts aside. At least for now.

Erend smiled back at her, the kind of smile that felt genuine, despite everything swirling inside him.

"Yeah," he said, his voice a little lighter than before. "I guess I am a hero, huh?" Experience new tales on M V L

He tried to embrace the easiness that Eccar had been savoring. Maybe his friend was right. After everything, he needed to let go for just a little while. The battles would come again but for now, he had earned this moment, hadn't he? He needed to believe that.

Aurdis smiled warmly, a quiet happiness filling her gaze. "You always have been."

Before Erend could reply, Eccar's voice broke through, dripping with playful sarcasm.

"Oh, please," Eccar groaned from his bed. "You two should just get a room together and leave me alone with my tragic loneliness." He put a hand dramatically over his forehead, earning a chuckle from both Aurdis and Erend.

Aurdis shook her head with a light laugh, her cheeks flushed slightly from Eccar's teasing.

"You'll be fine, Eccar. I'm sure you'll survive a little more pampering on your own."

Erend turned to Eccar, amused. "You're the last person I'd worry about being lonely. You've got half the palace staff catering to you."

"Doesn't mean I can't feel abandoned," Eccar quipped. "But seriously, Erend, don't mess this up. We've saved the world and now you've got the attention of a beautiful Elf princess. Just go with it, man."

Erend rolled his eyes, though he couldn't hide his smile. "Thanks for the advice," he said dryly.

"Never enough," Eccar shot back with a wink. "But go ahead. I'll just be here, enjoying my tragic loneliness while you two get all sentimental."

Aurdis laughed softly again and turned to Erend, her eyes sparkling.

"He's right about one thing, you know," she said, her voice lowering slightly. "You do need to let yourself enjoy this. Even if it's just for a little while."

Erend looked at her, feeling the warmth in her words, and for once, he let himself believe it. He wasn't just a warrior, constantly bracing for the next fight. For now, he could be more than that. He could be a man who'd earned a moment of peace.

"Alright," he said, glancing at Eccar and then back at Aurdis. "I guess I'll take that advice."

With a grin, Aurdis nodded, and together they left the room, leaving Eccar behind with his exaggerated sighs of 'loneliness.' As they walked through the palace halls, the weight of everything they had fought for felt lighter.

For now, they had each other, and the calm after the storm.

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