Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

In the cozy embrace of their home, a small yet harmonious family found solace. Within those walls, time seemed to stand still as a boy embarked on an adventure with his father, while his mother watched with fondness.

"Take that, villain!" The boy's voice echoed with youthful enthusiasm as he struck a heroic pose, engaging in playful combat with his father, who embraced the role of the antagonist.

"AH! You got me!" The father, feigning defeat, melodramatically crumpled to the ground, eliciting laughter from his wife, who found joy in the spirited antics of her family.

"You're amazing, my little hero," the mother encouraged, her voice laced with affection and pride.

"Yay! I defeated you! Promise not to be bad again, okay?" The boy's innocent plea carried a weight of triumph as his father, surrendering to his son's virtuous spirit, agreed with a chuckle.

As the boy basked in the satisfaction of victory, his father lifted him into the air, removing his mask to reveal a smile of paternal pride. "How does it feel to be a hero?"

"It's the best feeling ever! Let's play again tomorrow!" The boy's eyes sparkled with anticipation, his heart brimming with the promise of endless adventures.

"Of course, my son. And tomorrow, your mother shall join us as the villain!"

"What? Mom too?" The boy's surprise dissolved into laughter, mingling with the warmth of familial bonds that permeated the room.

"Yes, indeed! Your mother will become a wicked witch!"

"And I shall be a valiant knight, rescuing the innocent!" The boy's imagination soared, weaving dreams of heroism and valor.

In a moment punctuated by curiosity, the father turned to his son with a question that hung in the air, laden with the weight of possibility.

"What do you aspire to become, my son, when you're all grown up?" The father's voice carried a hint of anticipation, eager to glimpse into the dreams of his young heir.

The son, contemplating the question with earnest deliberation, glanced at his father before turning to his mother, a flicker of determination dancing in his eyes.

"I know," he declared, mustering a stance of unwavering resolve before his parents. "I want to be the strongest!"

With a confidence that belied his tender years, he painted a vivid picture of his future conquests. "I'll tame dragons and vanquish all who dare to challenge my might!" His smile radiated with the certainty that his dreams were destined to unfold.

"Truly?" The mother's voice, laced with both pride and concern, sought to delve deeper into her son's aspirations.

"I want to safeguard those dearest to me, just like Dad protects Mom," the son confessed, his words striking a chord of revelation that reverberated through the room.

Their exchanged glances spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgment of the passing of dreams from one generation to the next. "Then your father shall impart upon you the ways of heroism," the mother affirmed, her gaze soft yet resolute.

"In my youth, I harbored similar aspirations," the father chimed in, his laughter tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "But life led me down a different path, one of baking bread instead of battling foes."

The mother's words, tempered with wisdom born of experience, carried a gentle reminder.

"Should strength be yours, wield it with care. Let it be a shield for the vulnerable, not a weapon against them."

With a solemn nod, the son brandished his toy sword once more, his resolve unshaken. "I will become a hero!"

Encouragement flowed freely from his parents, enveloping him in a cocoon of unwavering support.

"For you are our son, Arche," they affirmed, sealing their bond with a tender embrace that bridged the past, present, and future.

Not long after, I woke up in this hotel room, feeling like I'd been hit by a freight train. "Just a dream, huh...?"

Yep, yours truly, the wandering soul trying to make amends for past shenanigans.

After that werewolf debacle, I decided serious thinking wasn't my style. I'd rather kick back and soak in the vibes of this city.

So there I was, leaning out the window, trying to shoot the breeze with some birds. But those feathered fellas weren't having any of it; they just took off like I owed them money.

Stretching and yawning, trying to muster up some enthusiasm for the day ahead. Usually, I'd have my trusty tool belt strapped on, but not today.

Didn't feel like being the talk of the town with a bomb-shaped bulge on my waist.

My old robe was shredded thanks to my showdown with Lykos and the village big shot. Those claws were no joke.

"Guess it's time for a wardrobe upgrade..."

Out of the hotel, I gave a nod to the receptionist before hitting the streets. Headed for the clothing store, but then the sweet smell of baked goods hit me.

"Do they sell donuts?"

One step into the bakery and next thing I know, I'm in a donut daze, ordering up a storm. Strawberry, chocolate, peanut, you name it. The works.

Walking down the street, munching on donuts like there's no tomorrow, I spot this eye-catching poster. Turns out, there's an annual shindig going down in this city tonight. "Tonight?!"

"Aw, heck... If I splurge on a new robe, I'll be flat broke... And then I won't have a dime left for grub at the festival..."

"Shouldn't have caved for this donut! Blast it all..." I grumble, mulling over my poor choices. "Where the heck is this festival anyway?"

"... Harbor, huh?" Without skipping a beat, I hop on my trusty broomstick and jet off towards the harbor.

Arriving at the port, I spy a flurry of activity-people hustling, bustling, setting up stalls, stringing decorations... the whole shebang.

Some folks are just lounging around, gawking at the hustle and bustle like it's prime-time entertainment. Seems like curiosity's got the best of 'em, itching to see what this festival's all about.

And then there's the hot air balloons, looming in the background. Ah, right, it's a hot air balloon fest, ain't it? Pretty darn unique.

Munching on my donut, I take in the scene, watching the spectators as they size up the workers.

Then, outta the blue, I spot it-those unmistakable bright locks, that gorgeous face. "Well, ain't that-!"

Without a second thought, I swoop down on my broomstick, closing in on the figure.

As I draw near, I'm more certain than ever-it's her, no doubt about it. Our heights don't lie.

With a casual pat on the shoulder, the figure turns towards me, and there they are-those piercing blue eyes, staring right back at me.

"Hey there! Long time, no see!" I greet, a grin spreading across my face.

That woman? Elaina. The one who opened my eyes and set me on this wandering path.

Her expression was priceless, like she'd just seen a ghost. "Y-You? What in the world are you doing here?"

"Hmm? Isn't it obvious? I'm a wanderer," I retorted, flashing a mischievous grin.

"But meeting you here, of all places, was the last thing I expected."

"Likewise," I replied with a chuckle, holding up a bag bursting with an assortment of donuts. "Care for a treat?"

"Uh, no thanks," she declined, eyeing the donuts warily.

"I'm starting to regret buying these," I confessed, scratching my head in confusion. "Can't decide whether to splurge on a new robe or save up for grub at the festival later."

"Sounds like karma coming back to bite you," she quipped, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Karma?! Oh man, didn't even consider that," I muttered, my eyes widening in mock horror.

"Just messing with you," she reassured, a hint of amusement in her voice.

After an awkward pause, she couldn't resist teasing. "So, are you really on a quest for redemption?"

"Hm! You betcha! I'm... mff... totally doing penance," I mumbled through a mouthful of donuts, crumbs flying everywhere.

"Great, now you're incomprehensible and messy," she groaned, inching away from the crumb explosion.

Swallowing the last bit of donut, I wiped my mouth with my hand. "A few days back, I outed a werewolf in a village."

"Werewolves?" Her curiosity piqued.

"Yep! Hairy, red-eyed, sharp-toothed buggers," I explained, gesturing animatedly.

"And they tore up my robe," I added, shaking my head at the memory.

"They? So it's not just one werewolf?" Her eyebrow arched in suspicion.

"Uh... well, you see, there might've been more than one," I confessed, unable to keep up the charade.

Clearing my throat, I quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, duty calls! Hero's gotta do what a hero's gotta do," I proclaimed with a laugh.

"Yeah, hero's duty, including demolishing that donut, huh?" she teased, a smirk tugging at her lips.

I chuckled at her remark. "Looks like you're warming up to my jokes."

"Don't flatter yourself," she shot back, feigning indifference.

With a grin, I hopped onto my broomstick. "Catch you later, okay? Wouldn't want you missing me too much."

"Don't count on it," she replied coolly, her tone dripping with nonchalance.

With a wave, I zoomed off into the distance, finishing off the remaining donuts along the way.

As I made my exit, two women approached Elaina, one of whom seemed to know her well.

"ELAINA!" The familiar voice rang out, drawing Elaina's attention.

Turning around, Elaina's eyes lit up as she spotted the two black-haired women, one of whom wore a broad smile and hastened toward her. "Well, well, look who it is!"

"Saya, Mina... What a surprise to see you both here," Elaina greeted warmly, the trio falling into easy conversation.

Meanwhile, I made my way to the library, eager to uncover the history behind the hot air balloon festival.

Approaching the librarian, who was engrossed in arranging books, I spoke in hushed tones. "Excuse me, may I ask a question?"

She looked up with a sweet smile. "Of course! What can I help you with?"

"I'm interested in learning about the history of the hot air balloon festival," I explained eagerly, mindful of the library's quiet atmosphere.

"Ah, right this way! I've got just the thing for you," she replied cheerfully, leading me to the 'History' section.

Surveying the thick tomes before me, I couldn't help but comment, "These books are thicker than a stack of pancakes, huh?"

The librarian chuckled and handed me a book titled 'Hot Air Balloon Festival.' "Here you go, sir. This should have all the info you need."

"Perfect! Thanks a bunch, uh... Sweet Librarian!" I grinned, realizing I didn't know her name.

"Happy to help! I must dash off now, but feel free to ask if you need anything else," she said with a smile, before hurrying off.

"Wow, she knows her stuff," I muttered to myself, impressed by her knowledge.

"Yeah, being a librarian keeps you on your toes," she replied, her voice trailing off as she disappeared among the bookshelves.

Reflecting on her words, I couldn't help but smile. "Guess you've gotta love what you do, huh? Otherwise, what's the point?"

Her advice lingered in my mind, echoing like a mother's wisdom. "Alright, Mom," I joked with a chuckle.

"I'm not your mom," she laughed along, her voice fading into the distance. "Happy reading!"

Left alone in the history section, I dove into my book, surrounded by tales of real-life adventures-a stark contrast to the fantastical realms found in fiction.

"Don't give two hoots about their own history, huh?" I muttered under my breath, shaking my head at the lack of interest.

Turning my attention back to the book in hand, I cracked it open. The pages were yellowed with age, a testament to its antiquity.

"Bet this book's older than my old man."

As I delved into the text, my eyes widened in disbelief. "Dragons? Dragons?! Are you kidding me?!"

Suddenly, a surge of excitement coursed through me. "I gotta see a dragon! Heck, I wanna ride one if I can!"

'The words on the page painted a vivid picture of a bygone era, where humans and dragons lived in harmony, guardians of nature and stewards of balance.'

But then, a dark twist in the tale... 'However-'

My heart sank as I read on, uncovering the ugly truth about the residents' greed and selfishness. "Well, ain't that just peachy..."

Meanwhile, Elaina and her two companions engaged in conversation.

"Elaina, are you tempted to grab some grub?" Saya inquired, eyeing the nearby food stalls.

"Absolutely, but let's not go overboard. We wouldn't want to blow all our cash and end up starving at the festival, would we?" Elaina responded pragmatically.

"You make a valid point," Saya conceded with a nod. Known for her ample mane, Saya was a member of the United Magic Association, with a more carefree demeanor compared to her sister, Mina.

Mina, on the other hand, took a more cautious approach. "Sis, try not to indulge too much in sweets. We wouldn't want you to end up with a toothache, now would we?"

"I'll exercise moderation," Saya replied casually, though Mina couldn't help but shake her head in bemusement at her sister's nonchalant attitude.

Turning her attention back to Elaina, Saya pressed on with her curiosity. "Speaking of which, Elaina, I couldn't help but notice you chatting with a gentleman earlier. Who might he be?"

Elaina's heart twinged at the mention of him. "Oh, he... he was just lost and needed directions," she explained, her tone betraying a hint of melancholy.

"Ah, a lost soul, huh? Tough break for him," Saya remarked, offering a sympathetic shrug.

In a scene straight out of a comedy sketch, a man stood atop a hill, his eyes scanning the landscape in search of something elusive.

"Where the heck is that cave...?" he muttered to himself, scratching his head in confusion.

And that man? Well, surprise, surprise, it's yours truly.

"Surely it's around here somewhere..." I muttered, determined to uncover the mystery of the missing cave.

Why, you ask? Oh, just on a quest to find a dragon's secret hideout. NBD.

Now, I've never actually seen a dragon in real life, mind you. But hey, a guy can dream, right?

"Dragon, dragon, where you hiding?~ We've come to find you, so quit the hiding!~ With your wings so grand, and your flames so bright~ Let's be pals forever, soaring day and night~~" I crooned, belting out a tune my dear ol' mum used to sing to me.

"Where are you, you sneaky dragon?" I called out, scanning the hillside for any signs of life.

And lo and behold, what do I spy? A pile of rocks that looks suspiciously like a cave entrance.

"Knock, knock! Anybody home?" I rapped on the rocks, only to be met with silence.

"Guess I'll have to come back with a marching band," I quipped, before launching into a series of absurd doorbell impersonations.

"Special delivery for Wobblekins!"

"Calling all Wobblekins residents, maintenance check!"

"Housekeeping, at your service!"

"Open up, it's the police!"

"Uh, can I speak to Mr. Wobblekins, please?" I couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculous name I'd concocted.

"Wobblekins? Seriously, who comes up with these names?" I shook my head in disbelief.

Regretfully, I didn't have any explosives on hand to blast through the rocks. "Well, guess I'll just leave your 'Best Hide-and-Seek Player' trophy on the doorstep then!" I quipped, before trudging off the hillside in defeat.

"But mark my words, this isn't the end... As they say, 'We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope!'" I declared dramatically to no one in particular, because why the heck not?

As I strolled through the bustling city streets, my ears perked up at the sound of a child's distress.

Approaching the scene, I found a young boy, tears streaming down his cheeks as he pointed to a tree. "My cat... it's stuck up there," he sniffled.

Glancing upward, I spotted the frightened feline perched on a high branch, its meows echoing softly.

Without a second thought, I sprang into action. Assessing the tree's sturdy branches, I began to ascend, each step calculated and deliberate.

As I climbed higher, the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind enveloped me. At last, I reached the stranded cat, its wide eyes filled with fear.

With soothing words and gentle movements, I carefully coaxed the cat into my arms, ensuring a secure grip as I made my descent.

Back on solid ground, I handed the relieved child his beloved pet. "Your cat's a real trooper, didn't even give me a scratch," I joked, earning a smile from the boy.

"Take good care of him, alright? It's a small responsibility now, but it'll prepare you for bigger things in the future," I advised, watching as the boy wiped away his tears and nodded.

"Thank you, sir!" he exclaimed, his gratitude echoing in his voice. Even the cat let out a soft meow, as if expressing its thanks.

As they departed, a warm feeling settled in my chest. Helping out, no matter how small, had its own rewards.

Turning around, I spotted three familiar faces watching from a distance-Elaina and two others I didn't recognize.

"Ah, well if it isn't Elaina and the mystery squad," I called out, jogging over to join them. "Been a while, hasn't it?"

"It seems like you two already know each other," remarked the woman with the black hair cascading down her shoulders.

"Have you just finished a redemption?" Elaina inquired, her expression curious.

"It's more like lending a hand than atonement," I clarified.

"I see," Elaina nodded in understanding.

"You two seem close," observed the short-haired woman.

Elaina quickly corrected, "No, we're just acquaintances."

The distance between us was evident, reflecting her lack of trust.

"He's just someone I know," Elaina added, causing a pang of hurt inside me.

"What's your name?" the short-haired woman asked.

"Yeah, what's your name?" Elaina chimed in.

"You don't remember my name?! You're worse than a thief, Elaina..." I grumbled in annoyance before reluctantly stating, "I'm Arche, the sin redeemer. Pleased to meet you."

"Sin redeemer?" the black-haired woman with sharp eyes arched a suspicious brow.

"What sins have you committed?" the short-haired woman didn't mince her words.

"Well... let's just say I've made my fair share of mistakes and I'm wandering to make amends," I evaded, not wanting to delve into specifics-especially the fact that I'd recently been rewarded with 60 gold coins for my thieving endeavors.

As they both wore association brooches, I realized they were affiliated with the association.

"What are you staring at?" She snapped defensively.

"Oh, are you with the association?"

I ask her

"How did you know?" the short-haired woman queried.

"The brooches gave it away," I replied.

"Yes, we're from the association, currently enjoying a break," Saya confirmed.

I recalled being chased by someone from the United Magic Association-a blonde woman who smoked-but her skills paled in comparison to mine.

"And what about you two?" I redirected the conversation.

"I'm Saya, and this is my sister Mina," Saya introduced her serious-looking sibling.

I couldn't help but feel drawn to Mina's long hair, though her reserved demeanor made it challenging to connect.

"Nice to meet you," I offered, hoping to bridge the gap.

Realizing I might be intruding on their conversation, I decided it was best to take my leave. Still, I couldn't shake my curiosity about when the dragon would awaken.

"Well then, off I go! Busy bee, you know! Catch you later at the festival!"

"Don't rush off too soon. Who knows, you might find a moment to get lost in the festival's excitement," Elaina suggested with a playful smile.

I chuckled at her remark before bidding them farewell and taking off on my trusty broomstick.

"From revealing the village chief's secrets to uncovering a dragon's slumber... never a dull moment," I mused to myself as I soared through the air.

Returning to the library, I retrieved the ancient book and delved into its pages once more, hoping to unearth some clues.

"After five centuries of slumber..." I read aloud, my eyes widening in astonishment as I absorbed the tale of the dragon's awakening and thirst for vengeance.

Rushing to the librarian, I greeted her with excitement. "Oh, wise librarian!"

Startled by my sudden appearance, she asked, "What's the matter?"

"Do you know when this book was written?" I pointed to the ancient tome.

"The book? Ah! It dates back 500 years, to the best of my knowledge," she replied, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

"It's the oldest book in our collection!" she added proudly.

"Have you read it?" I inquired eagerly.

"Of course! The story is quite riveting. Ancient humans were consumed by greed..." she trailed off.

"Can you recall how it ends?" I pressed, eager for more insights.

After a moment's thought, she responded, "If memory serves me right, the dragon awakens after 500 years, seeking vengeance."

Impressed by her knowledge, I remarked, "You seem to know everything."

"I only know what I know," she replied with a modest smile.

"Do you catch my drift?" I asked, prompting her to consider the deeper meaning.

After a brief pause, she exclaimed, "Ah, I see!"

Realizing the significance of the book's age, she suggested, "We should celebrate its 500th anniversary!"

"You're quite the character," I chuckled, explaining the situation to her.

Wide-eyed with realization, she murmured, "What should we do... Oh dear..."

"Have no fear, fair librarian! I'll prevent the dragon from wreaking havoc," I declared boldly, forgetting my indoor voice in the excitement.

"Shh..." came the hushed reprimand from fellow patrons, reminding me of my surroundings.

"Oops, my bad," I apologized sheepishly before slipping out of the library, ready to face the challenge ahead.

I headed to the hardware store to pick up some essentials, resigning myself to the fact that I probably wouldn't get to fully enjoy the festival.

"I won't be the one to end those dragons' lives... They deserve a chance to live," I muttered to myself, feeling as if time were dragging its feet.

As dusk settled in, the moon cast its gentle glow over the night, painting the sky in shades of silver.

Waiting near the hill, I sipped my coffee, wishing it had a bit more sugar. The librarian had handed it to me earlier, and somehow, it had made its way with me.

Meanwhile, at the port, Elaina, Saya, and Mina reveled in the festivities, sampling various delicacies.

"This food is amazing!" Saya exclaimed between bites.

"Sis, don't overindulge," cautioned Mina.

"But it's so good! Elaina, you have to try this," Saya insisted, offering her friend a taste.

Curiosity piqued, Elaina agreed, sampling the dish before them.

Their enjoyment was interrupted by the sight of someone renting a hot air balloon, sparking excitement in Saya.

"Elaina, let's give it a go!" she suggested eagerly.

"Hm? A hot air balloon?" Elaina raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, come on!" Saya urged, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Why not?" Elaina relented, and the trio embarked on an aerial adventure.

"It feels like a date, doesn't it, Elaina?" Saya remarked, feeling the romantic ambiance of the balloon ride.

"With three of us here? I don't think so," Elaina replied, dampening the mood.

Mina couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and annoyance at Elaina's response, feeling left out.

Meanwhile, back at my position, I felt the ground tremble beneath me.

"Earthquake?" I wondered aloud, peering cautiously from my hiding spot near the cave.

To my surprise, the rocks covering the cave were violently displaced as a red dragon emerged, its fury evident.

"This just got a whole lot more complicated..." I muttered, instinctively seeking cover.

As the massive dragon took flight, I braced myself for the chaos it would surely unleash.

Venturing into the cave, I stumbled upon a nest containing two dragon eggs, their significance not lost on me.

Realizing the implications of slaying the dragon, I opted to tail it discreetly, keeping my distance.

Arriving at the port, the dragon unleashed its wrath, wreaking havoc among the gathered crowd.

"How do you determine a dragon's gender?" I pondered, making a mental note to ask Elaina later.

With each powerful beat of its wings, the dragon unleashed destruction, leaving chaos in its wake.

Flames spewed from its mouth, consuming wood and eliciting cries of fear from the residents.

Without thinking twice, I decided to try and tame the dragon.

"Okay, this might be the worst idea ever," I muttered, trying to convince myself.

I started running, jumping over festival tables, dodging tangled balloons, and making my way towards the dragon.

"Excuse me, coming through! Sorry, I need this step!"

I leaped from one rooftop to another, getting closer to the dragon now landing in the middle of the market.

With an acrobatic move, I jumped towards its tail but slipped and fell into a haystack.

"Whoa, close one!"

I quickly got up and tried again. This time, I ran along the dragon's body, looking for a more stable foothold.

"Uh, excuse me, big dragon, could you hold still for a moment?"

I said while trying to maintain my balance. The dragon only growled and shook its body, almost throwing me off again.

I tried climbing its wing but got stuck between the large scales.

"Ouch! Not here, I guess!" With some effort, I managed to climb higher, now on its back. Just as I felt a bit relieved, the dragon swayed its tail, nearly throwing me off.

"Hey, take it easy! I just want to get on top!" I finally made it to the dragon's head and sat between its horns. From up here, the festival looked small and distant.

"Look! I did it! I'm a dragon tamer!" I shouted, feeling proud.

Suddenly, the dragon moved its head sideways, and I almost fell off again.

"Okay, okay, I get it. No bragging"

As I stood there, pondering the dragon conundrum, three familiar figures swooped down on broomsticks. Can you guess who they were? You got it! Elaina, Saya, and Mina.

"Are you controlling this dragon?" Elaina wasted no time in getting to the point.

"I wish! That'd be epic," I quipped, imagining the sheer awesomeness of such power.

"But hey, Elaina, if I could control dragons like a boss, you wouldn't have stood a chance catching me," I teased.

"True that," she conceded with a chuckle.

"Introducing... Wobblekins!" I announced proudly.

"Come again?" Elaina's confusion was palpable.

"Wobblekins!" I repeated, grinning at their bewilderment.

"Who?" Saya echoed, equally perplexed.

"I stumbled upon its nest while sipping coffee on the hill," I explained, relishing their reactions.

"Where?" Mina chimed in, adding to the chorus of inquiries.

"Oh, and Elaina, how do we determine a dragon's gender?" I threw in a curveball, diverting the conversation.

"Why?" Elaina's bafflement only deepened.

"Setting that aside, we've got a pretty hefty problem to tackle," I reminded them, steering the discussion back on track.

"Indeed," Mina agreed, sizing up the situation.

Just then, the dragon shifted, causing me to lose my footing and plummet from its back.

"Ahhh!" I yelped, my heart racing as I hurtled towards the ground.

Mina moved to intervene, but Elaina held her back. "He'll be fine. He's tougher than he looks."

Harnessing quick reflexes, I deployed my grappling hook, halting my descent just in time.

Clinging to the side of a nearby rooftop, I dusted myself off with a smirk. "Back in action!"

"See?" Elaina quipped, readying herself for whatever came next.

Elaina calmly swung her wand, unleashing an ice spell that promptly froze the dragon's legs.

"Stay calm, we can handle this," she said softly.

Beside her, Saya, hurled a fireball towards the dragon.

"I hope this works!" she exclaimed, staring intensely at the enraged dragon.

Mina, cast a protective spell to shield the citizens from the dragon's fire attacks.

"We need to focus and work together!" she said firmly.

While they were busy with their magic, prepared my tools.

"Alright, it's show time!" I said to myself as I grabbed my dagger, bombs, and grappling hook from my bag.

I ran towards the dragon, leaping over tables and buildings with acrobatic moves. "Excuse me! Sorry, it's an emergency!" I hooked the grappling hook onto the dragon's wing, then flew through the air, nearly falling several times.

"Whee, almost fell again!"

In the air, I threw some bombs at the dragon, causing small explosions that diverted its attention.

"Hey, over here, big guy!" I attempted to stab the dragon with my dagger, but its thick scales rendered my efforts futile.

Elaina added another ice spell, this time freezing the dragon's wings, making it difficult for it to fly.

Saya and Mina took turns attacking with fireballs and lightning, trying to weaken the dragon.

"Come on, we're almost there!" I shouted, trying to dodge the dragon's swinging tail.

I hung from the grappling hook, trying to find an opening to attack.

"Here it is, time to strike!"

I threw my bomb into the dragon's open mouth, causing a massive explosion. The dragon roared loudly and thrashed its body, throwing us all backwards.

"We're not done yet, but we've made progress!" exclaimed Saya as she stood up and prepared to attack again. Elaina and Mina nodded, ready to continue the battle.

I leaped from my broomstick, tightly gripping the dagger in my hand, and swiftly deployed my bombs.

"Hey dragon, taste this special spicy bomb! It comes with an extra explosion on the side!" I shouted enthusiastically.

I hurled bombs towards the dragon, creating deafening explosions all around me.

But the dragon, with its sharp teeth, deflected the attacks with mesmerizing strength.

Elaina, Mina, and Saya didn't stay idle. With their expertise in magic, they moved nimbly through the air, avoiding the dragon's fiery breath.

They circled around the dragon, attacking from various angles with shaking incantations. Yet the dragon remained unshaken, spewing wild fire in all directions.

Meanwhile, I crawled through the sky with my grappling hook, trying to approach the ferocious dragon.

"Yippee! Here I come, dragon! Sky-crawling champion at your service!" I shouted with glee.

With my perseverance and remarkable acrobatic skills, I dodged the dragon's deadly attacks while continuing to close the distance

"Can you be more serious, Arche?"

Mina seemed annoyed with my behavior

"Don't tell him to be serious, Mina, he won't be able to."

Elaina answered

With their potent magic, they rained down deadly elemental attacks upon the dragon.

Elaina summoned bolts of lightning that struck the dragon from above, while Mina conjured waves of ice that froze parts of its body.

Meanwhile, Saya, with my fiery magic, ignited the dragon with blazing blue flames.

"But I have to admit, he's pretty great for someone who can't use magic."

Saya said

However, the dragon remained resilient. With its deadly breath of fire, it spewed flames towards us,

forcing us to swiftly evade. Yet, we protected each other, forming a careful defensive formation.

"Hey! I saw the back of the dragon's neck looks very soft, not like the other scales which are hard"

"Maybe that's its weak point! Attack that part!"

But eventually, we found a weakness in the dragon's defense.

With coordinated strikes, we targeted its vulnerable spots, causing the dragon to roar in pain.

And finally, with one last earth-shattering assault, the dragon plummeted from the high sky, crashing down onto the harbor with tremendous force.

Some air balloons were destroyed in the wake of the dragon's rampage, but fortunately, no one was hurt.

As the weakened dragon lay before us, the surrounding residents erupted into cheers of relief and triumph.

Elaina, Saya, and Mina basked in the gratitude of the onlookers, receiving praise for their valor.

Meanwhile, I reached for a healing potion from my belt, approaching the dragon with determined strides. With a deep breath, I drank the potion and began administering it to the injured creature.

"It must hurt, huh? But fear not... I won't stoop to the level of those who once threatened your kind in this land," I murmured softly, my heart swelling with compassion.

"What on earth are you doing?!" Mina's voice carried a note of disbelief as she watched me tend to the dragon. Even Elaina shot me a questioning glance, momentarily breaking from her vigilance.

"I'm standing up for what's right," I declared firmly, unwavering in my resolve. "Can't you see? I'm healing this poor creature."

"But it attacked these people," Saya interjected, her confusion evident.

"Yes, but do you truly believe it did so without cause?" I challenged, meeting her gaze head-on.

Elaina's glare intensified as she voiced her skepticism. "What exactly are you planning?"

"I intend to uncover the truth," I declared boldly, straightening my posture despite the disapproving glances and mocking remarks from the surrounding crowd.

Having weathered similar scrutiny during my time at the academy, I remained steadfast in my convictions, unfazed by the skeptics around me.

"You are all truly pathetic," I began, my voice echoing among them.

"You gather here every year, flying those stupid balloons without knowing the real meaning behind this festival."

"You're so ignorant and lazy, you can't even be bothered to learn the history of your own country!"

Some people started murmuring, feeling uncomfortable with my words. I continued, louder.

"Do you know that this festival started as a commemoration for the dragons that were nearly driven to extinction because of the greed and brutality of your ancestors? Of course you don't!"

"Because you're too busy having fun and wasting time on useless things instead of opening a book and learning."

I saw someone trying to defend themselves, but I didn't give them the chance. "Shut up! You all know nothing. I, a wanderer, know more about the history of this place than all of you who were born and raised here. How pathetic is that? You're not just ignorant, you're lazy."

My eyes scanned the crowd, catching glimpses of shame and anger.

"You think those balloons are just pretty decorations in the sky? They symbolize the dragons that flew away from this world because of the greed and stupidity of humans."

"The dragons didn't attack you first, you started hunting them. And now, you celebrate this festival without a shred of remorse or understanding of your past sins."

My voice grew louder and angrier.

"You're all lazy, shameless bastards! Living in ignorance and lies, satisfied with your own stupidity. Open your eyes and learn your history, or continue living as ignorant losers!"

"Listen to me, and I will tell you the beginnings that formed this festival"

"Once upon a time, in a country surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, humans coexisted with majestic and benevolent creatures-dragons. "

"These dragons were wise guardians of nature, protecting the ecosystem and maintaining the world's balance with their power and wisdom."

"However, human greed began to darken their hearts. Seeing the strength and beauty of the dragons, humans started hunting them for wealth and power.

"Dragon scales were sold for exorbitant prices, while their blood was believed to possess extraordinary properties. Blinded by ambition and avarice, humans no longer viewed dragons as guardians but as treasures to be conquered."

"Dragons, who once lived in peace, now faced an unprecedented threat. With unparalleled patience, they tried to avoid conflict, choosing to hide rather than fight.

"Yet, humans grew increasingly brutal, giving the dragons no chance to live in peace. They raided dragon lairs, burned forests, and trapped the majestic creatures in cruel snares."

"In desperation, some dragons began to fight back to defend themselves. However, their efforts to survive were seen as unprovoked attacks by humans, who were narrow-minded and full of prejudice.

"False tales of dragons attacking villages spread widely, fueling human hatred against the creatures that only wished for peace."

"Eventually, the slaughter reached its peak. Dragons were nearly extinct, with only one remaining, hiding in a cave away from human eyes. "

"This last dragon carried the weight of immeasurable sorrow and loss, becoming a symbol of destruction brought by human greed."

"To commemorate this tragedy and as a reminder of their folly, humans began to hold a festival. Each year, hot air balloons of various shapes and colors are released into the sky, symbolizing the dragons that once soared above, leaving behind a world unworthy of them."

"These balloons serve as a reminder of the price paid due to human avarice and cruelty. The hot air balloon festival is a beautiful celebration, but within its beauty lies profound regret and sorrow, an eternal reminder of the marvels that were lost forever."

The residents were shocked to hear that, Elaina, Saya and Mina were shocked to hear that too

As I finished my tale, the crowd erupted with protests and anger. One villager, an old man with a face flushed red with rage, stepped forward.

"Who the hell do you think you are talking to us like that?" he yelled.

"We know our history! These hot air balloons are symbols of freedom and beauty, not some bullshit story about dragons!"

I laughed cynically.

"Symbols of freedom and beauty? You're all fucking idiots. You know nothing about the true meaning behind this festival. You just blindly follow tradition without understanding or caring about its origins."

A young woman tried to defend herself. "We don't need an outsider like you to teach us about our own history. You're just a wanderer who doesn't belong here."

I glared at her fiercely.

"Outsider? I may be a wanderer, but at least I'm not living in ignorance like all of you. You're all content with your ignorance, preferring to live in myths rather than seek the truth. Lazy to read, lazy to learn, and only know how to have fun."

A young man shouted,

"You have no right to insult us! You don't know what we've been through here!"

I approached him BBM.

"No right? I have more right than all of you living in ignorance. You let your own history be erased, and now you're mad because I'm exposing the truth? You're the perfect example of a lazy and shameless generation."

The crowd grew more tumultuous, but I didn't stop.

"You think you're so great with those balloons, but you're nothing more than a bunch of cowards who can't face your own history."

"Your ancestors caused the extinction of majestic creatures, and you celebrate it as if it's an achievement. Disgraceful."

Another man tried to argue,

"These balloons are symbols of our hopes and dreams, not something dark like you say."

I smirked. "Symbols of hopes and dreams? You really know jackshit. Those balloons symbolize the dragons flying away from the world you destroyed with greed and ignorance."

"It's not hope, it's a reminder of your sins. Every time you fly those balloons, you remind the world of the brutality of your ancestors."

The villagers, overcome with rage and indignation, unleashed a torrent of insults and projectiles in my direction.

Yet, as I stood amidst the chaos, dodging their crude attacks, I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

What a sight it was! The most difficult individuals to communicate with are indeed the fools!

As they continued to hurl a barrage of insults and accusations, I stared at them with unwavering eyes.

"You think you're so damn smart with your stupidity, huh?" I scoffed, my voice dripping with mockery.

"You're dumb as shit, but that's not enough, is it? You're also filthy, stingy, and full of sins that you're scared shitless of."

I saw confusion ripple through them, but I didn't care.

"You're not just fucking stupid, you're damn cunning too. You cheat, you steal, and you make life as miserable as possible for your fellow beings."

"You think that'll erase your damn insecurities? You think that'll make you feel better about your sorry asses?"

Some of them tried to interject, but I didn't give them a damn chance.

"Listen up, you sorry-ass creatures! You live in fear of the damn truth, so you attack others to hide your own fucking fears."

"You blame others for your own damn mistakes, but in reality, you're the biggest troublemakers in your own miserable lives."

I taunted them with a smirk of satisfaction as they fell silent, unable to find any damn words to defend themselves.

"You're a living example of everything damn wrong with this society. You live in lies, ignorance, and evil. You're cowards pretending to be human, but in reality, you're nothing but trash."

It didn't take long before voices began to assault my ears.

"You! Get out of this country! You're not wanted here!"

yelled a man with a harsh tone.

A woman chimed in, "Cut the crap and get out of here! We're sick of your presence!"

I simply smiled, amused by their ignorance. I've never been bothered by harsh words, because I know who I am.

"Listen up, you fools," I said sharply.

"I may not have been born here, but I know more about this country than all of you self-righteous morons combined!"

A young man shouted, "We don't care about your bullshit! We want you gone!"

I just laughed. "You think I give a damn about your wishes? You can scream as loud as you want, but it won't change a damn thing!"

Approaching the dragon with cautious steps, I leaned in close and whispered softly, finding it surprisingly receptive to my words, even more so than the villagers.

"Can you accompany me to retrieve my belongings from the hotel? Then we'll head to your lair, Wobblekins," I murmured, sensing a peculiar understanding in the dragon's eyes.

"I know you have two eggs to care for, right?"

As if comprehending my request, the dragon nodded, its movements betraying a hint of compliance.

Climbing onto its back, I bid farewell to the curious onlookers below. "Catch you later, folks!"

With a powerful beat of its wings, the dragon soared into the sky, ferrying me swiftly to my hotel. After collecting my belongings, we returned to the hill where the dragon had made its appearance.

"This is your nest, isn't it, Wobblekins?"

I stroked the dragon's scaled hide, a pang of sympathy tugging at my heart. "You need to leave this country. The residents will surely hunt you down for your eggs..."

Suddenly, several figures descended on broomsticks, their approach measured and deliberate.

"Arche, we need to talk," Elaina's voice cut through the air, familiar yet tinged with urgency.

"What for? Are you actually going to believe me?" I countered, skepticism lacing my tone.

"I'll reserve judgment until I've heard your side of the story," she replied evenly.

Taking a deep breath, I launched into a recounting of the events, explaining how I came to possess such knowledge.

"That's the gist of it. Believe it or not, you can verify it with the librarian," I concluded, hoping to sway their opinion.

"Do you trust me?" I ventured, uncertainty gnawing at me.

Elaina deliberated for a moment before Saya interjected, her words cutting through the tension.

"Were the insults really necessary? Couldn't you have explained calmly?" she questioned.

"I got carried away! I should've kept my cool! Now I'm regretting it... I didn't even get to try any festival food..." I lamented, chagrined by my own behavior.

"And here you are, throwing around insults like confetti," Saya quipped, though her tone softened with a touch of admiration. "But despite your harsh words, your intentions seem genuine."

Surprised by Elaina's unexpected vote of confidence, I felt a rush of gratitude. "Even so, I'll need to double-check at the library."

"But your intentions speak volumes," Elaina acknowledged, her words offering a glimmer of validation amidst the uncertainty.

"Thanks! Hold on a sec!" I grabbed the camera and strolled a bit away, making sure Elaina, Saya, Mina, and Wobblekins were all in frame.

"Say Dragon!" I snapped the photo, capturing the moment. "First picture since my wandering days began!"

"Would you like a copy?" I offered, extending the photo to the group.

"Oh, I'd love to see!" Saya exclaimed, inspecting the photo. "Let me make a duplicate with magic."

With a wave of her hand, Saya conjured another photo. "I still have some festival food left if you're interested."

She produced a few treats from her bag, offering them generously. "Thank you!" I accepted with gratitude, munching on the snacks as we continued our conversation.

Approaching Wobblekins with hands full of food, I extended my hand cautiously. "Fancy a snack, Wobblekins?"

"And please, be gentle. These are my friends," I added, casting a meaningful glance at the dragon.

"Why 'Wobblekins'?" Mina questioned, puzzled by the peculiar name choice.

"Well, try saying 'scary fire-breathing monster' three times fast! Wobblekins just rolls off the tongue smoother," I explained with a grin.

"Plus, it throws off the whole intimidating vibe, you know? It's like bringing a rubber chicken to a sword fight - unexpected, but surprisingly effective!"

"I still don't get it," Mina admitted, shaking her head in bemusement.

Our banter continued, laughter echoing through the air until it was time for me to bid farewell.

As I soared away on my broomstick, Wobblekins vanished into the horizon, its two precious eggs nestled safely in tow.

Despite the insults and curses hurled my way, I remained undeterred, content in the knowledge that I had done what was right.

In the end, no lives were lost, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. I had managed to save everyone!

But remember one thing!

"The world is enough to accommodate anything, but not enough to accommodate the greedy and selfish"