Arlon received multiple messages for the first time in both of his lives in EVR.
He already knew what they were about; they were all from the players in Kelta.
Naturally, Arlon had lifted the block for messages coming specifically from them, assuming their queries might be important.
In truth, Arlon had considered disabling the message block entirely once before. But when he tried, the barrage of messages from random players proved overwhelming.
They came at him like a flood—threats, admiration, recruitment offers for "guilds." Each notification was more distracting than the last.
He had barely lasted half an hour before switching the block back on.
Today, however, he briefly debated whether to extend the block to the Kelta players as well. He wasn't sure how he'd explain it, though he'd already crafted a half-decent excuse.
Maybe I should let one of the Gamers know my real identity. Pierre, perhaps? he mused.
No... too early to decide such a thing. Besides, June was far sharper. If anyone could truly help him, it was her.
He decided to ignore the messages for now, closing each window without replying.
The journey back to Kelta was uneventful until they were about a quarter of the way there. That's when it happened.
Something massive fell from the sky, crashing directly in front of the carriage with a thunderous impact.
The dust clouded the air, sending the horses into a panicked frenzy. The copy reacted immediately, stepping in front of the carriage with his sword drawn.
As the dust began to settle, a colossal figure of a bird as large as a car emerged. Its plumage shimmered faintly, giving it an otherworldly appearance.
The creature let out a sharp cry: "Gaaaaahwk!" Then, to Arlon's surprise, it spoke, its voice garbled and rhythmic. "Arlon-n, I was sent-t by the Great Being. Great Being-g calls you-u."
The coachman collapsed, fainting from shock, while Arlon climbed out of the wagon. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of what was happening.
"Is the 'Great Being' you mentioned Asef?" Arlon asked cautiously.
"Gaaaaahwk-aahwk! Don't speak that name as if you are his equal, filthy human! Gaaaaahwk! He is Lord A-A-A..." The bird's voice faltered, unable to complete the name.
What kind of bird is this? Arlon wondered.
With a resigned sigh, he pressed further. "Fine. What does your 'Lord' want from me?"
"Gaaaaahwk! You are invited, just accept it-t! It is a g-great honor-r!"
Arlon narrowed his eyes, activating the Eyes of K****. His primary intention was to gather information.
But actually, he just wanted to know what kind of bird it was.
***
Bluta the Messenger (Level 149)
HP: 36,000
Skill: [Claw Attack], [Flight], [Sonic Speed]
Weak Point: Wings
"The head messenger of the Keldars, directly under Asef (??? ?????). An Eagle Keldar."
***
Arlon blinked. He was so accustomed to obscured details when inspecting higher-level beings that the amount of information available surprised him.
While some elements were still hidden, what he learned was more than enough, especially the revelation about the bird's kind, What kind of eagle is this?
But he had also learned the bird was not dangerous.
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"I don't want to," he said flatly.
Bluta flapped its wings furiously. "Gaaaaahwk! How dare you-u! Great Being told me this could happen. Then, give the egg-g, human!"
Arlon's interest was piqued. "What egg? I don't have one. Do you mean the one in the mansion?"
"Gaaaaahwk! Y-yes, human, give it to me! It is an order-r!" Bluta squawked.
Feigning ignorance, Arlon replied, "I'm sorry, but I don't have it. I left it behind since it was heavy. What kind of egg was that, anyway?"
Bluta hesitated, flapping erratically as if struggling to comprehend his words. "H-huh? You left-t that? But-t Great Being can't't be wrong. How are you-u soo stupid-d, human?"
Did this bird just call me stupid? Arlon thought, his curiosity deepening.
"Yes," he said, pretending to agree. "I am stupid. Should I have taken that egg?"
"Gaaaaahwk! Idiot-t human, stupid-d human! Great Egg-g has the royal-l blood!" Bluta shrieked.
Without waiting for a response, the massive bird took off, soaring toward the direction of the mansion. Its mission was clear: retrieve the egg if Arlon refused to comply.
Arlon smirked as he glanced at the wagon. Inside, the golden-blue egg rested securely, its luminous patterns catching the morning light.
Looks like bringing it with me was the right choice.
---
The coachman had finally regained consciousness, though his face was pale, and his hands trembled as he gripped the reins.
"We'll be fine," Arlon assured him. "Just keep going to Kelta."
Only then could they continue.
The rest of the journey to Kelta was relatively quiet, save for the rhythmic clatter of the wagon's wheels and the occasional chirping of birds. The road stretched on under the soft glow of the morning sun, casting long shadows as they traveled.
Arlon spent most of the time contemplating the egg. Royal blood? he thought. What could that mean? The faint patterns on its surface seemed to pulse subtly, as though alive.
He resolved to keep it hidden until he could learn more.
The copy rode beside the wagon, his sword resting across his lap but his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger, ever vigilant.
As the sun rose higher and noon approached, Kelta's tall spires finally came into view, piercing the sky like blades of silver.
They approached the imposing walls of the city and soon arrived at the gate.
Of course, there was the issue of Arlon not taking off his mask again.
This time Lady Rael herself came to the gates. The guards grew visibly angry at Arlon for making her come in person.
But Arlon didn't really mind; this was something he had to do.
Opposite to the guards' expectations, though, Lady Rael greeted them with great joy instead of anger.
Naturally, the players had already informed Lady Rael and Zephyrion. Their priority was to ask questions about the quest Zephyrion had sent them.
But their questions were left unanswered.
In the end, Pierre said, "Even Lady Rael didn't know. Let's not force our chances."
Yes, Zephyrion hadn't even shared the details with Lady Rael. Work was work, and secrecy was paramount.
Lady Rael didn't question the decision, agreeing with Zephyrion's reasoning.
So, Lady Rael greeted them warmly.
Normally, there should have been a festival celebrating the return of heroes who had killed a Demon even Zephyrion couldn't defeat.
But it was impossible in Kelta; everyone was busy.
Of course, Arlon's deeds would spread from the players to the other NPCs, and Arlon would gain attention from everyone.
But Kelta wasn't that kind of place. This city was like a bustling workplace, where duty outweighed celebration.
Arlon, the copy, and Lady Rael entered the Citadel hurriedly and took the elevating platform to Zephyrion's floor.
Everyone they passed stared at the egg Arlon was carrying. Though he had covered it with parts of his outfit, the curiosity in their gazes was unmistakable.
On the top floor, they were greeted by the empty room, and Zephyrion seated behind a desk.
With a nod, Zephyrion sent Lady Rael back. Seeing this, Arlon relaxed. The copy had fulfilled its purpose for now, so Arlon handed him the egg before stepping toward Zephyrion.
"Hahaha! You did it!" Zephyrion roared, his voice echoing through the vast chamber.
Arlon could swear the floor trembled under the force of his laughter.
"Lord Zephyrion, the quest is completed."