Master Of None

Since Su and Walker had missed their chance at dinner due to their late arrival back home, the two ate quickly and made their way to their own beds. Walker found that Onyx was there waiting for him. "Brother, I left the forge when I noticed you had come home. I wanted to know if we could talk." This was rare for Onyx. He was usually more reserved. 

"No problem. Is it about another quest on your own to get stronger?" This was the first thought that entered Walker's head. He knew that Onyx was not happy being lower level than the others and in general a little weaker. He had a big role model when it came to Midnight who was always growing at a rapid rate. 

"I want to get stronger but that's not what I have been thinking about. I have been thinking about the goblins. They are on their way to becoming a race recognized by every sentient race. I want to be that way too. I'm smart and there are records of others of my kind being smart. I want to bring them together and be recognized the same way you or sister is." The pang in Walker's heart as Onyx said this only went to show how Onyx felt about this matter. 

"I understand. I think you can make that happen. It might take time to find more abyssal serpents but you will always have my support." There was no way Walker could deny Onyx this dream. If he did, he wouldn't be able to call Onyx his family any longer. 

"I plan to get stronger during the journey to the new city. Then I want to gather information about abyssal serpent nests. If I can, I want to learn when we go to the dragon village. They have to know something." It made sense. The dragons had dark dragons and light elemental dragons. This meant that one of the two might know the whereabouts of abyssal serpents which hide in the shadows and absorb light elemental mana. "I just don't know if I am the right one to do it…" 

Walker knew that Onyx had never faced such uncertainty. This was a very large undertaking to attempt and the pressure would be heavy. It only made sense that there would be doubt at first and even through out the entire event. It was also not an easy task. Bringing his race back from near extinction all the way to that of a sentient race equal to all races was terrifying. 

"Onyx. Ever since you hatched you have been watching and learning. I did not teach you that. You have bonded and made friends with anyone you crossed, even captured the hearts of children who would fear a monster like you. I did not teach you that. You do your best to lend an ear or bridge gaps for all of the party and anyone we meet. I did not teach you that." Walker was looking Onyx dead in the eyes as he spoke. The words carried a weight that Onyx had never felt before. 

"You are who you are and I will support whatever you wish to be and do. I can't wait to see who you become." The silence between the two was more than enough. Walker's words hung in the air still resonating with Onyx. He had never imagined he would feel something so powerful in his life. This unyielding belief in who he was and who he would become. 

"Then I swear to you. On the name you gave me, Onyx, I will unite my kind and become more than a monster. I will become an abyssal serpent that stands equal to you for all of existence." The mana between Onyx and Walker seemed to vibrate. 

'The oath to the world and the true hero Walker has been heard. Species quest; Rise of the abyssal Serpent race, has been created.'

Walker did not have the information on the quest but he saw the title due to the oath he had just witnessed. He was too proud in the moment to even speak. Instead, he watched as Onyx analyzed whatever the details of the quest were. 

"Brother, I must gather information. I have a chain quest to do." None had known an abyssal serpent could shed a tear until now. Walker only saw a single one fall but knew that it was more precious than anything. 

"Tomorrow morning we can search the library again to review any information on the abyssal serpents that is here. I will send a letter to the castle requesting their library to allow us to borrow any related journals as well" The promise Walker made caused Onyx to relax and calm his racing heart. Onyx had not realized the exhaustion he felt from his day and the stress of thinking about his dreams for so long. The wave that hit him made his head fall on to the blankets. 

"Before we do any of that though, you are sleeping and we will not argue about this." Walker's words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Onyx was already fast asleep prompting Walker to lay down his head on a pillow and fall asleep as well. 

None of the night's conversations caused Onyx to remain asleep as soon as the sun began to rise. He was already moving toward the window to snack on the rising light elemental mana when Walker also stirred. 

The pair made their move toward the library as soon as Walker had cleaned himself up. The letters were sent out early and the pair would eagerly await the response. Meanwhile, The alchemy lab was full of smoke for the fifth time this morning. The old master alchemist had covered himself in bitter smelling soot and Remey was not much better next to him. They had disgusted expressions plastered on their faces. 

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