Chapter 87: Eventful Arrival (2/2)

These are the fragments that remained behind after the birth of a Wyrm, the highest class of dragon kind. Because of the species, these fragments have a high affinity for both the Air and Water elements. Rarely seen in modern times, such materials could form the core of numerous magical items, especially ones that deal with protection and growth. Due to some unknown factor, these fragments have decreased in potency.

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[I really need to pick up some kind of crafting skill to make use of all these materials I've been finding.]

Brenden leaned back against the wall, watching as Mike worked through the new discoveries. He wasn't quite sure what this all meant, but suspected that it was another of the unusual circumstances that surrounded the Hero.

Mike lifted the little dragon again, and tried placing it on his hammock. Almost as soon as he broke contact with it, the familiar woke up and scrambled up his arm, before settling down in the crook between his neck and his shoulder.

Brenden laughed at their antics. ”I don't think its going to let you go that easily. Now, I don't know much about little winged lizards, but if its anything like a humanoid child, it won't want to be separated from its parent until it grows up some more.”

”Parent? What do you mean? I just happened to be nearby when it....was.....born. Crap, did it imprint on me?” Mike asked himself, after coming to a sudden realization.

”Don't know anything about imprinting, but it probably sees you as a father, or....” He snickered, ”a mother.”

After giving the beastman another glare, Mike sighed. ”Would you mind getting the others? I think we need to involve them on this.”

He shrugged in response, and sauntered out of the cabin. Pretty soon he came back with Tal and Sera in tow. The pair immediately noticed the new addition on Mike's shoulder.

”Oh my gods! Its precious! Look at those eyes!” The Oracle was immediately won over, and promptly started fawning over the dragon.

The elf also displayed an intense interest, but was more focused on the mystical aspects of the creature.

”What species?” She asked pointedly.

”Apparently, its a dragon of the Tempest Wyrm variety.” Mike replied while backing up slightly as Tal pressed herself closer.

”What? Like the dragon that created Wyrmrest Lake? I thought that thing was supposed to be massive. This cute little thing couldn't be related to such a monster.” Sera said while trying to pet the scales of the dragon's neck.

This apparently annoyed the creature, since it immediately sunk its teeth into her finger.

”Ow!” She shouted while drawing her hand back.

The dragon huffed and moved to Mike's other shoulder, placing his neck between Sera and it.

The Oracle looked at it with watery eyes. He could tell that she was truly devastated by the rejection, so he gave her a sympathetic smile.

”Its attached to me, but I don't think it trusts anyone else yet. Give it some time.”

”How attached?” Tal asked, focusing on that particular aspect of his statement.

”Well, it seems I managed to form a familiar bond with it......mostly by accident.” He replied sheepishly while scratching the back of his head.

Tal issued a sigh, and looked vaguely tired.”Not surprised.”

”Yeah, you can't take anything Mike does personally. I'm convinced that he's got some kind of aura of luck that he drags along with him. Seems to be a mix of good and bad though. Almost as if he's been blessed or cursed by the gods to lead an interesting life.” Brenden cut in philosophically.

[I'm really starting to regret asking for that when I reincarnated.]

Recovering from her previous defeat, Sera was once again trying to get close to the dragon. She commented distractedly, ”Yes, yes, Mike's weird. Can we talk about something more important. What are you going to call this cutie?”

The dragon was watching the Oracle with one eye. As soon as she got close, it climbed up onto Mike's head to get away from her.

”Well, I don't even know what gender it is.” He had tried to wrack his memory on reptiles, but had come up blank.

”Then we just need to come up with something that would work either way.” She replied, now on her toes, reaching for the dragon. The little creature was sitting with its head straight in the air, like a snake ready to strike, and eying the approaching hand warily.

Mike stopped her, earning a reproving look. ”What do you guys think? Since its a Tempest Wyrm, maybe something to do with storms or rain?”

”It hatched out of a gemstone, so something to do with gems, maybe?” Brenden added in a slightly disinterested manner from his position near the door.

”I think its a she, and I think we should give her a beautiful name. Something like Melody. Or-Or Alexandra. I always liked that one.” Sera chimed in, trying to bypass Mike's warding hand.

”That might get awkward if it turns out to be male.” Mike replied, finally scooping up the dragon and sheltering it with his body.

”Ancient race. Long history. Need noble name.” Tal exclaimed, propounding the need for a respectable title for such an esteemed creature.

Mike mentally debated, wondering what direction he should go.