324 Meeting with the Minokawas (2/2)

After five minutes of rushing, the party started to see more and more Minokawas around them. Another five minutes passed and they seemed to reach what could be described as a peak among the clouds. Around the peak was a handful of powerful Minokawas of varying colors, each nearing lv. 70. At the top sat a Minokawa with pure white plumage that turned golden at the tips of each feather.

”We're proud of this opportunity to meet the Minokawa Sovereign,” Jack bowed before the noble beast, letting the others quietly follow his example. ”My name is Jack. How should I address you, your majesty?”

'My name is Phara and you may call me such, Jack.' The Minokawa Sovereign nodded her head to the hero. 'I've never met a human in all my life, nor did the previous sovereign, nor the sovereign before him. Why are you suddenly appearing again in our land?'

”Phara, I can assure you that we come in peace and don't have any ill intentions for your people,” Jack stated. ”Is it alright it the two of us speak alone between us?”

'You may explain yourself, Jack.'

'Thank you, your majesty.' Jack bowed again before standing tall and meeting Phara's gaze. 'First, does her majesty know that you are in a limited space that we humans call a dungeon?'

'I know not about this dungeon, but I do know that we reside in a limited space that is a false sky. That has been passed down throughout our history.'

'Are your people eager to leave this limited place?' questioned Jack.

'To speak honestly, I don't think we would be neither against the idea or for the idea,' answered Phara. 'It would be worth considering, but we've built a great place for our people here and hold no ill will against the person who placed our ancestors within this space, as our ancestors were freed of the dragons' dominion in the outside world.'

'Oh, so you have records of the outside world? I've underestimated the knowledge and wisdom of your people, Phara,' Jack bowed for a third time, remaining courteous and favorable to the Minokawas. 'Then let me make my request followed with my offer. I ask her majesty if a young Minokawa would like to journey with me outside. Maybe then you and your people would be able to make a better decision about whether you remain here or travel outside.'

'Oh? So you wish to take one of us with you? That makes things far more complicated, Jack. We, the Minokawas, are a noble people and we don't like to be treated as slaves.' Phara shook her head.

Jack smiled. 'I don't know what your legends say about us humans, but I have no intention of making any of your people slaves. If you look at the fox traveling with me, you may realize that his bloodline is stronger than you, even rivaling the dragons that put you down your ancestors.'

Intrigued, Phara turned to Bowzer. After carefully inspecting him, she sighed, 'I see. Then what exactly does traveling with you entail? How do you plan to offer security to one of our own and why should I allow you to take one of our offspring under your wing?'

'Phara, your majesty, I plan to form what we call a mutual seal with whoever will be joining me. That is proof we'll see each other as equals and that we'll be able to grow stronger together by sharing EXP.'

'So you're offering to help one of our youth to grow stronger?'

'Not just that,' continued Jack. 'I have the ability to help your entire race leave this space, should you wish. Also, you have my guarantee that humans will not be entering this place like in ancient times, slaughtering all manner of beasts without consequence. I control the entry into this space, so I can assure you that nothing will change in that sense.'

'Then what else can you offer us that could convince myself and the elders to agree with you?' Phara asked.

'I can offer you wealth, items, and equipment, or anything else you would like,' replied Jack. 'Given time, I could armor and supply your race. Then, if you decide, we could take revenge against the dragons that lorded over your ancestors.”

'That… Can you offer such a thing?' baffled, Phara hesitated and thought for a moment. 'If that offer is true, then it may be enough to convince the elders. But I'll need proof if you want me to entrust you with the life of a young Minokawa.'

'Bowzer, can you please tell Phara who it was that killed your mother?' Jack dragged the fox into the conversation.

Thinking back to the past Bowzer began to snarl, and feint embers ran through his fur. 'Those dragons will pay!'

'See, we're already against the dragons in general,' Jack added while he petted Bowzer to calm the fox's anger. 'Also, I've already been charged with the mission to kill the greatest dragon of all.'