A great tremor shook the very foundation of the world on this fateful day. It marked the confirmation of a monumental event—the disappearance of the Storm Dragon Veldora, a being classified as a Catastrophe-class monster. His vanishing was no minor matter. For centuries, he had been sealed within a cavern deep inside the Great Forest of Jura, a domain that sprawled across the borders of several kingdoms.
One such kingdom was the modest but strategically significant Kingdom of Blumund.
Within a candle-lit office in the royal capital, two men convened. One stood upright, his posture rigid and hands clasped behind his back. The other reclined in a simple chair, though his relaxed demeanor did not betray the weight of the discussion.
"You've heard of the Storm Dragon Veldora, I presume?" asked Minister Baron Veryard, his voice carrying a note of suppressed urgency.
"Of course I have," replied the seated man, Guildmaster Fuze, head of the Adventurers' Guild in Blumund.
"I should have expected no less from someone in your position," Baron Veryard responded, his tone touched with polite reverence. "Then, tell me—what course of action does the guild intend to pursue in light of this news?"
Guildmaster Fuze exhaled deeply before responding. "At this moment, the guild has no plans to act."
Baron Veryard's eyes widened. "Are you aware of the consequences? The disappearance of Veldora is bound to stir the monsters into a frenzy!"
"Yes," Fuze answered, his gaze solemn. "It is entirely possible that the Eastern Empire may now consider advancing westward. With the Storm Dragon gone, the path through the forest is no longer impassable."
"If they succeed in navigating the forest, then the regions surrounding Jura will fall under their control in mere days," Baron Veryard warned, now seated across from Fuze. "And with that, the balance of power will shift drastically."
"You seem tired," Fuze said suddenly, noticing the dark circles beneath the Minister's eyes. "Are you sleeping at all?"
Baron Veryard offered a wan smile. "Not much, I'm afraid. Too many sleepless nights."
Fuze leaned forward, his expression steeling. "As a personal favor to an old friend, I will go myself. I'll conduct a full investigation—on the state of the Great Forest and the empire's possible movements."
The Baron's eyes softened. "Thank you. I leave it in your capable hands."
---
Meanwhile, far from the bureaucratic concerns of kingdoms, in the dimly lit depths of the cave once known as Veldora's prison, Arceus continued his quiet journey.
"How many days has it been since we started walking?" Arceus muttered, the luminescent blue crystals on the walls casting ethereal glows around him. The one perched on his shoulder, a diminutive version of the mighty Veldora, gave a sheepish laugh.
"You'd think I'd know my way around, wouldn't you? But alas—it's been centuries. My memory is… less than ideal," Veldora confessed.
Arceus chuckled softly. "Well, I suppose there's no harm in exploring a little more."
He bounded gracefully from stone to stone, climbing to higher ledges. A serpent slithered into view, its size comparable to Arceus himself. But upon noticing the miniature dragon on his shoulder, the creature recoiled and swiftly retreated.
"As expected," Veldora said proudly. "Even beasts know to fear me."
"Try being humble," Arceus replied dryly.
They continued onward, crossing shallow streams and cavernous ridges, evading venomous beasts and strange cave-dwellers. Weeks passed like this—until at long last, they stood before an exit.
Two enormous wooden doors, ancient and dust-laden, stood at the threshold to the outside world.
"This is it," Arceus whispered.
He approached to push the doors open, but they creaked inward on their own. Blinding sunlight spilled in, bathing him in warmth. Arceus raised his hand and chanted softly.
"Ryn'vok."
His form shimmered and vanished from sight.
From the outside, three figures stepped into the cave: a man with long hair tied at the back, a sword strapped across his back; another with short, sharp hair and bandaged fists; and a young girl gripping a staff.
"The doors finally gave way," said the short-haired man. "No surprise the lock's half-gone. It's been three centuries."
"Let's proceed cautiously," the swordsman warned.
"We won't be ambushed, right?" the girl asked nervously.
The trio activated stealth magic and vanished from sight.
Arceus observed silently, intrigued. "So there exists a technique capable of masking one's presence… impressive."
Veldora, still on his shoulder, murmured, "Even I couldn't sense them."
Once the trio passed, Arceus stepped into the outside world. The trees of the Great Forest greeted him, and fresh air filled his lungs. Birds of vibrant hues soared overhead.
"I've been gone too long," he murmured.
Suddenly, a group of green-skinned humanoids emerged—goblins. Armed with primitive wooden spears and shields, they approached warily.
Arceus glanced at his shoulder—Veldora had vanished, still invisible.
"Scrawny bodies, rusted weapons…" he muttered.
"Strong one," the lead goblin, wearing a red headband, said with a trembling voice, "Do you have business in these woods?"
"State yourselves," Arceus demanded, letting a faint pulse of his aura ripple outward.
The goblins dropped to their knees instantly. "We mean no harm! Please, forgive us. We recognize your power!"
"Stand. I only asked for your identities," Arceus said gently.
"We... we have no names," the goblin replied hesitantly.
"I see. Then why have you come to me?"
"We sensed a powerful monster nearby. We came only to observe, not to fight."
"Likely sensed me… or Veldora," Arceus said under his breath.
"Great one," the goblin continued, "may we ask a favor?"
"Speak."
Arceus followed them to their village—a crude collection of tents and wooden structures. Only the elder's hut had a semblance of permanence.
Inside, Arceus was offered a seat. Goblin children peeked from outside.
"I am the elder," the frail goblin said. "We welcome you."
"Well met, elder."
"We ask your help. Our god vanished a month ago, and without his presence, the beasts have grown bolder."
Arceus's eyes flickered with guilt. "It must've been when Veldora was released from Unlimited Imprisonment."
"Dire wolves from the east ravage us. We fought back, but our strength was lacking. Our sole guardian, a named goblin warrior, gave his life not in battle—but to gather intelligence."
The elder bowed low, tears in his voice. "That warrior was my son. His brother stands beside you now."
Arceus's heart twisted. "I am sorry."
He looked outside at the curious, innocent eyes of the goblin children.
"If I were to aid you," he asked, "what would you offer in return?"
The elder hesitated, then knelt. "Our undying loyalty. We will swear to serve you."
"It's just like before…" Arceus murmured, recalling days long past.
Then came the howl.
A dire wolf cried out from the cliff's edge. Panic seized the village—children screamed, goblins scattered in fear.
Arceus stepped out, eyes aglow with purpose.
"You need not fear."
He stood tall, voice unwavering.
"In the absence of the Storm Dragon Veldora, I, Arceus Velgriath, shall be your protector."
His irises glowed with brilliant violet flame.
The goblins wept as they knelt.
"We are your loyal servants, Great Arceus."