A Journey That Changed The World.

Archer, Teuila and Sera flew above the river, which set off the Moonriver army's alarm, but the trio ignored it while approaching the town. Thanks to being dragons, they could fly faster than the enemy could react to their presence.

By the time the trio lost the scouts, he landed just outside their destination and let Teuila down, who had a big smile. ''I love flying! It's nice to see all the beautiful views from so high up,'' she exclaimed.

''Come on Teu, let's go see what food the Water Elves,'' Sera said while grabbing his right arm.

Teuila mirrored her actions on the left, making Archer laugh as he led them toward Moonriver Town. As they drew closer, three riders emerged, attempting to surround them. The redhead, however, flashed a confident smile and warned.

''Don't be foolish, elves. The two of us alone could burn you, and this part of your empire, to the ground,'' she said with an amused voice.

Archer watched as the enemy soldiers hesitated, fear in their eyes. He spoke in a calm, friendly tone, ''I have no quarrel with you. Your empire hasn't attacked me or my companions. But if you continue this aggression, despite my doing nothing to provoke it, you'll leave me no choice but to send my armies farther west.''

Just as the words left his mouth, one rider charged forward while screaming something about the devil. He sighed before Teuila quickly cast Deepsea Blast that struck the soldier's chest and blowing a hole through it.

''Why is the Alliance so fixated on you being a devil, sweetheart?'' Sera questioned with a curious expression.

Archer didn't answer while staring at the remaining Water Elves who fled, which made him chuckle. Once they were gone, he turned to the redhead and answered, ''The Pope and Novgorod Emperor hate me with a passion. I don't exactly remember how it started, but it's fun as I rob their banks, which caused problems for them.''

When Teuila heard this, her blue eyes widened in surprise as she asked, ''You haven't been doing that for a while now, why?''

''Once we get back from our adventure here, I was going to go terrorize the Alliance on the central continent,'' he answered as the trio approached the town gate.

The soldiers opened it and welcomed them in as the commander commented with a friendly expression, ''Welcome to the town of Waterbury. What brings you three adventurers to this part of the empire?''

''Monsters!'' Sera exclaimed. ''We've heard that there are many creatures causing trouble, and we wanted to gather some experience.''

When the older Water Elf heard this, he nodded. ''Good, there's a dungeon in town. Not a high level one, but still strong enough to hone your skills and spells.''

The three nodded as they stepped into Waterbury and noticed dozens of merchants with stalls set up around the entrance. A delicious aroma that made Archer's stomach rumble caught his attention.

''Let's get some food before the enemy army arrives,'' he spoke up before they started walking through the Moonriver town.

Archer observed all kinds of people bustling about, tending to their business. What truly caught his attention, however, was the light blue stone used to construct the buildings and pave the streets.

It puzzled him, but Teuila quickly explained. ''This is Coral Reef Stone,'' she said. ''I assume the Water Elves have a quarry along the coast. I remember the traders used to visit the Aquarian Kingdom when I was a little girl.''

The trio weaved through the crowd; the air filled with the hum of chatter, the clink of coins, and the savory aroma of cooking food. Teuila's eyes sparkled as she admired the unique buildings, while Astra occasionally glanced at the curious trinkets displayed by street vendors.

Archer, however, was drawn forward by a delicious smell wafting through the air. They rounded a corner and stopped in front of a modest stall where a grizzled Water Elf worked over a boiling pot, stirring long, golden noodles.

She had dark brown skin with dark blue hair with streaks of grey in them. Seconds later, steam swirled upward, carrying the scent of rich broth and spices. ''Noodles,'' Archer said with a grin, glancing at the girls. ''Looks like we're stopping here.''

Teuila's stomach growled audibly, drawing a soft giggle from Sera. The trio approached the stall, taking seats on the simple wooden stools. The aroma surrounded them as the elderly woman behind the counter looked up with a warm smile.

''Well, hello there, young ones,'' she said kindly. ''What can I get for you today?''

Archer looked at the menu before answering, ''Can we get three bowls of the spicy noodles please?''

The owner agreed with a nod as he took out three gold coins and placed them on the counter which the old woman quickly rejected the payment, ''That's too much young man, I cannot accept.''

''Don't worry, lady,'' Sera spoke up with a big smile. ''We'll be ordering a lot more food. Your cooking smells delicious.''

Teuila agreed with the dragon woman, causing the old woman to giggle. ''This in unexpected but welcome. Thank you for your kindness, young man.''

Following that, the three of them started chatting about the war and all the chaos it caused, but Sera asked him something, ''Why did you give Ashoka another legion when she lost hers?''

''Because it wasn't her fault,'' he answered. ''How was she meant to know that the Alliance would attack them at every turn?''

Teuila nodded in understanding as the old lady put three bowls in front of them with a big smile, ''Here you go White Devil and his evil wives,'' she said with a laugh.

Archer eye's narrowed as the girls became wary but the owner waved them away, ''Do you think I believe the Alliance about you, dragon? That would be stupid now, wouldn't it?'' she asked.
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''It would be, but most people aren't like yourself,'' he answered after eating a mouthful of noodles and enjoyed them. ''This dish is delicious, human. I could eat this all the time.''

The older lady started laughing before teasing, ''How about a job? It would be a great story to tell the grandchildren, but my daughter would hate it.''

Archer and the two women were confused, but they quickly noticed dozens of powerful Moonriver soldiers surrounding them. He chuckled at the sight before warning the elves, ''Like I told your riders, leave me be and I'll leave you alone. I'm here trying this woman's delicious noddles.''

They all paused when hearing this voice, but a group of them didn't listen and rushed forward, only to be pounced on by a dozen Shadow Creatures that lunged out of the shadows and tore them apart.

''I told you to leave me alone,'' he growled. ''Now you're bothering me.''

Just as Archer said that, the old woman behind the stall said in a stern voice, ''Back off and leave these young ones alone. I'll take responsibility for the White Dragon while he's here and will explain to my daughter.''

He watched as the soldiers hurried off, which confused him and it showed on his face, which made the old woman laugh as she introduced herself, ''I am Ahyoka Moonriver, mother of the current empress Colestah Moonriver.''

Archer, Teuila and Sera looked at her with wide eyes, causing Ahyoka to laugh as she answered the silent question. ''I knew you Draconians would appear here, but not this quick. I wanted to make sure your soldiers would treat my people fairly.''

''So you opened a stall to wait for me? And haven't you seen the Fire Elves that live in Emberport? They're happier than ever and are enjoying life,'' he asked with a doubt laced voice, but he still ate the noodles, which made everyone laugh.

''Yes, and it helps me gather information which is always useful,'' she answered.

The girls remained confused, but Sera shook her head and questioned the old woman. ''Why not buy a manor here? There's some outside the walls?''

Ahyoka turned to the redhead and commented, ''Ain't you a pretty one? But to answer your question, I enjoy cooking food and it's my passion. I always hated ruling an empire, but my eldest daughter was the perfect person to take my place.''

''What is her problem with me?'' Archer suddenly asked. ''I've never harmed the Water Elves. My kingdom even traded with your realm until they joined the Alliance.''

The old woman sighed before revealing, ''I won't lie to you dragon, she believes the rumors as the Church of Light has created convincing proof.''

Archer's eyes widened with shock as he muttered, ''You know they're lying?''

''Of course!'' Ahyoka said in a cheerful voice. ''Plus, I like to gather all the facts before judging you; I've concluded that you're a playboy dragon who loves his women and was forced to create a kingdom for self-defense.''

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