I Received System to Become Dragonborn

The barbecue event was a resounding success. The small backyard buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the occasional teasing remark that had everyone smiling.

The warmth of the food and their friendship seemed to melt away the barriers between worlds, if only for a while.

Even Saeldir who usually reserved as he was, found himself joining in on the conversations with quiet but genuine contributions.

Eccar who were the life of the party animatedly recounted his tales of exploration, drawing delighted laughter from Arty and their mother.

Erend sat back and watching the scene unfold with a contented smile. For the first time in what felt like ages he wasn't weighed down by battles or the looming specter of danger.

Here surrounded by his family and friends, the evening felt peaceful and hee could say that it was almost normal. It was a fleeting moment of harmony he wished he could freeze in time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the group gradually grew quieter. They hadn't noticed how late it had gotten, but the sinking sun and the creeping chill in the air reminded them of the hour.

The happiness that lingered in their hearts made time seem like an afterthought.

Eccar stretched with a wide grin plastered across his face. "This world... I like it. You're all so full of life here."

Aurdis smiled softly. "It's been a wonderful evening. Thank you, Erend, Arty, Ma'am," she said, inclining her head toward their mother. "I don't think I'll forget this."

Arty waved her hand dismissively but beamed. "Sure! You're like family now."

---

Over the next few days, Aurdis and Saeldir stayed with Erend's family.

Aurdis shared Arty's room, where the two bonded over late-night talks. Arty was enchanted by Aurdis's stories of the Elven Palace and Aurdis in turn, found Arty's curiosity and energy refreshing.

Saeldir declined Erend's offer of his bed and instead set up a simple sleeping mat on the floor. Erend didn't mind.

Then the next days passed in a surprising calm. Conversations flowed freely between them, covering topics as mundane as favorite foods to deeper discussions about their worlds.

Erend found himself growing closer to them, especially Saeldir, whose subtle humor and thoughtful nature made their talks unexpectedly enjoyable. He didn't know the Archmage have that side in him.

However, one thing did not escape Erend's notice. Saeldir and Arty seemed to be growing unusually close. He often caught them engaged in animated discussions, Arty laughing at Saeldir's reserved yet sharp wit.

Erend didn't comment on it, yet, but a frown would creep onto his face whenever he noticed.

---

One evening, as another calm day came to a close, Erend sat alone in the backyard while sipping a steaming cup of coffee. The cool night air carried the faint sound of the night and the distant city lights twinkled like stars.

He leaned back in his chair, letting the peace of the moment wash over him.

Then, it happened.

A familiar chime echoed in his mind.

The System that had been dormant for so long suddenly flared to life before his eyes. Letters formed against the dark background, their glow cutting through the quiet night.

[New Main Quest!]

"The Cyber-Mage's Threat"

Description: A powerful enemy from another realm, Laston, has risen. Once a traitor to the Elven Palace, he now wields the combined power of Magic and technology. He planned to launch an attack on the Elf Palace.

Objective:

Stop Laston's plans and protect the Elf Palace from annihilation.

Reward: To be determined

.

Erend stared at the glowing text, the peaceful warmth of the evening fading as a chill ran down his spine.

"Laston..." he muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on the cup. The name alone brought a flood of memories of betrayal, pain, and chaos. He set his coffee down, his eyes narrowing as the weight of the quest settled over him.

Erend letting out a long sigh. He realized that the quiet was gone. And a storm was coming.

Even as the words from the System lingered in his mind, Erend resolved not to let the looming danger disturb the peace he was experiencing now.

This moment even fleeting as it might be belonged to him, his friend, and his family. If another storm was coming he would bear its weight alone for as long as he could.

The warmth of the evening still clung to him and he wanted to savor it a little longer before reality of the next battle crept back in.

He took a deep breath and drained the last of his coffee, letting the bitter warmth ground him.

The sound of soft footsteps behind him pulled him from his thoughts, and he turned to see Aurdis approaching. Her eyes reflected a quiet curiosity.

"May I join you?" she asked softly.

Erend nodded, gesturing to the seat beside him. Aurdis sat, her silver hair catching the faint light of the moon. For a moment, neither of them spoke, content to let the night wrap around them.

But Aurdis's perceptive gaze lingered on Erend.

"You seem... troubled," she said with gentle but probing voice. "What's on your mind now, Erend?"

Erend hesitated, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just... thinking about how peaceful things are right now."

Aurdis tilted her head, unconvinced.

"You're a terrible liar." Her tone was light, but there was an edge of concern beneath it. "If something is bothering you, you know you can share it with me, right? You don't have to carry everything on your own."

For a fleeting moment, Erend considered telling her. About the notification and about the name that had resurfaced like a shadow from the past. About the threat looming over the Elf Palace.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

But the thought of burdening her with that knowledge now, when she had finally found some peace here just felt wrong.

He shook his head with a reassuring smile. "Really, it's nothing. If there's ever anything you need to know, I promise I'll tell you."

Aurdis studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes searching his face. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"Fine," she said quietly. "But remember what I said. You don't have to face everything alone."

Erend nodded, grateful for her understanding, even as guilt tugged at him. He couldn't bring himself to say what was truly on his mind, that she would eventually know everything, because this threat wasn't just his to face.

It would involve her and everyone they cared about. Laston, the uncle who had caused them so much pain, was back and his ambitions were as dangerous as ever.

For now, though, Erend would protect this fragile peace, even if it meant carrying the weight of the truth alone.

He looked up at the stars, their light steady and constant, and allowed himself a moment of solace before the storm inevitably arrived.

---

The next morning dawned with the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a warm light on the calm that still lingered in the house. Over breakfast, Aurdis and Saeldir shared their decision.

"We've decided it's time for us to return to the Elf Palace," Aurdis said, her voice tinged with gratitude. "This time here has been wonderful. Your hospitality has meant so much to us."

Saeldir nodded in agreement, his normally reserved demeanor softening. "It has been... enlightening. Your world, this family, it's all so vibrant. Thank you for sharing it with us."

Arty and their mother exchanged smiles. Arty, ever the lively one, leaned forward with a grin. "You know you can come back anytime, right? You're like family now. Seriously, don't be strangers!"

Aurdis's smile was warm and her silver eyes reflected the sincerity of Arty's words.

"We'll remember that," she said gently. "Thank you, truly."

As farewells began, Arty's gaze lingered on Saeldir a moment longer than necessary. There was something unspoken in the way she looked at him, it was a mixture of curiosity and fondness.

Saeldir uncharacteristicall met her gaze, his usually sharp and calculating expression softening just a bit.

But then Saeldir felt it, a prickling sensation on the back of his neck. He glanced toward Erend and immediately regretted it.

Erend's glare was cold and sharp like a silent warning that sent a chill down Saeldir's spine. He quickly averted his eyes, clearing his throat in a nervous gesture.

Aurdis, oblivious to the brief tension, prepared the portal. With a soft hum, the air shimmered and swirled, forming a doorway of radiant blue light.

"Farewell," Aurdis said, her gaze sweeping over them with genuine affection. "May your days be as peaceful as these have been."

Saeldir bowed his head slightly. "Until next time."

With that, they stepped through the portal and the swirling light faded, leaving the backyard empty but for the gentle rustle of the wind.

Erend let out a small sigh, crossing his arms as he turned to Eccar who was watching the scene unfold with an amused grin.

"So," Eccar said, leaning back casually, "I guess it's just us now."

Erend nodded. "Looks like it."

Eccar stretched. "Not that I mind. This world still has plenty for me to see, and I'm not about to rush back to all the palace drama."

Erend smirked faintly. "Fair enough. Just... try not to cause too much trouble while you're here."

"Alright alright. Damn..." Eccar replied.

Then Erend whisper to him. "We have something to discuss alone."

Eccar's smile vanished, and looking at Erend with grim expression. "What is it?"

---