Chapter Text
Legend: "thinking" "talking" *sounds*
9:00 am, Portal station in the main Research Hall of the Lightingpeak Grand Library
Colonel Typheros, the imposing gray Wind Dragon, stood before a room full of eager and attentive dragons in the newly constructed portal room. His presence commanded the attention of all as he took his place at the head of a long table.
"Is everyone here? Alright, let's begin our final briefing for Research Mission Expedition 01A to the continent of Pyrrhia, codenamed 'Field Test and Animus Defense,'" the Colonel announced, his voice carrying both authority and gravity.
"As most of you are aware, we have spent the past year organizing this research expedition in the wake of the completed restorations of ancient portals that were discovered seven years ago." Colonel Typheros paused briefly, allowing murmurs of agreement to ripple through the room.
"These portals were uncovered and subsequently, with the support of the ThunderPeak Grand Library's esteemed Council and the Emperor's gracious donations, we have worked diligently over the past seven years to restore these ancient portals to their operational state." He gestured toward the control panel, a striking contrast to the weathered stone and steel of the ancient portal frame that stood nearby, watched over by a group of dragons.
"But the most interesting information was found alongside the discovery of the portals. The discovery prompted the Council to approve an investigation into our ancient archives, hoping to shed more light on the nature and history of the portals. What the archivists found were ancient texts about something more than just the portal, but of a world it could connect to." The colonel paused as he searched under the desk.
With purposeful motion, he placed multiple boxes on the table, filled with heavily weathered books, papers, and diagrams. "These texts are the only information we have, they all revolve around a continent called 'Pyrrhia.' This foreign continent is said to house many different species of flora and fauna, some are unique and interesting, worthy for research, but others you might find to have an uncanny resemblance to those of our world."
Colonel Typheros's voice echoed through the room as he continued to address the assembled researchers. He opened a large tome from one of the boxes, delving into the topic at claw.
"Pyrrhia's denizens include species similar to our own, ranging from plants and fish to humans and dragons," he began, his tone conveying both caution and gravity. The researchers leaned in, their eyes filled with curiosity and concern.
The Colonel's gaze swept across his audience as he delved deeper into the subject matter. "However," he continued, "it is the dragons of Pyrrhia that have drawn our attention for their dangerous capabilities." He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to settle in.
"You all know these texts allude to many classes of dangerous dragons, such as mind readers, seers, and most importantly, the class that we are focusing on in this expedition: those who possess a distinct form of magic. It is unlike our familiar elemental affinities; instead, it is described as a more destructive and potent force, animus magic."
With a gesture, he directed their attention to a set of boxes containing information about animus dragons and their formidable capabilities. "These texts provide a glimpse into their abilities and the potential dangers they pose," he emphasized. "We must not underestimate their power or the impact they can have on our Realms."
Colonel Typheros's voice grew even more serious as he delved into the reports. "The reports suggest the existence of dragons with a rare and powerful ability known as animus magic," he explained. "These dragons possess the extraordinary power to cast spells on objects, creatures, and even other dragons, bending them to their will. One name mentioned in these texts, 'Darkstalker,' serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers associated with animus magic."
The room was filled with a palpable sense of gravity as the researchers absorbed this information. "In response to these discoveries," the Colonel continued, "Emperor Vulkatodor has pledged his full support, both personal and financial, to equip this research mission with the necessary technology." His announcement carried a sense of urgency and determination, underlining the significance of their mission.
"Let me make one thing clear," Colonel Typheros began, his voice commanding the attention of everyone in the room. "This mission is not solely about exploration and testing new technology. It is a matter of safeguarding our Dragon Realms. We must gather information, study animus dragons, and devise strategies to protect our realms from their influence."
The Colonel went on to address the practical limitations of their mission. "Even with the support of the crown," he explained, "we are bound by the limitations of our current technology and time constraints. We can only send one researcher through the portal." He paused, acknowledging the disappointment that hung in the air.
He then revealed a crucial element of their plan. "The mission of the researcher is to assume a false identity and blend into the society they encounter," he explained. "We have developed an experiential Veil system designed specifically for this mission. It allows the user to mimic the appearance, abilities, and morphology of the locals, ensuring that they can gather as much information as possible without arousing suspicion."
Colonel Typheros highlighted specific points of interest in the research log's maps, such as the 'Kingdom of the Sea' and the 'Night Kingdom.' "These," he continued, "are the locations our researcher will investigate, searching for places of information, such as libraries or sources that the locals may possess."
The room fell into hushed anticipation as the Colonel revealed the identity of the chosen researcher. "And the dragon selected by the head Council to test our portals and Veil system, as well as undertake this vital research on the ground, is researcher Ohmus Valence."
As the said dragon looked up from his research log, he couldn't help but feel the immense weight of the mission pressing down upon him. The hybrid dragon, with his Tuscany yellow and thundercloud gray scales, was acutely aware of the gravity of the task before him. The room's attention was fixed on him, and he could sense the mixture of anticipation, hope, and trepidation in the air.
Colonel Typheros spoke, his words echoing the sentiment in the room. "We understand that this mission is fraught with danger and uncertainty. However, your background in the military, your skills in data gathering, and your proficiency in report writing have made you the best choice for this expedition."
Ohmus nodded in acknowledgment of the Colonel's words, knowing that he had prepared extensively for this moment. He had spent a year training and immersing himself in the reports, honing his abilities in combat, adapting to social and cultural nuances, and preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead. Yet, despite his preparations, the weight of the mission remained a constant presence on his shoulders.
Standing up from his seat, Ohmus approached the front of the portal, his gaze meeting Colonel Typheros's determined expression. "Even now, I still feel underqualified for this mission," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "But in all seriousness, I will do everything I can to test the veil system and gather the necessary information on these animus dragons and ensure the safety of our Dragon Realms."
The room erupted into a mixture of applause and words of encouragement, as Ohmus's fellow researchers expressed their confidence in his abilities. He felt a surge of gratitude and renewed motivation, knowing that he had the support of his colleagues as they all gathered around the portal.
"Remember, the portal jump will set you a few years after the time of this 'Darkstalker,' who was mentioned in the reports, so I trust that you have read up on the happenings in the continent." Ohmus nodded, his eyes focused and ready for the jump.
As the room gradually quieted down, Ohmus remained standing, focused and determined. Colonel Typheros approached Ohmus, his eyes softening, and he placed a reassuring claw on his shoulder, giving him a new leather journal with his simplified personal seal on the cover.
"Consider this a gift from us. I know it's a lot to ask, but your skills show that you can do this. You have our trust, Ohmus. Bring back the knowledge we seek, but remember to stay safe. Be cautious, be resourceful, and most importantly, remember our training and briefings," he said, lifting the hybrid's spirits before the transport.
Ohmus heard the announcement from the dragons at the control panel, "Portal jump in T-minus ten, nine-" He knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, fraught with dangers and uncertainties, but he was determined to face them head-on. "Six, five, four-," armed with knowledge, courage, and the support of his comrades, he would unravel the mysteries of Pyrrhia and protect their Dragon Realms from the potential threat of animus magic, "Three, two, one, commence jump."