The next morning, the sound of chirping birds greeted Archer's ears as they flew by. He opened his eyes and looked up at the early morning sky above.
With Sera still atop him, a smile appeared on his face as he started watching the little dragon, he thought her sleeping face was adorable.
Archer squeezed the redhead causing her to stir. Her ruby-red eyes fluttered open, and a smile adorned her face when she spotted him.
She kissed him swiftly before chiming, "Good morning, Arch."
He kissed her back and then sat up. Sera got off him and said as she walked away, "I'm going to take a bath. I'll be back soon."
ραΠdαsΝοvel.cοm Archer nodded and started watching her perky behind as she made her way into the treehouse.
That's when he decided to visit the new village and see if they needed any help, he also wondered what happened to the Sparrows.
He stood up and felt all sticky so he cast Cleanse on himself and put on some Aquarian-style clothing as he opened a Gate to the new village.
Stepping through, he found himself at the center of the expanding village, taking in the sights around him.
As he was preparing to explore, a voice reached him from behind. "Your Majesty, it's a pleasure to see you once again."
Archer turned around and spotted Jethro standing next to the tribe's Matriarch. A smile formed on his face as he saw the elder man. "It's great to see you, Jethro. How have you been?"
Jethro answered promptly, "I've been well, Your Majesty. The dragon kin has settled in comfortably and is growing daily."
One of Archer's eyebrows arched in curiosity, and he inquired, "Are we still extending our welcome to dragon-kin?"
Jethro shook his head while addressing Archer's query. "No, the women among us have begun giving birth, and due to the ample food within the domain, we can provide better nourishment here than outside."
Archer pondered for a moment, and then inquired, "Is there anything the domain needs?"
The old man nodded, indicating the things they needed. "We need more houses and more animals for hunting."
An idea came to him, he started casting multiple Gates to the jungles and forests he previously visited.
That's when he summoned dozens of Stone Men and ordered them into the portals, he ordered them to capture less threatening beasts.
As they carried out their task, Archer turned toward the Matriarch and started a conversation. "How has the tribe settled in? And did Talila's group join you?''
The older woman nodded and replied, "We're settled in nicely. Jethro kindly helped us, and yes, Talila's friends are here too, waiting for her."
Archer smiled in response to her answer and summoned his wings. Once ready, he took off, searching for an empty space near the city he had built.
Upon discovering a suitable location, he hovered above it and closed his eyes. He began to envision additional homes and other necessities that he believed the community would require.
The dragon-kin who witnessed this were astonished as structures emerged seemingly out of thin air. Streets, residences, shops, and all the essential elements of a city materialized.
With his task completed, Archer returned to the village and descended near Jethro.
He briefed him on his actions and informed him to anticipate an increase in the number of beasts available for hunting.
The old man shook his head, a smile gracing his lips, ''Your majesty, your abilities never fail to amaze me. I will attend to the housing needs of our people.''
Jethro bowed to Archer and departed from the village. Archer turned to the woman and posed the same question.
The matriarch shook her head as she replied, ''We have everything we need, but as Jethro mentioned, we require more beasts for hunting.''
Archer agreed and went to find a place to sit, waiting for the Stone Men. A couple of hours later, they finished their task and brought in hundreds of new beasts, releasing them into the forests.
He dismissed them as the beasts explored their new homes and the dragon-kin and tribe hunters got excited.
After finishing his business in the village, he departed and reappeared in the treehouse where the girls were gathered in the living room.
Ella, Hemera, and Talila were busy cooking, while the others sat around. The only absent girl was Hecate, who was in her lab.
Sera informed him that Eione had already prepared her meal before his arrival. Archer took a seat at the dining table, awaiting breakfast.
Soon Ella was done cooking and the group ate, she cooked some form of meat and spicey bread which caught Archer off guard.
But he enjoyed it, as he was eating Hemera spoke to him. ''Remember my parents want to see you before we travel through the Beastlands.''
Archer nodded his head. ''Yes, we will leave shortly. I just have to empty my Item Box.''
The girls all smiled as he stood up and summoned a portal to his lair. When he entered he saw a pile of treasures that almost put him in a trance as his greed was taking over.
But he shook his head and started emptying his Item Box, all his looted gold, gems, and other valuables poured out.
The pile now looked massive, but it was enough. Archer summoned the little Stone Men and ordered them to organize the horde.
He wanted the coins separated in case he needed to use any, after they got to work his horde was quickly organized.
Content with the current situation, Archer stepped through a portal and entered the living room, finding the girls waiting for him.
Approaching him, Hemera asked, "Are we heading to Ravenna now?"
With a smile, Archer used his powers to transport them to the Solari Palace. Hemera led the way through the palace's corridors.
The maids offered bows, and the guards saluted as they passed. They reached the familiar hall where Hemera's mother was engaged in conversation with Fabia.
Seeing the group, Cassandra's face brightened with a smile. She stepped away from her talk with Fabia and approached Archer, without saying a word.
As they neared each other, she pulled him into a warm hug, holding him tightly for a few moments before speaking. "Thank you, Archer, for bringing back my firstborn and helping us find our granddaughter."
Archer smiled upon hearing the woman's words and nodded in response. Cassandra released him and proceeded to greet each of the girls before embracing Talila, who seemed unsure of how to react.
As they caught up, Archer learned that Agamemnon and the first prince had gone to the Delphosia Republic with the Solarian army.
Despite his desire to stay, he felt compelled to leave due to critical intelligence. Nevertheless, he promised to reward Archer when they met again.
After spending a few hours with Cassandra, they returned to the domain. Archer opened a Gate that led to the road to Wildwood Crossing.
Exiting the portal, he created another opening to the domain, allowing the elf to retrieve the Sparrows and continue north.
After a short wait, the group reappeared. Talila approached Archer and cautioned him about their upcoming journey. "Archer, the Uncharted Beastlands are dangerous and home to many deadly creatures."
He nodded, understanding her caution, but his determination to journey through it remained strong, which confused the sparrows listening nearby.
Cecelia then posed a question. "Why not teleport to the empire? Why are we traveling on foot?"
Archer looked at the priestess and gave an honest reply. "Where's the fun in that? I want to see the world."
After his response, he took the lead towards the town, followed by the five girls and the Sparrows.
Soon after, Nefertiti approached him and spoke, "Husband, could you please open a Gate to the academy? I just remembered that I have classes today."
He nodded and cast the Gate spell. She kissed him and entered the portal, bidding farewell to the girls.
Archer's keen eyes caught sight of the impressive fortifications that surrounded the town.
Tall wooden walls stood strong, lined with sturdy watchtowers that provided a clear vantage point of the surrounding lands.
"Quite a sight," he murmured to himself, his gaze fixed on the fortified town. He couldn't help but be impressed by the level of preparation and defense that had been put into place.
As they entered the town, a vibrant scene unfolded before them. The streets bustled with colorful banners and signs, and the air was alive with activity and voices.
People hurried about their daily tasks, while guards patrolled the streets, ever watchful.
Archer's attention was drawn to a group of merchants who had set up stalls along the main street.
The variety of goods they displayed was remarkable – intricate fabrics, exotic spices, ornate jewelry, and even unique trinkets crafted from materials found in the Beastlands.
Walking alongside the girls and Sparrows, he soaked in the lively atmosphere of the town.
"It's bustling here," Hemera remarked, her voice filled with wonder as she absorbed the vibrant scene.
"Yes," Archer agreed with a smile. "It's impressive how this border town is teeming with life."
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