I Received System to Become Dragonborn-Chapter 803: Begin

The next day arrived with clear skies and a tense mood. Mark, Thorne, Kaela, and Selene—the four renowned adventurers—stood assembled before King Aethor in the grand throne room.

Despite their hardened experience and the reputation they had earned through countless successful missions, nerves still flickered beneath the surface. It was rare and almost unheard of for adventurers to be summoned directly before the king to receive a quest. Normally, quests were distributed through the guild, far removed from king's eyes.

But now they stood beneath the towering marble pillars, before the gilded throne of king Aethor himself.

The king's sharp gaze swept over them like a sword. His eyes, dark and calculating, carried the weight of decades spent as both ruler and former warrior. Even without speaking, his presence pressed on them like armor that too heavy to wear.

When he did speak, his voice was calm, yet commanding.

"Your task," King Aethor began, "is not one that should put you in immediate danger. You are to accompany Eccar on his journey to Qomore Kingdom. Assist him if he requires. Beyond that, you will aid in his investigation into rumors surrounding the awakening of a Forest God. I expect regular reports."

The four adventurers listened intently. While the task sounded simple on the surface, the mention of a Forest God cast a long shadow. Still, Mark stepped forward and offered a respectful nod.

"We understand, Your Majesty," he said steadily. "I assure you, we will see this mission through with care and discipline. We will protect Eccar to the best of our ability."

Standing off to the side, Eccar grinned at that.

The idea of being protected by a group of adventurers struck him as humorous. Lysander, who stood beside him, mirrored the grin. He knew Eccar well enough to share the amusement—after all, few on the continent, or even world, could match the Dragonborn's might.

King Aethor gave a single approving nod. "Good. Then waste no more time. The journey to Qomore is long."

With that, the audience came to an end. Mark and his party turned on their heels, with Eccar falling in beside them.

As they walked toward the exit, Eccar turned slightly, flashing the king a smile and raising a casual thumbs-up.

"Thanks for the hospitality," he said, like he was addressing an old friend.

Mark and the others stiffened in disbelief. No bow, no kneel—nothing. Just a thumbs-up… to a king.

Still, King Aethor did not appear offended. If anything, there was the faintest trace of amusement in his otherwise cold and stern expression.

A few minutes later, the group arrived at the outer gates of the royal palace, the sound of their boots echoing along the stone path as they stepped into the sunlight, ready to begin their journey.

Each of them was fully geared, clad in their best equipment like leather, steel, enchanted fabric, each piece a reflection of the countless battles they had faced.

Their packs were heavy with supplies like rations, tools, equipments, spare weapons. They were prepared for a long journey that might take them across half the kingdom.

Eccar stood alongside them, adjusting the straps of his own pack. His load was noticeably lighter, filled mostly with food. Despite being a Dragonborn, he preferred to carry his own things—especially snacks. He looked at the group, his eyes friendly and tone light, as if this were a casual stroll rather than a royal mission.

"Nice to meet you all. My name is Eccar," he said with a bright smile.

The adventurers exchanged quick glances. Even though they had been briefed already, hearing him introduce himself so casually felt a little bit strange.

Seeing Eccar introduce himself with such warmth and simplicity, the tense atmosphere around the party began to ease. Though Mark had already met him, this was the first time Selene, Thorne, and Kaela were truly face-to-face with the one they were to escort. His friendly tone, casual stance, and that genuine smile, it wasn't what they expected.

Selene was the first to chuckle softly and nod. "I'm Selene," she said, her voice calm but curious. "Looking forward to working with you."

"Thorne," the large warrior added shortly, offering a respectful nod of acknowledgment.

Then Kaela stepped forward, her hood falling back slightly as she looked him over with a raised brow.

"Huh. You're actually quite nice," she said, sounding half-surprised. "I thought you'd be… you know. Arrogant. Like most of the ones from the Elf Kingdom."

Eccar laughed. "Isn't that just a stereotype?" he replied with a smirk.

But then, a memory tugged at him—those first few moments when he arrived in the Elf Kingdom. The way the Elves had looked at him, their eyes laced with silent judgment, thin smiles, and polite distance. His grin faltered slightly.

"Then again… maybe it's not," he added with a shrug.

Kaela shook her head immediately and firmly. "It's not a stereotype."

Eccar glanced at her, his brows lifting slightly. The certainty in her voice wasn't casual, it was personal. Like someone who had been on the receiving end of those same thin smiles. He didn't press the matter, but he understood.

"Well," Eccar said, breaking the silence and hoisting his pack more securely over his shoulder, "let's get going."

A royal carriage awaited them just outside the gates—large, reinforced, with strong horses already in position.

The coachman stood ready, giving a small bow as the group approached. One by one, they climbed aboard, the wheels creaking slightly as they settled in.

The city slowly fading behind them, the journey to Qomore began

The royal carriage carried them as far as the road would allow, stopping at the forest's edge where the path grew wild and narrow.

Beyond this point, no wheels could pass.

With the sun already high in the sky, casting dappled light through the canopy, the group disembarked and continued on foot.

The air was cooler beneath the trees, filled with birdsong and the rustling of unseen creatures. Packs were adjusted, weapons checked, and with steady steps, they moved deeper into the woods.

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

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