Maple in fact had not been scared off and defeated from doing anything she wanted too, something else would have to slow her down. So it was a another day. Maple chose to go off hiking in the mountains. So carefree about it she would just go skipping along while she walked up on it. There was things she needed to watch out for but she was alas going to keep on exploring, After all there was plenty to learn. But since she was not quite talking to anyone yet, she would just explore as she normally was, Walking through trees.

It was a fun spell. Most people where not really in tune with nature enough to know the trick of it, Or Maple was just that rare of a Nature Mage that she really did not think of it as that odd. Even going through the first tree she was giggling slightly as she continued on, Like it was nothing. Even phasing through a second tree it was just like she was walking on normal ground but things went slightly dark for Maple as she went through that tree with out damaging it at all. Like a ghost going through walls Maple moved through a tree.

But Stena Mountains was a new venture, It was Maple final check mark on her list of places to go explore, She had a feeling she could be gone for a while so at least Ryuko knew she would be here. Anything else was a wild card unless Drakkon was around testing something again. Not that Maple would mind, She always did learn something. Mostly related to various forms of magic. As she learned all of these things. Maple some what learned what elements she would enjoy trying to use what elements might be too much to handle and how unskilled at learning spells and magic she was. But it was something to work on in the future. For now Maple was over all looking to see what the mountains had lingering there was sometimes people encampments for what she heard, Most likely she would make sure to avoid them for if the place previous taught her anything places might not be happy to Maple just casually strolling in to greet them. So for now she would just stay away from any encampment of people. But the mountain so far was wonderful to be in.

Maple would eventually find a place that was clear enough and nice enough that she would merely sit down in the opening and allow herself to take a break, She would eventually build a small fire, hang a pot and start boiling some water, Then mix together some herbs and fruit and start making some tea, place out some travelling food she had containing various breads, meat and cheese. Then just waited. As the water was yet to boil. so she just needed to wait for it to come to that boil, placing out couple of cups. It was relaxing here.

Drakkon figured the last two spells were scary and dangerous to learn, so it was why he had been doing the final of his training in these parts. At least he knew that he didn’t have to worry about harming anybody. Yes, he was with Hai Gone who had flown them to the mountains. He stared into the horizon in front of them and he would close his eyes.

He was thinking about the spell he was trying to master. It was one of Toga’s and he knew that it would be dangerous. Once he figured out how the mechanics of the spell worked, he figured that it would begin. The Dragon Slayer had opened his eyes as if it were a simple gesture that would start the destruction of this spell. He gathered all the mana that he needed for this and he would stomp on the ground without hesitation. He would start pouring the mana out of his leg and into the spell. This would bring forth the magic circle that was forming beneath him. It was going well as he understood what he needed to do. Once he got that done he knew that he would be able to unleash the spell.

While it was forming something had gone wrong, which would make the mountain shake, and it would pop something from underneath him and it would send him flying. Still, Hai was nearby, so if Drakkon needed him he would catch it. The Devourer was falling back to the ground and before he had been able to float in the air due to Kaito’s flying spell. He would land on the ground and crack his neck as he didn’t like the way that felt.

288
288|500 Training Shōnetsu Ryū: Hi Warame [Inferno Dragon: Fire Fissure, 火割れ目]

Maple just maybe Maple would provide some interesting change, Or she would just get in the way. Drakkon would just have to let her know and she would most likely just leave him to do what ever he needed too. But first Maple would need actually know and find Drakkon first, Even learn and know he was there to start with. I am sure something would happen eventually. For now Maple would walk away from the place she had set up her little casual rest stop. So while she waited for her creation to be fully prepared. Maple would continue her silly exploring.

By going back into the trees and exploring another way. So stepping through the trees she would just enjoy the casual walking she normally was seen doing, Noting the way she had been walking to start with just to be sure she did not lose her path. But she was use to living the woods already, Getting lost was over all not really going to happen unless anything happen to her camp while she was not looking, It was simple to remake the entire thing again, Just annoying to find and collect all of the plants and berries she had for the tea.

But that was not actually much of a worry for it seemed after returning from that venture out, Maple she self a cup and then ventured out another random direction she had not been yet, Walking through the trees, but her hand would stick out of the tree as she travelled through because while she learned magically how too, she could not make most objects she held follow her, Just anything she wore it seemed. But it was a basic version of a spell that kind of just learned on her own. No one really guided her on the use of magic.

But she would think she did well over all with what limited magic she actually knew. But would this way be the right way for Drakkon to find her, Or would she pick up he was there, Maybe the smell of tea would actually help this situation. But sipping the wonderful blend of nature and looking around Maple seemed actually happy with her exploring. Her content and peace seemed to be how it was all going for her. At least the mountains where vast and there was a lot of to see.

Maple was pondering when Maple would actually find any of the wild life around her too, But suppose that was a in some manner a safe and also risky ponder as she was looking around, For she did not know how dangerous any of the animals could be for her too meet, But the smell pof this tea was really relaxing. Maple at least knew there was nothing really made this area super dangerous as far as she knew at least no one told her. Maple would have to consider taking Ryuko camping out here for something she liked to do.

Drakkon was ready to continue with training his spell. He needed to master this spell, so he could continue on with the other spell. He wasn’t near anybody, but Hai, and he knew that his son would be safe. For now, he would prepare himself and thought about what he had done wrong when he used the spell last time. He wished he didn’t mess up the Magic Circle as that caused the entire reaction.

He took a deep breath once he figured out what had gone wrong, and he stomped on the ground. He poured his mana into his leg before he stomped and once, he got to the ball of his feet it was released. The magic circle started forming underneath him and he could see that things were working this time. It looked like things were going smoothly. He knew that Toga’s spells were volatile, so he needed to control the uncontrollable. When the circle was completed though, Drakkon had a smirk on his face because he knew what was going to happen. Shockwave sank into the floor he was on within the mountains triggering a cataclysmic reaction as he was safe, and a huge explosion occurred around him. Hai had flown into the air beforehand so he wouldn’t be in the way of this thing.

When it was all over Drakkon was in the air, the ground beneath him was destroyed and he looked at Hai before looking into a direction when he smelled the aroma of tea.

“It seems like someone is nearby, let’s go see who we’re disturbing.” He said this to Hai as he would move in a certain direction.

When he got to the location, he would soon see the small elf on her own. It seemed like they kept bumping into each other. He figured it would be rude to just leave her alone, now that he had seen her. Drakkon would land on the ground, and he would walk over to the camp that Maple had for herself. Hai landed behind his father as he stood quietly.

“Did we disturb you with the mountain shaking? Didn’t know you would be here.” He laughed a bit rubbing the back of his head.

507|500 Spell Trained.
371|659

It was a lovely walk that Maple enjoyed, her ventures was over all a remark thing, But finally Drakkon had found signs of Maple, Not that finding Maple was the mark of the most dangerous of people in the world. Finding Maple in the woods was most likely one of the most safest things you could have happen, Unless she was running from something then it was entirely a different situation that had happen in years. Maple most likely had a lot of stories if you ever entirely asked her of people she had met in the woods in the past

But Maple was away from the Camp for the most part until she heard that voice and figured it was time to go back. The delightful skipping Maple seemed to do was just a sign everything was okay and normal. But suppose this was now Drakkon witnessing Maple actually walk through trees, It was so effortless and normal, She just walked through it, Eventually leading up to actually talking to Drakkon."Not entirely, I suppose i am just use to these things happening."Maple said so casually, Maybe all of this spell training got Maple use to having these things happen around her.

But suppose Maple was also just in her own world and reality at times that she might seem slightly diluted at times."Even then, How's the spells training going? Doing anything interesting?"Maple never changed personality, her clothing changed at least but over all she never changed as a person."Or did you need something to drink? I have plenty of things here to drink in this little relaxing spot I have here."Maple mentioned as she seemed to casually sip her cup of tea. After what was better then a place to sit after some if not all your training? Well Maple was not sure of that answer.

For now it was time to continue talking."Now you understand Ryuko's struggle with me at times, I just venture off at times to go exploring nature."Maple laugh about it since she viewed it as harmless, Even this time she let Ryuko know in some manner she was going off and exploring."But...I just love nature, the woods, the animals. It is peaceful."Considering her clothing was made of leafs magically formed into a dress, That was pretty good at resisting water and kept her decently warm.

Then she picked up the second cup and merely offered him it."But alas, I suppose this doesn't need to be entirely about me, unless you want it too."Maple was trying to be a friend. Even if she sure at times given her odd nature it was either annoying or too random to be around. But this was an internal Maple worry."Have a small break for your mind from all this work, It may clear your thoughts to focus better."Maple at least did not expect that really to be a problem, But she was as she was, selling her point figuratively now.

Drakkon heard her words and nodded. It seemed like the shaking of the mountain didn’t bother her, which was fine. He was happy to hear that and when he heard her question and her offer for a drink. He was fine without drinking as he always had his own elixir with him.

“The training is going well actually. I have one more spell to train for the time being and I should be fine. How is your journey through the mountains?” He asked her curious to hear what she had to say.

He laughed when he heard how she was a trouble to Ryuko because she always wandered off like a child. It was then she offered him a drink anyways. He would chuckle a bit as he would take as it was offered to him. He would drink some of it, and he would enjoy it. It wasn’t that he didn’t like drinking tea, it was just that alcohol was better.

“So, you have Ryuko worried and going crazy trying to keep tabs on you all the time? You must enjoy having her active.” He said to her as he would drink a bit more.

“I know you say to take a break, but that isn’t really an option. I can spare these few seconds, but once I’m done with this you have my attention.” He said as he would put the drink down.

He would look at the sky and he would inhale deeply. It was then he would put the cup down to the side and he would start the next spell. This one wouldn’t be as dangerous as it was a projectile he could direct into the air.

He closed his eyes for a second as he would think about how to go about it. This was going to burn, but it would be fun to work on it. That was when he gathered his feet. He was looking up to the sky in a different direction, and he would gather his mana. The Dragon Slayer wasn’t sure if this would work, but it would be a stronger form than the one he could do. He would start inhaling as he was gathering his mana all the way into his throat as the mana was starting to surge through.

It was becoming fiery and dangerous now. This was a dangerous power and one he was glad to have. He figured he would unleash it and hopefully that it would go well on its first try. When he tried to release it, he had imploded instead. He messed up he didn’t have the right control over it, which caused him to fall to one knee, and he started coughing. If it weren’t for his healing ability, he would have damaged his throat for today and wouldn’t be able to talk.

He grabbed the tea she gave him to soothe his throat, he didn’t want to go through that a second time.

259|500 Training Spell Shōnetsu Ryū: Ryū No Hōkō [Inferno Dragon: Dragon’s Roar, 焦熱龍: 龍の咆哮]
494|1159

Suppose more for her, Not that she seemed upset, it was pretty easy to drink all of it herself. But there was other questions of things to handle, So thus Maple would merely continue on with a few things that was starting with in the conversation. "Safety, quiet, calm. I did avoid any other camps this time most likely because it was just a bit better too."Maple would prefer to hear the end of all of the worries some one could out put on her, While Ryuko was not a nagging wife, she was worried about it over all.

"While ryuko was worried, she was not too insane about it as far as I know. the previous place I had explored, turned out to a large group of people who didn't like her.."Maple laughed about it because she did not entirely think it was that big of a deal, but apparently it was all war related and things Maple did not really learn or know about until after. So if anything it was lucky no one touched her. Or Maple had her own charm to her that made it safe for her, That last one was a bit of a hopeful thought.


"So she is worried, but Nothing too crazy yet."But Maple did assume if anything just walked off like she did, would be worried too for the most part until after a few times she came back safely, But suppose Maple was also not leading a nation yet or even a wife just in the process. She would have to slow down eventually. "Well you can take you time, It will be nice to see what all is a bit hard for you to control and do."Maple hoping it did not come across as a bad thing.

So with one empty cup being places on the ground she would just merely ponder what was this final spell he needed to do."Even if i suggest anything, I know not everyone will listen. That is just the nature of us as beings who are free of thought and will to stride for things they want, not matter what is going on around us."But he wanted to continue she would just merely get out of the way and stand where she thought was safe at the time, by the camp she had set up

Then she would merely sit on the ground, sat crossed legged and merely just waited, thinking about a few things while it seemed there was one last final spell was going to have done. there was excitement for this building up in her mind, But she was not letting it out yet because Maple did not want to ruin the moment. She also had one final cup of tea in which she would drink slowly, while listening into the animals just be themselves, Maple's normal nature and life for many years she got use to it more then people for a long time.

Drakkon had listened to her words about her ventures. It seemed like there were people who didn’t like Ryuko here. That was interesting and it seemed like she wasn’t lying about that. Still, Drakkon figured he would finish this spell. he would drink the remaining tea that she had given to him, and he would give her the cup. He would get up from where he sat, and he would rub his throat.

He had prepared himself for the worst. He knew what had happened. His mana got stuck and that wasn’t good. He had to be able to bring this out smoothly but at the same time with force. The spell was strong and that much he knew. He would get into a stance again, of course, he had his back toward Maple as he didn’t want to harm her in any way. It was then he would close his eyes for a second before opening his eyes with focus. He would start inhaling the air around him and he was also gathering mana from his body into his mouth. It was as if he was eating his own magic.

While he was doing this, he would feel the mana surging around his throat as he could feel his throat expanding. The magic circle would create itself and he was hoping things would go better than last time. He knew what he was doing when it came to the circle, and it would soon become complete. When he saw that it was ready he would make sure things were steady and in control before he allowed it to be released. Once he was ready, he would let it spew out as if he was exhaling it all out.

The magic circle would let out the black spiral flames from Drakkon’s mouth and into the air. The fire would shoot out into the distance in the sky. It would reach a bit of the clouds spreading them apart and some of them dispersing due to the attack. He would sigh with relief as he wiped his mouth as that was what he needed.

“And with that I’m ready.” He said to Maple as he turned to her with a smile on his face.

“I guess Ryuko wants to use me in part of making those who don’t like her fall in line.” He had a smirk on his face as he couldn’t wait for that.

405|1564
500+|500 Spell Trained

Maple did not know much about Ryuko's plans. She never asked but could easily figure out if need be. Only remarking about it."Anything I learned about bonding with, Ryuko. She tends to keep her plans of what war and battles. Even what ideas for guild members away from me."Maple mentioned even if it was most likely either a good or bad idea depending on how a person felt about it.

But alas other things would be mentioned."Whatever they are, I am sure you will be a useful for, But I am merely a half elf she found in the woods and fell in love with...Nothing else really stands out with me."Maple was left in the dark with a fair amount of things, But seemed always so settled about being a bride of a woman waging war in a Nation. Ryuko's worry about her being kidnapped was more likely warranted.

Drakkon looked at her as he had finished training his spells. This was perfect and he figured he could talk a bit more now. He heard her words and he had a smirk on his face. That was in fact something that he could understand from Ryuko. He wouldn’t do that, but that was because he didn’t have someone to care for. Well, he did, but he chose not to admit it to himself or out loud.

“Oh, you’re a half-elf, I didn’t really take note of that.” He said as he walked over to Maple.

When he got close to her, he took a better look at the young lady with a smirk on his face.

“I can see why she fell in love with you, but one thing I will do that she will not make you stronger Maple. We’re not a guild where people find us friendly, so you cannot be a liability. First, we will work on getting you a power that is befitting you.” He said to her hoping she would be ready for this.

180|1744

It did come up to the conversation of her being a half elf. "Yeah...I do admit it openly, But for the most part I don't view as a good thing with how family viewed it...after all. I am the only half elf in the family."It was a small hint towards what parts of life Maple might have lived with before she moved around here.

But he was right, What all was happening and going on here was not exactly the most safe things."No...I am aware even if disappointing that this entire matter is in fact us not being the most friendly, But I am here to supports the ones I am bonded too."So it seemed they would have to settle on what she could do to help. This was going to be a rough road she assumed, But if anything Maple would eventually be okay with the task.

Drakkon heard her and he nodded as that sucked. Still, he was half a god, so yeah, he understood where she came from.

“I think that’s fine, you should just own who you are. It’s what I do with myself all the time. I drink, I party, and I love drugs, jewels, and women. I live my life like this every day, so I have no regrets.” He said to her.

It was then he remembered that not everybody knew that he was a boss of a famous gang, and had his foot in the underworld.

It was then he heard her piece on the matter of their position. That was good at least she was aware of what was going on.

“Alright, that’s good to hear. Well, is there any type of training you would like to focus on for yourself? I can do my best to help you out with it. I am one who’s quite versatile in many things.” He said to her as if it was the truth.

Hai stood quiet as he wondered what his father’s plan was. He didn’t think Drakkon liked Maple. Yeah, that man didn’t see her the way he looked at Lumikki and that was for sure.

Humans are weird. I know he’s not just human, but still, his human characteristic shows a lot more than anything. Still, he’s my father, and if he’s able to keep me by his side, then he’s doing something right. He thought to himself as he would spectate and see how things would go from here on out.

263|2007
[exit]

It would eventually lead to a as casual and pleasant evening as Maple could have with Drakkon, but over all it was not that this was a horrible thing. If anything Maple learned a lot and figured maybe it was just minor happen stance beyond things she explained.

But suppose maybe eventually Maple should explain why her family might have treated her that way from things she eventually learned. But he had ideas and plans and Maple had to some what see if she could follow along with him. As for what all entirely will happen in the future Maple was not sure.

But they had other things to move too anyway, surely this would be an interesting matter over all to see what would happen. But at least Maple felt happy, in which was always the main goal of in which she felt was important in the end of the day, no matter the struggle.

(exit)