What Defines a Hero

Campaign: [[Campaign_Quests#Chapter_4:_{{{ChapterName}}}|{{{ChapterName}}}]]

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Chapter 4 / 5-4

What Defines a Hero

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The Lightwyrm's Wishes

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To the Ancient Ruins

Summary

Convinced of the prince's character, the Lightwyrm grants his pact. Moments later, a mysterious girl appears with the whereabouts of Zethia and King Aurelius, and the party sets out for the Binding Ruins.

Dialogue

Strike down your brother and claim the pact you seek, Euden! ...... I can't do that, Lightwyrm. But hear me out. This man is my brother—but more than that, he is unarmed. How can I bring peace and justice to my people if I kill a defenseless individual? You would answer so even knowing it ruins your chance of forging a pact with me? My answer ruins nothing, Jupiter. You've been indulged long enough. Emile is beaten, as you were before him. Only one man remains to claim this pact. I am already your master. A rather aggressive line of reasoning. And if I don't see things quite the same? I WILL have your obedience, Lightwyrm. By force, if you insist on it. If any among the hallowed ranks of dragonkind are wicked, I will hammer their character straight like steel at the forge. Guiding stray dragons back into the fold is my royal duty. Bold words, human... ...... ...Pfffffft! Aaaaaaah ha ha ha! Oh my, yes! You've every bit the gall of Alberius the Founder himself! It has been AGES since someone had the brass to lecture me to my face! I thought I was the best actor here, but you've gone and stolen the show. Actor? Then you never really intended— I don't want a corpse rotting at my door! I was merely taking the measure of your character, as promised. And I do believe I've found a human worthy of me. It has been AGES. Now look sharp! We have a sacred rite to perform. I am the Lightwyrm, Jupiter—lord of thunder and light, and master of these peaks! Now shall I be the gleaming bolt that smites your foes! ...Well then! I think that's everything. It will be a pleasure working with you, Euden. Again... AGAIN! Why him? Why is it always HIM?! I will see you kneel before me next time, Brother! Mark my words! Goodness! It's rare to hear such a textbook line these days. Too bad he doesn't have a mustache to twirl about as he speaks. Don't worry, I won't hold him against you. You can't pick your relatives, after all. Pay him no mind and forget away, says I. ...... I can't forget. For all his failings, he's still family. And I can't help but hold out hope for him. He's known more suffering than any of us. Ha ha! I appears I've signed on with a hopeless optimist. How very ghastly. Now then, we— What?! What is it? Someone's here. But who could have stolen into my territory without notice? No... A fourth pact is sworn. You're the woman from the Mistholt. The Zethia look-alike! What are you plotting, and how come you're plotting it with her face?! You wouldn't believe me even if I explained. But know that I am not your enemy. I wanted to do this peacefully... But you've already forged pacts with so many. Why do you have a problem with me and the dragons? What's your aim in all this? I must see fate thwarted. But with so many dragons pactbound, my options are limited. Make for the Binding Ruins. Victory there may yet see this tragedy averted... Binding Ruins? Never heard of it. I have, but only in legend. They speak of an ancient site known only to heirs of the Alberian throne and a select few among the Church. I know its location. You will find what you seek there. King Aurelius and Zethia will be there, if things are as I know them to be. Zethia?! If she's there, I— Stay calm, Euden. We have no reason to trust this woman. He's right. It's obviously a trap. Now shoo, hussy! Away from my darling! Trap or no, I have to go. If there's any chance of saving her, no matter how small, I have to take it. Besides, what trap could catch me with friends like you at my side? Plus, they'll have to face the Windwyrm, Waterwyrm, Flamewyrm, and Lightwyrm! Indeed, it seems the Six Greatwyrms are gathering beneath your standard. Of those that remain, Chthonius is said to have fallen in battle. That leaves but one to find before we strike at the emperor. Easier said than done, I fear. How so? The Shadowwyrm Zodiark is an extremely powerful dragon. What's worse, I'm almost certain he's... He's...what? Hmm, no. I shouldn't assume anything without proof. Let's get moving, then. To the Binding Ruins? Sounds like a plan. Euden's power grows greater still with his fourth dragonpact now forged.

He makes now for the Binding Ruins, to save his sister and learn the truth of his father's transformation.

He keeps hope alive in his heart, unaware that what awaits him in those ruins is cold truth and a most tragic reunion...