Second World Chapter 2003. Darmos
Previously on Second World...
2003 Chapter 2003. Darmos
The group departed from Chris' secret garden. While Jack and Grace made their way back to Thereath, Jeanny and Paytowin headed for Heavenly Citadel. Meanwhile, John and Linda set off in a different direction.
Jack sought out Thaergood to review the arrangements for the upcoming coronation tomorrow. A public announcement regarding the event had already been transmitted throughout the realm, leaving the populace in a state of shock. Many citizens suspected a clandestine power struggle was unfolding. Having just endured the terror of an underworld invasion and the rise of a malevolent God, the people were exhausted by large-scale turmoil. The government officials were forced to repeatedly reassure the public that this transition was the King's personal decree and that no foul play was involved.
Thaergood inquired if Jack could delay the coronation until next week. He pointed out that many of the native nobles were currently away from the capital, and since native access to zone portals was restricted, only a handful would be able to attend on such short notice.
Jack insisted that Thaergood proceed as scheduled for tomorrow. He was eager to settle kingdom affairs and move on as quickly as possible. Grace accompanied Thaergood to assist with the final touches, while Jack headed back to his private quarters for some rest.
During his walk, the sound of beating wings reached Jack’s ears, and he felt Eoranth’s presence drawing near. Stepping onto the balcony, he greeted the guardian of the country. Eoranth appeared fully healed, having consumed the Reconstruct Potion provided by Tip a few days prior.
"I’ve been told you are relinquishing your throne," Eoranth remarked.
"That is correct," Jack replied. "Do you intend to resign as the country guardian? I won't stand in your way, though I’d feel much more at ease knowing you’re watching over this realm after I’m gone."
"I’ll stay. I’ve grown fond of this place," Eoranth answered.
"That’s excellent news! I’m glad to hear it," Jack said.
"Follow me. There is something you need to see," Eoranth stated.
Jack anticipated finding a gathering of true dragons within the cavern, perhaps celebrating the conclusion of the Calamity and the end of the underworld threat. To his surprise, the massive chamber was silent. Eoranth was the sole true dragon present.
Eoranth landed on the central island within the cavern’s small lake, the same spot where the dragons had met during Jack's last visit. Jack touched down beside him.
Scanning his surroundings, Jack saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"What was it you wanted to show me?" Jack questioned.
"Be patient. He is quite timid around strangers," Eoranth noted.
"He…?"
"You can come out now. He is a friend," Eoranth called out, his eyes fixed on a spot away from Jack.
Jack followed the dragon's gaze toward a large rock. He sensed a faint but strangely familiar life force emerging from behind the stone. He couldn't quite place why the mana felt so recognizable.
He watched the boulder intently, keeping his distance. Moments later, a small head poked out. It was a dragon—a tiny creature covered in shimmering blue scales.
"That’s…"
"He is the offspring of Broidrireg," Eoranth revealed.
"Offspring?!" Jack gasped, stunned by the news. Peniel manifested from her hidden dimension to get a closer look at the hatchling.
"He’s absolutely adorable…!" The fairy darted forward, causing the frightened little dragon to vanish behind the boulder. Jack suddenly felt the creature's presence disappear entirely.
"Can he hide within a hidden dimension too?" Peniel asked, surprised.
"It is an innate talent," Eoranth clarified. "It caught us off guard as well. Such a gift is rare among our kind. He might be the very first true dragon to possess it."
"No wonder I didn't detect him when I first arrived," Jack remarked. He hurried to the boulder, but the tiny dragon was nowhere to be found.
"You should both give him some breathing room," Eoranth advised.
"My apologies." Jack and Peniel retreated a few steps.
The blue dragon then reappeared on top of the rock. Upon closer inspection, Jack noticed many of Broidrireg’s traits in the small creature. Both possessed sleek blue scales and the long, graceful bodies characteristic of eastern dragons.
"Who is the mother?" Jack inquired.
"Mother?" Eoranth looked at Jack with a confused expression.
"Broidrireg is the father, right? So who is the mother?"
"You’re confusing true dragons with the myths from your own world," Peniel intervened. "In this world, a true dragon isn't born from two parents. Broidrireg is his sole parent."
"Wait, what…?"
Peniel let out a sigh at Jack’s bewilderment. She elaborated, "True dragons do not mate. They produce offspring only when their internal mana reaches a peak state. It’s a rare occurrence that happens maybe three times in their long lives, or sometimes never. This is why true dragons are so scarce."
"Broidrireg passed away in peace, feeling he had fulfilled his purpose. He held great confidence that those he left behind—especially you, Jack—would protect the world," Eoranth added. "Even with the threat of the underworld, he never doubted you would overcome the disaster. In that moment of peaceful passing, he must have condensed his mana. It formed a dragon egg, which eventually hatched into the little one you see now."
"Does he have a name?" Jack asked, gesturing for the tiny dragon to approach.
"Broidrireg had enough strength left to speak after the egg was produced. He requested that we name the child Darmos."
Jack went still at the mention of the name, a wave of emotion washing over him. Broidrireg had given his child the name of his own mortal disguise. It was a sign that his spirit lived on through this new life.
Seeing Jack standing still, Darmos finally found his bravery. He glided toward Jack, circling him a few times before settling on his shoulders. The dragon’s long body coiled around Jack’s neck like a living blue scarf.
"It seems he likes you," Eoranth remarked with a chuckle.
"He likely senses your bond with his father," Peniel added.
"Hehe, Darmos. Let’s be friends, okay?" Jack gently stroked the hatchling’s head, prompting a kitten-like purr.
They remained in the cave for the night. Jack pulled several fish from his inventory, cooked them, and fed them to Darmos. Much like his father, the little dragon had a healthy appetite and loved a good meal. Jack and Peniel spent the evening playing with the dragon while Eoranth observed. Eventually, exhaustion claimed them, and they slept within the cavern.
The next morning, Peniel woke Jack. When he tried to ignore her, she splashed him with cold lake water.
"What was 그게 for! Can’t a guy get a few more hours of sleep?" Jack grumbled.
"Forget sleep! Have you forgotten the coronation? Grace has been messaging you for thirty minutes!"
"Oh, no!" Jack scrambled to his feet. "I have to leave!" he told Eoranth and Darmos.
Darmos immediately took flight, chasing after him. The dragon latched onto his back as Jack headed for the exit. Jack paused, looking from Darmos to Eoranth.
"Look after him," Eoranth said. "It’s what Broidrireg would have wanted."
"Are you certain?" Jack asked.
"I couldn't make him stay even if I tried," Eoranth replied. "True dragons are fiercely independent from the moment they hatch. That stubborn nature is why so few survive their youth. If he has chosen to follow you, I won't stop him. I only ask that you keep him safe."
"He can utilize the hidden dimension, so he should be safe enough traveling with us," Peniel noted.
"Alright then," Jack said, patting Darmos once more. "Just remember to hide if things get dangerous, okay?"
Darmos gave a firm nod of understanding.
"Smart little guy. Okay, let's move. Once today is over, we’re free to adventure again!" Jack shouted. He waved goodbye to Eoranth and flew out of the cave.
As he drew near Thereath, he saw massive crowds gathered around the palace. The courtyard was packed. When the people spotted Jack in the sky, a roar of cheers erupted as they waved enthusiastically.
"You’re quite the popular ruler, aren't you? Are you really sure about giving this up?" Peniel questioned.
"I wasn't made for this. I only took the throne because I had to. If I stay, I’ll just end up miserable, and a miserable ruler makes poor choices. It’s better to hand it over to someone more suited for the job," Jack explained.
Jack returned the waves of the crowd before flying through the balcony entrance of the palace.
Grace was waiting inside, ready to scold him. "Where on earth have you— wait, who is this…?"
Her anger vanished instantly when she spotted Darmos perched on Jack’s shoulder.
"This is Darmos. Darmos, meet Grace," Jack said, introducing them.
"Darmos…?"
"He’s Broidrireg’s son."
"You’re serious?!" Grace was visibly stunned.
"I'll explain everything later. Is the ceremony ready?" Jack asked.
"Right! We’re all just waiting on you. Move it!" Grace snapped back into reality and hurried Jack along.