Chapter 22 - Fortress of Dragonbone
The alarm bell echoed across the frontier fortress.
DONG!
DONG!
DONG!
Soldiers rushed to the battlements.
Hunters tightened the straps on their armour.
Beast Tamers summoned wolves, hawks, bears, and serpents, preparing for battle.
Kai stepped aside as dozens of wagons rolled past him.
Each carried wounded hunters.
Some had lost their contracted beasts.
Others stared blankly into the distance.
The Dragonbone Frontier was nothing like the academy.
Here...
Failure meant death.
---
A towering stone fortress stood at the entrance to the frontier.
Its walls were built from enormous dragon bones reinforced with black steel.
Above the gate was a single inscription.
"Only those who face death may protect life."
Kai quietly read the words before entering.
---
Inside the fortress, organised chaos filled every street.
Blacksmiths forged weapons day and night.
Healers treated the injured.
Merchants sold beast cores, medicines, and equipment.
Veteran Beast Tamers walked through the crowds, their powerful companions drawing respectful glances.
The Crimson Flame Fox peeked from Kai's shoulder.
"Everyone here is strong."
Kai nodded.
"And we'll become stronger."
---
A soldier blocked Kai's path.
"Name?"
"Kai Dragonbane."
"Purpose?"
"I've come to join the Frontier Expedition."
The soldier's eyes narrowed.
"A first-year academy student?"
Before Kai could answer, he presented Headmaster Aldric's sealed letter.
The soldier's expression changed immediately.
"The Commander's seal..."
"Follow me."
---
Minutes later...
Kai entered the command headquarters.
Maps covered every wall.
Red markers indicated beast territories.
Several officers argued around a large wooden table.
At the head of the room stood a broad-shouldered man with silver hair and a long scar running across his left eye.
His beast—a massive bronze lion—slept quietly beside him.
The soldier saluted.
"Commander Arcturus."
"The academy has sent someone."
The Commander accepted Aldric's letter and read it in silence.
After a few moments, he laughed.
"So Aldric finally used that favour."
He looked directly at Kai.
"You're younger than I expected."
"I've heard rumours about you."
Kai remained silent.
Rumours travelled faster than people.
---
Commander Arcturus folded the letter.
"If Aldric trusts you..."
"I'll give you a chance."
He pointed toward the map.
"This morning, an S-Class expedition disappeared in the Valley of Broken Fangs."
"Only one survivor returned."
"The survivor spoke of a creature..."
"...that shouldn't exist."
Kai remembered the scout's warning.
"The Bone Dragon?"
Arcturus nodded grimly.
"No ordinary dragon."
"A creature believed to have died thousands of years ago."
---
The Book of Infinite Beasts suddenly appeared.
Golden pages turned rapidly.
Then crimson letters emerged.
---
Main Quest Updated
Investigate the Valley of Broken Fangs
Objective:
- Discover the truth behind the Bone Dragon.
- Recover the First Dragon King's Relic.
Reward:
- Unlock Second Beast Contract.
- Ancient Bloodline Fragment.
---
Kai's heartbeat quickened.
"The First Dragon King's Relic..."
It was exactly what the Book had mentioned.
---
Commander Arcturus walked toward a weapons rack.
He removed a simple black spear.
"This belonged to one of my captains."
"He won't be needing it anymore."
He handed it to Kai.
"It isn't legendary."
"But it's reliable."
Kai accepted it respectfully.
"I'll return it."
The Commander smiled.
"Return alive."
"That's enough."
---
Just then, the headquarters door burst open.
A young woman in silver armour strode inside.
Long silver hair flowed behind her.
At her side walked a magnificent snow-white wolf with icy blue eyes.
The wolf's gaze immediately locked onto Kai.
"So..."
The woman smiled.
"We finally meet."
Kai recognised her instantly.
She was the mysterious woman he had seen in the vision after leaving the academy.
"I'm Lyra Frost."
"Captain of the Third Frontier Squad."
"And according to someone very annoying..."
She glanced at the white wolf, who gave a playful huff.
"...I'm supposed to keep you alive."
The fox tilted its head.
"She seems strong."
Kai nodded quietly.
Very strong.
Before anyone could speak again, the fortress shook violently.
BOOOOM!
A deafening roar echoed through the valley.
The sound carried ancient fury.
Every beast inside the fortress fell silent.
The bronze lion stood instantly.
The snow wolf bared its fangs.
Even the Crimson Flame Fox's fur stood on end.
A scout burst into headquarters, breathing heavily.
"Commander!"
"The Bone Dragon..."
"...is flying toward the fortress!"
Commander Arcturus seized his sword.
His voice boomed through the command hall.
"All expedition squads!"
"To the walls!"
Kai tightened his grip on the black spear.
His first mission in the Dragonbone Frontier...
Had begun before he had even unpacked.