Chapter Text
Chapter 1: An Unpleasant Surprise
Cale’s day already started badly. He just knew that something or someone would make it even worse.
Not only did he have to suffer through another round of his enemy liquid, but Raon and Hong also got his clothes dirty while playing with their abilities in a mock battle. How exactly he got hit with dirt while leisurely eating grapes at least a hundred meters away from the destructive duo is still a mystery.
Although, Choi Han’s panicky expression was suspicious.
Cale changed his clothes and planned on eating a simple meal when his communication orb lightened up. That was not the problem, rather the caller who he exclusively marked with red - like many annoying things such as blood - didn’t fit into Cale’s relaxing mood.
Whenever Crown Prince Alberu called, problems would follow. Those two points are connected like Choi Han and bad acting.
Just as Cale was contemplating on ignoring the call, Raon appeared and took it up to himself to connect the orb. The little dragon flew down and sat next to Cale to greet the royal on the other end.
Alberu Crossman was smiling.
It was his ‘I-know-you-bastard-wanted-to-ignore-me-but-I’m-so-gracious-and-will-forgive-you’-smile combined with a regal tilt of his head. The royal was dressed in more fancy clothes than usual, which didn’t sit well with Cale.
A fancy dressed Alberu meant that the man must have met some officials, and the only reason why he would call Cale directly after without changing into something more comfortable first hinted at the prince finding some annoying work for him.
Is it too late to feign a bad connection?
Cale wasn’t in the mood to shower Alberu in flowery praises. Raon stayed silent as well as he sensed a rising tension.
The soon-to-be king huffed at his sworn brother’s expression after seeing the realization in Cale’s eyes. That bastard is as sharp as ever. Before Cale could escape, Alberu started explaining his surprise call with the intention to stop Cale from disconnecting the video feed.
“Cale, my cute dongsaeng. We haven’t seen each other for a while. Why don’t you visit your beloved hyung in the palace? We’ll have a delicious meal as well.”
He smiled his princely smile at the deadpan cale gave him. Even the eye roll didn’t deter Alberu as he continued staring Cale down. Nobody would dare to object to Alberu’s suggestions unless they wanted to be labeled as traitors, or worse, as incompetent idiots, who couldn’t read the room.
Naturally,Cale flat out rejected him. There wasn’t any hesitation nor was there guilt. The cheeky bastard even had the gall to quirk his lips at Alberu.
Visiting Alberu at the palace meant work. Only when the kids get struck by the random desire to visit him would Cale move a foot to get there.
In this particular situation, he was allergic to work, so Cale would have to decline. Before Cale could disconnect the call, he saw the suddenly serious expression on Alberu’s face.
That bad, huh? Cale thought with a wince.
Holding back a sigh, Cale made himself comfortable and raised a brow at Alberu, silently giving him the permission to continue his explanation.
“A few weeks ago, some ships were sent out to map unknown regions in the ocean. We simply wanted to classify the areas in the west of the Breck Kingdom. Normally, it wouldn’t concern us, but Crown Prince John came with a proposal which I agreed to. The ships went out to sea and we were waiting for their responses.”
Alberu licked his dry lips.
Cale saw the dark circles under the spearman’s eyes. Something bad must have happened.
"The ships never came back. Shortly before all connections were cut, however, one of my hidden dark elves was able to send a message."
Alberu combed his messy hair back. An action he wouldn’t dare in front of anyone but Cale. He leaned back while taking a sip of his cooling tea.
“The dark elf must still be alive as the elemental that accompanied him didn’t return, and I’m not too afraid for them. They can take care of themselves. What I fear more is another discovery.”
His fake blue eyes stared at Cale through the display.
Cale felt his hair stand on end and cold shivers ran down his spine. He folded his arms and waited for Alberu to continue.
“The message they sent me was ‘We have discorded a new continent with at least a dozen established countries. Planning on exploring some parts.’ After that, all contact was lost,” he said with a calm voice while taking another sip of his tea.
Alberu waited for Cale's response.
Cale’s face was as artfully stoic as ever, highlighting his superb appearance along the way, while his inner thoughts were a mess.
‘What did he say? Another continent? I must have misheard. This has to be a joke.’
- Cale, I don’t think that he’s lying.
- Another continent? Let’s f*** them up!
- More places to loot.
He ignored the annoying voices in his mind with their skewed priorities and focused on Alberu. The tired expression on the prince’s face told him enough. It wasn’t the prince’s character to make jokes about such serious topics, cementing the belief that things were as bad as cale assumed.
Alberu must have had a meeting with some higher-up and a decision had been made already. The prince didn’t look annoyed, just tired, which told Cale that whatever was decided didn’t go against the crown prince’s wishes.
Yet, the actions after must have been what caused him sleepless nights. Feeling a bad premonition, Cale asked a question.
“What has been decided?”
Alberu stared at Cale without his usual smile. The royal played with the rim of his tea cup, drawing slow, soothing circles along the silver line.
“All western countries have decided that the new continent must be investigated. As the situation isn’t clear and we can’t eliminate the possibility of hostile confrontations, a collective decision was made.”
The prince sighed once again.
Cale didn’t like this at all. He has a really bad feeling.
“Sorry, Cale. I tried my best. As you and your group possess not only an above average power level, but combined with your leading ability, it was requested that you and your people shall investigate the continent. Obviously, incognito.”
Raon and Cale’s reactions were the complete opposite. Whereas Raon was shouting in joy at the prospect of a new adventure, Cale’s horrified expression would have normally been amusing to Alberu.
The little dragon ignored Cale’s mental state and flew out of the room while shouting some hurried words.
“Human, I’ll inform Goldie Gramps and Strong Choi Han. Ooh, we need Lemonade Gramps as well.”
The dragon was gone before Cale could stop him. Alberu snorted inelegantly at the glare Cale threw at him.
The royal wasn’t fearing Cale going off into unknown regions. How could he? The young master had not only an army of dragons at his beck and call, he was also normally accompanied by a few swordmasters.
No, his fears are for different reasons.
A completely new continent gave the ex-commander more options to destroy properties while amassing new followers. Alberu feared for his wallet as well. Cale won't just give in without demanding rewards.
Well, the last part was already taken care of as the other nations graciously donated funds to sponsor Cale’s travels.
It was just the fact that not just a new country or a few islands were discovered, but a whole continent with different cultures, traditions, and powers. The whole power balance of the world will be shaken.
And that naturally has to happen just a few weeks after the battle in Puzzle City. Reparations were still underway and Cale started his plans on hunting the Hunters.
Alberu wasn't planning on sending Cale at first.
The ex-commander needed the break and it wasn't as if the quarter elf didn't have qualified experts at his disposal. Investigating things was always left to his loyal dark elves as Cale normally stumbled over the problems anyways while actively trying to avoid them.
The other countries didn’t agree with sending unknown individuals. They wanted someone or a group they could trust, the first choice instantly fell onto Cale. Alberu couldn’t even voice different ideas before all the other nobles agreed. With the way the decision was made unanimously, all responsibilities ended up on the Roan side which translated to Alberu receiving most of the work.
Having no other option, Alberu promised to talk to Cale but mentioned that he won’t force the young master should he prefer not to act. The hero of both continents is allowed to rest if he demands it.
Both nobles shared a gaze filled with annoyance, misery, and the desire to hide far away.
Cale knew that he couldn’t say no. For a peaceful life, all problems must be eliminated. One of the reasons why he’ll start actively hunting those dimension-travelling bastards, but worldly problems come first.
Just the thought of needing to work again brought a frown onto the redhead’s face.
His slacker life is getting further and further away.
Cale and Alberu plotted and discussed for over two hours, having finally decided on one course of action. The young master stretched after sitting for a while. His joints gave satisfying cracks.
Staring at his elegant hands, Cale prepared himself for suffering through hours of explanations as his little dragon must have shared the news while twisting some facts.
Opening the door, Cale came face to face with Choi Han. Clutching a comfort check in his breast pocket, the young master ignored his pounding heart which was still trying to regain proper functions and walked past the knight towards the dining area.
Most of the people in his manor should have arrived already, either because they were hungry as it was dinner time or because they knew that Cale would find them over there after settling his business with the crown prince.
Before anyone could fire questions, Cale raised his hand in a universal sign of ‘let me talk and be quiet’. He took his place at the head of the table with his usual lazy elegance.
“I’ll be traveling to the new continent while investigating the whereabouts of the missing crew alongside the political situation in the bigger countries. Furthermore, I have already decided who shall come along with me.”
Immediately after protests arose as no one wanted to be left behind. Even the wolf children joined in. Cale sighed and started eating his meal. It'd take a while for everyone to calm down and it's not like he had plans on changing his mind.
The others took notice of Cale’s dismissal and sulkily ate their own food. A heavy atmosphere cloaked the room while the occasional metallic noise when some eating utensils met plates broke the uncomfortable silence.
“I won’t take all of you as some need to remain behind and protect our home.”
Here he was looking at the sulking children and Lock.
“Others have their jobs and also can’t leave for an extended period of time.”
Rosalyn knew that he was talking about her.
“I don’t know how those people will react to different attributes and will not risk anything.”
Mary stared sadly at her plate but didn’t disagree with the young master’s reasoning.
Cale folded his hands and stared at the rest.
"Choi Han, Raon, Ohn and Hong, as well as Ron, Beacrox, and Eruhaben-nim shall join me. This way we are prepared for many situations and can react accordingly."
Those mentioned nodded. They would have come along anyways, even if Cale tried to stop them.
Raon started talking about what they needed to pack, his excited fluttering displayed the joy the little dragon was feeling at finally leaving their home again.
“Human, we need enough potion should anything happen to you. Nice Beacrox will make many apple pies, but he will come with us anyway. And ! Thick clothes for you. You can’t freeze to death or I’ll destroy the world.”
Cale ignored the vicious words of the six-year-old dragon and instead focused on the pensive knight. Choi Han was having a thoughtful expression on his face that didn’t fit into his normally smiling face or stoic expression when he’s serious.
“What is it?” Cale asked him. He didn’t like the look Choi Han sported. It just didn’t fit the Korean knight.
“What if there are others like me? Cale-nim, what should we do then?”
Worried black eyes met calm red-brown ones. Cale was as calm as always, a fact that eased the panic Choi Han was feeling. That’s right, Cale-nim always knows what to do.
“Choi Han, no matter what happens over there, our situation won’t change. As the continent is still in this world, the gods should know about it. Those bastards probably simply forgot about it or deemed the information as unnecessary. So, calm down first.”
While Cale’s words cleared up some questions, Choi Han had a completely different problem.
The deep connection shared between Choi Han and Cale rested on the fact that both were from Korea. They share knowledge and traditions just between the two of them. If another Korean just appeared and tried to take Cale’s attention, Choi Han didn’t know how he’d react.
The black-haired swordmaster vowed to train more and beat up any intruder that tries to take Cale away.
Cale just saw the fire burning in Choi Han’s eyes and thought that whatever worries the knight had were resolved. One problem less.
Ohn just shook her head at her guardian's dense mindset.
The rest of the day was spent organizing the staff and people that would remain behind, informing others about their soon-to-be traveling status, and calming down other surprise visitors that wanted to tag along.
Cale hadn’t been this busy for weeks and already wanted to crawl back under his fluffy covers, quitting the expedition before it even began.
XXX
A few days later, Cale and his chosen people met Alberu and the other nobles plus whoever was also aware of the situation at a harbor near the coast on the western side of the Breck Kingdom.
A full ship crew will join them, however, they have the orders to remain at sea when dropping Cale and his group off. After that, they shall travel back.
Cale has a dragon accompanying him and they can teleport back whenever they need. The coordinates for the other continent are missing and that will be their main job after arriving at the new lands.
They’ll secure a small area where a temporary teleportation point will be placed. In case of an emergency, backup can be requested.
Cale's blood-red hair was tied at his nape with a black band, a few strands escaped and were blown around by the wind. Simple black, white and brown clothes cover his skinny frame. The others are wearing similar things.
The children-averaging-nine shifted into their animal form or have turned invisible. Ohn and Hong stared at the sea with slightly green expressions that were only topped by Hilsman, who turned a sickly green. Luckily, the man wasn't accompanying them and only came to wish his liege safe travels.
Raon was buzzing around the older dragon. One had an expression of joy filled with excitement, while the other regrets joining the expedition.
Beacrox and Ron weren’t present as those two were already on the ship and started organizing the kitchen and the sleeping areas.
Choi Han naturally stood directly behind Cale like the loyal shadow that he was. His clothes were brand new and his sword was polished to perfection. The knight wants to make good impressions. He can’t damage the reputation of his liege by appearing with shoddy clothes.
Nervous officials litter the harbor.
A new continent was discovered!
This isn’t your everyday proceedings, this is grand. Not just the political climate will change. Whatever goods that will be found on the new lands can change whole economies. New food, maybe even new crafting materials or new arts and more.
The possibilities were endless.
Joseph Falcon, a small second-generation baron, stared at the Hero of the Continents. Cale Henituse was standing calmly with confidence and grace in every action. No worry was seen on the hero’s face.
Just a small frown graced the lips of the young master. He must be worried for his people. What did they do to deserve such a kind and beautiful soul as their hero? Joseph doesn’t know but thanks the gods every night for blessing them with the presence of the young master.
Now, the hero and his party will travel to unknown lands and explore them, bringing back valuable information and goods. The baron is certain that the young master will be able to forge friendly bonds with the natives.
Anyone that dares to oppose the young master isn’t worthy anyways.
Gripping his handkerchief, the baron waved it like a young lady saying goodbye to her lover. Normally, this action would be embarrassing for any man, but he wasn’t the only one and his wife also joined in emotionally and dramatically waving goodbye to their hero.
Cale’s stoic face almost broke out into a frown. Why were all these people so weird?
He’d just ignore them.
Standing on deck and staring at the clear sky, Cale regrets his life choices. Amid the pitying and destructive comments of the ancient powers, he almost missed Raon going off as well.
- Weak human, the ship started sailing! It’s time for adventures. Human, do you think there are other dragons? Oh, we could befriend them.
Cale really doubted that they’d find any kind of overgrown lizard with friendly intentions, the ones on their continent were just weird.
Eruhaben sneezed. It feels like a hypocrite was talking bullshit again. He stared at the unlucky bastard, just on principle. Cale avoided his gaze and answered the black dragon.
“It’ll be fine.”
The unsaid ‘We won’t meet any and if we do, just ignore them while making sure not to antagonize those mighty, overpowered beings’ went over the little dragon’s head. He heard something similar to ‘if they don’t like us, we smack them from behind’.
Both man and little dragon fortunately didn’t share their thoughts with each other.
With all preparations complete, the ship set sail with a destination of unknown lands.
What the travelers didn’t know was that a new adventure was just waiting around the corner.
Conflicts, interesting people and a hidden agenda as well as an old legend awaited them.
For now, they are one their way to the unknown lands with smiles, or in case of Cale a frown, on their faces.
In the far future, this adventure will be written down by a few well-known individuals, even if they are debatable by Cale’s standards.
It will be called ‘the Legend of the Western Lands’.