System Change

Chapter 387: Efficient

Derek, with Silvi still perched on his shoulder after coming out of the vault, left Tyler alone in the treasury to clean up while he sneaked away. As for Tyler? The young man was still standing in the center of the room, staring stunned in Dereks direction as they moved out of his line of sight.

Im sure hell figure everything out. If nothing else, it will give him something to do to get his mind off of everything that has happened recently, Derek thought. It would be much better for the young man to focus more on the odd overpowered guy and acquisition of many of the items in the kingdoms treasury than the fact that hed lost almost all of his relatives in the span of a week.

As Derek walked down one of the hopefully familiar halls on his way back to everyone else, he hummed a happy tune. It had been a while since hed accomplished a task that really increased his mood. More than anything, I cant wait to try out these skill increase potions. Those had been the items that hed been particularly jealous of when he saw some of the others in the raid dungeon be rewarded with them.

Now, thanks to Astruss abundant generosity, I have many times more than any of the others do. And here I was thinking about trying to trade some Void Beast stuff for some, he thought. Actually, its surprising that Astrus had so many of them. I wonder if they have a dungeon somewhere around here that can reward them as part of its loot. If there is one, itd be level 250, right? If that was so, it would definitely be a dungeon worth running a few timesat least, depending on how the potions ended up working on the skills he wanted to level.

While thinking of those skillsparticularly Multi-Strike and Greater MeditationDerek made multiple wrong turns and was lost for a bit until he found his way back to an area he had recognized from before. From there, he was easily able to navigate back to the palace entrance, where he hoped everyone would still be. I wasnt gone that long, was I?

He let out a silent sigh of relief when he made it to the entrance and he saw that nobody else had left. In fact, Edward and Osian were now standing in the middle of the massive courtyard with the representatives of all the noble houses surrounding themeach trying to ask questions or talk all at once. Really, it looked almost like a scene from Hollywoodtwo stars surrounded by a group of paparazzi who were all trying to get the latest scoop. Im sure they just want to bring as much information back to their families as they can.

As Derek was staring out over the group and thinking, Alanah caught his attention.

Where have you been? her voice sounded as she walked over from the top step where she had still been chatting with Avery. Dont think I didnt notice you leave where did you go, anyway?

Oh Derek said. I was around. Just went exploring, you know? he asked with a cheshire grin.

Ah, Alanah said. I understand. You went exploring. She emphasized the word. Ive been known to explore some places as well. By the look of that smile on your face, I take it that your exploration was successful?

It was very successful, actually, he replied.

And is your successful exploration going to cause a lot of problems for us in the future? she asked.

For us? Derek questioned, then shook his head. No, its not going to cause any problems for us. What could really cause problems for us, anyway?

Alanah snorted, then said, Youd be surprised but I understand your meaning. Something like that you were just getting what you were owed.

Exactly, Derek said. I was just collecting on a little payment. Speaking of payment, you deserve some too. They have quite a bit of stuff left to explore if you want. If you dont like that, Id be happy to share what I found.

Thats fine. Alanah waved the thought away. Thanks for the gesture, but I have more than enough. There are not many things that interest me.

I see, Derek said. Well then more for me.

Yes, more for you.

Anyway. Derek began to change the subject. Whats going on down there? he asked. Are they still kissing hands and shaking babies?

He doesnt need my help, Avery said. He needs Lyras help. Soon after that, the massive shadow of Lyra appeared over Icecrest. She was alonenone of the other dragonkin had followed. Slowly, the winged-serpent beat her wings and drifted down to the half empty courtyardmany nobles were still in the process of clearing out.

Many of the nobles who were still in the courtyard panicked and tried to hurry out, while some of the others who had already left turned back in curiosity. Finally, Lyra landed on the ground, away from everyone. With her sitting there, Derek walked forward.

Youre should charge the kingdom for all the babysitting youve had to do, he sent to her. Hed not really talked with the serpent before, but, even though her affinity made him feel a bit weird, it was nothing compared to Alanahs, and they got along just fine.

Theyve nothing that interests me, Lyra replied with her own Telepathy. The sound of her voice that appeared in Dereks head was feminine and slightly seductivealmost like that of Alanahs, but lower pitched. Her reply was basically the same one that hed received from Alanah, too.

Leave it to Avery Derek thought. Well, Im sure you could find something if you try hard enough. There are three kingdoms worth of treasuries that could have skills or potions or something that you may find interesting or that may help you.

Maybe she replied, then said nothing else.

Okay, Derek said. Everyone stand back. Were lucky this courtyard is so big. Though I could have just done this outside the city but that would have taken too much work.

With that thought, Derek opened his Time Prison widerevealing the giant door once again instead of the small, human-sized one. Finally, he opened the door and the remaining lesser dragonkin he had stored rushed out one by oneeach halting and slowly moving to the side as soon as their eyes met Lyras. Soon enough, the massive courtyard no longer looked so big, as it was filled with dragonkin.

Derek closed his Time Prison, then turned to his audience. Only a select few had seen his Time Prison in action, and even few knew that he had or could store dragonkin inside. Marrick was one who hadnt known, but the old man didnt look surprisedinstead, he looked to be evaluating Derek. On his face was a slight grin as his eyes moved from Derek to the dragonkin.

That done, Derek moved back to Alanah and began removing his storage rings and bracelet. With them in hand, he reached out. Would you mind taking care of these while Im gone? Derek said. Hed trusted her with his items before, so hed do it again.

Of course, Alanah took the items.

Also, I doubt shes going to have any problems, as the remaining wyvern is still back in Cydaria, but if something happens and Lyra loses control, youre probably the best person to help wrangle the dragonkin back in, Derek explained.

Its only natural, Alanah said with a smile. In the next instant, Silvi appeared on Alanahs shoulder, which caused the woman to flinch slightly, but that was all.

Oh Derek began. And Silvi doesnt want to let go of her storage rings right now, so she wont be coming. It was a sign of respect that Silvi had chosen Alanahs shoulder to rest on instead of her head. Derek still wanted to try to cover his storage items in the void or in one of Silvis void creations and give that a try, but it wasnt the right time for that yet.

Alright, Derek said. Are you all ready? If so, lets go to the Throne Room. I dont want to spook the dragonkin. Everyone agreed and soon they were all standing in the Throne Room. Derek directed Edwin and Ryven to remove any and all storage items that they were wearingwhich they did.

Derek then used Void Travel and opened the tunnelcausing the feeling of doom and dread to fall onto everyone in the room. With his hand on Edwins back, he covered the king in the void and stepped inside. Soon enough, the two appeared inside the Throne Room in Cydariain front of Phillip Musgrave, who looked to have rushed over when he felt the dread from the portal opening.

With the king dropped off, Derek went back to Astrus to get Ryven. Everyone watched as he stepped out of the portal created by Void Travel and gestured to the elven duke. With Ryven standing in front of him, Derek placed his hand on the elven dukes back and covered him with void.

As they began to step inside the tunnel, one of the side doors to Astruss Throne Room swung open and a servant rushed in. Its terrible! the servant yelled. Someone has broken into the treasury!

With that, Derek took his last step into the tunnel then closed the portal behind themthey were gone. He was nothing if not efficient.