The Achievement Junkie

"Honey, that--"

"We'll form a pact and then I'll be the one to pledge to you, making you lv. 99 and free of your contract," Dragas stated firmly. "You didn't deny our relationship last time, only putting it off."

"But we can't go so fast--"

"Why not?!" argued Dragas, not caring who was present to witness the bickering couple. "We've been patient our whole lives, waiting thousands of years for somethings. But why should we wait on this? If anything, our years of wisdom should make the decision all the easier."

Moranti swallowed some stagnant saliva. He paused to think before replying, "Dragas… I'm fine with getting married. But--"

"Then why not now? Give me one good reason!"

"I… I promised her to have a child first." Taking out his scythe, Moranti sighed. "The remains of my wife and my people will always be with me in this scythe. Her dying wish was for me to have a child and revive my people. That's why I've wanted for Jack to search for more sealed dragons…"

"That's it?!" Dragas gave Moranti a resounding slap, befuddling everyone. "I told you, never doubt the fertility of a dryad!"

"W-what do you mean?"

"Dryads can bear children with any living organism, at least any that have attempted. Why can't I bear your child?!" pouted Dragas, retrieving a set of cheap wedding rings. "I made a promise too, and you fit the bill! I'm not allowed to marry anyone that's weaker than him, so who else can I ask?!"

"Dragas…" Moranti's breath paused as he saw Dragas's shouts turn to cries. He lowered the scythe to the side and embraced her with his free arm.

Everyone else was speechless. No one dared interrupt the moment, either out of compassion or fear. At least, for a minute or two. Then, Jack spoke up, "I agree with Dragas."

"Jack…" Moranti sighed.

"See, I'm not the only one!" Dragas admitted, glancing back at Jack. "If he agrees, then why not?!"

"I want to know what will happen if you two form a mutual seal while you both have my bloodline skill," added Jack, changing everyone's thoughts immediately. "If that were to happen, wouldn't Moranti's magic types match up against Halmut's?"

Seeing the situation in a new light, Moranti's mind went blank for a moment. He blinked. Moranti then chuckled once. Then twice.

"See?" Dragas turned Moranti's head to look her in the eyes. "Why can't we make it official? And since I'll be starting over as a god anyway, I won't be battle much and can focus on raising a child…"

Overwhelmed, Moranti didn't know what to say. He wanted to impulsively delay it again but Moranti also wanted to know if Dragas could possibly bear his seed. Then, thinking of what their mutual seal would do for his fighting strength, Moranti was unable to stop imagining such a drastic increase in his abilities.

"You know… if we form a seal, then I may be able to make a hybrid form. Wouldn't that guarantee fertility?"

Dragas's soft whisper was the final push Moranti needed.

"I… I'm okay with that."

"Then say it… Don't make your women wait…"

Sighing and chuckling, Moranti kissed Dragas and embraced her. Leaning his head against hers, Moranti asked, "Dragas, will you marry me?"

"Yes!"

The couple kissed yet again as Dragas was unafraid to slip her man the tongue in public. It took a moment for Lunara and Jack's wives to start clapping, followed by Lina and then everyone else. It was the last thing everyone was expecting to happen during their meeting.

Jack brought the conversation back to the main topic, asking, "Then, are we all in favor of that plan? I'm sorry if it's not your preferred way of doing things."

"I don't mind at all," stated Eedaj. "Death is nothing to be afraid of in this instance, so why should I waver."

"Rikko okay too. Maybe Rikko swim with Lunara's blessing!"

The entire room broke out in laughter as Rikko began to daggy paddle the air.

"We need to speak, now."

Jack halted his laughter and changed his expression to a sly smile. He whispered, "What is it?"

"Go to Shadow Gorge, alone. An escort will bring you to us. Kylon needs your help, no questions asked."

"Okay… I'm on the way."

The conversation was brief and to the point, but it was all Jack needed to feel much better about what came next.

"So, shall we prepare for the ceremony?" Jack joked, adding to the laughter around the room.

"YES!" Dragas immediately agreed. "We can do it here and now since this is everyone we need! Let's clear the tables and rearrange the seats!"

"Honey, that's--"

"We can only get married once, so you owe me this much at least! Now let's hurry, or we won't have time to level up and get you your levels!" argued Dragas, storing the giant conference table in her storage, no questions asked.

Everyone instantly played along, doing as Dragas asked. Many seats were stored and the women rushed to take down all decorations within the room. Dragas and Eedaj then began to set up their fauna and plant life decorations, according to Dragas's tastes and every whim, of course. Dragas even had the lazy Phoro rushing to store every small knick-knack on the many small tables throughout the room, as well as the tables. She needed everything perfect.

Though Jack was unable to escape the setup, one person had vanished under everyone's watch without anyone the wiser.

A small flash of purple light appeared on the Maldor-Fulken border. When the light rescinded, the helmed swordsman found himself alone on a rocky, desert path. Taking in a breath of the warm air, the man's helmet was stored, as was his unusual make-shift armor. Smiling wide, Jack was happy to be using one of his many anonymous disguises from his in-game past. The thrill of deceiving others, even allies, was still a rush for him.

Changing into Sterfen's cloak, one of the spares that he had picked up from his tomb, Jack assumed the common garb of adventurers and took out a broom, if it still qualified as a broom. Red racing flames existed where bristles usually were and the shaft of the broom was made of unusually thick steel with strange contours. It even had handlebars and a large leather seat. The item looked more like a levitating motorcycle than a broom, but it had always been labeled as the "Harley mount" under the broom category.

Hopping onto the lottery item that had cost Jack a summer bonus, the hero rocketed through the air at incredible speed.