The Achievement Junkie

'Then what gives you the right to enter?'

Anxious to hear the hydra woman's reply, everyone was at the edge of their seats. Hindrad and the other consul showed wry grins as they eagerly wanted to find a means to counter the upcoming argument.

While Lunara paused for a moment of thought, Jack reminded her, 'Just say the word.'

She didn't reply to Jack but resumed her explanation, 'Head Raztol, you'll have to trust my word that the inside of Glacier Keep is far more dangerous than any of hydras present today can handle, apart from myself.'

'And you have no evidence?'

'The evidence we have would mean nothing to you or the hydra people, as they have no knowledge of the world beyond the trench.'

'I've made a few ventures beyond the trench, Lunara,' added Raztol, surprising the goddess. 'I know enough to understand that the two people beside you are humans. Also, according to what I've heard, that man, in particular, is far stronger than any hydra would imagine. Is he the reason why you would be safe within Glacier Keep?'

Feeling some relief, Lunara nodded. 'That is correct. His name is Jack and he's the greatest reason for why I would be safe inside Glacier Keep.'

'Hmm… And what of these other visitors? Do you know anything?'

Jack suddenly mentioned to Lunara, 'According to my map, Kylon and seven Flood Dragon gods are already searching for this trench. Most likely, they'll find it tomorrow night, maybe sooner.'

Grateful for such precise insight, Lunara stated, 'Head Raztol, a party of eight others is searching for this trench already. We can assume they'll find it sometime tomorrow.'

'May I?'

Raztol glanced down at his right and nodded lightly.

That consul puffed out his chest and stated, 'You may not remember me. Address me as Wingreig. I must ask, how is it that you know so much about these other visitors yet you claim to have not informed them of anything?'

'We come from the outside world, beyond the reaches of the ocean. Our base of operations has already located the others and I wanted to make sure we arrived before any others to warn my people,' answered Lunara.

Gradually tilting his head from side to side, Wingreig questioned, 'And why should we allow visitors at all? We've never had any unannounced beasts enter Glacier Reef, yet you've brought the first two. And one of which is responsible for tormenting my fellow consul, Elder Hindrad. Based on the actions of that creature beside you, isn't it safe to assume that he's not our ally nor a proper guest?'

All of a sudden, laughter telepathic laughter filled the vast chamber. The source was instantly spotted as Jack calmed himself with a cough and a raised hand to pardon himself.

Lunara then stated, 'Jack is no enemy of the hydra people. That I can assure you.'

'Yet you can provide no evidence?' reasoned Wingreig. 'Without proper evidence, then there's no reason to consider your entry into Glacier Keep.'

'Elder Wingreig, know that if you don't allow us to enter there, the hydra people will be in danger.'

'Is that a threat?' Wingreig frowned, glaring back at Lunara.

'No… that's a fact…' Lunara sighed, shaking her heads and trying to think of what to say next.

Wingreig spoke next, however, 'I don't think there's any reason to discuss this further.'

'You may be wrong, Wingreig,' stated head Raztol, startling every listening hydra. 'I think this is worth discussing further. I don't believe she would decide to return without a cause…'

'It's cause enough to seek the prosperity of Glacier Reef,' replied Wingreig. 'I believe it would be best to discuss her assignment among the labor force, not some trivial and meaningless debacle about her entering Glacier Keep.'

'Let me make one more thing clear. I too am only a guest,' admitted Lunara. 'I have no plans of dwelling in Glacier Keep and will only be staying until we enter the keep in three days. After that, we'll be returning to the outside world.'

More murmurs inundated the council chamber, leaving distasteful looks on the faces of every elder for one reason or another.

'Lunara,' Elder Wingreig stated loudly, 'Your arrival is a great thing for us hydras! With your healing abilities and physical prowess, you'll be more capable than any other hydra within the laborforce! Such an addition to society will be forever treasured. We'll--'

'I made myself clear, Elder Wingreig. I will not be living here. I'm but a guest.'

'Well… We have no policy for guests, nor--'

'Have we seen a need for one,' Raztol interrupted Wingreig's reasoning. 'Normally, it would take a week to reach a decision, but I believe we'll manage to create a visiting policy by the end of the night given the incoming visitors.'

'Head Raztol, please--'

'Save your reasoning and discussion for the upcoming session, Wingreig.' Turning his attention back to Lunara, Raztol added, 'For now, consider yourselves as honored guests of the Glacial Hydras. We would highly wish for you to remain with us Lunara, but I won't force you. After we've finished this meeting, the Body Council will take a recess and them resume to discuss a policy on foreign visitors.'

'Thank you, Head Raztol.' Lunara bowed her head, along with Lina. She was relieved to hear that as Lunara understood Jack's manner of handling things and what switches could make him go off.

'Now, can you tell us more about these incoming visitors? Perhaps some insight would help us determine a proper policy for foreign guests.'

'Head Raztol, do you know of Flood Dragons?'

The entire room was unfazed by Lunara's question. Head Raztol, on the other hand, took in a sharp breath was left in a momentary daze.

'I take it you know of them?' Lunara asked again, noticing the change in Raztol's behavior.

'... Are Flood Dragons those incoming guests?' questioned Raztol, appearing more serious than any other moment of the meeting.

'Yes. There are eight of them incoming, and they're all strong enough to wipe out the hydras.'