I Received System to Become Dragonborn

Chapter 688 Hum Of Last Preparations

The five Elves who had been chosen for the perilous scout mission now stood silently on one side of the grand chamber. Their gazes shifted from one another with silent understanding passing between them.

Each of them carried the weight of their duty in their hearts while knowing full well the risks they were about to face and the importance of their mission for the survival of their kind.

No words were exchanged — none were needed. A simple nod from each was sufficed as a shared acknowledgment of their resolve.

Saeldir broke the silence with a calm and measured voice.

"We have been entrusted with a task that may determine the fate of our people. Let us not falter." His piercing gaze swept over the others, his calm demeanor as an Archmage radiating confidence.

Aerchon who was standing beside hi folded his arms and glanced at the Forest Elves with respect. "We were chosen because we were the best. I trust that your skills will live up to the reputation that precedes you," he said with firm tone.

Vael, the silent arche, just inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. His sharp green eyes gleaming with determination.

Beside him, Arlyn adjusted the twin blades strapped across his back, his braided hair swaying slightly as he turned to Sylra. The lithe tracker returned his glance with a faint mischievous smile. Her emerald eyes showing the sharp focus of a predator ready for the hunt. The Forest Elves know about that.

Meanwhile, at the center of the room, King Gulben and King Fairon stood in quiet conversation.

King Gulben's brow furrowed as he looked over the assembled team.

"Do you believe this group will suffice, Fairon? The task before them is unprecedented, and the enemy they face wields power unlike any we've known," said King Gulben.

King Fairon nodded slowly. "If there is a team that can succeed, it is this one. Each has their strengths and together they form a balance. We can only hope that they are enough for this task."

Gulben sighed, his gaze lingering on Saeldir, the Archmage who had served the palace faithfully for centuries, and his own son.

"Saeldir and Aerchon will guide them well. He understands the nature of Laston's betrayal better than anyone."

The tension in the room was palpable and the air heavy with anticipation and unspoken fears. The scout party looks like they were remained composed.

Aerchon look at the grop, addressing them. "Remember. This isn't just about gathering intelligence. If we saw ann opportunity we must act to hinder Laston's plans. But above all, the survival of this team is the most important. We must return with what we can even if it's incomplete. The palace must be prepared."

Sylra smirked slightly, rolling her shoulders as if to dispel the weight of his words. "Don't worry, Prince Aerchon. We've faced dangers before. This will be no different."

Saeldir's sharp voice interrupted her confidence. "Do not underestimate the enemy, Sylra. We will cross into realms of Magic and machinery we've yet to fully comprehend. We proceed with caution, or we do not proceed at all."

The tracker's smile faltered, but she nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the Archmage's warning.

Preparations continued, the room filled with the sounds of whispered conversations and the occasional hum of Magic as the team checked their enchanted gear and what they need to bring.

The mission's departure was close but not immediate. They still need a lot of preparations.

Aerchon turned his eyes to Erend and Ecca with serious expression. The room grew quieter as the other Elves scout also looked toward the two Dragonborn.

Despite King Gulben's decree that this was an Elven matter, Aerchon understood the value of wisdom from those who had faced unimaginable threats across realms.

"If there is anything you wish to share regarding this mission, now is the time," Aerchon said firmly. "Even if you cannot intervene directly your advice could provide us with insight we might need."

Erend and Eccar exchanged glances. There was a shared understanding in their eyes about a silent acknowledgment of their limitations in this matter.

Finally, Erend spoke. "I won't pretend we have all the answers. What Laston has created is something different. Its more advanced from the technology of my homeworld even. Machinery fused with Magic at this scale? That's new even to us."

"And I don't even remember my homeworld that much after all these time." Eccar shrugged.

"What I can tell you is that preparation is everything. You've already assembling the best team with diverse skills. Now, you just have to make sure that you're equipped for contingencies. A plan if the unexpected happened," Erend continued.

Eccar nodded in agreement, his more relaxed demeanor contrasting Erend's intensity. "Don't rush too much, it gets people killed. Take the time you need to be ready because once you step out I think there will be very hard to turn back."

Saeldir nodded his head acknowledging the advice, while Aerchon looked thoughtful, his mind clearly weighing the Dragonborns' words.

The Elves had spent the past few days tirelessly conducting research, dissecting the remnants of the mechanical birds that Erend had destroyed. Every fragment of machinery and shard of enchanted metal had been scrutinized under the keen eyes of the palace's best artificers and Mages.

After countless hours of work and collaboration between the Elf Palace and Forest Elf, they had managed to create something. It was an experimental device designed to disrupt the energy that powered Laston's constructs.

The device looks small and unassuming. It will emit a pulse of Magic energy tuned to interfere with the unique fusion of Magic and machinery in the mechanical birds and another construct of the same nature. When activated, it could momentarily subdue their energy cores and rendering them immobile.

It was a fragile solution and have never been tested in the field and its range was limited. Worse still, the Elves knew that it might not work on all of Laston's creations, especially those more complex than the birds they had studied.

But it was something.

In the short time they'd had, it was the best they could achieve, a glimmer of hope against an overwhelming unknown.

The Elves knew the device wouldn't win the war for them but it could buy precious moments in battle, allowing them to escape, regroup, or even turn the tide in a critical moment.

The devices were already distributed among the scouts with careful instruction.

And then, after hearing Erend and Eccar's measured yet sobering advice, the Elves accepted the reality of their situation with quiet determination.

They understood that the Dragonborns could only offer limited guidance in this matter. The burden of preparation and execution rested squarely on their own shoulders now.

King Gulben and King Fairon exchanged resolute glances before Gulben addressed the room.

"We have heard enough for tonight. Let us conclude our discussions and focus on the task ahead. Take this time to eat and rest. We will gather again soon to finalize preparations."

With that, the meeting dissolved and the room gradually emptied as the Elves dispersed.

A few minutes later, a modest dinner was served in one of the palace's smaller dining halls.

The table hosted only the council memb and the scout team. Despite the abundance of food, the atmosphere was heavy, and conversation was sparse.

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The scouts sat together, their faces stoic as they consumed their meals in silence. There was little need for words, they were all too aware of the gravity of what they will dive into. Even Sylra who usually lively remained silent, eyes fixed on her plate as she ate mechanically.

Saeldir sat at the head of the table, his mind clearly elsewhere as he toyed with a piece of bread, barely eating. Across from him, Aerchon showing a grim focus expression, his gaze occasionally flickering toward the scout team.

King Gulben and Fairon exchanged occasional murmurs but otherwise kept to themselves.

The dinner ended quickly, with most leaving the table as soon as they finished eating. No one lingered for pleasantries or idle chatter; there was too much to be done.

The palace soon became a hive of activity. The forges roared to life, their flames casting long shadows as the best blacksmiths and enchanters worked tirelessly to craft armor and weapons. Every piece was imbued with layers of Magic protection and stealth ability, designed to withstand both physical blows and Magic energies, and also the detection from Laston's creations.

The artificers worked in tandem with the Mages, ensuring that the experimental devices designed to disrupt Laston's constructs were calibrated and functional. Every detail was checked and double-checked.

The scout team prepared in their own way, ensuring their gear was in perfect condition.

Saeldir and Aerchon moved among the preparations, offering guidance and finalizing strategies. They left no detail unchecked knowing that even the smallest oversight could lead to disaster.

As the night deepened, the palace remained alive with the hum of preparation, a collective effort fueled by determination and the hope that, against all odds, they might succeed.

Then, the next day arrived. The last preparation was finished.

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