[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/CcgBAFx.png?1[/img] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/979435275526766672/1085343040723501076/New_Desmond.png[/img][hr][h3]A Cryptic Message[/h3][hr][/center] Desmond had spent much of his year in Ersand'Ernise quite productively. He had constantly been putting things into motion, funding new ideas and projects that will eventually bear fruits. Yet there were times he needed to let off steam. Most of the time it was him doing as he pleased, yet on days when he needed to be in the Arsenal, he had often gone to the river near Blackfield Arsenal and ate there. At one such time, while catching a quick bite to eat and idly inspecting one of his rifles, he noticed something sticking out of the end of the barrel. It was...a paper. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/goHUSrP.png[/img][/center] A smile grew on Desmond's face, as he knew what this meant. A new adventure awaited, and he was wondering when they were going to be called on again. Upon the day when the message asked them to meet Desmond steps through the portal to Hogh Munkhelad, a place he was mostly used to at that point. When he entered he waved hello to the people he cared for as multiple were people he had worked with before, or he had some relations with. However, he had a few new members join him on his adventure, first was Henry the giant happy Dragonhound with his favorite stick. Billium, the cute Fireboar with a happy attitude, likes to play with most animals he sees. Then Desmond's newest companion, Ani, the Firetail dragon whom Desmond had caught from the wild, tamed, and now lives with him as one of his lap dragons, she is a diva and knows she is the most beautiful dragon here. Desmond took notice of those around as he began to sit down to start checking what he brought with him, yet he began to hear someone speak out, Evander. Desmond took notice of him and instantly took notice of the conversation that he had made with Dory. More like accusations and aggressive prompting. He asked multiple questions upon what Dory has done, how did she bring Manfred back to life from death, and in that moment a fight began. Manfred stepped forward to defend his lady's honor as he went to punch and Evander dodged as they began to fight. Desmond saw his animals instantly rear up and were prepared to attack, yet he let out a quick and sharp whistle that only his animals could hear as they heeled as Desmond stood up and checked with Dory. She seemed shaken as he spoke to her, yet in that moment, they felt Benedetto appear and showed that 3 men, the 2 nobles were nothing to the commoner with 9.0 ras. Desmond and Dory sighed in unison, as the possible bloodbath was averted. Once it was done, Desmond comforted her a bit more until Manfred returned. As the fun came to an end, people returned to some of what they did, yet before anyone got comfortable, a bird flew by and grabbed their attention. Desmond stood and marched forward with the rest of the group, taking command over his animals once more as they went into the great unknown. [hr] They appeared in a dark and empty place, as Desmond, Ashon, Evander, and Ymiico. Here Desmond and Ashon began to rib and make fun of Evander. Desmond had no clue for why Ashon had such beef yet Desmond wished to poke back at Evander in a way where only words could be played. Desmond wanted to poke and prod him, as he was trying to either make fun of him or make Evander swing. Yet Ashon seemed incredibly vicious and yet, Evander only made a few snide remarks back. Small and simple things. Even with these opposing forces, they were able to perform the puzzle and meet the expectations of the eminent Arch Zeno Karan Harrachora, whom was playing with Henry by throwing Henry's favorite stick. Yet even with this funny scene, when it was time for business, it was intense. Missions were given, as 2 sets of groups left. Leaving a strange band of people, their mission? Rescue a group of people consisting of, Isabella Lowell, Zarina Al-Nader, Marceline Hohenfelter, Ayla Arslan, and Jocasta Re from what is a fate that was certain death. Isabela and Marceline may not be the strongest, yet as tethered and decent enough mages they are hard to beat. Ayla Arslan was a skilled mage, and with some time and assistance, she has shown quite some growth as a mage. Yet why send Evander, Desmond, Tku, Fiske, and Benedetto. Desmond may be a strong combatant and an intelligent man, yet his RAS was nothing special. Tku was an average mage with no background in combat. Evander and Fiske were both strong individuals yet fighting was the least of the priority. Benedetto was the only one who could possibly swing on the same level as Zarina Al-Nader who has Dragon blood running through her, and Jocasta Re who by all intents and purposes was on the path to becoming as strong as Hugo within her life. What could go wrong?