Edited by: Piamo

After Cyrus and his entourage woke up, ate, packed up, and continued their journey to the center of the forest. There were no records of what was at the center of the forest. From a distance, people could make out a large tree, but thanks to the thick canopy of the surrounding trees, everything else was a mystery. They only knew that Sohtris, the Dragon God, had once resided there.

It was too dangerous to make it a holy ground.

Cyrus hoped they would be able to get to the center of the forest by nightfall. To camp just outside the center of the forest was suicide. 

According to Atlas, the center was the safest place in the whole forest, so as soon as they got closer to the center, they made it a priority to get there first. With Sir Walter’s help, Cyrus was able to create an accurate map of the Great Dragon Forest. The map was created during Sir Walter’s multiple visits to the Divine Realm.

“To think Sir Walter is a divine beast,” Wallace sighed, surveying the map of the forest that Cyrus had. It was detailed and well-made. It also noted the different monsters’ territories, their danger level, and how to fight or avoid them. 

Even though Sir Walter couldn’t leave the forest since he had no idea how the human territories worked, he at least knew the forest. 

Sir Walter helped Cyrus create a map because Cyrus wanted to go through the forest with his own efforts. Sir Walter could have easily brought Atlas to the edge of the forest to meet up with Cyrus, but for Cyrus, this was his first mission and he wanted to see it through to the end. Plus, Cyrus was told by his father to collect samples of plants and other materials that could only be found in the Great Dragon Forest.

“Sir Walter is a divine beast created by the Dragon God and the God of Light. I’m not surprised he was gifted with wisdom,” Cyrus replied with a proud smile. 

Cyrus was actually able to meet Sir Walter a few times. Sir Walter had also established that they were family. Since Atlas already saw Sir Walter as his older brother, Cyrus decided he would treat Sir Walter the same… 

“That’s very true. For our Empire to have two descendants of the Dragon God and the Light God, and even a divine beast? Truly the Hirean Empire has been blessed!” 

All the knights agreed with Wallace. Even though the Great Dragon Forest was dangerous, they all felt it was an honor to go on this secret mission to save one of the descendants of the Gods!

Just before dusk, Cyrus, Wallace, and the knights were able to get to the massive tree in the center of the forest. Just like Atlas, they saw a large clearing of perfectly cut grass, and the giant tree in the center. Up close, it seemed much larger than before, towering over them like the high walls of the capital. The air quality felt much lighter and easier to breathe. Anyone with pollen allergies felt their sinuses clear up, making a few knights take deep breaths like they haven’t breathed in years. 

They could see Atlas and Sir Walter waiting for them under the tree. The figures seemed so small with the tree behind them, and it almost distracted everyone from what Atlas was wearing.

Atlas was waving with a large smile on his face. When Cyrus looked down at Atlas’ pants, he immediately wanted to drag Atlas to a corner and give him clothes! Atlas’ pants were green and red, but the way it was cut was so ugly, one pant leg was longer than the other. Not only that, he didn’t know how those flimsy strings were able to hold together that leather! And his shoes were made out of leaves… It didn’t match at all! 

Everyone was stunned to see a clean-looking boy with black hair and similar eye colors to Cyrus. But those pants… they were… 

Hideous. 

He was also shirtless… 

“Cyrusssss!!” Atlas shouted happily and ran over. 

He jumped to hug Cyrus, but he was caught by Cyrus. Before Atlas could sink into the warmth of the hug, Cyrus dragged Atlas into the tree hollow that Atlas lived in. He pulled out clothes and shoes from his item box and handed them to Atlas. 

“Take these and wear them immediately.” 

Atlas accepted the clothes and saw they were simple. Cyrus had taken into account that Atlas needed to wear something that would allow him to easily move around, so he brought underwear and plain shirts and pants. The pants were black and the shirt was white. They were easy to slip on. He was also given brown boots that fit snugly around his feet and ankles.

“Are my pants that ugly?” Atlas asked.

“They are…” Cyrus saw Atlas’ big eyes looking at him innocently and felt bad for what he was going to say, so he changed his words, “They are… interesting but not appropriate to wear with strangers around.” 

“I don’t like these old pants anyway, so I am glad you got me some new clothes and shoes.” 

“Hmm, you change into them. I will guard the entrance.” 

Sir Walter was still sitting at the entrance, so he blocked a good portion of the hollow. He was just observing the knights, making sure they didn’t have any malicious intentions.

Cyrus stepped out of the tree house and looked at Wallace and the other knights. He gave them a look that said, “If you dare speak of this…” 

Everyone, including Wallace, made the motion of zipping their mouth and throwing away the key. They made themselves busy by setting up camp before nightfall. 

Sir Walter was also relieved to know that Atlas would be getting out of those… horrific pants. 

Less than a minute later, Atlas tapped Cyrus on the back. “I’m done~!” 

Cyrus moved out of the way for Atlas to leave the tree house. Without the monstrosity that Atlas was wearing before, he finally looked like a proper human. 

“Atlas, it’s really good to see you.” Cryus patted Atlas on the head. It was their long overdue reunion. They met in the Divine Realm, but meeting in person was definitely different. In Divine Realm, it almost felt like they were imagining everything. Everything felt real and not real at the same time. All they could see was the perfection that each person imagined themselves to be. But in reality, Cyrus could see all of Atlas’ imperfections, like his untamed hair.

“Heehee, I’m so glad you came to rescue me.” Even though Atlas was taller, he bent down a little so Cyrus would have an easier time petting his head. This happened a lot in the Divine Realm. He knew it was the way Cyrus felt comfortable showing affection. 

“Ah, let me introduce you to my Master.” 

Cyrus brought Atlas and Sir Walter to Wallace’s tent, which was already pitched up. Sir Walter shrunk to the size of a puppy so that Atlas could carry him. The rest of the knights were making the other tents or were cooking. Wallace was standing in front of the tent, his arms folded like he was inspecting everyone.

“So, this is Atlas,” Wallance smiled, patting Atlas on the shoulder. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, young man!” 

The Knight Commander didn’t hold back on his strength though, so Atlas felt like he was being patted by an ogre…. Luckily, Atlas was strong from living in the forest, so he didn’t fall flat on his face. 

Sir Walter bared his fangs, ready to bite Wallace who hurt Atlas. 

“Master, reign in your strength.” Cyrus moved Wallace’s hand away and healed Atlas’ bruised shoulder with light magic. He also scratched Sir Walter behind the ears to calm him down.

“You alright?” Cyrus double-checked Atlas’ shoulder to make sure there were no bruises or broken bones.

Atlas nodded. “I’m good. Thank you.” 

Wallace butted in, “Hmm? Your strength is pretty good.” 

“Master, you did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Cyrus rolled his eyes. 

“I just wanted to test the strength of the descendant of the Gods. I wondered if he had monstrous strength like you.” 

Cyrus was already at the point where he could take down the knights taught by Wallace during their sparring rounds. Though he couldn’t beat Wallace, with Cyrus’ pace, Wallace was afraid he would get his ass kicked in a couple of years… He was lucky that he had more experience than Cyrus. 

And he was bigger.

“My strength is okay from living in the forest.” Atlas didn’t take any offense to having his strength compared to a monster.

“True, being able to live in the Great Dragon Forest for almost two years is a testament to your strength.” Wallace gave a nod of understanding. “When we get back to the capital, I can also train you! What weapons can you use?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t tried using any weapons.” 

“Ah, that’s true. Well, we can always figure it out when the time comes!” 

Even though Wallace was the Knight Commander, he was a carefree spirit. He was only serious when the situation called for it. He was easy to get along with. Atlas felt like he had found a kindred spirit. 

“I will do my best when the time comes!” 

“Now that’s the spirit!” 

Wallace patted Atlas’ back with a little less strength, but it could probably take down a grown adult with just one hit. 

“Dinner is ready!” one of the knights shouted from the dining area that they set up. 

“Perfect, let’s eat and chat!” Wallace dragged Atlas and Cyrus without any regard for their opinions. 

Atlas and Cyrus let themselves be dragged. Cyrus was used to it, so he didn’t say anything even when he hated being touched by other people. Well, it was his Master, so he had to let it slide. Plus, his Master harbored no ill intent. 

Through the night, Wallace dragged Cyrus and Atlas around to drink and eat, making sure that they had a fun time… 

******

When Cyrus woke up the next morning, he found that he was lying next to Atlas in the tree hollow where Atlas had slept for the past couple of years. The ground was cushioned with soft furs from defeated animals. The leaves under the furs were also changed once every couple of days to keep the furs off the ground. 

Atlas was sleeping peacefully. There was a goofy smile on his face and drool dribbling out of the corner of his mouth. When Cyrus shifted closer to Atlas, he could hear him mumble, “Ice cream… Chicken tenders…” 

With how large the tree hollow was, Sir Walter was also able to sleep there. They used him as a pillow. His fur was so divine and soft, it felt like he was sleeping on clouds. 

Just as Atlas had stated, they didn’t need any bug repellents or nets because there were no bugs or spiders in the center of the forest. Actually, no other living creatures could be found. Just this large tree and some grass. It was truly strange, but Cyrus knew it was because of the divine power that still lingered in the area. 

Cyrus was always an early riser, so he stretched his back and proceeded to leave the tree hollow. 

The other knights were already up and packing up their campsite. The only place they left out was the eating area. 

“Good morning, Lord Cyrus!” the knights shouted and saluted. 

“Be at ease, everyone.” 

The knights continued their cleaning and cooking. Cyrus, as someone who was a commoner in his last life, wasn’t used to having people serving him and treating him as someone above them. It was hard. He was a bit stiff about it, but he knew he had to get used to it. Even if this world didn’t have a monarchical social hierarchy, he was still a descendant of the Gods. They would treat him with respect as long as the Gods stayed active in the world. 

“Ahh, you sound so much like a noble,” Atlas’ responded with a tired voice. He was rubbing his eyes to get any eye crust off. 

“I am still not used to it.” 

“That’s okay. I don’t think I will ever be either.” 

That made sense to Cyrus. Atlas died when he was 25 in his previous world. He was 7 years older than Cyrus, so if Cyrus couldn’t get used to it, would Atlas be able to? Definitely not. 

Sir Walter also got up. He was actually already awake, but he was waiting for Atlas and Cyrus to wake up. He stretched and told Atlas and Cyrus that he was going to go for his daily run. 

“Good Morning, Lord Atlas! Good Morning, Sir Walter! Breakfast will be ready in 5 minutes.” The knights shouted their greetings. 

“Oh, thanks. No need for formal language. I’m just a commoner anyway.” 

Even though Atlas said that, they couldn’t just address him informally! 

Sir Walter gave a nod and ran off into the forest. He knew to be back within the hour.

“Ah, so much ruckus in the morning. Let’s hurry up and get out of the forest! I want to see my wife,” Wallace stated while leaving his tent. His voice was quite loud so everyone heard. 

One of the knights closest to his tent said, “Knight Commander, you always want to see your wife.”

“If I don’t want to see my wife, who would I want to see?” 

Another knight chimed in, “How about your kids?” 

“Ah, my kids don’t need me. They like my wife more than me anyways.” 

“That’s because you only pay attention to your wife. Didn’t you bring that upon yourself?” 

The knights made fair arguments, causing Wallace to feel wronged. 

“Alright, I get it! Where’s the food? I’m starving.” 

Cyrus scoffed, “Changing the subject because he knows he’s wrong. Typical of Master.” 

“At least I know when I’m wrong. Better than some people I know.” Wallace wasn’t talking about Cyrus. He was actually thinking of his aide who was back in the capital, currently doing Wallace's paperwork while Wallace was here… 

The aide who was sitting by a pile of paperwork, sneezed. He felt like someone was talking bad about him… No doubt it was Wallace. That man always liked to say that he was a narcissist! How could he be one when Wallace existed?!