The Achievement Junkie - 666 Settling the Matter

Almost the entire Body Council raised their heads in unison, stretching them to the utmost in complete agreement with the head’s proposal. Only two did not. Hindrad and Artrat. Wingreig was the last to raise his head but he did so with dignity and respect for the Nine-headed Glacial Hydra sho could no longer deny.

‘THEN IT’S SETTLED!’ Turning to face Lunara with a smile, Raztol asked, ‘How can we prepare for Jack’s arrival with the Flood Dragons?’

Chuckling to herself, Lunara replied, ‘Make sure that no hydra dares attack anyone in that group. Instead, order them to clear a path and escort the group to the reef. Also, know that Jack has tamed the Ancient Crustacean to become one of his many companions.’

‘He what?!’ Raztol questioned in shock. ‘Well… If he’s as strong as you, I can picture such a possibility.’

‘Please, allow me to make the arrangements.’

Both Lunara and Raztol were surprised to see Wingreig approaching them. ‘It’s the least I can do after standing in the way of such a powerful being. Allow me to apologize for not believing in your might.’

‘I’m not offended, so don’t worry about me,’ replied Lunara, astounded to see the change in Wingreig’s attitude.

Raztol, however, quickly accepted Wingreig’s offer. ‘Then I’ll leave the matter to you.’

‘Then I’ll leave right away. There’s no better way to assure their peaceful entrance than to do so myself.’ Wingreig chuckled softly, ‘And I’d love to see that arrogant beast tamed as a pet.’

As Wingreig rushed upward toward the faraway trench entrance, Hindrad also moved toward Lunara and Raztol. But Raztol gave the other consul no chance to speak, ‘Your services won’t be needed, Hindrad. Wingreig is more than capable of handling the situation.’

‘But Head Raztol–‘

‘I said you’re unnecessary, Hindrad. Be glad that we don’t have you punished for nearly swaying Lunara’s and Jack’s opinions of our civilization for the worse,’ stated Raztol. ‘Now, clear the crowd and have ten rooms prepared within Glacial Palace for our visitors.’

‘In Glacial Palace?! But–‘

‘The fact that you’ve questioned such a trivial thing is proof that your services would only hinder Wingreig should you join him. Now move!’

Hesitating, Hindrad snarled and rushed back into the Glacial Palace to offer the bare minimum of what was asked of him.

‘Are you sure…’ Halfway through his question, Raztol lost his confidence.

‘Of what?’ asked Lunara.

Shaking his head, Raztol started to laugh, ‘Nevermind… For now, allow me to show you where you’ll be staying. Knowing Hindrad, I assume he’s getting the rooms ready with precision and haste so that he will no longer be a part of all this.’

‘And what about Wingreig? You trust him?’

Raztol nodded. ‘Fully. Wingreig may be hard-headed and obstinate, but he’ll do everything he’s promised with the utmost respect and to the fullest of his ability. He’s hard to convince or sway, but once he’s made up his mind then nothing can stop him from doing what he’s committed to.’

‘Interesting… But doesn’t that also mean he still might be committed to keeping me here?’ questioned Lunara.

‘I doubt that, not after losing so profoundly. If anything, I think he now sees you as someone more noteworthy than myself. Convincing him of that would be hard but completely understandable after the show you put on. And thank you for showing mercy.’

Smiling rubbing a head into Lina lovingly, Lunara sighed, ‘Well… If the hydras lost so many elders, it would be too troublesome. I’d rather get this all over with and be on my way.’

‘You do realize that countless hydras will now see you as their idol?’ added Raztol. ‘After that show, I would be shocked if you had less than one hundred people vying to meet you before dinner. And should you leave us after all this, I’m not sure how everyone would feel…’

‘You know, we can help others become gods as well…’

That small statement got Raztol to sharpen his gaze and jumpstarted his mind with amazing thoughts. ‘How so?’

‘It’s actually quite simple… I’d help you right now but I have no need. You’ll have to ask Jack about it once he gets here. Given what’s happened and how you’ve acted during all this, I’m sure Jack would be willing to help you,’ stated Lunara.

‘And… Do you think he would help Wingreig?’

‘How are you so sure about him?’ Lunara asked, staring curiously at the hydra head.

‘Because we’ve been friends since your birth…’ sighed Raztol.

Unsure how to take that, Lunara asked, ‘What do you–‘

‘What I meant to say is that we’ve been friends since before we were elders,’ rephrased Raztol. ‘It was through helping each other that we both eventually became consuls, though our views of society began to change after that… But he’s devoted to the people and truly wants what’s best for all hydras. He’s just stubborn and needs a lot of tough love to correct his faults, something you’ve successfully done today.’

‘Well… I don’t think it would be impossible to help Wingreig, but I’m unsure if Jack would do it anytime soon,’ answered Lunara.

‘Anyway, let me show you to the living area within the Glacial Palace.’ Raztol bowed his head and led the mother and daughter down and through the crowd. His leadership kept the hydras from swarming Lunara in admiration and allowed them to enter Glacial Palace without fail.