Chapter 50. Island of Radgrath

“Ken, be careful and don’t get into trouble, okay?” Lovetta said as she hugged Ken not wanting to see him leave.

“Lovetta, the last thing I want is trouble! I want to live a peaceful life! You take care as well! You got my gift for Zeev and the baby right? I don’t want to hear him complain that I didn’t get him anything later!” Ken replied as he petted the wolf girl on the head.

After saying goodbye to all the girls, everyone’s necklace activated at the same time and when Ken opened his eyes, he was staring at the clear blue sky in a lush green jungle.

“So which continent are we on Seraphina?” Ken asked, his curiosity for everything new went into high drive.

“None! Just like the school is on an island that’s not part of any continent. This island is also somewhere in the middle of the ocean that’s not part of any continent. I don’t even know our exact location! I don’t think my dad would be happy if anyone figured out where we lived.” Seraphina explained.

“How did we get teleported here if the exact location isn’t known? I thought you had to know the exact location to set up the teleport spell?” Ken asked, confused by Seraphina’s explanation.

“That’s the normal way but there is another method to teleport. You could teleport to a specific person and we happened to be teleported near my father. I guess he must have flown above this spot when the spell activated.”

“How come they have never taught that in class! Would be so useful to know that fact!” Ken complained, thinking how useful it would be to be able to teleport to a person instead of a set location.

“Oh, forgot to mention that the person has to be at holy level in space magic for it to work. I don’t know how many people in the world other than my father are at that level, but it couldn’t be that many.” Seraphine added happily as she grabbed Ken and began to fly the two above the trees into the sky.

“He is a space magic user?”

“I told you each of us dragoons have an affinity with a certain element, right? Sorta like the fairy you were talking about. Mine is fire and my father is space which is the rarest of all.

He is the only one in the whole tribe with affinity to space magic and using his teleport magic and physical strength, I do think he is stronger than the rank one hero.” Seraphina said happily.

“And this guy who’s possibly stronger than the rank one hero wants to kill me if I don’t live up to his standards?” Ken replied, not happy to find out the strength of Seraphina’s father.

“Yep! So better show him how awesome you are!” Seraphina replied happily as she flew high enough for Ken to get the entire view of the island.

From high above the sky, Ken got a clear look at the island and its unique layout. Great mountain range rising high above the lush forest surrendered the entire island that provided no access for boats and ships to land.

The whole island looked more like a volcano spawned in the middle of the ocean and from the skies above, it was clear to Ken that anyone without wings would have a difficult time reaching the carter of the island even if there aren’t any dragoon warriors flying around patrolling the area.

Flying away from the forest and towards one of the cliffs on the inner side of the mountain, when Seraphina got closer, Ken was able to see rows and rows of caves within cliffs and a figure flying out to greet them.

“Hi Irad!” Seraphina shouted and waved at the incoming dragoon, almost dropping Ken as he had to grab onto her waist when she let him go.

“You know Seraphina. I can’t fly and I do not wish to fall from this height.” Ken complained.

“Sorry Ken! I got excited seeing my brother!” Seraphina replied happily, not feeling one ounce of guilt for almost dropping Ken.

“Hello Ken. I am Irad, Seraphina’s brother. It’s nice meeting you after she had talked so much about you!” Indra said happily, having the same cheery energy that Seraphina does.

“Nice to meet you Irad. I can’t actually see you right now so let’s have our proper introduction once we land.” Ken answered while still hugging Seraphina so he wouldn't end up falling.

After a few more minutes of flying, Seraphina finally touched ground and Ken was able to let go of the giant girl while feeling relieved to finally be on land.

Turning towards Irad, Ken saw a handsome young man that’s just as huge as Seraphina. At least 6’6 in height with deep blue eyes and blue hair with blue wings and a blue tail. Other than his huge size, Ken couldn’t see much resemblance between the two siblings other than their cheery nature.

“Do I have to go meet your father right now? Can’t I do it in a week?” Ken pleaded.

“Don’t be silly Ken! You obviously have to meet the chief if you want to be welcomed into our tribe.” Seraphina replied while holding Ken’s hand as he unwillingly followed to pair to meet the dreaded meeting with the chief.

While from the outside Ken couldn’t see much, the inner network of the caves was complex and confusing. Just like how it was hard to reach Lovetta’s tribe between the trees, the trio walked down many tunnels with different forks and without the proper knowledge, Ken knew he would just get lost and never make it deeper inside the caves.

After what felt like 10 minutes of walking, the group entered a massive opening that must be deep within the mountains where hundreds of houses carved into the rocks and scattered around the gargantuan cave.

“Welcome to the tribe of Radgrath!” Seraphina said happily while leading Ken to one of the houses.

“Hi Mom! Dad! I brought Ken home!”

As Ken walked in with the pair, a shadow blocked the entire entrance as he came face to face with Seraphina’s father.

“Hello! My name is Ken. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Aragoth.” Ken said politely while having to look way up to be face to face with the enormous man.

Standing at over 7 feet tall, with jet black hair, wings, tail and dark brown eyes, Fintan Aragoth is no joke and most would be frightened just by his looks. But thankfully for Ken, with his natural confidence and having met Boris who was equally as frightening at first but turned out to be a great person, Ken’s confidence only grew since meeting with Lovetta’s father and was not fazed by the giant of a man.

“Even smaller in real life. Are you sure you can become strong enough to be a match for my daughter?” Fintan asked.

“I sure will. When we first met, she was much stronger due to her natural strength but I have since made up the difference and I have no doubt I will only get that much stronger from now on.” Ken answered, not intimidated at all knowing how strong he has gotten and how much stronger he will eventually get.

“Very well. As much as I hate having my daughter marry outside of my tribe. She is strong willed and even I won’t be able to change her mind. I will be testing you over the next two weeks to determine if you are fitting for my daughter. Welcome to Radgarth.” Fintan said calmly as he moved aside to allow Ken entrance to his house.

“My father may seem tough but he is a very reasonable man. If you can show him you are truly in love with my sister and only have her in your heart. I am sure he will come to like you.” Irad added as the trio followed Fintan inside the house.

“Yea.. The only one in my heart part might be a bit difficult.” Ken responded, hoping that is not as important as him being strong and dependable.

While the house is not fancy like the castles Ken had visited. The space inside is much larger than he had expected and for a family of such large people, all the space was much needed.

Sitting in the living room, Seraphina’s mom Jada greeted Ken warmly. With her bright red hair and cheery personality, Ken could definitely see where Seraphina got her happy-go-lucky personality from and the family made Ken feel welcomed the moment he arrived.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Seraphina took Ken to show him again the tribe and to meet all the villagers while Jada asked Irad to go hunt for a nice game and gather some veggies so that she could cook up a welcome feast for the guest.

“So how do you like my tribe Ken?” Seraphina asked, after introducing Ken to most of the tribe as they happily greeted Ken and were excited to get to talk to him after watching him during the tournaments.

“Very cheerful people, I must say. But I didn’t expect you to lie saying there is no girl your age in the tribe when I saw at least 4 or 5!”

“Oh, they are all taken. One is my brother’s fiancee, so don’t get any ideas. My brother is a nice guy but if you touch his woman, he is stronger than you for now at least. His water magic is no joke. Even the other girls too, with how small and limited the mating opinions are, you better not get any ideas if you don’t want trouble.” Seraphina warned.

“So by taking the best one from the limited pool, all the male still single around our age must not be happy with your decision or that I am here.” Ken asked, wondering if his life is in danger.

“Who knows! I just know I don’t have any feelings for any of them after spending all our childhood years together in this tiny tribe but from day one I was happy when spending time with you!” Seraphina replied as she took Ken around to show him the entire island.

Flying through the sky once again, Seraphina pointed out different things and spots in the jungle and showed Ken a beautiful waterfall that she used to play at with her best friend as kids. But overall, like Seraphina already said, the island wasn’t exactly large and with no settlement except their own, there really isn’t much to do on this island tribe in the middle of the ocean.

“How are you people so happy when there definitely isn't that much to do here on the island?” Ken asked after having experienced the likes of Yelwraek and Darrumburgh and just how much more activities were available.

“I guess we are just simple people here. We keep to ourselves mostly, enjoy our friends and family and the occasional guests and everyone is just satisfied with what we have.” Seraphina replied in her usual happy tone.

Returning when it was time for dinner, Jada prepared a nice meal from the boar Irad brought home and the family shared a nice meal and showed Ken great hospitality. Even though Fintan is reserved about Ken, it didn’t prevent him from showing the young man the proper etiquette as a host.

While everyone was nice to Ken, unlike every girl he stayed with so far, Seraphina’s father wasn’t about to let the young man share a room with his daughter.

Knowing it would be stupid of him to push his luck, Ken graciously took the guest room without showing any signs of disappointment. Thanking the family for their hospitality and the great food, Ken ended his first day with the Aragoth family, not sure if he should be looking forward to the upcoming days or fear what Seraphina’s father would put him through.

“Boy! How will you protect my daughter if you can’t even predict this attack!” Fintan yelled as he teleported above Ken with a strike with so much power and force that the young man would have been dead if it wasn’t for the protection artifact.

“Jada, cast another protection for him and we will go again.” Fintan continued.

For an entire week now, Fintan the dragoon chief has been sparring with Ken from morning until night and for someone who Seraphina thinks could beat the rank 1 hero, Ken was too weak to tell if she had any merit in her statement.

All Ken could tell is that Fintan is way too strong and he is no match for the giant of a dragoon. With him already about 5 times stronger naturally due to his race, his holy level enhancements and teleport makes it impossible for Ken to do anything against the chief.

Day after day, Ken took beating after beating but it wasn’t all for nothing. While the chief was definitely harsh with the training, he was also a fair man and for every time Ken failed. He took the time to explain how and what the young man could have done better and over the past week, Ken’s already extraordinary growth was pushed to an even higher acceleration.

“Dad! You two are done today! Our guests have arrived!” Seraphina shouted happily as she flew in from above to where Ken and Fintan had been training all week long.

“You have guests over? How did they get on the island? Ken asked curiously.

“You will see! My best friend and her family will be staying with us so you would need to share a room with Irad.” Seraphina replied while the three grabbed hold of Fintan as he instantly teleported everyone back to the house.

Already in the living room, Irad greeted the four as Seraphina happily introduced the guests to Ken.

“This is my best friend Angelica Hermes and her parents. This is Ken! We will get married one day so you can say he is my future husband.” Seraphina said while Ken could see the unhappy expressions from Fintan.

While the dragoon chief had treated him well and taught him greatly. When Fintan learned that Ken not only has one but multiple lovers and that his daughter is just one of many, the chief absolutely refused to let the two get together no matter how much Seraphina protested and told him she didn’t mind.

And when Ken saw the guests, his question of how they were able to reach the island was answered immediately. With large beautiful feathered wings, Seraphina’s best friend Angelica and her parents are without a doubt birdmen.

After some quick introduction, while the parents started catching up, Seraphina grabbed Ken and Angelica and headed out of the house.

“FINALLY! You've been here for a week and I literally don’t even get to see you! My father’s gone too far to keep you away from me. I am spending even less time with you than even when we were at the academy!” Seraphina complained while leading the pair outside of the settlement.

“So, Angelica, where are you and your family from?” Ken asked as the two followed Seraphina through the tunnels.

“No clue.” Angelica replied coldly.

“Don’t mind her, Ken. Angelica doesn't like anyone except me so you won’t get anywhere with her. Angelica and her tribe migrate every 3 months and spend a month flying to their next destination so they live in different parts of the world. Luckily, I am home for at least part of her stay with us!” Seraphina said happily.

“Ah, interesting. I have always wondered why there are so many types of birds and bird species yet birdman are so rare.” Ken wondered out loud.

“We were wiped out because we could fly. Those beings without wings were jealous of us angels and decided to target us first after the reset so only small tribes like ours remained.” Angelica suddenly answered.

“You call yourself angels?” Ken’s curiosity started to take over once again.

“Hmph. Before the great reset, people used to worship something called a God and angels are said to be the messengers of God and they were described as beings with beautiful white wings that would descend from the heavens.” Angelica explained proudly.

“But you are literally just humans that get combined with birds right? Besides, your wings are pitch black! It’s not even white.” Ken replied not getting why the birdman girl felt that her race was special.

“Ken! Don’t bring up the colors of her wings! Angelica is the only one in her entire tribe with black wings and she is super self-conscious about it!.” Seraphina warned, probably a little too late.

As the trio chatted and went around the island, Ken learned a bit more about the self-proclaimed angels and their natural born instincts to travel with the change in seasons.

“So you are pretty much a bird.” Ken commented while getting a dirty glare from Angelica.

After spending the afternoon exploring the not so big island, the trio returned for dinner where Ken met the other members of the angel tribe where the population was even smaller than the dragoons and consisted of only about 200 total members.

With everyone gathered in the open area in the middle of the cave settlement, Ken, Seraphina and the rest enjoyed a nice feast late into the night while chatting happily with the new strangers he had met.

After partying late into the night, Ken moved his meager belongings to Irad’s room as the dragoon warmly welcomed Ken and insisted Ken sleeps on the bed while he would sleep on the floor.

Obviously Ken wasn’t about to let Seraphina’s brother do such a thing and the two tried to be courteous towards each other until it was so late and both were so sleepy that they finally decided to share the bed. Making sure he curled up facing away from Irad, Ken had to murmur to himself over and over that he isn’t in bed with a girl and needed to keep his hands to himself before eventually falling asleep.

“I can’t believe you are leaving already! We have more intimacy in school compared to how you spent 2 weeks here with my dad!” Seraphina complained as the family and everyone from the tribe plus the angels gathered to send Ken off after his two week stay.

Without much to do on this island in the middle of nowhere, Ken easily explored the entire island with Seraphina flying him around and for the rest of his stay, he did nothing but train with Fintan from morning until night.

While the people from both tribes were great and treated Ken well, he was too drained from the daily training with Fintan to do much of anything except resting up for the next day of training.

“It was great training though. I am pretty confident I can remove all the protection except for Clare soon.” Ken replied.

“You know Indra and I never even had any protection right?” Seraphina said suggestively.

“And you tell me now? I don’t know about Indra but you could have told me that for how long now?” Ken replied while Seraphina just smiled.

“Ken. I will admit that you are very talented and a fast learner and have great potential. But I do not approve of this relationship between you and my daughter. While I can’t prevent the two of you from engaging in whatever acts you want when you are not under my watch.

However, if you do not change your ways and you two do move ahead without my blessing. The next time I see you, I will aim to take your life.” Fintan stated clearly.

“Chief Aragoth. Thank you for all the training you have done with me. All I can say on the subject in regards to Seraphina is that I really do love her but I also can’t change who I am.” Ken answered truthfully.

After saying goodbye to Seraphina, thanking her mom for all the protection she has cast on him during his sparring with Fintan and thanking Irad for being such a good host, Ken also said goodbye to all the happy villagers and the angels.

With his necklace activating, Ken waved goodbye to the entire two tribes with a smile as he disappeared from the cave deep within the mountain to reappear in his tranquil little village in the heart of the beastman territory.

Author notes: 50 chapters! I been slacking and haven't wrote as much so my backlog is almost gone =O. Dropping to releasing 2 chapters a week on Tuesday and Friday. Hoping to get part 1 finished within the next 20 chapters. Thank you all for reading =)