Chapter 14: Freedom
Peril turned around to Clay before leaving with Kestrel. With a serious yet hopeful expression, she said, "Find me after the war, okay? I'd like to talk more with you."
Clay responded with a warm smile and a nod, silently conveying his agreement, before Kestrel and Peril left.
Jormund turned to Cinder and Frostbite, "Well, what are your plan's now?"
Frostbite turned to Jormund, a contemplative look in his icy eyes. "I will return to the Ice Kingdom," he stated. "But I fear the consequences. In the IceWing hierarchy, my standing might have plummeted. They might even banish me when they find out a... human saved me. But it's a risk I must take."
Jormund nodded in understanding before turning to Frostbite with a small jest, "Just don't mention the human part. Tell them JoJo saved you."
Frostbite gave a skeptical yet amused look, "I'll consider it." Cinder chuckled softly, and the others shared a mix of laughter and nods in agreement with Jormund's suggestion.
Jormund shifted his attention to Cinder, a quizzical look on his face. "What's your next move?" he inquired.
Cinder contemplated for a moment before responding, "I'll accompany you until we reach the border of the SkyWing kingdom. Following that, I intend to head back and join Osprey in scouring the library for any clues about the crystalline artifact."
Tsunami, with a smirk, remarked, "So you're sticking around for a bit. That's a first."
Glory chuckled, "Looks like you're growing fond of our little group, Cinder."
Sunny beamed, "Yay! More friends!"
Clay nodded approvingly, "Always good to have extra help."
Jormund added with a grin, "Well, it seems like we've got ourselves a temporary addition. Welcome aboard, Cinder."
Clay, with a thoughtful expression, questioned, "So, what's our next move?"
Tsunami, standing up confidently, replied, "We follow the river to the delta. Once we get to the Mud Kingdom, we'll find your family, Clay." She turned halfway towards the group, adding, "Are you all coming?"
Glory chimed in with a sarcastic tone, "Oh, how I've missed your royal decrees, Tsunami."
Sunny, excitedly, nodded, "I've never been to the Mud Kingdom!"
Cinder added, "I'll stick around for a while. Can't let the gang have all the fun without me."
Tsunami, pleased with the responses, turned to Jormund. Jormund, bowing playfully, said, "As you wish, your majesty." She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a small smile. "You're a strange one, JoJo."
Jormund, rising from his bow, grinned, "But aren't the best adventures a bit... bizarre?"
Clay, appreciating the support, smiled warmly at everyone.
Jormund couldn't help but marvel at the majestic surroundings of the SkyWing kingdom. The rushing river, the towering waterfall, the towering mountains in the distance and the lush forest created a breathtaking scene. The vibrant colors of Pyrrhia's flora and the sheer size of everything left him in awe.
However, as he took a moment to absorb the grandeur of his dragon companions and the oversized world, a sudden realization struck him. The trees, the stones, the plants, even the grass—all of it was dragonsized. Jormund, feeling incredibly small in comparison, stumbled to his knees.
"Why is everything so big!?" he exclaimed, his voice carrying a mix of bewilderment and frustration. The dragons around him exchanged puzzled glances, trying to comprehend the peculiar perspective of the human in their midst.
Sunny approached Jormund, her scales glinting in the sunlight as she responded, "Everything is normal-sized, JoJo." With a gentle smile, she lowered her head to his level, trying to offer reassurance in the midst of his bewildered realization, "You're just very small." The other dragons observed the unique interaction, some sharing amused glances at the unusual perspective their human friend brought to their dragon-sized world.
Jormund looked up into Sunny's eyes, his own reflecting a mixture of awe and amusement. "Back where I come from, we say the world is small, but I guess, in this case, it's me who's small," he replied, a hint of humor in his voice. The dragons around them chuckled at the witty exchange, appreciating Jormund's ability to find humor even in such peculiar situations.
Sunny carefully picked up Jormund, placing him on her back. She spoke to him with warmth in her voice, "It's better if one of us carries you; we wouldn't want to be slowed down, right?"
Jormund, still looking around in disbelief and bewilderment, simply nodded in agreement.
Frostbite, acknowledging that it was time for them to part ways, spoke up, "Farewell, dragonets of destiny. May luck guide your path."
Jormund turned to Frostbite, offering a farewell, "Until we meet again, Frostbite. Take care."
Frostbite, with a nod, replied, "You too, Jormund. Stay safe out there."
The other dragons chimed in with their goodbyes, each expressing their well wishes to Frostbite before he leaped into the air flying towards the IceWing kingdom.
As they walked a few steps after Frostbite's departure, Tsunami spoke up, "Alright, let's get going. Follow the river until we reach the delta."
Glory, concerned about potential visibility, asked, "The SkyWings won't spot me, but what about the rest of you?" she said before turning invisible.
Tsunami, already having an idea, replied, "We can use camouflage too. Sunny, cover yourself with mud to look like a MudWing. Clay, you swim in the river, and Sunny can ride on your back."
Sunny, finding the idea amusing, put Jormund back on the ground, stepping over to the riverbank, rolling around to cover herself with mud. She mentioned, "I feel all goopy now."
Cinder, ever the strategist, interjected in the midst of the camouflaging scene, "I'll fly above the river, high enough to look like a SkyWing scout. That way, any passing SkyWings won't bother checking this area."
Tsunami considered Cinder's idea, nodding in agreement. "Good plan. The less attention we draw, the better. Just be careful up there, Cinder."
Clay observed Sunny as she covered herself with mud and couldn't help but speak up with a smirk, "Well, now you look just like mud, Sunny."
Observing the spectacle, Jormund couldn't resist a small joke, "Well, she does make a convincing MudWing."
Sunny playfully retorted to Clay and Jormund, "Well, if I'm going to be mud, might as well embrace it!"
Tsunami, still observing Glory's invisible state, spoke up, "Well, Glory, I can't see you. But I know you're there."
Glory, with a smirk, responded, "Ha. Swim underneath me and they won't be able to see you either."
Jormund, looked at Tsunami with a mix of confusion, "What about me?"
Tsunami turned to him with a smirk, "Well, JoJo, you're riding on Sunny, so you're part of the mud parade too."
Jormund, still trying to comprehend the situation, turned towards Sunny just as she lobbed a mudball at him. "Wait, hold on a moment!" he called out, but it was too late. The mudball hit him square in the chest, covering him entirely in mud.
After wiping his eyes and mouth free from the muddy mess, Jormund sighed, "Good grief..."
Sunny chuckled at Jormund's mud-covered appearance. "Well, JoJo, now you're not just a tiny human; you're a tiny mud masterpiece!"
Cinder, who had been observing the scene, chuckled in response to the banter. "I suppose subtlety is key, JoJo."
Jormund couldn't help but laugh along with the others. "Fair enough! I suppose I've joined the ranks of the mud-covered adventurers. Let's keep going!"
Sunny gracefully walked over to Jormund, delicately picking him up to place him on her back. With Jormund securely positioned, Sunny then proceeded to approach Clay. Clay, understanding the plan, lowered himself to make it easier for Sunny to climb onto his sturdy back.
Once Sunny was safely on Clay's back, he stood up, the combined weight of a dragon and a human seemingly effortless for him. The makeshift procession began its journey into the river, taking slow and careful steps to maintain balance. The rhythm of their movements was synchronized, creating a calm and measured progression into the flowing waters.
Meanwhile, Tsunami gracefully swam alongside them, her powerful strokes pushing the water aside. Above the river, Glory maintained her invisible guise, holding onto Tsunami from the air. The combination of visible and invisible forms made for an intriguing sight as they moved together, blending into the natural surroundings as they made their way downstream.
As Tsunami, Glory, Sunny, Clay, and Jormund began their journey downstream, Cinder unfurled his wings and took to the skies. He ascended high above the river, his scales glinting like embers in the sunlight. From his elevated position, he intended to act as a SkyWing scout, ensuring that their passage wouldn't attract any unwanted attention from the SkyWing patrols.
As they drifted downstream, Sunny couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She decided to break the silence with the questions she had been holding back. With a friendly smile, she turned her gaze to Jormund.
"Hey, JoJo," Sunny began, "I've been wanting to ask you about your life. How is it for a Scaveng—uh, Human, where you come from? What do you all do?"
Jormund pondered Sunny's question for a moment, considering how to explain the life of a human to a dragon. With a thoughtful expression, he began to share his story.
"Well, back where I come from, life as a human can vary a lot. We live in different places, have different jobs, and lead different lives. Some humans live in big cities, bustling with activity and technology, while others prefer quieter, more rural areas. As for me, I used to work as a researcher, studying artifacts and ancient ruins. It was a life filled with curiosity and exploration."
He paused, realizing that dragons might not have the same concepts of cities, technology, or even the role of a researcher. Nevertheless, he continued, "Humans have their own societies, cultures, and ways of living. We don't have powers like dragons, but we find other ways to adapt and thrive. It's a diverse and sometimes challenging world, just like Pyrrhia."
As Jormund shared his experiences of life as a human, the dragons listened intently, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and surprise.
Sunny, with her naturally inquisitive nature, had a thoughtful look as she processed the information. Clay wore a gentle expression, trying to empathize with Jormund's unfamiliar experiences. Tsunami had a quizzical look, her sea-blue eyes studying Jormund, and Glory, invisible yet attentive, absorbed the details.
Jormund's unique perspective on life seemed to stir a range of emotions and questions within the dragon group. They exchanged glances, silently contemplating the vast differences between Pyrrhia and Jormund's world.
Tsunami, her expression a mix of curiosity and confusion, asked Jormund, "What exactly is technology?"
Jormund replied, "Technology is like enchanted objects made by dragons, but humans make them using machines and science instead of magic. For example, things like flying metal beasts called airplanes, glowing screens that show moving images and information called televisions, or little boxes that can capture and play music called radios. Humans use technology to make their lives easier or more interesting." Tsunami and the others listened, intrigued by the unfamiliar concepts.
Jormund cleared his throat, "Alright, let's take turns in questioning because I have some questions of my own." Everyone nodded in agreement, awaiting Jormund's question.
Jormund then asked, "How do humans live on Pyrrhia?"
Sunny began with a cheerful smile, "Well, Scavengers in Pyrrhia don't have advanced technology. They live in small groups called tribes and mostly use these small things to build stuff. They build their dens out of wood and mud."
Clay chimed in, "They collect things like shiny rocks and pretty shells, maybe even a bit of metal. They trade these things with each other, and some Scavengers are really good at finding stuff and making things, like those small metall claws"
Tsunami added, "I've heard they have leaders, and they sometimes have to fight to protect their dens. But they're not as organized or advanced as dragons."
Glory, still invisible but audibly present, remarked, "Scavengers tend to be sneaky. Some even steal dragon's treasure or attack dragons when they see valuable things on them. I'm not sure why they do it, though."
Jormund nodded, absorbing the information, and prepared for the next round of questions.
Glory asked, "Hey, when you woke up, you yelled something about being late. What was that about?"
Jormund thought for a moment, recalling his nightmare, and responded, "Ah, that. It was about being late for my first lecture. See, in my world, we have these places called universities, and we attend lectures to learn. It's kind of like your lessons back in your cave, but on a much larger scale, and the subjects can vary a lot."
Sunny responded with enthusiasm, "That sounds amazing! We should definitely do something like that after we end the war. Dragons from all tribes could learn from each other and make Pyrrhia an even better place!"
Tsunami, Clay, and Glory all nodded in agreement to Sunny's suggestion.
Tsunami spoke up, "It's a great idea. We could share knowledge and skills, and maybe it would help dragons understand each other better."
Clay added with a smile, "I think it's a wonderful plan, Sunny. We could have a big gathering, and dragons from all tribes could come together peacefully."
Glory, though invisible, chimed in, "I like the sound of that. It might take some convincing to get everyone on board, but it's worth a shot."
Jormund nodded, acknowledging Sunny's suggestion. "That's a great idea, Sunny. Learning from each other can bring tribes closer together after the war."
He turned to the group and asked his turns question, "Have dragons ever tried to communicate with those scavengers called humans?"
Tsunami and Clay exchanged glances before Tsunami responded to Jormund, "We did encounter one before Queen Scarlet captured us. The scavenger we met only screamed in fear and made other oddly high-pitched noises. According to the most scrolls about them, scavengers don't seem intelligent enough for communicative speech."
As the they continued their journey downstream, Jormund's thoughts drifted back to the scavenger he encountered in Scarlet's arena during his first fight. His mind replayed the chaotic scene, recalling his try to reason with him. However, in the midst of the chaos, Jormund vividly remembered that he could understand the scavenger's panicked words.
Deep in thought, Jormund finally spoke up, recounting his experience, "You know, in that arena, I could understand the scavenger I fought. He was scared, desperate. I even tried talking to him, but the situation didn't exactly allow for clear communication. Survival instincts took over for him."
As Jormund shared his experience of understanding the scavenger in the arena, the dragons exchanged puzzled glances. This revelation sparked a mix of surprise and curiosity among them, challenging their preconceived notions about the intelligence of scavengers.
Sunny, ever optimistic, voiced her thoughts first, "Maybe scavengers are smarter than dragons thought. It's exciting to think they could be sentient beings!"
Tsunami, more cautious, responded, "It's strange. We've encountered scavengers before, but they only seemed to make high-pitched noises. Maybe there's more to them than we realize."
Glory, with her knowledge of scavenger behavior, chimed in, "They're known for stealing dragon treasures and making loud sounds, but this adds a new layer. If they're capable of communication, it changes everything."
Clay, ever the gentle giant, added, "We should approach them with more understanding. They might not be as different as we thought."
Jormund observed their reactions, glad to have sparked this discussion. The idea that scavengers might be sentient beings lingered in the air, casting a newfound curiosity over the dragons' perceptions of the creatures they had only seen from a distance.
Sunny's cheerful demeanor took a sudden turn as a fearful expression crossed her face. "Oh, moons, I just remembered! Most dragons think of scavengers as food. They eat them!"
Jormund's complexion turned pale, a mix of shock and unease washing over him. The revelation that dragons considered scavengers as a food source left him feeling sick and a bit shaky. He hadn't expected such a grim aspect to their discussion about humans.
Sunny, noticing Jormund's discomfort, quickly reassured him, "Oh, JoJo, don't worry! We would never eat scavengers. They're like... friends, not food. So, no need to be scared!"
Despite Sunny's attempt to comfort him, the idea that dragons considered humans as a potential food source lingered in Jormund's mind.
Clay, always the calming presence, spoke up first. "Well, we're not most dragons, are we? No eating humans for us."
Tsunami added, "Yeah, we've seen enough weird stuff lately. Eating humans is not on the agenda."
Glory, her invisible scales shimmering in the light, chimed in with a sarcastic tone. "Speak for yourselves. I'm still deciding what's for dinner. Maybe a nice scavenger stew?"
She then burst into laughter, the invisible scales giving away her amusement, and added, "Just kidding! Humans are off the menu. I'm mainly eating fruits anyway."
Jormund, still recovering from the shock of the revelation about dragons eating humans, managed a weak smile at Glory's joke. "Yeah, let's keep humans off the menu. I don't think I'd make a very appetizing dish anyway."
As Clay felt the weariness settling in, he spoke up, suggesting a rest for the group. "How about we take a break here? Looks like a good spot to catch our breath."
Tsunami, Glory, and Sunny nodded in agreement. "Yeah, a rest sounds nice," Tsunami added, while Glory chimed in, "Agreed. We've been traveling for a while."
Clay took a moment to scan the surroundings, spotting a small clearing by the riverbank. "Over there looks good. Let's rest for a bit and then continue."
The group made their way to the clearing, where the muddy ground, rocks, and the comforting shade of the towering trees awaited them. It was a momentary respite in the midst of their journey through the SkyWing kingdom's terrain.
Cinder gracefully descended from the sky, his wings folding neatly as he landed in the clearing where the others were taking a rest.
"Noticed you all decided to take a break," Cinder remarked, glancing around at his friends. "No sign of anyone following us, though. Looks like we're in the clear for now."
Tsunami, always vigilant, looked up at Cinder with a nod. "Good to know. We could all use a break."
Clay, stretching his wings out, agreed. "Yeah, my wings were starting to feel a bit stiff. A rest is a good idea."
Glory, lying comfortably on a rock, raised an eyebrow. "Did you find anything interesting while scouting from above?"
Sunny, who had been examining some nearby flowers, chimed in. "I found these pretty flowers. They're all different colors."
Jormund, still feeling a bit uneasy from the revelation about dragons eating scavengers, nodded at Cinder as he cleaned himself of any mud. "Thanks for checking. A break is much appreciated. Suddenly, his stomach growled loudly and he chuckled nervously. "Well, it seems my stomach is voting for a feast, haven't had something for two days. I might just eat an entire dragon, you know, for a change."
The dragons exchanged amused glances, and Tsunami rolled her eyes. "You're welcome to try, but I doubt it'll be as easy as eating a scavenger."
Clay joined in with a hearty laugh. "I'd like to see you try. Dragons are tougher than we look."
Jormund grinned, realizing he was among friends who could appreciate a good joke. "Fair point. I'll settle for whatever rations you've got."
Clay stood with determination. "Alright, I'll go hunt something for us. Be back soon."
Sunny nodded enthusiastically. "I'll check the forest for edible plants or small game. We might find something good!"
Tsunami stretched her wings. "I'm going down to the river to catch some fish. Fresh catch coming up!"
As Clay and Sunny disappeared into the woods and Tsunami headed towards the river, Jormund turned to Glory with a smile. "I'm going to gather some firewood. Care to join me?"
Glory rolled her eyes but smirked. "Sure, why not? Can't have you getting lost in the forest."
Cinder chimed in, "I'll keep watch. Let me know if you need anything," he offered, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilant focus, ensuring their safety.
The the two of them ventured into the surrounding area in search of dry branches and twigs for a fire, while Cinder stayed in the clearing to look out for any danger.
The trees towered above like colossal guardians, their branches creating a leafy canopy that filtered the sunlight. The forest floor was carpeted with a mix of mud and fallen leaves, and large rocks dotted the landscape, providing both obstacles and resting spots for the weary travelers. The air was filled with the earthy scent of pine, mixed with the subtle fragrance of various plants and flowers.
As Jormund and Glory ventured deeper into the forest and began to collect firewood. The rhythmic sounds of wings and distant calls of birds created a natural symphony. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the thick foliage, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The occasional rustle of unseen creatures and the distant rush of the river added to the enchantment of the surroundings.
It was hard for Jormund to find firewood he actualy could carry, amidst the certainly bigger forest floor.
Amidst the towering trees, Jormund's sharp eyes caught sight of something familiar – wild garlic. He carefully set aside his firewood and approached the patch of greenery. He didn't even have to kneel down because of the size of the plant. He started plucking the garlic, a hint of excitement in his eyes. Its slender green leaves standing out against the brown and green hues of the forest. He couldn't resist the opportunity to gather some of the flavorful herb.
Glory observed him with raised eyebrows, her scales displaying curious blue dots. "What in Pyrrhia are you doing, Jormund? Picking plants now?"
"Wild garlic," he explained with a grin. "Back where I come from, humans use this in cooking. It adds a unique flavor to dishes. Besides, it's completely safe to eat, and it might enhance the taste of our meal. Ever tried it before?"
Glory raised an eyebrow but leaned in for a closer look. "No, can't say I have. But if it makes the food taste better, I'm all for it."
Jormund continued to gather a bit more, his knowledge of earthly plants guiding him. "It's one of those little things that can make a big difference in flavor. Just wait until I cook up something with this. You'll be amazed!"
Jormund carefully gathered the wild garlic, making sure to collect just enough for their needs. As he glanced around, he noticed that he and Glory had already gathered a sufficient amount of firewood. He suggested, "Looks like we've got enough. Shall we head back to the clearing?"
Glory nodded in agreement, her scales reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. "Sure thing. Let's go."
Returning to the clearing, they found Cinder keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. As they approached, Cinder's sharp gaze caught the peculiar plant in Jormund's grasp. "What's that you got there?" he asked, curious about the unfamiliar flora.
Jormund, with a cheerful demeanor, explained, "This is wild garlic. It's a plant with leaves and bulbs that are edible. People in my world use it to add flavor to their food. It has a distinctive aroma and taste that can enhance various dishes."
Cinder listened attentively, his curiosity piqued. "Interesting," he replied, a hint of shyness in his voice. "I've never heard of such a thing before. Do humans and dragons in your world eat plants like this often?"
Jormund hesitated for a moment, realizing he hadn't explicitly mentioned this crucial detail. He pondered how to convey it to his dragon companions.
"Well," he began slowly, "the world I come from doesn't have dragons at all. Dragons, like you, are mythical creatures, existing only in fantasy, stories, and books. The concept of dragons is different in my world."
Cinder and Glory exchanged surprised glances, processing this information. Cinder, ever curious, asked, "So, you've never seen a dragon before coming to Pyrrhia?"
Jormund shook his head. "Not in person, no. Dragons were just creatures of imagination in my world."
Glory couldn't help but ask, "It must have been a huge shock to see a dragon for the first time, right?"
Jormund nodded, acknowledging the impact. "Yes, it was quite a shock. Dragons are majestic creatures, and encountering one for the first time is an unforgettable experience. But I've seen and faced far more bizarre things in my travels, so it didn't completely throw me off."
Cinder, intrigued by the notion of bizarre adventures, chimed in, "Tell us a story about one of those adventures, then!"
Jormund grinned, but suggested, "How about we prepare a fireplace first? A story is best told in the warmth of a fire. Besides, we should wait for the others to return."
Glory and Cinder nodded in agreement to Jormund's suggestion. As they prepared to build a fire, Jormund pointed out, "We need to create a dry place for the fire to keep it going. The muddy ground could soak the wood and make it wet."
Cinder took the initiative, gathering stones to build a small circle. It was just the right size to provide warmth without overwhelming Jormund. Meanwhile, Glory added some of the firewood they had gathered into the makeshift fireplace.
With the preparations complete, Jormund turned to Cinder, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Cinder, would you do us the honor of lighting up the fireplace?"
Cinder grinned, happy to oblige. He carefully lit the fire, and soon a warm glow illuminated the small clearing by the river.
Clay returned to the clearing, a large pig gripped firmly in his maw. He gently set it down before exclaiming with enthusiasm, "Look what I caught for us!"
Jormund's jaw dropped at the sight of the enormous pig. He couldn't help but marvel at its size before asking, "What kind of pig is that? It's twice the size of me!"
Sunny returned to the clearing, a bunch of oversized carrots in her claws. She exclaimed, "Look what I found! Carrots!"
Jormund's eyes widened again at the sight of the unusually large carrots, echoing his earlier amazement with the pig. "Those carrots are gigantic!"
Tsunami arrived shortly after, three substantial fish in her jaws. Overhearing Sunny's exclamation, she spat out the fishes before she asked with curiosity, "Are there dragons who eat those on purpose?"
Jormund, bewildered by the size of the fish Tsunami brought, couldn't contain his astonishment. "Is there even anything in my size in this world!?" throwing his arms into the air to emphasize his discomfort.
Clay, noticing Jormund's distress, tried to comfort him with a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't worry about it. You're small, but you've got a big heart."
Sunny giggled at Jormund's reaction. "Well, I think you're cute like this!"
Tsunami, ever practical, chimed in, "Size doesn't matter. You're still a part of our group, and that's what counts."
Cinder, intrigued by Jormund's perspective, added, "It's a big world out there, but it doesn't mean you can't leave a significant mark."
Glory, watching the scene unfold, couldn't resist a sarcastic comment. "Who would have thought a tiny, insignificant creature like you could cause such a fuss?"
Jormund, slightly blushing at the comforting words, managed a small smile. "Thanks, Clay. It means a lot coming from a big guy like you." He appreciated Sunny's comment, even if it did little to ease his confusion about the dragon-sized world.
Tsunami's practical words resonated with him, and Cinder's insight made him feel a bit better about his place in this vast world. However, Glory's sarcasm didn't go unnoticed. Instead of feeling defeated, Jormund got a determined glint in his eyes. "Insignificant, huh? Well, get ready, because Chef JoJo is about to whip up a meal that'll prove I'm anything but!"
With newfound determination, Jormund gathered the oversized pig, carrots, and fish, ready to embark on his culinary adventure.
Jormund, ever resourceful, scoured the area for a suitable rock, and after a few attempts, he found a hand-sized oval one. Focusing his energy, he manifested Hypergenesis, weakening the rock enough to break off half of its top part. With another cry of "Amplify," Hypergenesis hardened the makeshift knife, creating a serviceable cooking tool.
Next, he searched for flatter stones, discovering some that could serve as plates. His mind shifted to his university days and adventures, realizing that his culinary skills would now come in handy.
Jormund, displaying his culinary skills, meticulously cut out the choicest parts of meat from the pig, ensuring that every cut was precise to preserve the flavors. As for the fishes, he expertly gutted them, removing any unwanted parts and leaving only the succulent flesh for the meal.
With each careful move, Jormund's knowledge and experience as a hobby cook became evident. The makeshift knife, enhanced by Hypergenesis, moved with ease, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel even in a world of oversized ingredients.
Clay, Sunny, Tsunami, Glory and Cinder watched in amazement as Jormund skillfully prepared the food with techniques they had never seen before. Clay, with his practical nature, marveled at the efficient way Jormund cut through the pig and gutted the fish. Sunny, always curious, observed with wide eyes, intrigued by the unusual cooking methods.
Tsunami, appreciating the fine details, nodded approvingly at Jormund's culinary expertise. Cinder, who had never seen a fair share of scavenger cookery, couldn't help but be impressed by the precision and creativity displayed by Jormund.
As Jormund skillfully worked on the culinary creation, Glory, couldn't help but be intrigued by the strange yet fascinating techniques of the human. Her invisible scales shimmered slightly as she leaned in to get a closer look.
For the pig-steake dish, Jormund skillfully prepared the steak by marinating it with wild garlic, skewering it onto a makeshift stone plate, and heating it over an open flame by shoving it slightly over the fireplace. He used the carrots to create a flavorful side dish, roasting them with wild garlic until they were caramelized and tender.
For the fish dish, he delicately seasoned the large fish fillets with wild garlic, roasting them on the flat stones until the skin was crispy, and the flesh flaked off perfectly. He then created a carrot and wild garlic salad to accompany the dish.
As for the carrot-centric dish, Jormund sliced the oversized carrots into thin strips, creating a fresh and vibrant salad with a wild garlic vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures showcased his culinary finesse, despite the challenges posed by the dragon-sized ingredients.
Jormund's unique approach to cooking had captured their attention, and the enticing scents wafting through the air only heightened their anticipation for the feast he was preparing.
As the scent of the delicious dishes Jormund had prepared wafted through the air, reaching the noses of the dragons.
Clay's eyes widened with anticipation, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply. "Smells incredible," he exclaimed, his tail swaying in excitement.
Tsunami, her mouth watering, chimed in with enthusiasm, "I can't wait to try it!"
Sunny, her usual cheerful demeanor brightening, exclaimed, "This is going to be the best meal ever!"
Cinder, intrigued by the enticing aroma, said with a smirk, "Well, looks like our little chef knows his way with food."
Glory, present and visible, spoke up with a hint of amusement in her voice, "I must admit, I never thought I'd be impressed by a human preparing food."
Each dragon expressed their anticipation and curiosity, eager to taste the unique dishes Jormund had prepared.
Jormund, observing the makeshift stone plates sizzling in the fire, quickly came up with a solution to handle them without burning himself. With a determined expression, he covered his hands in mud, using Hypergenesis to create elastic, dry, and hardened gloves. This innovative approach would protect his hands as he skillfully pulled the hot stone plates out of the fire.
Once the dishes were ready, Jormund proudly presented his creations to the others, the aroma of the expertly cooked food filling the air. "Bon appétit, my friends! May this meal be a testament to the fact that size doesn't determine the impact."
Jormund, displaying his culinary prowess, served the steak dish to Clay, Sunny, and Cinder with a hint of pride. Each dragon's eyes widened at the sight, and they couldn't help but shoot grateful glances toward Jormund.
"Wow, this looks amazing!" exclaimed Sunny, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Clay nodded appreciatively. "Thanks a lot, Jormund. I didn't know humans could prepare food like this."
Jormund, beaming at their reactions, humbly responded, "Well, good food is a universal language."
Turning his attention to Tsunami, Jormund presented the fish dish, making sure to offer her two portions. Tsunami's eyes sparkled with delight as she accepted the plate.
"Double fish? You really know how to make a SeaWing happy!" Tsunami chuckled, expressing her gratitude.
Understanding Glory's preference for fruits and vegetables, Jormund brought her the carrot dish. Glory raised an eyebrow but graciously accepted the plate.
"Carrots, huh? You pay attention, don't you?" Glory smirked, giving Jormund a nod of approval.
Finally, Jormund kept the last fish dish for himself, ready to join his newfound dragon companions in the feast he had prepared. As they indulged in the meal, the camaraderie among the group deepened, the delightful aroma of the dishes adding warmth to the clearing.
As the dragons took the first bites, a symphony of surprised and delighted expressions washed over their faces. The unexpected flavors sent waves of amazement through their taste buds.
Sunny, her eyes wide with astonishment, exclaimed, "This is incredible! How did you make it taste so good?"
Clay, thoroughly enjoying the meal, simply nodded in agreement, a look of contentment on his face.
Cinder, usually reserved, couldn't help but blurt out, "I never knew humans could make food like this. This is better than some royal feasts!"
Tsunami, savoring the fish, grinned, "Double fish was definitely the right call. It's like a burst of ocean freshness in my mouth!"
Glory, taking a bite of the carrot dish, raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I didn't think carrots could taste this good. You've got some serious culinary skills, JoJo."
Jormund, watching their reactions with satisfaction, responded with a modest smile, "I'm glad you like it. Cooking has been a hobby of mine."
The clearing echoed with the sounds of satisfied dragons indulging in the unexpected feast, a culinary experience that brought them closer together.
Cinder, with a contented expression after the delicious meal, looked at Jormund and asked, "Now that our bellies are happy, how about sharing one of your crazy adventures, JoJo?"
Jormund, feeling the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of the group, nodded with a smile. "Sure, I'd be happy to share a story. But first, let me refill your plates with some more food. Can't have a storytelling session on an empty stomach."
After he refilled everyones plates, he sat back down as he began his tail "This adventure began in...."
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