Chapter 30: Return to the Beast King's Castle: The Archive Guardian

To get to the archives we must descend via an underground passageway. The entrance is just here, beneath the throne.

It's good to see you again, old friend.

Your Majesty... Or should I simply address you as Master Guildna now? I'd heard the rumors, but even so this is a shock! You look in fine shape, though you no longer claim the title of Beast King, you're no less worthy of it.

That might be, but I've changed. I have no intention of walking the path the Beast King did. By the way, we have a gift for you from your wife.

Oho, this is her special Picklepine juice. Ah, but to have my master carry out such a trivial errand on my behalf...how wretched!

It's fine. I actually came here on business. I need you to locate a scroll concerning the Dragon God and his lair. Once that's done, you can leave this place. Your wife in Konium must be eagerly awaiting your return, right? With the beast army in tatters, you know there's no hope of a military solution to our dispute with the humans. So instead of remaining the guardian of this place, how about you return to Konium?

Master Guildna, as you are aware, my family line has been entrusted with the guardianship of these archives for generations. Though I've great respect for your intentions, what you suggest to me amounts to an order to abandon my lifelong duty. That is something I find myself unable to do, even if it is a direct order from you.

So you're not willing to leave your station, hm? Well then, would a reminder of my strength convince you? I don't really want to do this, but once you're back in Konium I'm sure your wife will forgive me for using force.

A duel then, is it? With pleasure, Master Guildna. As your loyal servant I am duty-bound to offer you my unreserved effort. Let this bout be no exception.

Well, that settles that.

I am hardly a match for you, I submit. To remain disobedient any longer would invite disgrace to my name. This castle's master has given me my leave, so there's no dishonor in hereby relinquishing the duty of my family line. But what will become of this place I wonder? In any case, I suppose my attention should now turn to my wife and my grandchildren.

I'm glad you see sense now.

Master Guildna, you should know that not all of our kind are convinced by your new stance. And there are some who will vehemently oppose you. Please be on your guard.

You just battled me, so you should know. There isn't anyone capable of facing me head-on... But I'll watch my back.

To business then. I believe this is the scroll you've need of? It's yours.

All right, that's our business here done. Once we're back at the island, we'll head to the Snake's Spine. From there we'll go down into the depths, that's where the Dragon God is said to sleep.