I Received System to Become Dragonborn-Chapter 1283: Fragments

Dave’s body grew visibly stiff. He knew exactly what that question meant.

They were not asking about wars, kings, or public records. They were asking about the kind of history that was buried on purpose. The kind that, if revealed, could fracture the very foundation of this world.

He did not know why they wanted it. And he did not want to know.

"I... don’t know what you mean," Dave said carefully.

Erend’s gaze did not waver. "We need to know what is hidden deep in this world. Something ancient. Something that could threaten the safety of the entire realm."

Dave’s fingers tightened slightly on the edge of his desk. "Why?"

"Because," Eccar replied calmly, though there was a sharp edge beneath his tone, "if such a thing exists, we intend to do something about it."

His faint smile did not reach his eyes.

"You should start explaining what you know," Eccar continued quietly, "before I lose patience and do something I might regret."

Dave swallowed. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

He had no idea what these three beings from another world were truly capable of. But he was not eager to find out.

He had survived this long because he understood one rule better than anyone: never offend those stronger than you. He had bowed, flattered, traded secrets, even humiliated himself when necessary. Survival was worth more than pride.

If he offended these three, he was certain he would die without even understanding how.

"Alright," Dave said at last, his voice lower now. "I will tell you what I know. But understand... this is based on stories I gathered during my travels. Fragments and rumors. But I don’t think they were fake. Just incomplete."

"Say everything," Erend replied curtly.

Dave took a deep breath.

"The source of this world’s power did not naturally evolve. Long ago, during the earliest recorded age, three figures—now called the Three Ancestors—discovered something," Dave began.

He hesitated briefly.

"They called it the Sky Anchor."

Erend, Eccar, and Aesa exchanged meaningful looks.

Dave continued, unaware of the storm forming behind their calm expressions.

"The Sky Anchor was described as a power source that descended from the heavens. After its arrival, the three main branches of power began to form. Internal cultivation methods appeared. Sigil structures were recorded. Spirit-binding rituals became possible. From that point forward, the path to strength spread rapidly across the world."

Aesa’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"There are ancient sites," Dave went on, "ruins from that era. Carvings depict a colossal figure falling from the sky... and then granting power to humanity."

He paused.

"But that is only the story told publicly."

The room seemed smaller.

"In certain circles," Dave said more quietly, "the Sky Anchor is not considered a blessing."

Erend leaned forward slightly. "Explain."

"It is said," Dave continued with difficulty, "that the Sky Anchor is not a gift... but a corruption source. That it slowly drains this world. That the power it grants comes at a cost."

Eccar’s smile vanished completely.

"A few secret orders," Dave added, "have spent centuries researching its true nature. Some guard the ruins and attempt to contain what they call ’the spreading rot.’ They believe the Anchor is not dormant... only restrained."

Silence fell heavily between them.

The three Dragonborn looked at one another again.

They knew. They did not need to speak it aloud.

The Sky Anchor was almost certainly the missing Creation.

"Where is this ruin?" Erend asked.

Dave hesitated.

Information like this was supposed to be expensive. Extremely expensive.

But these were not ordinary clients. They were travelers from another world.

If he demanded a price and angered them, he might not even leave behind ashes.

After a brief internal struggle, he made his choice.

"I’ll tell you," Dave said quietly. "The primary ruin lies in the northern highlands, beyond the Blackstone Ridge. There is a canyon sealed by ancient sigils. Most believe it to be abandoned."

He met Erend’s eyes carefully.

"But that is where the first Sky Anchor site remains."

"There are more?" Erend asked immediately.

Dave nodded slowly.

"Yes. The canyon beyond Blackstone Ridge is only the primary site. The first and the largest. But it is not the only one."

Eccar leaned back slightly, though his eyes remained sharp. Aesa’s posture did not change at all, but the air around her seemed to cool by a fraction.

"How many?" Erend pressed.

"Three major sites," Dave answered. "Including the canyon. And... five minor ones."

"Five?" Eccar repeated.

"I’m not certain how significant the smaller ones are," Dave admitted quickly. "Some scholars argue they were merely fragments but some of them believe they were secondary impact points... or perhaps anchors to stabilize the main one."

"Tell us anyway," Erend said flatly.

Dave swallowed and continued.

"The second major site lies beneath the ruins of an ancient city called Vaelorin. It was once a thriving center of cultivation. Records say its people advanced too quickly and too powerfully. Then, within a single night, the city collapsed inward. The ground swallowed it. What remains now is a vast crater surrounded by unstable sigil fields. No one lives there."

Aesa’s eyes flickered briefly. "And the third?"

"The third is hidden within the southern sea," Dave said. "An island that appears only once every few years when the tides shift. Sailors call it the Drowned Crown. Those who step on it report hearing whispers beneath the stone. Some of those sailors returned while already changed. Most do not return at all."

"And the minor sites?" Erend asked.

Dave hesitated only a moment before continuing.

"One lies deep within the Ember Wastes, buried under volcanic glass. Another rests in the western forest, guarded by a spirit order that forbids all entry. The third is rumored to be beneath the capital itself, though that claim is considered dangerous to repeat."

His voice lowered instinctively.

"The fourth minor site is said to be moving. It appears in different locations across the northern plains like a mirage. And the fifth..." He paused. "The fifth was recorded in ancient texts but has no confirmed location. Only a symbol. A broken circle pierced by a descending line."

Erend, Eccar, and Aesa exchanged another long look.

Three majors and five minors fragments scattered across the world.

Dave watched their expressions carefully, trying to read their intentions.

"That is all I know," he said quietly. "The secret orders guard some of these places but some of them are just avoided."

Erend rose slowly from his chair.

"That’s enough. Thank you, Dave. What happened today, does not happen," he said.

Dave nod in understanding.

Then the three of them walked out of the shop.

In that moment, Dave understood one thing with terrifying clarity. Whatever the Sky Anchor truly was... these three were connected to it somehow.

"I better stay out of it." Dave shook his head.

—