I opened my eyes slowly, the fog of exhaustion and Battle Mode dissipating like a fever dream. I expected to see a sky full of smoke, the dragon's corpse, or at least the smoldering ruins of Eldoria, but instead, I found myself in a completely different place. I was lying on a wide bed, the mattress so soft it seemed to mold to my body, covered by white silk sheets that shimmered with a faint enchanted glow. I raised my hand, noticing the bandages wrapped around my forearms, tight but clean, with a slight scent of healing herbs that soothed the lingering sting of my wounds. My body still hurt, a dull echo of the battle, but I was alive, and that was more than I had expected.
I looked around, taking in the room. It was luxurious, far beyond my penthouse in The Star Lotus. The walls were of polished dark wood, carved with intricate designs of branches and flowers that seemed to move subtly, as if they were alive. A high ceiling arched above me, supported by black beams that emitted a golden glow, and a floating crystal chandelier cast soft lights that danced like fireflies. A massive window occupied one wall, with enchanted glass panels showing a changing landscape: a glowing forest, a starry ocean, then the towers of Eldoria intact, as if the crystal denied the destruction I knew had occurred. A deep blue rug covered the floor, woven with runes that pulsed with protective magic, and elegant furniture — an ebony table, a jade-inlaid wardrobe — completed the space. Everything screamed wealth, power, and a magic so advanced it made my penthouse look like a shack. Where the hell was I?
My gaze landed on a figure sitting in a black velvet armchair beside the bed. It was a woman, and her presence filled the room like a contained storm. Her hair, long and straight, was a sky-blue that seemed to reflect a clear sky, tied into two high buns adorned with black ribbons, while the rest cascaded down her back, brushing the floor. Her golden eyes, deep and piercing, watched me with a mixture of reproach and something that looked like concern. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, with sharp yet harmonious features, a Germanic elegance that evoked the most iconic models from my past life in Munich, but elevated to an almost supernatural level. She was more beautiful than any human, a perfection that could only belong to something beyond mortal.
Her outfit reinforced that aura. She wore a dark suit reminiscent of a Japanese kimono, but stylized, with wide sleeves and a pattern of golden dragons that seemed to move, their scales shining as if alive. Long white gloves covered her hands, adorned with golden embroidery that sparkled with each gesture, and white thigh-high boots, equally ornate, completed the ensemble. Every detail of her appearance was impeccable, a blend of power and grace that made the heart stop.
I knew who she was before she spoke. Velgrynd, the True Dragon, in her human form. My mind, still dazed, confirmed it by the magical pressure emanating from her, a force so immense that even in this restrained form made the air vibrate. I swallowed, my voice hoarse when I finally spoke.
—"Velgrynd… it's you, isn't it? Where am I? What happened to the dragon… to Eldoria?"
She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a movement that made the black ribbons in her hair sway slightly. Her voice, when she responded, was deep, with a timbre that echoed her draconic form, but laden with a scolding tone that made me feel like a child caught in mischief.
—"Einar, you're a reckless idiot. Facing an A+ rank dragon alone, unprepared, without support? What did you think you'd accomplish, other than becoming ashes? You were lucky your core endured that… evolution of yours, or I'd be gathering your remains from the square."
She paused, her golden eyes softening for a moment, and added in a lower tone, almost as if it pained her to admit it:
—"That said… you worried me. I didn't expect to see you in such a pitiful state. Don't ever do something that stupid again, understood?"
I stared at her, processing her words. The scolding stung, but the concern in her voice was genuine, and that made me smile faintly, though the movement tugged at a bandage on my cheek.
—"I'm sorry, Velgrynd. I couldn't let Eldoria burn. It was my fault… my ability awakened that thing. But… how did I get here? And how are you here?" — I asked, trying to sit up, though a jab in my rib made me fall back with a grunt.
Velgrynd sighed, rising from the armchair with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. She walked to the window, her boots resonating softly against the carpet.
—"You're in one of the recovery chambers of the Arcane Council, in the heart of Eldoria. After you killed the dragon, you collapsed. The surviving mages brought you here, and I… let's say I felt your little spectacle from afar. I couldn't ignore someone with my essence causing such a ruckus."
She turned to me, leaning on the window sill, her golden eyes gleaming with a playful yet stern spark.
—"Now rest. Your body is healing, but you pushed your core beyond what any mortal should. Even with those new abilities of yours, stronger or not, you're a mess. And don't think this means I approve of your madness."
I laughed, though it came out more like a wheeze.
—"Understood, boss. But… thanks for coming. I didn't expect to see you in human form. You look… impressive, by the way."
Velgrynd rolled her eyes, but a slight smile curved her lips.
—"Save your compliments, Einar. You've got work ahead if you want to control that new power. And don't think I'll let you rest for too long."
I leaned back against the pillows, staring at the enchanted ceiling now showing a starry sky. Velgrynd was right: I had survived, but the cost had been high, and the path ahead was uncertain. My new abilities — Spiritual Control and Guardian of Purity — hummed in my core, waiting to be explored. But for now, I could only be grateful I was alive, with Velgrynd watching over me like a guardian dragon… though one with a beauty that defied all logic.
...
Several hours had passed since I woke up in the recovery chamber of the Arcane Council, and time had slipped away in conversations with Velgrynd. We talked about everything: the battle with the dragon, my evolution into an Enlightened, the new abilities I still didn't fully understand, and even a bit about her life as a True Dragon, though she dodged the details with a cunning smile. Her presence, even in human form, was overwhelming but also comforting, as if her mere existence guaranteed that nothing could touch me while she was near. However, my body was still a mess. Bandages covered most of my wounds, and the pain had been reduced to a dull echo, but my magic core was on the verge of collapse. Raphael, silent since the evolution, had warned me earlier that any spell now would leave me collapsed on the ground, so I limited myself to resting and moving carefully.
When night fell, the room transformed under the moonlight filtering through the enchanted window. The floating crystal chandelier cast dancing shadows, and the runes on the blue carpet glowed with a softer pulse, as if the room's magic were at rest. I got out of bed, unable to stay still despite Velgrynd's warnings, and began to explore the room with childlike curiosity. My steps were slow, each one a reminder of my exhausted muscles, but something new caught my attention: I could feel the magicules in the air. It wasn't just a vague perception, like before; it was as if every magical molecule brushed against my skin, a constant tingling that outlined the shape of my body. I could distinguish them, floating like glowing specks of dust, some denser near the runes, others scattered through the air. I could even see thin threads of energy, like ethereal veins, connecting the enchanted objects in the room. It was both fascinating and disconcerting, a side effect of my evolution that made me feel more connected to the world than ever before.
—"Einar, stop wandering around like a curious puppy. One wrong move and you'll faint," —Velgrynd said from the window, her voice laced with soft but firm sarcasm. She was standing, looking at the city through the enchanted glass, which now showed a rebuilt Eldoria in a perfect illusion, with no trace of the ruins I knew were out there. Her sky-blue hair shone under the moonlight, and the golden dragon on her kimono seemed to move with each of her breaths.
—"I'm just stretching my legs, Velgrynd. Besides, have you felt this? The magicules... it's like I can touch them." —I replied, raising a hand to follow the trail of an energy thread floating near the ebony table. It was hypnotic, like seeing the world through a new lens.
Velgrynd turned her head, her golden eyes narrowing.
—"That's your heightened sensitivity, idiot. Your evolution gave you ridiculously precise perception. But don't play with it right now."
Before I could respond, the main door of the room —a slab of black wood carved with silver runes— opened with a soft click. An elf entered, and his presence broke the room's calm. He was tall, even for an elf, with a posture so straight it seemed to defy gravity. His silver hair, shoulder-length, was braided in an intricate style, adorned with sapphire beads that shimmered with contained magic. His emerald-green eyes had a calculating gleam, and his pale skin seemed almost luminous under the chandelier light. He wore an elven noble's outfit that screamed wealth: a deep blue tunic with golden embroidery forming patterns of leaves and stars, a short cloak that fluttered with every step, and polished black leather boots with silver buckles. A phoenix-shaped brooch held the cloak, pulsing with a magical aura that suggested protection. Everything about him exuded authority, but also a nervous tension he couldn't hide.
The elf looked at me, inclining his head in a gesture that was more formality than respect.
—"Einar von Kreutz, the Arcane Council requires your presence. Follow me immediately." —His voice was clear, with an elven accent that elongated the vowels, but there was a slight tremor, as if he were holding something back.
Velgrynd rose from the windowsill in a fluid motion, her kimono fluttering as if responding to an invisible wind. Her golden eyes locked onto the elf, and the room's temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
—"And who are you to give orders in my presence? He's not going anywhere without me." —she said, her voice low but loaded with a threat that made the carpet's runes flicker.
The elf paled, his eyes widening as he stepped back. Before he could respond, Velgrynd released a fraction of her magical pressure, a force so overwhelming that a chill ran down my spine, even with my new perception. The magicules in the air stirred, collapsing toward her as if drawn by a vortex. The sapphire beads in the elf's hair jingled, and his hand gripped the doorframe, knuckles white. He was terrified, and I didn't blame him; I could feel my magic core trembling in Velgrynd's presence, as if it recognized a supreme predator.
—"Velgrynd, easy," —I said, raising a hand carefully, my voice firmer than I expected given my condition—. "I don't think this guy wants trouble. Let's hear what the Council wants, okay? You can come with me. I don't think they'd dare say no to you."
She gave me a look that was half reproach, half amusement, and the magical pressure vanished as quickly as it had appeared. The elf let out a shaky breath, straightening with effort, though his eyes still avoided Velgrynd's.
—"V-very well," —he stammered, adjusting his cloak with nervous fingers—. "Both of you may follow me. The Council awaits in the Hall of Mirrors. Please, do not delay."
Velgrynd huffed, crossing her arms as she walked toward me, her kimono whispering against the carpet.
—"If they try anything, I'll reduce them to ashes before they finish talking," —she muttered, loud enough for the elf to hear. He flinched, and I stifled a laugh.
We left the room, following the elf through a white marble hallway illuminated by floating spheres that emitted a soft light. Velgrynd walked at my side, her presence a protective shadow that made the elf quicken his pace, his cloak fluttering with every nervous stride. I, still weak but driven by curiosity, felt the magicules of the Arcane Council brushing my skin, a reminder that my new state as an Enlightened had opened a world of possibilities… and dangers. Something told me this meeting wouldn't just be a congratulations for slaying the dragon.
The white marble hallway stretched out before us, flanked by floating orbs that cast a soft light, as if the Arcane Council wanted to remind us of its power with every detail. The noble elf, still trembling from Velgrynd's presence, guided us with quick steps, his blue cloak fluttering as if trying to escape her. I walked at his side, feeling the magicules of the place brush against my skin, each particle a reminder of my new perception thanks to [Spiritual Control]. Velgrynd, at my right, maintained a barely concealed expression of disdain, her golden eyes scanning every corner as if expecting a trap. The air was thick with magic, dense and vibrant, but my body was still weak, my magic core on the verge of collapse after the battle with the dragon.
Just as we arrived at an imposing door—a slab of polished obsidian, carved with golden runes that pulsed like a heartbeat—a familiar voice echoed in my mind, clear and precise, breaking the silence I had endured since my evolution.
[Status confirmed: Stable, but magic core at 16%. I recommend avoiding any use of magic for the next 48 hours. I am operational again. Do you require a summary of recent events?]
Said Raphael, her tone logical but with a nuance that, to me, sounded almost warm.
I stopped in my tracks, a relieved smile spreading across my face.
—"Raphael! Finally! I thought I'd lost you after all that chaos with the dragon. Are you okay? What happened when… you know, I passed out?" —I responded mentally, my inner voice full of enthusiasm.
Velgrynd shot me a sideways glance, noticing my pause, but said nothing, merely crossing her arms. The elf, confused, turned toward me, adjusting his phoenix brooch with nervous fingers.
[Response: My functionality is intact. Battle Mode and your forced evolution required a recalibration period. Regarding your fainting… you were unconscious for two months. Your body needed time to stabilize the core after the integration of [Spiritual Control] and [Guardian of Purity]. Eldoria was rebuilt 74% during that period, thanks to the efforts of the Arcane Council and external mages.]
Explained Raphael, her voice as direct as ever.
I froze, my eyes widening.
—"Two… months? I was out for two whole months? That explains why everything looks so… fixed!" —I responded, my mind reeling. The image of Eldoria in ruins was still fresh, but the enchanted window of the recovery chamber showed a restored city. Two months. I had lost so much time.
[Confirmed. Your reaction is understandable. Your body was at its limit; the forced evolution and the sacrifice of [Will] and [Aura] required extensive recovery. I suggest processing this later; the Arcane Council awaits. Enter and remain calm. Velgrynd is generating a 92% probability of intimidation, which may complicate negotiations.]
Said Raphael, her tone now softer, almost comforting.
I sighed, nodding mentally.
—"Alright, thank you, Raphael. I'm glad to have you back. Let's see what these guys want."
I blinked, and the world seemed to slow down for an instant. The elf was just now opening the obsidian door, his hands trembling slightly as the golden runes shone brighter. It was thought acceleration, a side effect of my evolution that Raphael must have been amplifying. Everything felt sharper, as if I could count every crack in the door or every strand of the elf's cloak. I shook my head to clear it and moved forward, with Velgrynd beside me, her kimono whispering against the floor.
The door opened, revealing the Hall of Mirrors, and the sight took my breath away. The room was a marvel of magic and elven architecture. It was circular, at least thirty meters in diameter, and the walls were covered in enchanted mirrors that didn't reflect the present figures, but changing scenes: starry fields, roaring oceans, or floating cities I had never seen. The floor was a mosaic of black and white crystal, forming a gigantic runic symbol that pulsed with pure magic, sending waves of energy I could feel brushing against my skin. The ceiling, domed and translucent, looked like a night sky trapped in glass, with constellations slowly moving. In the center of the room, an oval table of white marble floated a meter above the floor, surrounded by five imposing figures. Each sat on a uniquely designed throne, carved from materials ranging from living wood to polished obsidian. The magic in the air was so dense I could see the magicules condensing into visible threads, weaving an invisible tapestry around those present.
The five men—two humans and three elves—observed me with expressions ranging from curiosity to disdain. In the center, clearly the leader, was the king, an elf whose presence dominated the room without even moving. His hair, white as snow, fell in a long braid to his waist, adorned with gems that glowed with their own light. His eyes were glacial blue, piercing and cold, as if they could see through my soul. He wore a silver robe that flowed like water, embroidered with platinum threads forming runes of protection and power. A sapphire crown floated above his head, slowly rotating, and a slender staff of black crystal rested in his hand, pulsing with magic that resonated with the mosaic on the floor. His face was stern, with high cheekbones and a jaw that looked carved from marble, but there was a calculating calmness in him, as if every word he spoke had been weighed with centuries of experience.
To his right was a human, the first of the two. He was older, with gray hair cut short and a trimmed beard that gave him a military air. His brown eyes were sharp, and his tanned skin bore fine scars, hints of past battles. He wore ceremonial armor of dark steel, engraved with fire runes, and a red cape hung from his shoulders, fastened with a brooch in the shape of a roaring lion. His hands, covered by leather gloves, rested on the table, but the tension in his fingers suggested he was ready to act at any moment. He represented, I assumed, the military or combat sector of the Council.
The second human, to the left of the king, was younger, perhaps in his thirties, with a scholarly air. His black hair was tied in a low ponytail, and his green eyes shone with sharp intelligence. He wore an emerald green robe with wide sleeves, embroidered with arcane symbols that subtly changed color. A floating book, bound in leather and surrounded by a blue aura, spun in front of him, its pages turning without his touch. His hands, pale and uncalloused, held an enchanted quill that wrote in the air on its own, taking invisible notes. He was clearly the representative of the arcane or academic sector.
The second elf, seated next to the military human, had a wilder air. His brown hair, streaked with green strands, was braided with living vines that moved slowly, as if breathing. His amber eyes had feline pupils, and his olive-toned skin seemed to absorb light. He wore light enchanted leather armor, decorated with feathers and gems that emitted an earthy glow. A short spear, carved from living wood, rested against his throne, and his relaxed posture contrasted with the intensity of his gaze. He represented, I imagined, the natural or druidic sector.
The third elf, next to the scholarly human, was the most austere. His jet-black hair was cut short, and his gray eyes were cold, almost lifeless. He wore a plain gray robe, but the runes sewn into the fabric pulsed with contained magic I could feel even from the entrance. A ring on his index finger glowed silver, and his hands were crossed, motionless, as if any movement would be a waste of energy. His aura suggested absolute control, likely the representative of the law or magical discipline sector.
The noble elf who had guided us bowed to the king and stepped aside, still trembling from Velgrynd's presence. She stopped beside me, her kimono slightly fluttering, her golden eyes scanning the five men with open disdain. I stepped forward, feeling the weight of their gazes, my magic core faintly buzzing under the room's pressure.
—"Einar von Kreutz," —said the king, his voice echoing like a cathedral bell—. "You have been summoned to answer for your actions. Step forward."
Velgrynd snorted, but said nothing, merely following me as we advanced toward the floating table, the mosaic beneath our feet pulsing with every step.
Before the king could speak, Raphael intervened again, her voice a whisper in my mind.
[Analysis: The Hall of Mirrors is an S-level magic core, designed to amplify perception and suppress hostility. The five individuals have a combined power greater than 94% of Eldoria's mages. The elf king is an S-rank mage, probability of affinity with spatial or temporal magic: 77%. Remain calm; any aggression will trigger automatic defenses with a 99% probability.]
—"Understood, Raphael. But… two months, really? How am I even standing after that?" —I asked, still processing the revelation.
[Your evolution to Enlightened restructured your core, allowing for accelerated recovery. Healing from the Arcane Council and Velgrynd's presence stabilized your condition. Do not worry about the lost time; focus on this meeting. The Council has a 68% probability of interrogating you about the dragon and your new abilities. Respond cautiously.]
Replied Raphael, her tone comforting but firm.
—"Thank you, Raphael. Let's get through this… I hope." —I said, straightening up as I faced the Council.
The Elven King, with his silver robe and floating sapphire crown, raised a hand, interrupting me before I could utter a word. His voice was cold, resonating with the authority of centuries, each syllable measured as if he were dictating a divine decree.
—"Einar von Kreutz, you arrived in Eldoria four months ago, a C-rank outsider with an unusual magic core, registered in the guild under the tutelage of Cedric Valwyn. In that time, your progress was remarkable, but also reckless. Your use of an ability in the depths of the guild's cave awakened an A+ rank dragon, a beast sealed by the Council three centuries ago. That accident—yours and yours alone—unleashed a catastrophe that nearly destroyed our kingdom. Fifty-three mages died, and 68% of Eldoria was left in ruins. What do you have to say in your defense?"
His words fell like a hammer, and I felt a knot in my stomach. I knew my [Aura] had been the trigger, but the way he said it—as if I had acted with malice—made me clench my fists. Beside me, Velgrynd growled louder, a sound that made the runes on the mosaic flicker and the druid elf, with his living vines, shift uncomfortably on his throne. His golden eyes locked onto the king, and the magical pressure emanating from her grew, a reminder that a True Dragon did not tolerate accusations against her own.
Before I could respond, Raphael intervened in my mind, his voice an anchor of logical calm.
[Information: During your two months of unconsciousness, Velgrynd remained by your side, watching and protecting. I detected 14 unauthorized magical intervention attempts on your body, primarily invasive scans by the Council. She deterred them, often with direct threats. Her presence reduced the likelihood of manipulation by 97%. Suggest calming her now; her aggression has an 84% probability of escalating this meeting.]
I chuckled lightly, a dry laugh that echoed in the hall and drew confused glances from the councilors. The image of Velgrynd, in her human form, threatening powerful mages while I slept was so typical of her that I couldn't help it. I turned to her, carefully touching her shoulder, feeling the tension in her muscles beneath the kimono. I leaned in and whispered, keeping my voice low but firm.
—"Easy, Velgrynd. It's okay. Let me handle this, yeah? We don't need to incinerate anyone… yet."
She looked at me, eyes narrowing, but the growl faded, and the magical pressure decreased—though not entirely. She huffed, crossing her arms, and muttered:
—"If these idiots blame you for their own incompetence, I'm not promising I'll hold back."
I smiled, straightening to face the king. I opened my mouth to reply, ready to accept my share of guilt but also to defend my actions, when the military human—the one in ceremonial armor and red cape—stood abruptly, slamming a gloved fist onto the floating table. His scarred face was red with fury, and his brown eyes burned as he pointed in my direction.
—"Your carelessness didn't just wake the dragon, outsider—it destabilized the seal we maintained for centuries! Do you think slaying the beast absolves you? Your insolence cost lives! Fifty-three mages—men and women I personally trained—are dead because of your arrogance! And now you strut in here like you deserve respect? We should lock you up for this!"
His words were like a punch. I felt my jaw tighten, heat rising in my chest. I knew I had made a mistake, and the guilt of those deaths weighed on me every day, but blaming me for everything—as if the Council bore no responsibility for a seal that was clearly unstable—made my blood boil. My hands trembled, not from fear, but from a restrained rage I hadn't felt since the battle. Velgrynd stepped forward, her kimono billowing, and the air grew heavy again with her pressure, but I raised a hand to stop her, my eyes locked on the human.
—"General, or whatever your name is," I said, my voice low but sharp, each word measured so my anger wouldn't spill over. "I'm not strutting. I went into that cave on a guild mission—a mission you approved. No one told me there was a sealed dragon, nor that my ability could break something that, frankly, sounds like a sloppy job on your part. Yes, I woke the beast, and I regret it more than you can imagine. But I risked my life to stop it. I killed an A+ rank dragon alone, while your mages could barely contain it. If you want someone to blame, look at your own system before pointing at me."
The room fell silent, the echo of my words ringing through the enchanted mirrors. The military human turned an even deeper red, his fists clenching, but before he could respond, the king raised a hand, his expression unshaken.
—"Enough, General Kael. Your emotions do not serve this hearing," he said, his voice slicing the tension like a blade. His blue eyes turned to me, and I felt a chill, as if I were being scanned by something beyond human. "Einar von Kreutz, your actions saved Eldoria, but also endangered it. The Council must decide your fate. Speak—but choose your words carefully."
Velgrynd growled again, but this time more softly, and I noticed the druid elf and the human scholar exchanging nervous glances. Raphael spoke in my mind, his tone urgent.
[Warning: Mention of the seal has triggered a reaction in the Council. Probability they are hiding information about the dragon: 89%. I recommend moderating your tone; the king has a 94% probability of determining your fate based on this interaction. Velgrynd is at her limit; 73% chance she will intervene if the general speaks again.]
I swallowed, feeling the weight of the room and Velgrynd's gaze burning into my back. I had to play this right—or things could get much worse.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the room and Raphael's warning echoing in my mind: "Moderate your tone. The king will decide your fate with a 94% probability based on this interaction." I knew my rage against General Kael was justified, but escalating the conflict here, with Velgrynd on the verge of erupting and the Council ready to judge me, would be a mistake. I lowered my gaze for a moment, letting the guilt and responsibility I had carried since the battle with the dragon guide my words.
—"King… members of the Council," —I began, my voice firm but softer, laden with a sincerity I hoped they could feel—. "I have no excuses for what happened. My ability awakened the dragon, and though I didn't know about the seal, that doesn't change the fact that my action triggered a catastrophe. Fifty-three mages died, and Eldoria suffered damage I still cannot fully comprehend. I am deeply sorry. Every lost life weighs on me, and if I could undo it, I would without hesitation."
I paused, lifting my gaze to look at the king, then at General Kael, whose fury hadn't diminished.
—"But I also want to clarify something. I entered that cave on a guild mission, one that you approved. No one warned me of a sealed dragon, nor of the risk my magic posed. I fought alone against an A+ ranked beast, risking everything to stop it, because I couldn't stand by while Eldoria burned. I don't seek glory or an easy pardon. I just want to understand how this happened and ensure it doesn't happen again. I am willing to take responsibility, but I cannot carry guilt that isn't mine."
The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the soft hum of the runes in the mosaic. Velgrynd growled low, a sound that made the druid elf lean back in his throne, and I felt his magical pressure rise, a reminder that his patience was wearing thin. Before the king could respond, the human scholar in the emerald green robe with the floating book leaned forward, his enchanted quill pausing in the air. His green eyes sparkled with a mix of fascination and support, and his voice was calm, almost academic.
—"Einar von Kreutz, your sincerity is remarkable, and your feat against the dragon… extraordinary. I am Maester Lorian, representative of the arcane sector. Your decision to face the dragon, though reckless, saved what was left of Eldoria. I believe blaming you exclusively is unfair; the seal was ancient, and its maintenance… questionable." —He glanced sideways at the austere elf, whose expression did not change, but whose fingers tightened on his ring.
The druid elf, with his living vines and feline eyes, nodded, his voice deep and resonant, like the murmur of a forest.
—"I am Sylvaraen, guardian of the natural sector. Nature does not punish the wolf for hunting, nor the river for overflowing. You, Einar, acted on instinct, and though the cost was high, your courage prevented a greater disaster. The Council must share the blame; the seal was weakened, and our vigilance failed. I propose to guide you, not punish you, so that your power does not become a danger again."
His words eased something in my chest, but before I could respond, General Kael slammed the table again, his red cape billowing as he stood. His face was contorted with rage, the scars on his skin prominent under the light of the mirrors.
—"This is a farce! Guidance? Support? This outsider nearly destroyed Eldoria! Do you think his apologies bring back my mages? Fifty-three dead, and he has the audacity to blame our system! The seal was stable until his magic broke it! We should strip him of his core and exile him before he causes another catastrophe!"
Velgrynd stepped forward, her kimono rustling, and the entire room seemed to darken. Her magical pressure erupted, a weight that made the floating orbs flicker and the floor mosaic tremble. Her golden eyes burned, and her voice, though low, was a pure threat, each word laced with the fury of a True Dragon.
—"Watch your tongue, human. If you think you can touch my protégé, I will reduce you to ashes before your pathetic armor can protect you. The Council allowed a weak seal to endanger my essence, and now you blame the only one who had the courage to stop your mistake. Speak again, and no Council will stop me."
General Kael paled, stepping back, but his hand closed around the hilt of a ceremonial sword hanging from his waist. The austere elf in the gray robe raised a hand, and a silver flash from his ring caused Velgrynd's pressure to lessen, though not entirely. His voice was cold, almost mechanical, and his gray eyes showed no emotion.
—"Enough. I am Archon Vaelis, custodian of arcane law. Your threat is unnecessary and counterproductive... The Council does not seek violence, but the outsider must be held accountable. His ignorance of the seal does not excuse the chaos. I propose a formal trial to determine his fate, with strict supervision of his abilities."
The elf king, who had remained silent, leaned forward, his black crystal staff pulsing once to calm the room. His blue eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a chill, as if I were being weighed on an invisible scale.
—"Einar von Kreutz, you have spoken frankly, and some here see value in your actions. Others see only danger. The Council is divided, but I will decide. Before I respond, consider this: your power is a double-edged sword. It can protect Eldoria… or destroy it. What do you propose to repair the damage and ensure you will no longer be a threat?"
Raphael intervened, his voice urgent in my mind.
[Alert: The king is testing your commitment. Probability he accepts a reasonable proposal: 71%. Avoid direct confrontations with Kael or Vaelis; their opposition is 82% immovable. I suggest offering supervised cooperation and a plan to rebuild Eldoria.]
I nodded mentally, taking a deep breath to calm the anger still burning in my chest. Velgrynd was still tense, but her pressure had stabilized, and she gave me a look that said "don't you dare let them walk over you." I stepped forward, ignoring the dull pain in my ribs, and spoke, my voice clear and resolute.
—"King, Council, I do not deny my mistake, and I am willing to repair it. I propose working with the guild and the Council to rebuild Eldoria, using my abilities to protect and heal, not destroy. I accept supervision, training, whatever is necessary to control my power. But I also ask that we investigate the seal. If it was weakened, others might be as well. I don't want more surprises, and I'm sure you don't either. Let me prove that I can be an ally, not a threat."
I paused, looking directly at General Kael, my tone harder but controlled.
—"And general, I understand your loss. Believe me, I feel it. But blaming me for everything won't bring your mages back. Let's work together to ensure this never happens again, instead of fighting each other."
Maester Lorian nodded, his floating book spinning faster, while Sylvaraen smiled slightly, the vines in his hair moving as if in approval. Kael growled, sitting down with a huff, but said nothing more. Vaelis remained still, his gray eyes evaluating me like a puzzle. The king, however, leaned back, his expression unreadable, the staff pulsing once more.
—"Your proposal will be considered," —he finally said, his voice echoing through the chamber—. "The Council will deliberate. For now, you will return to the recovery chamber. Do not attempt to leave Eldoria until a decision is made. And the lady accompanying the human Einar, your presence is tolerated, but do not test our patience."
Velgrynd snorted, but didn't reply, merely giving me a gentle nudge so we would start moving. As we followed the noble elf back down the corridor, I felt the magicules of the chamber slowly fade, but the tension in my chest remained. I had survived the hearing, but the real challenge was only just beginning.
The white marble hallway of the Arcane Council echoed with the sound of our footsteps as we returned to the recovery chamber. The floating orbs cast a soft light, bathing the walls in a glow more alive than any torch. The noble elf guiding us walked several steps ahead, his blue cloak fluttering with an urgency that suggested he couldn't wait to get away from us—or rather, from Velgrynd. My body still hurt, but the tension of the hearing had dissipated, replaced by a mix of relief and a mischievous urge I couldn't ignore.
Velgrynd walked beside me, her dark kimono whispering against the floor, the golden dragon embroidered on the fabric gleaming under the light of the orbs. Her golden eyes were fixed straight ahead, her expression a mask of disdain that fooled no one—at least, not me. I had noticed how she almost unleashed chaos in the chamber when General Kael attacked me, and the idea of a True Dragon losing her temper over me was too tempting to pass up.
—"Hey, Velgrynd," I said, my voice filled with amusement I didn't bother to hide, keeping pace with her. "You almost turned the Hall of Mirrors into a pile of broken glass back there. What was that? The great True Dragon losing her cool over a mere human like me?"
She didn't answer right away, but I noticed a slight tic in her jaw, and her steps became a bit stiffer. I continued, unable to resist, my smile growing.
—"And don't think I don't know you were at my side. You, watching over me like a guardian dragon while I slept? Threatening the mages who were just trying to heal me? Come on, admit it, you were worried about me. What happened to that 'Einar is just an annoying human' attitude?"
Velgrynd turned her head toward me, her golden eyes narrowing, but I couldn't help but notice a slight blush on her cheeks, barely visible under the light. It was so subtle I almost missed it, but there it was, and it gave me even more fuel to keep teasing. She quickly looked away, staring ahead with an expression that tried to be haughty but didn't quite convince.
—"Shut up," she muttered, her voice low, but without the usual bite. "I only made sure they didn't ruin your core with their clumsy spells. It's not like I care."
I laughed, a genuine sound that echoed in the hallway and made the noble elf flinch, speeding up even more. I moved a bit closer to Velgrynd, lowering my voice to a playful, almost flirtatious tone, knowing I was treading dangerous ground.
—"Oh, come on, Velgrynd. That blush says otherwise. You know, you're even more impressive when you get protective. All that power, that Germanic beauty, and still you take the time to look after a simple Enlightened like me. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're starting to get attached."
She stopped dead in her tracks, turning toward me with a speed that made me step back on pure instinct. Her golden eyes burned, and a surge of magical pressure hit me—not as strong as in the chamber, but enough to make the magicules around me swirl like a vortex. Her voice was a low growl, every word laced with a threat that would have made anyone tremble.
—"If you ever suggest something so ridiculous again, I'll throw you to the top of the highest mountain and let you fend for yourself. I'm a True Dragon, not a maiden who blushes at your nonsense. Understood?"
But I, being the reckless idiot she always said I was, just smiled wider, shrugging like her threat was a compliment.
—"Understood, boss. But, you know? That growl of yours is adorable. And I bet you wouldn't throw me on any mountain. You need me to keep things interesting, don't you?"
For a second, I thought she'd actually incinerate me. Her eyes widened, the blush on her cheeks deepened, and her hand rose as if she was about to deliver a blow that would send me flying to the other side of Eldoria. But then, surprisingly, she lowered her hand, let out an exasperated huff, and turned her head, resuming her pace with a quicker step.
—"You're insufferable," she muttered, and I swear I heard a hint of amusement in her voice, though she hid it well.
I laughed again, following her as the noble elf, now nearly running, reached the door of the recovery chamber. Raphael, who had been silent during my little exchange, spoke up with his usual logical tone, though I detected a hint of exasperation.
[Warning: Provoking Velgrynd has a 67% chance of resulting in non-lethal physical retaliation. Your core is at 15%; you couldn't withstand even a minor blow. Suggest moderating your… behavior.]
—"Come on, Raphael, let me have a little fun. We survived an A+ rank dragon; you think we can't handle Velgrynd blushing?" I replied mentally, still smiling as we entered the chamber.
The room was still as luxurious as before, with its carved wooden walls, floating crystal chandelier, and the blue rug with pulsing runes. The enchanted window now showed a nighttime forest, the leaves glowing under an illusory moon. Velgrynd headed to the black velvet armchair by the window, sitting down with a grace that belied her irritation, and crossed her arms, refusing to look at me. I collapsed onto the bed, feeling the fatigue settle in, but still with a spark of amusement at having drawn a reaction from her.
—"You know, Velgrynd," I said, leaning back against the pillows, "you're an incredible guardian, but you're also terrible at hiding when something gets to you. That blush is going to haunt my dreams, I swear."
—"Einar," she snapped, turning her head to glare at me, "one more word, and I'll turn you into charcoal."
I just laughed, raising my hands in surrender.
—"Alright, alright. I'll shut up… for now."
The noble elf, who had remained by the door, took the opportunity to bow awkwardly and dart out, closing the door behind him. The room fell silent, broken only by the soft hum of the runes and the crackle of my own satisfaction. I had survived the Council, I had annoyed a True Dragon, and I was still alive to tell the tale. Not bad for a day's work.
...
...
The dawn brought a clarity I hadn't felt in months. My body, which just yesterday still protested with every movement, felt renewed, as if the evolution to Enlightened had rewritten my very flesh. The bandages were still on my arms, but the wounds beneath were now only memories, and my magical core, according to Raphael, was at 82%—an absurdly fast recovery. The recovery chamber, with its carved wooden walls and enchanted window showing an illusory sunrise, seemed less oppressive under the daylight. Velgrynd, sitting in her black velvet armchair, watched in silence, her dark kimono contrasting with the shine of her sky-blue hair.
Breakfast arrived courtesy of the Council, delivered by an elf servant who barely looked at me before rushing off. It was a tray of strange foods: gray gelatinous cubes, a soup that looked like water with green specks, and something I assumed was bread, but had the texture of a damp sponge. Everything was designed for magical recovery, according to the note written on enchanted parchment, but the taste was nonexistent, like chewing air with a hint of ash. I complained out loud, pushing the tray away after a couple of bites.
—"Is this food? It tastes like magical cardboard! Doesn't the Council have anything with actual flavor?" —I said, frowning as I looked at Velgrynd, who raised an amused eyebrow.
—"It's to stabilize your core, not to please your human palate," —she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm—. "Although, given what you normally eat, I didn't expect you to be so picky."
Raphael intervened in my mind, his logical tone cutting through the conversation.
[Analysis: The food contains 47% more restorative magicules than a standard diet, but your core is already at 82%. You do not need this food. I recommend ingesting physically nutrient-rich foods to complement muscle recovery, probability of benefit: 89%.]
—"Thanks, Raphael. So, this stuff is useless. Does anyone in Eldoria know how to cook something that isn't sadness soup?" —I replied mentally, pushing the tray even farther away. Velgrynd let out a low chuckle, clearly amused by my frustration.
To my relief, the Council had given me permission to leave the chamber, albeit with the strict warning not to leave Eldoria. It was limited freedom, but after being locked up and subjected to an interrogation, any excuse to stretch my legs was welcome. Velgrynd decided to accompany me, saying she didn't trust me not to get into more trouble, though her golden eyes had a gleam that suggested she was simply bored.
We ended up in one of the internal gardens of the Arcane Council's complex, a place so beautiful I almost forgot the ruins I had left behind two months ago. The garden was an oasis of living magic: trees with leaves that glowed like emeralds, flowers that sang softly as they bloomed, and a crystalline stream flowing in impossible spirals, defying gravity. The grass was such a vibrant green it looked painted, and the magicules in the air were dense, forming visible threads that danced like fireflies. Every step I took sent subtle ripples through those threads, a reminder of my new sensitivity. I could feel every magical particle, every pulse of energy in the plants, even the flow of magicules in Velgrynd's body as she walked a few steps behind me, her kimono flowing with a grace that made the garden seem less impressive by comparison.
I stopped in front of a huge tree, its silver trunk covered in luminous moss, its branches stretching like a canopy that cast dancing shadows. I could feel my magical core vibrating, eager to try something, anything, after months of inactivity. I raised my thumb, an almost instinctive gesture, and channeled a tiny spark. A small flame appeared, dancing at the tip of my finger, its warmth familiar and comforting. I smiled, letting the flame grow, shaping it with a thought until it became a fireball the size of an apple, floating over my palm. It was so easy, so natural, I almost forgot how much I had struggled to control my magic before.
—"Let's see what an Enlightened can do," —I murmured, and hurled the fireball at the tree, aiming at the trunk without much thought. I didn't expect much; after all, it was a small sphere, something that in the past would have left a scorch mark and nothing more.
The impact was catastrophic. The fireball hit the trunk, and a roaring explosion erupted, a blast of flames and energy that pulverized the entire tree, reducing it to burning splinters in an instant. The shockwave shook the garden, tearing up flowers and making the stream churn violently. A cloud of smoke and ash rose, and the ground was marked with a smoking crater where the tree once stood. The explosion was so powerful that, in my mind, I pictured entire buildings—marble towers, guild warehouses—disintegrating under such power. I stood open-mouthed, my hand still outstretched, unable to process what I had just done.
Velgrynd, who had been watching from a few meters away, let out a low whistle, a sound that mixed surprise and approval. She approached, her white boots stepping on the grass without disturbing it, and crossed her arms, her sky-blue hair fluttering in the residual breeze of the explosion.
—"Not bad," —she said, her voice tinged with a respect she rarely showed—. "For a human, that was… impressive. Almost worthy of bearing my essence. Who would've thought your evolution would give you so much control? Though, if you keep destroying gardens, the Council might reconsider your 'freedom.'"
Her golden eyes sparkled with amusement, and I noticed a slight smile on her lips, something I didn't often see. I turned to her, still stunned, and shook my head.
—"Impressive? That was insane! I barely used a fraction of my magic. What the hell happened to me?" —I asked aloud, knowing she was listening.
Raphael responded immediately, his logical voice resonating in my mind with a hint of analytical satisfaction.
[Explanation: Your evolution to Enlightened has increased your sensitivity to the magical environment by 214%. This allows for more efficient channeling of magicules, amplifying the power of your spells by 73% with the same energy consumption. The fireball you launched equaled 12.4 kilojoules, enough to destroy mid-level structures. Warning: Avoid similar experiments in controlled areas; probability of Council reprisals: 68%.]
I remained silent, processing his words as I looked at the smoking crater. The power in my hands was overwhelming, but also thrilling. I could feel the magicules in the garden reorganizing, flowing toward the crater as if trying to repair the damage, and my perception followed them, each thread as clear as if I could touch it. Velgrynd stepped closer, tilting her head to study the disaster I had caused.
—"You should practice more," —she said, her tone now more serious—. "That power is an advantage, but without control, you're a danger to everyone, including yourself. Though… I must admit, watching you blow things up is entertaining."
I laughed, running a hand through my hair, still feeling the tingle of magicules on my skin.
—"Thanks for the vote of confidence. I guess I'll have to learn not to turn everything to ashes. But you know what? I think I'm starting to like this evolution."
She snorted, but the smile on her lips didn't fade.
Raphael intervened in my mind, his logical voice cutting through the garden's murmur with a precision that always grounded me.
[Proposal: Do you wish to test your new unique abilities, [Spiritual Control] and [Guardian of Purity]? Your magical core is at 82%, sufficient for a controlled experiment. Probability of useful feedback: 91%. Warning: Avoid excess; the Council has a 73% probability of detecting significant magical fluctuations.]
I stopped, a smile spreading across my face. The idea of exploring what my evolution had granted me was too tempting. After the fireball explosion, I felt a mix of excitement and caution, but curiosity won.
—"Absolutely, Raphael. Let's see what these abilities can do. What do you have for me?" —I replied mentally, my inner voice vibrating with enthusiasm.
[Explanation: [Spiritual Control] allows manipulation of light spiritual particles and, in specific cases, the summoning of minor spirits for assistance. The summoning requires a high expenditure of magicules, estimated at 12% per attempt, and depends on the spirits' disposition, with a success probability of 37% under optimal conditions. [Guardian of Purity] is a defensive and purifying ability, capable of granting immunity to spiritual corruptions and cleansing environments or allies of malicious influences. Its consumption is moderate, 4.8% per activation, but its utility is limited in this environment, as no active corruptions are detected. I recommend testing [Spiritual Control] first, focusing on light particle manipulation to minimize risks.]
Explained Raphael, his tone meticulous but with a hint of analytical interest.
I looked at Velgrynd, who raised an eyebrow at my expression.
—"I want to try my new abilities. Any advice from a True Dragon before I make another crater?" —I asked, half-joking.
She snorted, uncrossing her arms and approaching with a grace that made the grass seem to lean toward her.
—"Don't destroy the whole garden. Your power is raw, like a puppy with claws too big."
I nodded, mentally noting her advice, though her sarcastic tone made me smile. I turned toward an open space in the garden, away from the trees and the stream, and extended my right hand, palm up. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the magicules around me, clearer than ever. I could distinguish the threads of energy flowing from the flowers, the dense pulses near Velgrynd, even the echo of my own magic resonating in the previous crater. With a thought, I activated [Spiritual Control], guided by Raphael's explanation.
At first, nothing happened. Then, a tiny spark, barely a mote of white light, appeared in my palm, floating like a firefly. It was beautiful, pure, like a miniature star. I felt a pull in my core, a drain of magicules, but it was manageable. More motes began to form, drawn by my will, and soon I had a dozen spinning in my hand, slowly merging into a bright sphere of light, the size of a ball. The light wasn't blinding, but warm, pulsing, as if it were alive. I was fascinated, spinning the sphere with a flick of my fingers, watching how the magicules around it reorganized, drawn to its glow.
—"This is… incredible," —I murmured, glancing up at Velgrynd, who watched with a mix of interest and caution—. "It's like holding a piece of a star."
—"Don't get carried away," —she said, her voice more serious—. "Be careful with what you do with it."
I wanted to experiment more, but something in her warning made me decide not to summon spirits just yet. Instead, I let the sphere fall from my hand, an impulsive gesture to see what would happen. The sphere floated down slowly, like a feather caught in a breeze, its light illuminating the grass with an ethereal glow. When it touched the ground, I expected a soft flash, perhaps a scattering of particles. Instead, the world exploded.
A wave of light and energy burst from the impact point, a blinding roar that far surpassed the explosion of my earlier fireball. The force lifted me off the ground, throwing me backward like a leaf in a storm. I crashed into a tree several meters away, the trunk cracking under the impact, but astonishingly, I felt no pain. Not a scratch, not a bruise.
I got up slowly, blinking to clear the blurry vision, and looked at the garden. Where the sphere had been, there was now a massive crater, at least twice as big as the previous one, with scorched earth edges glowing with remnants of spiritual light. The grass around it was pulverized, the nearby flowers reduced to ash, and the stream had been diverted, its course broken by the blast. The magicules in the air were in chaos, swirling in whirlwinds that felt like a gale against my skin.
Velgrynd, miraculously unaffected, approached the edge of the crater, her kimono intact despite the shockwave. She whistled again, this time with more open admiration, and looked at me with a smile that was almost mischievous.
—"Well, that was… unexpected. If you keep this up, the Council will lock you up just to save their gardens."
I staggered toward the crater, still processing what had happened.
—"What the hell was that, Raphael? You said it was just light manipulation!" —I shouted in my mind, my voice a mix of awe and exasperation.
Raphael responded, his tone calm but with a touch of analytical satisfaction.
[Correction: The manipulation of spiritual particles can generate amplified effects in magicule-rich environments such as this garden. The sphere released 19.7 kilojoules of energy, 59% more than your fireball, due to resonance with environmental magicules. Confirmed: [Spiritual Control] has A-level destructive potential under optimal conditions. I recommend future experiments in non-protected areas, probability of Council intervention: 92%.]
I stared at the crater, my mind reeling. The power of [Spiritual Control] was overwhelming, but also uncontrollable, like a weapon I didn't fully understand. Velgrynd approached, giving me a light elbow that nearly made me stumble.
—"I told you to focus, pup. But I must admit, this was fun to watch. Now, how do you plan to explain this to the Council?" —she asked, her voice dripping with mockery.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, feeling the garden's magicules slowly stabilizing.
—"I guess I'll say it was an accident… again. But, Velgrynd, did you see that?"
She laughed, a rare and genuine sound that echoed through the ruined garden.
—"That's what makes you interesting. Now, move your ass before the elves come whining about their lawn."
...
—"Hey, Velgrynd, do you think the Council will charge me for the lawn? Because if they start billing me for every crater, I'm going to need a loan from a True Dragon," —I said, smiling as I gave her a gentle elbow.
She rolled her eyes, her golden gaze scorching me with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
—"If you keep talking, I'll bill you myself for the effort of not turning you into ashes. Focus on not getting into more trouble."
Before I could reply with another joke, we turned a corner in the hallway, and the scene we found made me stop in my tracks. Two elves, dressed in light green robes adorned with silver runes, stood near a column, their voices low but urgent. They hadn't seen us, likely because Velgrynd's overwhelming presence overshadowed mine, but their words came through crystal clear, and each one felt like a punch to the gut.
—"The human, Einar von Kreutz, is a danger," —said the first, a slender elf with braided blond hair and gray eyes shining with nervousness—. "The Council is divided, but Archon Vaelis and General Kael are pushing for the death penalty. They say his power is uncontrollable. He destroyed the garden with a single spell! If he stays in Eldoria, he could destroy the whole city."
The second elf, stockier, with short brown hair and a leaf-shaped brooch, nodded, his voice tense.
—"The king is hesitating, but after the dragon incident, they can't take risks. The broken seal was his fault, and now this. Master Lorian and Sylvaraen are defending him, but it won't be enough. I heard they plan to execute him in secret, before that woman with him can intervene. No one wants to face her, but there's no choice."
Velgrynd growled, a low and guttural sound that reverberated in the hallway, making the floating orbs flicker and the air grow heavy with her magical pressure. The magicules around me stirred, forming visible whirlwinds I could feel like a gale against my skin. The elves froze, their faces going pale as they turned and saw us. Their eyes widened, darting from Velgrynd to me, and panic struck them like a hammer.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, frustration mixing with tired resignation.
—"Great. Just what I needed. New problems, and this time with a death sentence included. Will I ever get a quiet day, Raphael?"
Raphael answered in my mind, his voice logical but with a hint of urgency.
[Alert: The conversation indicates a 79% probability that the Council is planning extreme measures. Velgrynd's presence reduces the probability of immediate action to 34%, but fleeing now would increase the perceived threat level by 92%. Recommend strategic withdrawal to assess options.]
The elves backed away, stumbling, their robes fluttering as they tripped against the column.
—"E-Einar von Kreutz!" —stammered the blond elf, his voice cracking—. "I-It wasn't our intention…!"
Before he could finish, the brown-haired elf turned and shouted toward the end of the hallway, where the silhouettes of guards in silver armor could be seen.
—"Guards! The human is here! Alert the Council!"
Velgrynd stepped forward, her magical pressure intensifying, and the floor beneath her boots cracked slightly.
—"Pathetic," —she growled, raising a hand as if about to unleash something the elves wouldn't survive.
—"Velgrynd, wait!" —I said, acting on instinct. I grabbed her hand, a bold move that surprised even me. Her skin was warm, almost burning, and she froze, her golden eyes widening in a mix of surprise and irritation. Ignoring her glare, I pulled her toward the opposite end of the hallway—. "We don't need a massacre right now. Come on, we have to get out of here."
She blinked, clearly thrown off by my boldness, but didn't resist, letting me drag her as we ran down the corridor. The elves' shouts and the sound of approaching boots echoed behind us. My heart pounded, but my mind remained clear, thanks to the thought acceleration granted by my evolution. We turned another corner and found ourselves in front of a massive window, a panel of enchanted glass showing a false view of an untouched Eldoria. Without a second thought, I channeled a minimal spark of magic and launched a small fireball at the glass. The window shattered with a burst, revealing the real Eldoria: a half-rebuilt city, scaffolding covering half-finished towers and magical cranes lifting blocks of marble.
We were high up, in one of the Council complex's towers, and the cold wind hit my face, carrying the scent of dust and magic from the city below. From here, I could see central Eldoria, a mosaic of new buildings and still-visible ruins, with mages and workers moving like ants under the midday light. My stomach dropped at the height, but there was no time for hesitation.
I turned to Velgrynd, who still looked surprised I had dragged her by the hand. Her sky-blue hair billowed in the wind, and her golden eyes looked at me with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
—"Velgrynd, we need to get out of here as unnoticed as possible," —I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline—. "I don't want to fight the Council, not now. We need time to understand what's happening and how to deal with this without turning Eldoria into a battlefield. Can you help me get down without being seen?"
She raised an eyebrow, pulling her hand free from mine with a deliberate, though not as harsh, motion. She crossed her arms, her kimono fluttering in the wind, and a dangerous smile curved her lips.
—"Running like rats? Not my style. I could blow up this tower and end their plans in a second. But…" —she paused, looking me up and down, as if judging whether I was worth following—. "I suppose your 'avoid confrontation' plan makes some sense, for now. Hold on tight, pup. And don't you dare let go."
Before I could ask what she meant, Velgrynd wrapped an arm around me, her supernatural strength lifting me like I weighed nothing. With a fluid motion, she jumped through the shattered window, and the world turned into a blur of wind and magic as we plunged toward the rebuilt city below.
The wind roared in my ears as Velgrynd carried me in a controlled descent from the Arcane Council tower, her arm around me with a strength that allowed no argument. We landed in the heart of Eldoria with a soft impact, the cobbled ground trembling slightly under her power. The central plaza, a mosaic of reconstruction with scaffolding, magical cranes, and half-raised buildings, was full of activity: elves, humans, and dwarves worked side by side, lifting blocks of enchanted marble and repairing protective runes. Our sudden appearance, falling from the sky like a meteor, made everyone stop. Workers dropped tools, mages halted their spells, and an astonished silence spread.
I tried to free myself from Velgrynd's grip, pushing against her arm, but it was like trying to move a mountain. Her True Dragon strength, even in human form, was overwhelming, and her dark kimono billowed as if alive, the embroidered golden dragon gleaming under the midday sun.
—"Velgrynd, let me go, I can walk on my own!" —I protested, my voice more exasperated than authoritative, feeling the stares of the elves and workers fixed on us.
She turned her head, her golden eyes narrowing with a mix of amusement and defiance.
—"I won't let go until we're out of this mess."
Before I could respond, a shout cut through the air, followed by the sound of metal boots on cobblestones. I turned my head and saw a group of elf guards running toward us from a side street, their silver armor gleaming with containment runes. Enchanted spears shone in their hands, and a mage in blue robes led the group, his staff already pulsing with an offensive spell. Panic struck me—not from fear of fighting, but because I knew any confrontation here would escalate into turning Eldoria into a battlefield.
—"Wait! We don't want to fight!" —I shouted, raising a hand in a gesture of surrender to calm things down. But before the words could take effect, a deafening explosion shook the plaza.
I looked up, my heart stopping. A half-built structure, a marble tower held up by magical scaffolding, collapsed in a cascade of rubble and dust. The enchanted beams snapped like twigs, and chunks of stone the size of carriages began to rain down on the plaza. Workers screamed, running for cover, while the guards stopped, momentarily disoriented. I turned to Velgrynd, and my stomach sank at the sight of her with an outstretched hand, a spark of residual magic glowing on her fingers.
—"Velgrynd! What the hell did you do?" —I shouted, my voice cracking with disbelief—. "We said subtle, not destroy half the city!"
She didn't respond, her expression cold and resolute. Instead of speaking, she pulled me tighter against her and took off running, moving at a speed that defied logic. The world became a blur: the cobblestones, the half-finished buildings, the terrified faces of the elves—all vanished in a rush of wind and magic. I could feel the magicules in the air swirling around us, my enhanced perception picking up every particle as if caught in an ethereal storm. I kept scolding her, my voice barely audible over the roar of the wind.
—"Velgrynd, this is the opposite of subtle! You just blew up a building! The Council already wanted to kill me, and now you gave them another reason!"
She ignored my words, her face unbothered as she dodged an overturned cart and leapt over a pile of rubble without breaking stride. Her strength was inhuman, and though she held me with one arm, there wasn't a trace of effort in her expression. The guards' shouts faded behind us, but I knew we weren't out of danger. Eldoria was a fortified city, and the exits would be guarded.
We reached the city's main gates, a gigantic arch of white marble flanked by watchtowers. As I expected, it was surrounded by guards: at least two dozen elves in silver armor, their enchanted spears glowing with containment runes, and three mages in red robes already channeling a barrier spell. The arch was sealed by a curtain of pulsing blue energy, nearly solid, designed to trap anyone who tried to pass. The guards saw us coming and took defensive positions, their shouts ringing out as they pointed their weapons.
—"Einar von Kreutz, surrender now! There is no escape!" —shouted the lead mage, an elf with silver hair and a staff glowing with crimson light.
I kept scolding Velgrynd, my voice now more desperate than angry.
—"Velgrynd, stop! This is insane! We can talk to them, we don't need to—!"
My words were cut off as I felt a shift in the air, an overwhelming surge in magicules that made my skin prickle. Velgrynd stopped, finally letting me go, and stepped forward, her body beginning to glow with an intense red light. Her sky-blue hair whipped around as if caught in a hurricane, and her kimono began to fade, replaced by a scaly radiance. I screamed, realizing what she was about to do.
—"Velgrynd, no! Don't transform! That's the worst thing you could do right now!"
But it was too late. The air roared, and the ground shook as her human form disintegrated in a burst of energy. Where Velgrynd had stood, a colossal dragon now loomed, her body covered in red scales that shimmered like molten lava. Her wings, extended, cast a shadow that covered half the plaza, and her golden eyes burned with primal fury. Her size was overwhelming—I didn't remember her being this massive when we first clashed. The guards stepped back, some falling to their knees, their spears trembling in their hands. The mages ceased channeling, their spells collapsing under the weight of her aura.
—"Velgrynd, damn it!" —I shouted, but before I could say more, her teeth, each the size of a sword, gently closed around my clothes, lifting me off the ground like a ragdoll. With a powerful flap of her wings, Velgrynd took off, the ground vanishing in an instant. The blue barrier over the arch shattered under her mere presence, and Eldoria became a blur beneath us as we soared into the sky.
I looked down, watching the rebuilt city shrink, its half-raised towers and worker-filled plazas now barely visible. The guards were silver dots, their shouts inaudible from this height. My clothes whipped violently in the wind, and Velgrynd's grip, though firm, was surprisingly gentle for a dragon her size. My heart pounded, a mix of adrenaline, frustration, and strange relief. We had escaped, but at a cost I couldn't yet measure.
—"Velgrynd, this wasn't subtle at all!" —I yelled, my voice nearly lost in the roar of the wind—. "Now the whole kingdom is going to come after us!"
She didn't respond, but I felt a growl vibrate through her body, a sound that was both a warning and a promise. Eldoria vanished on the horizon, replaced by green hills and a blue sky speckled with clouds. I didn't know where we were headed, but one thing was certain: my life as an Enlightened had just gotten a lot more complicated.