THE BEGINNING OF THE LEGEND
The sky above Eldrion glowed a deep scarlet as twilight faded behind the towering mountains. The story of Calessia, the Dragon Master, was known across the continent, but few understood the full truth. In ancient times, when shadows threatened to consume all life, Calessia gathered the twenty-one fragments: relics of immense power, each bound to the spirit of a primeval dragon. With these fragments and the power of the Universal White Dragon, she saved the world.
But her sacrifice ushered in a new age: an age where the shadows never ceased to grow.
In a grand hall illuminated by flickering candelabras, an elder draped in golden robes stood before a group of young apprentices. Among them was a boy with dark hair and piercing green eyes: Zyrion.
“Listen carefully, young ones,” the elder began, his deep voice echoing in the stone chamber. “What you are about to hear is not just a story. It is our truth. Our legacy. And the burden we all share. Calessia did not only protect this world… she transformed it with her sacrifice.”
Zyrion leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Master Eldren, is it true that Calessia faced the Shadow Dragon alone? And that her power came from the ring and the shards?”
Master Eldren nodded with solemn gravity.
“Yes, Zyrion. Yxathar, the Shadow Dragon, embodied everything that sought to destroy us. But Calessia was not entirely alone. She wielded the shards—and the ring—which allowed her to channel their power. Each shard possessed a unique color and a formidable ability: thunder, speed, regeneration… But the ring came at a price.”
A young apprentice with soft golden curls timidly raised his hand.
“What price, Master?” “—asked Kyrahna, her voice trembling.
Eldren’s expression darkened.
“Mortality. Every time the ring was used, it drained the life force of its wearer. That’s why Calessia died: not from Yxathar’s final blow, but because her own strength was exhausted.”
Zyrion’s expression changed as he absorbed the weight of those words.
“And what happened to the shards after her death? If they’re so powerful… why aren’t we using them now?”
The old man let out a weary sigh.
“The shards were scattered across the world, hidden in forgotten lands, guarded by immortal sentinels. And the ring… some believe it was destroyed. Others believe it awaits the next Dragon Master.”
Kyrahna frowned, concern etched on her face.
“And how is the next Dragon Master chosen?”
A faint, bittersweet smile touched Eldren's lips. "The Dragon Master is not chosen by us... but by destiny itself. When the time comes, the Universal White Dragon will reveal the one destined to rise. But beware: the path of the Dragon Master is forged through trials. Not all the chosen ones survive."
Zyrion crossed his arms, uncertainty reflected in his eyes.
"Then why are we here? What makes us different from the others?"
Eldren stood, and the candlelight cast his silhouette across the room.
"Because, Zyrion... the world is in peril once more. The shadows rise again, and the fragments must be recovered. One of you could become the next Dragon Master." But first, you must prove your worth.
A heavy silence filled the room as his words sank deep into their hearts.
After a long silence, Kyrahna leaned toward Zyrion and whispered,
"Do you think you could be... the chosen one?"
Zyrion looked at her, a mixture of confidence and doubt in his eyes.
"I don't know, Kyrahna. But if there's any chance to change this world... I'll take it."
Suddenly, a violent crash shook the room.
The doors burst open, and a young messenger staggered in, covered in dust and blood.
"Master Eldren!" I exclaimed, nearly fainting. "The village of Talvryn... has been attacked! The shards... the shards are in danger!"
Eldren's expression hardened with urgency.
"It begins sooner than expected. Young ones, prepare yourselves. This will be your first test."
Kyrahna looked at Zyrion, a mixture of fear and determination in her eyes.
"So... our adventure begins now?"
Zyrion clenched his fists, his voice firm.
"We have no other choice. We will recover those fragments."
And so, the group ventured into the unknown, carrying the weight of an ancient legacy and the certainty that their true story was only just beginning.
The room fell silent, broken only by the messenger's ragged breathing as he leaned weakly against the wall.
TO BE CONTINUED...