Lucian sat down next to the dying fire and got into a meditative position. He shut his eyes and slowly started to breathe.
The first breath brought a faint tingling sensation and a gentle flow of energy into his body. Holding his breath allowed the energy to circulate within his chest, creating a warm yet comfortable feeling.
It resembled blood flow in some ways but was fundamentally different. Exhaling stale air made him feel somewhat lighter.
Not excessively so, but definitely noticeable.
[Skill Learned: Dragon Breathing Technique - Basic Level]
[Effect: +2% spiritual capacity increase per week of consistent practice]
[Current Foundation: Rank F - Civilian baseline]
[Estimated Growth: Rank E in 2 weeks, Rank D in 2 months with daily practice]
[Note: This will significantly improve synchronization tolerance over time]
Marshal was still awake and watching from her bedroll. She had learned the technique in the military hundreds of years ago.
Her face showed that she approved of what he just did. He was serious about improving himself instead of just using system shortcuts, as he believed that true mastery required dedication and consistent practice.
Lucian practiced for more than the required forty-five minutes. He really felt different by the end.
Well, it's not stronger in any way that can be measured but more centered. Energy moving more smoothly through paths he didn't know were there, which contributed to his sense of being more centered and aware of his surroundings.
Dawn arrived relentlessly.
Lucian woke up to Marshal's boot, but this time her voice was a little less harsh. "Get up, rookie! We have a big day ahead of us."
The group broke camp quickly and easily. Lucian was learning the routine by doing it over and over and fixing his mistakes.
The equipment check was very thorough. Everyone's gear was checked, and supplies were packed for a multi-day dungeon trip.
Marshal made a detailed list of everything they would need for the trip, including five days' worth of food, water that could be refilled with Glacielle's ice magic, ten healing potions, all the camping gear, an emergency signal flare, and the Dragon Key Scale to get into the dungeon.
'It was strange to feel sentimental when I left Riverhold.'
'People from the town came to say goodbye.'
'Marcus, the former Guild Master, watched from a window with a look of shame on his face.'
The kids waved with excitement, remembering how Lucian had saved them from dragons.
A little kid ran up to Lucian and gave him a flower. "Thanks for being a real hero!"
The gesture moved Lucian more than he anticipated. This was why he wanted a second chance at life.
"No, I'm not the real hero... you are," Lucian said while trying to hold back a tear. "Thank you, little one. And I hope you can be the hero of this village soon."
"Hm! I will!"
...
The two-day journey northeast took them through forests, into foothills, and then up into proper mountain terrain. Marshal taught tactical lessons during travel.
Lucian practiced Dragon Breathing each evening. His bond with Glacielle deepened naturally through shared experiences.
Every hour that went by, the party got more and more together.
The path up the mountain became dangerous because of the rocky cliffs, narrow passages, and high altitude, which made it hard to breathe. The weather changed quickly when thick fog came in.
Marshal led with confidence that came from a lot of experience fighting in the mountains.
The fog suddenly lifted, showing them where they were going.
A HUGE stone gate that was carved right into the mountain. It was made of black volcanic stone with golden veins running through it like magic wires.
It was 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide. There were dragon designs on every open surface.
In the middle, there was a round hole that was clearly meant for a key.
A dragon statue's eyes glowed faintly above the gate. The whole building gave off an ancient power.
Lucian came up with the Dragon Key Scale and carefully put it in the hole. The scale was full of magic that was ready to use.
The whole gate surface was covered in golden light. The runes lit up in the right order. The ground shook a little under their feet.
The huge doors started to MOVE, making a noise like stone grinding against stone that hadn't moved in hundreds of years.
As the door opened, dust and debris fell.
There was darkness beyond, but it held something. Something was waiting inside. The air was full of distant sounds that sounded like rhythmic breathing.
[Dungeon Detected: Ruins of Searing Fang]
[Dungeon Type: Ancient Dragon Training Ground]
[Recommended Level Range: 8-20]
[Party Average Level: 21.7 - Difficulty scaling to party leader]
[Floors Detected: 10 total]
[Boss Encounters: 3 major - Floors 3, 7, and 10]
[Estimated Clear Time: 5-7 days minimum]
[WARNING: Death is possible but unlikely with caution]
[SPECIAL FEATURE: Training Mode Available]
Marshal looked at the gate with the eyes of a seasoned tactician. "This is real ancient dragon construction, which means it was made to test and teach, not just kill challengers."
"But just because it was made doesn't mean it's safe." Marshal raised both her curved blades. "Stay alert, follow orders exactly, and we'll be fine."
Glacielle felt the magic inside the gate when she touched it. "The energy here is very ancient and strong."
"I can feel many constructs inside, but they're all asleep right now." She made her fans appear. "Once we go in, they'll wake up one by one."
The group stood at the door. There is darkness ahead, but also the promise of growth and unknown challenges.
Lucian took a deep breath and thought about why he was there.
To get stronger.
He was there to gain the respect of his warriors.
He is determined to carry out the instructions provided by this prophecy.
He asked, "Are you both ready?"
"Always, Master," Glacielle said right away.
"That's what I should be asking YOU, rookie," Marshal said in a sharp tone.
Even though he was really nervous, Lucian smiled. "Whether you're ready or not, we're going in as a warrior!"
"It's time for me to show that I can really grow beyond my current limits."
First step into darkness.
Second step, deeper.
Third step, commitment complete.
The gate sealed behind them with a resonating BOOM that echoed through the chamber. Darkness became absolute for several heartbeats.
Then, golden flames lit up the magical torches on the walls. A long, ancient, scary hallway opened up in front of me.
An ancient voice spoke, mechanical and neither male nor female, resonating from everywhere and nowhere.
"CHALLENGERS DETECTED."
"INITIATING TRIAL OF FOUNDATION."
"SURVIVE TO ADVANCE. FAIL, AND FACE ETERNITY PRESERVED IN STONE."
At the corridor's far end, light began coalescing. Taking humanoid shape, forming from living flame, wielding a sword of pure fire.
Fire Phantom. Level 10.
Behind it, more lights formed. THREE Fire Phantoms total, blocking the path forward.
[First Combat Encounter Detected]
[Fire Phantom x3 - Level 10 each]
[Weakness: Ice magic - Glacielle has advantage]
[Recommendation: Use as practice fight for leadership skills]
[Master Lucian should engage directly]
Marshal's order was immediate and non-negotiable. "Rookie, you take the center phantom directly."
"Ice girl handles the left, and I've got the right."
"This is YOUR training, so you LEAD this engagement!" Marshal pointed at Lucian with her blade. "Try to call out some tactics, and make command decisions!"
"We'll support you, but you're in charge."
Lucian drew his new steel longsword, feeling its superior weight and balance. He activated synchronization with Glacielle at manageable levels.
All of his stats boosted right away; ice magic flowed through his body, cold and controlled.
"Glacielle, ice wall to split them apart!" he called out, his voice carrying authority he didn't know he possessed. "Marshal, wait for the opening after my initial strike!"
"On my mark..."
"NOW!"
The battle began, and Lucian stepped forward into his trial with determination burning in his chest.