"I am!"
The words felt like they were a growl. I was stunned. I have let my guard down. That was a big mistake that could cost us dearly.
I turned to meet the newcomer. Almost as tall as the main mountain, the scales are like volcanic rocks of a smoldering volcano. Lava spills out from the horns as the Fire Dragon, the ruler of Mount Evergreen, hisses at us through his sharp teeth.
This is the first time I have met a dragon other than myself, even if it was from another branch of the Dragon clan. As my eyes assessed the potential threats of this kinsman, I realized why we weren't seeing any creature that could really threaten our lives in this supposedly dangerous area. The dragon must have had a deal with Richard to provide challenges while also keeping us away from serious harm.
I looked at the three horns on the crown of its head and noted the difference between his and mine. I only had two horns. I vaguely remember that the number of horns that a dragon has somehow relates to its powers.
Even though I became a dragon a few years ago, I haven't considered myself as one. All dragons are members of the Dragon clan, one of the most ancient clans in the history of the universe. All of them were born dragons, or evolved into one from snakes, serpents, and species of the same categories. And seeing that I am the only dragon who was a product of a transformation, I had no sense of belonging.
I suppose now is the time to start feeling, and acting, like a dragon. I took a few steps forward and changed into my dragon form. Although in this form I can be considered huge, my size paled in comparison to his. My scales were different than his. Light blue like the color of ice. Two wings unfurled from my back as I stood straight on all four limbs.
Only the Ice Dragons have wings. The other three, Earth, Fire, and Lightning, do not have them. Despite that being the case, both Fire and Lightning Dragons can fly by propelling themselves into the air by a burst of flames and lightning, respectively.
I bowed my head slightly, "Greetings, kinsman." Like the towering dragon, my voice became a deep growl. As I spoke, the breath that was coming out of my nostrils was being frozen.
The vertical pupils of the dragon constricted slightly at the sight of my transformation. He took a deep breath and returned the greeting, "Greetings, kin from the Ice branch. I am called Qarosd, ruler of the region known as Mount Evergreen."
"I am Orion Fistore of the Mansion of Night."
"I would say it is a good fortune to meet someone from the clan so far from the Dragon planets, but unfortunately, your purpose now brings us to opposing sides."
"We did not mean to overlook your authority, Qarosd. We simply did not know of your existence until now. I would like to start over. First of all, I want to thank you for the care that you have shown us during our stay here-"
He interrupted me and said, "I had an agreement with the Lord of Chaos. However, this agreement does not include the right to snatch creatures that are under my care!"
I shook my head, "You mistake me for a thief, kinsman. Before I would have done anything, I would have asked your permission just as my sword spirit advised me to do. Now, I want to formally ask you to let me tame this Winged Lion."
"Ha! If you were from another branch of the clan, I would have considered this request. Unfortunately for you, kinsman, the Fire and Ice Dragons do not get along very well. After all, aren't the two elements repellent to each other ever since the first two realms came into existence?"
"I admit that your logic would hold except that I am not a member of the Dragon Clan. I became a dragon not by birth, but by means of a transformation."
"There is no such thing as a transformation into one of the divine beings."
"There is. But there is no one else like me. I have never been to the clans, nor do I think I will ever go unless I am invited."
Qarosd seems to be considering the option now, at least. He remained silent for a long time before he finally asked, "Why should I let you have the beast?"
I knew this question would come up, so in the time that he took to think, I thought of the most suitable answer. "You previously had a deal with my teacher, Lord Richard, which means that you are at least acquainted with the Mansion of Night. And now, I am making this request as one of the senior members of the Mansion.
"All members of our school are of the top tiers, and even though I am not as strong as my Senior Brothers and Sister, I will eventually become powerful. Of course, I will make this fair for you as well. If you grant me this request now, I will owe you a favor."
The dragon was in deep thought again. In the end, he said, "Very well. On top of the favor, I have another condition."
I tried to stay patient and replied, "Yes?"
"One of the common ways of sparring between dragons is a breath contest. I have my fire breath, and you have your ice breath. We attack each other with only this method. If you are able to withstand mine for at least a minute, you can have the Winged Lion cub. Are we in agreement, Orion of the Mansion of Night?"
"I accept your challenge!" I have no other choice. The fact that Qarosd chose such a low duration means that he probably thinks that I will not be able to withstand his fire breath for more than a minute. A chill, even though my body is always cold, ran through my veins at the thought of his power.
Qarosd let the fire out of his mouth, and icy wind came out of mine. The two breaths collided, although mine was soon pushed back towards me. I tried my best to keep mine as strong as possible.
The minute passed ever so slowly under the huge pressure, but it passed nonetheless. Qarosd the Fire Dragon stopped his attack before it could hit me. I panted heavily. This contest may seem like some sort of game, but it was no such thing when you get to experience it.
Qarosd looked at me and said, "I will honor my word. The beast is yours. Farewell, kinsman, and do not forget the promise of your favor."
With a burst of fire under his gigantic form, he flew away and disappeared from our sight. I turned back to the human body, but I immediately lost my balance. The fight has drained me more than I imagined. I let Tulip help me regain my balance while I grinned.
The Winged Lion is mine.
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Updated on: 1/9/2025