Ten hours later...
The sky above Central World had shifted from a clear blue to a soft orange as evening approached. Guy Crimson still stood quietly, watching Milim and Gaia spar.
Milim, as always, was a force of nature—her wild strikes and echoing voice filled the field, her excitement undimmed by exhaustion. On the other side, Gaia did her best to keep up.
Each time Milim shouted, "Again!" Gaia braced herself for another barrage. But today, things were different. The gleaming legend-grade armor Guy had gifted her protected Gaia from Milim's most intense blows; where she'd once emerged bruised and limping, now she stood tall and grateful, breath tight but body unscathed. 🛡️
Gaia: "Big sis, do we have to keep going?"
She glanced at Milim with a tired but thankful smile.Milim grinned and spun her Tenma Ashura sword in the air.
Milim: "Of course, Gaia! The only way to master a new weapon is to use it—again and again!" ⚔️
Guy sighed inwardly, his patience hanging by a thread. In an impatient yet calm voice, he interrupted their match.
Guy Crimson: "That's enough! If you keep this up, the Forest of Jura might need a whole new landscaping crew. By the way, where's Veldora's cave?" 🌲
Milim: "So you're waiting for Uncle Veldora? Guy, I thought you were just watching us spar because you didn't have anything better to do, or maybe you're avoiding going home and arguing with Aunt Velzard again." 😏
Guy Crimson, hearing this, became visibly annoyed. What do these two kids think of me?
On the other side, Gaia was relieved that Guy stopped their sparring.
Gaia: "Thank you, Guy! Sparring for ten hours is a lot easier in this armor, but Big sis Milim never slows down. I'm really lucky you gave it to me,
She admitted, rubbing her arms where blows had landed but done no damage.
Milim pouted, then looked thoughtful.
Milim: "Maybe you've gotten stronger just from sparring with me, Gaia. Maybe next time Guy should join in too!"
Guy replied with a wry smile and a joke.
Guy Crimson: "I'd rather not obliterate the continent today. Besides, last time I tried sparring, the planet sent me a bill for property damage!" 😅
Guy Crimson: "So now, tell me, where is that stupid lizard's cave?"
Gaia: "Don't worry, Guy. Just follow me and Big sis Milim.
"Together, the trio left the cracked ground behind and headed for Veldora's cave. At the entrance, they sensed a faint magical energy.
Guy noticed Veldora had created a thick barrier, preventing any leaked magicules from escaping. Unless a monster was born from these magicules, the barrier wouldn't budge.
That's why Guy couldn't feel Veldora's aura—he'd set up the barrier to keep anyone from disturbing his sleep.
Guy Crimson (thought): This stupid Veldora probably used Infinite Prison to make a barrier that absorbs all the magicules leaking from his body. Classic—anything to avoid being woken up.
Outside the cave, the trio noticed Treyni and several other dryads assembled, looking frantic. Exhausted, they'd tried every method to wake Veldora—the Storm Dragon—from spells to clapping, but nothing worked. His deep snores made the cave tremble. 💤🐉
Treyni, her hair full of dust, turned to the approaching party, eyes wide with hope and fatigue.
Treyni: "Lord Guy! Lady Milim! Lady Gaia! Please, you have to help! Nothing will wake Master Veldora!
"Guy's patience finally snapped. Without another word, he stepped forward and released his aura—a surge of crimson energy rolling outward like a storm, reaching into the heart of the cave.
Inside, Veldora, curled in his immense dragon form, felt the abrupt shift. Guy's unmistakable power sliced through layers of sleep and comfort, making his scales shiver. With a heavy, earth-shaking yawn, Veldora cracked open one golden eye. 🐲👀
The dryads staggered back, panic rising as Guy's pressure made the air shimmer. Milim's laughter rang out at their frightened expressions, delighted by the chaos. Gaia watched with a hint of pity.
Finally, Veldora rose and shrank into his humanoid form.Treyni and the dryads exchanged nervous glances, questioning their decision to spend ten hours trying to wake Veldora—only for Demon Lord Guy Crimson to stroll up, release a tiny burst of aura, and boom—mission accomplished.
(Maybe next time, they'd just try an alarm clock. ⏰😆)
Veldora blinked sleepily, surveying Guy, Milim, and Gaia as they stood before him.
Veldora: "Oh, Guy… What are you doing here?"
he rumbled, voice thick with lingering sleep. "It must be important if you're willing to disturb my nap.
"Guy, finally satisfied, offered a calm smile.
Guy Crimson: "Wake up, you lazy lizard. I've got business with you.
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To be continued.
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Author's Note:
Shout-out to Treyni and the dryads—ten hours of trying to wake a sleeping dragon deserves a medal (or at least a nap). Next time, they might want to try a leaf blower instead of spells! 🍃😄