Chapter 47 (Volume 2) – The Dragons
At the same moment:
A deep rumble echoed in the distance, like the moan of a mountain about to collapse. The forest trees shivered, their leaves dancing wildly, as if ripped away by an invisible storm.
Then came the breath.
A scorching wind, filled with ash, swept through the area with unprecedented violence. The three youths squinted their eyes and shielded their faces with their arms. The air itself seemed to grow heavier, more suffocating, as if each breath burned their lungs.
Damian gasped:
— W-what… is… that?
The ground vibrated. One beat.
Then a second.
Then a third.
Suddenly, the clouds above them ignited with a red glow. And it appeared.
A colossal dragon emerged from between the broken trees. Its skin was covered in black scales streaked with glowing veins, as if lava flowed beneath its flesh. Every step it took sent sparks flying from the ground. Its gaping maw revealed teeth glowing like molten iron.
Its eyes… two blazing suns, fixed directly on Noël.
The roar that followed was not just a cry:
it was a shockwave. Trees shattered, rocks splintered, and Seth felt as if his entire soul trembled.
He fell to his knees, ears ringing. Alma, despite her courage, turned pale and gripped her weapon, trembling. Damian, meanwhile, let out a panicked scream:
— WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!
Noël recoiled and took refuge behind Alma, his small hands clinging to her tunic, eyes brimming with fear.
Before them, the magma dragon rose to its full height. Its wings spread, eclipsing the sky like a blazing shadow. The heat became unbearable. The entire forest seemed ready to ignite.
And suddenly…
A light burst from its body. Its aura, red and gold, concentrated, and slowly… its features shifted.
The wings folded, the titanic mass thinned. Its flames compressed into a human silhouette.
Before them now stood a man.
Tall, muscular, his long red hair cascading like a river of fire to his shoulders. His eyes, still blazing, stared at Noël with unyielding intensity. Every step he took resonated through the earth like a volcanic drum.
He stopped a few meters from the group. The air around him vibrated, charged with raw, almost unbearable power.
His voice echoed, deep, grave, commanding, like the rumble of an angry volcano:
— Noël!!!!!… once again you flee… the training!
How long do you plan to tremble behind the others?
A dragon who flees his training… is nothing.
His fiery gaze briefly turned to Seth, Alma, and Damian, piercing their souls. Then he returned to Noël, his tone growing even harsher:
— If you continue like this… you will remain a dragonet for eternity. I will not be with you forever, Noël. If I ask you to train, it is so that you can defend yourself.
The heavy silence after Vulcan's volcanic voice seemed to stretch time. Even the wind calmed, as if listening. Noël still trembled behind Alma, eyes wide, chest rising and falling rapidly.
Vulcan slowly lowered his gaze toward him, and in a gesture almost paternal, he placed his hand on Noël's shoulder. His voice, still grave and commanding, softened slightly:
— Listen to me, Noël… You are more than just a dragon. You carry within you a force you don't even suspect. But as long as you continue to flee… you will never reach your greatness, and you mean a lot to me, you know that.
Noël, voice trembling, whispered:
— But… I… I'm scared…
— Scared?! Vulcan growled, shaking his head.
— Fear means nothing for those who want to grow strong. Fear is only a path. Face it, or you will remain a dragonet forever. Forty-five years is almost adolescence, so you must improve.
The three humans, standing a few meters away, watched the scene with fascination mixed with fear. Seth clenched his fists, impressed by the raw power emanating from Vulcan.
— He… he's 45 and looks like that…? murmured Damian, his voice trembling.
— It's… huge, said Alma, fascinated despite herself.
Vulcan turned his gaze toward them. The aura of power he radiated made Seth instinctively step back. Then he spoke, his words resonating like a judgment:
— And you… humans. Who are you to tread upon this sacred place?
Damian took the parchment from his bag and held it out hesitantly.
— We come from Etheria… we are on a mission.
Vulcan took it and studied the seal carefully. His fiery gaze softened, almost curious. Then a slight smile split his lips:
— Etheria… I know that place well.
You are far from home… yet you hold strong. That deserves respect. In that case… to make up for my rather brusque welcome…
He stepped back, and his dragon form reappeared in a burst of incandescent flames. Seth, Alma, and Damian crouched to avoid being burned by the hot air he expelled.
— Get on, he finally said, his voice rumbling. I will take you to Dragonil. It will be my thanks for finding Noël!
Without waiting, Vulcan spread his magma wings, and his blazing eyes turned toward the three youths. Seth hesitated for a moment, then grabbed Alma and Damian by the arms.
— Come on… we have no choice!
The flight was breathtaking. The green hills and forests disappeared beneath them, replaced by crystal mountains and black stone peaks. Rivers of lava flowed between the rocks, illuminating the valley with a vibrant red glow. The air was filled with heat but also palpable, powerful, ancient magic.
Vulcan flew with majestic ease, each beat of his wings creating gusts that shook the ground below. Noël, still clinging to Alma, watched his master's strength with awe and fear.
— You see Dragonil, said Vulcan, looking ahead.
— This is the Valley of Dragons, our capital. Dragons have lived here for centuries. The magic of this place is ancient… it is the heart of our civilization.
Seth, eyes wide, stammered:
— C-can… we… stay here during our stay?
Vulcan turned his head toward him, a barely perceptible smile on his fiery lips:
— As long as you respect our laws and customs, you are welcome. But know this… one misstep, and even a human of your caliber would have no chance.
As they approached the great gates of Dragonil, Vulcan spoke more calmly:
— You've probably noticed that Noël and I can take human form. Well… all dragons have this ability. So do not be surprised if you see human silhouettes in the city: we just take form, but remain 100% dragons. It allows us to interact with other races without imposing our nature. And honestly, it's better to have hands to eat stew rather than noodles with claws, don't you think? he said, chuckling.
— But… why don't some humans know this? It was never told to us, even at the Academy, asked Seth.
Vulcan let out a small laugh, tinged with nostalgia:
— Because we wanted to hide… to protect ourselves.
I myself was a teacher at Etheria ten years ago, before a devastating attack forced me to return here. An unknown black dragon nearly destroyed me… since then, I have watched over Noël and made him my disciple and adopted son.
Noël still trembled beside Alma.
— Noël… you must understand. You are a dragon, and you must learn discipline, mastery… or you will never survive the pace of the others.
Seth, Damian, and Alma exchanged a look. Even on their mission, they now understood the immensity of this world and the weight of the power these creatures held.
Vulcan finally landed in front of the dragon capital. The architecture was titanic: bridges suspended over rivers of lava, buildings carved from stone and crystal peaks, steaming waterfalls, flames illuminating the streets like an eternal sunset.
— Welcome to Dragonil, said Vulcan, his voice resonating through the valley.
— Here begins your journey… and your new adventure.
Seth, awestruck, murmured:
— It's… magnificent…
Alma nodded silently, impressed by the grandeur and power of the place. Damian simply dropped to his knees, exhausted and awed at the same time:
— W-we're really going to walk here?
Vulcan laughed.
— No, little human. But know this: this place, though filled with beauty and power, is not forgiving.
You enter a world where strength, courage, and discipline are not choices… but necessities.
Noël stood before them, head bowed, almost whispering:
— Welcome… to the Dragons' Kingdom… Dragoneer…
Vulcan once again placed his hand on his head, in a protective yet authoritative manner:
— It is time for you to learn… but for that, you must stop running.
A new journey begins!
To be continued…