The roar of the wind filled my ears as Velgrynd soared through the sky, her colossal wings beating with a force that made the clouds tremble. Her True Dragon form was an awe-inspiring sight: red scales glowing like molten lava, claws that could tear mountains apart, and golden eyes that burned with an intensity that reminded me why no one in Eldoria had ever dared to stop her. She carried me in her teeth, a surprisingly careful grip that held onto my clothes without tearing them, though the constant swaying at this height made me clench my fists to keep from screaming.
—"Velgrynd, this is insane!" I shouted, my voice barely audible over the wind. "You destroyed a building, turned into a giant dragon, and now we're fleeing like criminals! We said 'unnoticed,' not 'declare war on the Council'!"
She didn't reply, limiting herself to a deep growl that vibrated through her body, making me shiver. Her golden eyes didn't even glance at me, fixed on the horizon as if my complaints were nothing more than an insignificant buzz. The city of Eldoria was already a distant speck behind us, replaced by a landscape of green hills, winding rivers, and forests stretching as far as the eye could see. The sky was clear, but the air grew colder as we flew, a subtle change I noticed when a snowflake landed on my nose.
I blinked in surprise, brushing the flake away with a clumsy motion. Another fell, then another, and when I looked ahead, I saw a white mass on the horizon, gleaming under the sun like a giant diamond. My mind lit up, connecting the dots. Snow, cold, a white continent… Velzard, Velgrynd's elder sister, the White Ice Dragon. If that was the Frozen Continent, then the events I had pieced together in my mind—the battle between Guy Crimson, the Red Primordial Demon, and Velzard, instigated by that idiot Jahil—must have already happened. Jahil, that arrogant mage who had tried to control Guy, was dead, and Guy was probably on the Frozen Continent, consolidating his influence or simply enjoying the chaos he'd caused.
Curiosity struck me like lightning. Guy Crimson, the Red Primordial Demon, was a living legend, a being so powerful that even Velgrynd respected him—grudgingly. Meeting him, even for a moment, would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially now that I was an Enlightened with abilities that might interest him. Besides, the Frozen Continent could be the perfect place to hide from the Council while we planned our next move. I looked at Velgrynd, dangling from her teeth like rebellious luggage, and shouted to make myself heard.
—"Velgrynd! Look at that!" I pointed toward the Frozen Continent, a white mass growing on the horizon, surrounded by snow-laden clouds. "That's the Frozen Continent, right? Velzard's territory! Can we go there? I want to see if there's anything interesting around. Come on, it'd be amazing!"
She turned her head slightly, one of her golden eyes fixing on me with a mix of disbelief and annoyance. A low growl rumbled, and her voice, amplified by her dragon form, thundered in my mind, heavy with rejection.
—"No. We are not detouring to the Frozen Continent just because you have the whim to see it. It's a dangerous place, even for me, and Velzard is not in the mood for visitors. Besides, we have enough problems without wandering into my sister's territory."
I frowned, unwilling to give up so easily. I adjusted my position in her grip, ignoring the icy wind lashing at me, and shouted again, my tone more insistent.
—"Come on, Velgrynd! It's not just a whim! The Council is after us, and the Frozen Continent is the last place they'd look. We could hide there, talk to Velzard, maybe even get her help. She's a True Dragon like you, right? That could give us a huge advantage! And hey, don't you want to see your sister? It's been… what, centuries since you last spoke?"
She let out another growl, louder this time, and her wings beat harder, speeding up our flight. Her voice returned, now tinged with irritation.
—"Don't be stupid. Velzard isn't the kind to greet guests with tea and cookies. We don't need her 'help,' which would probably bring more chaos than we already have. We're going somewhere safe, far from Eldoria and far from the ice. End of discussion."
I crossed my arms—or tried to—considering I was dangling from her teeth. Her refusal only fueled my determination, and a mischievous idea took shape in my mind. If logic didn't work, maybe I could appeal to her more… emotional side. I'd seen that blush on her cheeks before, and I knew that, even as a True Dragon, she wasn't immune to a little flirting. I adjusted my tone, letting a playful edge slip into my voice, and shouted again, making sure it sounded charming enough.
—"Oh, come on, Velgrynd, don't be so hard on me. Do you know how incredible you'd look on the Frozen Continent, shining against all that snow? You're the Scarlet Flame Dragon—you'd melt the ice just by being there! And hey, if we go together, I promise to behave… or at least try. Don't you want to show your sister that you've got such a charming human by your side?"
A heavy silence followed, broken only by the beat of her wings. I felt a shift in her aura and knew I had struck a chord. Her head tilted slightly, and though I couldn't see her full expression, I swear her golden eyes flickered with something that wasn't just annoyance. Her voice echoed again, now with a hint of exasperation that didn't fully hide her amusement.
—"You're an insufferable idiot. Do you think your cheap compliments will convince me? I'm a True Dragon, not a human who melts at pretty words. The Frozen Continent is a bad idea, and I'm not dragging you there just so you can cause more trouble."
I grinned, knowing she was giving in, even if she wouldn't admit it. I leaned forward as much as I could while hanging and continued, my tone even more playful, bordering on outright teasing.
—"Cheap compliments? Velgrynd, please! Every word is sincere. You're the most impressive creature I've ever met, and not just because of your power. You have that spark, that… presence that makes everyone stop and stare. Even I, just a mere human, can't help it. Let's go to the Frozen Continent, just a small detour. Picture it: you, me, a snowy landscape."
She let out a snort that sounded suspiciously like a stifled laugh, and her wings tilted, adjusting our course slightly. Her voice returned, now with a note of resignation, though she still tried to sound authoritative.
—"You're a mess. A mess with too loose a tongue. Fine, we'll go to the Frozen Continent, but not because your nonsense convinced me. It's only because I need a place where the Council can't reach us, and Velzard's territory is… acceptable. But if you cause even a single problem, I'll leave you frozen there, understood?"
I laughed triumphantly, ignoring the intensifying cold as we drew closer to the Frozen Continent. Snowflakes fell thicker now, covering my clothes and clinging to my hair. The white mass on the horizon grew, revealing icy peaks and glaciers gleaming like crystal under the sun.
—"Understood, boss! I promise to be the most charming human you've ever taken to a frozen continent. And hey, thanks for giving in. I knew you couldn't resist my charms."
—"Shut up before I drop you," she growled, but the tremor in her aura told me she was more amused than annoyed. Her wings beat harder, carrying us straight toward the Frozen Continent, where Velzard, Guy Crimson, and who knows what else awaited us. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. This was going to be interesting.
...
The Frozen Continent rose before us like a kingdom of crystal and snow, its glacial peaks gleaming under a pale sun that barely gave warmth. Snowflakes fell in a dense dance, and the air was so cold that every breath burned in my lungs. Velgrynd, in her True Dragon form, soared through the sky with a grace that defied the blizzard, her red scales shining like a beacon against the endless white. She held me in her teeth, a firm yet gentle grip that kept my clothes intact, though the icy wind lashed me without mercy.
Just as Velgrynd began descending toward a snowy plain, a fierce snowstorm struck us—a whirlwind of snow and ice that roared like a living beast. The force of the wind pulled at me, and before I could react, my clothes slipped from her teeth. I shouted, more in surprise than fear, as I plummeted toward the snow below. The impact was softer than I expected: I sank into a mound of fresh snow, creating a hole in the shape of my body. The snow cushioned the fall, and though the cold seeped into my bones, I felt no pain or injury. I brushed the snow from my hair and sleeves, laughing weakly as I stood up.
—"Well, that was… refreshing," I muttered, glancing around. The plain was a white desert, dotted with ice crystals that shone like diamonds. Velgrynd landed a few meters away, her dragon form triggering a small avalanche of snow. Before she touched the ground, her body glowed with a red radiance, shrinking and transforming into her human form. Her dark kimono reappeared, the embroidered golden dragon rippling as if alive, and her sky-blue hair swayed in the breeze. She ran toward me, her white boots barely sinking into the snow, and her golden eyes scanned my body with a mix of concern and annoyance.
—"Einar, are you alright? You can't keep falling like that!" she said, her voice sharp but tinged with relief. She stopped in front of me, extending a hand as if to check me over, though her expression suggested she also wanted to give me a good smack.
—"Relax, the snow's softer than it looks," I replied, smiling to calm her. "Not a scratch, see?" I raised my arms, showing my intact—though soaked and snow-covered—clothes.
Before I could say more, a voice sounded behind me, deep and dripping with a dangerous amusement that made my skin prickle.
—"Well, well… a human falling from the sky with a dragon as an escort. This promises to be interesting."
I turned my head, my heart skipping a beat. There, about ten meters away, stood a man who could only be Guy Crimson—though he didn't introduce himself as such. He was tall, with a presence that effortlessly dominated the frozen landscape. His hair, long and blood-red, flowed like a living flame, loose except for a single braid falling over his shoulder. His eyes, the same intense red, gleamed with cunning intelligence and veiled menace, as if he could read and destroy you in the same instant. He wore a dark, open jacket or coat that exposed his muscular chest. Around his waist was a red sash or cloth belt. His trousers were loose and dark. His skin was pale, almost translucent, and his smile, though charming, had an edge that promised trouble. Everything about him radiated power, an aura that made the magicules around him bow, as if the air itself recognized him as its master.
I swallowed, straightening up, and raised a tentative hand in greeting.
—"Uh, hi. I'm Einar von Kreutz. A… pleasure to meet you, I guess. Are you from the Frozen Continent?"
He laughed—a sound both warm and unsettling—and stepped forward.
—"A pleasure, Einar. I am the Red Primordial, lord of demons and, for now, a guest in this frozen wasteland. I wasn't expecting company, much less a human with such a… fiery dragon."
I blinked, confused. Red Primordial? He didn't say "Guy Crimson," which threw me off. I knew it was him, but if he wasn't using that name, maybe he hadn't adopted it yet in this timeline. Before I could process or ask, Raphael's voice shouted in my mind, urgent.
—"Alert! Dodge left, now! High probability of lethal attack."
My body reacted before my mind caught up, instinct sharpened by my evolution into an Enlightened. I leapt left, rolling clumsily through the snow, just as a red blur shot past me. The air split, and a massive explosion erupted where I'd been standing, hurling snow and shards of ice in all directions. The resulting crater was huge, steaming, its edges melted as if a meteorite had struck. I got to my feet, gasping, and looked at Guy, who stood with one hand extended, his smile now sharper—like he'd just thrown a test punch.
—"What the hell was that?!" I shouted, my voice cracking in disbelief. "I said it was a pleasure, not a challenge!"
Velgrynd, who had been watching with tense calm, roared—a sound that made the ground tremble. Her body glowed again, and in an instant, she shifted into her True Dragon form, her red scales blazing like lava. Her wings spread wide, casting a shadow over the crater, and her golden eyes burned with fury. Without a word, she opened her jaws and unleashed a torrent of scarlet flames at Guy—an attack so intense the surrounding ice melted instantly, forming steaming pools.
Guy moved with impossible speed, his body vanishing into a red blur before reappearing several meters away, unscathed. He laughed, the sound echoing across the snowy plain, and tilted his head.
—"Well, what a temper. You're just like that other dragon who lives here—nothing but fire and pride. But darling, you're weak. That attack wouldn't even have warmed my tea."
His words were like a match to a powder keg. Velgrynd roared again, her claws digging into the snow as the air around her shimmered with heat. She didn't know him—neither of us realized he was Guy Crimson, only the "Red Primordial"—but his mockery, and the veiled reference to Velzard, had enraged her. She opened her jaws again, this time channeling a massive sphere of fire, the size of a wagon, pulsing with power I could feel even from where I stood. She launched it with a roar, the projectile streaking through the air and leaving a trail of flames and steam.
—"Velgrynd, wait!" I shouted, but my voice was lost in the roar. Guy, wearing that infuriating smile, dodged again, moving as if time itself didn't touch him. The sphere struck a nearby glacier, and the resulting explosion was blinding—a burst of light and heat that shattered the ice and sent a shockwave that made me stagger in the snow.
Raphael's voice cut in again, urgent.
—"Alert: The Red Primordial is provoking Velgrynd intentionally. Your intervention has a low probability of de-escalation, but a high probability of making you a target. Recommendation: use [Guardian of Purity] to protect yourself and buy time."
I got to my feet, my heart pounding, caught between wanting to calm Velgrynd and knowing that getting between a True Dragon and a Primordial Demon was a terrible idea. But I couldn't just stand by while they destroyed the Frozen Continent… or me in the process.
The snowy plain of the Frozen Continent was a chaos of fire and ice, the air charged with magicules swirling in whirlwinds made visible thanks to my [Spiritual Control]. Velgrynd, in her True Dragon form, roared with a fury that made the ground tremble, her red scales glowing like lava as she unleashed fire attacks that melted entire glaciers. The Red Primordial, with his crimson hair and billowing cape, dodged every blow with an agility that seemed to mock reality, his smile never fading. I was trapped in the middle of this clash, my magic core on the verge of exhaustion but vibrating with the need to act. I couldn't let Velgrynd and this demon turn Velzard's territory into a field of ruins, much less allow them to crush me in the process.
Without thinking too much, I raised both hands and activated [Guardian of Purity], focusing my will on the Red Primordial. My magic core shuddered, a sharp pull reminding me of how raw my control over this skill still was. A pure white light burst from my palms, weaving into the air like threads of luminous silk. The magicules around me responded, flowing toward the light, and in seconds, a spherical barrier enclosed the Red Primordial. It was beautiful, a translucent dome shimmering with golden flashes, like stained glass under the sun. Ethereal runes floated on its surface, pulsing with a rhythm that seemed to sync with my own heartbeat. The barrier didn't just contain; it purified, dissolving hostile magic particles that tried to pass through. I could feel its weight in my mind, a constant pressure demanding focus, but also a strange calm, as if the skill itself was assuring me I could maintain it.
The Red Primordial remained still inside the barrier, his red eyes fixed on me. For a moment, I thought I had trapped him, but then his smile widened, a mix of amusement and challenge that made me shiver. He raised a hand, touching the barrier with one finger, and the runes flickered, as if recognizing his power.
—"Interesting trick, Einar,"—he said, his voice resonating through the barrier, soft yet laced with threat—. "A purifying skill? Not bad for a human. But…"
He didn't finish his sentence. A roaring explosion cut through the moment, a torrent of scarlet flames engulfing the barrier and everything around it. Velgrynd had taken advantage of the distraction, her jaws wide open as she unleashed a fire attack so intense that the ice beneath my feet melted, turning the snow into a steaming puddle. The barrier held, absorbing part of the flames, but the runes began to fade, my magic core screaming under the pressure. I staggered, trying to keep control, when a red flash crossed my vision.
I didn't see the hit coming. Something struck my face with brutal force, sending me flying like a broken puppet. The world spun, a blur of snow, ice, and pale sky. I slammed into a frozen tree, splitting it in two, then bounced against a glacier, the impact rattling my bones. I landed in a mound of snow, my body partially sinking. A thread of blood dripped from my nose, warm against the cold, but surprisingly, the pain was minimal, just a dull echo. [Guardian of Purity] must have been softening the damage, protecting me even now. I spat a bit of blood, wiped my face with my sleeve, and looked up, dazed but furious.
Velgrynd was unleashed. Her wings beat with fury, stirring up snowstorms as she attacked relentlessly. Fire spheres, heat rays, even claw swipes that split glaciers as if they were glass. Her roars echoed, a primal sound that made the Frozen Continent tremble. I didn't know if she was enraged by the blow I had taken or by the Red Primordial's taunts, but her wrath was a terrifying spectacle. The demon, for his part, dodged every attack with that same impossible agility, his laughter ringing out like a constant challenge.
—"Velgrynd, calm down!"—I shouted, standing up, but my voice was lost in the chaos. My nose was still bleeding, and my head buzzed, but my mind was clear, thanks to the thought acceleration my evolution had granted me. I needed to stop this, or at least contain the Red Primordial before Velgrynd destroyed everything… or he decided to get serious.
—"Raphael, give me something!"—I said aloud, my tone urgent—. "How do I hold this guy without getting us all killed?"
Raphael answered instantly, his logical voice cutting through the roar of battle like a beacon in the storm.
—"Analysis: The Red Primordial is assessing your capabilities and those of Velgrynd, likely to gauge your value as allies or threats. Containing him completely is unfeasible at your current level, but there are viable options. First: Reinforce [Guardian of Purity] to create a wider barrier that limits his movements, though this will rapidly drain your core and only delay him. Second: Use [Spiritual Control] to summon lesser spirits to distract his attention, but the frozen environment reduces the likelihood they will respond, and the magic cost will be high. Third: Combine both abilities, using [Guardian of Purity] to protect yourself while channeling [Spiritual Control] for a purifying light attack, which could temporarily destabilize his demonic magic. The third option is the riskiest, but has the greatest potential to buy time and force a negotiation. I recommend acting quickly; Velgrynd will not be able to maintain this pace without consequences."
I looked at Velgrynd, who was now unleashing a beam of fire that split a glacier in two, and at the Red Primordial, who reappeared in the air, his cape billowing as if nothing could touch him. My blood dripped onto the snow, a reminder that, Enlightened or not, I was far from his level. But I couldn't stand still. I took a deep breath, feeling the magicules of the Frozen Continent—weaker, but still present—and made a decision.
—"Alright, Raphael. Let's go with the third option. Cover me!"—I said, raising my hands as I channeled [Guardian of Purity] again, this time to protect myself. The barrier reappeared, wrapping me in a smaller but denser dome, its golden runes shining with an intensity that reflected my determination. Then, I began gathering particles of light with [Spiritual Control], preparing for an attack that, hopefully, would stop this chaos before someone—most likely me—ended up truly hurt.
While Velgrynd kept the Red Primordial occupied, I ran through the snow, my boots slipping but driven by a speed I didn't know I had. The magicules in the air were scarce, but I manipulated them with [Spiritual Control], weaving threads of light to stabilize my movement. The Red Primordial was distracted, laughing as he dodged a torrent of Velgrynd's flames, his attention fixed on her. This was my chance. I approached from behind, moving in a blur, my body guided by instinct and Raphael's direction. When I was close enough, I reached out and touched his back, channeling a sphere of purifying light with [Spiritual Control] directly into his body.
The impact was blinding. A burst of white light exploded, so intense that the snow around us vaporized, leaving a smoking crater. The shockwave threw me back, making me roll across the frozen ground until I slammed into a mound of snow. My [Guardian of Purity] barrier, still active, absorbed most of the impact. I got to my feet, gasping, and looked at Velgrynd. She had stopped her frenzy, her colossal wings still for a moment, her golden eyes fixed on me with a mix of surprise and approval. For the first time, it seemed she was reconsidering underestimating me.
The smoke and steam cleared, revealing the Red Primordial standing at the center of the crater. His clothing was slightly scorched, and a cut on his cheek bled briefly before healing, but his smile was wider than ever, his red eyes shining with genuine amusement. He stepped forward, clapping slowly, as if he were at a performance.
—"Well! That was… unexpected,"—he said, his voice carrying a mix of praise and mockery—. "A human sneaking up behind me with such a bright little light trick. Not bad, not bad at all. Where did you learn to fight so dirty?"
I brushed the snow off my clothes, my breath ragged but my confidence growing. His praise was a double-edged sword, but I wasn't going to let him intimidate me. I smirked, tilting my head with a light taunt, though my heart was pounding hard.
—"Thanks, Red. I guess I learned to be 'dirty' when I had to deal with an A+ rank dragon alone. But you know? For a Primordial, you're a little slow. Or were you just too busy admiring Velgrynd?"
Velgrynd growled from her position, a sound that was both a warning and confirmation that she'd heard my remark. The Red Primordial laughed, a deep sound that resonated across the plain, but before he could answer, he moved. His body vanished in a red blur, and my instincts made me jump to the side just in time. A fist wrapped in crimson energy grazed my face, the air crackling with its power. The snow where I had been standing exploded, forming another crater.
—"Nice move, human!"—he said, reappearing a few meters away, his voice laced with amusement—. "But look down."
I looked down, and my stomach dropped. His hand was pressed against my abdomen, a bright red orb pulsing in his palm, so close I could feel its heat through my clothes. I had no time to react. The orb exploded, a blast of demonic energy that should have torn me apart. But I felt nothing. The [Guardian of Purity] barrier flared around me, its white light absorbing the demonic magic like a filter, dissolving it into harmless motes of light. My body trembled from the pressure, but I was unharmed, my skin intact beneath the protective dome.
The Red Primordial raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, and that gave me the opening I needed. Taking advantage of how close he was, my hand moved on instinct, and I punched him straight in the chest. The blow didn't have the strength to harm him—he was a Primordial Demon, after all—but that wasn't my goal. As my fist connected, I channeled [Spiritual Control], conjuring another sphere of purifying light. This time, the sphere was smaller, concentrated, an orb the size of an apple glowing with blinding intensity. I detonated it against his chest, the impact releasing a burst of light that pushed him back, making him slide across the snow.
The Red Primordial stopped, laughing again, though this time there was a hint of respect in his voice.
—"You're a crafty little bastard, aren't you? Two hits in one encounter. Most don't survive the first."
Velgrynd roared, readying another attack, but I raised a hand, panting as I maintained the [Guardian of Purity] barrier.
—"Velgrynd, wait! We don't need to escalate this further!"—I shouted, my voice tense but firm. She looked at me, her golden eyes narrowing, but she didn't attack, though her tail slammed into the ground, splitting a block of ice in two.
Raphael intervened, his logical voice resonating in my mind.
—"Assessment: The Red Primordial is intrigued, not threatened. Your combination of [Guardian of Purity] and [Spiritual Control] has demonstrated your potential, but it cannot contain him indefinitely. Options: First, attempt to negotiate, using his interest to propose a truce and discuss your intentions in the Frozen Continent. Second, maintain the offensive with coordinated attacks alongside Velgrynd, though this risks a more serious reaction from him. Third, retreat, using [Guardian of Purity] to cover your escape while Velgrynd distracts him, but this could attract Velzard's attention, who has likely already detected this conflict. Negotiation seems the most sensible option, given his current behavior."
I took a deep breath, feeling the snow crunch under my boots and the cold biting my skin. The Red Primordial was watching me, his smile now more curious than mocking, as if waiting for my next move. Velgrynd remained tense, ready to unleash another hellfire if I asked. I had an opportunity, and I wasn't going to waste it.
—"Hey, Red,"—I said, straightening up, my voice calmer but still with a hint of challenge—. "How about we stop this game? I didn't come here to fight. I want to talk, find out what you're doing in the Frozen Continent, and maybe… work together. What do you say?"
His eyes gleamed, and I knew the real challenge was only just beginning.
He tilted his head, his red eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and assessment. Then he nodded slowly, taking a step toward me. His smile widened, and his voice—soft yet laced with mockery—rang out over the snow.
—"Talk, huh? You're not as stupid as you look, little snowflake," he said, stressing the nickname with a tone that was almost affectionate, as if speaking to a mischievous child. "I like your boldness. Fine, let's talk. But don't expect me to get serious just because you managed to land a couple of hits on me."
I blinked, irritation rising in my chest. Little snowflake? Really? My jaw tightened, and I stepped forward, pointing a finger at him, my voice sharper than I intended.
—"Little snowflake? Come on, Red, seriously! I just pushed you back with a sphere of light, and that's the best you can come up with? At least pick a nickname that doesn't sound like you're inviting me for hot chocolate!"
He laughed—a deep, genuine sound that rolled across the plain—and stepped closer, leaning slightly so he could meet my eyes. His smile was infuriating, with a playful edge that made me want to hit him again, even though I knew it would be pointless.
—"Oh, snowflake, you get adorable when you're angry," he said, winking. "Keep it up, and maybe I'll let you fight me again before we finish this little chat."
I opened my mouth to retort, my mind scrambling for something sharp enough, when a deafening roar split the air—so powerful the ground shook and the snow around me burst upward in a cloud. I looked up, my heart stalling for an instant. A colossal dragon was descending from the sky, its scales as white as pure snow, glinting with a brilliance that caught the sunlight. Black spines lined its back, sharp as obsidian, and two white horns jutted from its forehead, pointing forward like spears. Its golden eyes, identical to Velgrynd's but colder, burned with an intensity that made me instinctively step back. A massive golden scale crowned the top of its head, and its black jaw revealed crimson teeth, each the size of a sword. This was Velzard, the White Ice Dragon, and her presence made even the Primordial Red seem less intimidating.
Velzard landed with an impact that shook the plain, sending waves of snow in all directions. Her body became enveloped in a blinding glow, and when the light faded, a woman stood in her place. She was beautiful in a way that defied logic—her skin as clear as polished ice, her diamond-blue eyes piercing everything they touched. Her pearl-white hair, long and lustrous, was tied into two ponytails that reached her waist, swaying gently though there was no wind. She wore a white-and-blue off-shoulder dress adorned with patterns like enchanted snowflakes, and blue boots that shimmered with a subtle glow. Loose white sleeves covered her arms, a blue star-shaped pendant hung from her neck, and a golden tiara rested on her forehead, completing an appearance that was both regal and ethereal.
She crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping over the ravaged plain before settling on us. Her voice, when she spoke, was cold yet clear, carrying an authority that allowed no argument.
—"What is this disturbance in my territory? Do you think you can destroy my glaciers without consequences?" Her gaze softened slightly when it fell upon Velgrynd, and a genuine smile curved her lips. "Sister, I did not expect to see you here. It has been… far too long."
Velgrynd, who had been tense and ready to strike, flared in a crimson glow and returned to her human form, her dark kimono reappearing. Her sky-blue hair swayed as she walked toward me, taking a protective stance at my side. She answered Velzard's greeting with a nod, her voice warmer than usual, though still laced with caution.
—"Velzard, it's good to see you, though the circumstances are less than ideal. This… mess wasn't planned." She shot a glare at the Primordial Red, her golden eyes narrowing. "Blame the demon and his need to play."
The air was heavy, tension humming in the magicules still swirling around me. Velzard, Velgrynd, and the Primordial Red were primordial forces, and I, a mere Enlightened, was caught in the middle of their dynamic. My [Guardian of Purity] barrier was still active, the dried blood on my nose a reminder of how fragile I was in comparison. I wanted to say something—maybe explain my presence or try to calm the situation—but the Primordial Red looked at me, his smile now more roguish than mocking. He winked, a gesture so brazen it nearly made me growl, and his voice came, meant only for me.
—"Don't get so tense, snowflake. Things just got interesting."
Velgrynd growled beside me, and Velzard raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing the exchange but choosing not to comment. Raphael spoke in my mind, his logical voice an anchor in the chaos.
—"Evaluation: The arrival of Velzard has altered the dynamic. Her presence reduces the likelihood of the Primordial Red escalating the conflict, as he appears to avoid direct confrontations with her. However, the tension between Velgrynd and the demon remains high. Options: First, formally introduce yourself to Velzard and explain your situation with the Council to gain her sympathy, leveraging her bond with Velgrynd. Second, remain silent and let Velgrynd and Velzard handle the situation, though this leaves you in a passive position. The first option seems the most effective to establish yourself as an ally, not a threat."
I took a deep breath, feeling the cold of the Frozen Continent sink into my bones, and stepped forward, ignoring the Primordial Red's amused look. It was time to speak—or risk this meeting ending with more craters… or worse.
—"I'm Einar von Kreutz, an… Enlightened, I suppose. I come from Eldoria, and I'm here because—"
Before I could continue, the Primordial Red let out a laugh, cutting me off with a tone dripping pure sarcasm.
—"Enlightened? Oh, snowflake, that sounds adorable. What's next, you gonna tell us you're the chosen hero destined to save the world?"
I frowned, doing my best to ignore him, and kept talking, my voice gaining strength as I explained my situation.
—"As I was saying, I'm on the run from Eldoria's Arcane Council. They blame me for awakening a sealed dragon that nearly destroyed the city, and now they want to execute me because my abilities are 'too dangerous.' Velgrynd brought me here to hide, and I wanted to see if the Primordial Red—" I looked at the demon, narrowing my eyes— "could help us. I'm not looking for trouble, just a way out of this mess without more fighting."
The Primordial Red laughed again, crossing his arms with a mocking glint in his crimson eyes.
—"Running from the Council? Poor little snowflake, fleeing with his guardian dragon. And you thought I, the great Primordial Red, would be your knight in shining armor? You're even more entertaining than I expected."
I clenched my fists, my patience wearing thin, but I didn't give him the satisfaction of a response. I finished my introduction, looking straight at Velzard, whose expression was a mix of curiosity and assessment.
—"That's all. I don't want to cause more chaos in your territory, Velzard. I just need a place to think about my next steps, and if there's something I can help with while I'm here, I will."
Velzard smiled—warm, yet laced with a power that made my skin crawl. Her diamond-blue eyes suddenly flashed with a golden hue, identical to Velgrynd's but colder, more ancient. The pressure of her aura hit me like an invisible wave, and I instinctively stepped back, stumbling in the snow and almost falling, struggling to remain standing under its weight. She tilted her head, her smile widening, as if my reaction amused her.
—"Interesting," she said, her voice soft yet resonant, like the creak of a glacier. "A human who catches the attention of my sister and the Primordial Red in such a… unique way. You are not ordinary."
Before I could answer, she stepped forward and extended a hand in greeting. The crushing pressure of her aura faded, becoming almost welcoming, and I swallowed hard, cautiously accepting the gesture. When our hands met, I felt an overwhelming force—like holding a block of ice that weighed a mountain. My fingers popped, a sharp pain shooting up my arm. I tried to pull away, yanking hard, but her grip was unyielding, her smile never faltering.
—"Hey, that hurts!" I protested, my voice higher than I wanted.
The Primordial Red, who had been watching with that damned grin, finally spoke up, his tone light but with an undertone of warning.
—"Velzard, let him go. I like the snowflake, and I don't want you breaking him before I can have more fun with him."
Velzard laughed, a crystalline sound that echoed across the plain, and released my hand. I stumbled back, rubbing my sore fingers, looking at her with a mix of relief and exasperation.
—"Well, what a… warm welcome," I said, forcing a smile as I massaged my hand. "Do you always greet newcomers like that, or am I special?"
She laughed again, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
—"You are special. Few humans could withstand my grip, even with a skill like yours. I like you."
Velgrynd, who had been silent, gave a low growl and stepped closer to me, her kimono brushing against my arm as she positioned herself at my side. Her gaze was serious, her golden eyes locked on Velzard with an intensity that didn't go unnoticed. She didn't say a word, but her posture was clear—she wasn't going to let anyone, not even her sister, get too close. I could feel the tension in the magicules around her, a reminder of her protective nature, though I wasn't sure if it was for my sake or her own pride.
Velzard, ignoring Velgrynd's stare, turned to the Primordial Red and pointed toward a path winding between the glaciers.
—"This is not the place to talk. Come to my ice palace. We can discuss… comfortably." Her tone was inviting, but with an edge that made it sound less like a suggestion.
The Primordial Red nodded, taking a step toward the path. Velzard began walking beside him, her white-and-blue gown shimmering against the snow. Velgrynd leaned in close to me, her voice a low, urgent whisper.
—"Einar, stay by my side. I don't trust Velzard when she's in this mood, and I trust that demon even less. Don't do anything stupid."
I nodded, but before I could answer, the Primordial Red called out from several meters ahead, his voice carrying that infuriating mockery.
—"Come on, snowflake! Don't keep the dragon ladies waiting! The ice palace has better views than this pile of snow!"
I rolled my eyes, feeling Velgrynd's gaze on me as if it were my fault the demon wouldn't stop teasing. Adjusting my soaked clothes, still rubbing my aching hand, I started walking after them, with Velgrynd sticking close to my side.
...
...
The path toward Velzard's ice palace wound between glaciers that shone like mirrors under the pale sun of the Frozen Continent. Snow crunched beneath my white boots, each step an echo in the stillness of the landscape, broken only by Einar's exasperated shouts and the Primordial Red's incessant teasing. My dark kimono fluttered in the icy breeze, the golden dragon embroidered on the fabric gleaming as if alive, and my sky-blue hair swayed, brushing against my shoulders. I walked beside Velzard, my elder sister, whose presence was as overwhelming as ever, her white-and-blue gown radiating a glow that seemed to defy the cold. Einar and the demon were a few steps ahead, locked in a quarrel that was more of a show than a real fight.
—"For the last time, Red, stop calling me snowflake! I have a name, use it!" Einar shouted, his voice sharp as he pointed at the Primordial with a finger trembling from frustration.
—"Oh, but snowflake suits you so well," the demon replied, his crimson hair swaying as he laughed, leaning toward Einar with that exasperating smile. "It's so… fragile, like you when you try to land a hit on me."
I snorted, clenching my fists beneath the sleeves of my kimono. That stubborn human had a unique talent for getting himself into trouble, and the Primordial wasn't helping, poking at him like a new toy. I wanted to step in—maybe growl at the demon to shut him up—but I held back, keeping my face impassive. Einar could handle his own battles, though sometimes I wondered why I kept tolerating his nonsense. My gaze drifted toward Velzard, who walked with a grace that made the snow seem to bow before her. Her diamond-blue eyes watched me, and a faint smile curved her lips, a gesture I knew all too well—she was about to say something that would unsettle me.
—"Velgrynd," she said, her voice soft yet heavy with curiosity, like the creak of a glacier before it breaks. "Where did you find that human? It's not common for someone like you, the Flame of Scarlet, to bother dragging a mortal across half the world. Even less so one so… peculiar."
Her words were bait, and I knew it. I adjusted my stance, keeping my expression neutral as I answered, my tone deliberately casual.
—"I didn't look for him, Velzard. Einar simply… came to me. A reckless human who dared to challenge me when he was barely a C-rank creature. His attacks were weak—pathetic, even—but there was something about him. He endured more than any mortal should, even when I tested him. Over time, his magic core evolved, and he became… interesting. I took him as my protégé because I saw potential, nothing more."
I paused, recalling those early days: Einar facing me with that defiant gleam in his eyes, his magic raw but stubborn, his refusal to surrender even when I knocked him down again and again. It wasn't normal—not for a human. But I wasn't about to admit that out loud, not in front of Velzard, who was already smiling in that way that got under my skin.
She laughed, a crystalline sound that rang across the plain, and tilted her head, her white pigtails swaying.
—"Nothing more? Oh, sister, don't lie to me. That human is not just a protégé, and you know it. There's something you're not saying, something your True Dragon pride won't let you admit." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a playful tone. "Has he perhaps stolen a tiny piece of that fiery heart of yours?"
My cheeks warmed, a faint blush I couldn't suppress, and my lips twitched before I could control them. I turned my head sharply, staring at the glaciers as if they were the most fascinating thing in the world, my silence more telling than I wanted. The memory of Einar touching my shoulder in the Hall of Mirrors, whispering that everything would be fine, or his shameless flirting in Eldoria's garden, hit me with irritating clarity. Why did that idiotic human have to be so… him?
Velzard laughed again, softer this time, clearly enjoying my reaction.
—"He's unique, isn't he? That a dragon—especially you, Velgrynd—would take such interest in a human. You are the Scarlet Flame, the one who never bends, and yet here you are, protecting this human as if he were more than just a curious mortal. I don't blame you, sister. There's something in him, a spark even I can see."
Her tone was warm, almost affectionate, but her words made me grit my teeth. It wasn't just pride keeping me silent—it was the discomfort of not fully understanding why Einar mattered so much to me. He was a disaster, a magnet for trouble, and yet every time he was in danger, I felt an urgency that went beyond a protector's duty. I refused to look at her, keeping my eyes fixed on the snow, though I could feel her diamond-blue gaze piercing me.
—"There is no spark," I finally muttered, my voice lower than I intended. "He's just a useful human. Nothing more."
Velzard didn't reply, but her smile said she didn't believe me for a second. Ahead of us, Einar was still arguing with the Primordial Red, who had now patted him on the back and called him "snowflake" again. Einar threw his arms up, exasperated, and I snorted, feeling a mix of irritation and something I didn't want to name. That idiot was going to get himself into more trouble if I didn't keep a close eye on him.
The path began to slope downward, and in the distance, Velzard's ice palace appeared—a colossal structure of crystal and ice that gleamed like a diamond beneath the sun. Its towers rose like spears, its walls carved with runes that pulsed with ancient magic. The tension in the air hadn't lessened, but Velzard's presence kept the Primordial Red in check… for now. Einar, oblivious to the conversation between my sister and me, kept walking, his clothes soaked and his hand probably still sore from Velzard's greeting. For a moment, I wondered what he saw in this place, in me, in all of this—and why, despite everything, I couldn't leave him alone.
...
...
The cold of the Frozen Continent wasn't just an inconvenience—it was a constant assault, a bite that seeped through every gap in my soaked clothes and sank deep into my bones. Velzard's ice palace was a marvel, a labyrinth of crystal and ice that reflected the sunlight in blinding flashes, but every step I took through its carved hallways made me shiver harder. The walls were etched with runes pulsing with ancient magic, and the floor, smooth as a mirror, reflected my trembling figure. I tried to ease the chill with a small conjured flame—a fire no bigger than a candle—floating above my palm, but it was useless. The flame flickered weakly, barely able to compete with the glacial temperature. My teeth chattered, and every breath turned into clouds of vapor that vanished into the frigid air.
Velgrynd walked beside me, her dark kimono swaying as if the cold couldn't touch her, her sky-blue hair gleaming under the reflected light. Velzard led the way, her white-and-blue gown radiating an ethereal glow, while the Primordial Red, wearing that damned grin, brought up the rear, tossing me mocking glances every few steps. The magicules in the palace were dense, stronger than in the open plain; I could only rely on my own endurance to keep from turning into an ice sculpture.
We reached the main hall, a vast space that looked as though it had been carved from the heart of a glacier. A round table dominated the center, made of ice so clear I could see my reflection in it—distorted and pale. The ceiling was a crystal dome, with stalactites glittering like natural chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with frozen murals that seemed to tell stories of dragons and forgotten eras. Velzard raised a hand, and chairs of ice emerged from the floor, each one carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shift under the light. I approached one hesitantly, but the cold had beaten me so thoroughly that I dropped into it without a second thought.
Fatal mistake. My backside froze instantly, the ice of the chair clinging to my clothes as if it wanted to claim me. I let out a pathetic groan that echoed through the hall and leaned forward, elbows on the table, sighing in defeat.
—"This is the end," I muttered, my voice trembling from the cold. "I'm not going to die to the Council or to a demon. The ice will finish me off. Goodbye, cruel world."
Velgrynd, who had sat beside me with a grace that defied the cold, rolled her eyes, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. The Primordial Red, sitting across from me, let out a laugh that made the stalactites vibrate, while Velzard, at the head of the table, smiled, her diamond-blue eyes glinting with a touch of curiosity.
Before I could complain further, Velgrynd spoke, her voice firm but calm, directed at Velzard.
—"We don't plan to stay long, sister. Just a few days—enough for Einar and me to decide what to do about the Arcane Council. After that, we'll leave. We don't want to cause more trouble in your territory."
Velzard nodded, her smile soft yet edged with something that didn't go unnoticed.
—"You're welcome here, Velgrynd. A few days is nothing, and I'm curious to know more about your… protégé." Her gaze slid toward me, and I felt a shiver that had nothing to do with the cold. "It's rare for a human to awaken such curiosity in a True Dragon."
The Primordial Red leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his crimson cape falling dramatically.
—"Oh, and speaking of curiosity, I think our snowflake could use a little… special training." He looked at me, his grin sharp enough to cut ice. "I could teach him a couple of tricks—you know, so he stops being so fragile. What do you say? Ready to learn from the Primordial Red?"
I opened my mouth to protest, fully aware that his "training" would be more like a session of suffering designed for his amusement.
—"Training? Ha! That's not training, that's an excuse to torture me! No thanks, Red, I'd rather keep my frozen butt than—"
But before I could finish, Velgrynd cut me off, her voice sharp and decisive.
—"I accept. If the Primordial thinks he can help Einar better control his abilities, let him. He needs to be ready for what's coming—especially with the Council hunting us."
I stared at her, mouth hanging open, as if she'd just stabbed me in the back. My hand—still holding the faint flame—shook, and the fire flickered, nearly going out.
—"What? Velgrynd, no! Seriously? You're going to let this guy use me as his personal punching bag? I thought you were on my side!"
She looked at me, her golden eyes narrowing, arms crossing as her kimono rustled slightly.
—"Einar, don't be dramatic. Your power is raw, and you know it. You destroyed a garden with a light sphere. It's worth trying. Besides, I won't leave you alone with him. If he tries anything, I'll incinerate him."
The Primordial Red laughed, slapping the table with one hand, making my chair vibrate and my backside suffer even more.
—"Oh, this will be fun! Don't worry, snowflake, I'll be a gentle teacher… more or less. I promise not to break you too much."
I slumped deeper into the chair—or tried to—because the ice was still stuck to my clothes.
—"Great. Just great. Running from the Council, freezing in an ice palace, and now I'm going to be a demon's plaything. Why did I agree to reincarnate?"
Velzard laughed, a crystalline sound that rang through the hall, tilting her head as she studied me like a fascinating puzzle—clearly ignoring my last comment.
—"You have spirit. That's more than many can say. You survived my greeting, faced the Primordial, and you're still complaining even while frozen. I wonder how much more you can endure."
I swallowed, unsure if that was a compliment or a threat.
—"Uh… thanks, I guess. But if this is a test, I'd prefer one with less ice and more blankets."
The Primordial Red leaned toward me, his grin now more mischievous.
—"Blankets won't save you on the training field, snowflake. But don't worry, I'll warm you up with some demonic magic. Or maybe freeze you more—who knows?"
Velgrynd growled, her hand landing on my shoulder with a force that made me shiver, though her warmth was a welcome relief against the cold.
—"Enough. If you're going to train him, do it properly, or you'll answer to me. Einar is mine… my protégé, and I won't tolerate you using him for your games."
The word mine echoed in my head, and for a second, I forgot the cold. I looked at Velgrynd, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks, though her expression stayed serious. Had she said that on purpose? Before I could process it, the Primordial Red raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender.
—"Easy, fiery dragon. I just want to polish your little snowflake. It'll be… enlightening."
Velzard interrupted, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
—"Enough. We can discuss the details of the training later. For now, Einar, Velgrynd, you're under my protection. The Arcane Council has no reach here, but I want to know more about your abilities, Einar—and why Eldoria considers you so dangerous."
I nodded, though my teeth were still chattering.
—"Sure, Velzard. But, uh, is there any chance of a fire or something? Because I'm one step away from becoming a human ice cube."
She laughed again, and with a wave of her hand, a sphere of blue light appeared above the table, radiating a gentle warmth that eased my suffering a little. It wasn't enough to thaw my backside, but at least I could feel my fingers again. Velgrynd gave me a look that said stop complaining, while the Primordial Red kept smiling like this was the best entertainment in the world.
The conversation went on—Velzard asking about Eldoria, Velgrynd explaining our escape, and the Primordial Red tossing sarcastic remarks that made me grit my teeth. I, meanwhile, focused on surviving the cold, praying that the demon's "training" wouldn't be as deadly as I feared. But with Velgrynd at my side, Velzard watching me like an experiment, and the Primordial Red plotting who knows what, one thing was certain: my life as an Enlightened was about to get even more complicated.
...
The night in the Frozen Continent was a breathtaking spectacle, a mantle of stars so dense it seemed as if the sky was about to spill onto the snow. The cold was relentless, cutting through my clothes like invisible knives. I stood in a secluded plain, just a few steps from Velzard's ice palace, surrounded by steaming craters I had left after hours of training. Each explosion was a reminder of how raw my control still was, but also of how far I had come since Eldoria. My magic core was drained, probably on the verge of collapse, and sweat ran down my forehead, freezing against my skin almost instantly. In my hands, a sphere of purifying light—the largest I had conjured so far—pulsed like a miniature star, its glow illuminating the snow around me.
I was about to throw it, focusing on not creating another crater the size of a house, when a soft voice broke the silence.—"Einar, are you still out here? Don't you ever get tired?"
I made the sphere vanish with a motion, the light dispersing into specks that faded into the air, and turned my head. There was Velgrynd, standing a few meters away, her dark kimono swaying slightly in the icy breeze. The golden dragon embroidered on the fabric gleamed under the starlight, and her sky-blue hair fell in loose strands over her shoulders, giving her a less imposing air than usual. Her golden eyes were on me, a mix of curiosity and something deeper I couldn't quite read. I smiled, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and raised a hand in a casual greeting.—"Hey, Vel! Just training, trying not to turn Velzard's courtyard into moon cheese. What are you doing here?"
She didn't answer right away, walking toward me with that grace of hers that made it seem as if the snow gave way to her steps. Before I could say anything else, she moved behind me, and suddenly I felt her arms wrap around my waist, her body pressing against my back. The warmth of her presence enveloped me instantly, dissolving the cold that had been biting at my skin. Her chin rested on my shoulder, and her breath—warm and steady—brushed against my neck. My heart skipped a beat, and I let out a snort, trying to cover my surprise with a joke.—"Wow, Velgrynd, is this a new training technique? Because if so, I'm in—but I warn you I'm not as heat-resistant as you."
She didn't respond, her silence more eloquent than any words. Her eyes were fixed on the starry sky, constellations reflecting in her golden irises as if she were seeing something beyond the stars. The heat she radiated was almost overwhelming—not just physical, but something deeper, as if her True Dragon essence were wrapping around me. I no longer felt the cold—only her, her strength, her unexpected calm. I swallowed, my joke fading in the air, and spoke, my voice softer, almost hesitant.—"Hey, are you okay? Not that I'm complaining about… this, but you're not exactly the type to get this… close. Is something wrong?"
She sighed, a low sound that vibrated against my back, and finally spoke, her voice calm but heavy with an emotion I hadn't expected.—"I'm just… thinking, Einar. This place, the Frozen Continent, always brings back memories. Of my sister, of times when dragons were more than just legends. And then there's you—a human who shouldn't matter to me, yet somehow you've slipped into my life like a fire I can't put out."
I stayed still, her words hitting me harder than any attack from the Primordial Red. I turned my head slightly, trying to see her face, but she kept her gaze on the sky, her grip firm yet gentle. My hand, still trembling from the effort of the sphere, rose instinctively, brushing against one of her arms.—"A fire, huh? I guess that's a compliment coming from the Scarlet Flame. But seriously, Velgrynd… you don't have to carry all this alone. I know I'm a mess, that I screw up every other step, but I'm here. With you. Not because you're a True Dragon, but because… well, because you're you."
She laughed, a soft sound that resonated in my chest, and finally lowered her gaze, her golden eyes meeting mine. There was a shine in them, a vulnerability she rarely showed, hidden behind that facade of unshakable strength.—"You're impossible, Einar von Kreutz. Do you know how many centuries I've lived without needing anyone? And then you show up—a reckless human with more courage than common sense, challenging me, flirting as if you didn't know I could incinerate you with a thought. And yet… I don't want you to leave."
My heart sped up, and I felt a heat in my cheeks that had nothing to do with her magic. I turned fully, breaking her embrace only to face her, my hands finding her shoulders. The snow crunched beneath my boots, and the stars seemed to shine brighter, as if the entire world were holding its breath.—"Velgrynd, I'm not going anywhere. Not while you're here. I know I'm just a lucky human who barely understands his powers, but you… you make me want to be more. Not just for me, but for you. Because if someone like you thinks I'm worth it, then maybe—just maybe—I can face whatever comes. Together."
She looked at me, her lips slightly parted, and for a moment, I thought she'd say something biting, breaking the moment with her usual sarcasm. But instead, her hand rose, brushing my cheek with a softness that contrasted her strength. Her skin was warm, almost burning, and her touch sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold.—"You're an idiot," she murmured, but her voice was soft, almost a whisper. "An idiot who makes me question everything I thought I knew about mortals. I don't know what this means, I don't know if a dragon and a human can… but for now, I just want to be here. With you. Under these stars."
I smiled, my hand covering hers, keeping it against my cheek.—"Then stay. Under the stars, on the ice, in Eldoria, anywhere. I don't need a palace or a throne. I just need you—even if you burn me a little from time to time."
She laughed again, freer this time, and leaned closer, her forehead touching mine. The warmth of her body was a refuge against the cold, and for a moment, the craters, the Council, the Primordial Red—all of it disappeared. It was just us, two unlikely souls beneath an endless sky, defying fate with every heartbeat.—"I won't promise not to burn you," she said, her voice playful yet sincere. "But if you keep being this reckless, maybe it'll be worth trying."—"Deal," I replied, my smile widening. "But if I get incinerated, I expect an epic funeral, True Dragon."
She snorted but didn't pull away, and we stayed there under the stars, wrapped in a warmth that was more than magic—a bond neither of us fully understood, but neither wanted to break.