Sitting down on the hard wood floor, I looked back up at Azz who as per usual, had to take one last swig or three from his booze before even looking my way.
"But where did you even hear about dragons cheeky brat?", Azz's eyes were glazed with suspicion, or was he getting drunk? Who knows.
Growing nervous, I managed the only reasonable lie I could think of, "Well there's a lot of mention of them in ancient mythologies, so I thought maybe if gods and demons exist, they could as well".
Azz loosened up a little, "Tell me what you've read about dragons first and then I'll explain". He still didn't seem to fully believe me but it was something I could work with for now.
Trying my best to suck up to him to wash away his suspicions, I lowered my head almost into a bow, "Master! I've read quite a bit about dragons in all sorts of mythologies, are there any comparisons? Learning from you about gods and demons, the history I know isn't exactly accurate, however from what I've read there are many different types ranging from flying 4 legged beasts that breathe fire, to sea serpents with 9 heads".
Azz set his bottle down and finally began to explain, "Dragons aren't exactly like you imagine as you've guessed, however your mythologies aren't exactly inaccurate per say. Dragons are divine beasts so strong not even the greatest gods and demons dare touch them, their wings blanket the land in shadows when they fly and their roar so fearsome it can shake the heavens".
"So, what you're telling me is that Earths mythology is accurate in a way?", I questioned back.
"Not exactly, however the best lies are often built on some truth as the saying goes, for example the sea serpents Hydra and Leviathan are real, but they haven't been seen for thousands of years. As far as their abilities go, Hydra has innate strength and regeneration ability, making it nearly impossible to even scratch. Leviathan has hydro-kinesis, control over all types of water including ice. Aside from them there are only three other dragons all of which prefer land".
Azz had a weird look on his face, somewhere between anger and suspicion.
"I'll explain the three others to you shortly, however I should also mention that there are countless subspecies of dragon. In fact, there are so many of the little critters I don't think I could name them all if you gave me a thousand years", he laughed to himself, clearly finding it hilarious.
Why is it he seems so touchy when it comes to the subject of dragons? Surely Azz doesn't have a past with them? Going from what he's said so far, they are pretty much untouchable creatures with unfathomable power. Should I dig deeper, or would I be pushing my luck? Fighting with myself internally, I decided to go for it, "Can you tell me more about the three land dragons master?".
Letting out a sigh, Azz seemingly dropped his suspicions at last, "The three dragons … let's see, I suppose we should start with Helios the fire dragon, in your worlds mythology he's worshipped as a God of the sun I believe, however he's quite easily the most destructive of all dragons. His fire can burn everything and anything, and burns as hot as the sun, get too close to him and you'll be reduced to cinders before you even realised you've died".
"Next would be Chronoscale, a time dragon. The versatility of this being is supposedly incredible as he can speed up and slow down time. His knowledge is his main weapon, he's incredibly intelligent, with what's rumoured to be more knowledge than what's found in every book in all the realms combined. He knows how to strike where it hurts most and with his time slowing ability, he can make a single cut last for a thousand years of pain. Again with his ability to speed time he could kill you before you realised it".
Interesting, I understand what he meant by the best lies are built on truth, it's not that these beings didn't exist they've just been tweaked slightly. But why are they so hostile? Are these descriptions just fabricated as well?
"What about the last one, are they strong as well?", I said, looking up to see Azz smiling.
"Absolutely", no sign of doubt was evident in Azz's expression. "Erebus, the dragon of the void. Helios by far has the most destructive power, but when it comes to overall strength, if the legends are to be believed, I'd wager not even all four dragons could beat Erebus even if they fought together!".
Curious about this void power, I inquired further, "Master you say void, but that doesn't sound like an ability, also if it's so strong surely its ability is unmatchable?".
"Right you are brat! The void dragons main ability is absorption, as the rumour goes it can absorb pretty much anything from the strength to even the abilities of the beings its killed. The range of what it can absorb from is astronomical. From a mouse to another dragon, it can absorb anything". It seemed like even Azz shuddered just from the thought of this being.
Completely shook, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. Dragon of the void, how does that even exist, surely there's some restriction? Fire, water and time are self-explanatory, and Hydra just sounds like a brute like Max … wait Max! and my parents! I've been gone for a week and hadn't realised it.
I'd been sucked into this whole new world and completely forgotten about Earth, panicking I put the dragons on hold. "Master, we've been here for a week but what about the people on Earth. I know they are probably wondering what's going and why I disappeared. You need to send me back!".
Azz cocked his head sideways, "You're staying here for six months to train, and don't worry about the people not knowing where you are. The black-haired lass left a note behind saying you were journeying for half a year".
I slammed my head into my hands, I couldn't help but laugh, "A note, seriously a note, you think that's going to suffice. I'm sixteen master, I can't even drink alcohol never mind go journeying for six months. Better yet I just started my last year in school, there's no way this doesn't get reported".
Taking a swig from his bottle, Azz looked at me and laughed, "Sounds like a real problem, I didn't realise you were so young. I took you for a twenty-year-old". For whatever reason this old man continually finds my suffering hilarious.
Damn old man, I feel slightly offended, do I seriously look that old. Wait, wait, wait, never mind that, "Master I need to go back". I stood and walked towards the door.
"Can't", Azz moved to block the door, "You're here to train for six months, if I let you go, I'll get beaten black and blue".
"But", I pleaded.
"No buts, you're free to take a look outside though, besides, you'll be going back eventually, the six months will fly by".
Brushing past Azz, I swung the door open only to see a sea of green with giant trees reaching up through the clouds. What the hell is this? A jungle of some sort. Walking outside and looking back, I realised the place I spent a week in was a measly wooden shack in the middle of this vast greenery.
Azz's voice came from behind me, "Not bad eh, my handiwork, proud of myself to be honest, not often you see a man thousands of years old build his own shack".
Wait, I can't believe I'd only just realised it. Azz has been speaking as if he's a being thousands of years old, but I'd just blindly decide to trust him, granted he hasn't done anything to lose that trust. I haven't even told him my name yet. Who exactly is Azz? And who could beat this man black and blue? Do I stay to find out more about him?
Turning around to face him, I made my decision, "Fine can we start the training and after six months I'll go back home. Also please stop calling me brat, my name is Zach Pember".
Azz flashed a wide smile, "Perfect, let's get started then bra- I mean Zach".
Cocky old geezer. I couldn't help but laugh though.
Azz pressed his finger to his lips, mulling something over, "Ah, I should probably ask just before we start, but you wouldn't happen to have any experience in wielding a sword, or perhaps hand to hand combat".
I scowled back at him in disbelief, "Do I look like the kind of person who can wield a sword Azz? And before you ask, no I also do not have any kind of training in hand-to-hand combat".
He clicked his tongue strolling back inside of the makeshift hut, "Damn kids these days, all a bunch of softies. Whatever happened to learning to fight before learning to walk huh? What goods a fist if you aren't going to throw it. Damn modern and peaceful era, what a pissing joke".
I chased him in, "Oi! You are aware that I can hear everything you are saying, right?".
He settled back into his chair, taking another swig out of the almost empty bottle, "Blasted thing! I can't believe I'm running out of booze. Zach go fetch me some!".
I'd spent a week learning how to hone my strength, in an unconventional way. It still felt surreal to me, how it was possible that this realm was coexisting alongside the mortal realm, yet we humans had no idea such a wonderful place existed. Not to mention people like Azz, who for lack of better words, was a giant prick.
I ignored his comment and glanced around the small hut. It was strange to me. From the outside it appeared as nothing more than a hastily made, falling apart old shed. But, when you were on the inside, it wasn't exactly lavish, but it certainly appeared a lot larger than previously, a lot warmer too.
Overall though, I was more than excited to get my combat training underway. I was intrigued by the practical uses this strange power had. If I could take it back to Earth and change the very way we lived our lives, well that would not only net me a large sum of money, but also the ridiculous amount of fame that was bound to follow.
It made my mouth water just by imaging the figures, we are talking millions, potential billions here!
I shook myself from my fantasy and looked towards the old geezer, "Right, what do I do to start with then".
He flicked his finger downward, pointing at the floor.