The amphitheater buzzed with restless energy as the demonstrations ended. Every young wyrmling stood in tense silence, waiting for the moment that would decide their fate.
The instructors stepped forward, each one radiating an aura so heavy the air itself seemed to tighten. Whispers died at once. Even the crackle of the torches faded into nothing.
Ironhide was the first to move. His battle-scarred frame commanded immediate attention as those molten eyes swept across the crowd. When he spoke, his deep voice rumbled like distant thunder through the forest.
"Under my combat training," he declared, "I select Blazewing, Thornfang, Steelclaw, Ironjaw, Flamestrike, and my brothers Blazefang and Infernotail."
His gaze passed over me without pause—not even the briefest flicker of recognition.
That deliberate snub hit harder than I expected. My own brother choosing seven others while pretending I didn't exist.
Was I sad? Not even a little.
If anything… I felt relieved. Maybe training under him would've been worse than being ignored.
Ghostface stepped forward next, calm and composed. His long, silvered scales caught the faint light as his weathered features remained unreadable.
"For Survival and Herbology training," he announced, "I choose Gentlescale, Wiseclaw, Mossback, and…"
His eyes found mine, steady and deliberate. "Rider Rex and Pallet."
I blinked.
Did he just say our names?
Before I could even process it, Roseblaze—the most elegant instructor among them—glided forward with effortless poise, her tail sweeping the ground like a silken banner. Her crimson scales glowed like rubies under the firelight.
"For Advanced Flame Development," she said, her melodic voice echoing across the amphitheater, "I also choose Rider Rex and Pallet."
The crowd exploded in murmurs. Confusion, disbelief, and envy crackled through the wyrmlings like wildfire.
Two instructors choosing the same students? That had never happened before.
Scarletface's voice sliced through the noise, sharp with fury.
"Two instructors selecting the same students? This reeks of favoritism!"
Roseblaze's serene smile didn't waver. "The girl demonstrates exceptional three-star potential for her age," she replied smoothly. "As for the boy… his flame properties are unique. Worth studying."
Ghostface nodded. "Indeed. His purple flame is of interest to my research. The girl's abilities will deepen through herbology. We both have reason."
Pallet and I exchanged uneasy glances.
What is happening?
Two instructors wanted us both—yet somehow, that only made things worse.
I leaned toward her, voice low.
"Pallet, looks like Ghostface and your sister aren't exactly on good terms with Scarletface. They're using us to provoke him—fuel for their conflict."
She considered that, then gave a faint smile.
"Maybe. But it might not be all bad. Having two instructors on our side could actually help… especially when everyone else is against us."
She wasn't wrong. We needed allies—even dangerous ones.
"Can we… can we be part of both groups?" I asked quietly.
Why choose between chocolate and vanilla when you can have both in one cone?
Ghostface and Roseblaze exchanged a brief glance, then nodded almost in unison.
"I have no objection," Ghostface said. "Different perspectives forge stronger hunters."
"Agreed," Roseblaze added with a soft smile. "Diversity sharpens skill."
They clearly relished watching Scarletface's face twist with barely contained rage.
"Ridiculous!" he barked, his voice booming across the amphitheater. "This is special treatment! I order you both to retract your choices. There is nothing exceptional about an ugly-colored boy and an insolent girl!"
Ironhide stepped up beside him, shaking his head. "I agree with the Chief. Favoritism undermines the Forest's discipline."
I narrowed my eyes.
My brother siding with Scarletface? That's not what Father wanted. He told Ironhide to surpass him—not serve him.
I smirked slightly.
Roseblaze's sweet smile returned, but her tone cut like a blade.
"Uncle Scarletface, you're the Chief Instructor, not the founder. And this isn't a family cave, so don't lecture me on rules I memorized before you even molted your first scale. Focus on your students."
Ghostface let out a low chuckle. "Scarletface, have you forgotten? The leader himself added a new rule—every instructor chooses freely. Only the elder or leader may interfere. Are you challenging their command?"
Silence.
Every wyrmling held their breath.
Scarletface's expression twisted before smoothing into something falsely polite.
"No, of course not. You misunderstand. I merely wished to ensure fairness. It would be unjust if certain students received advantages due to… family ties."
Ghostface's tone chilled.
"If fairness is what you crave, you chose the wrong world. None of us reached this point through justice. I earned my rank with blood and scars—and still serve beneath someone half my age."
Scarletface's crimson flames flickered dangerously.
"You dare insult the Lavaforge family!?"
"Uncle!" Roseblaze snapped. "Destructive flame skills are forbidden in the outer region! Do you want to burn the forest down with your tantrum!?"
"Silence!" Scarletface roared. "I need no lecture from someone cast out of her family for disobedience!"
The amphitheater froze.
Even I was speechless.
Politics. Pride. Rivalry.
It was everywhere—even here.
I sighed inwardly.
How do you survive in a world where brothers hate you and classmates despise you for your color?
My thoughts halted when Pallet's warm, ember-like eyes found mine. Her gentle smile steadied the storm in my chest.
"You're my peace," I whispered before I could stop myself.
The ground rumbled.
A deep, thunderous roar rolled from the heavens.
"INSTRUCTORS!" the mighty voice boomed. "Have you not embarrassed yourselves enough before wyrmlings!? Quarreling like hatchlings! What kind of example are you setting?"
Even Scarletface froze.
"Our tribe stands at the edge of crisis after the Ragnarok Flame incident," the voice thundered on. "If word of this reaches the Leader or Elder, none of you will escape punishment!"
The air vibrated with power. Every instructor bowed toward the deep forest.
"Forgive us, Grand Instructor!"
I turned toward the voice, but towering trees hid the source.
Then came the decree, as unshakable as stone.
"If you understand, then cease this nonsense. From now on, every instructor will train every wyrmling. No more personal selections. After the Ragnarok Tree incident, every spark of talent matters to the tribe."
No one dared argue. They bowed once more and dispersed.
Relief and unease twisted together in my chest.
Some wyrmlings looked at me with envy. Others with suspicion. Either way—I was marked.
"Perfect," I muttered. "Now we're not just chosen—we're targets too."
Blazewing sneered as he passed. "Look at the little prince—two instructors fighting over him. Thinks he's special."
"Wait until the forest breaks him," Thornfang muttered.
"One-star flame and weird colors," Steelclaw snorted. "Nothing special at all."
Before I could respond, a gentle hand wrapped around my arm.
"Don't," Pallet whispered. Her eyes glowed faintly. "Promise me you won't fight them."
I chuckled. "Worried about me? Relax. They're just jealous a beautiful, talented girl is holding my tail instead of theirs."
She didn't laugh. Her voice stayed firm.
"Rider, I mean it. Stay low. Avoid trouble. Don't fight anyone without my permission."
She sounded less like a friend… and more like a wife scolding her mate.
I scratched my head. "Fine, fine. I'm the master of staying low-profile. Didn't even roast them with comeback flames, see?"
She crossed her arms, still watching me with that protective fire.
"Rider… if you break that promise, we're no longer friends. If anyone causes trouble, come to me. You are absolutely forbidden to fight."
Her eyes softened. Despite everything, I couldn't help but grin.
"Pallet, you're the best. My best friend!"
I lunged in for a hug.
She dodged instantly. "Behave yourself! People are watching!"
As she sighed, her inner thoughts flickered like embers:
Finally, he's listening. From now on, I'll keep him close. every future of steps of him will under my command .
I won't let another tragedy like Ragnarok happen again.
From This point all future course will work accordingly to my plan.
[⚠️ Warning: Spoilers Below ⚠️]
Hello, dear readers!
I've noticed many of you feel our little dragon is currently lacking in dragon pride.
You are absolutely right! But fear not—the War Arc is rapidly approaching, and with the march of time, you will see a drastic shift in his behavior.
Watch closely as he evolves from a side character into the villain you've been waiting for!
To decide our future chapter, I need your opinion.
Which Path Should We Take?
Please choose the option that most excites you:
1. The Long Training Forest Arc (Focus on Deep Growth)
What it means: The arc will run up to Chapter 90, offering an in-depth look at his training, growth, and development.
Pacing: Regular, consistent chapter updates.
2. The Early Jurassic War Arc (Immediate Conflict)
What it means: If you prefer an earlier start to the main conflict, I will condense the Training Forest Arc and conclude it within 50 chapters.
Pacing: Chapter updates may be slightly slower for this intense arc.
How to Cast Your Vote
The option with the highest community support will be the one I write next!
Show your support for your preferred option with:
Power Stones
Reviews
Gifts
...and any other support you can give!
Note: If there are few replies or very little support, I will proceed with the original plan for a full-length Training Forest Arc (Option 1).