The two managed to escape the bar before things escalated. The greedy lord of Hallowmere was looking for the two siblings but they were nowhere to be found for they had already headed in the woods for they needed a base of operation. "Leon why are headed to the woods", Kyle said to his brother. "We are going to secure a base of operation if we are going to take revenge on the nobility who treated us as trash just because we are commoners" Leon said.
"Doesn't that mean we are going to turn the whole world into our enemies"
"And what's wrong with that?, We have the power to make it happen remember what master said , you have the power to destroy the world with on swing of the blade so be careful."
"Its true that we have the power but that doesn't mean we have to go into the most dangerous forest in all the continent. There have been cases of even sword masters goin missing here with troops from the imperial army."
"So what?, That means they weren't capable, anyway we're going to the center of the forest."
"CENTER! "
"Technically not at the center but somewhere near there, and will be our HQ for the time being"
They started their journey clearing monsters along the way and making sure there were no traces left behind. It took them a week to get to their destination which was the misty mountain which was said to be a dragon's layer and the nearest to the center of the forest which was said to be where powerful lord monsters shared borders and they had intruded on the dragons territory. They decided to climb up the mountain to seek permission from the dragon to build their fortress there at the bottom of the mountain.
"Let's go " Leon said
On their way to up the mountain trees loomed like distorted sentinels, their gnarled branches rending the air. Fog crawled across the ground, thick enough to choke the senses, making every step a risky wager. The Forest of Nightmares was no ordinary forest, although this was a domain of an ancient creature and it was as silent as the grave. Shadows contorted, unseen things whispered in forgotten languages, and the air throbbed with malevolent ancientness.
The mountain forest was as dark as moonless abyss but the siblings walked on, unfaltering. They were warriors, wielders of magic and swords that could shake the heavens, their power enough to battle even the great dragons that ruled the land. They made it to the cave at midnight and the dragon had already been aware of their presence.
There was a low, rumbling growl in the fog, along with the sound of scales scraping against rocks. The air turned cold as a fearsome presence took form from the darkness. Eyes that burned like hot coals, amid tattered horns, settled on the intruders. The dragon's immense wings formed a chasmal shadow on them under the bright moonlight as its voice boomed through the cave like an earthquake.
"I smell arrogance."
Leon looked up in awe for this was the first time encountering the ancient beast.
"We do not intend offense." Leon said
The dragon exhaled, a trickle of smoke escaping between its teeth as it land on the ground.
"And yet you walk upon MY earth, speak words in MY domain, and breathe air that is MINE. Tell me, mortals, why I should not burn you to ashes?"
"Because you'd rather know why we're here." Kyle said
A moment of silence.
The dragon's slit pupils tightened.
"You assume much."
"We assume nothing. This forest belongs to none but power itself. We're here to seek permission from the almighty ruler of the misty mountain."
The dragon bared its fangs in a parody of amusement.
"Permission for what exactly."
Younger Sibling: "We seek a stronghold. A foundation built not on fleeting strength, but on the strength of those who last."
The dragon let out a low, rumbling chuckle.
"Interesting. You do not tremble. You do not beg. But let me ask you, what happens when your strength meets mine?"
The fog roiled in agitation, the trees groaning under a pressure unseen. Magic boiled within the air. The ground shook. The twins glanced at one another—no trial by words would this be.
They had intruded upon the realm of a being of ancient times. And now they would prove their worth—or be devoured by the abyss.