The wind swirled violently across the clearing deep within the forest. Magic rippled through the air as Aurelia Noctis's aura flared, crimson-purple runes forming a glowing circle beneath her feet. I stood across from her, gripping my dragonblade—a living weapon that pulsed with anticipation, as if eager to fight.
"I don't get why you went straight to murder-mode," I said, stepping back slightly. "We could talk this out, you know? Maybe over coffee and cheese bread?"
"High Humans are not permitted jokes in my territory," she replied coldly. "You're too powerful to be left unchecked. I won't kill you… unless you make me."
I sighed. "Well then... sorry, but I can't afford to lose."
> [Skill Activated: Velocity Step – Level MAX]
[Speed +500% | Duration: 10 seconds]
In a flash, my body blurred. I reappeared behind her, blade slashing forward—only to be met by the clang of her parry. Her sword danced like flowing silk, each strike wrapped in arcane magic.
Blow after blow, the clearing shook with shockwaves. I couldn't help but grin as heat surged through my veins. For the first time since I died… I felt truly alive.
"If every royal princess is like you," I said, locking blades with her, "no wonder guys in this world die with a smile on their face."
Her eyes flickered. For a split second, I caught it—her cheeks flushed ever so slightly.
"Cut the cheap flirting," she snapped. "Focus—or die."
"I'm good at multitasking, darling."
Suddenly, her magic-infused strike shattered the ground beneath me, and I was flung back. Before I could recover, she appeared above—blade aimed straight at my chest.
But she stopped.
Her eyes widened, narrowing in focus. "…Your sword. There's a dragon spirit within it?"
I gave a slow nod. "I don't know its name yet. But it's alive. And apparently, I'm its chosen master."
Aurelia stared at me for a long moment. "Then you're truly different from the others. The High Humans before you… brought only ruin. But you…"
She lowered her blade and stepped back. "You might be the only hope left for Elaria."
I rose slowly, brushing dirt off my clothes. "So… I passed the interview?"
Aurelia exhaled sharply. "Don't get cocky. You're coming with me to the royal capital. The council must be informed of your arrival."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "Sweet. Free ride."
She gave me a flat stare—but couldn't hide the faint smirk at the corner of her mouth. "Don't make me regret sparing you."
And just like that… our journey began.
Not as enemies—
But as something else.
Something more complicated than mere allies.
Something I wasn't quite ready to admit.