Mornings in the Elarian castle were always bustling, especially when the elite royal unit—the Seraphim Order—was in training. I stood at the center of the training grounds, surrounded by a dozen fully armed knights. At the edge of the field, Aurelia stood with arms crossed, watching closely.
"You said you wanted to prove yourself," she called out. "This is your chance."
I nodded and drew a deep breath.
> [Quest Start: Seraphim Trial]
[Objective: Survive for 10 minutes without being knocked out]
[Bonus: Defeat or subdue the captain = EXP Boost]
The captain, a tall man with black hair, clad in heavy armor and wielding a magic spear, stepped forward.
"My name is Veyron. Don't expect mercy just because you're the Princess's guest."
"Don't worry," I smirked. "I live for challenge. And drama."
The whistle blew, and they attacked from all sides.
> [Skill Activated: Dragon Perception – Level 2]
[Enemy movements detected 2 seconds in advance]
My body moved instinctively—dodging, parrying, countering. Veyron's strikes were fierce, but I managed to slice his shield and force him back.
"I don't know why you all hate me," I said, breathing hard. "But if this is how you test me… then bring it."
Just as I was about to strike with my finishing blow—
The sky turned dark.
A massive shadow descended from above. A cloaked figure with a masked face emerged like a phantom.
"…At last, I've found you… Dragonblade's Heir."
All the soldiers retreated. Aurelia leapt in front of me, magic crackling in her hands.
"Who are you?!"
The figure raised its hand, revealing swirling black energy from within its sleeve.
"I… am the witness of the final ruin. And if he truly has been chosen by the dragon… then this world will burn once more."
He attacked.
Before the magic could reach me, my sword flared on its own. A voice echoed in my mind once more.
> [Balance Breaker: Synchronization Mode – Partial Release]
[True Form of Dragon's Fang: Awakening 7%]
A blue aura engulfed my body and smashed through the dark spell. The resulting explosion hurled everyone back.
When the dust settled, I stood firm. Breathing heavy, but still holding my blade.
The shadow stared at me—with fear?
"…Not yet. But we will meet again, Heir."
In a blink, he vanished.
The training field went silent. All eyes turned to me.
Aurelia approached. Her face was tense—but her eyes… filled with worry.
"You… okay?"
I smiled wearily. "Slight shoulder sprain. But otherwise? Still ridiculously handsome."
She scoffed softly, then—pulled me into her arms.
"Don't die that easily, idiot."
Thud.
> [Bond Progress: Aurelia – +20]
[New Effect: Emotional Link (Passive)]
[You can now sense Aurelia's emotions when nearby]
I didn't say a word. Because for the first time since arriving in this world…
I felt like someone truly cared.