Night fell peacefully over the castle, but the atmosphere remained alive. The main hall was illuminated by steady flames, reflecting off the golden surfaces and creating a constant glow. The banquet had already begun when I entered, accompanied by the group. There was no tension, only an atmosphere of restrained celebration.
I took my place at the main table.
The Dragon King sat at the front, with the queen beside him and the princess nearby. The advisors occupied positions around them, all attentive but relaxed. The group settled with me, each maintaining her own posture, but all present.
The food was served.
Various dishes, prepared with care, but nothing excessive. The focus was not on display, but on the moment. I ate in silence at first, observing the environment and noticing details that would have previously gone unnoticed. The conversations were quiet and respectful.
"You've been quiet," Liriel said, tilting her head slightly.
"I'm thinking," I replied.
Lyannis crossed her arms. "About what exactly?"
"About what comes next."
Vespera nodded. "Appropriate analysis."
Scarlett kept her gaze firm. "It's not over yet."
Elara spoke gently. "But today... was important."
Rai'kanna added, "And necessary."
I nodded.
That was exactly it.
The Dragon King stood up after a few minutes. The noise in the hall diminished automatically.
"The time has come."
His voice echoed firmly.
Everyone turned their attention toward him.
He descended a few steps, approaching.
"As promised, there is one more gift."
His gaze came directly to me.
"It is not something material."
I stopped moving completely.
"It is something that cannot be given without proof."
He extended his hand.
"Extend yours."
I obeyed.
I stepped closer.
Our hands remained near each other.
The difference in presence was clear, but there was no longer any real distance between us.
"This power belongs to the lineage of dragons."
His voice became lower, more focused.
"It is not something humans usually withstand."
A brief pause.
"But you are not ordinary."
I did not respond.
I simply remained focused.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
And then...
The energy began to flow.
At first, subtle.
Then increasing.
A warm sensation appeared in my palm, spreading quickly through my arm.
It was not pain yet.
But it was not light either.
The energy continued advancing.
Entering.
Expanding.
Reaching my chest.
And then...
The pain came.
Direct.
Without warning.
Without any initial adaptation.
My body reacted instantly.
My muscles locked.
My breathing failed.
Air would not enter.
The sensation concentrated in the center.
As if something was being forced to occupy space where it did not fit.
I dropped to my knees.
The floor received the sharp impact.
My free hand immediately went to my chest.
My breathing tried to return.
But failed once again.
"It's happening," I heard Elara's voice.
"It's too strong," Liriel said.
Lyannis maintained a controlled tone. "He can handle it."
Vespera observed. "Process in progress."
Scarlett did not look away. "Stay steady."
Rai'kanna spoke with conviction. "He won't fall."
The pain increased.
Not only in intensity.
But in depth.
It seemed to reach different layers.
Each part of my body reacting independently.
Yet still connected.
The Dragon King did not step back.
The energy continued flowing.
"Control," he said.
"Do not fight against it."
I tried to adjust my breathing.
To force air in.
Even a little.
It entered.
Unstable.
But enough.
The pain did not lessen.
But it became more understandable.
More... defined.
It was not destruction.
It was adaptation.
My body was trying to keep up.
The energy finally stopped advancing.
But it was still there.
Present.
Installed.
The sensation changed.
From pain to weight.
From pressure to constant warmth.
I breathed again.
This time, the air entered more easily.
Slow.
But steady.
I raised my head.
My vision was still somewhat unstable.
But clear enough.
The Dragon King withdrew his hand.
"It is done."
I remained silent for a few seconds.
My breathing stabilizing.
My body gradually responding.
I stood.
Without haste.
Without forcing it.
My posture returned.
My presence as well.
"This is the Dragon's Breath."
He spoke.
"A power that does not depend solely on strength."
I looked at my own hand.
The sensation was still there.
Internal.
Constant.
"It responds to your will."
I nodded.
"I understand."
He continued.
"You still do not know how to use it."
"I know."
"But you will learn."
"Yes."
A brief silence.
He gave a slight smile.
"Enough."
The atmosphere gradually returned to normal.
The group approached.
Liriel was the first.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes."
Lyannis observed carefully. "You've changed."
"I know."
Vespera analyzed. "Initial integration complete."
Scarlett nodded. "Now it truly begins."
Elara smiled softly. "You did it."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "As expected."
I took a deep breath once more.
Now completely stable.
The power was not something external.
It was already a part of me.
The rest of the night passed peacefully.
The banquet continued.
But without any significant new events.
Light conversations.
A controlled atmosphere.
Nothing beyond what was necessary.
When the time came, I withdrew.
The group came with me.
The room was already prepared.
I entered.
The balcony was open.
I walked toward it.
The sky was clear.
The stars visible.
The sensation in my body still present.
But now... controlled.
Not completely mastered.
But stable.
The group approached.
They stood around me.
Without speaking for a moment.
Simply present.
"We'll return tomorrow," Scarlett said.
"Yes," I replied.
"There are things to do," Lyannis added.
"Yes."
Elara looked at the sky. "But today... ends well."
I nodded.
"It does."
Rai'kanna spoke firmly. "And another begins."
"That too."
Vespera added. "Transition complete."
Liriel crossed her arms. "Then get some rest."
I looked at them.
All of them there.
Without exception.
Without distance.
Just presence.
I turned my gaze back to the horizon.
Took a deep breath.
And then stepped away from the balcony.
I went to bed.
My body still felt the weight of the day.
But there was no instability.
Only natural fatigue.
I lay down.
Closed my eyes.
Silence came quickly.
And then...
The dream.
The environment changed completely.
Dark.
Without a defined shape.
But with presence.
A figure stood ahead.
Still.
Waiting.
His eyes were clear.
Fixed.
Direct.
"So you've made it this far."
His voice was cold.
Without emotion.
"You defeated the others."
A brief pause.
"But that doesn't matter."
I took a step forward.
"You're the first."
"Yes."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Then come."
The atmosphere became heavier.
"I will defeat you."
Silence.
No immediate response.
Only presence.
And then I spoke.
"We'll see."
The figure did not move.
But the intention was clear.
The confrontation was inevitable.
And at that moment...
I woke up.
The room returned.
My breathing normal.
My body stable.
I stared at the ceiling for a few seconds.
Without haste.
Without an exaggerated reaction.
Only understanding.
Then I closed my eyes again.
And thought:
"Then come... I will defeat you too."