Chapter 3: The Land of Flames Episode 4: An Unexpected Mission

The market square of Draken remained lively despite the fading echoes of the recent battle. Merchants called out to customers, and the air buzzed with laughter and animated conversation. Akira strolled back toward the inn, his body sore from the grueling match against Draco Dustflark, but his heart was alight with the lingering excitement of their duel.

Yue skipped along beside him, her golden eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Big Brother Akira! That was amazing! When you punched him, and he didn't even flinch—it was incredible!"

"Uh… yeah. Amazing for him, maybe," Akira replied with a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "For me, it was more like a personal disaster. My whole body's aching."

Yue giggled. "But it was so fun to watch! I knew you could hold your own out there!"

Despite the lingering ache in his muscles, Akira couldn't help but smile at her unshakeable faith in him. The image of Draco's unyielding strength and precision during their fight played over in his mind. Even in defeat, Akira felt an odd sense of accomplishment—and an inkling of pride.

"That guy… he's on another level," Akira muttered under his breath.

"Talking about me, are you?"

A familiar deep voice made them both stop and turn around. There stood Draco Dustflark, his imposing figure illuminated by the fiery glow of the market's ever-present flames.

"You again?" Akira raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you've come to finish what you started."

Yue darted protectively in front of her brother, her small frame trying to shield him. "Are you here for revenge? Don't you dare pick on Big Brother Akira!"

Draco chuckled, his voice low and rumbling. "Relax, kid. I'm not here to fight. I just have something to say."

Akira eyed him warily. "What is it?"

Draco crossed his arms, hesitating briefly before speaking. "You surprised me out there. It's been a long time since anyone's made me enjoy a fight like that."

"Enjoy?" Akira blinked in surprise.

Draco nodded, his gaze distant as if recalling a memory. "I've trained alone for most of my life. People either fear me or refuse to take me seriously. But you—you didn't back down. Not once. It reminded me of something I'd forgotten." He turned to face Akira, his crimson eyes burning with renewed purpose. "Having a worthy rival isn't so bad, after all."

Akira was stunned for a moment, then let out a small laugh. "So, you're saying I'm your rival now?"

Yue chimed in with a proud grin. "Big Brother Akira is strong! You won't find a better rival anywhere!"

Draco smirked. "Then consider yourself lucky. Not everyone gets to be my rival."

He extended his hand toward Akira, who hesitated briefly before clasping it firmly.

"Alright," Akira said with a grin. "Let's see which of us gets stronger first."

As they walked through the city together, Draco led them to a wide, open arena at the edge of town. The area was quieter than usual, the flickering orange-red glow of nearby lava casting long shadows across the stone floor.

"Where are you taking us?" Yue asked, clutching Akira's sleeve tightly. Her golden eyes darted around, wary of any surprises.

"Just wait," Draco replied with a calm yet cryptic tone.

Suddenly, an overwhelming heat emanated from the center of the arena. Flames erupted in a burst of blinding orange and gold, accompanied by the sound of powerful wings beating against the air.

From the blazing inferno emerged a massive figure—a being both majestic and fearsome. Ignis Infernos, the Flame Guardian of Draken, towered above them. His obsidian scales shimmered with molten veins of lava, while his fiery mane and colossal wings radiated an intense heat. His glowing amber eyes surveyed them with an air of both authority and ancient wisdom.

Yue gasped, stepping back in awe. "Big Brother Akira… is that a dragon?!"

Akira's throat went dry as he stared at Ignis, the sheer force of the Guardian's presence pressing down on him like a tidal wave. "It sure looks like one…"

Ignis's voice boomed, resonating through the arena like an earthquake. "I am Ignis Infernos, the Flame Guardian. Are you the one chosen to walk the path with Draco Dustflark?"

"Me?" Akira stammered, pointing to himself in disbelief.

Ignis nodded solemnly. "Yes. You have been chosen, and Draco shall be your ally."

"Hold on a second!" Akira protested. "What do you mean, 'chosen'? I didn't sign up for anything like this!"

Yue stepped forward, her small hands clenched into fists. "And what about me? Am I not part of this mission too?"

Ignis regarded Yue with a penetrating gaze, his fiery eyes softening slightly. "Child of light, you are the guiding star that will illuminate their path in darkness. Your role is greater than you yet realize."

Yue hesitated before nodding, her determination shining through. "If that's true, then I'll do everything I can to help Big Brother Akira!"

Draco smirked. "I knew you two had potential."

Though still confused, Akira felt a surge of courage at their unwavering support. He turned back to Ignis and met the Guardian's fiery gaze head-on.

"Fine," Akira said with a firm nod. "I'll do it."

Ignis raised a clawed hand, flames swirling around it like a living entity. "Then accept the blessing of the Solar Flame, and may its light guide you through the trials ahead."

The fiery energy enveloped Akira, Yue, and Draco, its heat surprisingly gentle and invigorating. Akira felt the power seep into his very being, a protective warmth settling over him like a second skin.

"It's warm," Yue murmured, staring at her glowing hands. "Like sunlight."

Draco flexed his fingers, a satisfied smirk crossing his face. "This is exactly what we need for what's ahead."

Ignis folded his wings, his massive form casting a shadow over them. "Your journey will take you to the Roaring Sun Volcano, a sacred site now tainted by the Sin of Wrath. Go forth, and let your resolve burn brighter than the flames that seek to consume you."

Akira exchanged glances with Yue and Draco. Though the road ahead was uncertain, they felt a newfound strength coursing through their veins.

"Let's do this," Akira said, determination glinting in his eyes.

Yue nodded eagerly. "Yes, Big Brother Akira!"

Draco turned toward the horizon, his voice steady. "This is only the beginning. Let's show the world what we're made of."

Together, they stepped forward, their path illuminated by the fiery glow of their shared resolve.