Chapter 3: The Land of Flames Episode 10: The Armor of Serenity

Inside the lava-lit sanctuary, Akira, Yue, and Draco stood before the silver armor that shimmered as though alive. Its light flickered faintly, almost as if it was waiting for someone worthy to claim it.

"This armor… it's not ordinary," Akira murmured, reaching out to touch the smooth, powerful surface.

Draco eyed it with determination. "Akira, let me try it on. I want to see if this armor is meant for me."

"Draco…" Akira hesitated, remembering the pain and trials they had endured to reach this point. The armor likely held extraordinary power, but seeing Draco's resolute gaze, Akira nodded. "Alright. But if anything feels wrong, let me know immediately."

Draco stepped forward, his heart pounding. He reached out to touch the armor, and the moment his fingers brushed its surface, the armor radiated a deep crimson glow, like roaring flames.

"This light…" Yue said, her voice trembling with unease.

"Be careful!" Akira warned, stepping back slightly, keeping a watchful eye.

Draco ignored the tension, lifting the armor confidently. As he donned it piece by piece, an unsettling sensation began to wash over him. A haunting whisper echoed in his mind, as if someone were speaking directly into his thoughts.

"You're unworthy… a shadow of others…"

Draco frowned, clenching his fists. He tried to block out the voice. "No… that's not true!"

But the whispers grew louder, sinking deeper into his psyche.

"You long to prove yourself, don't you? But you never will… because you're worthless."

Draco's body began to tremble, anger and buried pain bubbling to the surface. The glow of the armor intensified, shifting from crimson to a molten, fiery red, as though it was feeding on his emotions.

Yue's eyes widened with alarm, and she called out, "Brother Draco! Stop! That's not something you should wear!"

"Yue!" Akira held her back, his tone stern. "Don't get too close—it's too dangerous!"

Draco lifted his head, his eyes now a fiery red, mirroring the armor's glow. His voice quivered with rage. "No… I won't give up! I'll prove myself!"

The light from the armor grew brighter, threatening to explode. The sanctuary trembled under the roar of power emanating from Draco. Yue's tears began to fall as she shouted, "Brother Draco! Please, stop! I know you're hurting, but we're here for you!"

Her words were like a spark of light in the darkness. Draco's clenched fists trembled as a single tear rolled down his cheek. His voice cracked as he muttered, "I don't want to be like this… I don't want to lose again…"

Akira stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Draco's shoulder. "Draco, you don't need to prove anything to anyone. Just be yourself, and we'll always stand by you."

The words struck a chord. The armor's blinding glow began to dim. Draco tightened his fists one last time before deciding to remove the armor piece by piece. The process was excruciating, as though it was pulling energy directly from his soul, but he endured.

"You're worthless…"

"That's not true!" Draco roared, his voice echoing through the sanctuary. "I have worth! I don't need to prove it to you!"

With that final declaration, the fiery light of the armor extinguished completely. Draco collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. Yue rushed to his side, her tears flowing freely. "Brother Draco… are you alright?"

Draco looked at her with weary eyes and gave a faint smile. "I'm fine… I'm sorry for worrying you."

Akira knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You didn't disappoint us, Draco. You've done well."

Draco gave a weak smile, glancing at the armor, which had returned to its serene silver glow. "This armor… it wasn't meant for me. But that's okay. Because now I know I have worth just as I am."

Yue nodded, her voice filled with warmth. "You're our Brother Draco, and that's all that matters. The armor doesn't define you."

After some time to recover, Draco stood again, a renewed sense of confidence shining in his eyes. He silently vowed never to let self-doubt consume him again.

Akira looked between Draco and Yue, then back at the shimmering Armor of Serenity. He took a deep breath and said to himself, "Whoever this armor is meant for, we'll use it to its fullest… for all of us."