A Dragon's Trial
Basil sat near the edge of the dragon hall, gazing at the sky-towering mountains in the distance. The serenity of the Dragon Lands was deceptive; he knew challenges awaited him. Just as he was lost in thought, Nytheria appeared, her imposing figure shadowing him.
"Still daydreaming, little one?" she teased, her golden eyes gleaming.
Basil raised an eyebrow, smirking. "What? Can't a guy have a moment to appreciate the scenery?"
Nytheria crossed her arms, a playful yet sharp smirk on her lips. "Appreciate it all you want, but don't get too comfortable. I don't truly accept you as my rider yet."
Basil stood, his cocky attitude shining through. "Oh? Didn't I impress you enough back in the hall? You checked my cores and everything."
Nytheria sighed dramatically. "Impress me? Hardly. You're just a spoiled mama's boy with potential."
Before Basil could respond, Nytheria's hand shot out, grabbing his ear. "Ow! What the hell, Nytheria?"
"Come on," she said, dragging him toward the forest. Her strength made resistance futile, and Basil found himself stumbling along behind her.
"You could've just asked!" he protested.
"Where's the fun in that?" she quipped, an amused glint in her eyes.
A New Challenge
Nytheria stopped in a clearing deep within the forest. Towering trees surrounded them, their canopies casting long shadows. In the center of the clearing stood a massive beast—a ferocious creature with sharp claws, glowing red eyes, and a thick hide that shimmered like steel.
Basil whistled, impressed. "That's one big… whatever that is."
Nytheria released his ear and stepped back, her arms crossed. "That's a Steelhide Basilisk. It's your task to defeat it."
Basil's smirk faded slightly. "Alright, fine. I'll handle it. Let me grab my sword—"
Nytheria held up a finger, cutting him off. "No swords. No aura. Only magic."
Basil froze, his confidence wavering. "Wait… what? Only magic?"
"You heard me," Nytheria said firmly. "You claim to be the son of the strongest dragon and brag about your 4-star Mana Core. Prove it. Use magic to defeat the beast."
Basil hesitated. Magic wasn't his strength. He had always relied on his swordsmanship and aura in battles. But as he stared at the Steelhide Basilisk, he felt a thrill of excitement course through him.
"Fine," he said, his voice laced with determination. "I'll do it."
Nytheria's smirk deepened. "Good. Let's see if you're as special as you think you are."
She stepped back, leaning casually against a tree. "Oh, and one more thing," she added. "If you fail, you'll have to spend a month doing whatever I say. No complaints."
Basil shot her a glare. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
Nytheria chuckled, her golden eyes sparkling. "You have no idea."
Basil turned his attention to the beast, his heart pounding. He wasn't used to relying solely on magic, but this was a chance to push his limits—a chance to prove himself not just to Nytheria but to himself.
As the Steelhide Basilisk let out a deafening roar and charged at him, Basil's hands ignited with elemental energy. His trial had begun.