The final level

On reaching the tenth level, August was amazed to see something that he hadn't seen in his whole life.

It wasn't like any of the previous ones.

The final level felt like he was in a different dimension. Multiple stairs, in a hollow - dark space reaching up to the point, that he couldn't see with his naked eyes.

Looking up to the endless stairs he gulped and asked the young dragon

" Noir, do you have any idea what this place is ? "

Taking a good look all around the dragon boy replied

" I can't say for sure but it looks like it was made by someone well mastered in ' void shaping '. "

" Void shaping huh ? What is that ? Is that a type of magic or an ancient artform ? "

August asked the boy as the word piqued his interest.

Thinking after for some time, the young dragon replied

" Yes I know something about that, father used that technique to create the space where our clans survivors are hiding now. "

Having a deep interest in learning about all types of magic techniques, how could August remain calm when told about a technique that could manipulate

the space itself.

' Ha... Yes I did the right thing to save this boy, young or old he's a dragon after all. Dragons are known for their exceptional talent in magic. On top of all that he's the Son of the dragon king himself. Surely Noir would know how this technique works. '

With these thoughts, his expectations of the dragon boy skyrocketed in that instant. Looking at the young dragon with his shining curious eyes August asked

" Tell me my little brother ....tell this big brother of yours all about this technique "

" Ah....What's up with you suddenly ? You told me not to call you that. What's with the sudden change in attitude huh ? " Asked Noir with confusion.

Keeping up with the same sweet - curious tone of his August said

" Oh! Come on when did I say something so cruel.

Hurry and tell me all about this ancient technique that you learned from your father ' the great dragon king '."

Scratching the back of his head in more confusion Noir replied :

" A.... I never learned that to be honest, I just happened to be with him when my father was performing that technique. Come to think of it, he did say something about matter manipulation but i found that boring and didn't give much of a thought.....

Sorry my bad. "

Watching his dreams being crushed beneath the words of the young dragon, August felt disappointed from deep within his soul and fell on his knees thinking :

' Oh! god why do you keep giving me your toughest battles ? I have acquainted myself with another dumb creature. Was it a fault to bring him along ? Well not like it matters anymore. Ahh.... I'm doomed. '

" .....Brother!? Big brother!? What happened!? Are you alive !? " Shouted the young dragon while shaking August continuously in his non responding disappointed state.

Soon after coming to his senses he said

" Anyway, let's go. We don't have much time..."

" Are you alright now big brother ? "

" I told you not to call me that. You, useless dragon! "

" What's up with you now ? You really are strange. "

*****

Climbing up the stairs for a few minutes they encountered a door. As August pushed it, the door opened revealing them to a swarm of vile insect-like creatures.

Backing off while dodging them August lost his balance as he was about to fall in the never ending hollow space around, when supporting him from behind the young dragon saved him.

Stepping up the young dragon with angrily disgusting expressions on his face he shouted

" Die! You insects "

Burning them to a crisp with immense dragonfire from the palm of his hand, he said calming his tone

" Ugh.... I can't stand these lowly creatures acting all high and mighty before me "

Looking at him with proud expressions August thought

' hmm.... He might not be that useless after all...

But one second, does he think being a human I am a lowly creature too ?? '

Hesitating a bit he said

" Wow! You are useful after all ( ah... That came out as loud ) ....ahmm I mean well done. "

Being applauded the young dragon said with a big smile

" Thank you, big brother "

' Ah... I am still not used to him calling me big brother... well thinking about it again.... It's not bad '

*****

Crossing the first door they continued to climb the stairs again. After some time they encountered another door the same as the previous one.

Well this time, with a living high temperature - quality dragonfire on his side, August was done with the creatures sooner than ever. Repeating the same thing after they encountered a third door climbing the stairs for some time. It was the moment they reached the final level.

As the stairs came to an end with a floor with limited boundaries in front of them, August saw something, glowing in the center.

Looking carefully he saw a beautiful shining straight, slender blade, looking like the finest work of a master craftsman, giving the illusion of as white as the first snowfall.

Surrounded with the continuously falling snowflakes, from top to bottom around the blade as well as the golden - white handle of it. For any warrior the blade was tempting enough to get mad about it.

Looking at the sword with shining eyes the young dragon couldn't help himself from saying

" What a piece of art "

With that August was reminded of the riddle again :

TILL THE WORTHY AWAKE, THE BLADE WILL WAIT INDEED

' so this was what that riddle meant. That was indeed referred to this blade, which means only worthy can get a hold of this sword. But what if other than that person touches it ? What will happen to the unworthy ? '

Thinking about it thoroughly when August saw Noir walking towards the centre being mindlessly driven to the weapon he shouted before he ran after him.

" No! "

When the young dragon crossed a certain boundary, two concentric circles along with the runes engraved in on the floor got lit up.

' looks like a protective barrier, I have to hurry '

As August ran with all his physical strength, it was the moment that the barrier got activated producing shock filled electricity in which the dragon boy got caught.

Shouting in pain when he came to his senses. He was unable to move when he saw August enduring the shocking pain coming towards him.

When the young dragon was about to lose his consciousness he grabbed the hand of his saviour who once again came to his rescue.

Using the negative wind pressure to his advantage August, nearly drained of his energy but managed to get them both out of the danger before any serious nerve damage took place.

Out of the barrier lying there August was feeling dizzy. The young dragon regained his senses quickly rushed to August in panic saying

" I am sorry, I've caused you trouble again "

With the tears running down from his eyes desperately trying to help August wake up.

Soon after August regained his senses but not being able to get up he lied there for some time. Getting hold of himself August turned his gaze towards the young dragon who was sobbing for him as he forgot about his own injuries continuously apologising.

' ah.... dragon or human, a child is still a child, this innocent brat! '

Gathering his strength, August opened his mouth and said with a smile on his face in a cracking tone.

" Hey! Why are you crying.... I am okay, it's not your fault " putting his hand on the head of Noir' patting him gently he said

" Chill out little bro! ....I am alive aren't I ? "

Hearing those reassuring words, Noir wiped his tears.

August -- slapping him gently said

" Give me a hand will you ? "

Standing up with Noir supporting him yet feeling somewhat dizzy, putting a hand on his forehead he said

" Ah.... I guess being a human never helps huh ? "

Glancing at Noir standing there supporting him he said

" You dragons sure recover quickly huh ? "

Hearing him Noir smirked while looking away from him then August shouted being annoyed

" No need to be smug about it you brat! "

While they were busy cracking jokes on each other a blinding light appeared in front of them.

Looking above at the source of light when they opened their eyes slowly, a beautiful fairy looking girl with the two white huge wings, her black hair gradually floating in the air without any wind breeze navigating them, her dark and golden eyes, staring at August with her grim - looking expressionless face. Hovering in the air nonchalantly.

As if she was staring right into his soul ignoring the strong presence of the dragon in the room.

The fact that even her standing before him, August wasn't able to sense any mana or energy from her.

For a being like that to appear there were only two possibilities, whether she didn't possess any magic to speak of or she had the power which August couldn't gauze.

In this case it was likely the latter reason. Considering the fact August didn't try anything but was ready to defend.

Taking a glance at the weapon and the barrier respectively behind her, she finally Opened her mouth and asked

" Warrior Augustus why is that ? "

' what why's she speaking to me casually ? Does she know me ? '

When August was in confusion he glanced at Noir for some help.

' maybe Noir knows her ? '

Noir answered by shaking his head from left and right.

' ugh.... This useless dragon '

*****

After some moments of silence, the fairy said

" My apologies for not introducing myself first....

Let me start again. I am the ' goddess of the moon '

ELYTHRIA, also known as ' the silver veil '. "

----

' Elythria ? As in the previous I've heard of before ? '

----

" The question I asked you was rather blunt, the thing i wanted to ask was

-- why is that Augustus ? Why aren't you worthy yet ?

WHY AREN'T YOU WORTHY OF THE BLADE OF WINTER AND SNOW --

' EIRGLACE ' YET ? "

**********