Chapter 16: The Impossible Mission

Ares stood in the royal hall, the king's words echoing in his mind. Slay a dragon? This wasn't just a trial—it was a death sentence. Yet, he had no choice but to accept.

King (firmly): "I will give you one month to prepare. If you fail, you will be considered a traitor to the kingdom."

Ares nodded, understanding that this was not an offer but an order.

As he left the palace, he let out a deep sigh. He had no idea how he could possibly face a great dragon alone. But he wasn't entirely alone, as a towering man in silver armor blocked his path.

??? "If you're thinking of backing out, now is the time."

Ares turned to see Sir Regan, one of the kingdom's strongest knights.

Ares (calmly): "I have no intention of running."

Regan chuckled, then studied him carefully.

Regan: "Then you'll need intense training. No one slays a dragon without preparation."

Thus, Ares began his rigorous training at the knights' fortress. He had to master swordsmanship, horseback riding, and study the weaknesses of dragons.

Days passed, and his body grew stronger. But something else was happening. Word spread throughout the fortress about the young knight who was chosen to fight the dragon. Some saw him as a fool doomed to die, while others saw him as a symbol of hope.

One night, as he trained alone, a girl with silver hair and blue eyes approached him.

Girl: "You're Ares, right?"

He looked at her cautiously, not recognizing her.

Ares: "Yes. Who are you?"

She smiled faintly.

Girl: "My name is Selena, and I'm here to help you with your mission. But I have one question… Are you truly ready to face the dragon?"

Ares felt that this mission would be far more difficult than he had imagined…

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End of Chapter 16.