The Fire Dragon’s Challenge

Rael had left the mansion behind. **He needed more. Stronger foes. Greater challenges.** 

For years, he had fought warriors, beasts, and bandits. But nothing was enough. 

Then, he heard the rumors. 

A **Fire Dragon** had been terrorizing the lands beyond the wastelands. Entire villages had been **erased by its flames.** 

Even **S-Rank adventurers** feared to approach it. 

Rael's decision was instant. **"I will kill it."** 

By his side, the woman he had freed from the mansion, **Lyra**, followed silently. 

She had been with him for years, despite his coldness. Despite his refusal to acknowledge her. She never left. 

But as she observed his obsession with battle, she realized something. 

**If I want him to see me, I must become strong.** 

And so, as Rael prepared for the dragon, Lyra began training—**discovering her talent for magic.** 

She started with wind magic. It was the **fastest, deadliest element in combat.** 

But soon—she realized **one element was not enough.** 

If she truly wanted to stand beside him, she had to **master all four.** 

Chapter 5: The Battle Against the Fire Dragon**

The sky darkened as Rael stepped into the dragon's domain. 

The ground was scorched, the air thick with smoke. The scent of **death** was everywhere. 

Then, from the depths of a massive cave, **a roar shook the heavens.** 

The Fire Dragon emerged. 

Its body was covered in ancient scales, its eyes burning with primal fury. **It was the strongest creature Rael had ever faced.** 

He felt something strange. 

**Excitement.** 

The dragon attacked first—**a sea of flames descended upon him.** 

Rael didn't move. **The fire swallowed him whole.** 

Lyra, watching from a distance, screamed. **"Rael!"** 

But when the flames cleared—**he stood untouched.** 

His aura surged, **darker and more powerful than before.** 

Rael smiled. **"Not enough."** 

Then—he charged. 

The battle was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The dragon's claws **tore through mountains**, its tail **shattered the ground.** 

Rael fought without hesitation, without fear. **Every strike pushed him closer to his limit.** 

But the dragon was no ordinary beast. It was **ancient**, its fire not of this world. 

For the first time, Rael felt **resistance.** 

And for the first time, **he bled.** 

His sword cracked. His body burned. But **he did not stop.** 

Then—**he saw it. The opening.** 

With the last of his strength, he **drove his broken sword into the dragon's skull.** 

It let out one final roar—**and fell.** 

Rael stood atop its corpse, victorious. But as he looked down, his only thought was: 

**"Still not enough."** 

From a distance, Lyra clenched her fists. 

She had watched him fight, unable to do anything. **She was still weak.** 

**"I need more."** 

That night, she made a vow. 

**She would master all four elements.** 

Chapter 6: Entering the Adventurer's Guild**

Rael realized something after the battle. 

**He needed money.** Not for luxury, not for comfort—but for weapons, resources, and the best battles. 

And so, he sought out **the world's strongest Adventurer's Guild.** 

He walked through its doors, his presence alone making the air heavier. 

The receptionist looked up. **"What do you want?"** 

Rael's answer was simple. **"I want to join."** 

The guild members laughed. **"We only accept A-rank and above. Weaklings have no place here."** 

Rael's eyes were cold. **"I'm stronger than any of you."** 

Silence fell. 

The receptionist raised an eyebrow. **"Oh? Then prove it."** 

She placed a **crystal orb** on the table. **"Touch this. If you're worthy, it will reveal your rank."** 

Rael placed his hand on it. 

A moment later—**the crystal shattered.** 

The entire guild froze. 

**His rank was beyond Triple-S.** 

Even Rael himself thought, **"Not enough. I need more."** 

Then, he turned to Lyra. **"Your turn."** 

Lyra hesitated, then touched the crystal. 

Her rank appeared—**A-Rank.** 

She barely made it in. 

But instead of disappointment, she felt something stronger. 

**Determination.** 

She clenched her fists. **"I will not fall behind."** 

Rael was already walking away, uninterested in the commotion he had caused. 

But as Lyra followed him, she whispered to herself. 

**"One day, you will see me as your equal."**