CHAPTER 5: CELESTIAL DOMAIN

I caress my forehead trying to ease my headache. As I slowly opened my eyes, I was dumbfounded. A whole new world lies right Infront of me. No words could ever befitted, no things could ever be compared. If I called the other world a paradise, then this is heaven.

I scanned the place, slowly standing up. My body feels lighter, no wounds are found in my body. I was cleaned wearing a white full plate Armor with gold accent. A typical fantasy warrior. I haven't fully grasped the situation yet.

I walk around this place, trying to find someone. The clear air blows its breeze, swaying the tall tree. I saw some white bunny on the side, run after seeing me. It's strange, if I remember it clearly.

I was in my room, I cast the crimson fire. Fascinated by its beauty, I lost focus and causes an explosion. Shantal run after me, but I blocked out. How come I was here? I stopped from walking and contemplated everything.

A sudden realization hit me. Heaven, is this heaven? wait, I died? die again? My heart start founding, a fear consumed me. I run and run trying to find someone who could tell me that this isn't true.

No one is here; tears flow out my eyes. I cried, scared of the possibility. I rubbed my face, full of regrets. Just when I thought, I made progress. A groaned escape my body, slowly losing hope. I just died and no die again. How could I be so miserable.

"GROWL" I felt shiver down my spine. Hurriedly look around, finding where that came from. That sounds probably from a monster. But no one is here. I am scared, but if I truly die and this is heaven.

It was impossible to have a monster, right? I would rather believe if it was a horn, could be an angel guiding me to the gate. "GROWL" I had goosebumps upon hearing the second sound. I look around, agitated.

Don't heaven forbid man-eaters? wait, does this beautiful place are facades of hell, luring souls? I run as fast as I could, scared of the sounds. When my head bump into something, cold and rough, big and shiny.

My mouth fell down, flabbergasted. I walk backward with my feet shaking. This is astonishing and yet terrifying. I have only read them from books. I only admire their features from my imagination, or pictures from the internet.

Right now, it was standing Infront of me. It was way bigger than any buildings. The black scales with the hint of gold, a fire blazing when it slightly opens its mouth. Magnificent, truly enchanting. I wouldn't know, when will I get the chance to meet something like this again.

"Dragon" I uttered in a low voice.

[A girl, how does a little girl enter my domain]

Did it just talk? If that was the case, then I could survive. My slow movement, fastened. As it lowers it heads to the ground. I fall down and I face it, a hot air from its mouth. I automatically cover my face, thinking it will help.

[stand up, little girl]

I was stunned for a minute but follow him afterwards. I was drenched from both tears and sweat, waiting for its next order. I couldn't bear becoming a meat, just going to follow him instead.

[how did you get here]

"I-I don't know much about it too. But I woke u in this pla-"

[that symbol, you are my new master]

Symbol? I felt a burning feeling from my back up to my nape to my neck "Argh!" It hurts, I touch it, trying to feel it. I need a mirror; I don't think I could endure more intensity than this.

I was twisting from pain. When this dragon touches my forehead by its nail tip. It erases the excoriating feelings. With that simple tap, my whole body become lighter. I look at the eyes of the dragon.

[name me and I shall serve you]

name?

A name pops out in my mind. A dark enchanting night that surrounded by a thousand of stars, glittering around. Like these strong black scales with hints of shiny gold that shines brightly underneath the scorching sun. A name matches the same intensity from this gorgeous monster of the sky.

King of all monsters

"Nocturne"

As I uttered the chosen name it opens its wings, showing his dignified body. Slowly, bow its head into the ground and spoke

[I, the guardian of the moon, serving the Celestera kingdom, I shall bestow, This life to my master. Be the shield that tied those who harm you and your sword that will give the greatest victory]

A burning sensation in my body once again rise up. I can't help but rolled on the ground, enduring this blistering pain. I hug myself, waiting for this to stop. I was scratching the ground, clenching my jaw. Beg and beg for all this pain to go away. It took a minute to stop. I was tired, drained. Unable to see everything clearly.

My eyelids get heavy and my consciousness are slowly taken away delving into the darkness with no way out, I was absorbed.

My consciousness was slowly regained. Something strange is happening from my body. I heard a thousand of sounds. Even the bunny hopping from kilometers. A radiant light from the sun, hurting my eyes despite being closed.

I sat down; my sight was welcome by this magnificent dragon lying Infront of me with its eyes shutly closed. That's right, an unbearable pain occurs when I named that dragon. I passed out, after.

"Nocturne" the dragon eyes slowly opening, looking intently onto me. I stood up and touch my skin. I become more sensitive than usual. "Will you explain everything to me"

[The symbol curved into your body, as you acknowledge me, your guardian. The pain exhaust you, making you passed out. In my perspective, the reason why the goddess send you here is because you are not ready]

"Guardian? goddess? ready? I don't understand"

[You are here to train]

Train?

[You have to master my magic, for you to be able to summon me]

Ahh… My eyes twinkle upon hearing his words. Train, I will be able to practice now. Summoning, he is a guardian like those mythical guardians from the books. No just that, but MY guardian.

"Then I'll be on your care"

Is what I said but.... This is impossible, how could a mere human like me ever do such thing? we agree to start from the basic, but I don't know if this are actually basics. I have been running for three whole hours with this heavy belt that look stylish at first. Partnered by a metal wristband and a metal foot strap.

I was sweating hard. My movement becomes sluggish. My mind refused to continue but my body shouts the opposite. It craves power, progress, and achievement. No matter how worn-out my body is, the undying hope of unfolding the truth makes the consistent noises inside the core of my mind. In addition to that,

I can't stop, because of those fiery eyes, that dragon gives. After running, I am required to jump, crawl, walk, lift with these heavy things attached on my body. After my cardio exercise, I will enter full focused in releasing mana.

It became a routine, from the moment my eyes opened and till I closed it again. No rest until bedtime. Sometimes, my body would give out, tired of doing everything all over again. It would sometimes reject foods, craved water instead.

My body would refuse to stand, fighting with my brain. Seeking the life I used to have, as when I am Amara. The moment where all I do is lie down and read my favourite books. Where I will stand and eat my dinner, happily with my parents.

But…

My mind remembers the scream of the people in that village. The way they were annihilated, losing the glimpse of life, fighting for their children and wives. The glances they give me, as Aurea. The disappointment and hatred, because I am weak.

My mind wouldn't function well. My skin started to dry out, my hair falls, and I continually lose weight. I puke everything till blood comes out. It felt like hell punishment rather than mage training.

I was tired, no words left from my mouth. I feel like a robot, slowly losing my senses, my emotion, even the way I feel. I would sometimes crave my tears, beg for it to fell down. Sometimes, I would look at nowhere, just waiting for my body to collapse.

It happened consistently…...

I was on edge; I wanted to give up. Feels like wasting time, gaining no improvement. But nocturne forbid me from giving up. Telling me that everything is alright. I was forced to stand up, face the cruelty of this world.

I am exhausted….

I don't want to do this anymore. Two months had past, I wonder if someone is waiting for me. Are they praying for me to wake up? Waiting for my presence once again? Did they shed tear, thinking I was dead? After the monster attacked. After all those people died. After I let them die, I wonder if it serves them satisfaction when I 'm gone.

No good, I am losing the small amount of hope. A small chuckle escapes my mouth. I heard nocturne voice before I opened my eyes and strike a piercing arrow made by a crimson fire, straight in the middle of the target.

[Are you giving up? all the hardship, are you abandoning it]

Give up? How could I? I cannot accept it neither the fact that I transcend in another world, leaving my family. Did Anna recover? Is Alex having a good time in college? Did mom finally accept my death? Is Dad missing his princess?

A thousand of question filled my mind, every single day. I have suppressed myself, forcing to accept the truth. I have endured a lot, I can no longer turn my back. No matter how worn-out I am.

I decided to stand my ground. Burn this world with my finally acquired magic. I would burn this reality, seeking the truth behind my first death. I will forever find what I long for. Strive for the good side, protect those weak and guide those strong.

"I wanted to make a name that would remember for century" I said as I strike another arrow. I am ready to give my all. I will seek answer in all my questions.

[Very well, we will start your combat training, now.]

"Combat with whom?"

[For now, go and rest] he said instead of answering my question.

I walked straight back in a hut where I was residing. I took a bath and cleanse my body thoroughly. After washing I wore a clothes, to be more precise this one is a simple plain shirt and loose pants. This are way more comfortable unlike the full plate; I wore when I first arrived here.

After a whole day of rest, I was preparing for the combat training. As time flew by, wearing these metals become easier. Nocturne add pounce every time I become used to it. As I walk outside, heading my way in the training field. I saw a bulk of a man standing there. I thought no one is here.

Don't tell me, it was. Wait, is that even possible?

"Are you ready" I was surprised when he spoke, he didn't even look at me first. His voice is cold and emotionless, gives strong aura. When he faced me, my eyes were able to see a man with an alluring visual, great physics. His jet-black hair, long enough to reach his nape.

I was certain, that for the whole time I was here. It was only me and nocturne, Just the two of us. Therefore, this man is none other than

"Nocturne"

"Are you ready, little girl"