The Flames of War

The air trembled with heat as Astrid stood her ground, staring down the Drakon. Its golden eyes gleamed with ancient power, fire simmering beneath its scales. The ground beneath her feet was already scorched, the ruins of Eldoria bathed in the ominous glow of flickering embers.

"You are either the bravest or the most foolish human I have ever encountered," the Drakon rumbled.

Astrid smirked, rolling her shoulders. "Why not both?"

Without another word, the Drakon lunged.

Astrid barely had time to react as the beast's massive claws tore through the air, aimed straight for her. She threw herself to the side, landing in a tight roll before springing back to her feet. Too close. She had to stay light, unpredictable.

"Your reflexes are impressive," the Drakon admitted. "But speed alone will not save you."

With a sudden flap of its wings, the beast propelled itself forward, its jaws snapping dangerously close to Astrid. Damn it—! She twisted her body at the last second, barely avoiding being crushed under its sheer weight. The heat of its breath burned against her skin as she landed hard on the stone floor.

She had to find an opening.

The Drakon turned toward her, massive tail whipping through the air. Astrid ducked, feeling the rush of wind as the deadly appendage slammed into the ruins behind her, reducing stone pillars to rubble. Dust filled the air, clouding her vision.

She had seconds before it attacked again.

She darted forward, sliding beneath the Drakon's massive frame and slashing at its exposed underbelly. Sparks flew as her swords met scales as hard as steel. No damage.

"Did you truly think your blades could pierce me?" the Drakon scoffed, turning with terrifying speed.

Astrid barely managed to leap away before a stream of fire erupted from its mouth, engulfing everything in its path. The ruins behind her were reduced to molten rock, the air heavy with the scent of smoke and charred stone.

Think, Astrid, think!

She couldn't match its brute strength. And her weapons were useless against its armored hide. But every creature—no matter how powerful—had a weakness.

Her golden eyes flicked upward. The eyes.

Even the strongest creatures had vulnerable spots. If she could just—

The Drakon lunged again. Astrid moved faster.

She ran straight toward the beast.

"Fool!" The Drakon roared, swiping at her with deadly force.

She leaped—twisting her body midair to land on its outstretched arm. Using its own momentum, she sprinted up its limb before the Drakon could react.

It snapped its jaws at her, but she was already gone—launching herself toward its face.

And then—

With all her strength, she drove both swords into its right eye.

The Drakon's scream shook the heavens.

It thrashed wildly, throwing Astrid off. She hit the ground hard, rolling several feet before stopping herself with her hands. Her arms burned from the impact, but she couldn't stop now.

The Drakon roared in agony, thrashing in blind fury. One eye was ruined, golden blood dripping from the deep wound.

"You… dare…!"

Astrid staggered to her feet, wiping sweat from her brow. "I did say I was bold."

The Drakon's breathing was heavy, its form trembling. Then, something unexpected happened.

It… laughed.

"Very well, warrior. You have won."

Astrid blinked. "What?"

"You have wounded me. No human has ever done so before. You have earned my respect." The Drakon lowered its massive head, still wincing from the pain. "From this day forth, I, Vaelros, shall fight by your side."

Astrid stared. She had done it.

She had tamed a Drakon.

A slow smirk spread across her lips. "Well, Vaelros, welcome to the team."

And with that, her journey as the Bloodborn Guardian truly began.