: Ritual

Kaelan took the stone gently. It felt warm, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. Kuro sniffed it, then looked up at Kaelan as if asking what it was.

"It's for us, buddy," Kaelan whispered. "To help us stay together."

Kuro chirped softly, nuzzling Kaelan's hand.

Lucian stepped back and spread his arms.

"When we begin, focus on your memories together. The moment you first saw Kuro's egg, when he called you 'papa'… even the times he made mistakes. Remember why you care for him."

Kaelan nodded. "Okay."

Lucian took a deep breath. "And Kuro… little one, you must trust Kaelan completely. Trust that he wants to protect you, not control you."

Kuro blinked and made a quiet "chirp" sound again.

Lucian chuckled. "Good boy. Let's begin."

The air grew heavy as Lucian spoke strange words, hands glowing faintly.

The chalk circle shimmered, and the symbols lit up one by one.

Kaelan tightened his grip on the dragon stone. "Kuro… it's going to be okay," he whispered.

Kuro stepped closer to Kaelan, pressing his small body against Kaelan's side. His tail curled protectively around Kaelan's arm.

Lucian's voice deepened. "Close your eyes, Kaelan. Feel your bond. See it in your mind."

Kaelan obeyed. Images flashed before him: Kuro's egg cracking, the first time Kuro called him papa, their training, even Kuro's innocent face when he burned a tree.

He felt warmth spreading from the stone in his hand, flowing into his chest.

Meanwhile, back in the city of Eldoria, a group of hunters gathered. A man in fine robes stood among them, holding a sealed letter marked with the king's crest.

"The Seer has spoken," he announced. "The dragon is on a hill outside the city, with a guardian."

One hunter cracked his knuckles. "Then we'll bring it back — dead or alive."

The man in robes frowned. "Preferably alive. The king wants to see it himself. But if it resists… you know what to do."

The hunters nodded, turning toward the city gates.

Back on the hill, Kaelan felt the warmth in his chest grow stronger. He opened his eyes and gasped. A faint, glowing thread connected his heart to Kuro's.

"Kuro… can you feel it too?" Kaelan whispered. Strange marking started appearing on Kaelan and kuro's hands.

Kuro blinked and chirped softly, stepping closer until their foreheads touched.

Lucian watched carefully. "Good… very good. You're close, but remember — the bond must be deeper than words.

You must truly accept each other."

Kaelan closed his eyes again, heart pounding. "Kuro, I don't care if the whole world fears you. To me, you'll always be my family."

The thread of light brightened slightly, pulsing gently.

Lucian smiled faintly. "Yes… yes, just like that."

Kaelan felt tears prick his eyes. "No matter what happens, I won't leave you. We'll face it together."

Kuro made a soft, shaky sound — almost like a sob.

For a moment, Kaelan felt something new: a faint surge of strength, like a spark deep in his chest.

Lucian nodded. "The ritual is nearly complete. Keep your focus." But before they could finish, Lucian's eyes widened. He turned sharply toward the forest path.

"Someone's coming."

Kaelan tensed. "Hunters?"

Lucian's voice dropped. "Stay calm. Don't move."

The glow of the ritual dimmed slightly as Kaelan tightened his hold on Kuro. The little dragon pressed closer, tail trembling.

Kaelan whispered, "It's okay, buddy. I'm here."

In the distance, shadows moved between the trees — the hunters, guided by the Seer, drawing ever closer.

Lucian's face turned grim. "No matter what happens next… protect him."

System: "New quest unlocked: Protect Kuro at any cost. Failure will result in death."

Kaelan swallowed hard, heart pounding in his chest. "I know… I won't let anyone take him."

The hunters reached the clearing, and the air turned heavy. Kaelan's heart raced, fear mixing with determination.

Beside him, Kuro felt the danger too and moved closer, letting out a low, worried sound.

Lucian stepped forward, raising his hand. "Leon, Seer, please. This doesn't have to end in a fight."

The Seer lifted his staff, his blindfolded eyes locked on Kuro. "That is the dragon from the prophecy. It will destroy Elarion."

Leon, the leader with a scar on his face, shook his head sadly. "Lucian, you know you'll be punished for hiding this calamity.

You're my friend, so I'll say this once: hand them over, and maybe I can let it go."

Beside Leon stood a large black creature the size of a lion, its glowing eyes locked on Kaelan and Kuro.

It growled, smoke curling from its mouth.

Lucian's voice stayed calm. "This isn't a dragon. It's a creature from a distant place, harmless if left alone."

Leon frowned. "Do we seem stupid to you?

The Seer can see the future. He knows that thing is a dragon, and it will destroy this world one day. Step aside, Lucian."

Lucian lowered his head, then looked back up, his eyes hard. "If you believe that, then I have no choice."

He whistled sharply, and stone back came to him running down, landing beside him with a loud cry. Its hands spread wide, ready to defend.

Leon raised his sword. "Hunters, get ready!"

The hunters drew their swords and nocked arrows. The clearing filled with tension.

Kaelan tightened his grip on Kuro. "It's okay, buddy. I'm here."

Leon and Lucian charged at each other. The black creature which came with leon looked like a big black cat but had a horn and shiny black long hairs on its body. lunged at Lucian's stoneback, and the two beasts

clashed with roars and snapping beaks and jaws.

Feathers flew into the air as claws scratched and hands hit.

The ground shook with each impact. Leon swung his sword at Lucian, and Lucian blocked it with his staff, sparks flying.

The fight between them was fierce, each move fast and heavy. Leon shouted, "You can't protect them forever, Lucian!"

Lucian answered, "I will not have to protect them forever but just this once"

While they fought, the other four hunters turned toward Kaelan and Kuro. Kaelan's chest tightened. He felt a sword's weight at his side — Lucian had given it to him earlier. His hand shook, but he drew it out.