Ruthless prioritization remained the only path forward…
And today, the absolute highest priority was a Shadow guardian dragon.
During a brief breakfast, Ren addressed his parents directly.
"I want to ask you to be extremely cautious while manning the inner defensive wall," he instructed, his tone serious. "Do not engage in any unnecessary risks and do not attempt to play the hero, please… Ok?"
Reed and Fern exchanged a quick look and brushed off his concern with their usual easygoing warmth.
"We are going to be just fine, son," Reed said, piling significantly more food onto Ren's plate than the young man could ever hope to finish. "You are the one going up against a dragon today. You better worry about yourself, seeing as you are facing the actual hard part."
"Dad, I'm serious!"
