Chapter 60 – The Dawn of the Inner Fire
Dawn rose over Vulcan's domain in golden light. The first rays of the sun pierced through the immense stained-glass windows of the palace, painting the corridors in reflections of crimson and gold. Outside, the hanging waterfalls released a light iridescent mist, and the distant cries of dragons echoed like a chorus of awakening.
Seth slowly opened his eyes. The calm of morning contrasted with the celebration of the previous night — laughter, music, and the dragons' dance beneath the fireworks still echoed in his mind.
He remained lying there for a moment, watching the shifting glow on the stone ceiling before getting up. The cold floor beneath his bare feet brought him gently back to reality.
He stepped under the shower, letting the hot water run down his back, washing away the fatigue of the night before. But when he looked at his hands, he clenched his jaw — the bandages were still there, slightly stained with a dark red hue. The skin beneath still tingled from an old burn, a souvenir from his battle against the mechanical dragon in the labyrinth.
He stared at his trembling fingers for a while, then clenched his fist, as if to convince himself it was nothing.
A few moments later, he got dressed and went down to the great hall. The scent of warm bread and black tea filled the air. On a large volcanic stone table waited fruits with shimmering colors and steaming dishes.
Seth sat down and ate slowly, savoring the tranquility. Only a few dragon servants were present, silent, their eyes glowing with a golden light.
But a dull noise caught his attention.
Outside, in the training courtyard, Damian and Kana were already sparring.
Their swords clashed in a cascade of sparks. Kana's blue flames danced around her blade, while Damian, more brutal, relied on sheer strength to push back her attacks.
— You're too slow, Damian! she called with a sly grin.
— And you're too cocky! he shot back, spinning around before striking.
The exchange was sharp, precise, almost choreographed. Seth watched them with a faint smile. Their playful rivalry reminded him of the training sessions with Tara and Kael at Etheria.
— "Everything all right, Seth? You seem lost in thought."
Seth turned around. Vulcan stood there, draped in a dark red robe, his eyes blazing yet calm. His steps were heavy and measured, each movement radiating natural authority.
— "Good morning, Master Vulcan," said Seth, bowing slightly.
The ancient dragon studied him for a moment before his gaze fell to Seth's bandaged hands.
— "You're injured?"
Seth lowered his eyes.
— "Nothing serious. Burns. From the labyrinth mission — the fight against the mechanical dragon."
Vulcan frowned slightly, stepping closer to inspect the bandages.
— "I remember. But tell me, Seth, that fire magic you used… where did you learn it?"
He crossed his arms, his gaze firm but not angry — rather curious.
— "I had never seen flames like that before. They burned with an intensity even dragons struggle to produce. And that color… blood red, almost alive. It was spectacular."
Seth clenched his fists unconsciously.
— "I… I don't think I can control that power."
A silence followed. Vulcan placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
— "Maybe it isn't a curse… but a misunderstood blessing."
Seth looked up, surprised.
— "What do you mean?"
— "Some beings," Vulcan explained, "are born with natural affinities so powerful they create what we call unique magic — a power unlike any other, one that belongs solely to the soul and heart of its bearer. Dragons, too, can develop unique magics. I believe this is the magic of your soul that's awakening, Seth."
The old dragon's gaze sharpened.
— "Only extraordinary beings develop unique magic. Even I needed more than fifty years to control my fire."
The words struck Seth like thunder.
He suddenly remembered an old class at Etheria, taught by Professor Lysara:
> 'The rarest of mages — those whose magic surpasses elemental limits — shape their very essence. Their power becomes the pure reflection of their inner self. That is unique magic.'
What if Vulcan was right?
What if the fire he had always feared was actually his true nature?
Vulcan smiled faintly at his troubled expression.
— "We'll talk more later, child. For now, you should get ready."
— "Get ready?"
— "Yes. Someone wishes to meet you — all three of you."
Seth raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
— "Someone? Who?"
The dragon merely turned away, his steps echoing in the hall.
— "You'll see. Put on your attire and meet them at the main gate."
Seth didn't insist. He returned to his room, put on a light shirt and coat, then joined the others in the courtyard. Damian and Kana had just finished their duel; Alma and Noël were already waiting, eager.
Vulcan looked at them one by one, then, with a gesture, conjured a circle of azure flames before them.
— "Let's go."
They stepped through the magical portal, and in an instant, the scenery changed.
Before their eyes rose an immense palace carved from scarlet stone polished to perfection. Fountains of golden lava cascaded like glowing rivers, and statues of pure gold dragons adorned the entrance. The air itself vibrated with regal energy.
— "Welcome," said Vulcan solemnly, "to the Central Palace of the Dragon Queen."
The six of them stood frozen, dazzled.
Seth felt an odd tension tightening in his chest.
A presence… powerful, almost divine, lingered in the air.
---
Royal Palace of Dragonil
The hall into which Vulcan led them seemed carved from gold itself. Tall onyx columns supported a ceiling of red and golden stained glass, from which warm light danced upon the polished floor, gleaming like frozen lava.
Banners depicting golden dragons floated weightlessly in the air.
And at the center, standing before a vast magic circle etched into the stone, was Alexander.
Seth recognized him immediately.
The man exuded an almost unreal presence — not only because of his appearance, but because of the peaceful, commanding aura surrounding him.
His white hair shimmered in the light, and his blood-red eyes seemed to contain a universe in motion.
He wore a draconic white outfit with silver edges. A pendant engraved with the symbol of Selene, the Celestial Goddess, rested upon his chest.
When he raised his head toward them, his lips curved into a calm, almost mesmerizing smile.
— "Come closer, please."
His voice was soft, steady, yet carried subtle power.
Even Damian, usually so relaxed, instinctively straightened up.
Vulcan bowed slightly.
— "Here are the three humans from Etheria, Alexander."
— "Perfect," Alexander replied with a nod. "Come, I truly wished to meet you in person."
Seth stepped forward hesitantly, Alma and Damian beside him.
When they were only a few steps away, Alexander's eyes met Seth's — and for a fleeting moment, time itself seemed to stop. It was as if Alexander could see straight through him.
— "You've come a long way," said Alexander gently. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I hope Vulcan has been good company?"
He then turned to Alma and Damian.
— "Alma, you've grown so much. Degel speaks highly of you… And you must be Damian, right? I also knew your father — may his soul rest in peace."
There was nothing authoritarian in his tone. No superiority, no coldness — only sincerity and warmth, almost disarming in their honesty.
Seth exchanged a glance with Damian, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, So this is the top-ranked Class S, huh?
Alexander chuckled softly, clearly having caught it.
— "I know, my reputation precedes me. People imagine me as imposing and mighty, but I'm far from that. I'm just a soldier trying to fulfill his duties the best he can."
His tone was light, but his gaze darkened faintly. He sighed before continuing with a gentle sadness:
— "The reason I've called you here isn't about me… but about someone dear to my heart."
— "Someone… dear to your heart?" Alma asked.
— "Yes. Flora. The Queen of Dragons."
Silence fell. Even the air seemed to freeze.
Alexander walked slowly forward, his eyes lost for a moment in the fiery stained glass.
— "She's been ill for years. No one can explain her illness — not even the elder dragons. Her life energy is tearing itself apart… her magic unstable… and her heart is dying."
His voice trembled, just barely.
Seth listened, captivated. Alexander seemed deeply wounded.
— "We've tried everything — healing, rituals, divine artifacts. Nothing worked. And now… she refuses any contact."
— "Even with you?" Damian asked.
— "Even with me. She hates all dragons. Every single one of us."
Vulcan lowered his head silently.
Alexander went on after a pause, his voice softer, almost confessional:
— "She said she only wants to be approached by humans. That only they… could understand her."
He looked up at the three young mages.
— "That's why I need you. Please. I need people I can trust to watch over Flora. She won't eat, she refuses her medicine. I'll keep searching for a cure — even if I have to cross into another universe, I'll do it for her."
He stepped closer, his voice almost pleading — something unimaginable for the most powerful of the Class S.
— "Help her. Please. Bring back a little light to her world, even just for a moment. I can't bear to see Flora like this anymore… nor can he."
A long silence followed.
Seth could feel the sincerity in his words. The man before him wasn't the flawless warrior they'd heard about — he was human, after all.
Alma placed a hand on her chest, eyes filled with emotion.
— "We'll do our best, Alexander. You have my word."
— "And mine too," Seth added firmly.
Damian sighed, rolling his eyes.
— "So, let me get this straight… our S-rank mission is to play royal babysitters?"
Alma elbowed him without even looking.
— "Ouch! It was a joke!" he muttered.
Alexander smiled, amused.
— "Sometimes, the simplest tasks hold the greatest challenges. You should know that well, Damian."
Then he turned toward the great door at the end of the hall.
It was covered with draconic symbols, and behind it pulsed a faint light — like a beating heart.
— "Come. I'll introduce you to her."
They followed Alexander through a vast corridor, its walls covered in golden scales and crystallized fire-flowers.
Each step echoed beneath the arches. The air grew heavier, warmer.
As they neared, Seth felt pressure in his chest — an ancient, majestic, almost divine energy.
Alexander placed his hand on the door. Runes flared to life, and a hot breath escaped.
— "Flora doesn't like visitors," he warned gravely. "Sometimes, she refuses even to speak to me. But… I think it'll be different with you."
His gaze settled on them, full of fragile hope.
— "Go in. And above all… don't anger her."
The door opened slowly with a deep rumble.
Orange and golden light flooded the hallway, and the heat rose sharply.
Seth's heart pounded faster as he crossed the threshold — ready to meet the one they called the Queen of Dragons.
To be continued…