In the early morning, soft sunlight spilled over the river. Noona had finished gathering vegetables and fish, but her eyes couldn't leave the black dragon scale tucked in her bag.
"Why is it trembling… as if calling me somewhere?" she whispered.
Curiosity pulled her deeper into the forest, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves and birdsong.
When she reached a large rock, Noona saw a strange tattoo etched into its surface—shaped like a dragon coiled upon itself. When she touched the dragon scale to it, power radiated from the rock as if echoing her touch.
Noona's body felt warm, yet there was an invisible pull compelling her to remember.
> "Noo… Noona… remember… this power will be both a blessing and a curse."
The sound was like wind brushing through leaves, but the words resonated clearly in her heart.
Noona looked up at the dragon scale. It began to glow, forming patterns like the tattoo on the rock, revealing the symbol of a dragon awakening the hidden power within.
> "Noo… are you ready?" the voice repeated.
Her heart grew resolute. She knew this power was not a toy, and she would have to learn to control it if she wanted to protect herself and her grandmother.
She lifted her hand to touch the patterns on the scale. The dark, shimmering power began to spread along her arm. She heard the whisper once more:
> "Every choice… will shape the fate of you and those you love…"
Noona drew a deep breath and looked around the forest, feeling the power radiating through her body. She knew her life would never be the same.
She clutched the dragon scale tightly and walked back to the hut with unwavering determination. Tomorrow would be the first day she would train to master this power for good.