The new morning sun filtered through the treetops, casting light over Noona's small cabin.
She readied herself for a serious day of dragon-power training.
Noona held the dragon scale in her hand.
The dark, gleaming power radiating from it sent a sharp awareness through her heart.
"Today… I will succeed… no matter what happens."
She began practicing control again.
Leaves and dust lifted around her in rhythm with her movements, while the dragon tattoo on her arm glowed faintly, responding to her determination.
But then, a voice echoed—something that was not hers.
"Noona… beware… someone is watching you…"
Her heart pounded.
Suspicious shadows flickered around the cabin in the woods, but when she stepped closer, they vanished mysteriously.
Noona stood firm, silently affirming that fear would not stop her.
To test her power, she generated a large wave of dragon energy, releasing it around the forest.
Leaves swirled, wind danced around her body, yet the energy remained contained.
"Good… I… can control it now."
Suddenly, the mysterious shadow appeared again, closer and clearer this time.
A chilling voice spoke:
"Your power… is intriguing… but too weak to challenge us."
Noona drew a deep breath.
She realized immediately—the one watching her was no ordinary being.
This was the mysterious foe seeking her power.
She had to prepare herself.
Tomorrow would be the real trial for her dragon power—and perhaps the beginning of facing her true adversary.