The drake thundered across the arena, each step shaking the earth beneath Nick's feet. Its molten scales shimmered like armor, flames building again in its throat.
The crowd screamed, half chanting for the beast, half for the bold stranger who dared face it unarmed.
Nick gripped the Flamebound Shard, sweat dripping down his temple. His heart pounded in rhythm with the roar of the beast, but his lips curved into a grin.
"Alright, big guy," he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "You're just another raid boss. And I don't lose raids."
The goddess hovered above, laughing softly. "Mmm, I like this side of you. Cocky, reckless… hot."
"Not the time!" Nick shouted as the drake lunged.
Its massive claws slashed down.
> [Gamer's Reflex Lv.1 Activated]
Nick's body moved before his mind could process, sliding under the attack in a perfect dodge roll. The shard slashed upward as he moved, carving a glowing scar across the drake's chest.
The beast roared in pain, staggering back. Sparks of fire burst from the wound.
The crowd exploded with noise.
From her throne, Princess Lyra leaned forward, eyes blazing—not with anger, but with a flicker of admiration.
The system chimed in Nick's vision:
> Princess Lyra: Interest +3.
Nick smirked, flipping the shard in his hand like a dagger. "What's wrong, lizard? Not used to prey fighting back?"
The drake snarled, stomping the ground. Flames erupted, creating a wave of fire rushing straight toward him.
Nick's instincts screamed. Can't dodge all of that—
The goddess's voice slid into his ear like silk. "Think, gamer. You know this pattern. Remember?"
Nick's eyes widened. The fire wave—it's just like the final boss in Dragon's Reign!
He clenched the shard, bracing himself. "Alright… jump timing at the third flare—"
The wave surged. Nick leapt.
For one breathless moment, he soared above the wall of fire, the shard glowing brilliantly. The crowd gasped, time slowing.
And then—he came down hard, driving the shard into the drake's skull.
The beast screamed, thrashing wildly, fire spilling everywhere. Nick clung to the shard with both hands, teeth gritted as the system chimed furiously:
> Critical Hit!
Damage x3 Applied.
Flameborn Drake HP: 62% → 39%.
Nick yanked the shard free and tumbled to the ground, rolling to his feet.
The drake staggered, dazed but not defeated.
Nick spat blood, grinning despite the pain. "Not bad for level one."
The arena was silent for a heartbeat—then erupted in cheers.
Princess Lyra rose from her throne, eyes locked on Nick, her lips curling into a faint, dangerous smile.
"He might actually survive," she whispered.
The system chimed again:
> Princess Lyra: Trust +3.
Nick looked up at her, meeting her gaze across the arena. For the briefest second, the fire in her eyes softened.
Then the drake roared again, its entire body igniting in an inferno.
The system flashed red:
> WARNING! Boss Entering Phase Two.
Nick's grin faltered. "…Oh, crap."
---
✨ End of Chapter Five