The Flameborn Drake's body ignited, flames wrapping it like armor. Its molten eyes burned brighter, and each step left cracks in the stone floor. The crowd gasped in awe, chanting the beast's name.
Nick stared, chest heaving. Of course there's a Phase Two. Stupid boss mechanics.
The goddess floated above, clapping like a delighted spectator. "Ohhh, now it's serious. Phase Two bosses don't play nice, Player Nick."
"Thanks," Nick muttered, raising the shard. His hands shook from exhaustion. One wrong move, and I'm barbecue.
The drake exhaled, blasting the arena with fire. Nick dove, his reflex skill barely saving him. His arm singed, skin blistering.
Pain tore through him. He clenched his teeth. This isn't a game anymore… if I mess up, I really die.
The goddess's teasing tone softened for once. "Nick. Look at her."
He blinked, glancing toward Lyra.
The princess leaned forward in her throne, gripping its arms, her fiery eyes locked on him. For the first time, there was no disdain—only focus, as if testing him… or willing him to stand.
The system chimed:
> Princess Lyra's attention has intensified. Bond Spark available.
Nick's vision flashed. A prompt appeared:
> Bond Skill Unlock (Conditional): Flame Resonance.
Requirement: Convince Princess Lyra to acknowledge your spirit.
The drake charged.
Nick's lungs burned, but he roared back, raising his shard high. "Princess Lyra! If you want a warrior worth your side—then see me now!"
The shard blazed brighter, fueled by something deeper than desperation. For a heartbeat, the flames of the drake bent away from him, curling harmlessly around his body.
The crowd fell silent.
Lyra rose from her throne, her lips parting in shock. "Impossible…"
The system chimed furiously:
> Bond Skill Acquired: Flame Resonance Lv.1.
Fire Damage -50%. Fire Attack +20%.
Nick smirked, fire flickering harmlessly over his arms. "Looks like I finally found my element."
The drake roared and lunged again, but this time—Nick met it head-on. His shard flared like a miniature sun as he slashed across its chest. Flames scattered like sparks in the wind.
The beast howled, staggering, its HP bar flashing dangerously low.
Nick stood tall, breathing hard, smoke rising around him.
The goddess purred, drifting close. "Mmm, that was beautiful. You've lit more than the battlefield, Player Nick. Look…"
He glanced up.
Lyra was standing now, her fiery eyes burning—not with suspicion, but something sharper. Interest. Recognition.
The system chimed:
> Princess Lyra: Interest +7. Trust +5. Bond Progress: 12%.
Nick's lips curved into a cocky grin. "Guess I'm worth your time after all."
Lyra's gaze softened—just for a second—before hardening again. "Don't get cocky. The drake still breathes."
The beast staggered, its molten body flickering, readying one final desperate attack.
Nick tightened his grip on the shard, fire now dancing along his own arms.
"Then let's finish this."
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✨ End of Chapter Six