Two years later…
Two years had passed. Kael was now eighteen, and he had spent every day training, pushing himself to his limits.
During that time, he discovered an odd, glowing flower on the island. Hungry and curious, he ate it. A strange warmth spread through his body—hot, energizing, almost alive—but he ignored it for now, thinking little of the sensation.
---
Now, the moment had come. Kael ran into the house where his mom sat quietly.
Kael: Mom! I'm setting out to the sea!
Mom: No, Kael… don't. Anyone who has ever set foot beyond this island has never returned. The sea dragon… it has sunk countless ships.
Kael (confident): It's going to be okay.
His mom's face paled, and she retreated to her room, tears streaming down her cheeks, clutching the doorway. She couldn't bear to see her son risk his life.
---
Kael pushed his small boat into the water, strapping himself in and taking a deep breath.
Kael (thinking): This is it. Two years of training… two years of dreaming. Today, I leave this island.
Kael (aloud): Goodbye for now! Let's meet again when I've become a legendary pirate… just like Dad!
The boat drifted forward, slicing through the waves. Suddenly, the sea around him began to churn violently, tossing his small craft in every direction.
Kael: Whoa, whoa! What's happening now!?
Before he could react, a massive shadow rose from the depths. Water boiled and waves crashed, and a deafening roar shook the sky. Towering above him, the sea dragon's colossal form emerged. Its scales shimmered like midnight, eyes glowing with ancient fury.
Kael (wide-eyed, awestruck): Nobody told me it would be this… colossal!