The storm rages.
It feels as if the whole world is roaring.
Rain sweeps across like knives.
Weaving into a tight, impenetrable net in the air, and amid this chaos, a raven is traversing against the wind, its black feathers flapping wildly in the storm.
"This definitely doesn't look like normal weather."
Ian's wings are pressed tightly against his body to reduce wind resistance, sharp eyes locking onto his path in the dim light. His claws are clenched tightly, every feather taut and straight.
Moving with the most streamlined posture through the gale.
Anyone who has studied aerodynamics knows how to fly fastest; sometimes, magic and science complement each other, as Ian's dark wings slice through the tumultuous thunderclouds. Violent air currents continuously batter him, trying to overthrow him, yet his form remains stable, like an arrow shot from a bow.
Tearing through layer upon layer of obstruction.
"This storm feels more like a barrier, as if it's isolating the center from the outside world. Could this perhaps be the earliest protective magic?"
The raven, into which Ian had transformed, continues to thread through the raging storm.
He indeed senses the presence of magic.
Yet it differs from the magic he knows.
A force that can continuously manipulate nature.
Though, he didn't know the source of energy for this magic.
"Rumble~"
"Rumble~"
"Rumble~"
Thunder rolls across the sky.
A blinding white light illuminates the entire sky, nearly exploding above Ian's head.
The sky seems to tear open a giant wound, purple-black storm clouds roil like a raging sea, while lightning dances like silver serpents between the clouds, casting the entire sky in bleak whiteness with each flash. The wind howls, sending rain and hail bursting against the raven's feathers with a crackling sound.
A bolt of lightning suddenly strikes down, a purple light ripping through the darkness, almost exploding next to him.
"What's with this freaky weather? It's more turbulent than the traffic in Shudu!" Ian complains inwardly, flapping his wings sharply to dodge a bolt of lightning that crashes down.
The current brushes past his wings.
Bringing a tingling sense of pleasure.
Within the storm's chaotic airflow, an upward gale one moment can become a downward cyclone the next. Ian has to navigate the turbulent currents like an extreme sports challenge, seeking balance. His feathers are soaked with rain, each flap sending showers of water scattering.
The wind grows even fiercer, with gusts like invisible claws trying to tear him down from the sky; however, Ian continued to navigate the storm with steady calm.
"This storm... is even larger than anticipated."
He whispers to himself, his voice shredded by the wind into meaningless echoes. Ian senses the storm's core still lies ahead, though a thick wall of clouds obstructs everything.
As if it marks the world's end, or perhaps another realm entirely. Suddenly, the front clouds churn violently, a massive dark silhouette intermittently visible amid the lightning.
"Wait... Is that...?"
The clouds swirl.
An unusual presence brushes past Ian's senses.
It's not just ordinary wind or the energy fluctuations of lightning—it's life, some kind of creature distinct from those Ian knows, lurking amid the chaotic elements.
As Ian crosses the storm, suddenly, a creature resembling a large serpent appears before him, agilely gliding through the air, shimmering with iridescence.
Apparently composed of pure atmospheric flow and light energy.
"Damn, there really is an atmospheric creature?"
Ian is stunned.
Watching the silhouette that has emerged before him.
The serpent-like body is long and slender, extending several hundred meters, and with each undulation, the surrounding air seems to warp, creating small whirlwinds.
It tears through the sky like the claws of a giant beast. The storm howls, sweeping across the world, raindrops cutting down like blades, with thunder exploding in the ears, as if intending to crush the whole world.
"Atmospheric creature confirmed!" Ian's heart trembles, followed by excitement. He has never seen such a bizarre creature, this curiosity spurring him to flap closer.
Precisely because of this.
The serpent creature seemed to sense his presence as well, instantly turning to him and emitting a sharp shriek, seemingly feeling challenged by Ian's audacity.
Just a tiny bird.
How dare it challenge such a massive magic creature?
"Roar!"
The serpent lets out a deafening roar, the sound waves rippling visibly through the air. It violently lashes its tail, sending a high-pressure stream whipping towards Ian like a whip.
"So aggressive? I'm supposed to be a gentle giant..."
Ian swiftly adjusts his posture, preparing for battle. Since acquiring his Animagus form, close combat has never been Ian's weakness.
The invincible raven.
Possessing immense strength.
With an attribute of absolute magic resistance.
If rated by the Ministry of Magic, who knows how many Xs it might score. Thus, regarding the serpent's sudden attack, Ian remains calm and composed.
"Roar."
The serpent might've never seen a creature like Ian, especially in such a ferocious storm; there's unlikely another bird capable of entering and surviving like he did, allowing the serpent to witness him.
Even just entering this storm's intense tearing force would challenge future half-blood giant dragons to withstand it; even their iron stomachs would succumb before such natural power, becoming fallen dragons.
Such is the case for the half-blood dragon.
Let alone most birds, only the Phoenix can endure the pressure here; Ian is the exception of the ages.