The dragon continent, known as Drakonia, was one of the largest in the world, home to hundreds of millions of dragons.
Its sheer size led to the creation of a device many years ago—one now used across multiple continents.
Warp portals.
They allowed long-distance travel to designated locations, capable of transporting large groups, carriages, and heavy cargo in an instant.
Travel between regions had become effortless because of them.
Caspian and Kala would make use of these portals in the coming days, but for now, they were traveling on the outskirts of the capital.
Their carriage rolled through rolling green hills toward a jagged mountain in the distance.
The first dungeon of their journey.
Seated inside the luxurious carriage, Caspian gazed out the window at the passing scenery while Kala fidgeted beside him, nervously twiddling her thumbs.
Trying to break the silence, she spoke.
"Um… will we actually be allowed into the dungeon? I read that you need certification to enter—even beginner ones."
She trailed off as Caspian turned toward her, chin resting on his hand, posture relaxed and composed.
"Well," he said lightly, "I am a prince. Rules don't always apply to me. As you saw at your shop, I turned a few nobles to ash and the most their families can do is seethe and scheme. No one wants to act rashly against a prince without knowing how the Dragon King might respond."
His tone was confident, but playful.
Kala recalled the day before—how he dealt with her tormentors without hesitation.
Her heart quickened. The more time she spent with him, the more he puzzled her.
Then he added with a small grin:
"Also, my mother arranged a dungeon pass. So we're fine. Just enjoy the trip."
His smooth voice carried a quiet laugh.
Kala turned toward the window, cheeks warm with embarrassment at taking his teasing so seriously.
From the corner of her eye, though, she noticed he didn't seem bothered—if anything, he looked amused.
An enigma indeed, she thought, a faint smile forming.
The dungeon entrance was a bustling hotspot.
Many from lower races came seeking strength or fortune, hoping to find rare treasures within.
A long line of humans, beastkin, dwarves, and elves stretched toward the swirling portal at the mountain's base.
Life and death were often only a step apart inside such places.
Two royal guards stood watch.
One was a cold-faced female dragon reviewing entry permits. The other, a short but stout male dragon, examined explorers with piercing scrutiny, his gaze alone intimidating weaker individuals.
As another group entered the portal, the rumble of a carriage approached from behind.
The female guard glanced over, then her expression shifted as she noticed the crest emblazoned on its side.
Realization dawned.
The stern woman—known for her unshakeable composure—walked to the arriving carriage and knelt.
Murmurs spread.
A massive beastkin with bear ears leaned toward a companion—a plain-looking human with a surprisingly powerful aura.
"What's going on?" he muttered. "I've never seen her act like that."
Even when quiet, his deep voice carried.
The human shrugged lazily, hands behind his head.
"No clue. Some important figure, probably. Not our concern. Stay out of higher-race affairs."
Just then—
The carriage doors opened.