| VAELIN VAN SAICA

***

"What?" Leonidas asked, surprised by the abrupt entrance of the figure.

"Vaelin Van Saica," the figure declared, his blade unwavering. "Professor of Defense Against Celestia and Monsters. Draw your sword."

Leonidas hesitantly complied with Vaelin's demands, the confusion still etched on his face. "Father, give me arms to wage war," he mumbled inaudibly, catching Vaelin's eye in surprise.

A sword of glistening blood-like hue materialized in the dimly lit room, its entrance illuminated as if a beacon of foreboding.

Leonidas couldn't contain his sudden enthusiasm as a smile spread across his face. "Are we ready to begin?" he asked, feeling the excitement of battle course through him.

Vaelin's expression was unreadable, the only sign of his surprise being his raised eyebrow. Then, lightning quick, he charged at Leonidas and struck down with a precise and powerful blow. But it bit thin-air.

Leonidas stepped to the left, barely avoiding the razor sharp blade that ripped through the air, leaving a gash in its wake. But Vaelin didn't stop there with his assault. In an unnerving display of swordsmanship, Vaelin lunged forward with his hilt, aiming for Leonidas' face.

Though surprised by the unexpected move, Leonidas managed to duck out of the way just in time. But this still wasn't the main attack.

Vaelin lunged forward, his razor sharp claws plunging into Leonidas' cheek and sending a river of blood cascading down. He felt the icy sensation of Vaelin's touch on his skin, a chill that seemed to burrow deep into his bones. Leonidas desperately tried to evade him, but it was futile; he was like a cat chasing its prey. No matter what he did, Vaelin remained on his tail with an unerring accuracy.

Lenoidas braced himself as Vaelin's sword came his way in a swift feint. He allowed himself to be hit by the hilt of Vaelin's sword, and retaliated with a powerful slash of his own. His blade cleaved through the air with expert precision, but it faced off with Vaelin's blade, barley managing to block the attack.

Vaelin flashed a meagre, fleeting smile of amusement before rushing forward. His flurry of blows failed to penetrate Leoniads' guard, each and every attempt stopped dead in its tracks. It was as if fighting a brick wall.

"Leonidas!" Vaelin exclaimed, causing the man to pause and lower his weapon. Taking advantage of the moment, Vaelin lunged forward with his blade aimed at Leonidas' throat - but only managed to hit empty air.

'I knew he'd try to divert my attention,' Leonidas thought with a smirk. Leaning forward, he lunged his sword towards Vaelin's legs, but Vaelin managed to dodge the attack by taking a step back. Then with remarkable agility, he used a simple kick to send Leonidas' blade skidding across the ground.

"You have impressive swordsmanship," Vaelin remarked, sheathing his sword as he helped Leonidas to his feet. "You were able to match me move for move, even with Celestia enhancing my reflexes."

"Thank you, mentor," said Leonidas, slightly disappointed he lost. "But I must ask; what was the purpose of this duel?"

"To witness your prowess and what you have achieved," replied Vaelin. "Environmental Manipulation? At such a tender age? That is extraordinary indeed. Still," his expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "How have you attained knowledge of the Dragon Language?"

Leonidas' eyes widened in surprise as he felt a sudden chill run down his spine, disturbed by the dangerous aura surrounding Vaelin. "Dragon Language? I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by that, professor."

Vaelin paused, a questioning look on his face, as he gestured towards Leonidas' sword. "Tell me," he said slowly. "How did you manage to call forth this weapon? Speak honestly or your words will betray you. If I misheard, repeat your words and prove my accusation wrong."

Leonidas hesitated, knowing he had no other option. "I said: Father, give me arms to wage war." Suddenly he noticed something strange; it was not in Greek, the language he knew so well, but a low and guttural sound.

Vaelin's gaze pinned him to the spot, and a tense silence descended. Finally, he spoke. "It's clear that you don't know the Dragon Language," he said slowly. "Furthering my point, calling out a sword like that should be done with much more ease; it either points to inexperience or, perhaps, you must carry one of the ancient bloodlines blessed to be born with command over the Dragon tongue; a fact you may not have been aware of, pointing to your inexperience." His eyes gleamed in thought as he considered the possibilities.

"None or all— your life is in danger either way." Vaelin warned after a few more moments of tense silence. "Elves, dwarves, and even humans will go to extreme lengths to get your knowledge of the Dragon language, whether it is torture or killing a loved one." His voice grew somber, before continuing.

"So if you wish to stay alive, I suggest that you pay close attention and take my every word as seriously as your own life— for it truly could be the difference between life and death. Do you understand?"

Leonidas nodded slowly, confusion on his brow. "What is this Dragon Language you speak of?" he asked.

"It's self-explanatory," Vaelin replied before elaborating. "Dragons used to roam freely across all Four Continents and their language called upon Celestia itself; an ancient language that was passed down to their Riders who were able to comprehend it. However, after a millennium the Dragons and their Riders disappeared without a trace; or at least that is what the Emperor of Skygard claims."

"The Dragon Language is known by some of the highest-ranking Skygard Army officials, though only in fragmentary form compared to what it once was," he said, a reminiscent glint appearing in his eye. "For some inexplicable reason, there are still humans, elves and dwarves who can understand it. Almost all of them have been killed off now though - I'm one of the few still left alive."

Vaelin hesitated before speaking again. "It's only because the Al'Father vouched for you that you get to hear me. If he hadn't, you'd have been sent to an ordinary D.A.C.M course with an average teacher. But the Al'Father thinks otherwise - I'm sure he had one of his prophetic visions about it all - so I need your attention; no one can know I exist, not a single soul - do you comprehend that?"

Leonidas nodded mutely, his mind spinning from the sheer amount of information he'd received. The one thought that kept repeating in his head was: 'Just who is this man?'

"Excellent," Vaelin uttered in a dull voice. "Now, let us start our first lesson: Learning the Art of the Dragon Tongue."

***