The Disaster of the East.

As he spoke, something remarkable began to happen.

The frailty in his voice started to fade, replaced by a strength that seemed to grow with every word.

His posture straightened, his hands steadied, and his eyes, once dull, now gleamed with a sharp vitality.

It was as if the very act of speaking his name had breathed new life into him.

Before Oasis's eyes, Cedric transformed from a decrepit beggar into a robust man, his appearance now that of someone in their early forties.

His once ragged clothes now seemed almost out of place on his revitalized frame.

Oasis, caught off guard by Cedric's name and sudden transformation, felt his heart race and his body tremble.

The name 'Cedric Sandborn' echoed in his mind like a thunderclap—Cedric Sandborn, known as the Sandstorm, 'The Disaster of the East.'

The realization hit Oasis hard, causing him to choke on his food, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. 

Memories and teachings flashed through Oasis's mind as he tried to process what was happening.

"Easy, kid," Cedric said with a calm yet powerful presence, adjusting his clothing and fixing his hair, which had transformed from silver to a rich black, further enhancing his youthful appearance.

"What is a phoenix doing in this place, and who are you, kid?" Cedric asked, his voice carrying the weight of his curiosity and suspicion.

Oasis, still reeling from the shock, struggled to collect his thoughts.

"What is going on here? How is this happening? What is he doing here?" Oasis's mind raced, trying to piece together the strange and unexpected turn of events.

Cedric noticed the confusion in Oasis's eyes and added,

"It seems you've heard about me. Which family in Phoenix Peak do you belong to?"

"Whose child are you?" His tone grew more intense as he observed Oasis closely.

Then, as if a realization struck him, he paused and stared into Oasis's eyes with growing recognition.

"Wait, those eyes... You are Volacris. Why do you resemble Solarius?"

The mention of his father's name sent a shiver down Oasis's spine.

But despite the tumult of emotions surging within him,

Oasis managed to calm himself and began to explain everything—the events that had brought him to this place, his journey, and the purpose behind it...

Cedric listened intently, his sharp eyes never leaving Oasis as he unraveled his story.

When Oasis finished, Cedric leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After a moment, a smile crept onto his lips, and he burst into a hearty laugh.

"Ha ha ha, I see," Cedric said, clearly amused by the situation. 

"Uncle, how is it that you are in this place?" Oasis asked, his curiosity piqued.

Cedric's expression grew more serious as he began to explain.

"I was on my way back from attending a meeting with the Shaolin Temple across the Kingdom of Ironclad," Cedric began.

"As I passed through Belvan a few days ago, I felt the presence of a phoenix—one that was unfamiliar to me."

"It intrigued me because it resembled someone I once knew, someone who is no longer with us... your father."

Cedric's voice softened slightly, reflecting the deep connection he felt. 

"Your aura was faint but unmistakable, so I decided to investigate. I wanted to see who this phoenix was and why it felt so familiar."

"That's why I took on the guise of an old beggar," Cedric continued, his eyes narrowing as he recalled his plan.

"I had to be cautious. I didn't want to reveal myself too soon. But when I saw you, I knew I had to get close."

"That's when I tried to trip you—it was the simplest way to get your attention without drawing suspicion."

Cedric's words brought everything into perspective for Oasis.

The strange encounter, the sudden transformation, and the familiarity—it all made sense now.

Cedric had been testing him, trying to confirm his suspicions, and now that he had, the connection between them was clear.

As the evening deepened, casting long shadows across the room, Oasis and Cedric continued to talk, their conversation flowing with a mix of nostalgia and camaraderie.

Cedric shared tales of his adventures with Oasis's father, boasting about their friendship and the formidable strength Oasis's father possessed.

He spoke with admiration, recounting the times they fought side by side, and how much Oasis resembled his father not only in appearance but in spirit as well.

Despite the warmth and pride in Cedric's voice, Oasis sensed that there were things left unsaid.

Cedric avoided discussing the circumstances surrounding his father's death, and Oasis could tell it was deliberate.

Perhaps it was out of concern for Oasis's age, or maybe the pain of recalling those memories was too much for Cedric to bear.

Oasis didn't press the matter, understanding that some wounds were better left to heal in their own time.

Finally, as the sky outside turned a deep indigo, Cedric sighed and rose from his seat.

"It was great seeing you, kid," he said with a fond smile. "But I need to head back now."

His tone was gentle, but there was a firmness that suggested the responsibilities awaiting him were not to be delayed.

Before he left, Cedric reached into his robes and pulled out two small, intricately carved boxes.

He handed them to Oasis with a sense of reverence.

"Here, kid," Cedric said, his voice softer now. "The first box belonged to your father. The second is a gift from me." 

Oasis took the boxes, feeling the weight of them in his hands. The wood was smooth and warm, with the faint scent of cedar.

Cedric continued,

"Your father gave this to me and asked me to hand it to his son who is a dragon, but I didn't understand what he meant until I met you." 

A lump formed in Oasis's throat, but he managed to bow deeply, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him.

"Thank you, Uncle," he said, gratitude lacing every word.

Cedric reached out and gently brushed his hand through Oasis's hair, a gesture of affection and pride.

Then, without another word, he stepped back, his form beginning to blur at the edges.

In a matter of seconds, Cedric disappeared, his body dissolving into a whirlwind of sand that swirled briefly before settling onto the floor in tiny, shimmering grains.