The Dragon Attack

Esvor and his two men, along with the elf, ventured into a nearby cave. They carefully navigated the narrow tunnels, their torches casting flickering shadows on the rocky walls. After a while, they came to a halt when they spotted a large wardrobe, hiding in the shadows, blocking their path.

Working together, they pushed the wardrobe aside, revealing a hidden entrance. They squeezed through the opening and found themselves in the lower level of Icy Hearts. Barrels of beer and other supplies lined the walls, some animal heads decorated the walls.

They ascended the stairs leading to the main tavern above. As they came into the lively atmosphere of Icy Heart's, the sound of laughter and chatter filled their ears.

"We're here," Esvor whispered to his men, his voice barely audible over the conversation and clinking glasses in the tavern. "You two head back and gather the rest of the soldiers in the city. Tell Roderick to be fast."

"Yes, sir," one of the men replied, nodding briskly. "We'll round up everyone as soon as possible. When are we taking over the city?"

"We'll lay low for a bit and spread out in the districts. If we stay in the same place, people would get suspicious."

"Okay. Where would we find you after the soldiers are gathered, King? In here again?"

"No. In Arcane Grovel Academy. Roderick knows the place."

"Understood, sir."

"Great," Esvor said. "Elf, come with me. I'm going to take you to KCO."

"O-okay..." the elf stammered nervously, following Esvor closely.

They exited the tavern, strolling down the street at a slow pace. The little girl followed closely behind Esvor, who grappled with the stifling heat. His skin was accustomed to cold and harsh conditions, typical of someone born in the Snow Fallen.

As they got closer to the building with the big KCO sign, the little girl looked down sadly.

"There it is. KCO," Esvor said. "The staff are all Dierman-blessed. They'll take good care of you."

"I don't want to leave…" she pleaded.

"Come on. I explained why you have to, elf," Esvor replied.

"No!" Her voice rose with frustration as she closed her eyes and clenched her fists. "You just forced your view onto me! You explained nothing!"

"I didn't force anything. I told you the truth." Esvor countered. "You're being ridiculous, elf."

"I have a name!" she insisted. "You didn't even bother to ask my name!"

"Because I don't care. Because I shouldn't care. The high elves are the foul race. 'You' are part of that race. Part of the problem."

"I don't want to be part of anything." Her anger gave way to sadness. "I don't want that…"

"Just go away, elf!" Esvor yelled. "That's enough!"

"No!"

"Go inside!"

The patients inside KCO and the people nearby turned their heads to look at the commotion. The Rebel-King, noticing the unwanted attention, pulled up his hood and covered his face in anger.

The elf pulled a dagger from Esvor's belt and held the blade near her ear.

"What are you doing?" he asked, slowly approaching her. "Drop the knife."

"I will cut my ears!" she threatened, her hand shaking. "

"No, you won't. Drop the kn –"

The elf moved the blade, nearly slicing her ear from side to side. But Esvor, acting quickly, grabbed her arm and took the knife away. The elf began to cry immediately, overwhelmed by her emotions. The wound wasn't serious, and her ear wasn't detached, but the fear of rejection had taken its toll on her.

Esvor crouched down on one knee, bringing himself to her level. He put the knife back in his belt, his expression stern but more from concern than anger.

"What were you thinking?" he asked, his voice softening slightly. "That was a foolish thing to do."

The elf sobbed, unable to speak through her tears. Esvor placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her.

"Damn it all. Fine," he said, shaking his head. "Let's get you to Professor Yuu."

"W-who is he?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"You'll see." He stood up, brushing off his knees. "But first, KCO. We need to heal that stupid wound you made."

"I wasn't going to cut it," she admitted, her voice small. "I just hoped you'd take the knife away..."

"You cheeky little elf," he said, a small smile curling on his lips. "Come on. To KCO."

"Yes."

"And – what's your name?"

"Briar."

"What kind of name is that?"

"My dad's idea. Mom's hair was the color of briar roses."

"Briar roses, huh? Never seen one," Esvor said. "Okay, Briar. Let's get you healed."

"Okay... thank you," she murmured, following him closely as they headed toward KCO.

A roar shook the earth beneath them. Windows shattered from the force, horses bolted, and birds scattered. Esvor unsheathed his sword, his eyes scanning the sky for the source. The elf, now terrified, clung to Esvor, gripping the hem of his shirt.

A dragon with icy wings soared across the sky. The creature roared again, opening its massive mouth to unleash a wave of ice that froze an empty road. It then landed on top of the city walls, looking at its surroundings.

"Oh, shit," Esvor muttered. "A dragon..."

"No!" a citizen yelled. "Run away!"

"I've never seen a dragon attacking a city! Help!"

"Run!"

"Help me!"

"Evacuate the city!" a guard exclaimed. "Stay calm!"

"We gotta go." Esvor said to the elf. "Stick close to me."

"Okay… okay."

"Soul!"

When Ruby burst into his room, Soul closed the book he was reading and got out of bed. He quickly pulled Ruby by her arm, letting her in. She was panting, having probably run all the way from the girls' dormitory.

"There's a dragon."

"Hmm?"

"You gotta do something. It will destroy the city!"

'And I'm supposed to care, huh…'

"Okay. You go back to your room. Stay safe. I'll handle it."

"Thank you. You're the best."

"Best what?"

"Ugh…" She slumped her shoulders. "Best big brother."

"Hmm." He replied with a dull expression. "I know."

Not long after, Nia and Ayame burst in, their faces mirroring Ruby's panic.

"There's a dra –"

"I know," Soul interrupted, not letting Ayame finish. "Why do you guys come to me instead of Professor Yuu?"

"Uh – I wonder why? Because with a single cut, you can drain that dragon's blood and kill it in seconds?" Ayame said.

"Okay, fair." Soul formed a mask and a full-body armor out of his blood. "I'll teleport. Nia, Ayame, you two keep Ruby safe."

"Got it," Nia replied.

"Sure," Ayame added.

"Be safe." Nia said, walking toward him. One could understand that she was worried about him. "Okay?"

"Hmm."