chp

As I passed through the portal, disorientation gripped me instantly. My vision blurred, and my senses were overwhelmed by a sudden, nauseating twist as the world around me contorted. I felt an intense pull, like gravity was dragging me in every direction at once, leaving me dizzy and weightless. Then, just as suddenly, the sensation changed—I was plummeting.

The rush of air tore at my clothes and hair as I tumbled freely through the sky. I gasped, the wind snatching the sound away before it could fully form. For a split second, my mind was blank, lost in the sheer, exhilarating chaos of freefall. It was then that I realized where I was—high above an endless expanse of blue, with no land in sight. The portal had thrown me far from any solid ground, and now I was hurtling down towards the sea.

Despite the rush of adrenaline, I forced myself to focus. I was falling fast, but I wasn't powerless. I let the initial panic fade, taking in the sensation of wind roaring past my ears and the chill of the open sky. For a brief moment, I couldn't help but revel in the wild freedom of the fall—the unrestrained, untamed feeling of the world rushing past me.

Then, with a swift, practiced motion, I shifted. My body twisted mid-air, and in a blur of feathers, I transformed into my peregrine falcon form. Wings snapped open, catching the air with a forceful grace that turned my uncontrolled descent into a masterful dive. The wind that had once been a harsh, uncontrollable force now became my ally, flowing over my streamlined form as I leveled out, feeling the freedom of the skies in a way no human ever could.

As I soared, my keen falcon eyes scanned the horizon, adapting quickly to the new world. The sky was a vivid, unbroken blue, stretching endlessly in every direction, and below me, the sea glimmered with a brilliant intensity. It was unlike any ocean I had ever seen—its waters shifted from deep, unfathomable blues to shimmering, almost luminescent greens. There was something almost magical about it, as if the sea itself was alive with power.

No land in sight. Just endless water, speckled occasionally by strange, luminous creatures that flickered just beneath the surface. Giant schools of fish twisted and turned in synchronized patterns, reflecting sunlight in dazzling displays, while larger, shadowy figures moved gracefully in the depths, hinting at the vastness of the world below.

I angled my wings, riding an updraft to gain altitude. I needed to find land or something to orient myself. Despite the apparent beauty, I had no intention of testing how long I could survive alone in the open ocean. My sharp eyes caught glimpses of distant birds circling far off, and I focused on them, knowing they could lead me to some hidden island or floating debris.

This wasn't how I planned to start my journey, but that was the nature of stepping into the unknown. No amount of preparation could account for every possibility, and the key was to adapt swiftly. If nothing else, it was a reminder that in this new world, the rules could be entirely different—and that I would need to stay sharp if I was going to survive whatever lay ahead.

After what felt like an hour of soaring, scanning, and calculating my surroundings, I finally spotted something that broke the endless expanse of water—an island, or rather, a cluster of them, scattered like emerald jewels against the blue canvas of the sea. From this height, they appeared small, but they were enough to pique my curiosity and give me a sense of direction. It was my first tangible connection to this world, a sign that I wasn't condemned to drift above an infinite ocean forever.

As I approached, the islands revealed more of their nature. Each one varied in size, shape, and vegetation. Some were little more than rocky outcrops, while others were lush with dense, vibrant greenery that spilled down into white sandy beaches. The sight was captivating—almost surreal, like something out of a storybook or a dreamscape where nature had been left untouched by human hands.

This world, at first glance, seemed to be composed of numerous islands, each one unique and distinct from the next. Some had jagged cliffs plunging into the sea, surrounded by crashing waves that sprayed mist into the air. Others were flat and serene, their shores gently kissed by the calm, crystalline waters. The landscape hinted at the possibility of a vast archipelago or perhaps even an entire realm defined by islands—each with its secrets, dangers, and resources.

But I knew better than to make assumptions so early. For all I knew, this could be just one part of a much larger landmass, or these islands could be all there was in this world. It was too soon to draw conclusions; the only thing certain was that I had found something solid amidst the endless sea.

I circled one of the larger islands, studying it closely before committing to land. Tall trees with thick canopies dominated the landscape, their leaves a deep, rich green. They reminded me of jungles—wild, dense, and teeming with unknown life. Streams of water sparkled as they wound their way through the foliage, hinting at fresh water sources. Below, I spotted a variety of wildlife, creatures unfamiliar yet fascinating, some similar to those in my own world but with subtle, odd differences.

I made a swift, controlled descent, landing gracefully on a sturdy branch high above the forest floor. My talons gripped the rough bark as I took in my surroundings from this new vantage point. The island was alive with sound—the rustling of leaves, distant calls of strange birds, and the hum of insects. It was a thriving ecosystem, and I could feel the magic in the air, faint but unmistakable. This was a land that breathed with life, mystery, and uncharted potential.

My mind buzzed with possibilities. This island could be a base, a place to gather information and resources before venturing further. Or it could be a temporary refuge while I figured out the lay of the land. Either way, it was a start, and I was eager to explore. But I had to be cautious; whatever inhabited this world might not take kindly to an intruder, no matter how small or unassuming.

With my heightened senses as a falcon, I'd gather as much information as I could from this vantage point. And when the time was right, I'd make my next move. I had come prepared for challenges, and if this world thought it could outsmart me, it was sorely mistaken.

One thing that captivated me almost immediately was the sheer number of dragons. Yes, dragons—majestic, powerful creatures that dominated the skies and lands of this world. But these weren't like the dragons of the Harry Potter universe, where dragon's blood was prized for its magical properties and dragons themselves were volatile and dangerous, to be tamed or avoided. These dragons were entirely different, more varied, and in many ways, more awe-inspiring.

I spent hours watching them from the safety of my perch, entranced by the sheer diversity among them. There were dragons with two limbs and two wings, their sleek forms reminiscent of giant, menacing birds. Others had four limbs and wings, like the traditional Western dragons of ancient myths, muscular and powerful, with scales that shimmered in the sunlight. And then, there were the truly bizarre—a species with two heads, each moving independently yet perfectly in sync, like some twisted, fantastical evolution gone right. The array of colors, shapes, and sizes was endless, each dragon boasting unique patterns and characteristics that hinted at their distinct roles in this ecosystem.

But what truly fascinated me was their behavior. They weren't the rampaging beasts that terrorized villages or hoarded treasure as the stories often painted them. Instead, these dragons displayed a surprising level of intelligence and social structure. I watched as they hunted, their diets primarily consisting of fish they plucked effortlessly from the ocean or small animals that roamed the islands. They hunted with efficiency and precision, wasting no effort and rarely causing unnecessary destruction.

Unlike the dragons in my world, who were known for their aggression and territorial nature, these dragons avoided conflict unless absolutely necessary. They moved with a sort of graceful detachment, as though perfectly in tune with their surroundings and uninterested in petty squabbles. Even when they interacted with one another, it was with a clear hierarchy and mutual respect, rarely resulting in the chaotic fights I'd have expected. It was almost like watching a community—each dragon had its role, and they all seemed to understand the balance of their world.

It was clear to me that this place wasn't just home to dragons—it was shaped by them. They were woven into the fabric of the ecosystem, a keystone species that influenced every aspect of life around them. They didn't merely exist; they thrived, contributing to the world's balance in a way that was both subtle and profound. Some guarded nests on rocky cliffs, others patrolled the skies, and a few even seemed to have established symbiotic relationships with smaller creatures, guiding them to food sources or protecting them from predators.

There was a serenity to them, a sense of belonging that the dragons in the Harry Potter universe lacked. These dragons didn't just breathe magic; they embodied it, living harmoniously with their environment. It wasn't lost on me how different they were from what I knew—where dragons in my world were either controlled, subdued, or hidden away, these dragons lived freely and openly, rulers of their domain yet not tyrants.

I found myself growing more fascinated with each passing day, my mind racing with the possibilities. Could these dragons be tamed or befriended? Was there some hidden knowledge they held that I could tap into? They were unlike any magical creature I had encountered before, and I was determined to learn more. In a way, they felt like living, breathing embodiments of the wild—untamable, yet not hostile; powerful, yet not cruel.

As I continued to observe them, I realized that this world wasn't just a dangerous new realm—it was a land of opportunity. A place where dragons ruled not with fear, but with respect. And perhaps, if I played my cards right, this world and its dragons could offer me something far greater than mere power: understanding.

The ticking clock of my month-long trip left little time for leisurely observation. I needed information—and fast. Spotting a village nestled against the forest, I descended, my peregrine form gracefully shifting back into my human one just beyond the treeline. The place reeked of barbarism, the kind of raw and unrefined existence that made my skin crawl. Rough voices, harsh laughter, and the clanging of metal echoed through the village, its people adorned in furs and crude armor, brandishing weapons with an air of constant readiness. They were nothing like the wizards and witches of my world; they were warriors, dragon hunters, primitive in their hatred and brutality.

I activated my Sinking Shadow card, slipping seamlessly into the darkness that clung to the village's edges. The shadows embraced me, concealing my presence entirely as I moved unnoticed through the bustling streets. From the safety of my concealment, I listened, absorbing their words. At first, their language was a muddled mess of grunts and harsh sounds, but a quick translation spell solved that little inconvenience. It didn't take long to understand the core of their twisted society: a ceaseless war with the dragons. The villagers despised the creatures, hunting them relentlessly, and in turn, the dragons retaliated, perpetuating a cycle of violence that neither side seemed willing to break.

Among the rough huts and wooden fortifications, I pinpointed the largest dwelling—clearly the chief's quarters. Stealthily, I made my way inside, the shadows parting just enough to reveal a rugged man sitting upon a throne-like chair, clearly accustomed to authority. The chief's dwelling was dimly lit, filled with the lingering scent of smoke and leather. Furs lined the walls, trophies of past hunts hung with pride—a dragon skull here, a set of claws there, each telling a story of battles fought and won. He sat at the center, his broad shoulders hunched over, lost in thought as if planning the next raid on a dragon's nest. He looked every bit the warrior king of this rugged village, commanding respect with his mere presence. But all that would mean nothing soon enough.

As I emerged from the shadows, the chief's head snapped up, his expression quickly shifting from confusion to a guarded hostility. His eyes darted to the hammer beside him, fingers twitching as if debating whether to reach for it or not. I could see the flicker of battle instincts fighting against the overwhelming disbelief. After all, it wasn't every day a young girl materialized from the darkness without warning. His hand finally moved, gripping the hammer's handle, and he stood abruptly, muscles tense and ready to strike.

"W-who are you?!" His voice boomed, laced with a mix of authority and a hint of fear that he tried—and failed—to mask. The hammer in his grasp wasn't just a weapon; it was a statement of his power, forged from countless victories. But now, in the presence of someone he couldn't understand, that power was slipping.

I didn't flinch. His bluster was meaningless against what I was about to do. I moved forward, deliberately slow, my steps echoing with confidence. The chief's eyes widened, darting between me and his weapon, trying to reconcile what was happening.

"What trickery is this?" he growled, his voice betraying the panic he was struggling to contain. I stopped just out of his reach, my wand flicking up with casual precision. There was a glint of pure fear in his eyes now, something primal that no amount of dragon hunting could have prepared him for.

"Shush," I whispered softly, my voice almost tender, as if comforting a scared child. "There's no need for that." The chief's grip tightened, but he hesitated. My presence, my calmness—it unnerved him in a way that no dragon ever could. The power I held was alien, incomprehensible, and it made him feel small, insignificant.

He opened his mouth, perhaps to bark another command, or maybe to shout for help, but I didn't give him the chance. With a smooth flick of my wand, a shimmering thread of magic shot forth, winding its way into his mind. His eyes widened, then glazed over, the light in them dimming as I sifted through his memories like pages in a book. I watched his past unfold—the brutal skirmishes, the fiery clashes, the years of blood and triumph. It was all laid bare before me, and with each passing second, the chief's expression grew emptier.

I saw him battle dragons of all kinds: monstrous beasts with scales like armor, fire-breathing titans that towered over men. He had been a force to be reckoned with in his prime, and yet now, here he stood—defeated without a single blow exchanged. His memories flowed into me, rich with the raw, untamed magic of this world. I plucked out every fragment of knowledge about dragons, their habits, their weaknesses, their hidden lairs. I took it all, and with each stolen thought, the chief's once-proud figure slumped a little more.

"You've seen so much," I mused aloud, my tone almost mocking. "But now, none of it matters." I withdrew my wand, severing the magical connection. The chief staggered back, his hammer slipping from his grasp and clattering to the floor. He collapsed into his throne, eyes dull and vacant, stripped of everything that had defined him. He was nothing more than a husk now, a puppet left without strings.

The hammer caught my eye—a beautifully crafted weapon, sturdy and battle-worn, yet still gleaming with a deadly allure. I picked it up, feeling its weight, admiring the intricate designs etched into the metal. It was heavy, yes, but balanced, a perfect weapon for a perfect hunter. I swung it once, testing the heft, and smiled. It was mine now, a token of my brief reign over this world's greatest dragon hunter.

I turned back to the chief, now little more than a lifeless statue on his throne. He stared ahead, unseeing, his mind an empty void where once the fires of battle had burned.

"Thanks for the memories," I said lightly, giving a mock bow before turning away. As I slipped back into the shadows, the once-great hunter was left behind, dethroned without ever knowing why. I had taken everything he was in mere moments, leaving behind nothing but a silent room and a forgotten hammer in my grip.

Time was ticking, and I still had so much more to explore before my window closed.