-1260- I'm here

"Boom!"

A massive surge of magic roared, dispersing the surrounding storm-like heat and revealing the scene within to everyone's sight.

Rozen stood at the center of the magic, closest to Stella. His body was unharmed, except for his clothes emitting wisps of smoke as if burnt, indicating some effect.

"Such incredible power, comparable to a true dragon," Rozen remarked while looking at his smoking body, not showing any mercy. Countless silver-white chains erupted from behind him like sparks, swiftly shooting towards Stella, tightly entwining her arms, thighs, waist, and neck.

"Ahh...! Ahhh...!"

Stella continued to struggle incessantly, her strength causing the silver-white chains wrapped around her body to groan and rustle with each movement.

Unfortunately, even with this power, Stella couldn't break free from the Injunction Shackles.

That was to be expected.

Once bound by the Injunction Shackles, only divine energy could break these chains unless countered with targeted abilities.

In other words, this was a magical device that only those touching the divine realm could deal with.

Moreover...

"Even if it's a mythical dragon, being unbound is one thing, but once bound, there's no escaping," Rozen declared while grabbing a chain and infusing it with his magic.

"Hmmmm...!"

The chains entwining Stella immediately trembled, as the divine energy wave began to take effect.

Under the suppression of the divine energy, Stella's magic began to be sealed, causing the astonishing heat emanating from her to gradually dim.

"Ugh... Ugh..."

Thanks to this, Stella's struggles weakened, her strength suppressed, allowing her to slightly recover from her state of loss of control.

But it was only temporary.

The Injunction Shackles merely sealed Stella's magic, not eliminating it. Thus, the dragon power within Stella's body continued to boil, causing the glow from the wound on her chest to flicker.

Stella continued to endure the incredible heat within her, emitting a low moan of anguish.

Until...

"Focus and try to control the power within yourself."

Rozen remained closest to Stella, his face turning serious as his voice resounded.

"It's okay; losing control is temporary. The dragon blood injected into you not only awakened the power within you but also transformed your flesh, making your nature closer to that of a true dragon. That's why your power has become stronger, leading to loss of control. But think about it, how much effort have you put into controlling your abilities in the past?"

Rozen's voice seemed to penetrate directly into Stella's heart. As it reached her ears, her mind cleared.

Guided by Rozen's voice, Stella remembered her past.

Because of her overwhelming magical power, Stella's abilities had always been in an overly powerful state, causing her body to burn since she was young, subjecting her to much pain.

However, in order to become a powerful Blazer and a reliance of the Vermillion Empire, Stella endured the agonizing pain of burning flesh, persevering without giving up, eventually spending three years successfully controlling her magic, controlling her flames.

That's why Stella's magic control reached the B level, proving that she had never slackened in controlling her magic and strength.

Such Stella could be considered a super all-around warrior.

And then...

"Although your awakening in the past only partially utilized your abilities, you've spent a lot of time training to control them. Now that this power has been fully awakened, even enhanced, you've become stronger than before. You've also successfully controlled a part of this power. So, controlling your current power isn't impossible for you."

Rozen's voice, like true magic, continued to penetrate Stella's heart.

"So, you don't need to be afraid now, and you don't need to rush. Just like before, feel the heat within you, control the power within you, let the dragon blood within you truly become your flesh and blood. That way, you'll be able to control this sudden surge of power."

"It's okay to try."

"I'm here."

Rozen spoke these words.

Listening to this voice, feeling these words, Stella's heart inexplicably calmed down.

This was not only because of Rozen's comfort, but also because Rozen's voice and words triggered Stella's memories.

(I remember when my abilities first awakened, and I was manipulated by flames, the people around me were also like this, never leaving me for a moment, constantly comforting and soothing me.)

They also told me not to be afraid.

They also told me not to rush.

Even if it's painful, it's okay.

Because...

"We're here."

The voice of my family (the people) at that time, and the voice of Rozen now, perfectly overlapped.

Let Stella's heart directly calm down.

Indeed.

(I've always been so fortunate; no matter what pain and difficulties I face, the people around me will help and cherish me.)

Even in a foreign country, encountering unfamiliar classmates, there are still people willing to stay by my side, supporting me even when I'm in pain and out of control.

Therefore, Stella sincerely feels.

(I am truly a very lucky person.)

Since that's the case...

(Since that's the case, I must improve myself even more and never disappoint everyone.)

Stella's eyes, like crimson flames, suddenly cleared up, engraving the figure of Rozen, who had been standing in front of her with unwavering gaze, into her pupils.

Then...

"Ugh...! Ah...!"

Stella gritted her teeth against the scorching heat within her, beginning to feel the surging power within her body and gradually attempting to control it.

"Thud, thud, thud..."

Gradually, the pulsation of the scarlet wound on Stella's chest became more rhythmic.

And the heat emanating from Stella's body gradually subsided, no longer raging but undulating in a very orderly manner.

Seeing this, Rozen first appeared somewhat stunned, then suddenly smiled.

"She got it right away, and immediately grasped the trick; she's truly a gifted girl."

Perhaps, in terms of talent and ability alone, apart from summoning, Rozen couldn't compare to this princess.

Unlike the naturally talentless Ikki, this princess was destined to be the most talented individual in this world. Under normal circumstances, Rozen could only admit defeat.

Perhaps...

"Once fully absorbing the dragon blood and awakening the power, this princess can reach a strategic level height; who knows?"

Rozen found himself somewhat anticipating, feeling a sense of achievement.

"Is this the mindset of a mentor?"

If so, Rozen somewhat understood why Scáthach cherished talent and loved talent so much.

Truly...

"It's irresistible."

With this thought in mind, Rozen observed Stella's efforts.

Time passed slowly in this state of affairs.