Chapter 68.5

Gazing into the golden eyes that peered at him through the cracks in the eggshell, Bahamut couldn't help but feel a sense of intelligence emanating from the dragonling, a trait distinct from the four-limbed dragons he had encountered before. The paw that had cracked the shell wasn't a leg, but rather similar to his own arms, confirming that the hatchling possessed the same physical structure as him—much to Bahamut's delight.

Approaching the newborn with delicate steps, Bahamut felt the weight of responsibility as a parent to the baby dragon. The dilemma of whether to assist the hatchling in breaking free from the egg or to let it navigate the process itself lingered in Bahamut's mind. In the fantastical world of dragons, hatching was a sacred and pivotal moment—a transition from the safety of the egg to the vast world beyond. The ability of the hatchling to break free and consume its own shell symbolized resilience and the instinctual strength required to thrive in the challenging world that awaited.

However, Bahamut found himself uncertain about whether these fantastical traditions applied to the dragons in this world. The only certainty he had was that hatchlings did indeed consume the broken shells of their eggs, based on his experience raising four dragons.

After some time, the hatchling grew bolder as it observed Bahamut's lack of hostility, finding strength in its hunger to overcome the initial fear of the powerful elder dragon. To Bahamut's surprise, the baby dragon of his kind proved to be irresistibly cute. Moreover, from the distinct scent that lingered in the air, Bahamut confirmed that the hatchling was, indeed, a female.

Motivated by newfound courage, Aithusa used her strength to break free from the eggshell, a spectacle that Bahamut found both impressive and endearing. Without hesitation, she began to consume the broken shells, exhibiting a swift and efficient appetite. Bahamut couldn't tear his eyes away from the enchanting creature—a moving, shining black stone that was only half the size of a fully grown cat. The two baby horns atop her head gave her a distinctive appearance, making her head seem slightly larger for her diminutive body.

Bahamut continued to observe Aithusa, captivated by her every move, until she finished consuming the shells and turned her gaze toward him. He sensed a nervous energy emanating from the baby dragon, a natural response to the inherent superiority and the formidable presence he carried as a dragon. It was a pressure not to be taken lightly.

Deciding that it was time to bestow a name upon the hatchling—a name that would shape her identity and destiny—Bahamut approached Aithusa with careful steps. With a gentle smile, he declared, "Your name shall be Aithusa."

In response, Aithusa blinked, as if recognizing the given name. Bahamut, ever the elder dragon, continued to approach her with care, extending a warm welcome. "Welcome, Aithusa," he spoke with a tone that resonated with wisdom. "May your wings soar through the skies, and may your flames burn with the intensity of a thousand suns."