Draconic continent

The Draconic Continent was characterized by its great diversity of ecosystems, including forests, volcanic zones, and ice-covered areas. You could see some dragons flying around, preferring to keep their full form. The continent was divided into clans to which different types of dragons belonged, each controlled by the strongest dragon.

At the heart of the continent was the capital city, Darkstorm, named in honor of the first emperor. The city was surrounded by high walls, guarded by armored sentries. In the center of the city stood the castle where the imperial family and the current emperor, Zyron Nefarius Darkstorm, lived.

Within the castle walls, several people were gathered in a dining room. Seated at the head of the table was a mature-looking man with curved purple horns protruding from his head. His purple hair reached down to his back, and like his hair, his eyes were a similar amethyst color. He wore a purple robe with some dark parts.

Beside him sat a beautiful woman with long hair that also reached her back. Her eyes were pink, and like the man, she had black horns protruding from her head. She wore an elegant black dress that accentuated her figure.

The other two people seated, one on each side, were a young man and woman. The young woman's features were identical to those of the mature woman, while the young man's features were identical to those of the man seated at the head of the table.

While enjoying their meal, Zyron spoke: "Soon you will leave for the academy. I need you to be prepared. Thalgrim, I want you to look after your sister while you're there."

"Understood, Father," Thalgrim replied, his voice serious.

The young woman leaned forward with a snort. "Hmmm... I'm stronger than Thalgrim; he should be the one needing protection."

Lysandra, the Empress, intervened with a soft voice. "Ember, darling, you shouldn't be like that with your brother. Besides, if you're not careful, he might surpass you soon."

Ember frowned slightly but then smiled with a mix of pride and defiance. "Alright, Mother. But don't worry about us. If anyone tries to bother us, we'll show them why dragons are the strongest."

Her eyes lit up dangerously as she added, "I'll make them regret crossing our path!"

Watching his sister, Thalgrim muttered, "Battle maniac," something only Zyron and Lysandra heard.

Changing the subject, Zyron asked, "What have you been doing today?"

Thalgrim replied while wiping his mouth with a napkin, "I've been reading in the library; I heard the academy also has alchemy classes, so I decided to prepare."

After Thalgrim finished speaking, Lysandra burst into laughter, tears streaming from her eyes. "Hahaha! You want to be an alchemist?"

Ember raised an eyebrow, looking at her brother with some mockery. "An alchemist? Wouldn't it be more appropriate for you to focus on your physical skills, Thalgrim? I don't see you as someone inclined to potions and experiments in a lab."

Thalgrim sighed, used to his sister's jokes. "Well, I'm not just muscles and strength, unlike someone who spends every morning fighting with the guards."

Watching their children argue, Lysandra turned to Zyron with an affectionate smile. "Ember is just like you when we first met, always looking for a strong opponent."

In a rare moment, Zyron lost his composure, his face darkening slightly as he remembered his dark past. "Dear, back then I was a hot-blooded young man. I just wanted to prove to my father that I was strong..."

Lysandra responded with a soft chuckle without saying anything.

************

After breakfast, Lysandra and Zyron went to attend to some empire-related matters. Meanwhile, the siblings walked through the castle hallways, talking.

"Do you think there will be anyone who can defeat me at the academy?" Ember asked, a bit expectantly.

"Well, there will surely be many strong people you can fight. I heard the children of other rulers will also attend, especially the first prince of the Human Empire; they say he is very talented," Thalgrim replied.

Ember nodded, considering Thalgrim's words. "I know, I know. It would be disappointing if there wasn't anyone who could give me a decent fight. I want to measure my skills against the best."

Thalgrim reflected for a moment. "Well, the academy is known for gathering talented young people from all continents. I'm sure you'll find some worthy rivals."

Ember nodded with determination. "I hope so. I don't want my time there to be boring."

Ember looked at her brother with a mischievous smile. "And you, Thalgrim? What will you do?"

Thalgrim pondered for a moment, not noticing her mischievous smile. "Well, apart from improving my sword skills, maybe I'll learn about diplomacy like Mom."

"Humph… my spear will be enough to end any conflict," Ember replied, planning to strike anyone who got in her way.

"It's been a long time since we flew. How about we race to see who gets to the forest first?" Ember asked suddenly.

"Alright, the loser cooks," Thalgrim responded.

***

After walking through the castle, the siblings arrived at one of the highest towers. Ember approached the edge, looking out at the vast horizon, and with a challenging smile, said, "I'll see you on the other side, brother, because today you'll be the one cooking."

Without waiting for a response, Ember ran forward and jumped off the edge of the tower. As she fell, her body began to transform. Her limbs elongated, her skin turned scaly, and enormous, majestic horns appeared on her head. In a matter of seconds, Ember had become an imposing Western dragon with pink scales, her wings spreading with a swift movement that cut through the air.

Not to be outdone, Thalgrim jumped after her. As he descended, his body also began to change. He transformed into a Western dragon with purple scales and powerful black horns, beating the air with his wings.

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[NT:I forgot to introduce this fmc, I know some may not like that the mc is not given time but I promise that after the tournament part, I will focus on the mc.]