"You… will pay for that… a thousand times over."
Dragos' voice was low, trembling with rage. "You sinful being."
His fiery eyes glared at Aria. "And yet… you carry the Gods Mark? The Gods must be insane." His aura exploded as flames spiraled around him. "Prepare to pay for your sins… with your life!"
He shot forward like a bullet of fire.
Aria froze, lifting her hand to shield her face—
But nothing came. No impact. No pain.
Slowly, she peeked through her fingers.
Dragos was frozen mid-charge, face bright red, eyes wide.
She tilted her head, confused—then gasped.
Her cloak had slipped open. Her chest was partially exposed.
"W-What are you staring at, you pervert!" she shrieked, quickly covering herself. "You could've said something!"
A stream of blood shot from Dragos' nose. His knees buckled, and he crashed to the floor—completely knocked out.
The dragon warrior who'd been watching from the distance trembled. "T-That's impossible… What did she do? Did she strike him? No… I didn't see anything. Was it too fast to catch…? Is this the power of Lord Azreal's student?"
He looked at Aria in disbelief. "She's terrifying… She took down Lord Dragos without lifting a finger…"
Aria knelt beside Dragos, poking his cheek. "Hey! Are you dead?" She checked his nose. "…Still breathing. Good."
The dragon warrior stepped back. She's ruthless… Not satisfied with defeating him, she's checking if he's dead to finish the job… His thoughts were interrupted by Aria's voice.
"Go get someone to help. He needs medical attention."
"…Already done," the warrior replied, still shaken.
Aria pulled Dragos' arm over her shoulder, struggling to lift him. "Man, he's heavy… How do we get back underground—?"
Soldiers suddenly rushed in. "Lord Dragos!"
They froze at the scene—Lord Dragos unconscious in her arms, blood on his face.
"You did this!" one shouted. "Arrest her!"
"Wha—?! No, it's not what you think!" Aria protested, but they didn't listen. They chained her hands while others carried Dragos away.
"I can explain!"
Her voice echoed as they dragged her deeper into the mountain.
---
DRAKZHUL – Fifth Underground Layout
Heat wrapped the air like a furnace. Lava bubbled like boiling water, glowing rivers flowing from dragon mouths carved into the volcanic rock.
They dragged Aria down a molten path to a prison carved into stone.
A heavy door creaked open.
"In you go."
The door slammed shut behind her.
Aria pounded the metal bars. "Hey! I didn't do anything!" No response.
She slid down against the wall, face buried in her palms. "Great… Now how am I supposed to investigate this stupid Gate of Hell…"
She lay back on the cold floor, staring up at the glowing ceiling.
---
DRAGON MANOR – Dragos' Room
Dragos lay on a grand bed, a towel on his forehead. Maids and guards filled the room with worried faces.
He slowly sat up, groaning. "Why the long faces? I'm not dead."
He clutched his head. "What… even happened?"
One guard stepped forward. "We don't know, my lord. But we've arrested the perpetrator."
Dragos blinked—then remembered. His lips curled into a grin.
"That sinful being… Of course she'd do something like that…"
Sylthira stepped forward, furious. "Who is this vile girl?!"
"She's named Aria," a guard answered. "Sent here by Lord Azreal."
"The one with the Gods Mark?" Sylthira hissed. "How dare she—!"
"That's enough." Dragos cut in, voice sharp. "I said I'm fine."
"But my lord—!"
"I won't repeat myself."
Sylthira stormed out in frustration. The rest followed, leaving Dragos alone.
He stared at a painting on the wall—
A battered young man on a burning cliff. Above him, a golden dragon of divine flame, coiled in the sky.
Their eyes locked.
Dragos clenched his fists. " Lord Azreal… if I'm to train her, then you'll meet my conditions."
---
DRAKZHUL – Prison Cell
Aria sat up, arms folded.
A soft glow appeared, forming into a small dragon.
"Wah!" Aria jumped. "What the—Syrix?!"
"No," the dragon chuckled. "I am Arian. Lord Azreal's royal dragon."
"Oh… So you're from Azreal?" she relaxed.
"Yes. I'm only here in spirit. Lord Azreal sent me to guide you during your mission to investigate the Fifth Gate."
Aria smiled. "That's actually kind of thoughtful…"
"Let's begin with a story," Arian said. "The myth of Dragos—the human who became flame."
The room flickered with light as the dragon's voice echoed:
> "Long ago, in the ashes of Drakenlore, the Dragon God mourned his fallen kin.
None of the draconoids proved worthy to inherit his soul.
But then, a human—broken and nameless—climbed the burning mountain alone.
He did not kneel.
He simply said, 'If none are worthy, then let me burn instead.'
Moved by the human's resolve, the Dragon God made a pact.
Burn with me… and be reborn.
Thus was born Dragos, the Flame-Bound One… the first of the Dragon Kings."
Aria's eyes widened. "So Dragos was once… human? That's why he feels different from the others."
"Correct," Arian said. "That myth is well known. It's painted and carved all throughout Drakzhul."
"That's… actually kind of cool. So how'd he become the Pillar of the Fifth Gate?"
"That's a story for later."
Click…
The prison door opened. A guard stepped in.
"I thought I heard talking," he muttered.
Aria turned—Arian had vanished.
She smiled innocently. "Who would I talk to in a prison cell?"
"Lord Dragos has ordered your release. Come."
"Told you I was innocent," she whispered, walking out.
---
DRAKARTH – First Underground Layout
They led Aria back to her room. She flopped onto the bed with a tired groan.
"Arian?" she whispered.
The small dragon appeared above her. "Apologies, Lady Aria. I had to vanish quickly."
"No problem," she sat up. "So… where do we start investigating?"
"I've already scouted ahead. There's a room deep inside the Second Layout. That's where we begin."
"The second layout?" Aria sighed. "Great. What if I get caught? What if Lord Dragos—?"
"Relax. He's still brooding after what happened. He won't come near you for now."
"…Fair point." She stood up. "Alright. Let's move."
As she reached the door, she paused. "Uh… how do I get there without getting lost?"
"I'll guide you from your mind. Silent and safe."
Aria smiled. "Nice."
---
IGNOVAR – Second Underground Layout
They walked for a while… until the landscape changed.
A beautiful golden light bathed the space.
Rows and rows of massive shelves stretched to the heavens, stacked with ancient tomes and scrolls. Glowing dragon runes floated midair. Crystal lanterns lit the space with a soft, magical shimmer.
"Whoa…" Aria whispered. "Is this…?"
Arian's voice echoed in her mind.
"Welcome to Ignovar — the Dragon Library. Home to knowledge from every era."
"It's beautiful…"
"Follow me."
They walked through the glowing maze of knowledge, turning until they reached a towering, ancient door. It stood alone at the heart of the library.
"This is it," Arian said.
Aria stepped forward, placing her hand on the handle.
"Well then," she smiled. "Let's see what secrets you're hiding…"
And with a push, the door creaked open.