Chapter 23: A New Flame
Thor slowly approached the fallen colossal dragon, its massive body sprawled across the scorched earth like a defeated mountain. Smoke still rose from its wounds, and the ground trembled faintly from the remnants of its fading power. The silence after the battle was deafening, broken only by the crackle of dying flames and the distant cries of retreating dragons.
With steady steps, Thor gripped his mighty axe and called forth the divine power of thunder. His body shimmered with dark blue lightning as he raised the weapon high. The energy surged into the blade, illuminating the skies with divine fury. Without hesitation, Thor brought the axe down, severing the dragon's head in a clean, powerful strike. The earth shook as the head fell with a thunderous thud.
After the decapitation, Thor extended his hand over the slain beast's body. His eyes glowed as he activated his unique ability—the King of Gluttony, a power inherited from Rimuru. A swirling vortex of energy surrounded the dragon's corpse, and piece by piece, the titanic creature was consumed, absorbed into Thor's essence. A torrent of new strength flowed through him—heat, fire, ancient rage. He had gained the power to control fire, a core ability that once belonged to the fallen dragon.
Thor clenched his fist, feeling the new energy coursing through his body, enhancing his senses and strength. It wasn't just raw power—it was an inheritance of dominance. He took a deep breath, stabilizing the immense force within him, before turning back toward the direction of the sea.
As the dust settled and the smoke cleared, Hiccup and the others returned to the island, flying carefully above the ruins of what once was a volcano. The air was thick with ash and the scent of burnt wood and stone. Their dragons circled cautiously before landing.
Hiccup's eyes widened as he saw Shiro—a glowing white Light Fury standing beside Thor. He walked closer, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Hey, Thor… when were you planning to tell us about her?" he asked, pointing at Shiro.
Thor, calm and composed, smiled a little. "I was waiting for the right moment to introduce Shiro to you guys. You know how stubborn Father can be about certain things."
Gobber, standing beside Stoick, chuckled. "On that, he's got a point."
Stoick sighed deeply. He looked at his two sons—one who had befriended a Night Fury, and another who stood calmly beside a Light Fury while crackling with thunderous power. For a long moment, he remained silent. Then, crossing his arms, he finally spoke. "Alright. You've won. You can keep the dragons."
Thor looked down at Shiro and nodded. "Shiro, you can return to your human form."
Shiro, obedient and graceful, shimmered as white lightning danced around her. In a flash, she transformed back into her human appearance—a small, silver-haired girl with captivating red eyes and an air of innocence. Her look was striking, reminiscent of a fragile doll, yet her presence held immense power. She immediately ran up to Thor and jumped into his arms, wrapping herself around him tightly.
Thor caught her without effort and held her close, smiling gently. "This was another reason I didn't say anything. Shiro's not just an ordinary dragon."
Astrid, having just landed, saw the affectionate scene and quickly approached Thor. She narrowed her eyes and pinched his arm, her tone sharp but tinged with jealousy. "So… the scent of another woman I kept picking up on you… that was her, wasn't it?"
Thor blinked, surprised. "You… smelled Shiro?"
Astrid crossed her arms. "I'm not stupid, Thor. I've been by your side constantly. How could I not notice something like that, you idiot?"
Thor scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile. "Fair enough."
Shiro, still in Thor's arms, tilted her head curiously at Astrid, clearly unsure how to react to the tension. But Thor simply gave her a reassuring nod. She pouted slightly but remained quiet, watching Astrid with a mix of innocence and curiosity.
Meanwhile, Stoick stood back, observing everything. He saw two sons who had chosen their own paths—ones filled with trust, power, and unexpected allies. They had fought side by side with dragons, made difficult decisions, and survived a battle that could have claimed their lives.
He exhaled a long, thoughtful breath.
The wind picked up, carrying the salty scent of the sea as waves crashed softly against the blackened shore. The sky, once filled with smoke and fire, was now opening to let the light of dusk pour over the battlefield. It was the end of one war—but the beginning of something far greater. A shift in their way of life. A future where dragons and humans might walk together, no longer as enemies, but as allies.
As Thor stood tall beside Shiro, still glowing faintly with divine thunder, Hiccup looked at him with admiration and a sense of wonder. "You've changed," he said quietly.
Thor turned his gaze toward his younger brother. "So have you."
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