Reinhart tried to get a feel for this Dralkon, but this was the first one that he had met. From the way he acted, he seemed far from an evil threat, albeit still a physical threat.
Aldren looked each of them in the eye before hesitating. His gaze landed on Reinhart, and his piercing gold eyes sparkled with a playful challenge. "In order for me to develop a specialized training for each of you, you must prove your worth. Show me your strengths and capabilities. Only then will I be sure that my time wouldn't be wasted," He declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Reluctantly, Maze agreed to his assertion, but Reinhart sensed her uneasiness. Before he could voice his concerns, Aldren swiftly turned his attention to him. The towering Dralkon was a formidable embodiment of physical strength and demanding expectation. Despite the prospect of arduous training looming above them, Reinhart's curiosity was piqued. He was keen to explore the vast potential his magical transformation offered and even more curious about the unknown cosmos of magical abilities Maze cradled in her being.
Displaying a rarely seen smile, Aldren assumed his mentor role and announced the first step of his proposed combat training, a test of their endurance and power.
Instant Dinner VS Chiseled Dragon Man!
"Is this really necessary?!" Mazed demanded and then stabbed a finger at Aldren. "If you are a friend, and you know the potential risk Farid poses, why would you want to start a fight out here?!"
Aldren smiled, showing off an impressive set of teeth that looked like a bear trap. "I can see this one's true form, and I know that I have met a creature that will grow one day to be my match!" Aldren explained with fervor, smoke starting to come from his mouth as he turned back to Reinhart, and pointed to him. "You, my new box-shaped student."
"Me? What about it?" Reinhart asked, his box shaking.
"What is it that you lost?"
Reinhart froze in the air, completely still. The gentle sway of the trees around them was the only movement in the quiet forest, save for the usual woodland creatures. He felt Aldren's eyes boring into him, but the Dralkon remained silent, waiting for an answer. "What do you mean?" He asked, ignoring the tightening coil of apprehension in his metaphorical stomach.
"The loss that brought on this transformation. The loss that caused you to become the creature you are now... An 'instant dinner' trying to navigate a magical and dangerous world." Aldren's voice was softer now, almost compassionate but with a firmness that left no room for deceit.
What did he lose? What had he lost in his past life that could've catalyzed such an unusual transformation? Reinhart pondered, his past life flashing in his mind's eye. The devastating diagnosis, the loss of his family, his home, and eventually, his purpose to live on Earth.
"I... I lost everything. My home, family, work, health," he began, choking on his words. "My life had taken a steep fall into despair. I was left with... nothing."
Aldren stayed silent for a short while, then nodded. "Now, we begin from this point. From nothing, as you say, towards discovering your new sense of self, your own strength, and untapped potential in this magical world."
His words brought an odd sense of comfort to Reinhart. For the first time since his arrival, he felt grateful for this form. Yet, even as nice as those words were, Reinhart was not without sense to ask a very basic question. "How do you know so much about me?"
A wolfish grin spread across Aldren's face, his reptilian eyes shone with what seemed like amusement. "The Dralkon may seem like monsters to you, young box, but we're not so different from humans. We have our curiosities, our secrets, and our stories. And you, Reinhart...you're an enigma that piques my interest. I just pieced together the fragments of your previous world, your nature, and your transformation. An odd part of me longs to help you rediscover yourself."
Amid all this revelation, Maze's skeptically arched eyebrows were hard to miss. Tactfully diverting attention to her, Aldren said, "Princess Maze, I have associates who are as unique and strange as I am in my race. Would you be open to learning the mastery of wind magic from them?"
Taken aback, Maze scanned Reinhart and Aldren's faces, trying to piece together her next words. She was aware that the Dralkons were capable magic-wielders but the thought of learning from them was difficult to digest. She looked back at the river, a log washed up the stream from their raft. It was a fragment of their struggles, and at Reinhart, who managed to hold his own despite his unconventional form.
Seeing her turmoil, Reinhart asked, "Who are these associates?"
With a flick of his enormous hand, Aldren summoned four Dralkon women, each of ethereal beauty and exceptional strength. Their colorful scales shimmered under the sunlight, matching up to Aldren's promise of a memorable learning experience. "These are the Sylphs," Aldren introduced, sweeping his armored hand across his four companions. "Temperamental, fierce, but loyal. They are masters of flying, wind manipulation, and they've agreed to train you."
The first Dralkon woman had a radiant orange glow about her, her fine scales glittering in fiery hues of sunrise, enhancing her lean hourglass figure. With captivating ice-blue eyes and fiery hair cascading over her shoulders, she exuded an aura of authority and grace.
The second Sylph was a stark contrast to her comrade with dark indigo scales that changed colors in the sunlight, taking on a multitude of shades. Tall and slender, she emanated a calm tranquility accentuated by her emerald-green eyes and a knowing smile that hinted at untold wisdom and experience.
Standing beside them, the third Sylph was remarkably unique in lavender scales shimmering in soft hues of violet, blue, and pink. A slight tilt of her head and an analytical gaze betrayed her as the thinker amongst them. Her cryptic amber-colored eyes radiated intelligence and keen observation, making her quite intimidating yet intriguing.
The fourth and last Sylph was the shortest among them, but what she lacked in height, she made up for in her charm and energetic aura. Her mottled red and yellow scales were like a twinkling starfield, blending uniquely with her pixie-style, short silver hair. Her hazel eyes sparkled with unparalleled intensity, reflecting her sheer enthusiasm and zest.
"When did you talk to them?" Maze asked in bewilderment, but then she put her hand to her mouth.
It had not been moving when she had talked.
"Not the fastest of the humans I have seen," The first Slyph said as she walked over to Maze. "But you have seen the fires of combat," She said, slowly placing a soft finger with a claw-like nail under Maze's chin to bring them eye to eye. "I can see it in your eyes, and the death of the one you loved deeply. I need not know you are the Princess of Fallen Kingdom to see this."
The Sylph released Maze, letting her drop back onto her feet. "You can call me Saava, and I will be the one to oversee your training along with the other Sylphs. Maylinn, Kaelan, and Vexille," Saava pointed towards each Sylph as she introduced them, their complexions ranging from deep shades of purple and green to bright hues of red and blue. Each Sylph wore their vibrant scale colors proudly, their hair adorned with shards of gemstones representing their individual rank and class within the Dralkon hierarchy.
Caught off-guard by the Sylph's sudden declaration, Maze turned a bit red, but she tried to stand tall. Something about Saava's comments affected her, but she chose not to pursue it. She gave a stiff nod, silently agreeing to go along with the guidance.
With their individual obligations set, a new pact was taking shape. A Dralkon teaching a human with moments to live and unusual powers. A Sylph warrior tutoring a distraught princess, unaware of the unlimited potential her mana held. As they foraged on toward a pathway of endless discovery, the threads of destiny began to weave an unpredictable tale of courage, resilience, and friendship. Embarking upon a series of challenging, mightily magical, and unexpected adventures, Maze and Reinhart prepared for their training ahead. Be it the control of his human form, honing his magical prowess, or achieving new heights with their magic, they were ready to conquer. Fallenia's future was safely, though precariously, placed in their hands.
Or that is what everyone hoped.