The dragon's immense form quivered with a sudden jolt of surprise, its majestic eyes widening in astonishment as the man's words reverberated through the air.
Yet, in an instant, the dragon regained its composure. With a seemingly impassive face, not a flicker of uncertainty or doubt betrayed its true emotions. Its voice broke the silence.
"As I've said, you're mistaken," the dragon responded with implacable certainty. "There was only me here."
The man's gaze shifted, his attention drawn to the remnants of the shattered obsidian wall. His eyes traversed the fractured wall before settling on the serene expanse of the lake, its glassy surface shimmering under the sunlight. He maintained an air of quiet confidence, his hands folded behind his back, as if contemplating the secrets held within the depths of the water.
"And what of your octopus pupil?" the man inquired nonchalantly. "Is he still among the living?"
