"Run!"
Seeing the raging red dragon, Blight clenched his teeth without much hesitation, snatched a burning branch from the campfire, and turned it into a makeshift torch as he dashed into the night.
A massive red beast stood beside the campsite, its mane a fiery blaze. Smolder immediately recognized it as a Flame Lion Beast, a magical creature that typically dwelled in volcanic regions. It was illogical for it to appear here, Smolder thought, its presence defying common sense.
With little intelligence and a volatile temperament, there was no reasoning with such a creature; confrontation was the only option.
As the Flame Lion Beast surveyed the campsite, its golden-red pupils exuded endless majesty. With just one glance, it locked onto Blight, who was fleeing with the torch, and charged towards him with a low growl.
Feeling ignored, Smolder was enraged. Its innate pride, derived from its draconic lineage, couldn't accept being overlooked. Was it invisible, being such a large red dragon? With a powerful leap aided by its legs, Smolder charged from the side, slamming into the Flame Lion Beast. The creature, seemingly oblivious to the dragon's presence, was sent tumbling several meters before crashing heavily to the ground.
Shaking its slightly numb neck, Smolder observed that the Flame Lion Beast, about seven to eight meters long, was several times its size. Although the beast was sent flying, Smolder felt the gap in strength between them.
A water sword shot at the Flame Lion Beast, causing blood to spurt immediately. The instructor had reacted, casting a spell within seconds.
Before the beast could recover from the shock of being flung, it was hit again, causing it to stand and let out a deafening roar.
The instructor stumbled back from the sudden roar, preparing to cast another spell when Smolder shouted, "I'll hold it off, go protect the prince!"
After a moment of hesitation, the instructor nodded and unleashed a magical scroll at the charging beast.
The scroll transformed into a massive ice spear mid-air, targeting the Flame Lion Beast. Attempting to dodge, the beast was too slow; the impact was followed by a louder roar as the spear pierced deeply into its underarm.
The intense pain drove the Flame Lion Beast into a frenzy. As it turned to swipe at Smolder, who had left several claw marks on its hind legs, Smolder narrowly dodged the furious swipe and retaliated with a fireball to the face. However, the fireball did little more than irritate the beast, whose fur seemed impervious to flames, unlike its distant relative, the Snow Lion Beast, which feared fire.
Though the fireball did little damage, it enraged the Flame Lion Beast further. It opened its mouth to unleash a blast of flames at Smolder.
Smolder, realizing the beast's low intelligence, charged through the flames, aiming for the beast's neck from below.
The flames had no effect on Smolder, who managed to bite the beast's neck at the moment it ceased its fiery breath.
Surprised by the ease of the attack, Smolder bit down hard without hesitation.
The Flame Lion Beast's fur offered no resistance to Smolder's sharp teeth, but due to the size difference, the dragon realized it hadn't struck a vital spot. As it attempted to release its bite, it was swatted away.
Smolder crashed to the ground, feeling the greatest force it had ever encountered. The impact left it numb, with dragon blood seeping from its scales.
"If only I hadn't let go, I could have taken a larger chunk of flesh," Smolder thought, struggling to rise and licking the blood from its teeth, eyeing the beast's wounded neck.
Without time to ponder, Smolder saw the Flame Lion Beast leap towards it. Crouching low, Smolder darted forward, letting the beast's massive form overshoot, then continued running in the opposite direction of the others' escape.
After a dozen steps, Smolder sensed something was amiss. Turning back, it was shocked to see the Flame Lion Beast not pursuing it but instead chasing in the direction of the others' escape, its fiery silhouette shrinking in the distance.
Smolder quickly turned to follow, its injured leg growing increasingly painful, slowing its pace.
Soon, the Flame Lion Beast vanished from Smolder's sight, its night vision failing to keep track. Despite the gap in strength, Smolder continued the chase, driven by loyalty and concern for Blight's safety.
After some time, Smolder spotted a figure under a tree ahead - the academy instructor, barely clinging to life, his body horrifically burned. With his dying breath, he informed Smolder, "Prince Blight... headed towards... Despair Cliff..."
Nodding, Smolder's eyes hardened as it hastened towards Despair Cliff.
...
Despair Cliff, located at the eastern edge of Trelem Forest and bordering the Walton Plains, is a sheer, hundred-meter high cliff extending over several kilometers. Its base meets the tumultuous sea, earning its name from the fact that those who fall never return.
As Smolder burst from the forest, it saw a small figure dueling the massive Flame Lion Beast near the cliff - unmistakably Prince Blight. Without a second thought, Smolder roared and charged.
Hearing the dragon's roar, Blight's face lit up with hope amidst his disheveled state. His sword broken, his hunting outfit charred, he was merely dodging the beast's attacks.
The Flame Lion Beast turned towards Smolder, seemingly ready to eliminate both threats.
"Try to lure it to the cliff edge, and I'll use an impact scroll to blast it off!" Blight shouted.
Understanding Blight's plan, Smolder realized the impact spell was their best chance.
However, the reality was harsh. Despite numerous injuries, the Flame Lion Beast's fundamental strength remained superior.
After several exchanges, Smolder was sent flying again. As the beast prepared to deliver a final blow, Blight plunged his broken sword into its leg.
Caught by the beast, Blight struggled in vain.
Smolder, struggling to rise, witnessed an unforgettable scene - Blight, held in front of the beast, tore open a scroll he had somehow procured. In an instant, the beast, along with Blight, was propelled by the scroll's force, arching through the air and disappearing beneath Despair Cliff...