The carriage swayed precariously along the mountainous path, driven by a freckle-faced youth named Sorinus.
"Sorinus, looks like we'll have to spend the night outdoors," remarked his servant.
"Understood," came Sorinus's subdued reply from within the carriage.
Seated uncomfortably amidst the rudimentary comforts of the carriage, Sorinus couldn't help but feel the ache in his posterior from the jolting ride.
It was the third day since leaving home, and on the second day following Randal's departure, Sapiens had made a significant decision: to send Sorinus to study at the Imperial Academy of Magic in the capital.
For Sorinus to fulfill his potential as a mage, it was evident that natural talent alone wouldn't suffice; formal education was necessary. And what better place to receive such an education than the esteemed Feramonto Empire's Academy of Magic?
Eager to venture beyond the confines of his baronial estate, Sorinus accepted the opportunity presented to him. Before his departure, Sapiens had entrusted him with a sum of five hundred gold coins—nearly half of his savings over the years. This gesture underscored the weight of expectations resting on Sorinus's shoulders.
Sorinus vividly recalled Sapiens's parting words: "Upon enrollment, the family will send you a monthly allowance of ten gold coins. Work hard, Sorinus. The revitalization of the Alduran family rests on your shoulders. Do not disappoint me."
Opening his palm, Sorinus conjured a ball of flame, the result of his endeavors over the past three days. He had mastered the manipulation of fire magic, a skill that seemed to have been enhanced by some unspoken bond with Iya.
Inheritting a portion of Iya's innate talent in fire magic, Sorinus found the elemental spirits particularly responsive to his mental commands—obedient to his every whim.
The last page of Randal's notes contained instructions for two spells: the Magic Shield and, coincidentally, the Fireball spell. Sorinus had clandestinely experimented with the latter, astounded by its power. A fireball the size of a fist could effortlessly melt through a two-centimeter steel plate, leaving him in awe.
This newfound capability bolstered his confidence and contributed to his decision to embark on the journey with only a single servant by his side. He now possessed the means to defend himself.
The journey to the capital from the baronial estate was a long one, spanning approximately half a month's travel.
As night fell, Sorinus and his servant, Jack, made camp in a desolate woodland. After a meager meal of dry rations, Jack extinguished the campfire and settled down beside the carriage, soon succumbing to a light snore.
Sorinus, however, slipped out of the carriage noiselessly and ventured deeper into the forest.
After about ten minutes of walking, Sorinus halted and beckoned, summoning Iya forth from the darkness.
A fiery glow illuminated the darkness as a dragon, roughly the size of a carriage, materialized before Sorinus.
Iya had undergone a remarkable transformation. With a robust physique and wingspan to match, her head, now the size of a wagon wheel, boasted razor-sharp teeth and claws, gleaming with a metallic sheen. But most striking were her scales—a fiery red hue, exuding an intense heat, resembling a blazing inferno.
"Iya, Fire Dragon," Sorinus addressed her, "Strength: Third Tier. Abilities: Dragon Breath, Dragon Might, Immunity to Fire Magic, Rending Bite. Habitat: Small Fire Dragon Lair. Output: 10 Gold Coins per minute. Growth Value: 3/500."
Having ascended to the third tier, Iya had outgrown her initial adorable demeanor, but her affection for Sorinus remained unchanged. Upon her appearance, she lunged towards him, seeking his affection as she had in her infancy.
"Alright, Iya, I don't want to be covered in your saliva again," Sorinus chuckled helplessly, gently pushing away her massive head. Undeterred, she continued to nuzzle against him, seeking his attention.
Sorinus patted her head affectionately, acknowledging her fondness.
The efficacy of the Dragon Scale Fruits had been staggering. While it would typically take months or even years for a dragon to reach the third tier from infancy, Iya had achieved this feat in just three days. Sorinus had also reaped benefits from their symbiotic relationship—each harvested Dragon Scale Fruit yielded him a point of experience. His experience bar now read: 20/50.
It wouldn't be long before he ascended to the second tier of magehood—an astonishing rate of progress, akin to riding a rocket to success.
If Randal were to learn that Sorinus had achieved in a matter of days what he had struggled with for most of his life, he would likely be rendered speechless in disbelief.
After some playful interaction with Iya, Sorinus locked eyes with her, speaking earnestly, "You're no longer a hatchling content to bask in the warmth of magma. You're a full-fledged dragon now, and it's time for you to learn how to fight."
Iya regarded him with an innocent gaze, not comprehending Sorinus's words.
Sorinus fell silent, gesturing for her to lower her head. He then clambered onto her back.
With Iya's third-tier strength, she could now carry Sorinus through the skies. Though not his first time riding her, Sorinus couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. After all, riding a fire dragon as a mount was undeniably thrilling.
"Let's go!" Sorinus called out eagerly.
Obeying his command, Iya flapped her wings, taking flight into the night sky.
As they soared, Sorinus scanned the surroundings, searching for potential targets—suddenly, his eyes caught a glimmer of green amidst the darkness.
Wild wolves!
"Up there! Let's take them down!" Sorinus exclaimed, directing Iya towards their prey.
With a low growl, Iya dove towards the wolves, her fiery presence alone enough to instill fear in their hearts. Cowering in submission, tails tucked between their legs, the wolves released a pungent odor as they yielded to her dominance.
Fulfilling Sorinus's command faithfully, Iya dispatched the wolves with ease, reducing them to nothing more than piles of flesh. Meanwhile, Sorinus conjured a fireball, setting one of the wolves ablaze.
It was anticlimactic.
Sorinus couldn't help but wish for encounters with more formidable foes—these mere wild wolves posed little threat to him or Iya. Yet, they failed to provide a true test of Iya's capabilities.
After wandering through the wilderness for some time, Sorinus decided it was best to return, his longing for a worthy challenge unfulfilled.