Ethan awoke the next morning to the soft, golden light filtering through the fabric of his tent. The chill of the early hours had already begun to lift, leaving a crisp freshness in the air. He stretched out, feeling the comforting weight of the blanket his grandmother had insisted he take. The tent's interior was a small, well-organized space, thanks to the storage rings that held his supplies and gear.
He reached for a package of breakfast prepared by his grandmother, neatly stored in one of his bags. The food, though simple, was nourishing and well-balanced, crafted with care to support both physical strength and mana. Ethan had learned to cook from his grandmother, who had also been a skilled chef. He smiled as he remembered her, a flicker of warmth in his heart. The meals she prepared not only satisfied his hunger but were also rich in mana-boosting nutrients, designed to keep him in peak condition during his journey.
After breakfast, Ethan packed away the remaining food and gathered his gear. With his strength and skills, traveling through the Black Forest and beyond was manageable, but he needed to stay vigilant. His grandmother had always stressed the importance of preparation and caution, especially in unfamiliar territories.
As he resumed his journey, Ethan followed a winding path alongside a river, the gentle murmur of the water providing a soothing backdrop. The forest, dense and shadowed, was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. The river's path seemed to guide him, a natural compass leading him further into the wilderness.
By midday, Ethan encountered a group of mountain trolls—a formidable challenge. The trolls, four in number and each towering and muscular, were S-rank monsters. In their formation, they posed a threat equivalent to SS-rank creatures. Ethan's keen eyes noted their rough, greenish skin and the crude weapons they carried.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Ethan was not daunted. He called upon the high-level spell he had mastered, a powerful arcane blast that struck the trolls with precision, disrupting their formation. The spell's impact was significant, scattering the trolls and causing them to roar in anger and pain.
The ensuing battle was fierce but short. Ethan's training with both sword and magic allowed him to handle the trolls efficiently. He moved with grace and power, each strike and spell executed with skill and precision. The trolls, despite their strength, fell one by one under Ethan's relentless assault. He took care to avoid unnecessary damage to their bodies, knowing their hides and materials could be valuable.
After the battle, Ethan collected the useful materials from the trolls' bodies—troll hides, claws, and other components he could use or trade. He surveyed the area, noting that the trolls might have a nearby tribe. His grandmother had advised him to avoid unnecessary conflicts, so he decided to take a detour around the area. His main objective was to reach the city and register as an adventurer, not to engage in needless battles.
As he continued his journey southeast, the terrain began to change. The dense forest gave way to rugged, rocky landscapes. By afternoon, he found himself near the base of the Black Mountain, a region known to house dragons. Dragons, powerful creatures with an aura of awe and fear, were rumored to reside in these parts.
Ethan's interest was piqued. He had always wanted to see a dragon, especially since his grandmother had spoken of them. She had once mentioned that some dragons were friendly and even possessed humanoid forms. As he approached the Black Mountain, he felt a mix of excitement and caution. He had heard that the dragons here were formidable, with some being SS-rank or even stronger.
Deciding it was best not to venture too close to a dragon's lair, Ethan set up camp at the foothills of the mountain. He erected a small hut, similar to the one he had built by the river. The process was familiar and comforting, a small ritual that made him feel more secure. Once the camp was set, he prepared dinner using the supplies from his storage bag. The meal was modest but satisfying.
After dinner, Ethan settled into the bed his grandmother had insisted he bring. It was a small luxury, but it provided a comfortable rest after a long day of travel and combat. As he drifted off to sleep, his mind wandered to thoughts of the journey ahead and the city that awaited him.
Unbeknownst to Ethan, his camp had not gone unnoticed. From a hidden vantage point, a figure observed him with keen eyes. The observer was Ember, a dragon girl whose beauty and majesty were as striking as her name. Ember's vibrant ember-red hair flowed down her back, shimmering like molten gold. Her eyes, a deep and intense ember red, held a fiery depth that spoke of both strength and curiosity.
Ember was clad in a flowing gown of ember red, adorned with intricate embroidery of dragons and flames. Her pale skin contrasted with her fiery hair and eyes, and two ember-red horns curved gracefully from her head. Her presence was both captivating and imposing, embodying the essence of dragonkin.
As Ember watched Ethan from her concealed position, her thoughts were conflicted. Her mother had instilled in her a deep-seated mistrust of outsiders, cautioning her that people from beyond the mountain were dangerous and untrustworthy. Ember had grown up believing that all who ventured into their territory were a threat.
She thought to herself, "Is he truly a human? I've never seen one before. My mother said that no one dares come to this area because they fear us. Why has he come here? Does he have bad intentions?" Her mind was clouded with suspicion, fueled by the teachings of her mother and her own limited experience with the world outside the mountain.
Despite her reservations, Ember's curiosity was piqued. She decided to approach Ethan's camp, moving with stealth and caution. She knew Ethan was asleep but was unsure of his strength and readiness. As she neared the entrance of his hut, she could hear the faint sounds of his steady breathing.
Just as she was about to push open the door, Ethan stirred. His senses, honed by years of training, detected the subtle disturbance. He quickly grabbed his sword, preparing himself for a possible threat. When Ember pushed open the door, Ethan was ready. He lunged forward, grabbing her from behind and pressing his sword to her throat.
"Who are you, and why did you intrude here?" Ethan demanded, his voice steady and commanding.
Ember, startled by the sudden confrontation, struggled. "Let go of me, you bad human! How dare you hold me!"
Ethan, taken aback by her appearance—her fiery hair, striking eyes, and the horns on her head—was momentarily stunned. "Are you a dragon?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite the tense situation.
Ember's eyes flared with indignation. "Yes, I am a dragon. Now, what are you going to do? Let go of me!"
Ethan slowly eased his grip, allowing Ember to move but keeping his sword ready. "Are you trying to kill me? Let's resolve this peacefully by talking."
Ember, seething with anger but recognizing Ethan's strength, hesitated. After a moment of contemplation, she decided to negotiate rather than fight. "Fine," she said begrudgingly. "Tell me, human, what is your reason for coming to this mountain?"
Ethan lowered his sword slightly, his expression softening. "I'm traveling southeast, and this mountain happens to be on my route. I decided to camp here for the night."
Ember's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Oh! I thought you had some ill intentions. I apologize for intruding on your sleep."
Ethan nodded, appreciating her acknowledgment. "No problem."
Ember's curiosity was not yet sated. "So, where are you from? Is it true that there are humans living inside this forest?"
Ethan smiled at the question. "Yes, there is a village in the forest where I grew up. It's a hidden place, known only to a few."
Ember looked amazed. "A village inside the forest? But I was always told that humans were weak and didn't live here."
Ethan chuckled softly. "There are many things in this world that might surprise you."
Their conversation continued, with Ember asking about Ethan's journey, his experiences, and his reasons for leaving his village. Ethan, in turn, learned about Ember's life and her role in the Black Mountain. Their dialogue was punctuated by moments of curiosity and mutual respect.
As the night wore on, Ember decided it was time to leave. "I must go now," she said. "But thank you for not harming me. I hope you continue your journey safely."
Ethan nodded, watching as Ember's form receded into the shadows. "Safe travels, Ember."
As Ember disappeared into the night, Ethan returned to his bed, reflecting on the unexpected encounter. The dragon girl had been both intriguing and beautiful, and their conversation had opened his eyes to new perspectives. As he closed his eyes, he felt a sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead, knowing that the world was full of surprises and new people's yet to be discovered.
With a contented sigh, Ethan drifted off to sleep, his thoughts filled with the promise of what the future might hold.