Large floating platforms hovered above the coliseum, each had either one or two large dragons standing atop them. Instead of walking inside grandmother continued towards one of the platforms floating above the arena.
When we had all landed she looked back at us and said "Good luck, and may the creator favor your journey. Now go join the other younglings in the arena below."
The three of us bowed our heads then leapt off of the platform diving straight towards the ground below. I caught sight of a group of a dozen or so other small dragons and made my way to them assuming these where the younglings that grandmother had mentioned.
We soon landed then walked in the direction of the group, our sudden appearance seemed to have caught the attention of all present. It seemed my size was rather unusual as the largest of the other younglings still only slightly larger than Apollonia.
All of them seemed shocked to see such a large but still rather young dragon approaching them about to take the same trial.
Of those assembled there were two red, three deep blue, three earth brown, one white, three green, and one with two colors red and deep brown. All together there where thirteen present outside of our group.
As we approached I felt the intense gaze of all those present, I picked up two of the younglings speaking to one another.
"So that is the one who inherited the mark of destruction."
"I wonder what he is like, it is said that his father the previous holder of that mark was butchered by humans. What a joke to be killed by such inferior beings."
Picking up on the last comment I changed direction, coming to a stop before the two dragons having the conversation.
"You speak about my father like that again and I will reduce you to naught but ash in the wind." I said to the red dragon that stood before me. My words carrying a palpable aura of murderous intent.
The red and green dragon that were having the conversation quickly lowered their heads and walked away from me, although I could feel a sense of defiance from the one who slandered my fathers good name.
'It seems I am already a topic of discussion, I wonder if my sisters are fairing any better.'
Looking back at the assembled group I saw that the others where giving my sisters a rather large amount of space. They seemed as if they could not care less and just stood there awaiting the trial to begin.
Seeing that I made my way over to them and leaned my head down so that they would be the only two to hear me.
"It seems we are already well known, keep your wits about you and if you are insulted in any way do not confront them. Inform me and I will protect your honor."
Apollonia responded "Brother we are perfectly capable of defending ourselves, but I will ask for your help if needed."
I nodded then resumed my regal posture awaiting the start of the trial.
Before long two more younglings joined us in the arena one green and one purple. Once they landed and joined our group in the center of the arena as if on cue one of the elder dragons that had been waiting on one of the floating islands dove down towards the arena floor.
He was a deep crimson hue like my sister and around the same size as grandfather, each flap of his enormous wings caused the entire structure to shake. He landed at our front causing a small quake to erupt from below us.
Once he saw that all eyes present where at on him he briskly nodded before saying "I congratulate you all for making it here, although this is where the first trial formally begins, you first had to pass through one of the progenitors temples. Many others were unable to pass into the temples as they did not have the requisite mana and strength. So you could say that was really where your trial began, as if you were unable to pass into a temple your guide would have had to kill you on the spot. Such weakness is not allowed for those who are to carry on our legacy."
"For the first part of the formal section of this trial you will showcase your strength. As all who have come before you have done as well, you will be tasked with attacking a target of my own creation. I will be the judge of whether you pass or fail. If at any point you fail to meet the requirements of this trial you will be killed without hesitation."
"Now that you all understand the task and the penalty of your potential failure, we will begin. I think we should start with the new holder of the mark of destruction, do not disappoint me."
I bowed my head in understanding and made my way to the front of our group before coming to a stop in front of the elder dragon. Now that I was closer to him he seemed to emit a distinctly powerful aura, one that demanded respect from all those around him.
Seeing a spell curcuit blaze to life before my eyes, a wall of black stone erected itself dozen or so yards from me. The elder dragon then spoke to me in a tone of authority "You are to use your dragon breath to destroy this target to the best of your ability. Begin when you are ready."
Nodding my head I began to channel my mana through my body ensuring to will my new vast power to stay in check. My destruction mana raged within me seeming to be impatient for its release. I then directed this mana to the back of my throat, mustering as much power as I could manage.
The raging inferno swelling within my throat emitted a dull light through my scales. Once I felt that I was at my limit I opened my mouth spewing forth a torrent of flames only this time the dark tendrils that had once been merely in the backdrop of river of red flame seemed to have became the primary force behind my attack, making the once bright red dragons breath glow purple and black.
As the flames impacted upon the black stone they ate away at it surface faster than ever before, and soon the once over ten foot thick wall was being disintegrated before my very eyes.
Within moments what would have take my previous dragon breath minutes to accomplish had now already occurred.
Just as the entire wall was about to fall apart the elder dragon spoke "I have seen enough, you pass."
As I quickly retracted my flames, I couldn't help but let a sigh of relief escape my maw. I then walked back towards the group all of them including my sisters gazed at me with awe.