A few days had passed since Emma had taken Lyria under her wing, both literally and figuratively. During that time, Emma had continued to hone her skills, steadily gaining experience. Today, she had just leveled up to 25 and felt a new surge of power coursing through her.
**Emma's Status:**
**Level: 25**
**Experience: 300/3000**
**Health: 1000/1000**
**Mana: 500/500**
**Strength: 60**
**Agility: 60**
**Intelligence: 45**
**Luck: 40**
**Race: Emerald Dragon**
**Skills: Fire Breath, Enhanced Senses, Wind Slash, Scale Armor, Flight, Aqua Blast**
Aqua Blast was a new and useful skill, allowing Emma to control and shoot powerful jets of water. It was perfect for their plan today: fishing. Emma had promised Lyria they'd have a fresh fish lunch, and what better way to test out her new ability?
"Ready to catch some fish?" Emma wrote in the dirt, her claw moving swiftly.
Lyria, who was now looking much healthier and happier, beamed up at Emma. "Yes, let's go! I've never seen a dragon fish before."
They made their way to the nearby river, Lyria skipping along with a small basket in her hand. She wore a new outfit made from animal skins, which Emma had helped fashion for her. The material was rough but durable, offering much more protection than her previous rags.
Emma approached the riverbank and used her new Aqua Blast skill to create a strong jet of water that swept through the river, startling a school of fish. With precise timing, she launched another blast, sending several fish flying onto the shore.
Lyria clapped her hands in delight. "That was amazing, Emma! I've never seen anything like it."
Emma grinned in her dragon way, feeling a swell of pride. She used her claws to gather the fish, and Lyria helped by placing them into the basket. Soon, they had enough for a hearty meal.
Back at their cave, Emma carefully used her Fire Breath to cook the fish. She had become quite skilled at controlling the intensity of her flames, ensuring the fish were perfectly cooked without turning them to ash. The smell of grilled fish soon filled the cave, making both their stomachs growl.
They sat down to eat, and Emma watched Lyria take a bite, her face lighting up with joy. "This is delicious, Emma! Thank you."
Emma scratched a reply in the dirt. "I'm glad you like it. You deserve good food."
As they ate, they began to talk. Lyria opened up about her past, her eyes growing distant as she recalled painful memories.
"My parents and I lived in an elf village," Lyria began, her voice soft. "We were happy, but we didn't have much money. One day, the village leaders decided we were too much of a burden. They said we had to leave because we couldn't contribute enough. My parents begged them to let us stay, but they wouldn't listen."
Emma felt a surge of anger at the injustice. She scratched in the dirt, "That's horrible. They shouldn't have done that."
Lyria nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "We had no choice but to go into the forest. My parents tried to protect me, but the monsters... they were too strong. My parents sacrificed themselves so I could escape."
Emma's heart ached for Lyria. She extended a claw, awkwardly trying to give her a comforting pat. Lyria, understanding the gesture, leaned into it, seeking solace in Emma's presence.
"Thank you, Emma," Lyria whispered, tears streaming down her face. "You've been so kind to me."
Emma gently wrapped her tail around Lyria, pulling her into a hug. It was a bit clumsy, given her large dragon form, but Lyria seemed to find comfort in it nonetheless. After a few moments, Emma scratched, "Want to go for a ride?"
Lyria's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. "Really? I'd love to!"
Emma carefully helped Lyria climb onto her back, making sure she was secure. Then, with a powerful flap of her wings, they were airborne. The forest stretched out below them, a sea of green interspersed with patches of sunlight. Lyria clung to Emma, her fear giving way to exhilaration.
They soared over the treetops, Lyria laughing with delight. Emma took her on a gentle tour of their surroundings, showing her the river, the berry patch, and even the distant mountains. It was a moment of pure joy for both of them, a brief respite from their worries.
After a few hours of flying, they returned to the cave. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the forest. Emma landed gently, and Lyria slid off her back, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"That was incredible, Emma! Thank you so much."
Emma scratched in the dirt, "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You deserve to be happy."
As night fell, they sat down to another meal, this time berries and leftover fish. Lyria's spirits were high, but Emma could see the underlying sadness in her eyes. She wished she could do more to help the girl.
After dinner, Emma made Lyria a comfortable bed of leaves and moss. As the girl settled down to sleep, Emma curled around her protectively.
"Goodnight, Emma," Lyria murmured, already half asleep.
"Goodnight, Lyria," Emma scratched in the dirt. She watched over the girl until she was sure she was asleep.
As Emma settled down for the night, her mind turned to Lyria's story. The injustice of it all burned in her heart. If she ever found that elf village, she'd make them pay for what they did to Lyria and her family. But she knew she needed to get stronger first.
**System Alert: At level 30, you will be eligible for another evolution.**
Emma felt a surge of determination. She would become stronger, for Lyria's sake and for her own. She closed her eyes, vowing to protect the girl who had come to mean so much to her.