The night was quiet, with only the sound of the crackling fire filling the void. Severoth's eyes gleamed with determination, knowing that more battles awaited him, but he was ready to face them with strength and courage. Before surrendering to sleep, his mind was filled with plans for the future, preparing for the challenges ahead.
.....
Severoth woke up the next day and headed to the pond to wash away the remnants of yesterday's training. After washing up, he stepped outside the cave and sat among the tall trees and the sprawling fields of flowers around him, contemplating what he would do today.
He said to himself, "Today, I won't go to the dark lion and fight him. I will train a little, but most of the time I will rest. Since I was born into this world, I've either been fighting or training. I want to clear my mind."
He decided to take a walk in the forest.
Severoth walked slowly among the trees, enjoying the sound of birds chirping and the gentle breezes caressing his face. He felt peace and tranquility fill his heart. This was the perfect time for reflection and contemplation.
As he walked, he found himself recalling past memories and questioning his purpose in this world. "Why am I here? What should I achieve?" These questions echoed in his mind without clear answers.
He paused for a moment beside a massive tree, placing his hand on its sturdy trunk and closing his eyes, trying to feel the life force flowing all around him. At that moment, he decided that he needed a new plan, a new goal that would give him a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Smiling to himself, he said softly, "Maybe today is a new beginning for me. A day to rest, think, and plan for my future."
He sat under the tree and began to mentally note his thoughts, plans, and new goals. He knew that rest was necessary, but more important was knowing the path he should take to achieve what he wanted in this strange world.
Severoth sat under the tree for a long time, watching the clear blue sky and contemplating the beauty of nature around him, truly pondering his existence.
He said to himself, "What do I really want? Do I want to become the strongest? Yes, I do, but is that all? No, I feel something is missing." As he pondered, he suddenly remembered Black Claw. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to visit him.
Rising from under the massive tree, he recalled the location of Black Claw's cave near the border between the dark lion's territory and the giant bison's territory and headed there. He decided to walk instead of flying because he wanted to relax.
As Severoth progressed towards Black Claw's cave, the paths he took revealed the forest's beauty and diversity. He left behind texts and wildflowers, and the ground began to turn into rocky hills and small mountains, indicating his proximity to the cave.
Black Claw lived in a cave near the core area between the dark lion and the giant bison. This location allowed him to monitor both areas, but at the same time, it distanced him from his old friends, especially the dark lion, whom he had betrayed out of cowardice.
As he walked towards Black Claw's cave, Severoth saw many beautiful and breathtaking sights. He thought, "If it were another time, I would have truly admired them. But now, I am thinking about my actual goals. If my pursuit is only for power, I am sure I will regret it. Why am I sure? It's just a feeling. Should I find a friend or what? But I will never stop pursuing strength. But..." Severoth looked at his body and claws and said, "Let's think about that when I get a human body."
After a while of walking, he reached Black Claw's cave. He stood at the cave entrance, not too big nor too small, just medium-sized, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Black Claw, come out! Your dear friend Severoth is here!"
Severoth's voice echoed through the surroundings, causing birds to flee from its power, but there was no response from the cave. He used his "Dragon Sense" and felt his presence inside the cave, hiding in a corner behind a large rock, breathing heavily and praying not to be found.
Severoth laughed at his cowardice and entered the cave, looking behind the large rock. He said, "I know you're here." He walked to the rock and found Black Claw pretending to be dead.
Severoth looked at him with amusement and said, "Unfortunately, another friend has died, so I must eat him to live with me forever." Severoth opened his mouth and approached Black Claw.
Suddenly, Black Claw sprang up and said, "Don't eat me, I'm alive!"
Severoth looked at Black Claw and said, "I thought you were dead."
"No, no, I was in a coma. Yes, I was in a coma," Black Claw answered in panic and quickly.
"Ha, and how did you know I would eat you?" Severoth asked with a smile.
Black Claw, sweating, replied, "I, I..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Severoth interrupted him and said, "I was joking with you. I came to talk to you. Let's go outside and talk." Severoth left the cave and Black Claw followed him.
"So, what do you want from me?" Black Claw asked nervously.
"Don't worry, I don't want anything from you."
"Ha!"
Black Claw looked at Severoth with suspicion.
"What's with that look?" Severoth replied with annoyance.
"Nothing, nothing."
"..."
Silence fell between them. After a period of silence, Severoth said, "Black Claw, I killed two giant bison, and I will face all the leaders, maybe kill your friend, the dark lion. What's your stance?"
Black Claw was shocked to hear that Severoth killed two giant bison. After the astonishment, he looked at Severoth and said seriously, "I will face you with all my strength, even though I am weaker than you, I will stand in your way, even if it means my death."
Severoth was a little surprised by Black Claw's unexpected courage and smiled slightly, saying, "I didn't think you were brave enough to oppose me."
"No, I mean..." Severoth interrupted Black Claw before he could finish his sentence and said, "I will try to spare him if he doesn't do anything to anger me. Let's go for a walk."
Severoth walked away from Black Claw, who remained in place, thinking about what Severoth had said. He looked at Severoth walking away and thought to himself, "I hope so," before following him.
After walking a long distance, admiring the beauty of nature around them, the sun began to set, and night quickly covered the sky with its tranquil veil.
"Black Claw, what is your goal in life?" Severoth suddenly asked.
"Why do you ask that all of a sudden?" Black Claw replied nervously.
"Just answer."
"Alright, I don't have a goal in life, but I want to live," Black Claw answered seriously.
"Is that all?"
"Yes, you never know when you'll die in this forest. It could be today, it could be tomorrow. So no matter what your goal is, if you die, your goal is meaningless. And who knows, I might find my goal in the future. That's why I want to live."
"Living, huh," Severoth smiled, patting Black Claw on the back. "Despite your cowardice, you can be wise at times."
"That hurts!" Black Claw screamed.
Severoth laughed at Black Claw and said, "Alright, I'm going home. See you another time." Severoth spread his wings and flew back to his cave. As he flew, he heard Black Claw using his "Dragon Sense," saying in a low voice, "I hope I never see you again."
Severoth shouted at Black Claw, "For your information, I heard you." Hearing this, Black Claw quickly fled to his cave, and Severoth laughed at the sight.
After flying for a while, Severoth reached his cave, landed at the entrance, and went inside. He decided to sleep to prepare for the next day, the day he would face the dark lion. He went to his usual spot and fell asleep.
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"This is the first story, so don't expect much. English is not my first language, so if there are any mistakes, please correct them for me."
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