Zephyrax could feel that he was getting stronger, the power and rage flowing through his veins, his blue scales shimmering in the bright daylight. His senses were heightened, and he felt more connected to the world around him. He wanted to know more about the sorcerer who invaded his village and killed him. To get that information, he decided to visit a city that was a day's travel away. Not wanting to attract too much attention, he decided to use his human form.
He found a road that led to the city and then landed in the forest a little far from the road. He transformed into his human form and began walking toward the road. As he moved through the forest, he found that he was actually enjoying this human form, though he knew it was weak compared to his original form. The sensation of the earth beneath his bare feet and the rustling of leaves around him felt oddly comforting. Although he hadn't regained his full strength, the dragon form was more reliable than his current form.
Zephyrax decided to check if he could still use his powers in this form. He found a sharp stone and made a cut on his hand. He felt the pain, the wound started bleeding, but soon began to heal. Although the speed was slow, it healed completely. He knew that the regeneration ability was crucial, as his human body was vulnerable to physical attacks. The powers he gained from the Chimera were still a part of him, but he didn't know how to use them effectively. He wanted to master these powers and harness them at any time to protect himself from harm.
Sitting down under a tree, Zephyrax closed his eyes and started focusing on the earth element, placing his hand on the ground. As his focus increased, he began sensing the magic flowing through the earth. He knew that to use earth magic, he had to change its path to his own will. He then decided to create a wall by altering the magic flow through the earth, and he did it. As soon as he put magic into the ground, a huge wall was created in front of him. He thought to himself that it looked good and would be a valuable weapon in his arsenal.
He did the same thing for the other elements and mastered harnessing their energy at will, but he liked the electrical element the most. He couldn't forget the electrical attack that hit him when he fought his enemies in the village. He knew that attack was powerful, so either they had combined their magic to create such a powerful electrical attack that made him fall to the ground. The power of elements was good, but he was only able to use a portion of the powers because he was in his human form. He knew that if he used the powers in his dragon form, he could use them to their full potential. Although he wanted to give it a try, he restrained himself.
After he was done practicing, he continued toward the road to resume his journey. As he traveled, he finally reached the road and started heading toward the city. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the landscape. As he was walking, he began hearing the sound of horse footsteps. He turned around and saw a merchant approaching. The merchant noticed a young man standing naked and smirked. Stopping his carriage, he called out to Zephyrax, "Are you perhaps lost, young man?"
Zephyrax, thinking quickly, responded, "Yes, I am. I was traveling with a group, and we were attacked by bandits. They took everything, and I barely escaped with my life."
The merchant, an older man with a shrewd glint in his eye, eyed him skeptically but decided to play along. "Well, you can't travel like that. Hop on, and I'll give you a lift to the city. But first, you need some clothes."
The merchant rummaged through his belongings and handed Zephyrax a set of clothes. Zephyrax looked at them, puzzled, unsure how to put them on. "Can you help me with these?" he asked.
The merchant chuckled. "Of course, of course." He helped Zephyrax dress, his hands moving with practiced ease. "There you go. Much better."
Zephyrax climbed into the carriage, thanking the merchant. As they started traveling towards the city, the merchant's true intentions began to surface. He had his own schemes and didn't give Zephyrax a lift and clothes out of kindness. Zephyrax, however, remained wary, sensing the merchant's duplicity.
The merchant tried to engage him in conversation, probing for information. "So, where are you from, young man?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
Zephyrax, maintaining his fabricated story, replied, "I come from a small village far from here. I wanted to find a good job in the city so that I can make a living."
The merchant nodded, though his expression betrayed his skepticism. "You are quite ambitious, young man."
Zephyrax nodded in agreement, though his mind was focused on the road ahead and the city that awaited him. He could feel the merchant's eyes on him, assessing him, perhaps planning his next move. Zephyrax kept his guard up, ready for any potential betrayal.
"So, what's your name, young man?" the merchant asked, trying to sound friendly.
"Zane," Zephyrax lied smoothly, deciding on a random name.
"Nice to meet you, Zane. I'm Horace," the merchant replied, offering a hand to shake.
Zephyrax took it and shook it firmly. "Thank you, Horace, for your help."
Horace's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Tell me, Zane, where did you lose your clothes? You must have been quite unlucky."
Zephyrax's face remained neutral as he replied, "The bandits took them when they attacked us. I barely escaped with my life."
The merchant chuckled, shaking his head. "Bandits these days, they'll take anything. Well, it's a good thing you ran into me."
Zephyrax nodded, though his mind was focused on the road ahead and the city that awaited him. He could feel the merchant's eyes on him, assessing him, perhaps planning his next move. Zephyrax kept his guard up, ready for any potential betrayal.