They carefully lifted Caelum and began making their way back to the safety of their tent. The tension from the fight still lingered in the air, but the immediate danger had passed, leaving behind a heavy silence.
As they approached the campsite, the once chaotic scene now seemed eerily calm. The large canvas tent stood in the center, its fabric rippling gently in the evening breeze. The tent, their temporary haven, was reinforced with protective wards and spells to shield them from any further threats. The surrounding trees cast long shadows, creating a sense of seclusion and safety.
Inside, the tent was dimly lit by a few glowing crystals hanging from the tent poles, casting a soft, warm light over the space. The interior was simple but functional, with a few crates holding supplies and a table set up for the makeshift procedure.
Kairos carefully laid Caelum on a padded cot in the center of the tent. He retrieved the new arm—a finely crafted limb of dragon flesh and bone, still pulsing faintly with life. The arm looked like something out of a legend.
The dragon flesh had fused perfectly with the bone, giving it a sleek yet rugged appearance. The black scales were interlocked like a fine suit of armor, each one sharp and angular, with crimson veins running through them, almost as if molten lava flowed just beneath the surface.
The fingers were elongated and ended in sharp, claw-like tips, adding to the arm's menacing look. Each joint was reinforced with thicker scales, providing both protection and flexibility. The arm seemed alive, with a slight ripple moving across the scales, as if responding to the ambient magic in the air. It was no ordinary limb; it was a weapon in itself, capable of withstanding powerful attacks and delivering devastating blows.
At the shoulder, where the arm would fuse with Caelum's body, the scales blended seamlessly with his flesh, the transition almost invisible. It was as if the arm had always been a part of him, an extension of his own will and power. The limb had an organic, yet otherworldly, look to it—like something that had been born of both flesh and magic, forged in the heart of a dragon's lair.
Eclipse's voice broke the silence, filled with satisfaction. "The arm bone came from a Draco-kin, which is why it took so well to the dragon flesh. They're of the same lineage, making them naturally compatible."
Kairos nodded, focusing on the task ahead. Eclipse continued, his tone instructive, "Now, Kairos, you'll need to use the Smelt skill to bind the arm to Caelum's body. The Smelt skill will fuse the dragon flesh to his person, ensuring that the arm becomes a true part of him."
Kairos took a deep breath, channeling his magic as Eclipse guided him. The Smelt skill required intense concentration and precise control. As Kairos extended his hands over the arm, a soft, golden glow emanated from his palms, enveloping the limb in warm, magical energy. He visualized the fusion, imagining the scales melding with Caelum's flesh, the bones knitting together as if they had always been one.
The dragon flesh responded to Kairos' magic, the scales rippling as they began to bond with Caelum's shoulder. The crimson veins pulsed with renewed vigor, spreading throughout the limb as the Smelt skill took effect. At a snails pace, the arm began to merge with Caelum's body, the transition seamless and smooth.
The scales at the shoulder edge started to melt into Caelum's skin, forming a web of intertwining tendrils that rooted deep into his flesh, ensuring a perfect connection. The scales appeared to liquefy and then solidify, as though the arm was reaching out, eager to become part of its new host.
Kairos felt the resistance in the process as if the arm was testing him, probing his strength and resolve. He maintained his focus, the golden glow around his hands intensifying as he poured more of his celestial energy into the Smelt skill. The arm responded, its scales shimmering brightly before settling into Caelum's shoulder with a final, resounding pulse of power.
Sweat dripped down Kairos' forehead, his muscles straining under the pressure, but he didn't relent. The final stages of the fusion were the most critical, requiring every ounce of his control. The dragon's power within the arm surged, and Kairos had to harness that power, guiding it into harmony with Caelum's life force. The moment was tense, the air thick with magic as Kairos and the arm engaged in a silent battle for dominance.
Finally, with one last surge of energy, Kairos felt the arm submit. The scales at the shoulder edge smoothed over, blending with Caelum's flesh until no line or scar remained. The arm was fully integrated, the dragon scales now part of Caelum's body. The transformation was complete; what had once been a severed limb was now a powerful, living extension of Caelum's form.
Eclipse nodded in approval, his voice filled with pride. "You've done well, Kairos. This arm is as good as new—no, it's better."
Kairos stepped back, exhaustion washing over him, but satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. The procedure was complete, but he knew this was just the beginning of the battles they would face.
At that moment, the tent flap rustled, and Lysandra, Lyra, and Orion hurried inside. Their faces were etched with worry, the anxiety of the recent battle still fresh in their minds.
Lysandra's eyes widened as she saw the new arm fused to Caelum's body. "Kairos, is it…?" Her voice trailed off, a mix of concern and hope in her tone.
Kairos managed a tired smile. "It's done. The arm is fully integrated."
Lyra moved closer, her eyes studying the limb with a mixture of awe and relief. "It looks incredible. I can't believe you managed this."
Orion, ever the stoic, placed a hand on Kairos' shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "You did well, cousin. Caelum's strong. He'll pull through."
The tension in the tent began to ease, replaced by a cautious optimism. They all knew that Caelum's journey to recovery wasn't over, but this was a crucial first step. As they gathered around Caelum's cot, Kairos felt a surge of gratitude for his cousins. Despite the danger, they had all come through together, and that unity would be their greatest strength in the battles yet to come.