by : BlackbeardtheBear
After the great storm had passed, a new dawn replaced it. The villagers of Wildly Wind Village hoped for a return to their former peace. With Largas and Shinna now awakened to their powers, both had become the center of attention. Especially Shinna, who had been invited to attend the prestigious School of Magic in the capital. This led to a serious family discussion.
Father: "Everyone, we've received an invitation from the School of Magic for Shinna."
Father: "What should we do?"
Largas: "I think it's a good idea. If Shinna goes there, she'll be in a safer place."
Largas: (That ominous voice warning me… I don't know when it will happen, but it's best to get Shinna to safety.)
Father: "I agree."
Father: "But we should also consider Shinna's opinion."
Mother: "Shinna, do you want to go to the capital?"
Shinna: "If I go to the capital, I'll have to be alone, won't I?"
Father: "Yes, dear."
Largas: "Father, I think it would be best if Mother went with Shinna."
Father: "Why, Largas?"
Mother: "Yes, do you not want me to go with you?"
Largas: "It's not that. I want both Mother and Shinna to be in a safe place."
Largas: "There are storms and dangerous monsters here."
Father: "You have a point. But will you go too?"
Largas: "I won't go. If I go, Father will be alone."
Largas: "But Mother, Shinna, I'll visit you often."
After the family reached a decision, Shinna and her mother set off for the capital the following week, leaving Largas and Father behind in Wildly Wind Village.
The next day, Largas decided to help his mother and Shinna pack for their journey. While Largas was packing, he felt a chilling shiver run down his spine, as if something terrible was about to happen.
Largas: "Mother, Shinna, leave here immediately!"
Mother: "Why, Largas? We'd like to rest for an hour before leaving."
Largas: "No, I feel unsafe. Leave now!"
Without delay, Largas packed everything onto the carriage and sent his mother and Shinna on their way. It was a departure without farewells.
And indeed, Largas had made the right decision. Dark, ominous clouds began to envelop the mountains. It was a dangerous sign according to the textbooks taught in every school. The dark clouds covered everything, and the winds roared violently, almost destroying the strongest of houses. Red sparks floated in the sky like flames of wrath. These were signs of the "Dragon Catastrophe."
Largas: "This is bad. I didn't think the Dragon Catastrophe would come so soon."
Largas stood frozen as the Dragon Catastrophe approached, unable to act. His mind was on the brink of explosion from fear and panic, just like the other villagers who were in chaos, unable to regain their composure.
Father: "Everyone, calm down!"
Father's voice rang out amidst the chaos, and everyone began to calm down and regain their composure.
Father: "According to the records, when there are signs of a Dragon Catastrophe, we must evacuate immediately. Leave everything behind. Our lives are more important!"
After Father's command, everyone began to evacuate. The dark clouds drew nearer at an alarming rate. The atmosphere in the valley grew hotter than usual, as if they were in a furnace. Largas, amidst the villagers, felt this but couldn't understand why the atmosphere was both hot and filled with the dark clouds approaching them.
It was dark, so dark that they couldn't see the path or each other's faces. But they could still feel each other's presence. According to the records, if a Dragon Catastrophe occurs and you are surrounded by dark clouds, "do not speak under any circumstances." If a sound is made, the dragon would be alerted and attack in the darkness. So, everyone remained silent, amidst the quiet yet fear-filled atmosphere.
Largas: (It's so quiet, but it feels suffocating. Like we're being watched.)
Largas: (Or is the dragon watching us?)
And indeed, Largas was right. Dragons are more intelligent than humans. They know what humans teach about them, so they play along with their lessons to deceive humans. Dragons have excellent eyesight; they can see even when they close their eyes. The dark clouds that humans cannot see are like clear skies to them. They play with their prey, which best describes the current situation.
Largas: (This is unbearable. We can't see anything.)
As Largas walked, he felt something brush against him. It was rough and hot, like scales.
Largas: (!!! Is it a dragon!!)
Largas, startled, jerked his hand away and accidentally bumped into a villager behind him.
Villager: "Ouch!"
The scream of the villager pierced through the silence. Everyone who heard the sound knew that today was likely their last day of life.
Grrrrr!!!
The roar of the dragon erupted immediately. Its wings flapped violently, dispersing the dark clouds and revealing its massive form. Covered in red scales, the dragon had enormous wings capable of lifting its massive body. Its sharp claws and golden eyes with red irises marked it as a Red Dragon. According to the records, dragons are categorized into two main types: Long and Dragon. Dragons are the strongest beings, but Long are gods. The creature before Largas was a Red Dragon—one of the most powerful and dangerous creatures known for its wrathful fire.
Father: "Soldiers! Form a defensive line!"
Father's command urged the soldiers to fight, though victory was impossible. The soldiers fought valiantly, but it ended swiftly as the dragon unleashed a torrent of flames. The entire area was engulfed in a sea of fire. Soldiers fell, and villagers were reduced to ash. Now, Wildly Wind Village had no survivors.
Or so it seemed. The lone survivor was a young boy named Largas. He stood amidst the devastation, having inadvertently used magic to protect himself, despite his inexperience with it.
Largas: "Is… is everyone dead?"
Largas, having accidentally used protective magic, looked around at the fallen villagers and soldiers. Even his own father had become a charred remains.
Largas: "No… Aaaaahhh!!!"
Largas screamed in madness, losing his sanity. His veins throbbed, and blood streamed from his eyes in a mix of rage, sorrow, and devastation.
Despite Largas's plight, the dragon remained indifferent, merely watching Largas's suffering with amusement and disdain.
When the dragon was satisfied with its torment, it flew away, leaving Largas, unconscious, amidst the ashes of what had once been his village.
The next morning, Largas awoke. He was unable to speak or cry out, overwhelmed by the immense pain and grief. He looked around, seeing only the ruins and ashes of the once-thriving village. Everything he loved had been destroyed.
Largas: "Why… Why did this have to happen…"
Largas spoke softly, his voice filled with anguish and despair. It felt as though the world had collapsed before his eyes. The overwhelming sense of loss left his heart aching with an unbearable pain.
Largas: "I must take revenge… I will avenge the dragon that destroyed everything I loved…"
Largas's voice was filled with determination and anger. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with difficulty, but he was ready to face it in order to seek revenge against the Red Dragon that had devastated his life.
Largas left the ruins of his village with nothing but the clothes on his back and his burning desire for vengeance. He knew he had to train and grow stronger to one day confront the Red Dragon and make it pay for the destruction it had wrought.