by : BlackbeardtheBear
Months had passed since the destruction of Wildly Wind Village. Largas arrived in the capital city, eager to reunite with his mother and Shinna. His mother had taken a job in the city to support Shinna, and their reunion was filled with joy. However, both could clearly sense the profound change in him.
Largas appeared gaunt and weary, his appearance a stark contrast to the vibrant memories they once shared. Even when asked questions, he responded with a detached tone, as if his spirit had been shattered. Additionally, there was a chilling aura emanating from him, likely the result of the immense mana within him, but it seemed unusually uncontained.
Concerned, his mother decided to seek help from her employer.
"Is something wrong, Ms. Claire?" Erik inquired politely.
Erik was a strikingly handsome young man with silver hair and amethyst eyes, looking barely in his twenties, though he was actually the same age as Claire, Largas's mother.
"Mr. Erik, could you please check on my son? He doesn't seem well, and he's emitting an unusual chill," Claire asked anxiously.
"Hmm... Very well," Erik replied, adjusting his hat.
After their conversation, the two proceeded to Largas's room.
"Hmm... It appears he's been through something quite severe," Erik said, placing his hand on Largas's forehead. A purple light emanated from his touch.
"What does that mean?" Claire asked with increasing worry.
"According to my reading, it seems this boy was attacked by a red dragon," Erik explained.
He recounted the events Largas had endured, and as Claire listened, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. She collapsed to her knees.
"My husband... is he... dead?" Claire asked through her tears, prompting Erik to sit beside her and offer comfort.
"Try to stay strong, Ms. Claire. At least your son survived and is here with you," Erik said gently.
"Thank you..." Claire replied softly.
Seeing Erik's comforting words, Claire felt a little better and turned to Largas, who seemed despondent and resigned. As soon as Largas saw his mother crying, he instinctively got up and embraced her. This gesture appeared to come from his instincts, as his spirit was not fully present in the physical realm.
In the heart of a mysterious dimension, Largas's spirit awakened. He found himself at an emerald lake, surrounded only by sand and water.
"Awake now, human?" a mysterious voice echoed from behind him.
Largas turned to see a shimmering emerald mass resembling something alive.
"Who are you!? And where am I!?" Largas shouted in rage, still consumed by his anger towards the red dragon.
"Calm down, human," the mysterious voice said soothingly.
"I am Fei Long, and this place is my mindscape," Fei Long explained.
"Hmm... And why did you bring me here?" Largas asked with suspicion.
"That is..." Fei Long began, but before he could answer, Largas's eyes snapped open again, finding himself in an unfamiliar room with his mother and the enigmatic man standing behind her.
"Mother?" Largas asked in confusion.
"Yes, dear, we're starting anew," Claire said, hugging Largas tightly. Tears flowed freely from both of them.
"Such a hopeful sight," Erik commented with a warm smile.
"Who are you?" Largas asked.
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Erik, Ms. Claire's employer," Erik said, removing his hat and bowing.
Largas felt the warmth of his mother's embrace and Erik's caring presence. He struggled to collect his thoughts and understand his situation.
"I'm sorry… I..." Largas started.
"It's okay, dear. I understand it's hard for you. We'll get through this together," Claire said tenderly.
"Thank you, Mother..." Largas replied gratefully.
He looked at Erik, struggling to believe what he was hearing.
"Don't worry, Largas. What you've been through is indeed severe, but we're here to help you stand tall again," Erik assured him.
"But… the red dragon… it destroyed everything..." Largas said with anguish.
"Yes, the red dragon is a grave threat, but there is always hope. Seeking revenge won't be easy, but with determination and the right support, you can achieve it," Erik said confidently.
"Really?" Largas asked with a glimmer of hope.
"Absolutely," Erik confirmed.
Erik turned to Claire and added,
"Ms. Claire and Shinna will be here to support and encourage you. Having family and loved ones is crucial in facing challenges."
"Your mother will make sure you stay strong. One day, we'll make that red dragon understand the pain it inflicted upon us," Claire said with determination.
Largas felt a budding warmth and hope in his heart. He looked at his mother and Erik with gratitude.
"I'll do my best," Largas said.
"Very well. But first, you need to rest and prepare for what's to come," Erik advised.
Largas nodded, feeling the importance of having support. He decided he would train hard and prepare himself for the inevitable confrontation with the red dragon.
In the following days, Largas began attending the preparatory magic school in the capital. Although it was different from the school Shinna was attending, this new beginning marked a hopeful step forward for Largas.