The resonance with Zelfur wasn't a sudden surge, but a gradual deepening, a feeling of connection akin to breathing. It wasn't just the weapon; it was the history woven into its very essence, the echoes of countless battles, the whispers of Amisu's spirit. Ivel felt a pull, an almost imperceptible tug, drawing him towards a place beyond the tangible world. He focused, his mind a still pool reflecting the shimmering light emanating from the blade. The dungeon walls faded, the sounds of his confinement dissolving into a soft hum that vibrated deep within his bones. He felt a shift, a surrender to the unknown, and then… darkness.When Ivel opened his eyes, the world exploded in a vibrant symphony of color. He stood on a precipice, a sheer cliff face overlooking a tranquil lake, its surface mirroring the cerulean sky. Around him, pink Sakura trees, in full bloom, cascaded down the hillside, their delicate blossoms dancing in a gentle breeze. The air hummed with a subtle magic, a palpable energy that tingled on his skin.Before him stood a girl, no older than seventeen, dressed in a flowing pink dress. A pink, translucent umbrella sheltered her from the sun, adding to the ethereal quality of the scene. Her hair, the color of spun gold, cascaded down her back, framing a face of delicate beauty. Her eyes, a luminous shade of emerald green, held a wisdom that belied her youthful appearance. This was Amisu."Have a seat," she said, her voice as soft as the falling petals.Ivel, still reeling from the transition, quietly obeyed. He sat on the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the breathtaking view. The serenity of the place was a stark contrast to the harsh reality of his prison."How are you doing?" Amisu asked, her gaze gentle."I told Cedric who I am," Ivel interrupted, his voice low but firm. "I told him I'm going to kill him."Amisu's expression didn't change, her serene demeanor unwavering. "It's in your legacy to do so, Ivel. It will be a difficult fight, but I will help you… guide you in the right direction, lend you my powers."Ivel nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, "but I also want to get stronger on my own. I don't just want help from Caelum and you. I want my own hard work and perseverance to make the difference."He paused, then continued, "I… I slayed the dragon. And I managed to save the egg."Amisu's eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise in her gaze. "That's impressive, Ivel. To be honest, at your level, even with Caelum's and my powers, I didn't expect you to slay a black dragon. That's exceptionally impressive. Here, give me the egg."Ivel hesitated for a moment, pulling the egg from inside his coat. He was hesitant to entrust such a mysterious object to this enigmatic figure, but he also trusted her, especially after she willingly offered to lend him her strength against the dragon. Amisu took the egg, her fingers gently tracing its surface. She began to chant in an unknown language, words that flowed like liquid moonlight. Ivel felt no mana from her; he sensed no magical surge, but he saw it - an ethereal energy swirling around her, glowing with an otherworldly light.The egg trembled, then it began to crack. A slow, deliberate fracture spread across its surface, revealing the contents within. It wasn't a dragon hatchling, as Ivel and Amisu had both expected. Instead, a small black wolf cub emerged, its eyes still closed, its tiny paws tentatively exploring the strange new world.The cub opened its eyes, looked at Ivel, and then, with surprising agility, jumped onto his lap, burying its face in his coat and nuzzling against him. Ivel gently stroked the soft fur, marveling at the creature's unexpected arrival. Amisu stared, dumbfounded. "This egg… are you sure you got it from the dragon's belly?""I did," Ivel confirmed. "I slashed open its belly, and that egg was inside."Amisu frowned, clearly perplexed. "There was supposed to be a dragon baby inside, not a wolf. It's still a high-ranked magical beast, of course, but a dragon would have been far more… helpful. Suddenly, the spirit realm around them began to crack, the vibrant colors fading, the idyllic landscape dissolving into fractured lines of shimmering light. Amisu turned to Ivel, a hint of sadness in her emerald eyes."Our time is up, Ivel. But I am always here to help you. Take this," she said, extending a hand. In her palm rested a small, smooth orb, glowing with a soft, pink light. "Use this only in a time of desperation. It holds a significant portion of my power, but use it wisely."Ivel nodded, his heart filled with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. He carefully accepted the orb, feeling a surge of warmth as it touched his skin."Good luck, Ivel," Amisu said, her voice barely a whisper. "And be careful of who you trust."The spirit realm fractured completely, the beautiful landscape collapsing into a chaotic swirl of light and energy. Ivel gasped, his vision blurring, then darkness enveloped him once more.He awoke in his dungeon cell, the rough stone pressing against his back. The familiar chill of the air sent a shiver down his spine, but a comforting warmth nestled against his chest. He looked down, and there, nestled in his arms, was the small black wolf cub. Ivel smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "I'm going to name you Blaze," he whispered, stroking the cub's soft fur.Blaze, as if understanding, whimpered happily, licking Ivel's hand. The name seemed to resonate with the creature, a spark of understanding flickering in its dark eyes. But their peaceful moment was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. Heavy, deliberate steps that echoed ominously down the corridor.Five guards, their armor gleaming dully in the dim light, stopped outside Ivel's cell. Their faces were grim, their eyes devoid of any sympathy."It's time for your execution, brat," one of them sneered, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "Your friends will return to their homes with your head in their hands." The other guards erupted in laughter, their callous amusement a stark contrast to the warmth Ivel felt from Blaze. Ivel quickly tucked Blaze securely into his coat, concealing the cub from the guards' prying eyes. He remained silent, his gaze unwavering, as he stood and followed the guards out of the cell. He knew what awaited him, but a strange calm settled over him. He had faced death before, and he would face it again. This time, however, he wasn't alone. He had Blaze, a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder of his hard-won victory, and the pink orb, a last resort should fate turn truly against him.Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber far from the dungeon, Faelar, Lirael, and Kaelion were meticulously preparing for their daring rescue attempt. They had gathered intelligence, forged plans, and sharpened their weapons. The weight of their mission rested heavily upon them, the fate of their friend hanging in the balance. They knew the risks, but they wouldn't hesitate. They would breach Ivel's prison, no matter the cost. The knowledge of Ivel's impending execution fueled their determination, pushing them forward with a relentless fervor. Their journey to save Ivel was about to begin, a desperate race against time, a fight against a formidable foe, and a testament to the unbreakable bonds of friendship.