The dragon stirs, and its red eyes opened wide at the deep rumbling noise echoing through the cave. Darkness was a second skin to the beast, and it seemed that something was shining a little under its black scales in the dim light. The creature snapped its wings open; a rush of wind shook free stones as it filled the air with danger.
Breathing not a single spot, Zephyr hid behind a jagged outcrop. The holy sword hummed faintly in his palm, as if minding the danger in front of them. At stake was the town of Ravenmere; otherwise, only ashes would remain, should he fail.
This is it, he thought. There's no going back now.
Venturing out into the open, Zephyr faced the creature. His voice echoed boldly with a resolute declaration.
"Dragon! Today you will see me, Zephyr of Valoira! And today I will end your terror over reigns!"
He looked up at it. Its mouth curled into a sneer. "You?" its voice growled and echoed through the cave in the great roar. "A human who thinks he can challenge me? A mere insect before a god?
Zephyr tightened his grip on his sword, his face serene but furiously intent. "Let's see if gods can bleed.".
The cavern shook to its core as the dragon let out a thunderous laugh: "Very well, little warrior. I am the Black Dragon of the Shadows, and you shall serve as an amusing footnote to my legend.".
A huge fireball shot out when the dragon inhaled. Zephyr jumped sideways, feeling hot flames licking up at the armor as the fireball hurtled into the walls of the cave, sending stones crashing down. Smoke and dust billowed into the air, obscuring what might be seen.
As dust settled, Zephyr remained unscathed, his sword sparkling. Ahead of him he ran, his holy blade cutting at falling rocks with ease. The dragon roared, spreading its wings and breaking through the roof of the cave. It flew into turbulent skies, this shape rising high against swirling clouds.
The dragon breathed great billows of heated fire. Rivers of flame ignited the earth, melted rocks, and set the green forest alight. Zephyr ran through the mayhem to dodge unrelenting attacks. His heart beat in his chest, but he didn't flinch; all his emotions were concentrated on the beast before him.
"Is this the best you've got?" he shouted, defiance lacing his voice.
The dragon snarled, its pride wounded. "You dare mock me? Foolish human," it said. "You will rue this arrogance!
The dragon dove down hard and landed the ground, with waves spread out from there. He laid his claws, which touched the earth as it sprang at Zephyr, breaking apart parts of the earth. He faced the attack head-on and pointed his sword at the dragon's neck. But when the blade hit, it hardly made a mark on the tough scales of the dragon.
Mocking laughter erupted from the dragon. "Pitiful! Is that all? You'll never harm me with such feeble strength!"
Zephyr never had a chance to respond when the dragon's tail swung around and smacked his chest very hard. He was sent flying, and his armor broke as he smashed through trees, crashing in a broken pile. Pain charged through his body and made vision blurry.
This can't be how it ends.
Through the torment, Zephyr felt the hilt of his sword. All will was gathered into one and he stood up; the blade emitted golden light. The warmth of its holy power spread through him, easing his pain and giving new strength.
The dragon narrowed its eyes, then the smile disappeared. "You're still here? You're tougher than I thought," it said.
Zephyr smirked. "And you're about to regret underestimating me."
With another swish of the tail, the dragon, with Zephyr cutting it off with his sword, the holy light shone bright, cutting through the tail. The chopped off tail fell to ground and its blood began collecting underneath.
A deafening cry of pain leaped from the dragon's throat, and this amplified sound echoed across the battlefield. It had not bled for centuries. Now, red blood droplets spilled onto the ground, and the pride of the beast faltered.
"Hurt you. dared hurt me?" it spat, shuddering with rage and incredulity.
Zephyr said nothing. He was already moving forward, and the sword thrust forward like a great golden light. The dragon wildly attacked and breathed fire everywhere, but in the wild confusion, Zephyr moved steadily, his actions quick. With one more jump, he plunged the sword deep into the chest of the dragon.
The creature let out a strangled howl and tumbled to the ground. Blood gushed forth from its mouth and its massive body did not budge again.
"Good job. Hero of Valoira," it said on a hard breath, some respect in its voice. "Take my heart. It will give you strength in the battles ahead. And my treasure. it belongs to you now."
With those last words, he breathed his last breath.
Zephyr reached up, grabbing onto his chest to touch the pulsing heart. As he devoured it, overwhelming power washed over him. He writhed in agony as muscles and bones tore apart and reassembled themselves. When the ache passed, he was stronger-reborn.
Farther up, he saw a light small and dim. Among the stones was a suit of armor, shiny and with an old magic. He put it on, and he felt as if the armor had picked him.
When Zephyr left the forest, he found Elira hurrying to grab something fast. She lit up when she noticed him and rushed to him embracing him closely.
"Zephyr! You're alive!"
He nodded and smiled rather wearily. "Dragon dead, finished.".
Her relief changed to shock as she saw what new armor he wore. "Where's your old armor? And. what happened in there?
Zephyr re-told the battle, mentioning the heart of the dragon and his last gift. "You ate its heart?" she said, taking a step back in shock. "That's. astounding. Only one chosen by the dragon could possibly survive that." He shrugged. "I did not think it very important. What matters is that the town remains safe.". Elira gave him an exasperated look. "You really don't understand what you've done, do you? You're not just Zephyr anymore. You're the Dragon Slayer of Valoira now. The whole kingdom will know your name." Zephyr sighed. "I guess I'll have to live up to the title." She smiled, nudging him a little. "Hurry up, hero. Town is waiting for you.". As he headed back, Zephyr felt his journey was not yet complete. Being called a Dragon Slayer was more than just an appellation; it was a heavy responsibility, and it turned a new page in his life.