The sea stretched endlessly around them, a serene blue that belied the chaos of their recent battle. The ship glided forward, its sails catching the steady breeze, while the survivors of the clash with the Abyssal Dragon settled into an uneasy calm.
Rodensky leaned against the railing, watching Emmanuel at the ship's stern. His friend stood alone, gazing at the waters where his new dragon companion had disappeared into subspace. Emmanuel's shoulders were tense, his posture stiff, a stark contrast to the elation he'd shown after taming the Abyssal Dragon.
Rodensky approached, his footsteps soft but deliberate. "You've been quiet since the battle," he said.
Emmanuel turned, his expression unreadable. "Just… thinking."
---
The Weight of New Bonds
"Taming that dragon—it's something I've dreamed of," Emmanuel began, his voice low. "But now that it's done, I feel… overwhelmed."
Rodensky raised an eyebrow. "Overwhelmed? You've done what most tamers only dream of."
"It's not about the achievement," Emmanuel said, shaking his head. "That dragon—it's different. It's wild, powerful, and scarred. I could feel its pain when I touched it, and I know it's not just going to obey me blindly. I have to prove myself to it, earn its trust."
Rodensky crossed his arms, leaning against the railing. "You've always had the heart of a dragon tamer, Emmanuel. That's why it bowed to you in the end. But you're right—it's not just about taming a beast. It's about forging a bond with it, like I did with Abaddon."
The system chimed in Emmanuel's mind, breaking the tension.
System Notification
Abyssal Dragon "Oblivion" has entered recovery mode.
Status: Healing (ETA: 72 hours)
Potential Unlocked: Abyssal Flame Domain (requires mastery to activate).
"Oblivion," Emmanuel murmured, testing the name.
Rodensky grinned. "Fitting for something that almost obliterated us."
Emmanuel allowed himself a small smile, though his brow remained furrowed. "The system says it's healing, but there's a lot more to unlock. Training this dragon is going to be a long road. I just hope I'm ready for it."
---
Tensions on Deck
Their conversation was interrupted by hushed voices from nearby. A few crew members gathered at the ship's midsection, their glances darting toward Emmanuel.
"Did you see how that thing attacked? And now he's keeping it?" one muttered.
"What if it breaks free? We'd be the first to die," another said.
Rodensky straightened, his gaze sharpening. "Problem, gentlemen?"
The sailors stiffened, their murmurs fading into silence. One of them hesitated, then spoke. "It's just… that dragon, sir. We've seen beasts before, but that one… it's not natural."
Rodensky stepped forward, his tone firm but calm. "I get it. You're scared. But let me make this clear—Emmanuel's dragon is under control. And if it ever isn't, we'll handle it. You're safe as long as you're on this ship."
The sailors exchanged uncertain glances but nodded, dispersing back to their duties.
Emmanuel sighed. "I'm not sure I blame them. Oblivion isn't exactly cuddly."
"Neither is Colossus," Rodensky pointed out. "But the city trusted us with it because we showed them they could." He clapped Emmanuel on the shoulder. "You'll prove yourself to them, just like you will to Oblivion."
---
Private Conversations
That night, the ship rocked gently on the waves. The stars above were bright, scattered across the sky like shards of crystal. Emmanuel sat at the bow, staring at the horizon. Rodensky joined him, carrying two mugs of hot tea.
"Figured you could use this," Rodensky said, handing one over.
"Thanks." Emmanuel sipped in silence for a moment before speaking. "Do you ever feel like you're not enough?"
Rodensky blinked, caught off guard by the question. "What do you mean?"
Emmanuel hesitated, then gestured vaguely. "You've got Colossus, Rokura, and the others. You're leading this crazy journey, saving cities, taming beasts left and right. And me? I'm just… tagging along."
Rodensky frowned. "Tagging along? Emmanuel, you just tamed an Abyssal Dragon. That's not tagging along—that's stepping up."
"But it doesn't feel like enough," Emmanuel admitted. "I've always wanted to stand beside you as an equal, but it feels like I'm always a step behind."
Rodensky leaned back, staring at the stars. "Do you think I don't feel the same way sometimes? Like I'm not enough? I'm leading this journey, yeah, but every decision weighs on me. If I make the wrong call, people could die. You could die."
Emmanuel looked at him, surprised. "I didn't think you—"
"Of course I do," Rodensky interrupted. "We're both carrying different weights, Emmanuel. But that's why we need each other. I might have the beasts, the victories, but without you, I wouldn't be here. You're not behind me. You're beside me."
Emmanuel stared at his mug for a long moment, then nodded. "Thanks, Rodensky."
"Anytime."
---
New Resolve
The next morning, the system chimed as the sun rose over the horizon.
System Notification
Quest Progress: Journey to the Second Continent
Status: 50% Complete.
New Event Triggered: Ocean's Abyss.
As Rodensky read the update, Colossus surfaced beside the ship, its massive form gliding effortlessly through the waves. The crew watched in awe, their unease fading as they saw the bond between the beast and its master.
Emmanuel stood at the bow, a new determination in his eyes. He clenched his fists, thinking of Oblivion waiting in his subspace.
Rodensky joined him, the two of them looking ahead as the distant outline of the second continent began to emerge.
"Let's make this journey worth it," Emmanuel said.
Rodensky smiled. "Together, we'll make it unforgettable."
As the ship sailed on, the two friends stood side by side, their resolve shining brighter than the morning sun.