Vermithor's bronze-colored eyes showed indifference as it plunged into its coppery flames, enveloping its entire body.
Aemon refused to resign himself to fate. He thought of the only way to save himself.
Calling upon the [Mana Essence Panel], he quickly examined the three cards displayed, glowing faintly: two green and one blue—seemingly of little use.
Just as the dragonfire surged toward him, Aemon remained calm, silently counting his breaths.
At the critical moment, the clock struck midnight, and the panel refreshed.
Buzz!
The three cards began spinning wildly, releasing a billowing mist.
When the radiant light settled, they transformed into three new cards.
Without hesitation, Aemon flipped over all three cards.
A flash of light revealed the new cards: one white and two blue, their blue hues reminiscent of a serene sky.
[Physique +1]: Enhances the body with no side effects.[Sapphire Amulet]: Grants three magical shields to resist advanced magical attacks three times.[Stone-Like Fortitude]: Reinforces bones to become as solid as stone.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Aemon wasted no time activating the cards.
The white card shattered instantly, releasing a milky white glow that entered his chest.
The two blue cards followed: one manifested as a silver necklace adorned with a sapphire, forming around his neck; the other imbued his bones and marrow with an intense energy, strengthening his entire skeleton and refining his body to withstand immense stress.
The enhancements left Aemon's body resilient and solid, akin to a statue of living stone.
Boom!
The coppery flames engulfed him in an instant, waves of heat rolling over his body.
It's so hot!
The fiery inferno felt like the depths of hell, igniting every nerve with pain.
Hum!
The sapphire amulet emitted a protective azure barrier that enveloped him, shielding him from the brunt of the flames.
Meanwhile, Vermithor had already surged through the fire unscathed, preparing to dive down into the open air.
But as the shield flickered and shattered like glass, the extreme heat once again bore down on Aemon.
With his protective clothing burned away, his skin began to blister under the fiery assault.
"Fly, Vermithor!!"
At the brink of death, Aemon roared, his defiance cutting through the flames.
Faced with such audacity, Vermithor bellowed in response, diving out of the flames entirely.
The fire seemed to renew the dragon's strength, its bronze-colored scales gleaming with a metallic luster under the moonlight.
The world fell silent.
For several long seconds, the only sound was the gentle nighttime breeze and the heavy breathing of the massive dragon.
Vermithor turned its gaze, seemingly puzzled that the boy on its back had not fallen.
"Fly, Vermithor!"
Once more, the boy's defiant voice rang out, resolute and unwavering.
Vermithor paused, tilting its head to glance back at its rider.
There he stood—battered, charred, and bloodied—but still alive.
Lit by the moon, the boy's silver hair and violet eyes seemed to burn with the same intensity as the dragon's coppery flames.
"Hahaha! You can't kill me!"
Aemon laughed triumphantly, his joy ringing through the night.
His survival was no miracle. His [Valyrian Dragonlord Bloodline] had increased to 33%, enhancing his resilience against dragonfire. Combined with his enhanced [Stone-Like Fortitude], he had endured the otherwise fatal ordeal.
Even as he laughed, his [Panel] updated:
[Aemon Targaryen]
Bloodline: Valyrian Dragonlord (33%)Skills: Expert Riding, Advanced Archery, Skilled Sleight of HandMagic Cards: Stone-Like Fortitude (Purple), Regal Presence (Purple)Equipment: Dual Valyrian Daggers, Sapphire Amulet (2/3 charges remaining)Pets: Golden-Nosed Mouse (Blue), White Stag (Sacred Beast)
Standing tall on Vermithor's back, Aemon extended his bloodied hand toward the dragon's neck.
"Fly, Vermithor! Let me be your new master!"
The dragon hesitated for a moment, its bronze eyes narrowing.
As if recalling a memory, the image of a long-lost silver-haired rider faded from its mind, replaced by the boy who now stood firm on its back.
"Screeeaaaarrrgh!"
A roar of acceptance echoed across the skies as Vermithor spread its enormous wings, soaring upward into the moonlit night.
"It worked..."
Aemon exhaled deeply, finally allowing himself to relax. He released his grip on his daggers and lay flat on the dragon's back, gazing at the stars above.
As the dragon's roar echoed through the heavens, Aemon stretched out his arms toward the glowing moon.
For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw the shadow of his great-grandfather, King Jaehaerys, standing tall and proud.
Softly, he whispered:
"Great-Grandfather, can you see this? I've inherited your dragon."
The moonlight seemed to glisten in response.
Aemon smirked, spreading his arms wide as the dragon flew ever higher.
"From this day forth, Vermithor is my dragon! Together, we will forge a new legacy for House Targaryen!"
Below, the dragon's triumphant roar shook the very earth.
The Bronze Fury had awakened—and now had a new master.