Iris and Selena returned to the kingdom after a grueling battle in the dark ruins. The atmosphere was heavy with concern, as the city buzzed with news of new threats that hadn't been resolved yet. Iris' heart was tight with unease, for although they had faced many challenges, he knew the greatest danger was yet to come.
As they walked through the kingdom's streets, Iris realized that the upcoming trials would require him to be far stronger. Eyes followed them as they returned, many of the kingdom's warriors waiting eagerly for Iris' return, but in their eyes, there was only one question: "Is he ready to fight the dragon?"
Iris and Selena finally reached the main hall in the royal palace, where the king awaited them. His face was grim, as if the weight of the world was bearing down on him.
"Iris, Selena, you have finally returned. But the news about the dragon has become more threatening than ever. There's no time to rest. You must prepare to face the great beast," the king said in a low voice.
Iris nodded. "I'm ready. But I need my equipment in full. I must face the dragon and defeat it. There's no turning back."
Selena gave Iris a concerned glance, but in her eyes was an unwavering trust in his strength. "Iris, we are with you in this battle. Nothing will stop us now."
As Iris began preparing for the assault, he carried out a thorough check of the Dragon Slayer sword, which had become an extension of himself. He had fought many battles with it, but it needed more power. The sword required enhancements to stand a chance against the dragon.
Iris entered the royal blacksmith's workshop, where a master blacksmith worked to improve the sword using ancient techniques only known within the kingdom. There, Iris spent hours watching the blacksmith forge and refine the weapon.
Meanwhile, Iris summoned the royal troops and prepared them to march with him to the Dragon Mountains. He knew that the assault on the dragon would not be easy. It was a long and dangerous journey, and the path was fraught with peril. But Iris' heart was resolute. He knew that if he didn't defeat the dragon now, the kingdom would remain under threat forever.
During his training and preparation, Iris began to feel something strange within himself. There was a deep sense of internal conflict. Part of him wanted to destroy the dragon, while another part sought a way to end the threat without further bloodshed. But he knew there was no time for hesitation. He had chosen his path, and his decision was final.
"I will destroy it. I will win this battle," Iris whispered to himself, his grip tightening around the now-glowing sword. The dragon's power was increasing in the kingdom, and it was time to end it once and for all.
Selena also readied herself, knowing full well what awaited them. Despite her fear of the outcome, her trust in Iris gave her a sense of security. "I'm here for you, Iris. We'll face it together."
Iris raised his head and spoke firmly, "It's time."
As the sun began to set on the horizon, Iris' army moved toward the Dragon Mountains, with the enhanced sword in hand and his iron resolve. This was the final stage of their journey toward their destiny.
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