The wait was brief. A dragon materialized from the entrance, shrouded in what appeared to be a tempest of flames. I marveled at its ability to endure the searing fire that licked at its scales, without uttering a single word, it instinctively headed out. Moments later, another figure trailed behind it. My initial assumption was that it might be some sort of aide or retainer; however, it turned out to be a soothsayer. Its gaze swept the area until it landed on me. Being the only one present, it wasn't a difficult guess.

“You must be Raphael, aren’t you?” it queried.

“I suppose I am,” I responded.

“They’re waiting. Please come inside. Quickly,” it urged, guiding me into the chamber.

Inside, I was met with the sight of five ancient dragons, two younger ones, and two griffins, each representing different elements and origins. They offered brief introductions, revealing their names and home kingdoms. There was Sol, the fire dragon hailing from the kingdom of the Everlasting Flame, and Cyrus, the wind dragon, whose native Whispering Wind kingdom was now under the rule of Queen Freya. Erebus, the shadow dragon from the kingdom of the Hidden Shadows, was an exile due to some enigmatic circumstances. Kryo, the ice dragon, originated from the kingdom of the Frozen Crystal, where the eponymous Frozen Crystal was safeguarded. Taranis, an electric dragon from the kingdom of the Crashing Thunder, had the ability to summon lightning at will. Hydra was a water dragon, and Akira, the light dragon, was the last of her kind in this world.

The griffins were both from Griffin’s Kingdom. Fulgor, a storm griffin, shared an element with Taranis, while Calida, a fire griffin, had an element that was weaker than average.

After the introductions and the ensuing conversation, I found myself in a library that revealed more about the creatures of this world. It was a realm where magic was as commonplace as air, and physics did not adhere to the laws of Earth. Dragons typically possessed a single element, though some had none or more than one. Some elements were more prevalent than others. Griffins too could have elements, with some being dubbed phoenixes due to their mastery. However, they weren't a different species, merely a rank for those who excelled.

They had called upon me to confirm my existence. They were aware of the prophecy, but their source wasn't Zeno. It was the light dragon soothsayer. They sought to find me and affirm my identity. The guardians were dubious about the prophecy, but the soothsayer was resolute. One unforgettable moment was when they tested my powers, which I still had no grasp of.

One of the griffins inquired, “Could you demonstrate any of your powers?”

Regretfully, I shook my head. “I can’t. I’m not even sure if I possess powers. I lost my wings, and now I’m questioning if they were ever real.”

He cast a doubtful look at me before turning to Akira. “What do you think?”

She nodded in affirmation. “I can vouch that he is the one.”

The griffin scoffed. “Then show us some proof.”

Akira returned his scoff with a glare and then beckoned me to approach. “Raphael, could you step over here for a moment?”

I scanned the room, but nobody objected. So, I walked up to her, only for her to seize my arm. Before I could react, she slashed it with one of her razor-sharp claws as if it were butter. I yelped out in pain and shock.

“Why would you do that!? What’s wrong with you?” I yelled, recoiling as blood gushed from my wound.

She remained unmoved, licking her bloody claw and calmly reassured, “Don’t fret, it will be over soon. Or so I believe.”

“Wait... It’s not…” I stuttered, looking at my arm in horror.

Then, an odd phenomenon occurred. The blood on the floor began to evaporate into a white mist that also covered my wound, obscuring it from sight. The pain persisted, but I felt something else happening beneath my skin: tendons reknitting and skin regenerating. It was a dreadful sensation that lasted less than a minute.

Then, as abruptly as it started, it ceased.

I examined my arm again and found no trace of injury or blood. It was as if the incident had never occurred.

The other griffin remarked sarcastically, “Great, now we believe you. We were really hoping you were mistaken. Damnit.”

Kryo interjected solemnly: “Seems like we’ve got our work cut out for us then, eh?”

I was at a loss for what they were discussing. All I had to go on was the cryptic poem or prophecy that Zeno had recited, a riddle that seemed to simultaneously mean everything and nothing. What work was there to do was a mystery and all I saw was a soothsayer, so deeply entangled in her own thoughts that she felt the need to slice my arm open to trigger a power I didn't fully comprehend. If that had failed, I would likely still be bleeding.

Feeling lost, I interjected: “Excuse me, but I'm a bit lost. Could someone update me on what's happening? If you wouldn't mind, please?”

My request for clarification was met with a frigid, curt response: “We need to discuss this among ourselves privately. Please step outside and wait.”

Akira protested, “I disagree. He should remain here. I need to talk with him.”

The other dragons sided with the griffin. The griffin proposed: “Then speak with him outside and return when we call you for an update.”

She insisted: “I must be present when you make your decisions. I’m the only one who foresaw this and can provide additional information.”

She fell silent.

Erebus spoke up, his tone gentle, “We won’t make any decisions without your approval first. Don't worry. Now please, go outside and ask him what you need, or you could just go to the next room and return when we call you.”

Neither of us said a word. I was wary of the escalating confusion and apprehension among them. A strange sense of guilt washed over me, even though I hadn’t voluntarily done anything. She gestured for me to follow her, and despite my fear of being alone with someone who had just harmed me and demonstrated how effortlessly she could sever one of my limbs, I didn't have a choice.