As usual, I found myself once again returning home. Despite the late hour, exhaustion had not yet claimed me. A good energy hummed beneath my skin, tempting me to engage in some activity. Yet, I elected to study my wings, a curious appendage that had become a permanent part of my anatomy. Their persistence baffled me, for I had witnessed their sporadic flickering, their sudden disappearance, and their unannounced reappearances.

The task of mastering their control loomed over me. Their constant presence felt like an inconvenient burden when not in use. My home, though sparsely furnished, posed a challenge for navigation. I could maneuver my wings, even wrap them around my body, but it felt unnatural. I spent hours attempting to trick the sensation contrary to summoning them - a feeling of being secure and grounded. Yet, my efforts bore no fruit. Defeated and with frustration bubbling within me, I retired to bed. The sensation of sleeping under the shelter of my wings was still new, yet it was comforting and gave a sense of warmth and security.

The next day was earmarked for following Akira's advice, which felt more like a quest than a suggestion. I was to wait at the training grounds near the academy where Cyrus, a master of aerial duels, was scheduled to conduct a class with young dragons. My morning was spent waiting, admiring intricate art and cryptic symbols that adorned the walls.

Eventually, a group of young dragons, younger than Akira but larger than me, arrived, followed by Cyrus. Although he appeared busy, he noticed me and beckoned me over. We exchanged pleasantries, and amidst our brief conversation, the young dragons began selecting their partners for what was about to start. Cyrus suggested that I stay and assist at the duels, an offer I readily accepted, my curiosity piqued.

The duels began in designated areas. Initially, there were no rules. Up to four dragons could participate in each area, forming teams or engaging in free-for-all combats. Cyrus explained that this was merely a warm-up. It was fascinating to watch the dragons spar without inflicting severe harm, employing distraction tactics and intimidation in their battle.

When the time was right, Cyrus gave a resounding whistle, amplified by his wind element. All activities ceased, and the dragons waited for instructions. Cyrus declared that two of them would challenge each other, with the victor earning a chance for promotion and the loser continuing training. The silence that followed was electric. Cyrus then announced the challengers: Pendragon, an electric dragon, and Brantley, an ice dragon. Both were shy creatures, and they hesitated before stepping forward. The other dragons encouraged them, and we moved to the main battle area.

The duel commenced, and the young dragons were both cautious and focused. Brantley was the first to attack, summoning ice shards and launching them at Pendragon before charging at him. Pendragon dodged the attack, but Brantley was relentless, charging with ice-spiked horns aimed for maximum damage. The sight of the brutal duel made me realize why no one was shocked when my arm had been severely injured before. Here, things could escalate quickly and bloodily.

The duel continued with Pendragon managing to outmaneuver and even humiliate Brantley. Despite this, the ice dragon fought fiercely, summoning a hailstorm of sharp ice shards, which proved to be a dangerous weapon. Pendragon, however, remained unimpressed and maintained a safe distance, waiting for Brantley to make his move. The ice dragon took to the skies, raining ice shards on Pendragon and charging at him. Pendragon chose to take the hit and counterattacked, slashing Brantley's ankle with his tail. Brantley stumbled but was far from defeated. As Pendragon prepared to strike again, Brantley froze his wounded leg and took to the skies again. But Pendragon was ready. He surrounded himself with static energy and rammed into Brantley, knocking him out. The duel was over, and a mix of emotions washed over me.

Cyrus disbanded the shield and congratulated Pendragon. The group was divided - half were ecstatic at Pendragon's victory, while the others were concerned for Brantley. Cyrus instructed Pendragon to revive Brantley using his element, and he did so without hesitation. Cyrus then handed me a string of crystals, instructing me to throw one near Brantley. I complied, and the shattered crystal began healing Brantley's wounds. Once revived, Brantley accepted his defeat gracefully and rejoined the others. Pendragon and Cyrus left the room, and I stayed back, observing the young dragons. The room was filled with two types of dragons - fierce fighters and supportive ones.

After a while, I set out to find Cyrus. An hour later, I ran into Pendragon.

He seemed surprised to see me and asked if I was an assistant too. I clarified that I was searching for Cyrus and denied being an assistant. Pendragon informed me that Cyrus would return to the training grounds with him for a decisive duel for his promotion. We conversed further about his lineage, and I discovered he was not an ordinary dragon, fortunate to inherit the electric element from his mother. I congratulated him on his victory, to which he responded with a mix of pride and caution, reminding me that his journey was far from over.

After our conversation, I decided to visit Leo briefly to catch up on any news. Finding nothing of particular interest, I returned to the training grounds just as Cyrus arrived. He cleared the grounds but allowed me to stay. Finally, I got a chance to ask him about the message I was supposed to receive. Cyrus explained that he wanted me to observe the young dragons' duels to prepare for the potential threats I might face in the future. As I was about to leave, he invited me to stay and watch Pendragon's upcoming duel.

During the wait, I inquired about the crystals, having read little about them in books. Cyrus explained the different types of crystals, including the healing crystals I had used earlier that day. These crystals were capable of healing dragon wounds exclusively. He also mentioned elemental crystals, which could be enchanted to match the element of the enchanter. However, this skill was not common, and civilians were not privy to it. Our conversation was cut short by Pendragon's arrival, followed by a fire dragon I recognized - Fyrenthos.

Fyrenthos, as it turned out, was Pendragon's opponent. I was taken aback as I knew Fyrenthos was on his way to becoming a Sunflare member. I greeted him, and he asked why I was there. I replied that I planned to watch their duel, to which he chuckled and said it would be fun. Cyrus, noticing our interaction, asked if we knew each other. Before I could answer, Fyrenthos replied affirmatively, adding that a mutual friend had introduced us.

Cyrus seemed surprised and a little concerned, asking if I had ventured outside the city walls recently. I admitted that I had, with permission from a guardian and accompanied by Akira. Cyrus expressed his disapproval, stating that such decisions should be made collectively, considering the potential dangers. Fyrenthos defended me, stating that he had ensured my safety during the excursion. Cyrus, although not entirely satisfied, accepted Fyrenthos's explanation and urged him to show his skills in the duel.

The duel commenced with Fyrenthos allowing Pendragon to make the first move. Pendragon initiated the duel with a horizontal thunder attack, which Fyrenthos easily repelled. The fire dragon then took to the skies, landing with a challenge for Pendragon to do better. The electric dragon retorted with a threat, which Fyrenthos met with a challenge. The duel escalated, with both dragons displaying their prowess. Fyrenthos, despite being hit by Pendragon's lightning bolt, continued his relentless attack. Both dragons suffered elemental burns and injuries, but they fought on, making it a thrilling spectacle. The irony of a fire dragon being burned weird so say the least, and both of them showed signs of burns.

The two adversaries sized each other up, each anticipating the other's next move. Fyrenthos, with a grand leap, ascended into the air, conjuring a blazing ring of fire around him. He flapped his wings, sending a wave of searing flames towards Pendragon. With a nimble twist in the air, Pendragon evaded the fiery onslaught. Despite Fyrenthos' relentless repetition of his attack, Pendragon was too quick, too agile. Until the electric dragon, momentarily unable to wield his elemental power, scanned for an opportunity to charge. Fyrenthos, with a keen eye, saw through this strategy and feigned a weak attack, only to follow it up with an unexpected, more potent strike. Pendragon could only curse, “You bastard!” a heartbeat before receiving the hit.

He didn't fall, but Fyrenthos offered no respite. Swooping down, he pinned Pendragon to the ground, exploiting his superior size to maintain this advantageous position. As Fyrenthos' jaws pressed down on his neck, Pendragon struggled to draw breath. With the last of his waning air, he gasped, “I yield! You win!” and thus, surrendered.

The duel concluded with Fyrenthos as the triumphant victor. This outcome was hardly surprising. From the onset, Fyrenthos had demonstrated superior experience and skill. The protective barrier that encapsulated the arena dissipated, and Cyrus approached Pendragon, despite his defeat. Simultaneously, he handed me another healing crystal, keeping one for himself to tend to the electric dragon. Fyrenthos, exuding an air of quiet victory, made his way towards the arena's exit. As instructed, I trailed behind him and offered, “Wait, you’re wounded. Allow me to assist.” He paused, responding with a terse, “Fine, proceed.” I complied, hurling the crystal towards him. The fragments scattered, reaching him and initiating the healing process. Once both dragons were healed, Cyrus escorted Pendragon out of the arena. He returned momentarily, lauding, “Fyrenthos, you never disappoint. Congratulations!” before departing once again.

I turned to Fyrenthos and remarked, “For the second time, you continue to surprise me.” He responded with a chuckle, “Thanks. I find joy in what I do. Besides, the lad has potential. I wouldn't mind having him in the Sunflares. Do you know his name?” I informed him, “His name is Pendragon, and he was victorious in a duel against another dragon this morning.” He nodded, musing, “I see. I'll ask Cyrus to keep an eye on him, or perhaps I'll volunteer myself for that task.” I suggested, “We could catch up with him right now and relay this.” He agreed, “Good idea. Let’s see if he's at the square.” I followed suit, “Alright, I’m with you.”

We ventured to a different square than the one I was accustomed to. It was nestled within the architecture of the building. The vastness of the place was accentuated by this indoor square. Cyrus was still in the company of Pendragon, who seemed quite sad and defeated. As we approached, Pendragon averted his gaze, lowering his head. Cyrus greeted us, “Good day again. I’m busy now. What brings you here?” I relayed, “Fyrenthos wishes to commend Pendragon on his fight and has an additional proposition.” Fyrenthos stepped in, “As he said, master, the young one has talent, and I believe he could prove to be a valuable addition to the Sunflares squadron if he continues to improve.” Pendragon remained silent, listening intently.

Cyrus requested Pendragon to step away for a moment. The electric dragon complied, retreating from the square without uttering a word, his demeanor still reflective of his defeat, even after receiving some praise.

Cyrus turned to us, “It's heartening to hear that, but he's not ready yet. He hasn't mastered his element. You saw that, didn't you?” Fyrenthos acknowledged, “Indeed. I noticed his inability to wield it after a while in the heat of battle, but I wasn't suggesting immediate recruitment. I meant, I'd like to monitor his progress and assist with his training, if needed.”

Cyrus was quick to respond, “First, complete your training, then we can revisit this discussion. For now, it's not feasible. My apologies.”

Fyrenthos, a trace of disappointment in his voice, conceded, "Understood, master. Apologies for the blind request.”

I found myself at a loss for words, unsure of how to contribute to the conversation. We thanked Cyrus and took our leave.

As we walked away, Fyrenthos broke the silence.  "Damn, he’s right," he mused, frustration edging his tone. "I’m not yet qualified to assist in training. I’m striving to earn that right. This is truly vexing.” I consoled, “I’m sorry. I understand. I’m sure you’ll achieve it sooner rather than later.”

Fyrenthos retreated into silence. After a moment's hesitation, I decided to probe a little further: "I noticed you’re quite close to Akira. Is there something more to that, or?”

He instantly dismissed the insinuation, “No, we’re merely friends. We met here many years ago before I was relocated to another kingdom.” I pressed further: "Still, I see you’re always ready to lend her a hand. You seem to share a strong bond.” He conceded, "Yes, we do. However, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy. She’s attained a rank I can only aspire to. When she requests something, it’s difficult to refuse. For law and… friendship.” I queried, “What do you mean by that?” He explained, “I think you might already know. She’s near the guardians, the masters, and that affords her certain privileges and rights. But upon reflection, I'm not sure I would want her life.” I feigned ignorance, replying, “Interesting, thank you for sharing that.”

I felt I was pushing the conversation too far, so I decided to let it rest. I was about to offer my assistance when he pre-empted me, “I should head back. It’s getting late. I don’t want to risk being locked out for the night or ask the guards to open the gates just for me. Goodbye, Raphael, and good luck with your training as well.”

Puzzled, I thought, “What training?” I still had two more days of freedom, didn't I? Wait, I was set to start training on the 7th day! How could they even train me? We were too different. It was already a surreal experience learning how to fly, even if that could have something in common with having wings to fly. To fly away, if necessary, to avoid a conflict.