As the dust settled from the intense battle with Morgul, Levy, Ela, and the pink dragon finally had a moment to breathe. The orc camp was now eerily silent, with the remnants of Morgul’s forces either dead or having fled into the dark forest. The once-trapped dragon, now free from its cage, sat quietly, observing the two elves.
Levy approached the pink dragon, his curiosity piqued. "You were incredible back there. I didn't think I'd see a dragon caught like that."
The dragon tilted its head, its large eyes shimmering with an almost human-like intelligence. "I underestimated them," the dragon replied, its voice soft yet tinged with sorrow. "Morgul was a far more cunning foe than I anticipated."
Ela, still awestruck by the sight of a talking dragon, stepped forward. "Who are you? How did you end up here?"
The dragon's form began to shimmer, and before their eyes, it transformed into a young woman. Her hair was a brilliant shade of pink, flowing down her back like a cascade of water, and her eyes were a deep, captivating blue. She stood before them, dressed in elegant, dragon-scaled armor that seemed to ripple with each movement. Despite her fierce appearance, there was a softness to her features that hinted at a vulnerability.
"I am Lucy, the Water Dragon," she introduced herself with a gentle bow. "I have the ability to manipulate water, and I have lived for centuries guarding the lakes and rivers of this land. But Morgul... Morgul was different. He killed my brother, a fellow dragon, and consumed his essence to gain his strength."
Levy's eyes darkened with understanding. "So, Morgul had dragon abilities because he devoured your brother?"
Lucy nodded, a tear glistening in her eye. "Yes. He set a trap for me, using a stone imbued with ancient magic that weakens dragons. I was caught off guard, and that’s how I ended up in that cage. But thanks to you, Levy, the stone was destroyed in our battle. I am free again."
Ela stepped closer, her voice softening with concern. "We're sorry for your loss, Lucy. But how did you survive for so long?"
Lucy smiled faintly, though sadness lingered in her eyes. "My brother's sacrifice gave me the strength to endure. I swore to avenge him, but Morgul's cunning and that cursed stone trapped me."
Levy placed a reassuring hand on Lucy's shoulder. "You're not alone anymore. We’ll make sure Morgul’s deeds are avenged, and we’ll need your strength to reach the Dark Elves' territory."
Lucy’s expression brightened at Levy’s words, and for a moment, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "I owe you my life, Levy. From this day forward, I am yours to command."
Ela, sensing the shift in Lucy's demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what do you mean by 'yours to command'?"
Lucy grinned, her eyes locking onto Levy with an intensity that made him slightly uncomfortable. "Dragons have a strong sense of loyalty. By saving me, Levy has earned my eternal gratitude—and perhaps, my affection as well."
Ela’s eyes narrowed as she looked between Lucy and Levy. "Affection, huh? Well, don’t get too comfortable. Levy’s got more important things to worry about than some dragon falling head over heels for him."
Levy scratched the back of his head, feeling the tension between the two. "Uh, let’s not fight over something like that. We’ve got bigger problems to deal with, like mastering this new Dragon Slayer technique."
Lucy’s demeanor shifted back to seriousness, though a hint of mischief remained. "I can help with that. The Dragon Slayer technique is powerful, but it’s also dangerous if not properly controlled. Let me teach you how to harness it."
Levy’s eyes lit up with interest. "You’d really do that?"
Lucy nodded, stepping closer to him. "Of course. It's the least I can do after what you’ve done for me. Besides, I want to make sure you’re strong enough to face whatever lies ahead."
Ela crossed her arms, watching as Lucy and Levy exchanged glances. Though she felt a twinge of jealousy, she couldn’t deny the importance of mastering such a powerful technique. "Fine," she muttered. "But don’t think I’ll let you steal all the attention, Lucy."
Lucy chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "We’ll see about that, elf."
The three of them spent the next few days resting and training in the forest. Lucy, true to her word, guided Levy through the intricacies of the Dragon Slayer technique. She showed him how to channel the energy in his body, how to focus his mind, and how to unleash the devastating power without losing control.
Levy quickly realized that the Dragon Slayer technique was unlike anything he had learned before. It required not just strength, but a deep understanding of the natural world and the balance between destruction and preservation. With Lucy's guidance, he began to grasp the true potential of the technique, feeling his power grow with each passing day.
But it wasn't all serious training. The playful rivalry between Lucy and Ela added a lighthearted element to their journey. The two women often engaged in friendly banter, each trying to outdo the other in Levy’s eyes. Whether it was who could hunt the best game, who could find the best resting spot, or even who could make Levy laugh the most, the competition was fierce but never malicious.
One evening, as they sat around the campfire, Ela couldn't help but ask, "So, Lucy, why are you so interested in Levy anyway?"
Lucy, who was sitting close to Levy with a mischievous grin, replied, "Isn’t it obvious? He’s strong, brave, and he saved my life. Plus, I like a man who knows how to handle a sword."
Levy nearly choked on his food at Lucy’s bluntness, while Ela shot her a glare. "He’s also got more important things to do than entertain a dragon’s flirtations."
Lucy pouted playfully. "Oh, come on, Ela. Can’t I have a little fun? Besides, I think Levy enjoys the attention."
Levy, trying to diffuse the situation, quickly changed the subject. "So, Lucy, do you know much about the Dark Elves' territory? Anything that might help us on our mission?"
Lucy leaned back, her expression turning serious. "The Dark Elves are a cunning and ruthless race. They’ve long hated humans, believing that your kind encroached on their lands and disrupted the balance of nature. Yuan, their leader, is especially dangerous. He’s obsessed with power and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals."
Ela nodded, her expression grim. "That’s why we need to retrieve the Core Stone. It’s the only way to prevent them from using its power to conquer the human lands."
Lucy sighed. "It won’t be easy, but with our combined strength, we have a chance. I’ll guide you through the forest to their territory, and with my abilities, I can help us avoid detection."
Levy smiled, grateful for Lucy's help. "Thanks, Lucy. We’ll need all the help we can get."
As the night deepened, the three of them continued to plan their journey, growing closer with each passing day. Though the path ahead was fraught with danger, Levy knew that with allies like Ela and Lucy by his side, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.
And so, with a new bond forged and a powerful technique mastered, Levy and his companions prepared to face the next challenge on their journey—a journey that was just beginning to reveal its true dangers and mysteries.