Valeford Estate – Training Grounds
Caelan stood before a target set up in the middle of the courtyard, his hand extended, palm facing the wooden target. The wind was still, the air silent—except for the faint crackling of the fire building in his chest.
He'd been practicing for days since he absorbed the Crimson Dragonflame, and each time, the flames felt more natural, more powerful.
> Time to combine them.
He focused on the fire inside him, calling upon the new power of the Crimson Dragonflame. But this time, he didn't just release the flames. He merged his previous mastery of fire—his Ignis Flare and Solar Pulse—with the draconic power now flowing through him.
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[System Notification]
> Merge Sequence Available:
Crimson Dragonflame + Ignis Flare
Merged Ability: Inferno Command (S+)
Description: Unleashes a controlled torrent of dragon-infused flames, able to carve through both magical barriers and physical defense. The flames can be manipulated at will, allowing precise targeting and area control.
Special Effect: Fire-based attacks can now be maintained in the air for up to 30 seconds, and user gains increased resistance to fire-based damage.
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Caelan's eyes glowed as his hands sparked with an intense orange-red hue. He raised his palm to the sky and focused. The fire spiraled upward into a controlled stream, curling around him like a dance of serpents.
The air around him shimmered, as if the very atmosphere were thickening with power. Then, with a swift motion, he sent a concentrated orb of flame toward the target. It struck with a violent explosion, reducing the wooden dummy to ashes in an instant.
> Impressive.
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Training Grounds – Later
Serah approached him, her gaze critical. "You've merged the abilities. That's advanced magic for someone your age. How do you feel?"
Caelan closed his eyes and let the flames die down, feeling the burn of mana in his chest.
"I feel like I could burn a whole forest," he said with a half-smile.
Serah nodded. "That power can't be underestimated. But you'll need to control it. Magic's dangerous if it controls you instead."
"I understand."
Serah studied him for a moment. "You're not just a prodigy, Caelan. You've got a dragon's flame within you. But you'll need to refine it—train it—before others catch wind of what you've unlocked. You're already a target, whether you know it or not."
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[System Notification]
> New Quest Available:
Refinement of Power
Task: Seek a skilled mage or combatant to assist in mastering Inferno Command (S+). Failure to do so may result in mana instability.
Reward: New Skills and Titles upon completion.
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Caelan nodded to himself.
> More training. More control.
But first, I need to prepare for what's coming.
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That Evening – Valeford Estate, Caelan's Room
After dinner, Caelan sat alone in his room, staring out the window as night settled in. The flickering lights from the estate's torches reflected on his window.
> I wonder… What else is hidden?
His thoughts turned back to the ruin and the relic. Caelan hadn't forgotten the strange feeling of connection when he absorbed the Heart of the Ember Crown.
> There's something more to this flame, something ancient.
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[System Notification]
> Hidden Quest Triggered:
Draconic Awakening
Task: Seek further relics or hidden knowledge to uncover the true potential of the Crimson Dragonflame.
Requirements: Unknown.
Reward: Possible unlock of a new draconic skill.
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