SSS Rank Dragon Tamer: Unleashed-Chapter 16

Chapter 16: A Dragon's Flame

Morning broke with the same chill as the day before. The wind outside howled through the cracks in the tower, but inside, the warmth from Star's core pulsed gently. Zephyr awoke to the sound of Star's contented chirps. The little dragonling had nested beside the orb, its body radiating heat that kept the room warm.

Zephyr stretched, his muscles stiff from the cramped space they'd occupied all night. He checked the time; morning had barely started. Fenna was already up, brewing a fresh pot of herbal tea, the sweet scent of dried snow lavender filling the air.

"You're up early," Zephyr said as he approached the fire, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"I've been awake for hours, thinking about the next steps," Fenna replied with a smile, handing him a steaming cup. She sat down on the worn rug beside him. "You've been quiet this morning. Are you okay?"

Zephyr took a sip, savoring the warmth that spread through him. He hadn't realized how much he needed it. His eyes drifted to Star, who was still curled up next to the core, its wings gently fluttering as if guarding it. The egg, now fully intact and almost glowing with potential, had become the center of his thoughts.

"I'm fine," Zephyr said, but the words felt hollow. He had felt something shift last night after absorbing the B-rank core, like a door opening in his mind. There was a sense of clarity, but also an unsettling feeling of having entered a realm far beyond his understanding. "I think the bond with Star is... deeper than I expected."

Fenna nodded knowingly. "I saw it too. It's like you're becoming more attuned to him every day. The way he reacts to your presence—it's not just about taming him anymore, is it?"

"No," Zephyr said quietly, his voice trailing off. "It's more than that. I'm starting to feel like... I'm not just the feeder anymore."

Fenna's gaze softened as she reached out to squeeze his hand. "You never were just a feeder. You're a tamer, Zephyr. A true tamer."

The words were simple, but they felt like a weight lifted from his chest. Zephyr's thoughts turned inward again. What had happened last night? His bond with Star was no longer just about nurturing or feeding—it was something far more profound, like a true awakening of his soul. It was as if their destinies were intertwined, their paths merging into one.

He placed his hand over his chest, feeling the subtle pulse that connected him to the dragonling. There was something deeper, something powerful that had awakened inside of him, but it hadn't fully revealed itself yet. Was this the beginning of the power he'd always known was hidden within?

He looked at Fenna, who was watching him with a mix of curiosity and understanding. She knew him better than anyone, and there was a silent recognition between them. She knew he had always felt like he was meant for something more, something beyond the ordinary life of a caretaker.

"I think," Zephyr began, voice shaky but firm, "I think I need to start taking control of my fate. I've been waiting for too long, relying on others. But the system, this dragon... everything feels like it's pushing me toward something bigger."

Fenna smiled, her eyes glowing with pride. "I've always known you were capable of greatness. It was just a matter of time."

Star stirred beside them, chirping softly. Zephyr's attention shifted back to the dragon, whose violet eyes flickered open, fixing him with an almost knowing gaze. The bond between them was undeniable now, and Zephyr knew that whatever path lay ahead, it would be alongside Star.

The day passed quickly, as they both prepared to move forward. Zephyr packed their supplies, careful to make sure the dragon's core was securely stored in his bag, alongside Star's new training materials. The bond between them wasn't just physical—it was growing stronger with each passing hour, and Zephyr knew it was time to take the next step.

"We need to start training Star properly," Zephyr said, as they made their way back to the small campfire outside the tower. "He's powerful, but we need to harness that power. If we're going to face tougher beasts, we need him to evolve."

Fenna agreed, but there was something else in her voice—an edge of concern that hadn't been there before. "Are you sure you're ready for what that means? Star's not just any beast. You're not just any tamer either."

Zephyr nodded, his expression turning serious. "I don't know what's coming, Fenna. But I'm not afraid anymore. Not after last night. Not after everything I've been through." He turned to Star, who had fluttered over to perch on his shoulder. "We're in this together, little one. And we're going to make sure you reach your full potential."

That evening, after gathering what little supplies they needed for a short journey, Zephyr took Star aside for their first proper training session. Fenna stayed close, watching carefully, knowing that this was a crucial moment for both of them.

Zephyr focused on his breath, grounding himself as he placed his hands gently on Star's scales. The dragonling's warm energy thrummed under his touch, a deep pulse of power that felt alive in his chest. Zephyr's Dragon Sense, now stronger than ever, allowed him to feel the ebb and flow of the energy within Star's body.

"Focus," Zephyr whispered, closing his eyes. He could feel the system pulsing in his mind, its unseen tendrils guiding him. "We have to unlock your true potential, Star. This is just the beginning."

Star chirped, as though understanding, its wings fluttering slightly. Zephyr opened his eyes, concentrating on the energy between them.

A soft, glowing screen appeared before him, and the System's voice echoed in his mind:

System: Training Sequence: Draconic Enhancement initiated.

Boost Mode: Activate Star's inherent abilities. Gain a 30% increase in speed, agility, and elemental resistance for the next 24 hours.

Star's body shimmered with a soft, golden light, and the dragonling's wings began to flap faster, the iridescence of its scales deepening as though the dragonling's energy was being amplified by Zephyr's own will.

For the next few hours, they practiced. Zephyr focused on his bond with Star, guiding the dragon to perform various basic maneuvers. With every successful attempt, Star grew more agile, his movements more fluid and precise. Zephyr was careful not to push too hard, knowing the little dragonling still needed time to adapt to its newfound power.

Afterward, Star curled up on Zephyr's lap, exhausted but content. Zephyr smiled softly, brushing his fingers over the dragon's scales.

"You're learning," he murmured. "And so am I."

As they rested in the camp that night, Zephyr's mind was awash with questions. The bond between him and Star was growing stronger, but there was so much he still didn't understand. What had happened to him? Why had the System chosen him?

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of a screen, blinking urgently in front of his eyes:

System: Bloodline Detection Complete.

Bloodline: Fragmented Dragon Tamer Lineage (Unsealed).

Current Bloodline Purity: 30%.

*Unlocking additional powers...

Zephyr gasped as the words appeared, his pulse quickening. The Fragmented Dragon Tamer Lineage... that was the bloodline that had been locked away inside him. And now, with Star's bond, it was beginning to awaken.

The System chimed again, and the voice inside his head was calm but powerful:

System: Congratulations. You have successfully unlocked the first stage of your Dragon Tamer potential. Your bond with Star has increased your bloodline purity by 30%. As you continue your journey, more of your inherited power will be revealed.

Zephyr's heart raced as he processed the information. He had always known there was something extraordinary about his connection to Star, but now it seemed that the power inside him was more than just a latent potential—it was the key to his future.

"I'm ready," Zephyr whispered to the stars above. "I'm ready to unlock everything."

That night, as the fire crackled and Star rested peacefully in his arms, Zephyr made a silent promise to himself. He would not waste the opportunity that had been given to him. He had a dragon—his first true beast bond—and with it, the potential to change his fate.

But he also knew that the path ahead would not be easy. There would be challenges, dangers, and battles that would test both his strength and his resolve. And yet, for the first time in his life, Zephyr felt certain of one thing:

He was no longer just a caretaker. He was a Dragon Tamer.

And his journey had only just begun.