Chapter 4: Ashes and Oaths
The wind whispered through the canyon as Lucas sat beside the small form of the wounded dragon. The creature's light silver green scales were dulled by blood and dirt, its breathing shallow but steady. The metallic slave collar gone from around its neck.
Lucas clenched his fists.
"They did this to you... those bastards."
{She's young. Barely out of the nest. But her mana signature is potent. A wind dragon... a rare breed. And look at that wing—it's broken. She won't last long without help.}
"I have to save her," Lucas said.
{You're in luck, hero.}
DING!
[Quest Completed: First Bond Formed – Umbra, the Black Nemean Lion]
Reward Unlocked: [Tier 1 Healing Salve x1], [System EXP +50], [Reputation: +5]
A flash of golden light materialized into a small glass vial in Lucas's hand. Inside swirled a thick, iridescent liquid, glowing faintly with soothing energy.
Lucas knelt and gently opened the dragon's mouth.