Chapter 46 - Know Yourself and Know Your Enemies
The Blue Dragon Range rose imposingly against the horizon, a vast mountain chain that seemed to touch the heavens. Its jagged peaks were dusted with snow, while the lower slopes displayed dense forests and hidden valleys. Strong winds howled between the cliffs, carrying the echo of distant roars, a reminder to all who dared challenge this domain that the wildlife here was ruled by colossal winged creatures. The rising sun bathed the mountains in a golden hue, creating a striking contrast between the soft gleam of the snow and the deep shadows of the rocky formations.
Leaping nimbly between the mountains, a young beast boy navigated the terrain with remarkable agility. His silver hair reflected the glow of the rising sun, while his dark skin seemed to absorb the light, accentuating his golden eyes, which shimmered with intensity. This was Rygar, moving with the grace of a predator intimately familiar with his surroundings.
After obtaining a small map from the dwarf Brightstone, he had not hesitated. Determined, he immediately set out for the range. Fortwind had wanted to accompany him, but Rygar declined. "Go to Godbard and inform him that I'll work with Brightstone to improve my sword," he ordered before heading off alone.
Now, standing on a high peak, Rygar observed the path he had traveled. The mountains stretched in every direction, imposing and majestic, as the wind whipped against his body, bringing a sense of renewal. He took a deep breath, feeling the cold, rarefied air fill his lungs. In the distance, the sun slowly rose, painting the world in shades of orange and gold. It was as if the universe conspired to make this moment unforgettable.
The roars of dragons echoed far off, mingled with the occasional sounds of other monsters that inhabited the region. It was a wild symphony, a constant reminder of the dangers that surrounded this place. Yet, Rygar felt an inexplicable sense of freedom. He thought about his previous world. He had surpassed by leagues anything a human from his old life believed possible and even what most of his tribe in this world could achieve. That feeling was refreshing, a testament to his growth and how he had embraced the world he now called home.
He scanned the surroundings once more, absorbing the view. The mountain range extended as far as his eyes could see, with green forests in the distance and valleys hidden among the peaks. From that vantage point, he could even glimpse the edges of the Great Forest, a green mantle stretching to the horizon. His sharp senses caught every detail: the subtle sound of leaves in the distance, the fresh scent of vegetation mingled with the mineral aroma of the rocks. It was as if all of nature presented itself to him.
After a few moments of contemplation, he took a deep breath and resumed his journey. There was something about the mountain range that captivated him. As he ran, leaping from rock to rock, he thought that he might return here in the future, just to explore and once again enjoy this unique environment.
As he approached the point marked on the map, Rygar realized he no longer needed it. There was only one cave in the vicinity. From within, he could hear deep, steady breathing, and a slight shiver ran down his spine—a primal sense of danger. This was the place.
He took out the black cloak Brightstone had given him and put it on. Immediately, he felt his own scent disappear. With his keen sense of smell, he could barely detect any trace of his own presence. Next, he donned the triangular-shaped necklace around his neck. As soon as he did, the sound around him vanished. The absence of noise was disconcerting but also effective. Once again, he marveled at the quality and potential of magical items.