Sebas sat cross-legged on his modest bed at the inn, the dim light of a single candle illuminating the small room. Ember lay curled at his feet in the form of a sleek black fox, its tail flicking lazily as it dozed. The excitement of achieving level 3 still buzzed in Sebas’s veins, but it was the whispering voice in the back of his mind that kept him from resting.
*Finally, my book can manifest,* purred the Dragon Queen. Her voice was like molten gold, smooth and heavy with promise. *You have done well, little one. Prepare yourself for the knowledge of ages.*
Sebas inhaled deeply as a surge of energy flowed through him, warm and commanding. Before his eyes, a shimmer of golden light coalesced into a shape. It started as a mere outline, growing more solid with every passing moment. A tome, bound in glimmering dragon scales of emerald and obsidian, floated gently before him. Intricate runes danced across its surface, glowing faintly with inner fire.
“The Scale Codex,” Sebas murmured, reaching out tentatively. The book responded to his touch, its scales warm and almost alive. As it opened, pages made of fine, iridescent parchment unfurled, each inscribed with symbols and texts in the ancient tongue of dragons.
*This is your birthright now,* the Dragon Queen said, her voice laced with pride. *Contained within are the spells, histories, and secrets of my kind. But tread carefully, Sebas. Dragon magic is powerful… and unforgiving.*
---
Sebas spent hours poring over the Scale Codex, the words shifting and rearranging themselves into meanings he could comprehend. The first spell he attempted was a simple conjuration: summoning ethereal dragon scales to serve as temporary armor. He muttered the incantation, his voice stumbling over the guttural syllables of the dragon tongue.
With a flash, translucent green scales materialized across his arms and chest, their surfaces shimmering like gemstones. The power thrummed through him, exhilarating but also draining. By the time he dismissed the spell, his breathing was ragged, and his vision swam.
Ember raised her head, cocking it to the side. “*You need to pace yourself,*” she said telepathically, her tone both amused and concerned. “*Even for a warlock, this magic is taxing.*”
Sebas nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. He could feel the strain of the Dragon Queen’s gifts—they demanded much, but he knew the rewards would be worth it. As he flipped through the Codex, he found spells for fire manipulation, elemental resistance, and even the ability to temporarily grow dragon-like claws. Each one seemed more tantalizing than the last, but he forced himself to close the book for the night. He needed rest, and he needed to process what he had gained.
---
Meanwhile, across the city, Marek stood in the guild leader’s office, his presence a shadow against the warm glow of the hearth. The new guild leader, an imposing woman named Saria, leaned back in her chair, her piercing blue eyes fixed on him.
“So,” Saria said, her voice sharp and commanding, “this warlock… Sebas. What do you make of him?”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Marek crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “He’s capable. Driven. And dangerous, though perhaps not in the way you might think.”
Saria raised an eyebrow. “Dangerous?”
“His power doesn’t come from this realm,” Marek replied. “He’s bonded to an entity far older and stronger than most of us can imagine. And while he’s still learning to wield that power, it’s clear that he has potential.”
“Potential can be a double-edged sword,” Saria said. “Do you trust him?”
Marek hesitated. “I trust his intentions. He’s not reckless, and he has a good heart. But trust is earned, not given. We’ll see how he handles himself in the days to come.”
Saria leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. “Keep an eye on him. With the Chaos forces stirring again, we can’t afford any surprises.”
Marek nodded. “Understood.”
---
Back at the inn, Sebas drifted into a restless sleep. His dreams were vivid, a swirling tapestry of fire, smoke, and ancient landscapes. He stood on the edge of a volcanic cliff, the air thick with ash and heat. Before him loomed the Dragon Queen, her immense form coiled around a throne of obsidian.
*You’ve done well, little one,* she said, her voice resonating like thunder. *But this is only the beginning. The world is vast, and its dangers are many. You will need strength, cunning, and allies to survive.*
Sebas bowed his head. “What do you require of me, my queen?”
*Grow stronger,* she commanded, her golden eyes blazing. *Master the magic I have given you. The Chaos forces are moving, and their corruption threatens all. When the time comes, you will face them. And you will triumph, or you will fall.*
The vision shifted, and Sebas found himself surrounded by swirling shadows. Whispering voices filled the air, their words unintelligible but filled with malice. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Ember, her form glowing faintly in the darkness.
*Wake up,* she urged, her voice urgent. *You’re not alone.*
Sebas jolted awake, his heart pounding. The room was quiet, save for the faint crackle of the dying candle. Ember, still in her fox form, rested at his side, her eyes watching him intently.
“*Dreams like that aren’t just dreams,*” she said. “*The Queen’s warning is clear. We’re heading into dangerous times.*”
Sebas nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. He reached for the Scale Codex, its presence both comforting and daunting. Whatever lay ahead, he would be ready.
---
The next morning, Marek found Sebas in the guild hall, sitting at a table with a steaming mug of tea. The rogue’s approach was silent, but Sebas seemed to sense him anyway.
“You’re up early,” Marek said, sliding into the seat across from him.
Sebas shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind.”
Marek studied him for a moment. “The Scale Codex. What have you learned?”
Sebas hesitated, then said, “It’s… incredible. But it’s also overwhelming. The magic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s powerful, but it’s draining. I need to be careful.”
“Good,” Marek said. “Caution will keep you alive. And you’ll need every edge you can get. The Chaos forces are stirring. Cultists, corrupted beasts, strange phenomena… it’s all connected.”
Sebas frowned. “What do you know about them?”
Marek’s expression darkened. “Not enough. But what I do know is this: they thrive on instability. Fear, war, destruction… it feeds them. And they’re not just a random group of fanatics. There’s something bigger behind them, something ancient.”
Sebas felt a chill run down his spine. He thought of the cultists in the forest, their twisted language and dark magic. “Do you think they’re connected to the dungeon?”
“Possibly,” Marek said. “Dungeons attract all kinds of people and creatures, and the Chaos forces aren’t picky about their allies.”
Sebas clenched his fists. The Dragon Queen’s words echoed in his mind: *The Chaos forces are moving, and their corruption threatens all.*
“Then we’ll stop them,” he said, his voice firm.
Marek smirked. “That’s the spirit. Just make sure you’re ready. The road ahead isn’t going to be easy.”
Sebas nodded, determination hardening his resolve. He didn’t know what the future held, but he would face it head-on. With the Dragon Queen’s power, the support of the Steel Tongues, and the strength he was building within himself, he was ready to take the next step.