I stretched my wings as I woke up on the large mountain peak, feeling the crisp morning air wash over me. A yawn escaped my mouth as I looked out at the vast mountain range before me, known as the celestial range, a sense of awe and wonder filled my heart at the sight.

As I watched the sunrise, I felt the mana in the air around me. It was a palpable energy that hummed through the mountains and danced in the rays of the sun. I could feel it flowing through my veins, invigorating me and filling me with strength.

I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh mountain air, relishing the feeling of being alive. Here, I felt at peace, surrounded by the beauty and power of nature. I felt like a part of something greater, a part of the mana that flowed through the world.

As I opened my eyes, I felt the mana grow stronger as the elements rushed toward me. It called out to me playfully and felt like it was inviting me to explore the world, to explore the unknown.

I couldn't help but raise my head and let out a triumphant roar, filled with joy and excitement. I was alive and ready to embrace whatever the world had in store for me. Just as I was thinking about that, I picked up the presence of an elf making his way toward me from far away.

Yesterday, I did sense the presence of a community not far from here, but I did not pay them much heed. I wasn't expecting one of them to come to seek me out of his own will. I contemplated what to do, before ultimately deciding to wait for the elf and see. Perhaps I would learn something interesting.

****

It was not until late afternoon that the elf finally reached my peak. His long gray hair was stuck to his forehead from sweat and his green sunken eyes looked tired but vigilant as he carefully approached me.

Halbor approached the dragon hesitantly, feeling both awe and fear as he looked upon the dragon's magnificent form. The dragon's blue scales shimmered in the sunlight, making him appear almost ethereal. Halbor took a deep breath and tried to steady himself as he approached the dragon.

"Halbor greets the great celestial dragon!" he began, his voice quivering slightly.

"Hmm, what brings you to me little elf?"

The elf hesitated as he heard my question. I watched with a bemused expression as he took a deep breath to calm himself down before continuing;

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"I come to you seeking your help. My people, the elves, have been suffering greatly. Humans have enslaved and oppressed us, pushing us to the brink of extinction. We now live in hiding from the world, fearful for ourselves and our younglings. Please bestow us with your mercy, great dragon! I beg of you to help us!" The old elf prostrated himself on the ground and did not dare to move.

I raised my eyes in surprise at the sudden request. I did not expect the elf to be so direct. He did not beat around the bush, and instead directly asked me for help.

"Why have the elves been discriminated against?" I asked. I already knew the answer, their Goddess died along with the God of demons. The King killed them because they stepped out of line, and the two races also suffered immense losses in that war. This gave the chance for humans to rise and take the lead in the current era. I was, however, curious about what the elf would say.

His expression soured as he replied;

"Our goddess angered the supreme dragon celestial and we lost the great war. The humans took advantage of our moment of weakness and almost wiped us out." The elf was honest as he explained with a pained expression.

"Then don't you think you deserve what happened to you? Don't you think this is a punishment since you stepped out of line?" I asked again.

"Great dragon, what sins have the young ones committed? Most of the ones that have participated in the war already perished. Why must we suffer for the wrongdoings of our ancestors? Why must we suffer for a war we merely heard of in ancient tales?"

I chuckled and asked; "And what makes you think I should help you?"

"Dragons are known to be wise and strong, just and knowledgeable. Please take pity on us, and help us!" He cried out and further pushed himself to the ground.

I scanned the elf that called himself Halbor in interest. Not many had the courage to seek out a dragon, not to mention brazenly ask for help as he did. Was it bravery or simple stupidity?

"I understand your plight," I said, my voice deep and powerful. "But what is it that you want me to do? Surely you do not expect me to wipe out the humans for you?"

Halbor's eyes lit up with hope as he heard my words.

"I dare not ask for something that big. I simply wish for the strength to protect and lead my people!"

"Strenght to protect and lead, hmmm. How do you elves use magic?" I asked.

Confused, Halbor tilted his head slightly before answering;

"We use mana stones like everyone, great dragon."

"Hmmm, a pity," I mumbled. I was hoping for a different magical system, but it looked like that was too much to ask.

"Alright then, your wish I will grant it. Though you have to survive the trial first. If you are worthy then you will gain the power you seek, if not, then you will die here on this mountain peak. Are you still willing to proceed?" I asked.

The old elf's expression turned into a joyful one before quickly morphing into a more serious face as he nodded.

"I am willing, great dragon. Please grant me your blessings!"

"So be it. Sit down." I replied before I reached out to the mana. The elf's structure seemed similar to that of the humans, albeit a bit stronger. I could also 'see' the aura protecting his heart and brain. Only theirs looked larger.

'Interesting,' I inwardly noted.

A strand of mana silently made its way inside Halbor's body. He shuddered slightly as the foreign feeling of mana assaulted him.

"Let me see. Are you worthy, or not."