The upcoming days were filled with preparations for what was to come. I devoted my time to teaching Immy all she needed to know about the mortal lands, from the vast empires and intricate political systems to the rebels, demons, and elves that roamed the realm.

Immy listened to my teachings with a passionate curiosity, eager to learn more, and often ask questions that even I couldn't answer. I also did not forget to inform her of my disciples and the church, assuring her that they would be of great help once she arrived.

As we waited for the day of departure, Breta and I spent countless hours sparring and honing our skills. Something that I surprisingly found much pleasure in. Immy, on the other hand, preferred to spend her time relaxing under the warm sun and taking much-needed naps.

Sidus, intrigued by our plan for the upcoming war and raids, often joined us in our sparring sessions. Though he would never admit it, I could sense that he was gradually warming up to Breta. After all, what better way to bond than by hurling spells and spears at each other?

As the days passed, we continued with our routine until one day, my grandfather unexpectedly returned, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere that had enveloped us.

****

My grandfather's voice boomed as he spoke, his towering figure casting a shadow over us. I could feel his piercing gaze scrutinizing me as he asked, "So, finally grown your wings, and ready to join us, brat?"

I stood tall, determined not to show any signs of weakness. "Yes, Grandfather. I want to see the war you are all fighting."

He then turned his attention to Sidus, who had a solemn expression on his face, and asked, "What about you? Do you think you are ready to join?"

"I am, Grandfather," Sidus replied with equal determination.

My grandfather's eyes then fell upon Breta, and he said, "And you, you must be the little Goddess, Breta, was it?"

Breta lowered her head in respect and replied, "Yes, I am."

Grandfather's face was inscrutable as he spoke. "I do not know what has sparked this sudden interest in the war, and I do not care much to ask. But what I will tell you is this: if you do not take this seriously, then you will die. This is not an adventure like the one you had before. This is a brutal war."

I opened my mouth to reply, "I believe we are well aware-" but Grandfather clicked his tongue in annoyance and cut me off. "No, you are not aware of anything, brat. There is a reason why you hardly come across any Dragons on this continent. Few could afford to come back."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

I felt a twinge of fear at my grandfather's words, but I refused to let it show. Breta's expression remained unreadable, while Sidus looked more determined than ever. Immy continued sleeping, seemingly unfazed by the conversation. Somehow, despite my grandfather's warning, I couldn't shake off the excitement that was building within me.

After a few moments of oppressing silence, Grandfather released a long sigh. "So be it. You three cannot join the defense battlefield, you are too weak to survive there. So you will be sent to raid one of the lower Shade realms."

"Wouldn't that be more dangerous?" I couldn't help but ask.

Grandfather's curt reply swiftly came, "No. It's difficult for us to interact with certain realms directly due to the difference in powers. Think of it as a law of sorts. This also applies to the Shades as well, which means all the ones you will come across there are on the same level as you."

"I see," I nodded in understanding.

"I'll make this brief, some of the realms might have natives that survived the Shade's initial corruption. Others do not. Usually, we would send our first force to determine whether or not the realm could be saved. If the first force team is able to dispatch the shades by themselves, then all is good. If not, and the realm is too far gone, then it will be destroyed. Understand?"

"Uh, by destroyed you mean-"

"Exactly what it sounds like. You should know what it means, you have experience almost ruining this plane, after all."

"About that... It was a mistake," I awkwardly answered.

"Who is in charge of destroying the realm?" Breta suddenly asked. Grandfather paused for a second as he glanced at the goddess. If he still held any grudges against the Gods, I didn't know for his expression was unfathomable as he responded, "That will be the first force sent there. This means, you," he said, motioning with his head to us.

"Any more questions?" He asked, and before I could think of anything he quickly continued, "None? Good. We leave at dawn, you best prepare yourself. I still have some matters to take care of so I will pick you up tomorrow."

Without giving us any time to react, Grandfather's massive figure shot into the sky causing the ground to shake as he launched himself and disappeared into the horizon.

"That was... Fast," I muttered.

Breta frowned, "If we destroy the realm, then what happens to us?" she asked.

"I assume we will go back?" I answered hesitantly.

"That's not how that works," Breta shook her head.

"An older dragon will be sent with us, to serve as our link," Sidus suddenly spoke causing me to turn toward him in surprise as he continued, "He or she, won't be able to join us and descend to the realm, but they will stand guard outside. Should things turn bad, then it is them that will protect us from the fallout and gets us back home."

"Oh, and where did you hear that from?" I asked, unable to disguise my curiosity.

Sidus shrugged and replied, "I asked Father about the war when you were not here, brother."

I raised my brow and spoke, "I'm surprised he gave you a direct answer."

"He didn't," Sidus shook his head with a sigh, causing a small laugh to escape from my mouth.

"Well, you heard Grandfather. We leave at dawn, if you still have anything to prepare, now is the time," I said while glancing at my two companions.

Sidus simply shook his head, while Breta turned and walked away toward the edge of the mountain where her small cabin was situated. Her massive body slowly shrank in size as she walked away.

"Huh. What about you Immy?" I asked causing her to open her eyes and let out a yawn.

"You already told me everything I need to know, brother. Perhaps it would be wise for you to get some rest before you leave."

"Hmm, I guess you're right."