I woke up the next day with my mind brimming with a barrage of questions. The revelations from the library's books had unearthed a treasure trove of mysteries that demanded answers. The transformation of the world into five major continents, each exclusively inhabited by a single major race, was a profound deviation from my dragon memories. These mysteries haunted my thoughts, leaving me with a deep sense of perplexity.
"Why were the continents now exclusively inhabited by a single major race? What had transpired to cause such a dramatic shift in the balance of power among the races? And most importantly, where had the Fiends gone, and why was there no mention of them in any of these records?" I found myself lost in contemplation, navigating through the labyrinth of questions without finding a way out.
Despite my efforts to unravel these enigmas, answers remained frustratingly out of reach. The mysteries were like fragments of a forgotten dream, elusive and just beyond my grasp.
Recognizing the futility of dwelling on these unanswered questions, I decided to tuck them away at the back of my mind, at least for the time being. I had been granted a second chance in this world as a human, and I was determined to seize the opportunities it offered. My new life held countless experiences waiting to be explored, knowledge to be gained, and joys to be relished.
In my new life as a human, I found delight in the simplest of experiences. Among all the novelties, one of my greatest joys was savoring the diverse flavors of human food. The wide array of tastes and textures in every meal was a revelation to my senses. Each dish was an adventure, and I eagerly embraced the journey.
From the first bite of a succulent, juicy steak to the delicate intricacies of a freshly baked pastry, I reveled in the variety of flavors that humans had crafted. The world of delicious delights was a vast and endless playground, and I was more than willing to be its joyful participant.
However, there was a particular bittersweet aspect to my enjoyment of these culinary delights. My human form came with a small and finite stomach. As I indulged in the pleasures of food, I couldn't help but wish for my dragon form, where I could consume without restraint. In those moments, I longed to return to my dragon self, to experience the satisfaction of devouring the world's culinary wonders in their entirety.
As I tasted the intricate blend of spices, the freshness of herbs, and the explosion of flavors with every dish, my heart yearned for the limitless appetite of my dragon nature. But for now, I was a human, and I am going to savor each bite, each meal, and each culinary adventure to the fullest.
As a dragon, eating was a vastly different experience. In my dragon form, I didn't require sustenance in the same way that humans did. My body, forged by eons of existence, didn't rely on food to maintain its strength. I was a creature of magic and mana, drawing sustenance from the very essence of the world. Eating was an option, not a necessity.
Occasionally, I would consume food, but it was more of a mechanical action than an act of nourishment. These instances were rare and usually prompted by curiosity rather than hunger. When I did partake, I realized the stark difference between human food and the meager fare of my dragon form.
The little food I did ingest as a dragon held no flavor. It was often left raw or simply seared by my fiery breath, leaving behind a tasteless, charred residue. There was no culinary enjoyment or pleasure in those moments, just a reminder of the vast chasm that separated my dragon nature from the world of human tastes.
But now, as a human, I reveled in the richness and variety of flavors, savoring each dish as if it were a masterpiece. Every meal was a vibrant array of taste and texture, a source of joy and delight that I could never have imagined in my previous form. My longing for my dragon self was tempered by the newfound pleasure I derived from experiencing the world through human senses.
While the realm of food opened up a whole new world of pleasures, there was one facet of this human life I couldn't help but miss – the joy of drinking. Back in my dragon days, I didn't partake in eating much, but when it came to beverages, it was a different story. This world of magic held an array of fantastical alcohols, each produced by different races. I had savored them all with great enthusiasm.
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From the sweet, honeyed nectar of the elven vineyards to the fiery, throat-warming brew of the dwarven forges, I had delighted in the unique libations crafted by various races. The celestial wines of the fairies and the hearty meads of the giants were but a few among the countless exotic drinks I had sampled. Each had its own distinct flavor, and I had reveled in the diversity of tastes.
But now, as a human child, I couldn't partake in any of these wondrous concoctions. Because of my age, I am not allowed to partake in any drinking. All of those fantastical alcohols remained out of reach, a pleasure I could only reminisce about. While I couldn't enjoy them at present, the memories of those flavors lingered, a testament to the many adventures I had experienced as a dragon.
The second aspect of my new human life that I cherished the most was human interaction. In my past life as a mighty dragon, despite the countless adventures and immense power I wielded, most of my days had been spent in solitude. I had grown accustomed to isolation, with rare opportunities for meaningful social interactions. My cave had been my haven, and the only voices I'd heard were the echoes of my own thoughts.
As a human, the world had opened up to me in a way it never had before. I found myself relishing every conversation, every shared moment with others. I couldn't get enough of the human experience. While I had been accustomed to solitude in my previous life, I now yearned for company. My days were filled with conversations, laughter, and shared experiences, and I couldn't have been happier.
Today, I decided to pay a visit to the training grounds in the guards' quarters. Let me put your mind at ease; I'm not going there to practice magic. My little experiment with elemental magic was a one-time affair, simply to confirm its existence. Fortunately for someone like me, using something like elemental magic doesn't require extensive practice. It's more of an innate ability that I can access when needed.
No, my purpose in visiting the training grounds was to observe the guards' practice. While the humans' proficiency in magic has waned, they have made impressive strides in various other fields. One of their remarkable achievements is in the advancement of what they call "Battle Arts." This isn't an exclusive domain of humans, but they seem to excel at it. Battle Arts involve a unique fusion of battle will and mana, resulting in a wide range of skills and techniques.
At a certain level of mastery, Battle Arts can rival traditional magic and even surpass it in some cases. It's a testament to the ingenuity of humanity, and I'm quite curious to witness their combat techniques in action.
When I arrived at the training grounds, I noticed the guard captain, Captain Roland, engaging in a sparring match with one of his subordinates. It was a captivating sight, and I found myself eager to watch them in action.
As the duel between Captain Roland and the guard continued, it became evident that they were masters of their craft. The guard initiated the spar with a swift horizontal slash that had an extended range, aiming to catch Roland off guard. However, Roland deftly parried the strike with a diagonal block, his blade meeting the guard's with a loud clang. Without missing a beat, Roland countered with a mesmerizing move known as the "Dancing Serpent." It involved a quick series of thrusts and slashes that created the illusion of a serpent in motion. The guard responded with a defensive move called the "Elemental Barrier," enveloping his sword with a protective barrier of crackling energy, effectively nullifying Roland's attack. This display of tactical skill and martial prowess drew cheers and applause from the other guards and trainees watching the spar.
The spar between Roland and the guard continued with both combatants displaying exceptional prowess. The guard, impressed by Roland's skills, decided to unleash a powerful combo. He executed a rapid flurry of strikes followed by a lunging thrust, aiming for Roland's left flank. Roland's response was nothing short of masterful. He deftly sidestepped the oncoming thrust while executing a precision cut, directing his blade's edge to intercept the guard's sword. The sharp clang of steel echoed across the training grounds as their blades met.
Their dance of combat continued, showcasing a display of breathtaking speed, precision, and martial creativity. Roland, utilizing his experience and training, executed a unique maneuver called "The Tempest's Embrace." This attack involved a dazzling array of strikes, each perfectly aimed and timed, creating a mesmerizing whirlwind of steel. The guard, skilled in his own right, responded with a tactical move known as "Earth's Resilience," which involved using a controlled surge of energy to enhance his defense.
The two clashed with unparalleled finesse, demonstrating the harmony of martial artistry and the power of Battle Arts. Each move, parry, and counter was executed with the grace and precision of a well-choreographed dance, leaving the onlookers in awe of their skills.
The intense duel eventually drew to a close, and it was Roland who emerged as the victor, demonstrating his mastery of both Battle Arts and swordsmanship. As the battle concluded, the two combatants exchanged nods of respect and admiration, acknowledging each other's skills.
As the duel concluded, I realized that the skilled combatant he had been watching was the vice-captain of the guards, and the display had been intended as a demonstration of their Battle Arts expertise for the rest of the guard unit. The guards who had been watching this captivating exchange of combat techniques applauded with enthusiasm.