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🎄Santa’s party has left: Cotton Candy Island

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🎄Santa’s party has entered: The Artic Ocean

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Santa tightly gripped Aurora’s thick spines just above her shoulders, his mittens providing a feeble shield against the biting cold. Massive bony wings stretched out like a bat on either side of him as they glided effortlessly on the strong air currents. Ice began to form in his white beard, as freezing winds caused his teeth to rattle. Through it all, Santa struggled to maintain his vision, blinking through the icy water in his eyes.

[Santa has gained ability: Frost resistance (Moderate)]

As Santa noticed the notification, he felt the biting cold ease ever so slightly, causing a small smile to tug at the corner of his frozen lips. Even in this remote place high above the world, Twixy's system continued to enhance him, bit by bit.

Aurora streaked through the sky at an astonishing speed, exceeding all of Santa's expectations. The oncoming burst of wind hammered against them, forcing Santa to clutch his cap tightly with one hand to prevent it from being swept away. With his other hand, he clung tightly to the frozen bones of the enormous dragon, desperately holding on for dear life.

"Where are you taking me?" Santa called out, but his voice was drowned out by the howling wind. When he had first leaped onto her back and provided directions, she had ignored him and simply looked up at the stars and veered off in an entirely different direction, leaving Santa alarmed and bewildered.

But how was he going to change a sixty-foot undead dragons mind?

"Trust me," were her last words as she tore off in the wrong direction.

As they flew through the sky, Santa grew increasingly worried. He thought about Malgrim's warning of nutcrackers heading to a nearby village and suspected he was taunting him about an attack on Christmas Village.

While the nutcrackers lacked a suitable craft or vessel, he was certain they would devise a way to cross the frozen sea, likely using ice drifts or something similar to traverse the icy waters.

The only question that remained was how long it would take them. Santa tightened his grip on Aurora, acutely aware of the urgency. This adventure of hers was reckless and time wasn’t on their side.

Santa grumbled in frustration as he strained his eyes to discern the blurry shapes below, attempting to make sense of the endless black ocean beneath them. In the distance, small land masses resembled mere bumps on the horizon, one to the left and one to the right. However, Aurora paid them no heed, her focus fixed firmly on the path ahead as they continued their flight.

Another gruelling hour dragged on, and Santa's eyes finally discerned more shapes ahead, emerging from the depths of the dark Arctic Sea.

Aurora adjusted her wings, banking slightly as she guided their descent toward a looming landmass that began to take shape. As they drew closer, Santa could make out the jagged outline of towering mountains, their peaks glistening with pristine snow. The majestic peaks rose above rolling fjords, extending their arms as if beckoning outsiders to a land steeped in history and laden with untold secrets.

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🎄Santa’s party has left: The Artic Ocean

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🎄Santa’s party has entered: Land of Mists

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Far below, the twinkling lights of a human town illuminated the darkness, completely unaware of the colossal, undead dragon gliding silently and swiftly above their heads.

As Aurora glided lower in the sky, the wind and temperature grew milder, allowing Santa to once again voice his question, "Where are we?"

"The old lands," Aurora said as she gracefully banked and descended toward a calm, mirror-like surface of a river flowing down a frozen fjord. She finally replied, "We are making a quick stop at my home."

"Home?" Santa questioned with curiosity. "But you've been..."

"Dead for many years, yes," Aurora interrupted. "But we Dragons have long lives, and our blood runs thick with magic."

Santa couldn't help but ponder the implications of her words. He had lived for many centuries, and not once had he seen or heard any concrete confirmation of the existence of Dragons. What did Aurora hope to find at her home?

Aurora suddenly changed her course, recognition flashing in her eye sockets as she spotted a cluster of stone outcroppings amidst the frozen mountains. They were deep within the towering peaks now, soaring over untouched and undisturbed nature, far from the reach of human eyes.

Aurora gracefully flapped her wings and touched down on a wide plateau. Before them stood a massive stone wall, covered in thick layers of ice and snow.

"Stand back, this will get a bit… hot," Aurora said confidently.

Santa quickly dismounted from Aurora's back as she inhaled deeply, her bony form visibly concentrating. With a mighty roar, she unleashed her fiery breath, but to her shame, only a gust of air escaped her jaws.

Aurora snarled; her frustration evident. Santa empathized with her plight, recalling her earlier explanation about needing her heart to regain her true form and magic. He patted her side reassuringly and made a solemn promise, "We’ll get your heart back."

A sudden surge of warmth of protectiveness coursed through him, igniting a flame in his heart.

[Santa has gained: Inner Fire]

Santa fixed his gaze on the notification that appeared before him. He recalled that his 'Festive Dragon Fire' ability, needed an 'inner fire' to cast.

"Could this ability melt the ice?" Santa wondered aloud, speaking more to himself than anyone else.

Aurora, still visibly frustrated with her earlier failure, cast a sidelong glance in his direction.

With a resolve to test his power, Santa swiftly removed his mitten, revealing his bare hand. He opened his palm purposefully and concentrated deeply. Then, aiming his hand towards the ice-encased wall, he called out confidently, "Dragon Fire."

In an instant, a colossal ball of intense energy burst forth from his hand, extending toward the snow-covered surface in a dazzling wave of light and searing heat.

🪽 Festive Dragon Fire Mastery has increased!

Flames danced across the face of the mountain, instantly enveloping it in a thick cloud of steam as the ice shattered and fell, revealing a flat stone wall.

Aurora let out a snarl of frustration, clearly vexed by Santa's borrowed ability. However, her frustration was tempered by her gratitude for his assistance. Determined, she moved purposefully toward the stone wall. With a firm grip, she placed a massive claw on the flat wall, digging her long nails into grooves of the stone.

With all her might, she turned her claw, and to Santa's astonishment, a round, disk-like structure seamlessly rotated under her grip. The mechanism clicked and shifted smoothly, as though it had been waiting for this moment for centuries.

As she twisted, a giant door began to crack into existence, its edges glowing with a bright and iridescent light. The radiance extended from the area around her claws, and it was mirrored by another smaller indentation nearby, shaped like a human hand but lower on one side.

The mountain trembled as the stone shifted, and with a resounding groan, the massive stone wall swung open, unveiling a vast chasm hidden within.

"Here," Aurora declared.

Santa let out a long drawn-out whistle, his eyes taking in the vastness of the cave. "So, this is where you live?" he said with a hint of awe. "It's... quite spacious. But then again, it makes sense. A dragon's home ought to be grand, shouldn't it?" His voice carried a mix of admiration and curiosity as he looked around.

The dragon flashed a grin and gestured invitingly for Santa to enter. Feeling a mix of uncertainty and curiosity about what lay inside, Santa gave a small shrug and confidently took a step forward, deciding to embrace the unknown.

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🎄Santa’s party has left: Land of Mists

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🎄Santa’s party has entered: Enclave of the Forgotten

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They entered the vast, dark cave, a space so large that Aurora could move freely without even grazing the walls. As they ventured deeper, Santa noticed the echo of their footsteps bouncing off distant, unseen walls, creating an eerie, disorienting symphony in the pitch-black surroundings.

Just as he was about to voice his concerns about navigating through this dark maze, Aurora stepped onto a hidden platform. Suddenly, the cave transformed dramatically.

In a moment, the cavern came alive with activity. Crystals dangling from above flickered into life, bathing the cave in an otherworldly, iridescent light. The magical colours radiating from these crystals hauntingly mirrored the hues of the scales stolen by the nutcrackers, casting an ethereal and mesmerizing glow throughout the cavern.

Santa's eyes widened in amazement. "Is this all your magic?" he asked, awestruck.

The massive, skeletal head of Aurora nodded in response.

As they delved deeper into the cave, Santa was increasingly captivated by the magnitude and longevity of Aurora's magical prowess. It was clear that her enchantments had withstood the test of time.

He eagerly surveyed the enclave around him, noting its immaculate condition. The floor was spotless, devoid of any dust or dirt. Intriguingly, as he glanced back at their path, he noticed that the marks left by their snow-covered boots disappeared just a few steps behind them. This place was deeply infused with potent magic. Santa could almost touch the palpable energy in the air, feeling the vibrations that seemed to emanate from the cave's very walls.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

As they ventured deeper into the cave, the soft glow of the crystals not only lit their path but also revealed large structures to either side and a massive stone statue in the distance. It was evident that this place had once been inhabited by beings other than dragons.

As they progressed, the rough rock walls transformed into finely carved stone, as if the cavern had been crafted by artisans. Golden filigree adorned the walls, forming intricate swirling patterns that reminded Santa of dragon’s flames.

Santa's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist asking, "I understand this is your home, but what's the reason for bringing us here?"

Aurora chuckled softly, her deep voice echoing through the cavern as she replied, "From what I have learned from you so far, you are a protector of sorts…" Santa's apprehension began to grow as he listened intently to her words. “So, I feel confident in showing you this at least.”

Further ahead, additional lights twinkled, revealing the outline of what looked like a stone nest causing Santa’s heart to skip a beat. High above, the massive statue that Santa had glimpsed earlier stood over the enclave like a guardian, its stone form overseeing the nest below with a watchful presence.

Aurora gracefully flapped her wings, propelling herself up high before landing and perching atop the nest, emitting a gentle cooing sound. As Santa was swept by the sudden gust of wind, his curiosity piqued, and he hastened to catch up. Climbing as fast as he could, he finally reached the top and gazed in awe at what lay within. His breath caught in his throat as he beheld the three large eggs before him.

“Well, I’ll be…”

Each egg was adorned with scales identical to Aurora's, but their colours were distinctly different. One was as dark as midnight, another as pale white as the purest snow, and the third and the smallest was iridescent, shimmering like Aurora herself.

"These are...?" Santa's voice trailed off, filled with wonder and curiosity.

"My children," Aurora replied, her tone brimming with pride.

Santa's gaze settled on the three dragon eggs, observing them with a blend of awe and reverence. Curiosity piqued, he asked gently, "When will they hatch?"

Aurora's smile lingered, but her expression soon shifted to sadness. "Not until the time is right," she answered. "Dragons are ancient beings, having existed long before humans roamed the earth. Nowadays, we are dispersed across the world, concealed from mortals by magic, patiently waiting."

"For what?" Santa inquired, intrigued by her words and the depth of their meaning.

“For a time where magic once again rules the skies."

Santa regarded the eggs. "So, how long until that time comes?"

Aurora's chuckle, devoid of humour, echoed through the cavern. "As long as it takes," she said with a hint of resignation. She directed a massive claw towards Santa as she continued, "Right now, the world is in the hands of your kind, humans and other mortals. When their transient era ends, my children, along with others like them, will awaken for the first time in a world ready for their presence. Until then, those of us who are still awake, graced with the gift of timelessness, bear the duty to protect and watch over them." Her words carried the weight of centuries, emphasizing the gravity of her responsibility.

Santa nodded, fully comprehending his own role as the patron and protector of children. "So, we are here to ensure they are safe. Is that all?" While he was more than willing to assist Aurora in checking on her children, he also had pressing matters to attend to.

Aurora's enormous head tilted slightly as she intently focused her gaze on Santa. "There's more than just my last offspring here. Look,” she urged gently.

She guided Santa's attention to a towering statue that dominated the space above them. The imposing figure was of an elderly man, his beard long and flowing, surpassing even Santa's in length. On his head, he wore a cap similar to Santa's, though it lacked the furry trim. The man's face bore the marks of deep age, far surpassing any age Santa had ever encountered. It was clear that this statue represented the very individual Aurora had spoken of—the revered friend and mentor who had once been a beacon of wisdom for students in the magical tower.

Santa was closely inspecting the ancient statue, admiring its detailed artistry, when something happened—the statue blinked. In that instant, enormous red text materialized high above the statue, casting a crimson light that enveloped them in an otherworldly glow.

[Emrys, ‘??????’. Level ???]

Startled by this sudden text, Santa found himself frozen, his gaze fixed on the colossal figure. The statue's intense stare seemed to penetrate the two of them, sending a chilling shiver down Santa's spine. Before he could even speak, a powerful surge of energy burst forth from the statue, capturing both Aurora and Santa in its formidable grip. They stood transfixed, unable to move as a mighty flood of raw, magical energy cascaded from the statue, surrounding them in a thick wave of enchantment.

Santa struggled to open his mouth, to speak, to even take a breath, but he found himself completely immobilized, unable to so much as blink.

Enveloped by an invisible force, they stood motionless as the overwhelming power flowed through them, examining every aspect of their existence. Santa experienced a flood of visions, with his entire life unfolding like a vivid kaleidoscope of memories. Both his noble and regretful moments emerged with striking clarity. He was powerless to resist as the magic delved deep, probing into the very essence of his soul and peering into the core of who he was.

Santa felt as though he might faint, suffocated by the unyielding magical grip. Just when it seemed unbearable, the surge abruptly ceased. Santa was left gasping for air, while Aurora also appeared visibly shaken by the experience.

The ground shook beneath them as the statue's massive stone arms began to lift. Santa instinctively flinched, bracing for a dangerous confrontation, as the colossal statue appeared ready to deliver a powerful blow. Above them, a huge stone fist ominously descended, looming over them with the threat of destruction.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the fist halted its descent just above their heads. It then pivoted gracefully and began to unfurl, revealing something unexpected concealed within its grasp.

Inside the fist was a tall, slender man, lying on his side. He was draped in long, flowing red robes, presenting a stark contrast to the cold stone that had encased him.

"Um, hello?" Santa tentatively spoke up, cautiously as the figure rose to his feet.

Aurora inhaled sharply, her eyes widening as she noticed the long beard draping over his chest. "Is it really you?"

As the man's robes flowed open, Santa and Aurora could clearly see his face, which bore a striking resemblance to the statue above them. With a simple wave of his hand, the stone-like features on his face began to shimmer and transform. Gradually, the stony exterior gave way to a warm, flesh-and-blood face, now smiling kindly at them.

"Aurora, my child," the old man said, his voice filled with warmth and affection. Aurora visibly shivered at the sound, touched by his familiar tone. "It's good to see you," he continued.

Aurora, overcome with emotion, replied with a trembling voice, "It's good to see you too, my friend. But, is this really...?"

The man gently shook his head. "I have long passed away, but what you see is an echo of myself, left behind to watch over your children."

"All this time?" Aurora whispered, her voice filled with awe and a sense of deep wonder.

He simply nodded.

Santa watched in wonder, captivated by the extraordinary scene before him. Here before him was a dragon, a creature of legend long forgotten, and a magician, a voice from beyond the grave, both still connected by friendship and guardianship even after death. This encounter transcended time and mortality, creating a bridge between the realms of the living and the departed in a manner Santa had never imagined possible.

"You look..." The man's voice trailed off as he scratched his beard, a gesture that brought a smirk to Santa's face, finding it oddly familiar. "Different," the man concluded.

Aurora's skeletal frame moved slightly; she looked like she was about to speak. However, the man quickly raised his hand, gently silencing her. "There's no need to explain," he said calmly. Tapping his temple, he indicated his understanding. "The spell that you both experienced wasn't just any mental magic. It's an ancient enchantment that allows me to live through your experiences in an instant."

Santa began, "Then..."

"There's no need to explain," the man interrupted. "You two are in a hurry."

"And..." Santa pressed.

"You're not sure why she brought you here?" the man deduced, to which Santa nodded.

The old man's smile radiated warmth, lighting up his eyes with a sparkle that made his presence feel comfortingly familiar.

"So, how can you help us?" Santa asked.

The man first turned his attention to Aurora. "Do not worry about your children. They are safe here and will awaken at the right time. I assure you, I will see to that." Then, he directed his gaze towards Santa. "And you," he said, pointing at Santa, "have an impressive system that Twixy has set up for you."

Santa's face lit up with pride at the mention of Twixy's work.

"The Winter Solstice is a critical time, and as a guardian of winter and protector of the cycle's rebirth, you must restore order," the man continued.

Santa nodded, feeling a heavy sense of responsibility, but it didn't weigh him down. Instead, it seemed to energize him, infusing him with purpose.

"Aurora was wise to bring you here," the man added.

Santa gazed into the old man's eyes, sensing depths of knowledge and wisdom. It was as if these eyes held countless fragments of power, a reservoir of ancient understanding.

“If you face this threat in your current state, neither you nor your elves will survive. This battle could cast the world into darkness and bring a sudden end to the era of mortals,” Emrys cautioned.

Santa looked towards Aurora, wondering if the sudden end would ultimately benefit her offspring.

Sensing Santa’s thoughts, Emrys spoke, "Dragons play a vital role in the natural cycle of rebirth. They cannot prosper in a world forged from bloodshed and evil. Dragons are entities of pure magic, which must be safeguarded against corruption at all costs." His gaze then shifted to the dragon eggs. "There will come a time when humanity leaves this realm, and then the world will be a haven for magic."

Santa attempted to visualize this distant future, but it was evident that the man, with his timeless insight, spoke of an era far beyond Santa's understanding.

"And what of my village, can you really help me?"

Emrys nodded, recalling a detail from Santa's mind. "Didn't I see a notification in your memories?"

Santa’s face took on a thoughtful expression.

Meanwhile, the old man's hands moved as if interacting with unseen objects, muttering to himself, "Truly remarkable."

Confused, Santa asked, "What are you doing?"

It was then that the very notification Emrys had mentioned materialized again, drawing their attention.

🎅 NOTIFICATION 🎅

Reached Level 20

To unlock more skills: Seek class trainer

"Class trainer?" Santa Read aloud.

“I believe I can fill that role for you.” Emrys’ ancient face broke into a smile. "It seems my skills as a teacher of the magic tower are still required, even after all these years."

"But will it work? This isn't ordinary magic but a system…" Santa sounded doubtful.

"From what I can understand, the system's brilliance lies not in creating magic, but in forging a direct link with the magic that already exists. It unveils the true essence of magic to those who were previously blind to it. However, it appears that even this system has its boundaries, failing to recognize magic beyond a certain threshold."

"And what about my Christmas magic?" Santa inquired. “The system said I lost it.”

Emrys shook his head with a knowing look. "Your natural magic is faint and dormant, yet I believe it's deeply rooted within your soul. Have you not noticed? Even your darkest spells carry the festive essence of your inherent magic," he said, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "It's truly astonishing."

Santa leaned in eagerly, his eyes filled with hope. "So, can I regain my Christmas Magic?"

Emrys, mirroring Santa's habitual beard-scratching, pondered for a moment before answering. "The true essence of that magic stems from life itself. Considering your current state," he said, gesturing towards Santa's pale complexion, "accessing pure magic like that might be out of reach. However, you can certainly evoke other types of magic, all imbued with your unique festive flair."

Santa sighed, “I see. Then what kind of magic can you teach me?"

Emrys responded with a warm, knowing smile. "From what I have seen from your memories you but need only one spell, and one alone."

Santa's beard quivered slightly as he tilted his head, puzzled by Emrys's optimism.

Emrys continued, "You see… Your elf’s system simply needs a slight push in the right direction… And since it's nearly Christmas, I'd be delighted to offer you this modest yet significant gift!" With that, Emrys raised his arms skyward, his voice taking on a melodious tone. "I am about to give you a most wonderful present..." he declared, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

Emrys waved his hand, sending a glowing surge of power towards Santa. Instantly, Santa felt a warm energy fill his heart, as a deep sense of joy radiated through his soul.

[Santa has gained the ability: The gift of giving]

🎁 The gift of giving

Unique

Description:

This ability allows Santa to spread joy through the act of giving. This ability allows Santa to bestow an ability to another player.

Effect:

Grants a chosen obtained ability to others.

Cooldown: One Hour (-12 Minutes: 🪄Aura of Winter’s Past (Passive))

Spell Incantation: "Merry Christmas!"

Duration: One Hour (+12 Minutes: 🪄Aura of Winter’s Past (Passive))

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🎅 NOTIFICATION 🎅

Class Trainer met: Class skills have been unlocked.

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🎅 NOTIFICATION 🎅

Reached Level 40 – Skill unlocked.

[Santa has gained the ability: The gift of Abundance (Rank 1) Passive]

🎁 The gift of Abundance (Rank 1) Passive

Description:

Santa's extensive experience in gift-giving has culminated in the mastery of a unique ability known as the Gift of Abundance. This special skill enhances Santa's proficiency in all Christmas and gift-giving abilities by significantly reducing their cooldown periods.

Effect:

Decreases the cooldowns of all gift-giving abilities and Christmas-themed skills by 10% for each rank attained.

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🎅 NOTIFICATION 🎅

Reach level 50 for next skill unlock.

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