Asher rubbed his temples. "For the last time, no one is getting eaten!" He shot a glare at Valeris. "And I never agreed to this fight in the first place!"
Valeris chuckled. "Relax. It won't happen anytime soon. You still have a long way to go before you're worth fighting." She turned away, flicking her tail. "For now, just focus on keeping up with my son. He'll be attending the Dragon Academy soon, and you'll be his butler and protector. Try not to disappoint me."
Asher sighed again. "I feel like I've been roped into something way over my head..."
Serena patted his shoulder. "Welcome to my world."
Cua grinned. "It'll be fun, Father! I promise!"
A few days later, the time had come for Cua to attend the Dragon Academy.
Standing at the grand entrance of the academy, Asher felt a strange mix of awe and anxiety. The towering obsidian gates shimmered with ancient runes, and the entire academy seemed to hum with the presence of powerful dragons. Some were in their humanoid forms, while others lounged in their massive dragon bodies, watching the newcomers with piercing, glowing eyes.
Cua stood beside him, dressed in a formal but stylish black and gold uniform that signified his royal lineage. Despite his usual playful nature, even he seemed slightly nervous.
"Are you ready, young master?" Asher asked, smirking.
Cua puffed out his chest. "Of course, Father! This is nothing for me!"
Serena sighed. "Just don't go picking fights with everyone, okay?"
Valeris smirked, standing a few steps behind them. "Oh, let him. It's the best way to establish dominance. If he gets beaten up, it just means he needs to get stronger."
Asher pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's not how normal schools work."
"This isn't a normal school," Valeris shot back. "This is the Dragon Academy. Here, only the strong thrive."
As they walked inside, they immediately drew attention. The moment other students saw Cua, hushed whispers spread like wildfire.
"Is that… the Dragon Queen's son?"
"I heard he was raised by humans."
"Tch, what a disgrace. A royal dragon being cared for by mere mortals?"
Cua clenched his fists but remained silent. Asher noticed and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Let them talk. You'll prove them wrong soon enough."
Cua grinned. "Yeah. I'll show them!"
Before they could proceed further, a large dragon in human form stepped forward, blocking their path. He was tall, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, exuding an aura of arrogance.
"So, you're the so-called prince?" the dragon sneered. "I expected someone more… impressive."
Cua narrowed his eyes. "And who are you supposed to be?"
The dragon smirked. "Leonhardt. Son of Elder Dragoon Alvion. Remember the name, because you'll be bowing to it soon enough." Update from Novel~Fire. (n)et
Asher could already feel the tension rising. This was going to be a long school year.
Cua smirked at Leonhardt, showing no signs of backing down. "Bowing? Sorry, I don't make a habit of submitting to nobodies."
The crowd that had gathered around them gasped, some whispering in amusement while others shook their heads.
Leonhardt's smirk twisted into a scowl. "Watch your tongue, whelp. You may be the Dragon Queen's son, but you're still just a child raised by weaklings."
Asher's fingers twitched at his side, but he held back. This was Cua's fight.
Cua, however, didn't even flinch. Instead, he crossed his arms. "If I'm so weak, why don't we settle this right now? Unless, of course, you're scared of getting your pretty face punched in?"
Leonhardt's aura flared dangerously. "You'll regret that."
Before either could make a move, a deep, commanding voice rang out.
The students immediately turned to the source of the voice. A towering man with long crimson hair and golden eyes approached, his mere presence demanding respect. Unlike the other students, he radiated an ancient, terrifying power.
"Who… who is that?" Serena whispered to Asher.
Valeris grinned. "That's Headmaster Azrath. A true ancient dragon. Even I wouldn't challenge him lightly."
Asher's eyes widened slightly. So this guy is that strong?
Azrath looked between Cua and Leonhardt, his gaze sharp and knowing. "If you wish to fight, do it in the Combat Arena, not here. The Academy encourages strength, but it does not tolerate reckless brawling in the halls."
Leonhardt gritted his teeth but backed down, clicking his tongue in frustration. "Fine. I'll deal with you later, cub." He turned and walked off, but the smug expression on his face told Asher that this wasn't over.
Cua, however, only grinned wider. "I can't wait."
Azrath turned his gaze to Cua, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "You have much to prove, young one. The blood of the Dragon Queen runs through you, but whether you are worthy of it is yet to be seen."
Cua met his gaze without hesitation. "I'll prove it. Just watch me."
Azrath let out a small chuckle before turning away. "Then I shall. Welcome to the Dragon Academy, Cua Valeris."
Cua's grin widened as he watched Azrath walk away. "See that, Father? Even an Ancient Dragon is interested in me!"
Asher sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't let it get to your head."
Serena crossed her arms. "I think it's already too late for that."
Valeris chuckled. "Let the boy have his fun. He'll need that confidence when he's getting beaten down in training."
Cua scoffed. "Who's getting beaten? I'll dominate everyone here."
Before Asher could tell him to calm down, a loud bell rang across the academy grounds.
A voice echoed through the halls. "All first-year students, report to the Great Hall for orientation."
Cua stretched his arms. "Well, time to start my legend!"
Asher rolled his eyes. "Just don't get expelled on the first day."
The Great Hall – Dragon Academy
The Great Hall was massive. A ceiling enchanted to resemble the sky stretched high above them, its colors shifting with the time of day. At the far end of the room stood a raised platform where a group of powerful-looking dragons, both in human and partial-dragon forms, sat watching the new students.