As the year passed, life at the Dragon Academy became a whirlwind of training, battles, and unexpected challenges.
Cua, true to his nature, gained both admirers and rivals. His reckless strength and battle-hungry attitude made him infamous among the students, and soon, it was common to hear his name being whispered through the halls.
"As expected of the Dragon Queen's heir," one student muttered in awe.
"But did you hear? His butler is even scarier."
"Yeah, the human, Asher Magnus. Some say he doesn't even flinch when facing dragons twice his size."
While Cua dominated the battle rankings, Asher, despite his initial reluctance, found himself constantly being sought out by nobles and high-ranking dragon families—many of whom wanted him as their personal butler.
"Mr. Magnus, our family would pay handsomely if you considered serving our house," one noble dragoness said, her voice dripping with interest.
"How about training my son? Surely a warrior like you wouldn't want his skills to go to waste."
Asher rubbed his temples in frustration. "I already have a job."
Even the academy staff took notice. Some professors marveled at his combat prowess, while others seemed skeptical of his presence. After all, a human excelling in a dragon academy was practically unheard of.
Serena, on the other hand, simply enjoyed watching the chaos unfold. "You're practically more famous than Cua at this point," she teased.
"Not interested," Asher muttered for the hundredth time that week.
One day, as Asher returned to their dorm, he found Cua sulking on the couch, arms crossed and tail flicking in irritation.
"Let me guess," Asher sighed, setting down his sword. "Another marriage proposal?"
Cua groaned. "Four today. One of them even brought a contract."
Serena nearly choked on her drink. "A contract?! What did you do?"
"I burned it," Cua said flatly.
Asher smirked. "Good answer."
But just as he was about to relax, a knock came at the door. When he opened it, a familiar face greeted him.
It was Sylva Drakonis.
"Asher Magnus," she said, her emerald eyes gleaming with determination. "I challenge you to a duel."
The room went silent. Cua grinned. "Oh, this is gonna be good."
Asher sighed. "You dragons really don't know when to quit, do you?"
Sylva smirked. "Afraid?"
He cracked his knuckles. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
The training grounds of the Dragon Academy were packed with spectators. Word of the duel had spread like wildfire, and students, teachers, and even some noble dragons had gathered to witness the fight between the infamous human butler and Sylva Drakonis, the daughter of one of the Academy's top-ranking elders. If you want to read more chapters, please visit Novel~Fire. (n)et
Cua, already in the front row, was practically vibrating with excitement. "This is going to be awesome!" he exclaimed.
Serena crossed her arms. "Or a complete disaster."
Asher, on the other hand, looked bored as he stepped onto the battlefield. Sylva stood opposite him, her emerald eyes glowing with battlelust. "I've heard all about you, Asher Magnus," she said, flexing her fingers as mana pulsed around her. "A human who dares to stand as an equal among dragons."
"Not interested in whatever speech you're about to give," Asher replied dryly, rolling his shoulders. "Let's just fight."
A loud gong rang through the arena, signaling the start of the duel.
Sylva moved first, her body vanishing in a blur of speed. She reappeared above Asher, her claws igniting with dragonfire as she slashed downward.
But Asher was faster.
He sidestepped effortlessly, his scythe flashing in the air. The crowd gasped as Sylva barely managed to dodge, the edge of his weapon grazing her cheek.
"You're fast," she admitted, landing gracefully. "But let's see how you handle this!"
The ground beneath Asher exploded as Sylva channeled her mana, summoning giant stone pillars that shot toward him like spears.
Instead, he swung his scythe in a single, precise motion—shattering the incoming pillars as if they were made of glass. Dust filled the air, and before Sylva could react, he was already in front of her.
Her body froze as Asher's scythe stopped inches from her neck. The entire arena fell into silence.
"You lose," he said simply.
Sylva stared at him, her pride and frustration battling for dominance. Then, to everyone's shock, she did something unexpected.
"You're strong," she admitted, stepping back and lowering her stance. "Stronger than I expected. I like that."
Cua leaned forward. "Wait... is she—"
Serena groaned. "Oh no."
Before Asher could say anything, Sylva grabbed him by his collar and pulled him into a sudden, deep kiss.
Asher, who had instinctively raised his scythe to strike, froze mid-motion, his brain short-circuiting as she kissed him—boldly and without hesitation.
When she finally pulled away, she grinned mischievously. "From now on, you are my mate. Please give me a strong child, a powerful one."
Asher blinked. "...What?"
Before he could even react, a wave of murmurs spread through the crowd. Then, a presence even stronger than Sylva's entered the arena.
An older dragon woman stepped forward, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She radiated power and authority, and the moment she laid eyes on Asher, she smirked.
"Oh my, to think my daughter would choose someone this strong," she mused, her sharp golden eyes gleaming with intrigue. "I truly wonder how powerful my grandchild will be."
"I refuse," Asher said firmly.
Amara, Sylva's mother, only smirked. "Do you want to be my mate instead?"
"Wait, what the hell are you even saying? I am no one's mate! What is wrong with you dragons?!"
But both mother and daughter merely clapped their hands, and in an instant, two perfect orbs of magic appeared in the air, glowing with an eerie light.
"We were just formally announcing our chosen mate," they said in unison.
Asher's eye twitched. "What ridiculous tradition is this? Mother and daughter trying to claim the same person?"
Amara chuckled. "As I said, I am not the one being chosen as a mate, but Sylva is allowed to have a child with a strong partner."
"I already told you, I am not anyone's mate, and I am definitely not agreeing to have a child!" Asher snapped.
Sylva tilted her head, her expression oddly calm. "Alright then. I will wait until you are ready to give me one."
Asher groaned. "I am never going to be ready!"
Amara shrugged. "If you cannot mate with my daughter, I suppose I'll just arrange for her to have a child through other means."
Sylva frowned. "Mother, I want my mate to be Asher, not some random dragon."
"Then convince him," Amara said smoothly, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
Asher, meanwhile, rubbed his temples, glancing between the two dragon women. "There is something seriously wrong with the dragon race..." he muttered under his breath.