The Dragon's Shield

The giant relentlessly pursued Lynaria and the last remaining competitor. In a flash, the competitor transformed into a dragon, soaring into the sky and leaving Lynaria behind. With no choice but to run, Lynaria heard the ancient dragon's voice in her mind.

"Hide, Lynaria. Use the terrain to your advantage."

She scrambled behind a massive boulder just as the giant neared. The creature's enormous steps shook the ground as it searched for her, but it passed by, oblivious to her presence.

Lynaria's heart raced, and she grinned. Though the beast was terrifying in size, it lacked intelligence. This is my chance, she thought.

Spying a muddy puddle nearby, Lynaria quickly rolled in it, smearing herself with the thick, brown muck. Stealthily, she approached the giant's massive back, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Attack its right eye, Lynaria!" the ancient dragon commanded.

Lynaria, with all her might, leapt onto the creature's back. She aimed for the giant's right eye, striking with precision. The giant howled in pain, but Lynaria pressed on, delivering a powerful blow that sent the creature crashing to the ground. Blood poured from the wound, and the beast's shriek echoed through the forest.

She didn't hesitate—her hand shot out, tearing the giant's eye from its socket. To her surprise, the eye transformed into a hard, diamond-like stone—black with red streaks running through it.

"A magical artifact," Lynaria muttered under her breath, slipping the diamond into her pouch.

The giant, now blinded and defeated, stumbled back into the lake.

"Why didn't you finish it off?" the ancient dragon asked, its voice laced with curiosity.

Lynaria considered the question. "It's powerless now. I won't waste energy on something that's already surrendered."

With the artifact safely stored, she pressed forward toward the next goal, but the journey was far from over.

Meanwhile, in the royal viewing chamber, the kingdom's advisor grumbled beside Kaelron. "How dare they invade our territory? These dragons are enemies of the kingdom!"

Kaelron's expression remained unreadable as he watched the screen showing Lynaria's progress. His advisor, undeterred, continued to question the king's choices.

"Should we intervene and help the girl? It looks like she might need it."

Kaelron's gaze shifted, his eyes hardening. "You still doubt her abilities? Relax and watch. She knows what she's doing."

The advisor scoffed. "You're heartless, Kaelron. No wonder no woman wants to get close to you."

The king shot a sharp glance at the advisor. "What's your point, Ares?"

Ares smirked. "Could it be you're not interested in women, then?"

Kaelron's patience wore thin. "Enough, Ares!" he snapped.

Before the advisor could respond, a new voice joined the conversation—a sneering old man with a sharp face.

"Well, well, the famed cold-hearted King Kaelron has found himself a human girl to rely on. How low can your taste go?" Uncle Eryndor mocked, his eyes glinting with malice.

Kaelron's expression darkened. "Uncle, are you still meddling in my personal affairs? You've overstepped your bounds."

Eryndor's eyes narrowed. "You're arrogant, young dragon. Don't think your current power will last."

Ares, seething with anger, took a step forward. "Uncle, you're treading dangerous ground. Insulting the king could cost you."

Eryndor wasn't fazed. "You think I'm afraid of you? You're no more than a pawn in the king's court."

Kaelron's voice turned cold. "Enough. I assigned you a task. Why are there intruders in our territory?"

Eryndor waved a hand dismissively. "My men are dealing with it. Worry about your competition."

The advisor, still seething, couldn't let it go. "Dealing with it? The intruders are causing chaos during the competition, and you do nothing?"

Meanwhile, Lynaria, outnumbered by dragons in the arena, stood her ground. The dragons circled her, their roars echoing through the air. But with a swift flick of her holy dragon sword, she sent them fleeing in fear.

"This sword... it's more powerful than I thought," Lynaria muttered, her awe evident.

"You've only begun to tap into its true potential," the ancient dragon replied, its voice tinged with pride. "There's much more to come."

Lynaria's eyes gleamed. "How do I unlock its full power?"

"The answer lies in the third artifact. Once you reach it, you will understand," the ancient dragon explained, its tone serious. "But beware—your rivals are still out there, hunting for the artifacts you've claimed."

Lynaria nodded. "I won't let them take it."

They continued their journey toward the sacred water's location, but not without more challenges along the way. Lynaria asked, "Master, do you know where the sacred water is?"

The ancient dragon seemed to hesitate. "The map shows a place of intense heat, yet the surroundings are cool."

Lynaria frowned, puzzled. "That doesn't sound right."

"No, it's not the exact location. The map only shows a general area," the ancient dragon clarified.

Before Lynaria could press further, a hidden weapon flew toward them, narrowly missing. She quickly deflected it with her sword, her instincts on high alert.

"Who's there?" Lynaria demanded, her eyes scanning for the attacker. "Come out and fight!"

"Lynaria, you don't have time for this. Leave now," the ancient dragon urged, sensing the urgency.

But Lynaria wasn't about to back down. "I won't let anyone sabotage me now."

The assailant launched another weapon, but Lynaria was ready. With a powerful swing, she channeled her energy into the holy dragon sword, sending a shockwave toward the hidden attacker. The explosion sent the assailant flying, and Lynaria wasted no time in leaving the area.

Back at the royal palace, Rivan, Kaelron's younger brother, simmered with rage as he heard of his subordinate's failure to stop Lynaria.

Meanwhile, Lynaria, determined to reach the sacred water, examined the map once more. The final clue pointed her toward an uncertain destination.

"This is it... the last path," she murmured. "Where now?"

"Use the holy dragon sword's aura, combined with your blood," the ancient dragon instructed. "It will lead you to the sacred water."

Lynaria pricked her finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the sword's tip. In an instant, the sword gleamed, its light pointing toward a location that seemed to glow even brighter.

Following the light, Lynaria arrived at a lush valley. The glow led her to a waterfall nestled within the hills, its waters shimmering with an ethereal glow.

"Why does this water look... different?" Lynaria wondered aloud, her curiosity piqued.