I Only Tame Dragons

Though excitement fluttered within Horizon—imagining the robe and staff he could finally craft for Silphie using Fae parts—Horizon couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this offer.

Horizon's gaze flickered to the dragon's ancient form, her bark-like scales glistening under the dappled sunlight, a faint aura of both wisdom and peacefulness swirling around her.

The Apple Tree Dragon paused, a deep sigh escaping her as if weighed down by the centuries. Her eyes, glowing like embers nestled in the heart of an old oak, softened.

A slow, knowing smile curled her lips. "You're right to be cautious," she said, her voice now tinged with amusement. "I can tell you're no ordinary adventurer. You bear the strength of one who could command dragons weaker than yourself."

She leaned forward slightly, her great leafy form casting a shadow over Horizon. "So no, this is not a gift freely given. You must accept my quest in exchange for the materials you desire. Only then can I offer you the power that lies within these ancient woods."

Horizon's heart skipped a beat. A quest from a dragon like her would not be easy—nor without its own hidden dangers.

But the promise of Fae materials, and the opportunity to craft something extraordinary for Silphie and the rest of them, was too tempting to ignore.

Horizon clenched his fists, his decision already made. "What's the quest?" he asked, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.

[HIDDEN Quest Acquired! Defeat the Manchineel Dragon!]

The Apple Tree Dragon gave a nod of approval, its branches shimmering under the dappled light filtering through the branches. Its eyes, wise and ancient, bore into Horizon's as it began to speak.

"Let me explain our trouble to you. It all began long ago . . . The Apple Tree and the Manchineel Dragons are said to share a common ancestor, deep in the forgotten past. While we both bear fruit, we couldn't be more different.

"I am a protector, kind-hearted and sworn to safeguard this realm, while my sibling, the Manchineel, is a bringer of death. She is known as the Apple of Death—a creature whose very existence poisons all that comes near her."

The dragon's voice grew darker, more somber. "For centuries, my sibling and I have been locked in bitter conflict. She has ruined this sanctuary more times than I care to remember, leaving death in her wake. Innocent lives have been lost, sacrificed for a pointless battle.

"We've reached a stalemate—our powers are equal, and no matter how hard we fight, neither of us can win. But with you on our side," the dragon's gaze hardened with hope, "we may finally tip the scales and end her reign of terror once and for all."

Another dragon to defeat and become his underling! Horizon's eyes lit up with excitement. "I understand," he said eagerly. "When will this dragon arrive?"

"Soon," the Apple Tree Dragon replied, its tail swishing in the grass. "I will contact you when the time comes."

Horizon fell silent for a moment, processing the information. Soon could mean anything, and the last thing he wanted was for this battle to interrupt his participation in the Eternian Competition. The timing was critical.

"Is that going to be a problem?" the Apple Tree Dragon asked, sensing Horizon's hesitation.

Horizon shook his head, knowing he couldn't back out now. "I've already agreed. But . . . I am entering the Eternian Competition, so the timing might get tricky."

The Apple Tree Dragon smiled, a slow, knowing smile. "You needn't worry. Time flows differently here. Even if you stay here for an hour, not a single minute will pass in your world. And once the Manchineel appears, teleportation will be available to you immediately. Once we defeat her, you can return to your world in an instant, with no delay."

Relieved, Horizon nodded. "Got it. Though . . . I don't know what help I can really offer you.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

I mean, you and your sibling are equals, right? That means she has the same strength as you. What could I possibly do?"

The Apple Tree Dragon's eyes gleamed. "What we need isn't raw power, but someone to tip the balance of fate. You are that someone. A force unpredictable, a variable that my sibling will never expect. Your strength, no matter how small, could turn the tide of battle."

Horizon hesitated, then gave a grin. "If you're placing that much faith in me, then I'm in. I'll help you."

No one had likely stumbled upon this hidden quest before. The barrier protecting this realm was too well-concealed, undetectable to anyone who didn't have any dragon blood.

It seemed that, by some stroke of luck, Horizon had uncovered a quest that had remained hidden for centuries.

The deal struck, the Apple Tree Dragon extended one of its massive branch, handing Horizon a bundle of shimmering materials. "These are what you sought—materials rare enough to craft gear worthy of gods. Use them wisely. They will serve you well in the days to come."

Horizon took the materials with wide eyes. They were more than what he had hoped for—enough to forge something powerful for Silphie, and even craft Gold-tier equipment for himself and his companions.

"Thank you," Horizon said, feeling elated, his mind already turning to the equipment he would make.

Nyx turned her attention to the materials they had gathered from the Apple Tree Dragon. She inspected the shimmering collection—Fae wings that glittered like stardust, eyes that held the glow of twilight, strands of their ethereal hair, and the finest enchanted dust. There were even branches, magical leaves, and fruit from the Apple Tree Dragon herself, each brimming with ancient power.

"One more thing," the Apple Tree Dragon's deep voice cut through the air, drawing their attention. "You can form bonds with dragons, can't you?"

Horizon's eyes narrowed with interest. "That's right," he replied cautiously. "Why do you ask?"

The Apple Tree Dragon's lips curled into a sly grin, its eyes gleaming with a secret. "I have one more gift for you."