The Cardinal Hero of Magic

Dragon's Apathy

Balthasar gazed into the dark, silent city, his magic hero eyes scanning the surroundings. Behind him, ​Gray, ​Lily, and ​Emiko lay fast asleep in their beds, undisturbed. Returning his attention to the night skies, the weary magic hero let out a deep sigh. Ever since the trial, Balthasar had been plagued by unsettling flashbacks from his past—memories he wished to keep buried. Merely the thought of those memories caused his dragon features to instinctively flare up.

"I need to clear my mind," Balthasar muttered to himself.

Closing his eyes, he focused intently on conjuring his wings. Once his wings were fully formed, Balthasar cautiously stepped onto the balcony before leaping into the air. Soaring through the sky, the ​Dragonoid gradually felt his racing thoughts begin to subside.

As ​Balthasar soared higher, the city below faded from view. The cool night air rushed against his face as his wings cut through the darkness. It was a momentary escape from the weight of his past. The starry sky whispered secrets, reminding him of his power. With each wingbeat, he shed his troubled memories, growing stronger.

Gliding gracefully through the heavens, Balthasar felt a surge of determination. The tranquility of the night enveloped him, offering respite from his trials. The vastness of the sky reminded him of his strength. Clearing his mind, he found calm and rejuvenation, rediscovering his purpose.

His flight became a metaphorical ascent, symbolizing his unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Bathed in the moon's glow, Balthasar felt connected to the world, knowing he possessed the strength to overcome any challenge. With newfound hope, he soared toward his destiny, driven to protect what he cherished.

​Balthasar's serene flight abruptly halted as a barrage of arrows tore through his wings. With a pained scream, the Dragon descendant plummeted to the ground. Struggling, he attempted to stand and painfully folded his damaged wings.

"Gah..." Balthasar groaned. "It's been ages since someone managed to knock me out of the air."

Footsteps echoed around the fallen ​Dragonoid, prompting Balthasar to swiftly retrieve his scepter from his back. Before he could react, a sharp object pierced his neck. Retrieving what appeared to be a blow dart, he widened his eyes upon recognizing the paralysis status effect. Though Balthasar possessed immunity to poison, his resistance to toxins couldn't shield him from paralysis if the dosage was potent enough.

"Bold move, facing me alone," Balthasar grinned defiantly, channeling his magic despite the numbness creeping into his free hand.

"​Fortune favors the bold," one of the assailants taunted, as yet another dart pierced ​Balthasar's arm.

The ​Dragonoid's arms weakened, causing him to drop his staff. "Starting to go numb," Balthasar muttered to himself, sensing the effects.

"Even the weakest man can defeat a downed dragon," another assailant jeered, their laughter echoing. A third dart found its mark in the Dragonoid's body.

"Three darts... seems excessive," Balthasar slurred, his senses dulled by the spreading numbness.

Without warning, all five assailants unleashed a barrage of countless darts.

"You guys... are... dicks..." Balthasar managed to slur out before collapsing onto his wings. "Ow.."

"We had to employ a more potent substance this time," one assailant mentioned, stepping forward and thrusting his foot onto Balthasar's chest. "How does it feel, Dragon?"

"I... smell colors...." Balthasar slurred as his entire body grew numb.

The man withdrew his foot, then unsheathed his sword and pierced the Dragonoid's left arm. Balthasar let out a cry of pain as the assailant withdrew the blade.